Before the Rain Falls by Camille Di Maio

After serving seventy years in prison for the murder of her sister, Eula, Della Lee has finally returned home to the Texas town of Puerto Pesar. She is ready to set the record straight as to what really happened to put her in prison. She gradually reveals her story to a reporter who has come to town to investigate a "miraculous" painting. He crosses paths with Dr. Paloma Vega, who is in town to take care of her ailing grandmother and younger sister. The author realistically conveys the characters' budding relationship and their struggles with their identities and ambitions. She also conveys such a strong sense of place that you can almost feel the hot sun on your neck and the gritty sand in your hair.