Days of Sun and Shadow

by India Hayford, Zura Johnson (Narrator), Laura Jennings (Narrator)

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, Drama, Adult Fiction

Audible Audio

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]

A good read overall, set during the early 19th century and told with plenty of pioneering spirit, with a feisty FMC. A combination of historical fiction and a coming of age.

Full RTC

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Kirstie Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a beautiful story🥹😭❤️

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Janall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written historical fiction with a drop of magical realism. ( the MC has the “sight” and see upcoming deaths via dreams as an owl).

The day Emille was born in 1813, her 7 siblings die in a Massacre at Fort Mimms. Her mother’s grief was bottomless and she blamed her. The story covers Emile’s childhood and coming of age, bringing the trials and tribulations of life on a homestead.

The story takes place during a time when women were essentially property of their husbands- free for him to do as he wished. They had babies every year until they eventually died in childbirth. It was a perilous time to be a woman. This is where Emile really shines-Regardless of the trauma and heartbreak in her life Emille has grit and inspiring determination to build a life for herself as a horse trainer on the frontiers of Alabama and Arkansas. I loved all the characters in the story, they had nuance and complexity. I hope there is a sequel- Id love to read it.

Personal note- Before marrying-all women should ask themselves:“what does he bring to the table and are you better off with him or without?” I cheered when Emilie stands up for herself.

Trigger warning-This book contains a graphic scenes of child and SA as well as injury/death of horses. These are important for the story line but may be difficult for some readers.

I listened to an audio version and the narrators were excellent.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review- all opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vivid Southern saga worthy of Gone with the Wind stature (with a touch of Little House on the Prairie for good measure) this historical novel is replete with meaty characters (especially female), battles of will, disasters both manmade and nature-made, love versus lust, and the struggle for personal and professional growth against all odds on the pre-Civil War frontier from the Carolinas, to Louisiana, to Arkansas, to Texas, especially as experienced by its central protagonist, Emilie McCain. Always it is family bonds that do the most help and harm, with the added intrigue of Emilie’s Scots-Irish-inherited “second sight,” whose activation is always signaled by the appearance of Owl, her spirit animal, in some discomfiting, or redemptive, or even life-or-death situations. We see Emilie’s progression from a shy, observant girl with a preternatural gift for gentling and training horses to her adult stature as respected businesswoman and community leader, fiercely loyal to her family and friends: bloody but unbowed. Oh, and even Mr. David (aka Davy) Crockett makes a cameo appearance in Arkansas and has quite a touching and impactful heart-to-heart with our heroine. The McCain clan’s firm antislavery posture makes for a good number of tense situations with their neighbors, as well. Altogether, Ms. Hayford’s book provides a lavish and winning combination of grit, romance, empathy, and adventure.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧4.5⭐️

I had the audiobook of this character driven historical fiction read by Zara Johnson, Laura Jennings, Matt Godfrey who really added to the storytelling for me.

The main character is Emilie we follow her life in the 1800’s she has special abilities, she can see people’s upcoming death in a dream, she also has a special communication with horses.

I absolutely loved Emilie, she didn’t have an easy life, she’s such a strong resilient character. I loved her connection to her horses especially Star. The character and emotional depth really drew me in, the prose is beautiful. There are other perspectives of characters ( Susanna, Jolee) whose lives are intertwined with Emilies, again strong women who have much to contend with. Emilie was my favourite. Her gift gives a whimsical feel, but it’s not a major plot driver.
There’s a good blend with historical facts to give a grounding to the story. The modern language used makes it easy to listen to.
The reason it doesn’t rate higher as I felt the other perspectives particularly Jolee drew me away from the main character too much as they appear early in the story. I re listened to the beginning section again once I’d finished and it flowed much better for me, so perhaps it was just my lack of concentration.

Sits well in the strong female lead historical fiction subgenre which I’ve been enjoying recently, I’m keen to find more. It’s certainly got the feels that I love.


I had this book for free from NetGalley

[Dessiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won Days of Sun and Shadow by India Hayford in a giveaway and ended up enjoying it more than I expected...
I think a lot of the emotional themes in this story resonated with me. The book follows Emilie through so many painful and complicated moments in her life and I really appreciated how much resilience and strength she carried despite everything she endured. The Southern Gothic atmosphere and historical setting also gave the story this haunting feel that stayed with me...
The pacing was slower at times, but I actually think it worked for this kind of story because it allowed the emotional weight and relationships to really settle in. I also liked the magical realism elements woven throughout the book because they added something unique without taking away from the historical fiction side of it.
the moments involving Emilie’s visions and her connection to the owl spirit were some of the most memorable parts for me. The scenes where she sensed death before it happened honestly gave the story this constant quiet sadness and tension that made certain moments hit even harder emotionally.

