Echoes of an Island



About the Book

Echoes of an Island is a semi-fictional novel inspired by the discovery of the author's grandmother's detailed notes recording the family's journey to the remote Caribbean islands of Roatan and Santa Helena

The narrative unfolds in 1973 through the eyes of a spirited 12-year-old Canadian girl named Jean, who, along with her family, explores rugged seascapes, experiences vibrant cultures, goes on exciting yet dangerous adventures, and savours the tantalizing seafood and exotic fruits of these unique Caribbean islands.

Whether you are a seasoned traveller or an armchair explorer, prepare to be whisked away to a world where every moment is filled with wonder and amazement.

Karla breathes life into these treasured stories, immersing the reader in a journey of discovery where memories and storytelling seamlessly intertwine.


About the Author

Karla Ingleton Darocas, B.A. (Hons), is a luminary in the literary and artistic world whose path has been marked by remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment. Karla Ingleton Darocas hails from the vibrant city of Toronto and grew up amidst the rural surroundings of Bowmanville. Her pursuit of knowledge began at Humber College, where she majored in English, photography and fashion, laying the foundation for her diverse expertise.

To further her academic pursuits, Karla attended the prestigious University of Waterloo, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts with Honours, specialising in film. In her thesis, she studied Luis Buñuel and Salavdor Dali and discovered her love for Spanish culture and its arts. This pivotal turning point served as a harbinger of her burgeoning creativity and intellectual prowess and paved the way for her illustrious future endeavours.

At the tender age of 20, Karla took the plunge into entrepreneurship and opened her first shop, Hemlines, a casual fashion boutique. At the same time, her foray into the world of journalism began, launching a stellar career in which her articles have graced the pages of prestigious publications such as Oshawa This Week, Toronto Sun and KW Record, among many others. With her indomitable spirit of innovation, Karla galvanised the DIY movement in the early days of the computer revolution and has become a steadfast advocate for digital literacy and empowerment.

In 2001, Karla opened a new chapter in her life by marrying her long-time Spanish boyfriend and transplanting her artistic vision to the sun-drenched shores of Spain. There, amidst the rich cultural diversity of her new home, Karla continued her legacy as a purveyor of knowledge, captivating audiences with her erudition and unwavering commitment to education. Her inexhaustible passion for the arts found expression in her numerous lectures and publications, serving as a beacon of enlightenment to locals and curious expatriates alike.

With her experience and insight, Karla Ingleton Darocas now stands on the threshold of a new creative territory, venturing into the hallowed ground of fiction. Armed with an arsenal of stories just waiting to unfold, she ventures into narratives that will enthral and engage audiences around the world.

* PAPERBACK - BOOK SIZE 6x9" (15.24 x 0.81 x 22.86 cm)
* 127 PAGES 
* AVAILABLE ON AMAZON WORLDWIDE & KINDLE
* 7 EUROS - DIRECT SALE at Benitachell Properties * opposite the bank in Benitachell

INDEX OF PUBLICATIONS

 
"Exploring España: A Curated Collection of Books Immersing You in the Essence of Spain."
Use the INDEX to Find All Publications on one page. 




VIVA COLLECTION - VOLUME ONE


THIS IS YOUR GUIDE TO DISCOVER...

✅ Spain's Prettiest Poisonous Plant
✅ The Lost Skull of Francisco Goya
✅ The Town of Anna & Its Majestic Palace
✅ Sant Jeroni de Cotalba Monastery *near Gandia*
✅ Jusepe de Ribera’s Painting: La Mujer Barbuda
✅ Santiago de Uclés Monastery *near Madrid
✅ Lemons Versatilities!

AND THERE IS A ... 

✅ WORD GLOSSARY IN BACK!!

* PAPERBACK - BOOK SIZE 8.5 X 11"(LARGE TYPE) 
* 48 PAGES / HIGH RESOLUTION COLOUR PHOTOS 
* AVAILABLE ON AMAZON WORLDWIDE 
* 12 EUROS - DIRECT SALE in Bentachell Properties Real Estate Office

JÁVEA - Historical Stories of Prominent People & Places


This book is a must-read for anyone looking to truly understand and appreciate the rich history and culture of this stunning Mediterranean seaside resort town.

DISCOVER:
-Roman Fish Farming in Ancient Jávea
-José Antonio Bolufer and His Ship Mystery
-Sorolla Finds Inspiration in Jávea
-Sorolla's Holiday Horror in Jávea
-Jávea - One Hundred Miles South of Valencia
-History of André Lambert in Jávea
-Jávea Regional Heritage Rewards Raisins
-The Jávea Monument That No One Talks About!

* ENGLISH LANGUAGE ONLY
* PAPERBACK - BOOK SIZE 8.5 X 11" (LARGE TYPE)
* 30 PAGES / FULL COLOUR HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS
* AVAILABLE ON AMAZON WORLDWIDE 
* 8 EUROS - DIRECT SALE if in stock at Benitachell Properties * opposite the bank in Benitachell

BOOK REVIEW


SPANISH DOGS - The Story of Dogs in Spanish History, Culture & the Arts

EXPLORE SPAIN'S RICH CANINE HERITAGE with this guidebook! 

From Renaissance paintings to modern marvels, delve into the history of beloved Spanish dog breeds and uncover their stories. 

