In the quaint village of Mi Ojo, the legend of the flying sheep endures, whispered among the locals even if skepticism has taken root. The tale recounts the extraordinary moment when young Garcia girl witnessed five sheep dancing in the wind, their woolen forms seemingly at the whims of God’s infinite hand. Now, at the age of forty-seven, the enchanting widow Dominga Garcia de Jesus clings to her belief in miracles, desperately yearning for one to grace her own life.
In pursuit of a rekindling of his creative spirit and a rediscovery of self, Whitney Slope, a nationally acclaimed artist, abandons the opulence of Santa Fe for the rugged landscapes of northern New Mexico’s canyon country. Settling in Mi Ojo, Slope stumbles upon a series of events and encounters with miracles and people that profoundly reshape his art and transform his existence.
This captivating narrative unfolds as Slope’s journey intertwines with the miracles that permeate Mi Ojo, revealing the profound impact that the village and its inhabitants have on his artistic expression and the very fabric of his life. In a delicate dance between reality and the miraculous, this story explores the transformative power of belief, art, and the unexpected connections that have the potential to alter the course of one’s destiny.
Western Writers of America Spur Award finalist, Best First Novel
REVIEWS
“Lesley Poling-Kempes has given us a story full of joy, sadness, love, and beauty – and most of all, full of truth. ‘Canyon of Remembering’ deserves a place among American classics.” Tony Hillerman
“Like its New Mexico setting, ‘Canyon of Remembering’ offers beauty in simplicity as it depicts a variety of people, licking their wounds from a variety of hurts, who come together to form a true community…Poling-Kempes writes with a quiet, seductive rhythm that makes a reader warm to the peace she bestows upon her characters.” Publishers Weekly
“’Canyon’ captures in words the essence of the people of northern New Mexico just as Georgia O’Keeffe did in her landscapes of the Abiquiu area. Read it now.” Max Evans (“The Rounders”)
“’Canyon of Remembering’ is a memorable and exceptionally well crafted novel.” – The Midwest Book Review
“’Canyon of Remembering’ is a magical story of the search for fulfillment and the healing power of love. Lesley Poling-Kempes has given us a vibrant New Mexico landscape filled with achingly passionate characters who are destined to remain etched in our memories.” – Michael McGarrity (“Serpent’s Gate”)
