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Sunray Alice
Approaching the end of her life, Alice Mayes, notorious caretaker of the anomaly known as the Garden of Sunray, is eager to tie up one last loose end before moving on. "The" last loose end. For decades she’s been dreaming of finding someone to share her secret with, someone worthy of her truth, and in twenty-year-old Emily Newell, she thinks she finally has.
On a momentous stroll through her massive garden with her young friend, Alice delves back into the past, back to those five horrific, mind-bending days in the summer of 1944 when she was sixteen, and for the first time in over seventy-five years, gives voice to her role in the Nazi prisoner internment camp tragedy that befell the small town of Sunray, Texas. In revealing all she witnessed, confessing all she did, she hopes to pass on a wondrous legacy as well as validate and honor the mysterious man she knew as Karl Wagner.
On a momentous stroll through her massive garden with her young friend, Alice delves back into the past, back to those five horrific, mind-bending days in the summer of 1944 when she was sixteen, and for the first time in over seventy-five years, gives voice to her role in the Nazi prisoner internment camp tragedy that befell the small town of Sunray, Texas. In revealing all she witnessed, confessing all she did, she hopes to pass on a wondrous legacy as well as validate and honor the mysterious man she knew as Karl Wagner.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
214 pages, Paperback
Published April 17, 2022
5 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Hepler
16 books165 followersJeremy Hepler is the Bram Stoker-nominated author of The Boulevard Monster, Cricket Hunters, Sunray Alice, and numerous short stories and nonfiction articles. He lives in central Texas with his wife and son and is currently working on his next novel. For more information, you can find him on X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 30, 2022
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
I often find it hard to fathom the way the publishing world works. Maybe I’m old school and I think back to how music used to be, where a band would sign a three or four album deal with a label and would go through the cycle of write, record, release, tour and repeat, but I frequently have to shake my head that this isn’t how it happens with a lot of the most talented authors out there.
Case in point: Jeremy Hepler.
I’ll admit, I was really late to the game in reading his stunning debut ‘The Boulevard Monster‘ (which also snagged a Bram Stoker Nomination (deservedly so)) and really, really enjoyed his follow up ‘Cricket Hunters.’
But for the life of me, I don’t understand why a publisher hasn’t snapped him up and agreed to release his next five books, as Hepler is truly one of the best writers out there.
Which brings me to his newest, ‘Sunray Alice.’
This book is a literary treat. I often use the “dark fiction” tag on books because I find it works better for my brain than simply saying “Horror.” This is a book that backs that up for me. Beautiful, haunting, tragic and uplifting, this book is pristine and precious and something that I wish I didn’t read, simply so I could read it again and discover Alice and the events in Sunray, Texas all over again.
What I liked: Set during the Second World War, we follow sixteen-year-old Alice as she struggles to find joy in life following her father dying overseas. When four Nazi prisoners escape from a nearby internment camp, the town is turned upside down.
It’s within this setting, told from the present from Alice to her young neighbor, Emily, that we learn about the summer Alice discovered magic does exist in the world and that not everything is as it seems.
Hepler has crafted a remarkable story. The writing voice was phenomenal. I’d equate it to how, when you dive into a new Stephen King novel you instantly fall into that world and are transported. That happened here. It actually took me about 75% of the book for my brain to say “AH-HA! That is what’s going on here!” Really fantastic and sublime work.
Jeremy also does an amazing job of having us put into the small town. We can smell the smells, see the streets and know who each resident is. The secondary characters are all really well done, which makes each event that happens later on all that more gut-wrenching.
There are essentially two endings to the book. One in the past and one in the present. Both are tear-inducing for very different reasons. Hepler deftly closed this one out in both time periods.
What I didn’t like: Look, the reality of this book is I thought it was phenomenal from start to finish. Sometimes it makes this section harder for me to find something a reader may dislike or get turned off from. In this case, with how stunning the book and writing is, I simply can’t suggest anything. I’ve already added it to my list of “Top Books of the Year.”
