The Enchanted Oak

About the Book

About the Author

(in book interior) MS. Maxine Francalanzo Engelmann, has lived on three continents. She loves America, it’s her birth place, but she also has strong ties to Europe and to Africa. She has lived among many ethnic groups: British, Italian, Mexican, Oriental and African. Her parents separated when she was 18 months old. She lived in welfare homes, orphanages and spent a year hospitalized with Rheumatic fever, about age 4 years. Her mother remarried and they lived in an Italian neighborhood. She still cooks that way. Her education was varied as well. Working her way through cosmetology school, she achieved her license. Attending Art school in San Meguel De Allende, Mexico, she studied Philosophy at San Jose State, writing at De Anza College, did photographic modeling, and learned about the trade. At age 18, she married the love of her life. He was a professional Musician, and taught music as well as performed. In 1969, the two of them were in an auto accident that claimed his life. After recovering from her injuries, Maxine went to England to visit relatives. Then, on to Africa to work in the tour industry of Photo Safaris. When returning home, she remarried in 1975 and had two children, who became the loves of her life. The Enchanted Oak began before her first husband died and sat on the shelf until now. Currently, she shares a home with her son, and has decided to finish her fantasy and leave to her grandson, and all the grandchildren who come after him.