Sunlight and Shadow

By Sue Boggio and Mare Pearl

An acclaimed first novel by two award-winning New Mexico writers, Sunlight and Shadow is a story of family, friendship, and what it really means to have hope. "Everything is going well for San Diego restaurateur Abby Silva. She is four months pregnant, and her husband Bobby is finished with his last tour as a Navy submariner, but their happiness is interrupted by a brutal robbery, followed by Bobby's father's sudden death. Bobby and Abby's mixed marriage angered their families. Her wealthy white parents disowned her after she married a Hispanic, and Bobby's father felt that his son was denying his heritage. Now Bobby wants Abby to have the baby in the tiny New Mexico town of Esperanza where he grew up so she can experience the feeling of 'La Familia, ' where everyone helps one another. Abby reluctantly agrees, then Bobby mysteriously disappears. The neighbors gather around to help, and new entanglements ensue in this wonderful first novel by two talented authors who vividly bring to life the beauty of New Mexico and its people."-Booklist "Sue Boggio and Mare Pearl are vivid and sensual writers. From raising goats to making tortillas, life on a farm in Esperanza is beautifully described. Sunlight and Shadow captures the complexities of rural life in New Mexico and presents an intriguing mix of Anglo and Hispanic characters. The plot is fascinating and the characters are well developed. It's a wonderful book."-Judith Van Gieson "Filled with emotion. A real winner of a story."-Tony Hillerman

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0826352766
• ISBN13: 9780826352767
• Release Date: August 2012
• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
• Length: 322 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

not just for women

I read sunlight and shadow because my wife and her firends were so enthusiastic about it. I was expecting it to be a woman's book, but after the first few pages I got hooked. Especially after Abby and her husband come to New Mexico and he goes missing. The book is more about the community and how Bobby's disappearance affects everyone more than being a "who done it"--but the mystery worked for me, too. Kept me guessing until the last page. Great work,ladies, I look forward to the next one.

AMAZING!

I have read this book twice already, and it is positively amazing! The way Sue and Mare blend such vivid imagery with such life-like characters...one of the best books I've read in a LONG time. I must say, Santiago is my favorite character. He makes Rachel such a credible character. I'm happily awaiting the sequel!

This is the New Mexico that I love.

Mare Pearl and Sue Boggio capture the spirit and sense of enchantment that is found only in New Mexico. Their town of Esperanza is the place where family, or La Familia, "doesn't end at your own fence." It is the town, and the extended family that many of us dream of. I found myself concentrating not on the mystery itself, but rather the emotions of the characters who drew me in from the very start. I wanted the best for all of them and was thrilled with an ending that provided it.

Great, loved it

I am not a big book reader but THIS book held my interest at all times. Living in Albuquerque, NM it was exciting to read the names of restaurants, different locations, things that happen here in New Mexico and know exactly where they were and what it was about. As for the book, the authors did a great job capturing the essence of La Familia. The characters are so different and unique in their own way. A suspenseful mystery to the very end. Can't wait for the next one.

such a pleasure

I loved everything about this book. The plot is superb since it first entices you in with an irresistable opening, and then you're hooked; you feel an irrepressible urge to jump from chapter to chapter to find out what happens next. The characters are all magically woven together, and they are just as endearing as the plot itself. All your emotions are stirred up, a book about your heart. Towards the end of the book , I found myself crying and laughing simultaneously. I thoroughly enjoyed Sunlight and Shadow from the first page to the last, and I am eagerly awaiting the next book offering from Sue Boggio and Mare Pearl.