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.

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!!!