Overall this was a thoughtful and emotional read that I’m glad I discovered through a giveaway. I think readers who enjoy slower historical fiction with strong female characters, family struggles, and touches of magical realism would probably really enjoy this one...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Dorkst3r · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Days of Sun and Shadow through a Goodreads giveaway sponsored by India Hayford and the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this unforgettable novel.
This was a beautifully written and deeply emotional historical fiction story that stayed with me long after I finished it.

Emilie’s journey is filled with hardship, loss, resilience, and survival, and I found myself completely invested in her life from the very beginning. Her connection to nature, horses, and the mysterious “Sight” added a unique and haunting layer to the story without overpowering the emotional heart of the book.

The writing is atmospheric and immersive, bringing the early 1800s setting vividly to life. This is not a fast-paced novel, but rather a thoughtful and character-driven story that slowly pulls you in. Some parts are heavy and difficult, so I would definitely recommend checking content warnings beforehand.

What stood out most to me was Emilie’s strength and perseverance through everything she endured. Despite the darkness in parts of the story, there is also beauty, hope, and quiet resilience woven throughout.

Overall, this is a moving and memorable read for fans of historical fiction with rich storytelling and emotional depth. A powerful debut that I won’t soon forget. ✨

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well! India Hayford has done it again. I loved The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree. And her second book is almost as good as her first.

Emilie and her family make 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.

Emilie is a woman who does not let anything stop her, including husbands. And she makes some bad decisions in that department. But she overcomes so much to become her own person.

This does have a bit of a slow start but the history and the story surrounding Emilie and her beginnings just kept me moving along.

Yall! There were several places in this book that I had to pause the narration. I had to catch my breath. This story is powerful. It is emotional. It is very well researched and very well written.

This is narrated by Zura Johnson, Laura Jennings and Matt Godfrey. I cannot imagine a better team to narrate this book.

Need a story that just might make you cry, scream and throw something…THIS IS IT. Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[Kelsey MacGlashing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away. I won it in a Goodreads giveaway so I went in pretty blind and had no idea what to expect. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this incredible book that I otherwise probably wouldn’t have read.

The book centers around Emilie from the time she’s born during tragedy through her adulthood from Alabama to Arkansas and eventually Texas. Emilie has a gift and a way with animals that carries her through her journey. The stories of other minor characters weave their way through Emilie’s tale and seamlessly fit together to tell a beautiful tale of strength, survival and heartache.

I loved the way all of the characters’ stories and backstories fit together to provide context for the full community. Emilie had an independence to her during a time when women weren’t really independent and getting to learn the past and experiences of some of the other characters around her really showed how she was supported by them and able to stand on their shoulders. All of the women in this book were so strong and resilient and endured unthinkable tragedies and struggles that helped them build this beautiful community. So many of these characters were complex and intriguing.

I can’t say enough good things about this book and will recommend to everyone!

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down!! An inviting story of family, horses and how life constantly changes. Emilie is just an amazing woman with 'the Sight" clairvoyancy for future tragedies and has great skills with training horses. She's had good times and bad times but will always love her horses. Her saga begins at age 7, with the sense of her aunt's death and the vision of 'the Owl.' Her Granny helps her to understand about this gift and is by her side as counsel and substitute Mother. In 1813, the family lives in Alabama deciding to go to Washington, Arkansas to start over. After 6 years of hardship, the family relocates to start a horse farm. Emilie has her fair share of romances 2 marriages and finally decides to move herself to Texas. No matter where she or what circumstances, Emilie is such a trooper and pulls through life's sorrows. I enjoyed her as a character and feel the author did an excellent job portraying her as the hero! The author moves the story right along, has some real surprises and developed the other characters very well. Makes me want to read the author's first book, The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree. Thanks, India Hayford for an amazing story and thank Book Browse for giving me the chance to read it.

[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.

[Tiffany Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

Days of Sun and Shadow is a beautifully written novel that completely drew me in from the very beginning. India Hayford creates a rich historical setting filled with vivid descriptions, memorable characters, and an emotional depth that kept me invested in Emilie’s journey from start to finish.

I especially loved how the story blended historical fiction with subtle touches of magical realism. Emilie’s gift never felt overdone, but instead added another layer of mystery and meaning to an already compelling story. Through heartbreak, loss, hope, and resilience, I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

The pacing is thoughtful rather than rushed, allowing the characters and relationships to develop naturally. By the end, I felt like I had truly lived alongside them. The writing is lyrical and immersive, making it easy to picture every scene.

If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female characters, emotional storytelling, and a touch of the extraordinary, I highly recommend Days of Sun and Shadow. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished the last page.

