Gertrude Atherton 
The Doomswoman 

This refreshingly innovative take on the age-old theme of star-crossed lovers is set during the period when Mexico and the U.S. were warring over the control of California. The lovely Doña Chonita is loyal to her family's pro-Mexico position in the conflict, but a chance encounter with a silver-tongued Lothario named Don Diego throws everything she holds true into question.