Why you should buy this: Swinging back around to what I said in the beginning – Hepler needs a reliable home for his work so that we can all be confident in the knowledge that every two years or so a new release arrives. Sooner if possible, please and thanks. ‘Sunray Alice’ is a book that appeals to all readers of all genres, much like ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is a movie that appealed to all moviegoers. This was dark fiction written beautifully by one of the best out there and an author that is must-read. Well done, Jeremy, Alice is one of the best characters to ever be put to page.
I often find it hard to fathom the way the publishing world works. Maybe I’m old school and I think back to how music used to be, where a band would sign a three or four album deal with a label and would go through the cycle of write, record, release, tour and repeat, but I frequently have to shake my head that this isn’t how it happens with a lot of the most talented authors out there.
Case in point: Jeremy Hepler.
I’ll admit, I was really late to the game in reading his stunning debut ‘The Boulevard Monster‘ (which also snagged a Bram Stoker Nomination (deservedly so)) and really, really enjoyed his follow up ‘Cricket Hunters.’
But for the life of me, I don’t understand why a publisher hasn’t snapped him up and agreed to release his next five books, as Hepler is truly one of the best writers out there.
Which brings me to his newest, ‘Sunray Alice.’
This book is a literary treat. I often use the “dark fiction” tag on books because I find it works better for my brain than simply saying “Horror.” This is a book that backs that up for me. Beautiful, haunting, tragic and uplifting, this book is pristine and precious and something that I wish I didn’t read, simply so I could read it again and discover Alice and the events in Sunray, Texas all over again.
What I liked: Set during the Second World War, we follow sixteen-year-old Alice as she struggles to find joy in life following her father dying overseas. When four Nazi prisoners escape from a nearby internment camp, the town is turned upside down.
It’s within this setting, told from the present from Alice to her young neighbor, Emily, that we learn about the summer Alice discovered magic does exist in the world and that not everything is as it seems.
Hepler has crafted a remarkable story. The writing voice was phenomenal. I’d equate it to how, when you dive into a new Stephen King novel you instantly fall into that world and are transported. That happened here. It actually took me about 75% of the book for my brain to say “AH-HA! That is what’s going on here!” Really fantastic and sublime work.
Jeremy also does an amazing job of having us put into the small town. We can smell the smells, see the streets and know who each resident is. The secondary characters are all really well done, which makes each event that happens later on all that more gut-wrenching.
There are essentially two endings to the book. One in the past and one in the present. Both are tear-inducing for very different reasons. Hepler deftly closed this one out in both time periods.
What I didn’t like: Look, the reality of this book is I thought it was phenomenal from start to finish. Sometimes it makes this section harder for me to find something a reader may dislike or get turned off from. In this case, with how stunning the book and writing is, I simply can’t suggest anything. I’ve already added it to my list of “Top Books of the Year.”
Why you should buy this: Swinging back around to what I said in the beginning – Hepler needs a reliable home for his work so that we can all be confident in the knowledge that every two years or so a new release arrives. Sooner if possible, please and thanks. ‘Sunray Alice’ is a book that appeals to all readers of all genres, much like ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is a movie that appealed to all moviegoers. This was dark fiction written beautifully by one of the best out there and an author that is must-read. Well done, Jeremy, Alice is one of the best characters to ever be put to page.
April 10, 2022
Oh! This book! It was soooo good! What an amazing story! It’s beautifully written and full of great characters, which you get attached too very quickly. The story is that of Alice’s life. And it’s a very interesting one. Yes, this book will make you cry. Probably more than once but it’s so worth every minute of your reading time.
April 6, 2022
Enjoyed this from beginning to end. I came into this fairly blind, not knowing what to expect. What I got was a very warmly done coming of age tale that was personally reminiscent of the feeling I got reading To Kill a Mockingbird. A completely different scenario, but the rural/ small town feel was there. Hepler created characters that you connected to immediately upon introduction. The time jumps from past to present were seemless and easy to follow.
Being the Bad Bitch that I claim to be is hard to stick to because this book had me feeling some strong emotions throughout. But I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend.
Being the Bad Bitch that I claim to be is hard to stick to because this book had me feeling some strong emotions throughout. But I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend.
