Sylvia R. Merino

Fictional Debut • Published November 2025

Rebecca, Jamoncillos, Cochitos, and Dates

Blending humor, heartache, and the curiosity of growing up, this is a coming-of-age story inspired by half-forbidden secrets overheard in childhood, and re-imagined by the daughter who remembered them all.

Badge for Silver Medal Best Young Adult Focused Book award

Silver Medal

Best Young Adult Focused Book

Badge for Honorable Mention (2) Best YA Romance & Cover Photo award

Honorable Mention (2)

Best YA Romance & Cover Photo

Book Press

I was interviewed as a featured author in Tom Bird’s newsletter about the inspiration behind Rebecca, Jamoncillos, Cochitos and Dates and my experience writing it.

Gazebo and church in RayonSylvia in folklorico dressRayon entrance sign with rainbow colored lettersYoung Sylvia posing sitting on a desk
Virgen de Guadalupe painted onto rocks near Rayon portSylvia dancing in folklorico dressSylvia in a cubicle posing in halloween attire and holding a drink trayRayon town view from port, looking down at small city in valley with fall trees and mountains surrounding it

Second Book • Published November 2024

Yearning for Mamá: The One From Yesteryear

Designated the caregiver of her mom, Sylvia slowly learns her new role while struggling to accept it.

First Book • Published March 2024

Unraveled: A Journey Led by Faith and Hope

“An authentic and captivating glance into the joys and challenges of life as a Hispanic American woman in the familial and corporate sectors.”

Sylvia reading her Unraveled book sitting on the edge of a pool with a flowering tree above her

About the Author

Sylvia Merino is native to Tucson, Arizona with roots in Rayon, Sonora, Mexico. Her stories include a touch of Spanish and imaginable colors that carry over to her love for acrylic painting.