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Rainwater Mass Market Paperback – November 23, 2010
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Bestseller Brown (Smash Cut) brings Depression-era Texas to vivid life in this poignant short novel. At the recommendation of Dr. Murdy Kincaid, Ella Barron, a hardworking woman whose husband deserted her, accepts David Rainwater, a relative of the doctor's, as a lodger at the boarding house she runs in the small town of Gilead, Tex. As the local community contends with a government program to shoot livestock and the opposition of racist Conrad Ellis, a greedy meatpacker, to poor families butchering the meat, Ella grows closer to David. Meanwhile, David becomes a special guardian angel to Solly, Ella's nine-year-old autistic son. Dr. Kincaid has gently suggested Ella put Solly in an institution, but she refuses to do so. Brown skillfully charts the progress of Ella and David's quiet romance, while a contemporary frame adds a neat twist to this heartwarming but never cloying historical. (Nov.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Booklist
Brown, a master of contemporary romantic suspense, makes a huge genre leap in her latest novel. Radically switching gears, she sets this gentle tale in Depression-era Texas. The historical setting is not her only departure from her tried-and-true formula; this bittersweet morality play also features a hardworking single mother, an autistic child, and a mysterious boarder with a terminal medical condition. The moment Ella Barron agrees to let a room to David Rainwater, her hardscrabble circumstances are irrevocably altered. As the townspeople, farmers, and ranchers struggle both economically and spiritually, a malevolent evil in the form of a menacing town bully threatens their tenuous hold on survival. Though initially suspicious of Mr. Rainwater, Ella falls passionately in love with a man she knows is doomed. When he makes the ultimate sacrifice to save her misunderstood son, he leaves behind a precious final gift and a lasting legacy of grace and compassion. Though Brown fans may initially balk, many will be irresistibly drawn in by this mesmerizing little fable. --Margaret Flanagan
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
More About the Author
Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including DEADLINE (2013), LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011), RAINWATER (2010), TOUGH CUSTOMER (2010), SMASH CUT (2009), SMOKE SCREEN (2008) & PLAY DIRTY (2007).
Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into thirty-three languages.
A lifelong Texan, Sandra Brown was born in Waco, grew up in Fort Worth and attended Texas Christian University, majoring in English. Before embarking on her writing career, she worked as a model at the Dallas Apparel Mart, and in television, including weathercasting for WFAA-TV in Dallas, and feature reporting on the nationally syndicated program "PM Magazine."
She is much in demand as a speaker and guest television hostess. Her episode on truTV's "Murder by the Book" premiered the series in 2008 and she was one of the launch authors for Investigation Discovery's new series, "Hardcover Mysteries."
In 2009 Brown detoured from her thrillers to write Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.
Brown recently was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer's Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into thirty-three languages.
A lifelong Texan, Sandra Brown was born in Waco, grew up in Fort Worth and attended Texas Christian University, majoring in English. Before embarking on her writing career, she worked as a model at the Dallas Apparel Mart, and in television, including weathercasting for WFAA-TV in Dallas, and feature reporting on the nationally syndicated program "PM Magazine."
She is much in demand as a speaker and guest television hostess. Her episode on truTV's "Murder by the Book" premiered the series in 2008 and she was one of the launch authors for Investigation Discovery's new series, "Hardcover Mysteries."
In 2009 Brown detoured from her thrillers to write Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.
Brown recently was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer's Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
190 of 199 people found the following review helpful
By
4everSLAUGHTERED
on November 11, 2009
Format: Hardcover
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6 Comments
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Rainwater is not a typical Sandra Brown novel. It is not a romantic thriller, there are no emotional breakups and makeups, and the book contains no explicit sex. Of the 31 Sandra Brown books I have read, Rainwater is by far the very best. The novel takes place in 1934 Texas. An economic depression is going on, racism is prevalent, and how one is perceived morally in a small town is very important. This is a story of a deep abiding love between two people who teach each other to live and love at any cost. If you ever get the chance to help someone in need or love someone in need, don't let it pass you by. It reminded me of the poem from Alfred Lord Tennyson's In Memoriam:27, 1850:
I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.
AN EXCELLENT STORY! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.
AN EXCELLENT STORY! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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86 of 91 people found the following review helpful
By
Pammi17
on November 12, 2009
Format: Hardcover
1 Comment
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I have read many of Sandra Brown's novels and loved every one. However, this book is by far the best story of them all. My heading says it -- this book was totally awesome. It was such a page-turner that I spent most of my Veterans' Day holiday reading it. So different from her other stories, this one demanded a box of tissues at my side. The book presents a vivid picture of how life must have been like in that small Texas town in the 1930's. Actions, words, and thoughts deemed politically incorrect in this day and age were prevalent back then. Not only was racial bigotry chillingly portrayed, but the (mis)treatment of the mentally challenged was also shown in this novel -- another form of bigotry. Working in the special education field, I could see right away that young Solly was autistic. Sandra Brown presented his character in such a sympathetic light; he was my favorite character in the book. I am asking my 17-year-old son to read this and share the book with his Senior American Literature class. They have read both The Grapes of Wrath and To Kill a Mockingbird this semester. This book would make a great companion piece to these works of literature. Anyway, put your own prejudices aside regarding the "differentness" of this novel from Sandra Brown's other works and treat yourself to a poignant read.
