Sunlight Playing over a Mountain

In this mythology-infused debut novel, Chinese-Filipino teenager Jasmine Cheng navigates a world where family secrets threaten her daydreams and stability. Raised by her erratic mother, who weaves fantastical tales while managing chaotic relationships, Jasmine strives to keep their lives balanced, especially with a social worker watching over them. The arrival of a figure from her mother’s past disrupts their fragile existence, prompting Jasmine to embark on a journey across the country that forces her to confront uncomfortable truths. As she grapples with the tension between fantasy and reality, Jasmine must decide whether unearthing her family's secrets will heal or further fracture their bond.