The Sun’s Shadow is the story of two women and their children, and how their life courses revolved around the choices they made with the same man.

We see from both the wife’s and ‘the other woman’s' point of view. Mistakes were made, people were hurt, but once tragedy hits both women work together for the good of their children.

The story shows just how long it can take to find your path. Through the whole story I needed to know what was happening, so had to keep reading. I loved that both women got to find themselves and what they deserve in life outside of their duties as mothers too.

It’s very character based, some characters are unlikeable, some wonderful, but we see both sides.

What a powerful family drama this one was, written in a flowing, springy manner, with rich and vivid characters, filled with emotions, raw pain, and plenty of emotional choices to be made, and with a thick layer of secrets sprinkled on top of it all!
This is the perfect read for those who love character-driven stories about family dynamics and tough life choices, this is a book for those who love reading books that make you feel like you are taking an sneak peek into the lives of strangers who somehow turn into your best friends while you are watching their lives unfold.

Secrets can destroy the world you know.

Celine thinks she has a wonderful relationship with her husband, Eric. They have good jobs, a son they love, and so much more. However, Eric's actions make it obvious that he is hiding something. The truth will devastate Celine, but perhaps it is what she needs to set herself free.

All of the characters are flawed. Eric for his indiscretion, Felicity for her obsession with Eric, and Celine for settling instead of pursuing her dreams. 

The book flows nicely, and there are a fair number of events that keep the story moving along. The book centers around Celine and Felicity and is told from their point of view. These women are strong and weak at the same time, but one thing is true: they both love their sons and would do anything for them.

I wasn't fond of Felicity, but by the end, I appreciated her growth, considering everything that happened and in a short time span. I admired her realization that she was the "other woman" and her dream of a family with Eric wasn't in the cards.

A minor storyline is Celine's determination to buy the farm where she trains racehorses. A kink is thrown in the works when the owner has a cash buyer, and her time is limited to gather the cash to buy the property. I enjoyed the visits to the farm and could picture the rides, the races, and so much more.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel, and gave it 4 paws up.

“The Sun’s Shadow” by Sejal Badani is a heartrending and powerful exploration of betrayal, maternal sacrifice, and the hope that flickers even in the darkest corners of grief. From the first page, I was drawn into the lives of two women—Celine and Felicity—whose paths collide under the most heartbreaking of circumstances.

Celine’s world begins to unravel when her 12-year-old son, Brian, is diagnosed with cancer. At the same time, she discovers her husband Eric’s long-held secret: a teenage son, Justin, from a past affair. Justin’s mother Felicity has moved to Boston hoping for acknowledgment and a future with the man she’s shared in secret for nearly two decades. But what begins as a confrontation becomes a reluctant alliance when Justin turns out to be Brian’s only hope for survival.

What makes this novel shine is its refusal to reduce any character to a trope. Celine is more than a wronged wife—she’s a woman of strength, tethered to the land and family she’s fought to preserve. Felicity is not merely “the other woman”—she’s a mother shaped by sacrifice and longing. Their shared love for their sons becomes the bridge between them, leading to one of the most emotional and redemptive arcs I’ve read in a long time.

Badani writes with a gentle, thoughtful style that lets the emotions feel real and natural. Her writing is clear but powerful; switching between the two women’s perspectives helps us understand each of them fully. The story explores forgiveness, identity, and the challenges of motherhood with care and insight.

I loved the beautifully developed relationship between Justin and Brian—a bond of brothers that forms despite betrayal and pain.

This is not a light read—grief, illness, and betrayal weigh heavily. It provides hopeful meditation on what it means to love selflessly, to face truth, and to find healing not in perfection, but in the messiness of real life.

I closed the final page with tears and a deep gratitude for stories like this—stories that challenge, comfort, and stay with you.

Highly recommended for fans of emotionally rich fiction, stories about motherhood, and anyone who believes in the redemptive power of second chances.

This story is filled with family drama, pain, and secrets. The characters face hard realities and tough decisions that hit home. It’s the type of story that takes you on an emotional journey and lingers with you for a while. Fans of literary fiction will enjoy this one.

Imagine waking up to find that your emotionally distant husband is not only emotionally distant, but maybe, possibly, definitely living a double life. Then your son is diagnosed with cancer. Then a beautiful woman shows up, claims her son is also your husband’s child, and might be the only chance at saving your son’s life.
Is this a soap opera? No. It’s The Sun’s Shadow and yes, it’s as intense and riveting as it sounds.

Celine was living the dream, if your dream includes an equestrian farm, a strained marriage, and emotional repression that could win awards. Enter: crisis mode. The bills are piling up, her marriage is basically a cold war in cashmere, and then comes the gut-punch: her sweet son Brian is gravely ill.