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49 of 52 people found the following review helpful
By
Bookreporter
on November 9, 2009
Format: Hardcover
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True to her tradition of writing great books --- with over 50 bestselling titles to date --- author Sandra Brown releases another first-rate novel, RAINWATER, this time in the historical fiction genre. In the novel's background, familiar scenes from the Great Depression recall the dire situation for farmers who found themselves in the Dust Bowl of the '30s. In the foreground, a tender love story is borne out of hardship.
It is in the countryside of Gilead that Ella Barron runs her boardinghouse. Families she knows are struggling, and some have become homeless. Money is tight, yet Ella works hard to keep her place full. She splits her daily time working and caring for her disabled 10-year-old son, Solly. The boy's situation is complicated as doctors aren't really sure what's wrong; his disease leaves him unable to communicate but causes an odd fixation on order. There is no cure for Solly's malady, and Ella would never consider sending him away. Her days are spent trudging forward, taking life day by day.
Summertime brings change as Ella takes in a new boarder, Mr. David Rainwater. Introduced by the town doctor, it seems Ella was drawn to him from the start. Sensing a change of the tides, Ella is intent on keeping her distance. She defies her instincts until the man makes an astounding discovery about her son. One afternoon, in an effort to get to know the child better, Mr. Rainwater seeks out Solly's company. The two play simple games in solitude, and while playing dominoes, the child does something intriguing: under no direction whatsoever, he lines up dominoes in numerical order. This seems a minor achievement until one recognizes the discovery for what it is: a definite demonstration of reasoning ability in a child many presumed to have no intelligence. Mr.Read more ›
It is in the countryside of Gilead that Ella Barron runs her boardinghouse. Families she knows are struggling, and some have become homeless. Money is tight, yet Ella works hard to keep her place full. She splits her daily time working and caring for her disabled 10-year-old son, Solly. The boy's situation is complicated as doctors aren't really sure what's wrong; his disease leaves him unable to communicate but causes an odd fixation on order. There is no cure for Solly's malady, and Ella would never consider sending him away. Her days are spent trudging forward, taking life day by day.
Summertime brings change as Ella takes in a new boarder, Mr. David Rainwater. Introduced by the town doctor, it seems Ella was drawn to him from the start. Sensing a change of the tides, Ella is intent on keeping her distance. She defies her instincts until the man makes an astounding discovery about her son. One afternoon, in an effort to get to know the child better, Mr. Rainwater seeks out Solly's company. The two play simple games in solitude, and while playing dominoes, the child does something intriguing: under no direction whatsoever, he lines up dominoes in numerical order. This seems a minor achievement until one recognizes the discovery for what it is: a definite demonstration of reasoning ability in a child many presumed to have no intelligence. Mr.Read more ›
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32 of 37 people found the following review helpful
By
Liat2768
TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on December 17, 2009
Format: Hardcover
Vine Customer Review of Free Product
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Sandra Brown seems to be taking a teensy weensy step away from her recent romance novels in Rainwater. The book is set in the 1930's and portrays the life of a young mother who is owns a boarding house and is trying to raise a mentally disabled child. Into her life comes a new boarder - Mr Rainwater- who, she finds out, is dying.
The story progresses quite well, the descriptions are excellent and the setting clearly described. The characters are well fleshed out and quite believable. However, this is not a new or stunningly original novel. The style and story are reminiscent of many novels by Robert James Waller or Nicholas Sparks.
The main difference is that this novel tries to describe the care and treatment of a child that seems to be autistic. I think Ms Brown may be stepping into deep waters here and the issues seem more modern than the era of the story. The descriptions of Solly tend to be two dimensional and the perfectly angelic devoted mother is a little hard to believe. I think the it would have been a bit more believable if Ella had moments of self doubt or mild resentment for her situation. However, she is unbelievably stoic and steadfast.
The author also brings in the historical aspect of the depression and the dust bowl. Destitute families and racial issues are not glossed over in the novel and, in that, I think the author has made a brave attempt at stepping out of the narrow label of 'romance novel'.
In sum, if you like Sandra Brown or Robert James Waller or Nicholas Sparks, this novel is just for you!
The story progresses quite well, the descriptions are excellent and the setting clearly described. The characters are well fleshed out and quite believable. However, this is not a new or stunningly original novel. The style and story are reminiscent of many novels by Robert James Waller or Nicholas Sparks.
The main difference is that this novel tries to describe the care and treatment of a child that seems to be autistic. I think Ms Brown may be stepping into deep waters here and the issues seem more modern than the era of the story. The descriptions of Solly tend to be two dimensional and the perfectly angelic devoted mother is a little hard to believe. I think the it would have been a bit more believable if Ella had moments of self doubt or mild resentment for her situation. However, she is unbelievably stoic and steadfast.
The author also brings in the historical aspect of the depression and the dust bowl. Destitute families and racial issues are not glossed over in the novel and, in that, I think the author has made a brave attempt at stepping out of the narrow label of 'romance novel'.
In sum, if you like Sandra Brown or Robert James Waller or Nicholas Sparks, this novel is just for you!
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