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The Sacred Well
A young reporter in 1923, Alma Reed accompanies archaeologists to the ruins of Chichen Itza, where a fortune in Mayan artifacts has been stolen from a sacrificial well. It's believed a curse was unleashed by the theft—yet the career-making story it offers the ambitious journalist seems a godsend. It also leads her to a passionate love affair with revolutionary governor Felipe Carrillo Puerto. But when fate darkens their lives and damns them as doomed political pawns, Alma can't help but wonder if the curse is not, in fact, very real.
In another century, another writer is fascinated by Alma's tragic story. Drawn restlessly to Yucatán—and away from the stifling needs of her desperately ill partner—Sage Sanborn is tempted by her growing feelings for David, a scientist who encourages her to delve deeper into Alma's history. And in this ancient place of mystery and spirits, Sage must make an impossible decision that will forever change the course of her life.
In another century, another writer is fascinated by Alma's tragic story. Drawn restlessly to Yucatán—and away from the stifling needs of her desperately ill partner—Sage Sanborn is tempted by her growing feelings for David, a scientist who encourages her to delve deeper into Alma's history. And in this ancient place of mystery and spirits, Sage must make an impossible decision that will forever change the course of her life.
380 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 5, 2018
Finished it yesterday. It was an okay read. Quite interesting that this is based on real people.
September 22, 2009
Antoinette May's "The Sacred Well" is about two women. One is Alma Reed, an aged 27 girl from early 20th century. She is one of the first female writers who is sent on an archeological expedition to find the true meaning behind the ruins of Yucatan. She is bright, determined, polished and intriguing. The second woman is Sage Sanborn, an aged 40s woman and present day novelist who finds herself researching Alma's previous life because it so resembles her own. She discovers ties to Alma's life while on an expedition in Mexico while writing for her travel magazine. She soon is hired to write a biography of Ms Alma Reed's life.
May focuses on Alma's story more closely, as we watch her life explained in depth. She falls in love with the governor of Yucatan, knowing that he is married and with children. He claims he is separated from his wife, but this does little to suppress her guilty desires. The love story between the two is intricate and tragic.
In the background of the novel, we also see Sage's love life unravel. She has been with the same man for over 10 years, but they've yet to marry. He is an accomplished lawyer, but has come down with terminal cancer. She is balancing making her own life have substance while caring for the man that she loves. While on her solo travel trip to Mexico, she meets irresistable David- a scientist from abroad who is enticed by Sage's looks, elegance, and intellegence. Will they end up falling in love even though Sage already has a sick lover at home in the USA? Can any of this end happily?
May is very detailed in her descriptions of Yucatan and its cultures. I can almost see the pictures that she describes, and am led to believe that May has actually been to these places. She is not, however, very detailed in her personal relationships between the characters. Throughout the story, I was under the impression that Sage's husband is a very good, gentle and kind man. Though, nearing the end of the story, May mentions that Sage's husband has been very mean to her- due to the cancer. I did not gather that he was spiteful at all and was surprised that Sage felt burdened by his temper at times.
It was also difficult for me to put one story on hold while I was reading the other. It took me a bit longer than is usual to read this novel, because at times I lost interest in the muddle of the details of Alma and Sage's surroundings. Having never been to these exotic places, I couldn't quite grasp the feelings that I'm sure May wanted me to have.
This novel was very lovely. I still think about it, being two days after I finished it. There were some things that weren't to my exact liking, but overall, it was worth the read.
May focuses on Alma's story more closely, as we watch her life explained in depth. She falls in love with the governor of Yucatan, knowing that he is married and with children. He claims he is separated from his wife, but this does little to suppress her guilty desires. The love story between the two is intricate and tragic.
In the background of the novel, we also see Sage's love life unravel. She has been with the same man for over 10 years, but they've yet to marry. He is an accomplished lawyer, but has come down with terminal cancer. She is balancing making her own life have substance while caring for the man that she loves. While on her solo travel trip to Mexico, she meets irresistable David- a scientist from abroad who is enticed by Sage's looks, elegance, and intellegence. Will they end up falling in love even though Sage already has a sick lover at home in the USA? Can any of this end happily?