April 30, 2022
Masterful!
SUNRAY ALICE is beautiful, haunting, and unique. A coming-of-age tale unlike any I've encountered, it's one of the best novels I have ever read. It's harrowing, uplifting, and absolutely unforgettable. Highly recommended!
SUNRAY ALICE is beautiful, haunting, and unique. A coming-of-age tale unlike any I've encountered, it's one of the best novels I have ever read. It's harrowing, uplifting, and absolutely unforgettable. Highly recommended!
April 26, 2022
A unique, haunting, coming-of-age tale of friendship and loss and prejudice set partly in 1940's wartime Texas and partly in the present day. It will sweep you up into its arms and carry you along and you'll be powerless to resist as you dive deeper into the story of Alice and Karl, and the traumatic events that led up to the creation of the Garden of Sunray.
There's magical realism amidst the real life horror - all beautifully delivered, Hepler's voice is sublime. The characters are fleshed out, subtle nuances adding to the genuine feel. The setting is solid, it's easy to imagine this little town and its people, and the fever that overtakes them. It's perfectly paced, drawing you in for 'just one more chapter.'
My first book by this author and now I need to search out his back catalogue!
There's magical realism amidst the real life horror - all beautifully delivered, Hepler's voice is sublime. The characters are fleshed out, subtle nuances adding to the genuine feel. The setting is solid, it's easy to imagine this little town and its people, and the fever that overtakes them. It's perfectly paced, drawing you in for 'just one more chapter.'
My first book by this author and now I need to search out his back catalogue!
March 26, 2024
Excellent coming-of-age tale. One of my favorite books this year. This book was hard to put down.
March 21, 2022
I guess, like many of my friends, It's difficult not to mention a certain author when reviewing a coming-of-age story. After reading this, I have a feeling we might be hearing someone else's name instead. I really hope so anyway. I'm not just saying that. This one feels pretty special.
Jeremy Hepler has been a go-to author for me for a couple of years now, and one I feel doesn't get the credit he deserves. I would love to see that change for him this year.
Not only is this a great story with great characters, it hits all the right notes, too. It's beautifully written. I even found myself rereading certain paragraphs to appreciate his clever choice of words at times. And it's full of heart the entire way. What a pleasure to read.
Like most books these days, I tend to go in blind. I go with gut instinct. It could be something as simple as a beautiful cover, but more often than not it's the little buzz that surrounds it.
I guarantee you, over the next few months, the buzz around this one will become huge.
Easily one of the best books I've read in a long while.
It would truly make a wonderful movie, too.
Needs to be an audiobook at least. I'd buy it again.
Five stars. This one's a labour of love.
Jeremy Hepler has been a go-to author for me for a couple of years now, and one I feel doesn't get the credit he deserves. I would love to see that change for him this year.
Not only is this a great story with great characters, it hits all the right notes, too. It's beautifully written. I even found myself rereading certain paragraphs to appreciate his clever choice of words at times. And it's full of heart the entire way. What a pleasure to read.
Like most books these days, I tend to go in blind. I go with gut instinct. It could be something as simple as a beautiful cover, but more often than not it's the little buzz that surrounds it.
I guarantee you, over the next few months, the buzz around this one will become huge.
Easily one of the best books I've read in a long while.
It would truly make a wonderful movie, too.
Needs to be an audiobook at least. I'd buy it again.
Five stars. This one's a labour of love.
April 27, 2022
Alice, an elderly woman, nearing the end of her days shares a miraculous story with Emily, a young friend who helps her care for her famous garden. This is a poignant tale of Alice's youth, growing up in a small town near a Nazi prison camp after her father was killed in the war.
It put me in mind of "The Green Mile" in the way that someone thought to be evil was actually a gift from God.
It's a beautifully written coming of age tale set in one of my favorite time periods, World War II
when Alice and her mother had to find a way to get on with life while grieving their loss.
I can't say much about the plot without spoiling it for you so I'm just going to say if you enjoy historical fiction or coming of age novels you get both here and it's glorious. I loved it.
It put me in mind of "The Green Mile" in the way that someone thought to be evil was actually a gift from God.
