Days of Sun and Shadow

by India Hayford

Born into tragedy but gifted with a powerful connection to the natural world, a resilient young woman comes of age amid the wild beauty of early-1800s Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas in this incandescent, hauntingly moving epic about home, horses, human connection, and the transcendent awe of nature for readers of Go As a River and The Giver of Stars.

Alabama, 1813: In the midst of the battle and massacre at Fort Mims, a baby is born. It’s a portentous beginning for Emilie McCain, who has inherited the Sight—visions that come in dreams guided by an owl. Owl is Emilie’s steadfast companion, a welcome balance to her mother’s neglect. Along with the Sight, Emilie possesses an innate talent for communicating with horses. In an era when a woman legally belongs to her husband, such gifts may be the only things that are hers to keep.

The family makes a perilous move to Arkansas Territory, where Emilie becomes a master horse trainer and leatherworker. For all her skill with horses, Emilie sometimes fails to see the dark truth about the people she encounters. Other dangers, even when predicted, may be impossible to defend against—yellow fever, greed, vengeance, and the unforgiving land itself.

Through love, marriage, heartache, and hardship, Emilie gains strength and resilience. After years of avoiding emotional entanglements, she meets a man who presents her with a horse to be trained and an offer of friendship she could sorely use. But with his arrival come other tests of her will and her judgement. Finally, a shocking revelation inspires an act beyond her imagining—and may set her free to find the place she truly belongs . . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Fantasy, Southern, Friendship

400 pages, Paperback

Published June 30, 2026

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

DAYS OF SUN AND SHADOW
By India Hayford
Narrated by Zura Johnson, Laura Jennings & Matt Godfrey

A Journey of Resilience and Hope

Days of Sun and Shadow follows Emilie, a young woman growing up on the American frontier in the early 1800s. As she faces loss, hardship, and difficult choices, she relies on her inner strength and a mysterious gift known as the Sight to find her own path. I especially appreciated the parts with the owl. India Hayford blends historical fiction with subtle magical realism in a way that feels natural. It is a story of resilience, family, love, and finding hope through life’s darkest moments.

This is a measured, reflective, character-driven novel with vivid descriptions of life on the 1800s frontier. Hayford’s writing is descriptive and immersive, making it easy to picture life on the 1800s frontier while drawing me into Emilie’s journey. I felt the characters were well developed, believable for the time period, and emotionally complex. Emilie is a strong, resilient heroine whose growth is at the heart of the story. There were times I questioned her choices in men because she came across as such an intelligent and capable woman, yet she repeatedly put her trust in the wrong people. The supporting characters each have their own strengths, flaws, and motivations, making their relationships feel authentic.

The narrators all did a wonderful job capturing the essence of the story and its characters. Combining both the print and audio formats made for an even more enjoyable experience.

I read India Hayford’s first book, The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree and liked it, however I enjoyed Days of Sun and Shadow more. I will definitely read future books by this gifted writer.

Thank you to BookBrowse and the publisher for the ARC, and to NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC.
Publishing on June 30, 2026

[Christy fictional_traits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the pioneering days of early nineteenth-century America, Days of Sun and Shadow follows Emilie, whose life begins amid tragedy when the fortified Alabama settlement where her family lives is attacked. After losing her siblings and watching her mother retreat into grief, Emilie is largely raised by her father and grandmother, growing into a fiercely independent young woman with an extraordinary affinity for horses.

As her family moves west to Arkansas, Emilie's remarkable talent earns her a reputation as a gifted horse trainer in a world where many believe such work has no place for a woman. Her journey mirrors that of a young nation and its fledgling settlements—both searching for identity and a place in an uncertain future.

I was completely absorbed by the first half of this novel. I loved the pioneering setting, the hardships of frontier life, and Emilie's determination to forge her own path. The subtle touch of fantasy added an intriguing dimension without overwhelming the historical story.