Meanwhile, Felicity (picture ambition in lipstick and a tasteful blazer) has finally had enough of hiding. She’s bringing the receipts—literal and emotional. She and Eric (yes, that Eric) share a teenage son, Justin, and she’s no longer content being the “side woman.” She wants her happy ending. And maybe also a kidney match.

Badani is a master of emotional layering. This isn't just "scorned wife vs secret second family"—it's about grief, womanhood, motherhood, betrayal, and ultimately, forgiveness.

There are moments you’ll want to scream into a pillow (Eric, mostly), and others where you'll be ugly crying at 2AM while whispering, "I didn’t sign up for this but here I am."
Celine and Felicity’s dynamic is like watching two storms swirl around each other, each protecting their child at all costs, circling a centre that might just be…understanding? It’s a slow, painful shift from rivals to reluctant allies. Think: Big Little Lies meets This Is Us, but on horseback and with more emotional precision.

The Sun’s Shadow is bittersweet, gripping, and healing, like the warm sunlight that finally filters through after a devastating storm. It’s not light reading—but it’s worth every heart-clenching moment.

Read it if you like:
* High-stakes emotional family drama
* Strong women forced into even stronger choices
* Moral grey zones where everyone’s just trying to do right by their kid
* Complex female dynamics that are raw and so real

This book follows the story of two families torn apart by the discovery of not only a little boy’s cancer but also of an affair. Sejal Badani does an absolutely amazing job at getting you to understand both sides of this tragic tale. This story really makes you think about how such discoveries can wreck your life but also the lives around you. Though this story has a focus on our main character’s child, with his cancer diagnosis, there is the most compelling subplot of self-discovery and gaining independence on behalf of our main character. I went into this book with not the highest of expectations as this isn’t the type of story I would usually gravitate towards, but I was blown out of the water with this one! Even if you think this story might not be for you, I urge everyone to get this book added to their TBR!

🌅 Book Review: The Sun’s Shadow by Sejal Badani 🌿
📖 @geturbook

I just finished The Sun’s Shadow by Sejal Badani, and I’m still sitting with all the emotions it stirred in me. This isn't just a story—it's a journey through heartbreak, resilience, and the quiet, extraordinary courage it takes to keep going when life falls apart.

Celine’s world begins to crumble when her beloved equestrian farm—the sanctuary she’s built—is under threat. But that’s only the beginning. Her son Brian is diagnosed with cancer, and her husband, Eric, reveals a devastating truth: he has a son from a past affair. The emotional wreckage that follows is raw, real, and painfully human.

What struck me most was how Badani captures the complexity of relationships—how betrayal and grief can co-exist with love and forgiveness. Watching Celine and Felicity—two mothers connected by the same man—navigate this storm for the sake of their children was incredibly moving. It’s not easy to read at times, but it’s so worth it.

The writing is gentle yet powerful, with moments of quiet reflection that made me pause and breathe. I felt the ache of every mother’s sacrifice, the confusion of a child trying to understand illness, and the glimmer of hope that flickers even in the darkest corners.

If you love emotionally layered stories that make you feel every heartbeat, The Sun’s Shadow deserves a spot on your TBR. It reminded me that even in the deepest shadows, love has a way of finding the light.

#TheSunsShadow #SejalBadani #BookReview #GetUrBook #Bookstagram #EmotionalReads #FamilyDrama #MothersAndSons #ForgivenessJourney #ReadersOfInstagram #BookLovers #BookCommunity #ReadingRecommendation

I had both an audio and eArcfor this one but I started the audio thinking I’d listen to it for 30min while on the treadmill. Then it was just another 10 more min until I finished the book . I was quite interested to see how this story was evolved . For me , audio is perfect for this type of contemporary fiction . I have to admit I shed a few tears during this one - yes partially it was how sick Brian was, but also all the heartbreak and hurt caused by Eric and Felicity. If you like a good family drama, definitely give this one a try .

Now spoilers … be warned …
Felicity is the most self centred person I have ever read about . I have not disliked a character a much as I disliked her … How can someone so smart talk herself into believing she’s the victim in this situation 🤦‍♀️…. ! And yet, watching her evolve and grow through the course of the book was quite satisfying …
Eric is the biggest loser and lying cheat ever ! No matter how much the book tries to excuse his behaviour ( this is where it lost that elusive last half 💫 for me) … no . Just no…

4.5 ⭐️

I have enjoyed previous releases from Sejal Badani. I was honored to have the chance to read their newest novel, The Sun's Shadow. I was far from being disappointed. I can not say how much I loved this book. This is one of those stories that will invoke a variety of emotions all throughout. I would advise others to keep their tissues handy at all times. They will thank me later. The author does a wonderful job in writing a story of difficult decisions, struggles, pain, and thought provoking. I was often wondering and asking myself, "what would I do?". It demonstrated the complexities of difficult relationships, struggles of moving past traumatic pasts, and the power of forgiveness. It was not a plot that I could have easily been able to predict and never knew what would happen from scene to scene. I did not want to stop turning the pages, continuing to turn the pages, and staying up late at night doing so. Overall, I thought it was a fabulous read.