It's a beautifully written coming of age tale set in one of my favorite time periods, World War II
when Alice and her mother had to find a way to get on with life while grieving their loss.
I can't say much about the plot without spoiling it for you so I'm just going to say if you enjoy historical fiction or coming of age novels you get both here and it's glorious. I loved it.
Read
December 10, 2022N.B. I do not rate on goodreads.
I loved this novel. Characters, setting, relationships, loved everything about it. This was an easy read, and I mean that in the best way possible. Well-written, with a smooth flow, immersive setting, and a coming-of-age theme, seamlessly portrayed.
The 'suspension of disbelief' elements were somehow believable, and the whole story felt rounded. I enjoy stories written from an elderly person's perspective, and since the majority of the book was told in the past, we saw Alice's whole life unfurl before us in a garden of 'Eden.'
Highly recommended.
I loved this novel. Characters, setting, relationships, loved everything about it. This was an easy read, and I mean that in the best way possible. Well-written, with a smooth flow, immersive setting, and a coming-of-age theme, seamlessly portrayed.
The 'suspension of disbelief' elements were somehow believable, and the whole story felt rounded. I enjoy stories written from an elderly person's perspective, and since the majority of the book was told in the past, we saw Alice's whole life unfurl before us in a garden of 'Eden.'
Highly recommended.
November 30, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to read #83 for the year. My first Jeremy Hepler bookand I can guarantee it won’t be my last. A phenomenal coming of age tale that invoked strong emotions and kept me on the edge of my seat by the end. Strong writing and characters worth caring about. One of my top books for the year. As you can probably tell, I loved it!
May 7, 2022
As beautifully written as I've come to expect from Jeremy Hepler - Sunray Alice is a compelling coming of age tale, with incredible horrific elements. Hepler is a master of character creation and atmosphere, and his skills shine through. I'll read whatever he writes.
June 7, 2023
A haunting, coming-of-age tale.
In a beautiful, haunting, coming-of-age tale, Jeremy Hepler brings to life the small town of Sunray, Texas. More so, he introduces the reader to Alice Mayes, a character you won’t soon forget. The story is told through Alice’s perspective, from both her present and past viewpoints. Jeremy masterfully reveals the secret Alice has been keeping for decades, by intertwining the two storylines into one touching, poignant and unforgettable ending. Highly recommended.
In a beautiful, haunting, coming-of-age tale, Jeremy Hepler brings to life the small town of Sunray, Texas. More so, he introduces the reader to Alice Mayes, a character you won’t soon forget. The story is told through Alice’s perspective, from both her present and past viewpoints. Jeremy masterfully reveals the secret Alice has been keeping for decades, by intertwining the two storylines into one touching, poignant and unforgettable ending. Highly recommended.
April 21, 2022
"Sunray Alice" is an emotional tale, a story of small town Sunray, Texas, next to which the US government had placed a POW camp for Nazi prisoners during WWII. (A little taught fact of WWII American history is that we housed up to 400,000 POWs in about 500 camps across the States.) The story focuses on the teenaged Alice of the past, whose encounters with an escaped prisoner irrevocably changes the course of her life forever, and a senior Alice of the present, wanting to tie up one last loose end and pass on her life's legacy, the Garden of Sunray. The story is a heart-wrenching tale of growing up in a small town, the grief of the loss of a parent, the discovery of something magical. It's a little heavy-handed at times with the emotion, but overall it's a profound read of one woman's life, well lived. Recommended.
April 5, 2022
SUNRAY ALICE, by Jeremy Hepler, is a coming of age novel that has touches on just about everything. Heavy emotions, magic, prejudices, friendship, right vrs. wrong--all of these are present in this one book.
The writing is easy to follow, and although most of it takes place in the past, I never had trouble connecting the future implications. A solid read from a writer I look forward to reading more from.
Recommended.
The writing is easy to follow, and although most of it takes place in the past, I never had trouble connecting the future implications. A solid read from a writer I look forward to reading more from.
Recommended.
