Love Thy Neighbor: A Precarious Endeavor - Paperback

by Linda Bello-Ruiz (Author)

In 2010, a young drug lord tied to a prominent Mexican cartel moves next door to an unsuspecting California woman escaping northern winters in a small village along the Pacific Coast of Mexico. His lifestyle brings drugs, alcohol and noise into her quiet surroundings. Filled with anger, Rebecca decides to expel him from the neighborhood-requesting assistance from the local authorities. No assistance arrives. After receiving a prompting to "Love Thy Neighbor," Rebecca faces her fear and sets out to do just that, going against the advice and counsel of friends and family. This gripping story, based on true events, delves into her neighbor's journey from crushed youthful dreams of becoming a professional soccer player to the dire consequences of his life-altering decisions. Follow Rebecca on her own journey from anger to compassion and ultimately an unexpected love for her neighbor, Toro.

Author Biography

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Originally from Redwood Valley, California, Linda (Cassells) Bello-Ruiz co-founded and directed The House of Hope in San Jose, Costa Rica, a safe-haven for street girls and underage prostitutes. After returning to the United States, she earned a master's degree in Psychology from Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California. For twenty-six years, she worked as a bilingual vocational rehabilitation counselor in Santa Rosa, California and consulted as a vocational expert on disability in litigation for five of those years. The mother of four grown children, she is now retired, dividing her time between Santa Rosa, California, and the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Ms. Bello-Ruiz is an Ambassador for Courage Worldwide, a leading organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the evils of sex trafficking in the United States, and building restoration homes for rescued victims. During her months in Mexico, Ms. Bello-Ruiz is active in the town council, spearheads fundraisers, and is the co-founder of a youth scholarship program, providing financial assistance to selected middle school students so they can attend high school. Ms. Bello-Ruiz's mantra is, "Lord, how can I be of service-what do You have for me today?" Her award-winning first book, From Tears to Triumph, My Journey to The House of Hope, is available on Amazon. Contact the author via her website at www.lindabelloruiz.com