For me, however, the novel gradually lost some of the qualities that had first drawn me in. As the focus shifted, the pioneering atmosphere became less central and, although I always enjoy a feisty FMC, I struggled with some of the choices Emilie made. Even so, I still enjoyed the journey overall, although I wasn't quite as emotionally invested by the end as I had been at the beginning.

Beautifully researched and rich in historical detail, this is an imaginative blend of historical fiction, with a wisp of fantasy, that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories of resilience, self-discovery and the American frontier.

[Kirstie Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a beautiful story🥹😭❤️

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was incredibly disappointing. I loved Song of the Blue Bottle Tree but this one fell way short for me.

[2raccoonsinacoat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable historical fiction with a dash of mysticism, but some structural issues kept it from being something special.

There was a lot here for me to love: 19th-century Ozarks, Scottish immigrants, Gaelic, and a touch of mysticism. Part one was wonderful and immediately pulled me in. I loved the mystery surrounding Emelie, and I appreciated that Madeline’s story wasn’t sugarcoated. She was a woman of color in the South during the 1800s, and her perseverance felt earned. There are several strong, distinctive female characters, and I really like the way Hayford writes their inner lives.

Unfortunately, especially compared to Madeline’s, Emelie’s story felt clunky. She made a lot of choices that didn’t line up with what we were seeing in her internal narration. If the book hadn’t been written in first person, I probably could have overlooked that, but because it was, I spent a lot of time feeling confused.

The assault scene also didn’t work for me. Assault is a reality, and I’ve read plenty of books that handle it without pulling me out of the story. This one did. It felt abrupt, oddly written, and unrealistic.

Had part one not been so strong, this probably would have been a two-star read for me. Part three was an improvement over the middle, but it wrapped everything up too neatly and too quickly. By that point, though, I was mostly ready for the book to end.

Overall, this wasn’t for me, for several reasons that make it difficult to recommend. That said, I’d absolutely try another book by this author. Part one showed a lot of promise.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cathy VanLear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads and Hayford for the opportunity to read and write an honest review of Days of Sun and Shadow.

An unforgettable, soul-stirring historical fiction novel from the first page on, leaving me anticipating the next chapter. From her moment of birth, Emilie ( the main character) has to overcome great odds, dealing with themes of home, relationships, and tragedy.

Hayford weaves together multiple perspectives all centered around Emilie and those whose lives intertwine with hers. These shifting POVs add layers to the narrative as each character comes to life, giving emotional depth to the story.

Instead of stand-alone, dramatic moments (although there are quite a few of these too), the novel’s real impact comes through this steady, meaningful, strong character development. I was deeply invested in the characters, experiencing moments of laughter, tears and anger throughout this novel.

Hayford’s beautiful writing flows effortlessly with a quiet strength that mirrors the tone of the story. If you enjoy character-driven historical fiction in a well-crafted, compelling read with raw emotions and historical events toss throughout, Days of Sun and Shadow is a must read!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, India Hayford, and RB Media for allowing me to listen to an advanced copy of the audiobook.

I absolutely loved this book.

It’s been a long time since I’ve listened to a story that completely pulled me in the way Days of Sun and Shadow did. From the very beginning, I was invested in the characters and found myself riding every emotion right alongside them. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, and there were several moments where I just had to stop and appreciate how beautifully everything was written.

The story follows a young woman growing up in the early 1800s as she navigates unimaginable loss, hardship, and the realities of being a woman during that time. It is a story of resilience, survival, family, and the powerful connection between people and the natural world. The background locations aren’t just part of the setting, they become part of the story itself, and I loved how seamlessly it was woven throughout the book.

The descriptions were absolutely incredible. I never felt like I was reading about the characters. I felt like I was standing beside them, watching their lives unfold. Few authors can paint scenes so vividly that you almost forget you’re reading, but India Hayford does exactly that.