April 23, 2023
This is officially my favorite story by Jeremy Hepler, an author I've enjoyed for a couple of years now. As always, his characters are written with such richness it's hard not to find multiple who are relatable (and a few whose darkness will give you the chills). The story was so beautiful, though definitely devastating in parts. Alice's relationship with her mother was particularly moving. I was reminded of The Green Mile, though only in a general sense - no spoilers! - as this is definitely its own unique tale of loss, healing, and redemption.
I highly recommend this book for people who enjoy meaningful stories balancing whimsy, little-known parts of American history, the light and darkness present in human nature, all with a healthy dose of magical realism tying it together. Alice is a character too special to be missed!
I highly recommend this book for people who enjoy meaningful stories balancing whimsy, little-known parts of American history, the light and darkness present in human nature, all with a healthy dose of magical realism tying it together. Alice is a character too special to be missed!
August 5, 2022
I’ve always been a big admirer of Jeremy Hepler’s work, and Sunray Alice is Hepler at the very top of his form. This novel was a joy to read, not only for its original plot, but especially for the sheer amount of evocative detail he infuses into his story of a girl who faces a number of challenges in 1944 Texas when a small group of Nazis escape their internment camp in Texas and try to hide out in the small town of Sunray. From the very first page, your feet set down in that small Texas panhandle town, and Hepler’s accumulation of precise details about life in that town makes you feel like you’re actually in Sunray, walking its streets, fishing by one of its creeks. Alice herself is a wonderful evocation of a 14-year-old girl trying to come to terms with a mother who sneaks drinks, a boy about her age she has some romantic feelings towards, and the town crisis of escaped Nazis maybe hiding out nearby. This is easily the best novel I’ve read in years. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Trust me on this.
April 1, 2023
A sentimental and bittersweet tale.
I went into this without knowing much and I’m so glad I did. If you enjoy historical tales with supernatural elements be sure to check this one out!
I went into this without knowing much and I’m so glad I did. If you enjoy historical tales with supernatural elements be sure to check this one out!
July 12, 2022
This is a haunting novel. A novel that sticks with you. Elderly Alice brings us back to the days of World War 2, in the Town of Sunray. I expected drama. What I did not respect was an absolutely beautiful and melancholic coming of age tale that stuck with me long after the novel ended.
This is an exquisite novel. An absolutely beautiful novel. Jeremy Hepler paints two portraits, of present and past, and makes the reader fall in love with each one. Alice is an absolutely fantastic character, crafted in such a way by her own memories and reminisces while she reflects on her relationship and friendship with one Karl Wagner, the emotional core of the novel.
and the book is emotional. A wistful reminiscing on youth, aging and the past we carry with us. The sheer emotions remain with the reader throughout. Sunray feels alive, from the start until the end as an elderly Alice wishes to pass on her legacy and the metaphorical keys to the garden.
A story of a life well lived and an amazing book.
This is an exquisite novel. An absolutely beautiful novel. Jeremy Hepler paints two portraits, of present and past, and makes the reader fall in love with each one. Alice is an absolutely fantastic character, crafted in such a way by her own memories and reminisces while she reflects on her relationship and friendship with one Karl Wagner, the emotional core of the novel.
and the book is emotional. A wistful reminiscing on youth, aging and the past we carry with us. The sheer emotions remain with the reader throughout. Sunray feels alive, from the start until the end as an elderly Alice wishes to pass on her legacy and the metaphorical keys to the garden.
A story of a life well lived and an amazing book.
Read
March 25, 2022Magic realism, with a touch of horror, done well!
In Sunray Alice, author Jeremy Hepler conjures a charming coming-of-age tale set in wartime Texas. The titular Alice navigates her way through grief and loss, learning how actions have consequences and that becoming an adult may not be all it's cracked up to be.
The town of Sunray, painted with such flourish as it evokes a small Texas town in the 1940s, becomes a strong character itself in Alice's story. I love stories where characters stumble over their own biases to question the untested beliefs of childhood, and Hepler delivers this in spades.
In Sunray Alice, author Jeremy Hepler conjures a charming coming-of-age tale set in wartime Texas. The titular Alice navigates her way through grief and loss, learning how actions have consequences and that becoming an adult may not be all it's cracked up to be.