I am going to give The Sun's Shadow five stars. I believe readers who enjoy reading drama filled fiction will love it as much as me. I hope to have more novels in my hands from the talented author, Sejal Badani, in the future.

I received a digital copy of Sejal Badani's The Sun's Shadow from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster! 🎢

The Sun’s Shadow is a beautifully written, deeply moving story about love, betrayal and the impossible choices we make for our family.

Celine and Felicity are such strong, complex women, and as their struggles unfolded, Eric’s betrayals quickly faded into the background—which was such a brilliant choice by Badani.

💔 A mother’s love put to the ultimate test

💔 A tangled web of secrets and second chances

💔 Powerful themes of forgiveness and redemption

Despite its heavy themes, Badani’s smooth, atmospheric writing made this an easy and compelling read. It is the kind of book that lingers in your heart long after the last page.

If you love emotional, character-driven stories that make you question what you would do in the same situation, this one is a must-read!

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of The Sun's Shadow by Sejal Badani.

If you enjoyed My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult, this book is for you.

Eric and Celine are devastated to learn that their only son Brian has a life threatening form of cancer. But Celine world is even more rattled to discover that Brian has a half brother out there, a sibling that could be the key to Brian's survival.

Felicity is tired of hiding, tired of living so far away from the father of her son. Even though Justin is a child of infidelity, he deserves better than what he's gotten. But now Justin has just learned that his half brother is sick, and wants to do what he can to save him. Felicity can't help but feel torn, and hesitant to jump into Eric's family...

I don't know how I feel about this book. I already don't like infidelity, but I appreciate the nuance of keeping things fair for the children, despite the sins of their parents. I also liked the moral dilemma of asking Justin to provide donors to a brother he barely knew. As for the parents and their woes, I was way less interested, they can sort that mess out themselves.

A story filled with intertwined characters and raw emotion. This was an enjoyable read with straightforward writing and a warm, uplifting ending, although it was somewhat predictable.

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

this was a great story about second chances. It had the themes locked down and developed the themes really well. Betrayal, re-learning to trust again, and second chance books are always sooo good when written well, and this book matched that energy. I loved it!!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

EXCERPT: Felicity
'Celine's father left when she was six,' Elena interrupts. Her voice, quiet and unassuming, conceals a steely demeanor. 'Packed his bags and we never saw him again.'
Shocked by the information, I wonder why Eric never mentioned it to me.
'As a mother, all I could think of was how to protect my child. To make sure, with everything happening, that she was safe and taken care of.'
I don't want to hear about Celine's childhood or her struggles. I don't want to think about the woman I betrayed as anything but a body, a person who's gotten to love and me married to Justin's father.
'I imagine you felt the same with Justin.'
'Yes.' My spine straightens, bringing me to my full height. 'He's always been my main priority.'
'A child knows when they've been loved,' Elena says. 'It explains why he is who he is.' She leans against the pillar, seeking support. 'As a mother, when our back is against the wall, we will do anything to protect our child.' Elena looks me right in the eyes. 'You did what you had to do. But now, allowing Justing to be tested, you're stepping forward to protect my grandson. I won't forget this.'
I stare at her, taken aback. It was the last thing I expected when the conversation began. But it also drives home that these are real people, with real emotions and events in their lives. Elena's pass on the past offers the necessary relief from guilt or responsibility. I nod, accepting her gratitude. But a small voice inside my head balks at the idea. I say my goodbyes, the ghosts of my choices fast on my heels.

ABOUT 'THE SUN'S SHADOW': Celine’s life is spiraling out of control. She’s in danger of losing the beloved equestrian farm that was her childhood home. Her distant husband, Eric, is devoting a suspicious amount of time to a stunning new colleague. Then her young son, Brian, receives a devastating cancer diagnosis. How much worse can things get?

Felicity has uprooted her career and her teenage son, Justin, to get closer to Eric. She’s tired of keeping his secrets—that Justin is his son, and Eric’s frequent “business trips” have been spent playing the good dad with him. Felicity is determined to get her happily ever after, even if it means confronting Celine at a delicate time.

But when Brian’s prognosis worsens, and a transplant from Justin becomes his best chance at survival, Felicity must make a wrenching decision about her son’s well-being—and Celine must accept that the “other woman” is her only hope.

