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A review by ndandy
Sunshine and Shadow by Laura London, Tom Curtis, Sharon Curtis
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Alan Wilde is a jaded child star turned monster movie director. When Susan Peachey, a beautiful Amish widow, accidentally invades his movie set he realises he must have her (in his film and in his bed). This is book has no right to be as good as it is.
As a a caveat - this book is incredibly dated. Asides from abundant 80s references, I just don’t think you could write this book in the same way today. You’re more likely to enjoy this is if you approach it as historical romance than a contemporary. There is a pretty massive power imbalance here, and while this certainly does not go unexamined by the text, there are dimensions that would be approached quite differently in the wake of #MeToo. But this imbalance is part of what makes Sunshine and Shadow so interesting. Alan casts Susan in his movie for explicitly horny reasons, and his character arc is largely focused on him realising the implications of this power imbalance and the inevitable harm he will cause. While he is ultimately a kind hero rather than a looming threat, his good intentions don't magically erase the danger. Susan is also steel-boned and strong-willed. She is certainly not a hapless ingenue - she has agency and makes her own choices to given into seduction (and to seduce). I loved both these characters so much. I spent so much of this book oscillating between desperately wanting them to get together, and dreading the disaster that would fall if they did.
This is a slow burn about two people with completely incompatible lives and world views figuring out how to be together (loose comparisons have been made to Flowers From the Storm by others). Both of their lives have been shaped for them in interesting ways, and neither of them seem quite at ease in their current lives. While Susan loves many aspects of her lifestyle, she is skeptical of aspects of her faith and community (and with good reason). Alan is cynical about just about everything after the traumatic childhood of a child star. They’re about as different as people can be in some ways, but somehow Tom & Sharon Curtis make this connection work. It’s a surprisingly believable love story. Honestly, it’s probably a bit saccharine at times, so if you don’t enjoy swoony, sometimes sappy dialogue this won’t be for you. But I bought in, and I believed it.
You will probably enjoy this book if you enjoy:
As a a caveat - this book is incredibly dated. Asides from abundant 80s references, I just don’t think you could write this book in the same way today. You’re more likely to enjoy this is if you approach it as historical romance than a contemporary. There is a pretty massive power imbalance here, and while this certainly does not go unexamined by the text, there are dimensions that would be approached quite differently in the wake of #MeToo. But this imbalance is part of what makes Sunshine and Shadow so interesting. Alan casts Susan in his movie for explicitly horny reasons, and his character arc is largely focused on him realising the implications of this power imbalance and the inevitable harm he will cause. While he is ultimately a kind hero rather than a looming threat, his good intentions don't magically erase the danger. Susan is also steel-boned and strong-willed. She is certainly not a hapless ingenue - she has agency and makes her own choices to given into seduction (and to seduce). I loved both these characters so much. I spent so much of this book oscillating between desperately wanting them to get together, and dreading the disaster that would fall if they did.
This is a slow burn about two people with completely incompatible lives and world views figuring out how to be together (loose comparisons have been made to Flowers From the Storm by others). Both of their lives have been shaped for them in interesting ways, and neither of them seem quite at ease in their current lives. While Susan loves many aspects of her lifestyle, she is skeptical of aspects of her faith and community (and with good reason). Alan is cynical about just about everything after the traumatic childhood of a child star. They’re about as different as people can be in some ways, but somehow Tom & Sharon Curtis make this connection work. It’s a surprisingly believable love story. Honestly, it’s probably a bit saccharine at times, so if you don’t enjoy swoony, sometimes sappy dialogue this won’t be for you. But I bought in, and I believed it.
You will probably enjoy this book if you enjoy:
- evocative, romantic descriptions of the countryside
- books that reveal in sexual tension and angst
- romance that explores complicated power dynamics
- earnest romanticism dialed up to 11
- feeling all the emotions
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape, Sexual assault
Minor: Child death, Drug use
Some additional notes clarifying content/safety warnings:
There is some 'body betrayal' early on the in story (related to sexual/intimate moments, but not actual sex acts), although this is not a lasting theme throughout the book.
Religious trauma plays a intense role in the story.
Sexual assault and rape of a young person occurs in part of the backstory - it is not described in detail and does not involve the main couple.
There is also implied abuse within the context of child stardom, which is not explicitly detailed.