The town of Sunray, painted with such flourish as it evokes a small Texas town in the 1940s, becomes a strong character itself in Alice's story. I love stories where characters stumble over their own biases to question the untested beliefs of childhood, and Hepler delivers this in spades.
August 29, 2022
I was hesitant starting this novel, as I'm not usually a fan of stories from this era BUT I'm glad I read it. Jeremy Hepler is an outstanding author and this book is extremely well written and engaging. There are two viewpoints: present-day in third-person from Alice's perspective and the past in first-person from a younger Alice's perspective. I loved how Hepler wove the two together, it's hard to pull off first-person but I think what the author did here was fantastic, helping us to connect more with the young Alice in a time that could seem foreign to a lot of younger readers.
May 14, 2022
This was such a wonderful coming of age story. Alice is
such a beautifully written character... one that you'd love
have in your own life. The whole storyline was engaging
from start to finish.
This is an easy read to recommend. 4⭐️
such a beautifully written character... one that you'd love
have in your own life. The whole storyline was engaging
from start to finish.
This is an easy read to recommend. 4⭐️
June 26, 2022
Full disclosure, I am the current publisher of this book. We acquired it when another publisher closed their doors suddenly, so this was my first chance to read / listen to the story. This is a great book. Jeremy Hepler, more known for darker works, has delivered a story with history, heart, and passion.
When four Nazi prisoners escape an internment camp near a small Texas town named Sunray, it sets a sequence of events in action with consequences to nearly every resident. Sunray is heavy on churches and saloons. Alice, whose father died in the war, finds herself pitted against an array of unexpected events, rival kids, her mother and her memories that would send most adults reeling.
The secret she uncovers, and fights for, is remarkable. The characters feel gritty, and real, and the relationships are clearly defined, steering the action. Told from the POV of Alice as an old woman, to a younger woman named Emily, this is a story you won't soon forget.
And though it's not always the case, this is a book where you don't want to miss the author's notes. How the story came to be, what it means to him, are all important.
The narrator, Cathi Colas, is the perfect voice, able to bring young and old Alice to live, as well as a fairly complex group of others seamlessly.
Highly recommended.
When four Nazi prisoners escape an internment camp near a small Texas town named Sunray, it sets a sequence of events in action with consequences to nearly every resident. Sunray is heavy on churches and saloons. Alice, whose father died in the war, finds herself pitted against an array of unexpected events, rival kids, her mother and her memories that would send most adults reeling.
The secret she uncovers, and fights for, is remarkable. The characters feel gritty, and real, and the relationships are clearly defined, steering the action. Told from the POV of Alice as an old woman, to a younger woman named Emily, this is a story you won't soon forget.
And though it's not always the case, this is a book where you don't want to miss the author's notes. How the story came to be, what it means to him, are all important.
The narrator, Cathi Colas, is the perfect voice, able to bring young and old Alice to live, as well as a fairly complex group of others seamlessly.
Highly recommended.
August 7, 2022
A tragic tale set in a small Texas panhandle town, which jumps form the present day to the 1940s, as a young Alice struggles with the death of her father in WWII, family and friends who do not understand her, and discovering the otherworldly secret of a hunted German POW. A moving and unexpectedly uplifting tale.
August 25, 2022
SUNRAY ALICE - by Jeremy Hepler
‘Approaching the end of her life, Alice Mayes, notorious caretaker of the anomaly known as The Garden of Sunray, is eager to tie up one last loose end before moving on. The last loose end. For decades she’s been dreaming of finding someone to share her secret with, someone worthy of her truth, and in twenty-year-old Emily Newell, she thinks she finally has.’
The one issue I have in regards to Karl, without delving into spoilers, is in relation to the optics of the reader specific to who he is perceived to be, and the tangible outcome of his actions, which felt off-putting at times.
Overall, I enjoyed the book told from the alternating perspective of sixteen-year-old Alice in 1944, and ninety-three-year-old Alice in, present day.
Recommend!
