Stars Always Shine — Rick P. Rivera

Stars Always Shine depicts the bonds that gradually develop between two memorable characters of vastly different social, political, and spiritual backgrounds. Plácido Moreno, a Mexican American, Salvador Campos, an undocumented immigrant, and Plácido's wife, Michelle, live as caretakers on StarRidge Ranch in California. As Plácido and Salvador get to know each other, they become aware of their similarities and shared Mexican culture as well as the differences between them shaped by their backgrounds on opposite sides of the border. Their stories are imaginatively interwoven in the narrative. All of the characters experience the rhythms of life as their ways and beliefs clash, sometimes humorously and at other times with profound sadness.

“Rivera's deft and believable characterization reveals a true talent in storytelling. . . . [His] comic sense shows the maturity of an accomplished writer. Buy this book, for it is the work of a writer who knows what writing is about.” -- Rolando Hinojosa, author of The Valley and Ask a Policeman.