The audiobook was phenomenal. The narrators brought every character to life, and the Southern accents made the experience feel even more authentic. Their performances added so much emotion and depth that I couldn’t imagine experiencing this story any other way.

What stayed with me the most was the strength of the women in this story. Reading about everything they endured was heartbreaking at times, but it also made me appreciate just how resilient they had to be to survive.

Everything about this book felt intentional. The pacing, the character development, the storytelling; it all came together beautifully. I honestly haven’t enjoyed a book this much in quite a while.

India Hayford has created something truly special, and I sincerely hope this is the beginning of a series. If not, I’ll be first in line for whatever she writes next.

This one is an easy five stars from me. I can’t recommend it enough.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts with a bang. The Fort where Delpha lives with her seven children and mother is being attacked and she is about to give birth. She always hated Emilie but Emilie was a great character. She is tough, resilient and knew what she wanted. Unfortunately, she had bad taste in men. I ended up liking this way more than I thought I would. I don't usually care for the whole Wild West and pioneering but this was a really good story. My only quibble was the book was written in three parts with time passing but it felt like there were jumps in the narrative with no indication of how old anyone was at that point. I wonder if there will be another book in the series. What happened to everyone at the end and even though Madeleine was prominent in the beginning and she had a great story for most of the rest of the book she was hardly mentioned. If there was another book I am certainly on board to read it.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Kensington for providing me with a digital copy.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A billion stars.

I’ve been so lucky lately with really good books, but this one was by far my favorite. Two books by this author and have fallen in love with her writing. She is such a great, great amazing storyteller.

[Andrea Surak · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5! 5 stars for the story and how well developed Emilie’s character was. 4 stars for the organization and random chapters of random people. They belonged in the story, but thought their random chapters were odd. So I split the difference and landed at 4.5!

[Lynne Krichbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story set in the early to mid 1800s. I loved Emilie! What a life she led-the things she endured were harsh and often tragic. This book is filled with diverse and interesting personalities-some I loved and some I hated. The author really brings to life what it must have been like to live in those times with occassional brutal realism. This is my second book by India Hayford-liked them both but this was my favorite.

[Jello · Rating 2 out of 5]

⋆˚࿔ Days of Sun and Shadow by India Hayford 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
Release Date: June 30th, 2026
[Triggers] Child/ animal/ adult abuse & death, slavery, murder, rape, war, abortion, gambling.
2.5 /5 stars
0 /5 spice

Thank you Goodreads for the honor of being an ARC reader for this publication.

⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡ Book Review ♡⊹˚₊𐙚⋆
Set in the 1800s, this novel depicts the typical life of those who lived in the frontiers, so readers should be aware of the difficult topics that will be mentioned in the story, such as grief and hardship, as well as disease and violence. There are various scenes which describe animal harm and/ or distress, as well as the loss of human life of all ages.

All the women in the family possessed a special gift called “the Sight,” allowing them to have visions, guided by an owl, in their dreams. Emilie McCain, born during the massacre at Fort Mims, Alabama, not only possesses the Sight, but also possesses a talent of communicating with horses. As she grows up as a constant black sheep of society, Emilie encounters various difficulties that allow her to grow as much as a woman of the era could.

The take on this period piece was interesting. There were some times I would grit my teeth on certain situations and characters Emilie would face and others where I would roll my eyes. I appreciate a period novel, where a woman breaks free from social norms, making her interesting and inspirational to other women. I understand that “the Sight” was a little something extra to make her even more unique and to help the story move along, but I also believe that “the Sight” was not really needed in certain situations. This book just wasn’t for me, but I know that it could be someone else’s cup of tea.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and India Hayford for the Goodreads giveaway book. I was excited to get this book because I had read The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree and enjoyed it. I loved this book!
The story begins in the early 19th century with the birth of Emilie at the time of an Indian attack in southern Alabama in which all of her siblings were killed. Her mother, father, and grandmother moved to Arkansas for the promise of land and a new life. Emilie’s mother wanted nothing to do with her so she was raised by her “granny.” Emilie did not fit into the image of young ladies of that time. Emilie has a gift - the gift of “sight” and the ability to work with horses that affects all areas of her life.
In Arkansas, the family thrives and although life is very difficult for Emilie in her non traditional life choices. The story continues well into her late 30’s when she decides to move to Texas to take possession of land she received as a result of her husband’s death at the Alamo.
The characters were well-developed and Hayford has a writing style that brings the reader into the story. I could visualize the characters and their environment in a time when life was harsh and unforgiving. This was a great coming-of-age story based on the lives of settlers in the first half of the 19th century.

