Rainwater Review
I thought I had read all the books written by Sandra Brown, so I was quite startled to find this book in my local library. I was looking for something short and entertaining. I did find what I was looking for in this book, but I also found something more, much more.
This story was deeply moving. It took place in 1934, which is not your customary time for a romance novel, which is what I mainly read. There was romance, but also several love stories, between a mother and son, and a lovely romance between a woman and man.
It is a story that is still bringing tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. It was simply a beautiful love story taking place during the Depression with hatred and bigotry flavoring the actions of all of the characters.
I highly recommend this book. This is Sandra Brown at her indisputable best. I applaud her for taking a chance on writing and publinshing this story.
Rainwater Overview
The year is 1934. With the country in the stranglehold of drought and economic depression, Ella Barron runs her Texas boardinghouse with an efficiency that ensures her life will be kept in balance. Between chores of cooking and cleaning for her residents, she cares for her ten-year-old son, Solly, a sweet but challenging child whose misunderstood behavior finds Ella on the receiving end of pity, derision, and suspicion.
When David Rainwater arrives at the house looking for lodging, he comes recommended by a trusted friend as "a man of impeccable character." But Ella senses that admitting Mr. Rainwater will bring about unsettling changes.
However, times are hard, and in order to make ends meet, Ella's house must remain one hundred percent occupied. So Mr. Rainwater moves into her house...and impacts her life in ways Ella could never have foreseen.
The changes are echoed by the turbulence beyond the house walls. Friends and neighbors who've thus far maintained a tenuous grip on their meager livelihoods now face foreclosure and financial ruin. In an effort to save their families from homelessness and hunger, farmers and cattlemen are forced to make choices that come with heartrending consequences.
The climate of desperation creates a fertile atmosphere for racial tensions and social unrest. Conrad Ellis -- privileged and spoiled and Ella's nemesis since childhood -- steps into this arena of teeming hostility to exact his vengeance and demonstrate the extent of his blind hatred and unlimited cruelty. He and his gang of hoodlums come to embody the rule of law, and no one in Gilead, Texas, is safe. Particularly Ella and Solly.
In this hotbed of uncertainty, Ella finds Mr. Rainwater a calming presence. She is moved by the kindness he shows other boarders, Solly...and Ella herself. Slowly, she begins to rely on his soft-spokenness, his restraint, and the steely resolve of his convictions.
And on the hottest, most violent night of the summer, those principles will be put to the ultimate test.
From acclaimed bestselling author Sandra Brown comes a powerfully moving novel celebrating the largess and foresight of a great bygone generation. It tells a story that bears witness to a bittersweet truth: that love is worth whatever price one must pay for it.
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Customer Reviews
Not typical Sandra Brown - SAP75 -
I found this book when searching "Sandra brown" through the library. I always like her stories. Come to find however, this is not a "typical" Sandra Brown novel. It's a historical fiction novel with an endearing story. Excellent find!
Excellent Read! - Kathleen - Bend, Oregon (Central Oregon)
Good summer read. Enjoyed every word of it. A good old fashioned enjoyable book.
STUPENDOUS - Elaine L. Sloop - Turlock, CA USA
HER BEST WORK YET, NO COMPARISON TO HER PAST STORIES WHICH ARE GOOD BUT THIS IS STUPENDOUS! I LOVED THIS BOOK! BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN. POIGNENT AND POWERFUL, I DON'T KNOW WHAT CRITCS HAVE TO SAY BUT IF ANY LESS THAN FABULOUS, DON'T LISTEN. I BELIEVE BROWN IS ONLY GETTING BETTER WITH AGE. I LOVE IT TREMENDOUSLY! BUY IT NOW!!!
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 27, 2010 16:09:04
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