First Sons and Last Daughters

by Samar Reine

PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY BOOKLIFE "EDITOR'S PICK!"

READERS' FAVORITE "5-STAR SEAL"

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW "HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"

REEDSY DISCOVERY "POTENT AND EMOTIVE SAGA"

“An extraordinary literary novel driven by incredible characters, First Sons and Last Daughters by Samar Reine intimately explores the intricacies of family relationships and marriage.”
—Readers’ Favorite

“Libraries seeking a novel that exemplifies family dynamics at their best and worst will find First Sons and Last Daughters a powerful addition to their collections. It's highly recommended for its astute, poetic descriptions of personal demons that can even arrive in the guise and promise of family connections.”
—Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan

“Fearlessly untangling the complexities of relationships, loss, and perseverance, this is a novel that is both hopeful and relatable… The magical realism, respectful interest in Navajo and Ute cultures, and deep spirituality contribute in bringing captivating depth to every character.”
—Publishers’ Weekly BookLife

Peyton’s marriage, motherhood, and artistic legacy are threatened by her brilliant, cruel son who constantly makes her feel like a failure. Hell-bent on winning at all costs, he imperils everything she holds dear. How far will she go to show him love while protecting her family?

Years later, Peyton’s life takes a dramatic turn. Amid a tumultuous family dynamic, her two biological children are locked in a bitter rivalry. An old flame resurfaces, offering a different life, but at what cost? She must choose between her children, two men, and two paths.

Her marriage puts her to the test as she and Adler navigate the rocky terrain shaped by their malicious son. While her husband stands as a steadfast mountain, Peyton embodies the ever-changing coast. The narrative artfully weaves sorrow, love, laughter, and the breathtaking beauty of the physical and psychological landscapes they traverse. As Peyton and her husband grapple with their trials, can they journey toward truth and healing, finding solace in their enduring bond?

Set against the stunning scenery of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, and Northern New Mexico, First Sons and Last Daughters dives into the complexities of family, profound loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Each book in The Pioneer Ranch Saga can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the larger series.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 4, 2024

About the author

Samar Reine’s literary style focuses on character-driven family dramas that delve deeply into complex psychological aspects. The author’s narratives feature richly detailed inner and outer worlds, blending elements of mystery and magical realism. Themes such as overcoming challenges, awakening to new perspectives, redemption, and self-discovery are central to her work, with a subtle infusion of romance to add depth and emotion. Reine uses a nuanced exploration of human relationships and personal growth, often set against intriguing and stunning emotional and physical landscapes.

An acclaimed economics professor, whose books have earned Readers' Favorite 5-star seals and BookLife’s Editor's pick, Reine was raised on the Mediterranean coastline, a stone’s throw away from where Jesus turned water into wine.

English is Reine’s third language. She started teaching economics in higher education at twenty-three.

Reine’s worldview was profoundly influenced by her education under Jesuit and Marist French priests during a period of civil war. This experience forever transformed her understanding of love, resilience, overcoming, compassion, and healing, instilling in her a unique perspective on these fundamental aspects of life.

During her formative years, Samar Reine won every cultural competition she entered, which eventually led to her passion for writing novels.

She's been an intrepid traveler since the age of seventeen, venturing out alone, and is a devoted lover of nature and animals.
Reine believes in meraki, a transcendental existence for a meaningful life.

For a life painted vermilion mountains, oceans of sky, and the call of the wild, she lives with her family between the mountains of the Southwest and the Pacific coast.

For additional information on the author or watch book trailers, visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter at https://samarreine.com

Reviews

[Erin J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Sons and Last Daughters is a riveting, character-driven saga that delves deep into the complexities of family, love, and personal resilience. Peyton Chase returns as a compelling protagonist, navigating the turbulent waters of motherhood, marriage, and her artistic career while confronting the manipulations and cruelty of her brilliant yet ruthless son, Gideon. The tension between familial love and personal boundaries drives the story, keeping readers emotionally engaged from start to finish.

Samar Reine masterfully portrays multi-dimensional characters whose flaws, strengths, and emotional depth make them relatable and unforgettable. The narrative effortlessly balances internal struggles with vivid physical and cultural settings, from the scenic beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea to the dramatic landscapes of Northern New Mexico. Themes of sacrifice, choice, and the pursuit of personal identity resonate throughout, creating a story that is both thought-provoking and immersive.

Fans of literary and family sagas will find themselves captivated by this rich, emotionally charged tale. A powerful and unforgettable continuation of The Pioneer Ranch Saga.

[Maria Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

"First Sons and Last Daughters" by Samar Reine is an exquisite tapestry of familial bonds and political intrigue. Reine masterfully weaves a narrative that delves into the complexities of power, love, and sacrifice within a dynastic framework. The characters are richly drawn, each with a distinct voice that resonates with authenticity. The prose is lyrical, carrying the reader through a captivating journey of self-discovery and societal evolution. Reine's storytelling prowess shines as she navigates through generations, creating a seamless blend of history and fiction. This novel is a compelling exploration of identity and legacy, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's soul. It's a thought-provoking, enthralling, and beautifully written book that I wholeheartedly recommend to any reader seeking a unique and immersive literary journey. Four stars are a well-deserved rating for this outstanding work.

[Lida Obahi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant yet uplifting!

This is a thrilling story about love, life challenges, regret and pain. Payton, true to her character, shoulders her family’s difficulties and is willing to sacrifice her own happiness if it means she can keep her family together as a unit.

The writer’s ability to plunge the reader into the lives of the characters and transfer their feelings of love and pain onto them is nothing short of literary brilliance! Every page keeps you immersed in the storyline so vividly that you experience the intensity of the character’s emotional journey as your own.

Bravo, Ms Reine, for creating another dazzling story that takes your reader into a spiritual, impassioned, and moving ride!

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love issues that delve into family drama, joy, friendships, marriage, parenting, and generational relationships, this book is for you. I couldn’t put it down. The more of it I read, the more surprises the book had, and the ending is so, so moving. There's magical realism in it, Navajo and Ute cultures, deep spirituality and wit, lighthearted humor and lots of love and depth to a big cast of fascinating characters.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autor capture perfectly characters in this story.
Family dynamics, relationships and drama.
The past and present mixed in perfect balance.
Romance and family sometimes cross to dangerous territory where decisions have to be taken with caution.
Is the story a standalone ? In perspective of new chapter in life yes, but this is family saga so definitely book one should not be skipped.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julio Tosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding follow up to the first book, She Died Then Showed Me. The characters are deep and complex, the settings are beauty and rich. Any reader who values character driven stories set in the beauty of New Mexico and California should read this book without hesitation. I highly recommend it!

[Mira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book. This is a skillfully told tale of family, parenthood, love so deep it makes you feel connected to the characters, and challenges that mount like an anthill. I read this book over a single weekend, though I wasn't feeling my best. It's chalk full of drama, but the author is so brilliant, she uplifted me rather than the opposite. Too many books lull in the middle, and don't pick up proper steam when they should, but this one is extraordinary, entrancing, and the writing is light, at times purely gorgeous.

[Alison Solberg · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should have stopped reading but had hope that it wouldn’t be so pretentious. The story, the characters, even the writing style seemed so “try-hard”. It was strife after strife for the sake of strife and self-righteousness.

[Jackie]

DNF