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Dry as Rain
2012 finalist for the Christy Award.
391 pages, Hardcover
First published August 17, 2011
132 people are currently reading
645 people want to read
About the author
Gina Holmes
7 books185 followersGina Holmes is the founder of Novel Rocket.com. Her debut, Crossing Oceans, was a Christy and Gold Medallion finalist and winner of the Carol Award, INSPY, and RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice, as well as being a CBA, ECPA, Amazon and PW Religion bestseller. Her sophomore novel, Dry as Rain, released in 2011 and was also named a Christy Award finalist. Her upcoming novel, Wings of Glass, releases Feb 15, 2013. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her family in southern Virginia. She works too hard, laughs too loud, and longs to see others heal from their past and discover their God-given purpose. To learn more about her, visit www.ginaholmes.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
March 19, 2012
Goodreads Description- From the bestselling author of Crossing Oceans comes a powerfully moving story that tests the limits of love's forgiveness. Like many marriages, Eric and Kyra Yoshida's has fallen apart slowly, one lost dream and misunderstanding at a time, until the ultimate betrayal finally pushes them beyond reconciliation. Just when it looks like forgive and forget is no longer an option, a car accident gives Eric the second chance of a lifetime. A concussion causes his wife to forget details of her life, including the chasm between them. No one knows when-or if-Kyra's memory will return, but Eric seizes the opportunity to win back the woman he's never stopped loving.
I really don't know what to say about this book. It is the story of a Christian named Eric who's wife has kicked him out of the house because she thinks he has cheated on her, but he hasn't. Then he does and amazingly, his wife gets in a car accident and first thinks he is dead but then realizes that he is still alive but happens to forget that they were separated. So he does what the doctor says and lets her remember on her own, which she doesn't, while he tries to finagle his way back into their marriage. Eric also has this super crazy Christian friend, Larry, who follows him all of the time to make sure he doesn't cheat on his wife again because Larry's wife cheated on him. Larry is an idiot, loser, and whiner. At one point he is arguing with Eric because he thinks he should get the promotion because he has been a good Christian and Eric has not and then Larry starts to berate himself and call himself a loser because he knows Eric will get the job because he is better looking. WHAT?? Eric and Kyla's, his wife, son is then medically discharged from the Navy due to an allergy to spider ants which is this terrible trauma to the whole family. Oh and Kyla has a crazy OCD sister who won't stay in her apartment because she thinks she is going to die from a moldy rug. Kyla soon finds out that Eric cheated and kicks him out again. Eric has a chance at the promotion but doesn't take it because he has missed so much of his life due to his job. Then the Lord fixed things right up because Eric is a Christian and no one should throw stones unless they haven't sinned. So you read it right here...this is what the book is about. This book is way over the top in it's Christian-dom and I wished I could say that I just didn't like the plot and the writing was great....but it wasn't. The characters were flat and undeveloped. The story line was weak and jumped around a lot. The only thing that mattered were that they were Christians and they had to deal with infidelity. Well it happens to a lot of folks....Christians, Jews, Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, Atheists...and somehow I think that infidelity is a lot harder to figure out and work through. And I would like to think that God or whatever name you personally call it if you believe in any religion would help anyone. Christians aren't the only ones worth forgiving. So if you like judgemental Christian books, go for it! 1 star.
I really don't know what to say about this book. It is the story of a Christian named Eric who's wife has kicked him out of the house because she thinks he has cheated on her, but he hasn't. Then he does and amazingly, his wife gets in a car accident and first thinks he is dead but then realizes that he is still alive but happens to forget that they were separated. So he does what the doctor says and lets her remember on her own, which she doesn't, while he tries to finagle his way back into their marriage. Eric also has this super crazy Christian friend, Larry, who follows him all of the time to make sure he doesn't cheat on his wife again because Larry's wife cheated on him. Larry is an idiot, loser, and whiner. At one point he is arguing with Eric because he thinks he should get the promotion because he has been a good Christian and Eric has not and then Larry starts to berate himself and call himself a loser because he knows Eric will get the job because he is better looking. WHAT?? Eric and Kyla's, his wife, son is then medically discharged from the Navy due to an allergy to spider ants which is this terrible trauma to the whole family. Oh and Kyla has a crazy OCD sister who won't stay in her apartment because she thinks she is going to die from a moldy rug. Kyla soon finds out that Eric cheated and kicks him out again. Eric has a chance at the promotion but doesn't take it because he has missed so much of his life due to his job. Then the Lord fixed things right up because Eric is a Christian and no one should throw stones unless they haven't sinned. So you read it right here...this is what the book is about. This book is way over the top in it's Christian-dom and I wished I could say that I just didn't like the plot and the writing was great....but it wasn't. The characters were flat and undeveloped. The story line was weak and jumped around a lot. The only thing that mattered were that they were Christians and they had to deal with infidelity. Well it happens to a lot of folks....Christians, Jews, Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, Atheists...and somehow I think that infidelity is a lot harder to figure out and work through. And I would like to think that God or whatever name you personally call it if you believe in any religion would help anyone. Christians aren't the only ones worth forgiving. So if you like judgemental Christian books, go for it! 1 star.
