The Sun’s Shadow by Sejal Bandi

I’m rounding up this novel to four stars. I was enjoying it up until about 3/4 of the way through, where I started to find the conversations repetitive and not moving the story forward.

Two mothers are very protective of their sons, ages 12 and 17. The women’s lives intersect because of their children. Secrets are a large part of this story, which to reveal would be spoilers. The characters are all well developed, and the story is strong until it took a turn into more of a romance novel, which is not a genre I appreciate.

I think it’s worth a look for most readers, as there is a warm uplifting ending and the writing is straightforward.

Celine and Felicity are strong women in different ways, however, both of them let their lives be led by Eric and forgot about themselves. Felicity believed and wanted the HEA, Celine believed she had the HEA and preferred to be blind to the cracks that already existed in her marriage. Then Brian is diagnosed with cancer and the truth they did not want to face turns her life upside down and they realize they have lived a lie. What will hold the three of the together and allow them to find peace and their places in life is their beautiful boys, Justin and Brian. A touching and well-written story that could very much be the story, unfortunately, of many women and men around the world. For me one thing is for sure, telling the truth - even when it hurts - is the only thing that will keep relationships and love going, effort any other way is a waste of time.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you Netgalley & Lake Union Publishing for an eARC ♥️

The story follows Celine and Felicity, two women whose lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. Sejal Badani masterfully weaves narratives together, creating a complex and thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and forgiveness.

I have to admit, I was already a fan of the author's work after reading "Trail of Broken Wings", which completely destroyed me emotionally. I mean, I was a mess - tears, snot, the whole works😭. I remember reading it in one sitting, unable to put it down even as my heart was breaking. Sejal Badani’s writing is like that - it's evocative, emotional, and utterly captivating.♥️

So, I went into this book with some trepidation, wondering if I was ready to have my heart broken all over again. But from the very first page, I was hooked. The author's prose is beautiful, with a lyrical quality that draws you in and refuses to let go.
The characters in this book are flawed and real, with all the complexities and contradictions that make us human. Celine and Felicity are both strong, capable women, but they're also vulnerable and hurting. Their stories are intertwined, but they're also distinct, with their own unique struggles and triumphs.

What I appreciated most about this book is its willingness to confront the messiness of life head-on. The author doesn't shy away from tough themes, instead tackling them with honesty and sensitivity. This book is not always easy to read, but it's thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

If you're looking for a book that will make you feel all the feels, this is it. Just be prepared to have your heart broken, because this author doesn't hold back. But even in the midst of heartbreak, there's a sense of hope and resilience that permeates this book. It's a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there's always a way forward, always a chance for healing and redemption 🙏🏽

I'm a huge fan of Badani and have been anxiously waiting another beautiful story. The Sun’s Shadow delivers. While the themes of childhood cancer and betrayal will break your heart, Badani expertly weaves an emotional, complex tale through carefully drawn out characters. I found the message of forgiveness to be both satisfying and redemptive. Highly recommend. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley.

A predictable plot but good characters in this domestic drama told by Celine and Felicity, whose sons are linked in a way that wasn't totally a surprise but which worked. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Drama, turmoil, secrets, illness and love make up the many moments in Sejal Badani's book, The Sun's Shadow. We, as readers, follow the lives of two women...two mothers who are deeply devoted to their sons. Conflict pervades the story, and I couldn't resist finding out how it all wraps up. It's sad. It's downright frustrating. It's hopeful. Unfortunately, it's also a little bit predictable. I still enjoyed it! To pass along any more details, would be a shame, because you would definitely know what happens before turning the first page.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy via NetGalley. These opinions are entirely my own. Now crack open this book and find out why there is a horse featured on the cover!

