A Spanish Sunrise: A Novel

Written by Boo Walker

Narrated by Dan John Miller

A widowed father and his young daughter embark on a life-changing journey in a heartening novel of family and second chances by the bestselling author of The Singing Trees.

Adjusting to the death of his wife hasn’t been easy on Baxter Shaw—or on their eight-year-old daughter, Mia. Baxter has left his band and abandoned his dreams to focus on being a single father, but it’s not enough: Mia’s exhibiting escalating behavioral problems. And neither has been able to face the past head-on…until the past reaches out to them.

After surprising results from a DNA test, Baxter and Mia journey to southeastern Spain to connect with their mysterious roots. Staying in a centuries-old villa on a renowned olive oil estate, they come to know the family they never realized they had, including a woman whose strength and passion for the estate remind Baxter of the love he lost—and that it’s not too late to rekindle his own dreams.

For Baxter and Mia, it’s a healing season in Spain, and the romance of the culture awakens a new outlook on life. But when long-simmering family secrets surface and the estate’s fate is called into question, Baxter must choose to let go of the past if he ever hopes to find love and live again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Aug 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9781713667629

Boo Walker

Bestselling author Boo Walker initially tapped his creative muse as a songwriter and banjoist in Nashville before working his way west to Washington State, where he bought a gentleman’s farm on the Yakima River. It was there amongst the grapevines and wine barrels that he fell in love with telling high-impact stories that now resonate with book clubs around the world. Rich with colorful characters and boundless soul, his novels will leave you with an open heart and a lifted spirit. Always a wanderer, Boo currently lives in Valencia, Spain, with his wife and son. He also writes thrillers under the pen name Benjamin Blackmore. You can find him at boowalker.com and benjaminblackmore.com.

Reviews for A Spanish Sunrise

[fernemysteryreader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There are many novels about recently widowed mothers moving through their journey of grief as they simultaneously are helping their child(ren) heal from the loss of their father. Boo Walker presents a moving and captivating story of Baxter Shaw as he has struggled for the past 3 years to move forward. Baxter made a promise to his wife to give their daughter Mia the "best life." It is a promise that seems to be getting harder to keep not easier for either him or Mia. An email from a website his wife used to try and find her birth mother would have been welcome if his wife was alive. But now? It could rip open the past and damage the little progress Mia has made.The writing is tender and presents the struggles of the journey of grief that is ongoing. Told from Baxter's POV it is an intimate behind-the-scenes view into Baxter's thoughts and actions. The portrayal of Baxter is multi-fold as the reader glimpses his roles of business owner and employer, widower, single parent, friend. I especially loved the author’s understanding of the healing power of music that is beautifully illustrated throughout Baxter’s life.Without restraint Boo Walker shares the complexities of life (i.e., betrayal, secrets) and the gifts of friendship and love in our lives. The characters are relatable as emotions (i.e., love, sadness, joy, guilt) evolve and are expressed in realistic dialogue. The father-daughter relationship of Baxter and 8-year old Mia shows sensitivity and love. It also highlights Mia’s spontaneity and that she is more attuned to her father than he at first realizes is possible for a young child.At moments heart wrenching I will warmly remember the book as it is also heartwarming and inspirational. In the midst of sadness it is difficult to see beyond memories of the past. Life is a journey. Hearts heal. The time it takes is different for each individual. The love remains and reminds us of our inner passion of what we love to do becoming a bridge of hope to all we are yet to be.My sincere thanks to Boo Walker, and Lake Union Publishing for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.#ASpanishSunrise #NetGalley