December 20, 2011
Dry as Rain is not only a great title, but an incredible story of redemption and discovering what is truly important in life. Money won't keep you warm at night or hold your hand when you are old. Just like in real life, the author doesn't make it easy on the characters when their lives unravel. I've read a number of great books this year on the subject of infidelity and found this one to be better than most for a number of reasons. First, I loved how the author wrote the entire story from the male point of view even though the author is a woman. I thought she did a great job with first person point of view. Eric's internal dialog rang true to me. For the duration of the novel, I felt like I was Eric.
I really empathized with Eric on a number of issues. He'd dug himself a pretty big hole with a few dumb decisions that cost him dearly, and he couldn't take the consequences back for a do-over. Who wouldn't want their wife to forget the bad stuff from their past when an opportunity to have their heart's desire--intimacy with the person who hate been hateful toward them--presented itself? The guilt he experienced was plenty of punishment, and typically the anguish a person can inflict on himself from guilt is often worse than what the spouse can dish out anyway.
While it's not an excuse, as is true in most affairs, one person strays because the other has grown cold toward them. It usually starts out with something as innocent as an e-mail. Most of the people I know who have had infidelity in their marriage said it started the same way. It's a sorry substitute to feel valued and attractive by someone other than your life-mate, which Eric soon discovered after he got a taste of what he thought he wanted. He learned the hard way that he'd sacrificed his family to earn more money, which caused his wife to resent him and grow distant. So many men do that when what their family really wants is not a bigger house, but a dad and husband who spends time with them.
I have never understood how women can become such witches when they have been cheated on, but I found the portrayal in this novel totally believable because I've known many women who acted just like Kyra did. Their anger and hurt just makes them look ugly and bitter, rather than attractive and someone desirable to the person who cheated. So in my opinion, Eric was a saint to be patient with her. I know he's the one who did wrong, but how many times does someone need to be yelled at and reminded of what they did wrong over and over again? He was truly sorry for what he did. He realized his mistake and had no desire to repeat it. Bitterness just hurts the person who is bitter about things, and Kyra was a great example of that. Sure she had the right to be angry, but she hurt herself more than she hurt Eric.
At any rate, I loved how the story played out and how Eric learned to be honest with himself and others over time. I loved how his priorities changed and how he decided to never give up regardless of what he faced every day. Most of all, I loved how God took an ugly situation and turned it around so it was used for the good. Great story with a convincing spiritual arc too. This is a powerful novel that is definitely making my top fiction list for 2011.
I really empathized with Eric on a number of issues. He'd dug himself a pretty big hole with a few dumb decisions that cost him dearly, and he couldn't take the consequences back for a do-over. Who wouldn't want their wife to forget the bad stuff from their past when an opportunity to have their heart's desire--intimacy with the person who hate been hateful toward them--presented itself? The guilt he experienced was plenty of punishment, and typically the anguish a person can inflict on himself from guilt is often worse than what the spouse can dish out anyway.
While it's not an excuse, as is true in most affairs, one person strays because the other has grown cold toward them. It usually starts out with something as innocent as an e-mail. Most of the people I know who have had infidelity in their marriage said it started the same way. It's a sorry substitute to feel valued and attractive by someone other than your life-mate, which Eric soon discovered after he got a taste of what he thought he wanted. He learned the hard way that he'd sacrificed his family to earn more money, which caused his wife to resent him and grow distant. So many men do that when what their family really wants is not a bigger house, but a dad and husband who spends time with them.
I have never understood how women can become such witches when they have been cheated on, but I found the portrayal in this novel totally believable because I've known many women who acted just like Kyra did. Their anger and hurt just makes them look ugly and bitter, rather than attractive and someone desirable to the person who cheated. So in my opinion, Eric was a saint to be patient with her. I know he's the one who did wrong, but how many times does someone need to be yelled at and reminded of what they did wrong over and over again? He was truly sorry for what he did. He realized his mistake and had no desire to repeat it. Bitterness just hurts the person who is bitter about things, and Kyra was a great example of that. Sure she had the right to be angry, but she hurt herself more than she hurt Eric.
At any rate, I loved how the story played out and how Eric learned to be honest with himself and others over time. I loved how his priorities changed and how he decided to never give up regardless of what he faced every day. Most of all, I loved how God took an ugly situation and turned it around so it was used for the good. Great story with a convincing spiritual arc too. This is a powerful novel that is definitely making my top fiction list for 2011.