May is very detailed in her descriptions of Yucatan and its cultures. I can almost see the pictures that she describes, and am led to believe that May has actually been to these places. She is not, however, very detailed in her personal relationships between the characters. Throughout the story, I was under the impression that Sage's husband is a very good, gentle and kind man. Though, nearing the end of the story, May mentions that Sage's husband has been very mean to her- due to the cancer. I did not gather that he was spiteful at all and was surprised that Sage felt burdened by his temper at times.
It was also difficult for me to put one story on hold while I was reading the other. It took me a bit longer than is usual to read this novel, because at times I lost interest in the muddle of the details of Alma and Sage's surroundings. Having never been to these exotic places, I couldn't quite grasp the feelings that I'm sure May wanted me to have.
This novel was very lovely. I still think about it, being two days after I finished it. There were some things that weren't to my exact liking, but overall, it was worth the read.
October 1, 2009
I have been to Mexico on two separate occasions and not once have I been to visit the Chichen Itza ruins. Now I am seriously regretting that decision and the destination is going on my PLACES TO VISIT BEFORE I DIE list. This historical novel tells the true story of Alma Reed, a reporter in 1920s San Francisco that after saving the life of young Mexican boy on death row, makes an archealogy expedition to the ruins. She uncovers shocking information and hears incredible Mayan legends as well as begins a heartbreaking romance with Felipe, the governor of Yucatan, a married man. While learning about Alma and the moral dilemmas she faced in Mexico, readers are also introduced to a modern day heroine, Sage. Sage is writing about Alma and facing some similar choices. She has a partner of twelve years that has become a demanding, bed ridden patient rather than a supportive lover. When a man named David sweeps her off her feet, Sage must make some hefty decisions not unlike those of Alma. She must choose between Mark and David. Will she follow a path like Alma chose?
I really enjoyed this. It was a quick, light, easy read with great research put into it. The descriptions were "just right," not too much nor too little. I managed to feel like I was in Mexico wearing a flapper dress and it didn't take Ms. May 5 paragraphs of descriptive details to accomplish that. A good read. I think it could have done completely without the modern day heroine and not lost a beat.
I really enjoyed this. It was a quick, light, easy read with great research put into it. The descriptions were "just right," not too much nor too little. I managed to feel like I was in Mexico wearing a flapper dress and it didn't take Ms. May 5 paragraphs of descriptive details to accomplish that. A good read. I think it could have done completely without the modern day heroine and not lost a beat.
February 22, 2026
I decided to read this in order to learn more about the history that inspired it. I definitely learned some things about Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Alma Reed, and the story of the Maya in the Yucatán. That made it worth overlooking some of the more implausible elements of the story. But there are certain elements which are sloppy and unacceptable in any novel, for me this is the failure to take elements of another language seriously. The author has the Mayan characters living in present day Merida speaking Spanish incorrectly. How is it that neither the author nor the editor had the basic sense and decency to have a native speaker of Spanish review the Spanish bits of the dialogue? Not only is this inexcusable, it’s downright disrespectful. I was ok with the story and enjoying what I was learning until Chapter 21,now I’m not even sure I want to keep reading.. I’ve never seen Spanish this bad in print, and it makes me lose respect for the author herself. She needs to have the Spanish rewritten by a native speaker and then print a new edition. I’d love to tell her that directly.
March 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. My familiarity with the city of Merida helped set the context for the story. We were staying in the former home of Felipe Carrero Puerto which made it even more interesting. Historical fiction is a great way to learn some history while enjoying a good story.
January 21, 2023
I liked that the modern storyline wasn't the average story. Interesting look into some of Yucatan's history.
August 16, 2011
I find the Maya fascinating, I am hooked on Mexico and its history, and I have long meant to research more about Alma Reed, the San Francisco journalist who met and fell in love with Felipe Carillo, governor of Yucatan 1921-1923. This is based on their love story. I think it is good - although it ends too sadly to be (by definition) a romance.