(3.5 stars)

Sejal Bedani’s new work, The Sun’s Shadow, coming out on January 28th, is about two women on the verge of a nervous breakdown. One, Celine, is about to lose everything she ever worked for: her family farm (to new buyers), her relationship to her husband Eric (to divorce), and quite literally her son Brian (to cancer); while the other, Felicity, is trying to keep a nasty secret that can destroy both her burgeoning career and the strong relationship she has with her son, Justin-not to mention Celine and Eric’s already rocky marriage. The two of them meet at Eric’s business party, and because of how Felicity and Eric are speaking to each other in hushed tones during the soiree, Celine cannot get it out of her head that there may be something up between the two of them; however, she cannot quite put her finger on it. Readers find out later that Celine is right but there is much more to the story than meets the eye; and it is this secret that becomes the central conflict of this novel. The problem is The Sun’s Shadow secret ends up not really being all that surprising, thus the conflict that is supposed to drive the narrative ends up being weak and uninspired, which also makes the novel weak and uninspired.

(My full review will be coming out in the next two days or so...https://greatbutunknownperformances.wordpress.com/. Keep watch.)

This is a sad but beautiful story about a mother and a child who struggles with things that no one should have to struggle with. I could not put it down and stayed up way to late to finfish reading this gem of a book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

The Sun’s Shadow is a heart breaking story about childhood trauma, betrayal, sacrifices and childhood cancer. Celine faces challenges in her perfect life when her 12 years old son is diagnosed with cancer and at the same time she discovers her husband’s secret life. Written from the perspective of Celine and Felicity, the writing of this book can be slow paced at times but has great depth and character development.

It was a great story full of emotions but the plot was fairly predictable. I also felt that there were too many issues covered in the story. It’s a story of forgiveness and redemption but Celine’s big heart to forgive so much didn’t feel believable personally.

Overall I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy of The Sun's Shadow, in return for my honest review.

4.25rounded down

An interesting, fast paced family drama that was interesting to read.

Celine is troubled. Her horse farm, her marriage and her son. All are important but all are out of her control. Then, the cancer diagnosis comes and everything cracks wide open.

Overall, I was enthralled with the story, though it was fairly predictable. The plot was overall enjoyable, however, Celine’s ending did not feel remotely right or believable.

Advanced reader copy provided by Lake Union but all opinions are my own.

The Sun’s Shadow is a heartbreaking story of betrayal, childhood cancer, loss of self, and destructive secrets, but it also offers hope in the messy struggle that is life. Celine is starting to question her husband Eric’s distant behavior, she is in danger of losing the equestrian farm she has loved since childhood, and now her 12 year old son is facing a cancer diagnosis. In light of Brian’s diagnosis, a secret family that her husband has hidden for the past 17 years, is now revealed in the hope that there is a chance that Brian’s half brother can save his life.

This is a deeply emotional book, that covers a wide range of heavy topics. Celine was abandoned by her father at the age of 6 years old and has struggled with reconciling that abandonment throughout her whole life. Felicity has also dealt with issues of striving to be the perfect daughter to please her father and had a strained relationship with her mother. You can definitely see how Badani builds these two characters adult lives, based on their pasts.

The relationship that develops between Brian and Justin is heartwarming and makes the reader feel the loss of time that the two of them have missed out on, all of these years. The story is a roller coaster of emotion as the secrets of Eric’s hidden life are revealed, and it is easy for the reader to play the blame game, but then ask the same questions as the characters…if things had been different, where would that have led the characters and who they are now. (But with all that said, I do really blame Eric for the whole situation).

I did find some of the pacing during the story to be a bit off. Some parts of the story were a bit slower and others happened at a faster past. I also felt like there might have been too many issues covered in the story, and that if some of those were left out, the story would have still been complete and concise.

If you are looking for a story that is grounded in real life, pulls on your emotions, and challenges your views on growth and forgiveness, then I would highly recommend The Sun’s Shadow.

The Sun’s Shadow is at once both predictable and surprising. The story moves slowly with several churning reveals as each character comes into the realization that reality may not be what it seems. Multiple plot lines play forward as the situations are uncovered.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I’m kind of a blubbering mess over here and I need to get a grip so I can write this review. If you need a story that will give you a good emotional release, this could be it. So many themes to this story……the love of family, the despair of betrayals, redemption and personal growth, the toll of childhood cancer and so much more.

