Jesús continues imparting his memoir journey, hoping to find solace, and understanding about the events that led to his uncle’s and young cousin’s heinous murders. His coming-of-age story reveals the trials, tribulations, and torment of an adolescent’s life as he attempts to claw his way to manhood while discovering life and love and excelling in the legal arena. His uncle, Colonel Albert J. Fountain, continues to mentor Jesús, drawing from his legendary court tactics and antics.
But the Colonel’s tutelage also reveals the not so pleasant side of his notoriety as one of the most sought-after lawyers in the Southwest.
Mary, a retiree from a diverse career spanning various fields of land planning and design, found a new passion in writing when she landed a gig as a weekly columnist for the Las Cruces Sun-News. Her articles quickly gained popularity, leading her to explore more creative outlets. Her historical fiction play, It is Blood, got rave reviews after a well-received theater performance, inspiring Mary to embark on The Two Valleys Saga.
Drawing on her love for fiction and deep respect for history, Mary’s meticulous research and attention to detail bring historical settings to life. The way she masterfully weaves historical figures with engaging fictional characters brings out compelling narratives that explore complex themes, which prompts reflection on the human condition.
In 2021, Mary’s exceptional work was recognized when The Mesilla, a part of The Two Valleys Saga, won an award from The Historical Fiction Company.
Java, their beloved Cavachon, leads Mary and her husband Norman “Skip” Bailey on daily jaunts around their Las Cruces neighborhood.