It has one of those double stories - a San Francisco journalist finds out about Alma and Felipe and does some research and writes about them (which production cannot be the story we read of Alma's experience, told in alternating chapters). It's a neat bit of writing shifting back and forth, with us being told things by Alma that Sage Sanborn has no way of knowing - and the resonnances between their lives are the most interesting parts of the novel. Interesting, but not one of my keepers.
My big objection is that the story Miss May tells is supposedly about Alma & Felipe, real people who lived. The story she tells of Alma & Felipe is not what happened. They were not where she said they were and some of the things she says about them happened at different times, and sometimes with different people. I am very seldom satisfied by books or movies about real people as protagonists. That is a lie, I almost always feel. My prejudice.
I am a Ricochet Reader - I am looking for material on Felipe Carillo and Alma Reed. Fascinating tidbit is that Sylvanus Morley, a famous Mayan archeologist, is a minor unsympathetic character in this novel - and I found a book about his contributions as an intelligence agent for the (British?) navy while on digs in the Middle East during World War I - shades of Lawrence of Arabia!
It has one of those double stories - a San Francisco journalist finds out about Alma and Felipe and does some research and writes about them (which production cannot be the story we read of Alma's experience, told in alternating chapters). It's a neat bit of writing shifting back and forth, with us being told things by Alma that Sage Sanborn has no way of knowing - and the resonnances between their lives are the most interesting parts of the novel. Interesting, but not one of my keepers.
My big objection is that the story Miss May tells is supposedly about Alma & Felipe, real people who lived. The story she tells of Alma & Felipe is not what happened. They were not where she said they were and some of the things she says about them happened at different times, and sometimes with different people. I am very seldom satisfied by books or movies about real people as protagonists. That is a lie, I almost always feel. My prejudice.
I am a Ricochet Reader - I am looking for material on Felipe Carillo and Alma Reed. Fascinating tidbit is that Sylvanus Morley, a famous Mayan archeologist, is a minor unsympathetic character in this novel - and I found a book about his contributions as an intelligence agent for the (British?) navy while on digs in the Middle East during World War I - shades of Lawrence of Arabia!
October 4, 2012
A very sad but relatively well written and engaging novel. The novel tells two love stories. Alma and Felipe are the couple from the past. She was a reporter following an archaeological crew and he was a governor in Mexico who advocated progressive reforms. They fall passionately in love and have a tragic love story. Then there is Sage the modern writter/report that does travel pieces about Mexico and has a long-term boyfriend who is terminally ill. She is torn between staying with him for the remainder of his life and the attentions of a man she meets in Mexico. The novel jumps between these two stories, but spends more time with Alma and Felipe. This novel is clearly a historical romance novel and it probably leans more towards the romance than actual facts, I think. However, this didn't stop it from being a decent read. I wanted to know what happened in these women's stories and the ending left me saddened but reasonably satisfied.
July 15, 2013
I wanted to like this book more than I did, but May didn't really make the love between Alma and Felipe resonate with me. Also, Sage's side story seemed superfluous. Not only did I find her a bit irritating, but I felt a sense of non-closure regarding her part of the story.
I did, however, gain the desire to learn more about Alma and Felipe's stories, and found myself doing some basic research on them. What a fascinating couple, both advocates for the underprivileged and underrepresented. Theirs is a story that should have written itself (why couldn't May make me Iike their relationship and why was Sage's story even written?).
Wasn't a waste of my time, but I probably wouldn't recommend it nor read it again. may's other novel, Pilate's Wife, was much better!
I did, however, gain the desire to learn more about Alma and Felipe's stories, and found myself doing some basic research on them. What a fascinating couple, both advocates for the underprivileged and underrepresented. Theirs is a story that should have written itself (why couldn't May make me Iike their relationship and why was Sage's story even written?).