Celine, Eric and their 12-year old son Brian are living a busy life of work, school and sports typical to many families. But what is not typical are the secrets and lies that have built their marriage. When Brian receives a cancer diagnosis, the truths are revealed and the worlds of two families collide. With great emotional depth, the story is told through the voices of two mothers, Celine and Felicity, both of whom have a profound and deep love for their sons.

Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Sejal Bandani for the emotional and wonderful digital reading experience in exchange for my honest review. Publication date: January 28, 2025

As always Sejal Badani this at my heart strings. I love the emotion she conveys in her wording and characters. The rawness of the pain I can sometimes place myself in that. The beauty of the love that can be had allows me to end feeling good. I'll read ANYTHING she writes!!!

In Another Life is an emotional and poignant story about Celine, who is struggling to save her farm and cope with her son’s cancer diagnosis, and Felicity, who has been hiding the truth about her affair with Celine’s husband. Their lives collide when Felicity’s son, Justin, becomes the key to saving Brian’s life. The novel explores themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and unlikely alliances, with a focus on the complex dynamics between the two women.

While the pacing can feel slow at times, the character development and emotional depth make this a rewarding read. The story’s message of forgiveness and redemption is both powerful and uplifting.

The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover. I was a sucker for the rocking horse. The second was the blurb. It was so enticing. The book succeeded in keeping me invested the whole way through. This was a very plot and character driven book. It was emotionally charged and with lyrical prose that really resonated within me. This book
Is one of those books that will stay with me.

4.25⭐️. “I glance toward the sky, at the sun that peeks out from behind the clouds, and wonder if I’ll ever again see its light or be forever cast in shadows.”

This book gripped me from the beginning and I found it very bingeable. It follows the POVs of two women - Celine and Felicity. 17 years ago, when Celine was engaged to Eric, he and Felicity had a one-night stand that led to their son, Justin, being born. In the present day, Celine and Eric now have their own 12 year old son, Brian, and neither Justin, Celine or Brian are aware of the double life that Eric is leading. When Brian receives a life threatening diagnosis, secrets are shattered.

This book covers some heavy topics, with childhood illness and betrayal, and Celine is a character who is easy to relate to and feel empathy for.

“It isn’t supposed to be like this, I think. The pain should have ended years ago. At some point, I am sure, happiness was meant for me.”

Both she and Felicity have been shaped by their childhoods and their relationships with their fathers, leaving Felicity a woman striving for success and Celine a woman trying not to rock the boat but to “Keep things steady and safe.”

As a horse person, the ranch setting and Celine’s career as a horse trainer made this book even better (although I would’ve liked even more of this!)

Despite the horrendous circumstances that Celine finds herself in, there are still moments of lightness and levity. However, I really struggled with Felicity’s inner monologue at the times (as I think you’re meant to), where she’s painting herself as the victim, yet she’s the only one of the two women whose had all of the facts known to her throughout the past 17 years.

My only critique is that, for me, the ending wrapped up a little too nicely, too quickly. While I love that she put Brian first and kept her issues with Eric and Felicity separate, I think Celine is a much more forgiving woman than I would have been in those circumstances!

A emotional and heartbreaking story of family, illness and betrayal. I instantly felt connected to the characters and their complexity through the plot I cried and felt tremendous anger on the characters behalf. When I started reading I didn't want to stop and even when I did I was still thinking about it and itching to get back to read more. Such a powerful and well written book!

The Sun’s Shadow is a beautifully written, emotional journey through family secrets, betrayal, and sacrifice. Sejal Badani masterfully captures the complexity of her characters and their relationships, keeping me hooked from start to finish. The themes of love, forgiveness, and personal growth are so impactful. A must-read for anyone who loves deep, emotional family dramas. Highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and @wundrbookspr for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!

Easy writing, emotional story though I couldn't connect to the characters. Pacing felt a little uneven towards the end.