[Susan Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Book Browse for my advance copy of this book. It’s the compelling story of a young girl born in the midst of a massacre in the Arkansas territory in the 1800’s, who escapes with her father and grandmother to pursue life in farming and raising horses. There are plenty of challenges, tragedies, and triumphs along the way. Emilie is strong, independent, and has “The Sight”, rarely, but always accurately. The storytelling is beautiful, and each character is unveiled to just the right degree.
I liked The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree, but this book is even better. A must-read!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads for this book. I love historical fiction & this story was a great read. I was disappointed for the story to end. ❤️

[Naomi Frankel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry like a loser on the airplane

[Jan Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Alabama and Arkansas between 1813 and the 1850s, this is captivating and beautifully-written historical fiction about a young woman with a special gift who must navigate her way through frontier life and death. I felt every emotion throughout, and stayed up much too late.

Emilie perseveres through joy and tragedy, helping others and working hard. She has “the sight,” which is not so much of a gift as a curse most of the time. Emmie also has a gift with horses, and dedicates her life to raising and training them, not a usual career for a woman. She wants to be independent and to control as much of her life as possible.

The points of view alternate between several characters, but the majority are those of Emilie. Other characters are described well and I never had trouble telling them apart, as narrators Zura Johnson, Laura Jennings, and Matt Godfrey did a spectacular job.

Some violence, including sexual violence, but nothing graphic. Scant foul language.

Thank you to Recorded Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jaimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*received as an advance copy from the publisher
I am not particularly interested in the history of the American South, nor am I a fan of stories which centre on protagonists who are professed “horse girls.” And yet, like India Hayford’s first novel (which also felt like it had little draw at the outset), I found myself absolutely enthralled with her second book. Her strong female characters and rich worldbuilding are what kept me glued to the pages as we follow Emilie McCain through a tumultuous childhood and an even more challenging adult life in 1800s Alabama and Arkansas. Emilie is an easily endearing character, made so by her gumption, kindness, and brilliant acumen for adapting to her changing surroundings - all traits which are necessary in the early days of settlement in the southern United States. While Hayford begins the tale with a disclaimer that historical record is often scarce for this time period (and gives later credit to the librarian who helped her uncover what documentation there was), the story strikes a careful balance of gritty and heart-wringing realism with a hope-filled romanticism that underpins Emilie’s insistence on her own (and her kin’s) survival. By the end of the tale I felt like I had definitely learned something about this unique time period in history - from a feminist point of view none the less - and gotten a better understanding of this facet of humanity. I may still have a deep seated suspicion of the South, and a will to actively uphold the truths about the horrible acts of genocide and slavery which occurred to “settle” this area of North America, but novels (and nonfiction) like this do their part to paint a slightly different and worthwhile picture that can stand alongside.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic tale across one person's lifetime that is rich and deeply rooted in history — like the hearts invisible furies, a thousand splendid suns or Pachinko.

It’s an imagined story that gripped me all the way through. The main character is tough and relatable, and the other characters interwoven add a richness to the story without being fragmented.

Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[bookshelfreader_31 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Days of Sun and Shadow by India Hayford is one of the best historical fiction novels I have ever had the privilege of reading.