Wasn't a waste of my time, but I probably wouldn't recommend it nor read it again. may's other novel, Pilate's Wife, was much better!
December 10, 2014
(Fiction/Romance 2009) Not sure how I came into this story, but it was written by local author Antoinette May. It is a dual story, of the romance in 1923 between Alma Reed, reporter, and revolutionary governor Felipe Carillo Puerto, and a budding romance in current time between Sage Sanborn, writer, and David, a scientist. The narrative switches between the stories of the two women. I was not expecting much from the story, but soon found myself reading more intently to see where it was going and what would happen. The similarities and the differences in the romances made for interesting reading. I would recommend it, especially for a vacation read.
May 21, 2012
A poignant book that evoked feelings of longing and hopes for second chances at love and life living. There are two journeys, both really beautifully written. They are probably better appreciated by a more mature woman. The main setting is heady and the stories are steeped in exotic culture, ancient myths, love and loss.
I came away with a strange, yet peaceful feeling. it gives me my own desire for my own second chance.The Sacred Well
I came away with a strange, yet peaceful feeling. it gives me my own desire for my own second chance.The Sacred Well
September 6, 2011
This story was intriguing. It's a fictional account of two real people who lived in the 1920s and shared an incredible love. The story is told by a modern day journalist who is researching the live of Alma who was a journalist and adventurer in the 1920s and falls in love with Fellipe who is the governor of Yucatan in Mexico. It's such an interesting read and I highly recommend it.
July 27, 2012
Initially, the book did not resonate with me, but slowly it drew me in, till finally it had me hooked. It was not only an enjoyable read, but also quite the story. Most of the book took place in the Yucatan, before tourists. Nevertheless, it would me amazing to see the Mayan sights and now to know a little something about the real peole who brought the Yucatan to the world is pretty cool.
August 20, 2012
It was a cool story to read since much was set in Chichen Itza, a fascinating place. What made the people here abandon their whole civililzation? The story is based on real people that lived and is very fascinating.
The author alternated between two women connected with the Yucatan in different time periods, but it was never confusing, the way some similarly written books can be.
The author alternated between two women connected with the Yucatan in different time periods, but it was never confusing, the way some similarly written books can be.
November 13, 2014
This was a story within a story. The story about the young journalist who in the early 20th century
goes to Yucatan, Mexico, for an archeological story, was especially interesting to me.
She falls in love with the governor of Yucatan and the story moves on from there. It is based on historical fact.
I found it most interesting.
goes to Yucatan, Mexico, for an archeological story, was especially interesting to me.
She falls in love with the governor of Yucatan and the story moves on from there. It is based on historical fact.
I found it most interesting.
August 3, 2009
This was an interesting parallel between a modern author and a journalist from the 1920s who are both drawn to the Yucatan and the Mayan ruins there. It touches on history and relationships. It's an easy read that kept me engaged the whole time. I would definitely recommend it!
October 30, 2009
I read this book while vacationing in the Yucatan. It was such a cool story to read since much was set in Chichen Itza, a fantastic place I got to visit on my trip. The story is based on real people that lived and is very fascinating.
December 26, 2019
I read this book while in the Yucatan region of Mexico. Loved reading it. I had been to many of the locations. Loved the history. Enjoyed the present, past story. Would read again next year while in Mexico.
August 4, 2009
I really enjoyed this. It was based on historical fact.
August 18, 2009
I just finished this historical fiction novel about the Yucatan Peninsula through the eyes of two different ladies in two time periods. It was a great read!
March 14, 2013
Way better than it sounds! And based on a true story...
January 19, 2014
I really loved this storyline. I found the Yucatan history intriguing and this real life story made into fiction.
March 24, 2015
Nicely done with the history
January 13, 2015
Entertaining especially to read while in the Yucatan.
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May 31, 2025A story set in two time periods, showing how little has changed even as progress is slowly carved in communities. Both periods were enjoyable reads, something not all authors manage
August 27, 2012
Too much description; not enough action.
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April 13, 2019informative
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews