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.

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.