Bir Zamanlar delves into the life of María José García Cortés, the only child of María Victoria and José Felipe. The family of three left their hometown of Murcia, Spain under mysterious circumstances, and settled in New York City before María José learned to crawl.

She grew up loved, pampered, and protected by her upper-middle class family... then María José experiences a devastating loss that leaves her questioning if her existence is even worthwhile.

Her young daughter, Mari-Car, remained as the only ray of light in the darkness of the abyss that engulfed her. Will that small ray of hope be enough for María José to let go of the hand of hopelessness and despair, and hang on to faith and courage, or has the crushing loss left irreparable damage? Will she be able to pick up the pieces and put them together as in the Japanese art of Kintsugi?

This is her story.

Bir Zamanlar explores themes of love, passion, beauty, loss, and the power of culture, beliefs, and traditions. The novel will resonate with those drawn to powerful characters, especially female ones, who, while respecting mores, are not afraid to challenge them.