This beautifully written, visually rich, and spiritually inspiring novel delivers a profound message about what life was like for a woman living in the early 1800s. Emilie's grandmother, born of Scottish ancestry, comes from a family blessed—or perhaps burdened—with a mysterious gift that some would call a blessing and others a curse.

Emilie McCain enters the world amid unimaginable tragedy, an event that haunts her throughout her life and one for which her mother blames her until her dying day. As Emilie and her family journey through heartbreak, loss, and healing, they are guided by remarkable people, faith, and the quiet mysteries that shape their lives. Gifted with an extraordinary connection to animals, exceptional craftsmanship, and an intuitive way of communicating, Emilie faces love, loss, disease, violence, and the relentless hardships of frontier life. Along the way, she discovers not only who she is, but who she is meant to become and the purpose she was created to fulfill.

Listening to the audiobook while reading the novel created an unforgettable experience that completely immersed me in the story. It felt as though I were living alongside the characters rather than simply reading about them. India Hayford's careful attention to every detail is evident on every page, and that same care shines through in the performances of the narrators. Zura Johnson, Matt Godfrey, and Laura Jennings clearly took the time to understand their characters, bringing each voice to life with authenticity, compassion, and emotional depth.

The emotional tone is masterfully delivered. Moments of tenderness, frustration, anger, grief, and hope are perfectly balanced, allowing the injustice, prejudice, and horrors woven throughout the story to be felt as deeply as they are understood. That emotional impact is only possible because of Hayford's extraordinary writing.

This novel did far more than entertain me—it moved me. It challenged my mind, broke my heart, and stirred my soul. More than once, crocodile tears soaked the pages of my book and my pillowcase. When a story has the power to speak to the deepest parts of the human experience while shedding light on injustices that continue to exist today, you know you are reading something truly extraordinary.

My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude for this remarkable work. I will absolutely be purchasing copies for others, recommending it whenever I can, and reading it again. The beauty, heartbreak, hope, and humanity found within these pages are simply unforgettable.

Thank you, India Hayford, and thank you to Zura Johnson, Matt Godfrey, and Laura Jennings, for creating an experience I will carry with me for a very long time.

[Leigh S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SPEECHLESS! Just as with her first book, India Hayford, has done it again with her second.

I just absolutely adored this book, what a breathtaking journey along the expansion westward of America of this amazing family and such strong women! I loved the main character in Emilee but the other women that are the supporting acts to her journey are just as beautiful and well-written as she is. The men are written in forms of what we all hope to find to the devil disguised in sheep’s clothing. AND the horses, my goodness, if you came for them alone, well what a lovely little treat they are in the midst of the journey! AND Owl, she’s the lil’ cherry on top of the sundae of characters!

Hayford is just brilliant in her work of depicting this journey that breaks your heart, heals it, then stomps the mess out of it again, just to mend it on the loom one more time, and just when you think you can take anymore there’s still a little more of the rollercoaster tracks of emotional turmoil ahead. I laughed, I cried, I prayed, and I pleaded throughout my reading and I just wanted this book to go on forever!

I believe Hayford captures the women’s journey into Arkansas territory and each era as it passes on this pioneering journey because it was long, it was arduous, and it was dangerous, not only because of the environment but because of the very people meant to keep you safe. I was glad she included a female character like Madeline because it touches on a portion of the slave trade in America that so few discuss or write about. I thought Madeline gave duality and complexity to the overall journey of the book, and she is such an integral part of the FMC’s journey.

There’s so much I could talk about with this book, but I beg of you if you’re on the fence jump to the side where you open up the pages and dive in to this beautiful, heartbreaking, and heart-mending journey!

I hope there will be another piece to this story, simply because I’m selfish and I wanted to live with these characters a little longer.

[Emi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Days of Sun and Shadow is an emotionally rich, character‑driven story that blends quiet tension with moments of luminous warmth. The audiobook format enhances the novel’s reflective tone, making the themes of resilience, identity, and the shadows cast by past choices feel even more intimate.

