This is a very different story - a subject matter that I can't say I've come across before in a novel.  Michel has taken the very hot topic of illegal border crossings from Mexico into the United States and given it humanity. 

She tells the story of Lilia and Hector, married for only two years when Hector decides he must fulfill his dream of a better life for his wife and infant daughter by crossing dangerously into the United States.  His plan is to work hard and then find a safe and reputable coyote (border runner) to get Lilia and the baby over.  But Lilia is impetuous and stubborn by nature and acts rashly when her grandmother dies, leaving her without family in the small ocean town in Mexico.

She decides to cross over with her daughter alone and surprise Hector.  

Now I like Hector.  He quickly and easily finds work when he hooks up with another immigrant crossing, one who already has work lined up in South Carolina.   He is honest and hardworking and settles in nicely, always dreaming of bringing his family over. 

But Lilia - her I wanted to shake hard.  She takes a very difficult and dangerous journey into her own hands, against everyone's words of advice.  I won't tell you more as I don't want to ruin the story for you - but you will also find yourself wanting to shake some sense into her.  In the end she puts many people in jeopardy and it will be a challenge for her marriage to survive.