Throughout the novel, Nikki wonders about the source of the deep rift between her mother and Mother Rita. Why do you suppose they didn’t tell Nikki about the reason for their feud? Do you think they are able to completely heal their relationship by the end of the book?
I guess because it was too painful to discuss – but honestly, I’m still not clear why someone didn’t discuss the reason for this rift earlier. It felt a little strained, making us wait so long until the end of the book to find out? I was especially puzzled as to why Mother Rita didn’t tell Nikki earlier.
Michelle, I was thinking the same thing. I’m not sure what I thought the rift would be about, but I was expecting something more. I suppose that the hurt between Rita and Lorelei had gone on for so long that they didn’t know how to make it right. Both of them had strong personalities.
I got the feeling that Mother Rita wanted Nikki to discover the ancestors’ stories first, so she would be all-in and would FEEL the situation, not just understand it logically.
I also wonder if Nikki’s mom just felt really bad for not paying the taxes, hence triggering the land loss (at least according to Mother Rita). If I did that, I probably wouldn’t want to broadcast it. 
I think Nikki’s mother felt ashamed and guilty about not helping her mother with the taxes, and probably doubting her reason for doing so. I don’t think she wanted to risk losing Nikki’s affection because of her decision. I think Mama Rita didn’t tell Nikki initially because she still cared about her daughter and didn’t want to risk turning Nikki against her mother. I don’t think the relationship was completely healed. Some things you just never get over.
Family rifts such as this one aren’t logical; trying to explain would not reflect well on either party in my opinion. Mother Rita refused to accept her daughter’s choice. Each one was wrong to condemn the other. Since talking would change nothing, there was no reason to try to explain it to Nikki.
Rebecca, both your points are excellent!