The narrator delivers a beautifully textured performance. Their voice carries a gentle steadiness that fits the novel’s contemplative pace, while shifts in tone and cadence highlight the emotional undercurrents of each chapter. Character voices are distinct enough to follow easily without ever feeling exaggerated. The narrator especially shines in the quieter, more vulnerable scenes, giving them a lived‑in authenticity.

Story & Tone
The novel moves between moments of sunlit hope and darker, more introspective beats—mirroring the title in a way that feels intentional and effective. Relationships are at the heart of the story, and the audiobook brings those dynamics forward with clarity and emotional weight. The pacing is measured, occasionally lingering, but always purposeful. It’s the kind of story that rewards listeners who enjoy slow‑burn tension and layered character development.

Overall Listening Experience
Production quality is clean and unobtrusive, allowing the narration to take center stage. Chapter transitions are smooth, and the runtime feels well‑balanced for listeners who prefer to settle into a story over multiple sessions. This is an audiobook that invites you to sit with its characters—through their sun and their shadow—and reflect alongside them.

Final Thoughts
Days of Sun and Shadow is a thoughtful, atmospheric listen with standout narration that deepens the emotional resonance of the story. I’m grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows a girl by the name of Emilie throughout her life while journeying throughout the South. Of Scottish descent, she has been given the gift of Sight, where she can walk through dreams with her spirit animal, Owl, and see premonitions of people prior to their passing. For the 1800s, she is very independent and has a vast love for raising horses. She undergoes many troubles in life, especially the troubles plaguing women during that time, but her endurance allowed her to stay independent and make a name and business for herself.

Rating: 4.75/5

I was pleasantly surprised about this book, and I feel as if it will have a special place in my heart as a native from the South who has visited and lived in many of the places mentioned in this book.

I have not read a historical fiction ever since I was a child myself due to not understanding social life during the time as many of the historical fiction books I was given to read did justify oppression of women and homed in on the importance of religion. This book does not do that at all, and it was a breath of fresh air to me. This book tells a raw story about the beautiful and ugly aspects of life. Even though our main character is Emilie, the author adds chapters of other characters that interact with Emilie and tells of their own backstories and thought processes. This was a nice touch because I felt, as a reader, that I had a relationship and a stake with these other characters as well. I recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction and to those wanting a more grounded and raw story revolving around the ebb and flow of this journey we call life.

A huge thank you to Kensington Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thank you to NetGalley and and RBmedia for the audio ARC of this book!

I want to start by saying that the narration by Zura Johnson, Laura Jennings and Matt Godfrey was phenomenal. I think that being able to hear the accents and the way they performed added a lot to this story and I highly recommend the audio.

This book is a tough one to review. Hayford's writing is wonderful - it is atmospheric and flowing. You can picture everything in your mind while you are reading and visualizing all the places really helped to connect to this story. Her character work was similarly well-done. There is a wide cast of characters here and I felt like I knew them all (some of which I loved and some of which I hated in equal measure). I really enjoy a historical novel and this is a time period I don't think we get enough, which made it feel fresh and very intriguing. I also absolutely loved the depictions of the horses, and I really enjoyed the very slight fantasy / mystical element, which added quality to the book without taking away the "realism" feel.

I will give a warning to prospective readers that this story is brutal. While Hayford does leave some hope in there, the story takes a devastating path through a very difficult time to be a woman in our history. Further, I really struggled with a few of the choices that our main character Emilie made, and felt a bit like they were made just to add more brutality to the story... it didn't seem to completely fit her character. For me personally, I would have liked just a tad bit more happy and a few stronger choices from Emilie.

That said, due to the writing and the wonderful qualities of this book, I couldn't give it less than 4 stars. I would definitely pick up another book by this author.

