James A. Michener, one of the world's most popular authors, returns to Spain, the setting of his bestseller Iberia, with this magical novel of Seville at Easter time -- a season of splendid pageantry, thrilling bullfights, and deep piety. And, of course, miracles.

An American journalist is in Seville on assignment. He is to report on efforts the rancher Don Cayetano Mota is making to revive his once-proud line of bulls. But the story Shenstone discovers goes deeper into life's mysteries as it shakes the newspaperman's skepticism and opens his eyes to the wonder of faith. To return his bulls to honor. Don Cayetano Mota prays to the Virgin Mary, and he takes on Herculean acts of devotion during the solemn celebrations of Holy Week. Convinced that his prayers will be answered, he endures his bulls' humiliation in the ring and the taunts of the arrogant matador Gomez. But Gomez, too, has a powerful woman on his side -- his sister, a Gypsy fortuneteller. Foreseeing the danger her brother faces from a Mota bull, Magdalena is determined that in the bullring her brother will prevail.