In this prequel to “The Two Valleys Saga,” we discover the reasons Jesús’s family sent him to live with the Fountains and learn about his life with his family in a small colony near El Porvenir, Mexico. Jesus, known to his family by his nickname ‘Chuy,’ begins to feel lonely and an outcast.
Chuy has a restless and inquiring mind, but a small and weak body and he cannot help his family farm their fertile fields near the Rio Bravo. As he looks around the colony, he sees the other children his age working the fields. Chuy asks why he isn’t allowed to work next to his brothers. He is told that someday he would. As time passes nothing happens. He begins to feel separate from the family which turns into feelings of inadequacy and resentment.
The local padre recognizes Chuy’s active mind, and he tutors Chuy for a purpose that he is unaware. In the end, Chuy discovers a lot about himself and his family. Will his doubts linger about the reason his parents sent him away?
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.