[Michael Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Days of Sun and Shadow by India Hayford is an evocative historical novel about resilience, belonging, human connection, and the powerful relationship between people and the natural world. Set against the wild landscapes of the early nineteenth century, the story follows Emilie McCain through tragedy, hardship, love, and the difficult process of discovering where she truly belongs.

Emilie's unusual connection to nature gives the story a distinctive quality. Born during the violence surrounding the Battle and Massacre at Fort Mims, she grows up with the mysterious Sight, receiving visions through dreams guided by an owl, while also possessing an extraordinary ability to communicate with horses. These gifts become important parts of her identity as she navigates a world where women have limited control over their own lives.

The novel's treatment of Emilie's relationship with horses is particularly compelling. Her journey from Alabama to Arkansas Territory and eventually into Texas transforms her into a skilled horse trainer and leatherworker, while the dangers around her continually test her strength and judgment. Yellow fever, greed, vengeance, difficult relationships, and the harshness of the land all contribute to a story in which survival requires both resilience and emotional courage.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction, Southern fiction, stories centered on strong women, nature driven narratives, horses, and sweeping tales of personal resilience should find Days of Sun and Shadow especially appealing. Its combination of historical atmosphere, emotional depth, natural beauty, and subtle elements of the supernatural gives the novel a distinctive identity within contemporary historical fiction.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried no less than 9 times while reading this, and you can’t make me shut up about India Hayford’s gorgeous writing!!

Tragedy follows our protagonist, Emilie, in many forms throughout life. We get her perspective from childhood, through her teenage years, and into adulthood. Emilie is just one strong female character among multiple. I adored her and her resilient, independent spirit!

Hayford’s blend of multiple povs worked well for me, as I enjoyed meeting new characters in the third person and catching up with them later. Emilie’s pov is always in first person, and it was a delight to be inside her determined mind.

The characters are well-developed and multidimensional. I laughed with them, I cried with them, I was happy for them, I was angry and heartbroken on their behalf. I loved Emilie’s strong relationship with her grandmother, as well as with friends she met and family she reconnected with.

The elements of magical realism brought more beauty and whimsy among the wonders of the 1800s Arkansas Territory landscape. Reading how the supernatural mingled with the natural was something to behold.

I’ve never ridden a horse in real life (one has sneezed on me, lol), but now I am yearning for what I think would be an enchanting experience after reading this beautiful tale.

There are many layers in this narrative, and I remained fully immersed in the story from beginning to end!

[I will caution that there are things that happen not only to humans, but to horses in this that you might want to know before reading!]

**Thanks so much to NetGalley & the publisher for access to this arc!

[JemeryInPrint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Days of Sun and Shadow by India Hayford is an unforgettable, soul-stirring historical fiction novel that captivated me from the very first page and left me eager for each new chapter. Hayford explores themes of home, family, resilience, love, loss, and identity with remarkable emotional depth. Emilie is a wonderfully strong and determined protagonist whose journey stayed with me long after I finished.

Hayford masterfully weaves together multiple perspectives centered around Emilie and those whose lives intersect with hers. The shifting points of view enrich the narrative, adding depth and allowing every character to feel fully realized. I especially appreciated that Emilie's first-person perspective remained the emotional anchor of the story while the third-person chapters broadened the world around her.

Rather than relying solely on dramatic plot twists, the novel's greatest strength is its thoughtful, layered character development. I laughed, cried, felt anger, and celebrated alongside these characters, particularly the relationships Emilie shares with her grandmother, friends, and the family she reconnects with throughout her life.

The lyrical prose flows effortlessly, and the subtle touches of magical realism blend beautifully with the historical setting of the 1800s Arkansas Territory, adding a sense of wonder without overshadowing the heart of the story. As an audiobook ARC, the narration further enhanced the emotional impact and made it incredibly easy to become immersed in Hayford's beautifully crafted world.

Thank you India Hayford, RBmedia | Recorded Books, and NetGalley for the audio ACR in exchange for an honest review.