[Jared Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Days of Sun and Shadow by India Hayford is a beautifully written piece of historical fiction that weaves together multiple perspectives, centered around Emilie and those whose lives intersect with hers. The story explores the challenges life places in each character’s path, showing not only the weight of those struggles but also the resilience required to move through them.
Hayford does an excellent job of bringing each character to life, giving their journeys emotional depth without losing the broader historical backdrop. The shifting perspectives add layers to the narrative, making the story feel expansive while still personal.
What stood out most to me was the writing itself. It flows effortlessly and carries a quiet strength that fits the tone of the story perfectly. Rather than relying on dramatic moments alone, the book builds its impact through steady, meaningful character development.
Overall, Days of Sun and Shadow is a compelling and well-crafted read that will resonate with anyone who enjoys character-driven historical fiction.

[STACY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of those quiet, haunting books that doesn’t rely on plot twists or fast pacing, but instead settles into your bones.

Set in the early 1800s, the story follows Emilie McCain through a life marked by loss, survival, and a subtle thread of mysticism. Her “Sight” and connection to the natural world add an eerie, beautiful layer, but the real heart of this book is how she keeps going, even when everything is taken from her.

The writing is lyrical and atmospheric, with a strong sense of place that makes you feel the weight of the time period. It’s not an easy read emotionally. There’s a lot of honest heartbreak here.

That said, if you’re looking for something fast-paced or plot-driven, this probably won’t be for you. This is a slow, character-driven journey that asks for patience, but rewards you with something quietly powerful.

A heavy, beautiful story about resilience, loss, and finding your way forward.

[Kim McGee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars
Another historical marvel by India Hayford that chronicles the hardships of three women in the early 1800's who must endure controlling men and learn to rely on the help of supportive women and their own inner strength. Emilie and her family move to the wilderness where she feels at home in the natural beauty around her as well as her new found love and understanding of horses. This sets her on a path to a successful business later in life. She has the gift of second sight which alerts her to people in need but sadly doesn't always help in her choice of husbands. The women in this tale endure abuse from many of the men in their lives but also find friendship and love from others. In the wilds of Arkansas and Texas they find independence and with it comes many hard
choices. Based on the author's relatives this tale covers a broad stroke of horse breeding/racing, innocence lost and abuse from men and the importance of family and community. It is a must for readers of engaging historical fiction especially those of strong resilient women.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Days of Sun and Shadow by India Hayford is a beautifully atmospheric blend of historical fiction and magical realism. Emilie McCain enters the world during the horrific Fort Mims massacre in 1813, and her mother never lets her forget that her birth coincided with the loss of Emilie's siblings. Carrying that burden throughout her life, Emilie is guided by mysterious visions and dreams, often accompanied by an owl and shadowed by glimpses of death.

I especially enjoyed Emilie's love of horses and the sections of the story set in Arkansas, where she carves out a place for herself as a horse trainer. Her determination and resilience made her an easy character to root for, and the supernatural elements added an intriguing layer without overwhelming the historical setting.

The novel moves at a measured pace, but the rich atmosphere, strong sense of place, and unique heroine kept me invested. If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of folklore and the mystical, this is well worth picking up.

[Sarah Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

I really like the title and cover of this book after reading it. It is such a beautiful cover to begin with, but then to have it come together in the end was much appreciated. There are some sensitive scenes in the book, but there are also very beautiful scenes, and then everything in between, which made the book not only easy to read, but wanting to continue to read as it went on. There were many times my I was dying to know what happened, like mini climaxes throughout the entire story. I loved the message of family, which seemed to be my biggest takeaway from it. I laughed, I cried, I had sighs of happiness and sadness, I had all the feels. The horses were a beautiful addition to the book and I loved all the different points of views throughout it.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Hamad Naif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington
Publishing for this beautiful special book ❤️

*Days of Sun and Shadow* is my favourite historical fiction this year; it gets under your skin and stays there. India Hayford opens in 1813, in the middle of a massacre, and from that violent beginning she builds something achingly alive. Emilie McCain is born into loss and gifted with the Sight, a connection to horses and to something older than language, and watching her move through early America feels less like reading history and more like witnessing it.

Hayford writes the natural world the way someone writes about a person they love. The land has weight and texture and presence throughout. The magical elements never feel forced because they never feel separate from the earth they come from.

If you loved *Go as a River* or *The Giver of Stars*, this one belongs on your list. It publishes June 30th and it is worth every bit of the wait.

[Sheila Garry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got to page 144 out of 381 and just couldn’t finish.

There were long parts that were a slog to get through. Many sentences were run on with descriptions included which interfered with the gist of the sentence. Ie, someone had their face cut in a room that had floral wallpaper. No. Inappropriate. Put that wallpaper elsewhere in the paragraph.

There were a LOT of characters who were married and had children and grandchildren…..think the bible where Agnes begot Abraham who married Sarah who married……..
It was too much. Between the unimportant ancillary characters and the sentence padding, it seemed as if the author was trying to reach a page goal.

The author said in the acknowledgments, at the beginning of the book, that she had full pages of notes on the smallest of details. These she included as if she didn’t want to waste her research. Yes, it’s historical fiction, but dry facts should be left to textbooks.