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Trade Winds of the Heart Book

Tell us about yourself.

I was born on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. My husband and I are parents to a very energetic little girl who keeps us busy. I write under the pseudonym Krystina Powells because the name represents a part of me that most people do not know about.

Tell us about your latest book.

Trade Winds of the Heart​ takes readers to the Caribbean island of St. Croix as they follow Kayla Jackson and Richard Patterson on a turbulent journey of self-discovery, tolerance, and love. Kayla is a struggling young mother who is a native of St. Croix, and Richard is a successful businessman from Davenport, Iowa. Their lives have no reason to cross paths. The two are from distinct worlds. However, a series of chance encounters creates a curiosity in both of them that they find impossible to ignore.

What inspired you to write it?

While I was lying in bed one morning (after binging on romantic movies the day before), I began thinking, “Wouldn’t it be nice to see a romantic movie with a little more flavor–a story that was bright and refreshing outside of big-city life.” As I began to imagine what that “perfect” story could be, the Caribbean seemed to be the most natural setting. I started going over the characters and plot in my mind and became more and more intrigued. I jumped out of bed and started writing. The way the story was unfolding fascinated me. I couldn’t stop until I was finished weeks later.

What do you want readers to take away from this book?

I want my readers to see that we can believe in happy endings and in our ability to overcome challenges and obstacles as we try to achieve our dreams. This story takes readers on a journey that goes far beyond the beaches and straight into the hearts and homes of people who learned ​that sometimes our own presumptions can keep us back from experiencing happiness. The novel will cause readers to see the benefits of fast forwarding to the future and visualizing the consequences of our actions. They will then appreciate how much control we have over the outcome.

Would you like to share the best reviews that you’ve had on the book?

Review:

When most allow their thoughts to wander to visions of the Caribbean, they conjure up images of palm trees swaying in the breeze, leaning out over white sand and turquoise water. They may imagine they are lazily stretched out on a soft bed of sand, soaking up the sun and the heat, only to cool down again in the warm salty ocean waters. The charming Caribbean island of St. Croix provides just such a refreshing backdrop for this inspiring story. Yet while as idyllic and beautiful as you

would imagine, Krystina Powells, using realistic, humorous, and engaging dialogue, paints the reader a view into other layers of true island life. In this, her debut novel, Krystina confronts and challenges the disparate realities of modern daily existence in this multi-layered society constructed from a legacy of slavery.

You will instantly be drawn to Kayla and Richard, and eager to journey with them, as they bravely navigate the turbulent waters and strong prevailing winds of social expectation, to cross the divide, and follow their hearts.

Of particular appeal to younger adults, nonetheless, as a senior citizen, I found Trade Winds of the Heart a thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming read! You will love the wonderful, often humorous glimpse into Crucian life, and come away more appreciative of the persistent challenges and troubles that exist today, even in paradise. Along the way, you will have the pleasure of meeting many colorful, memorable and courageous characters!

Ann C., University Library Director

Review:

I fell in love with EVERYTHING about this book! The Caribbean setting was so descriptive and alive! I was completely engaged with Kayla Jackson! Her tenacity was riveting! I loved the chemistry of Kayla and Richard and the turbulence with the right amount of passion. This love story was captivating!

Stefanie T.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Trade Winds of the Heart ​is now sold on Amazon.com in Kindle and paperback versions and also on Barnes and Noble.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I am getting ready to publish another exciting novel where the Caribbean is only a backdrop, but the focus will be the people. ​Readers will again experience life, love, and laughter in the islands from a genuinely unique perspective. To find out more visit me at www.krystinapowells.com

About the Author: ​Krystina Powells was born in St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands. She is a wife and mother of a very energetic little girl with a vivid and inexhaustible imagination. Krystina’s longtime love of history and knack for storytelling along with her experiences in the Caribbean inspire her to take readers on a journey that goes far beyond the beaches and straight into the hearts and homes of the local people. Through her stories, readers will experience life, love, and laughter in the islands from a genuinely unique perspective. Krystina Powells playfully addresses issues that some may shy away from while focusing on the often forgotten jewels of the sea which many call ‘home’.