[April M Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Between the Chapters Facebook Book Club, Kensington Publishers and India Hayford for an ARC of Days of Sun and Shadow. I don't give away spoilers in my reviews.
What a fantastic story! I immediately loved Emilie, the most main character but also loved Madelaine as well. The rest of the characters were interwoven so perfectly.
Emilie is unwanted as a child for reasons that I won't type since it would spoil much of the story. She is a kind, polite, talented child with many talents from the "Sight" as well as being a horse-whisperer.
At times, I hated other characters for the ways they treated Emilie. At times I could understand why they did what they did. Having each chapter be from one character's point of view made the characters have so much more depth, and made the story that much more complete.
I enjoyed the settings, the adventure, the history, but most of all, I really loved all the relationships between the women.
Madelaine is not who she first appears to be. I think I enjoyed her story the most. Even the children in the book - especially Rose, played such an important part of this story of Emilie.
The men were also great characters - some I hated, some I loved.
I didn't know the history of the Arkansas Territory, the journeys many took to settle there, or anything about horse training. The author explains everything so easily and inserts it in a wonderful, historical, sometimes spiritual, story about love and loss.
I didn't want this book to end and I wish it had a sequel.
The best part of the book was the Author's Note at the end. I won't spoil it for anyone.

[C Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️
This book starts off with tragedy as the main character Emilie is born outside the Fort Mims in Alabama and the Fort ends up being over-run by the Red Stick Creek warriors during the Indian wars of 1813, killing all of her siblings. Because her mother was giving birth, she felt she wasn't able to protect her other children so blamed Emilie as a consequence. These injustices were repeated throughout the book, though not over dramatic. I'm sure this book accurately depicts the very difficult lives in the early settlement years. The book has a lot of symbolism, particularly an Owl who helped fight off the attackers for baby Emilie who has a version of the "sight" and her heart horse Star. Since her mother rejected her, Emilie ends up being raised by her grandmother, while her father was working as a lawyer.

Emilie's life is remarkable, and thankfully through the love of her grandmother, and the devotion of her father, she grows up with a strong will to be a self reliant woman. Though her choice in men is frustrating, she somehow overcomes her abusive husband, and his 'right" to take all her earnings and gamble it away. She had the fortune to have a father that was a lawyer and helped her bounce back several times even though the law was rarely in her favor as a woman. The book encompasses her life as a horse trainer and a saddle maker. Not a typical career for a young woman in Alabama. But she has a lot of skill, and a great support system.

I like a book with a strong Woman. The pacing was quite good and kept my attention the entire time. I felt deeply for the characters, and felt the book wrapped up rather nicely. I would recommend this book if you like epic tales with strong women at the helm.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

This engrossing novel focuses on a woman in early 19th century Arkansas, the family and friends around her, and her love of horses. It combines solid historical fiction with a multi-generational family saga, a bildungsroman, and just the right amount of fantastical elements to give it a kick. At first I thought the fantastical element totally unnecessary, as the story is rich in history, with a solid plot and a meandering story that takes us from the birth of Emilie to her adulthood, with lots of exciting episodes in between, featuring drama, heartbreak, love, births, deaths, etc. But the fantasy element complements the rest of the story, without detracting anything from it.

The characters were strong, well-drawn, and of a large variety. I enjoyed the writing, although I enjoyed the action-based sections more than the historical-based sections (the historical contexts I thought were also very well-balanced here: not too much history, but just enough to have the reader understand the larger picture).

My one criticism is that the novel has an altogether too modern feel. The language of the characters is way too modern for this time period, which begins in 1813 but has characters speaking lingo and slang that every modern reader would recognize. I wished for more historically accurate speech patterns, but I understand why the author chose an argo that would flow more for the modern reader. Some of the relationships were also of a modern bent; I'm thinking primarily of the relationship between Emilie and her father. But overall this a strong novel.