In another life Celine and Felicity might have been friends. Can they put aside the pain between them to do what’s best for their families—and their own futures?

MY THOUGHTS: I am obviously alone on outlier island with my thoughts on and feelings about The Sun's Shadow by Sejal Badani.

The premise is wonderful, and I went into this read expecting my emotions to overflow but I found the writing stilted and I was unable to get my teeth into the narrative. I could not relate to any of the characters except Justin and Brian. And even then, I wondered how realistically they were portrayed. It would be nice if all teenagers and pre-teens were like this, but I personally don't know any who are.

I threw up my hands in despair at some of Celine's decisions and actions.

(view spoiler)

There is a lot of angst and introspection and, indeed, repetition that eventually caused me to skim read large tracts.

Everyone else appears to have loved this The Sun's Shadow, so maybe it is just me who is left feeling dissatisfied after reading it. Please check out some of the other more positive reviews.

⭐⭐

#TheSunsShadow #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: A former attorney, Sejal Badani is a Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, USA Today and Amazon bestselling author and Goodreads Fiction Award Finalist and ABC/DISNEY Writing Fellowship Finalist. Her novels have been translated into over 15 languages. When not writing, she loves reading and traveling. Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, and Ed Sheeran are always playing in the background.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union and NetGalley for providing a digital e-ARC for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

The Sun's Shadow by Badani is an engaging family drama.
An emotional and well written story that kept me turning the pages.

I read Sejal Badani’s book, Trail of Broken Wings, 9 years ago and thought it was a 5 star book. So I decided to give her latest book, The Sun's Shadow, a read.

This book is a family drama centered on Celine, Eric, and their son Brian. Things however start unraveling for this family as soon as they are introduced. Celine’s husband, Eric, is distant, she might lose her horse farm that means everything, and her son becomes very sick. Their story is set against Felicity and Justin. Justin is actually Eric’s son too, but Celine and Brian do not know that. Felicity moved cities to be by Eric to try to get what she has always wanted. The plot proceeds into how everyone’s paths intersect and secrets come to light. Overall this book is really captivating. Towards the end I did think things started to wrap up a bit predictably, but that doesn’t take away from the overall 4 stars I thought this book was.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, Sejal Badani, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I love family drama novels and this one is a great twisted tale between two women, Celine, the wife and Felicity, the mistress. Well, I guess you can’t say she was the mistress. She had a one night stand with Eric right before his wedding to Celine. This one night led to her son, Justin. Now their careful secrets are about to come to light because Brian, Celine and Eric’s son, has cancer and needs a transplant from Justin. Confused yet…I promise the author does a great job unfolding this secret.

As much as I loved the story, I hated the conversations. They were a bit canned and unnatural. Also, Celine acted a bit ambiguous in places. I really wanted to jump through the pages and tell her to STOP IT! 😂. But, the story full of the secrets and the threat of losing Brian kept me reading!

Need a quick family drama…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Sejal Badani has done it again! She has managed to rip my heart out, tear it into shreds, and then reconstruct it in a way that leaves me with more empathy than I had before. I am telling you now, if you've never read a book by this phenomenal writer, now is the time.

I can not tell you how much I despise reading books about a cheating spouse - it makes me so angry that I can't even appreciate the novel I'm reading. And yet, Ms. Badani has written a book that had me glued to the pages, needing to know how the story would unfold and how the characters would survive their circumstances. It's fascinating how Ms. Badani humanizes even the most despicable characters.

The addition of a child's cancer diagnosis was so gut-wrenching and unexpected, and yet it offered perspective that so many of the characters desperately needed.

Ultimately, this was a story about forgiveness and redemption. It was a story about self-discovery and owning the truths that sometimes hurt to admit. It was beautiful and tragic, desperate and heartfelt. I always appreciate this author's ability to explore the secrets that hold people back and often ruin lives. It is a beautiful story that I've come to expect from Sejal Badani, as she has quickly worked her way up on my list of well-respected authors.

I cried and rejoiced as I read this novel and came away with a sense of wholeness that truly is her signature culmination.

Many thanks to Lake Union and NetGalley for this gifted review copy.

“Maybe after the shadows pass, the light that shines is brighter than before?”

What an utterly engrossing, emotional, thought provoking, roller coaster of a ride that was. If you like books that make you think then READ THIS NOW! There were so many scenarios where I was wondering what would I have done? What would I have said? How would I have felt if that was me??

This book was just so relatable to the human condition and the intricacies of marriage, parenthood, betrayal, and forgiveness. Throw in horses, childhood traumas, and illness and you have yourself an unputdownable story!

Thank you to Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing, Wunderkind PR, and the author for the gifted copy.