Source – Own/eBook
‘Approaching the end of her life, Alice Mayes, notorious caretaker of the anomaly known as The Garden of Sunray, is eager to tie up one last loose end before moving on. The last loose end. For decades she’s been dreaming of finding someone to share her secret with, someone worthy of her truth, and in twenty-year-old Emily Newell, she thinks she finally has.’
The one issue I have in regards to Karl, without delving into spoilers, is in relation to the optics of the reader specific to who he is perceived to be, and the tangible outcome of his actions, which felt off-putting at times.
Overall, I enjoyed the book told from the alternating perspective of sixteen-year-old Alice in 1944, and ninety-three-year-old Alice in, present day.
Recommend!
Source – Own/eBook
February 2, 2023
I loved the narration of Cathi Colas, who brings out the wonder of this story, You feel the friendship and can feel how the Alice grows in this book.
This is set partly in 1940's wartime Texas and partly in the present day. The story of Alice and Karl, and the traumatic events that led up to the creation of the Garden of Sunray.
Alice, an elderly woman, tells a story to Emily, a young friend who helps her care for her garden. This is a poignant tale of Alice's youth, growing up in a small town near a Nazi prison camp after her father was killed in the war.
This book will make you smile and cry, love the unexpected paranormal turns. I wonderful story.
This is set partly in 1940's wartime Texas and partly in the present day. The story of Alice and Karl, and the traumatic events that led up to the creation of the Garden of Sunray.
Alice, an elderly woman, tells a story to Emily, a young friend who helps her care for her garden. This is a poignant tale of Alice's youth, growing up in a small town near a Nazi prison camp after her father was killed in the war.
This book will make you smile and cry, love the unexpected paranormal turns. I wonderful story.
June 6, 2022
Sunray Alice by Jeremy Hepler is one of my top reads of 2022 so far. It tells the story Alice Mayes, in a dual narrative, one which takes place when she's a child during WW2, and a present-day narrative in which she's revealing her final secret to Emily, to whom she is leaving her house and amazing garden.
The bulk of the story in set during WW2. Alice is grieving over the loss of her father in the war. News comes of an escape from a nearby prisoner of war camp. Alice encounters one of the escaped prisoners and wonders if this could be the man who killed her father. But then something happens that forces Alice to reevaluate everything she believes.
It's a great story first of all. The pace is quick throughout, as the community hunts for the missing prisoners (some of whom are downright nasty) and Alice becomes tangled up in it all. The magical elements of the novel are convincing with the world of the novel. Alice is a great character too. The scene in which she goes after one of the Nazis will stick with me for a long time.
This is a novel that brought me great joy. I was really invested in the story and the characters. The writing is great throughout. I loved it.
The bulk of the story in set during WW2. Alice is grieving over the loss of her father in the war. News comes of an escape from a nearby prisoner of war camp. Alice encounters one of the escaped prisoners and wonders if this could be the man who killed her father. But then something happens that forces Alice to reevaluate everything she believes.
It's a great story first of all. The pace is quick throughout, as the community hunts for the missing prisoners (some of whom are downright nasty) and Alice becomes tangled up in it all. The magical elements of the novel are convincing with the world of the novel. Alice is a great character too. The scene in which she goes after one of the Nazis will stick with me for a long time.
This is a novel that brought me great joy. I was really invested in the story and the characters. The writing is great throughout. I loved it.
December 7, 2022
I don’t say this lightly, this book was the closest thing to Boy’s Life I have ever read when it comes to a coming of age classic. I love coming of age books, but mostly horror related. Don’t get me wrong, there are some horror elements sprinkled in this book throughout, how can escapes Nazi soldiers hiding in a small TX town NOT be terrifying? But this book is so much deeper than any horror elements. The characters are memorable, the town so recognizable that I felt I was there. There are a few specific scenes that really got my heart pounding, and I love how Hepler took some plot points in an unexpected turn. I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s incredible
September 11, 2022
This was my first Jeremy Hepler book, but I will most definitely be back. The author's writing style is extremely readable as if he's having a conversation with the reader. The story itself is also top-notch and kept me engaged until the final page.
April 6, 2022
Review coming soon!
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