"Sunshine through the Shadows" is an unforgettable memoir that shares the author's journey through early life. She was born in 1960 in a small midwestern town with repressive social judgments towards non-nuclear families. Throughout the book, she shares the experiences of growing up through challenges, while also recognizing the happy times. Hope, forgiveness, and education prevail in her journey of self-discovery and growth as she progresses into early adulthood. The backdrop of these personal stories involves a society still entrenched in conformity. Having unmarried parents with a unique coping style, the author experienced unique challenges and adversity. Her parents hid the news of her birth, and sometimes even her relationship with them. This brought sadness and pain into her life. However, she still managed to find silver linings and light through the darkness. The author was enriched by having a few caring people in her life, and her experience of being raised in both suburban and rural settings with nature was a guiding force for her development. Also benefiting from her parents' passion for horses, a foundation was established for her to develop curiosity and seek both knowledge and independence. This is a powerful book about choosing to translate the many challenges of secrecy, financial woes, and family drama, into a positive outlook. For the author, the process was a difficult, but it was aided by an understanding of the scope and shapes of love, and the power of hope and forgiveness.