THE MISTRESS OF SPICES

Magical, tantalizing, and sensual, "The Mistress of Spices" tells the story of Tilo, a young woman born in another time in a faraway place who is trained in the ancient art of spices. When Tilo--disguised in the gnarled body of an old woman--travels to present-day Oakland, California, an unexpected romance with a handsome stranger forces her to choose between the supernatural life of an immortal and the vicissitudes of modern life. 352 pp. National author tour. Print ads. 40,000 print.