Deepen your appreciation for these incredible creatures with a complete Spanish Dog Society index in the back. 

Order now and uncover the paw prints of our past!


* PAPERBACK - BOOK SIZE 8.5 X 11" (LARGE TYPE)
* 59 PAGES / FULL COLOUR HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS
* AVAILABLE ON AMAZON WORLDWIDE 
* 13 EUROS - DIRECT SALE at Benitachell Properties * opposite bank in Benitachell 


BOOK REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW



THE GOTHIC GLORY OF XÀBIA / JÁVEA - A Historical and Architectural Adventure


Dive into the captivating history of Javea's pre-Gothic and Gothic eras with our thrilling guidebook! 

From the imposing Parish Church of San Bartolomé to the enchanting Hospital Chapel of Santa Anna, explore the architectural wonders of the Palau de la Sapena and the bustling ambiance of the Municipal Supplies Market.

Unravel the secrets and stories behind these iconic Gothic structures, each holding a unique piece of Javea's past. 

Prepare to be transported through time as you uncover the mysteries and marvels that have shaped the city's history.

* STANDARD PAPERBACK - BOOK SIZE 8.5 X 11 (LARGE TYPE)
* 37 PAGES / HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS
* AVAILABLE ON AMAZON WORLDWIDE 
* 11 EUROS - DIRECT SALE from Benitachell Properties * opposite bank in Benitachell



- Pages Preview -


CLOTILDE - Sorolla's Cornerstone: A Tribute to the Life of a Woman of Vision & Grace

 

Clotilde García del Castillo was the extraordinary woman who shaped the legacy of Joaquín Sorolla, the famous Spanish painter.

Immerse yourself in this heartfelt tribute to her life and enjoy Sorolla's famous illuminated paintings of his beloved wife.

* GLOSSY PAPERBACK - BOOK SIZE 8.5 X 11" (LARGE TYPE)
* 31 PAGES / FULL COLOUR HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS
* AVAILABLE ON AMAZON WORLDWIDE 
* 8 EUROS - DIRECT SALE at Benitachell Properties * opposite bank in Benitachell




DIEGO VELÁZQUEZ - The Man and his Mythological Paintings at the Prado


Step into the mesmerizing world of Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez with this exclusive guidebook! 

Explore Velázquez's mythological paintings housed in Madrid's prestigious Prado Museum of Fine Arts. 

Join esteemed art historian Karla as she unveils hidden surprises and adds an extra layer of insight to these timeless masterpieces. 

PAINTINGS EXPLORED ARE:
- The Feast of Bacchus    
- Vulcan's Forge    
- A Sybil    
- Mars    
- Aesop    
- Menippus    
- The Spinners and the Fable of Arachné    
- Mercury and Argus

* ENGLISH LANGUAGE ONLY
* PAPERBACK - BOOK SIZE 8.5 X 11" (LARGE TYPE)
* 51 PAGES / FULL COLOUR HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS
* AVAILABLE ON AMAZON WORLDWIDE 
* 12 EUROS - DIRECT SALE at Beitachell Properties in Benitachell




PRIDE & PASSION AT THE PRADO - Spain's Seven Most Famous Historical Romantic Stories & the Artists Who Immortalised Them



Discover the hidden treasures of Spain's historical romantic stories in this captivating guidebook! 

Immerse yourself in thrilling adventures and humanistic revelations brought to life by visionary artists. 

Explore Madrid's prestigious Prado Museum and encounter Spain's finest masterpieces of historical romantic realism. 

Dive into the enchanting tales and timeless artistry that define Spain's rich history and culture.

DISCOVER:
- Queen Isabel the Catholic Dictating her Will
- Doña Juana La Loca (Queen Juana the Mad)
- Queen Juana la Loca, Secluded in Tordesillas with her Daughter, Infanta Doña Catalina
- Prince Don Carlos of Viana 
- Conversion of the Duke of Gandia
- The Lovers of Teruel 
- Execution of Torrijos and his Companions on the Beach at Málaga 

* ENGLISH LANGUAGE ONLY
* PAPERBACK - BOOK SIZE 8.5 X 11"(LARGE TYPE) 
* 35 PAGES / HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS
* AVAILABLE ON AMAZON WORLDWIDE 
* 9 EUROS - DIRECT SALE if in stock at Benitachell Properties * opposite the bank in Benitachell

MARINA ALTA & GANDIA - Attractive and Historical Landmarks

 


DISCOVER the opulent treasures of Spain's Marina Alta region with this captivating guidebook, starting with the Royal Palace of Gandia. Explore ornate halls and sumptuous rooms, stepping into a bygone era of opulence and splendor.

But that's just the beginning! From fortified baroque hermitages to stunning parish churches, delve into the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of this enchanting corner of Spain.

Discover the secrets of the Royal Marsh of Gandia and explore the fascinating history of the Santa Clara Museum.

* ENGLISH LANGUAGE ONLY
* PAPERBACK - BOOK SIZE 8.5 X 11"(LARGE TYPE)
* 32 PAGES / FULL COLOUR HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS
* AVAILABLE ON AMAZON WORLDWIDE 
* 9 EUROS - DIRECT SALE @ Benitachell Properties * opposite the bank in Benitachell