July 6, 2011
Dry As Rain, by Gina Holmes, lives up to its title; this book is definitely not dry. I can’t remember the last time I read a romantic fiction that was so easy to get into, so quick to hook me. The book begins with Eric’s thoughts about being separated from his wife, Kyra, and crossing the line of betrayal. He soon learns that an automobile accident has left Kyra with amnesia, and she’ll need a caregiver. Since she doesn’t remember the marital problems that have come about over the last few years, her husband is given a new shot at repairing the breach. How far can he go without sharing the full truth with the woman he still loves and wants to win back?
I enjoy a good love story, but I do find the men in most stories a bit angelic at times. They delve into their emotions and say things no normal man would say, getting much more “warm and fuzzy” than any men I know. This is NOT a book full of fluffy words and feminine men. Although we hear the whole story from Eric’s point-of-view and this is clearly a love story, there’s no doubt that this guy is a man’s man. The hero is real. He is struggling with real issues, and he must face the real consequences of his actions. He speaks in everyday language, is sometimes a bad father, a bad friend, a bad husband.
There were so many themes touched on throughout the book, including forgiveness, misunderstandings, empty nest, marital infidelity, addictions, divorce, grace, and prejudice. I would recommend this to anyone of the age to be considering marriage, as there are some great life lessons, but the content is questionable for anyone younger than that. Don't expect something from a cheap date movie where Cupid prevails in ways that make no sense. Instead, the characters and situations are believable, but never predictable. The story is inspiring and touching, but above all, real. I felt like I was on the other end of a phone, listening to a friend fill me in on his life. I couldn’t put it down until I’d finished it.
I enjoy a good love story, but I do find the men in most stories a bit angelic at times. They delve into their emotions and say things no normal man would say, getting much more “warm and fuzzy” than any men I know. This is NOT a book full of fluffy words and feminine men. Although we hear the whole story from Eric’s point-of-view and this is clearly a love story, there’s no doubt that this guy is a man’s man. The hero is real. He is struggling with real issues, and he must face the real consequences of his actions. He speaks in everyday language, is sometimes a bad father, a bad friend, a bad husband.
There were so many themes touched on throughout the book, including forgiveness, misunderstandings, empty nest, marital infidelity, addictions, divorce, grace, and prejudice. I would recommend this to anyone of the age to be considering marriage, as there are some great life lessons, but the content is questionable for anyone younger than that. Don't expect something from a cheap date movie where Cupid prevails in ways that make no sense. Instead, the characters and situations are believable, but never predictable. The story is inspiring and touching, but above all, real. I felt like I was on the other end of a phone, listening to a friend fill me in on his life. I couldn’t put it down until I’d finished it.
December 23, 2011
Eric Yoshida never imagined he'd be in the position he found himself in after his wife discovered an email from an attractive coworker at the car dealership he worked for. Though their marriage was far from perfect, he hadn't done anything wrong. Eric's wife thought differently and sent him packing.
All hope is lost, or so Eric believes. That's until his wife, Kyra, is involved in an accident that erases part of her memory. Eric believes God has given him a second chance, but is plagued with worry that when Kyra's memory returns, she'll discover what he's done? Or whether or not she'll forgive him.
You're taking a chance when you purchase a book by an author you're not familiar with, especially when it's a debut novel. GINA HOLMES first novel, CROSSING OCEANS, was recommended to me as a MUST read by a friend. I can't say enough about how amazing it is. I'm forever grateful that I was introduced to this wonderfully talented writer.
When I received the chance to read MS. HOMLES second novel, DRY AS RAIN, I didn't hesitate. I imaged it would be good, though I had to wonder if she could pull off another novel as amazing as CROSSING OCEANS.
As I began to read DRY AS RAIN, I soon realized I would be immersed in another fascinating story. One that I would lose track of time and feel as though I were living right in the mist of the characters lives.
Besides the exceptional writing, remarkable lines, three dimensional characters, and wonderful storyline, I'm forever changed by the uniqueness of how MRS. HOLMES plays out the plot. Most stories are predictable with a twist here and there. I have yet to be disappointed with how MRS. HOLMES carries out the story from the very first word to the very last. It will leave you fully satisfied, with no desire to change a thing.
DRY AS RAIN is a realistic, wonderfully amazing love story. One that will illustrate the reality of so many marriages, entwined with fears, trials and tribulations, as well as hope, grace, forgiveness, and second chances.
DRY AS RAIN has a special place in my heart with characters what will last a lifetime.
So impacted by this story, I plan on purchasing a Beta fish as a reminder that love is worth working for, and with God's grace, there's always hope.
All hope is lost, or so Eric believes. That's until his wife, Kyra, is involved in an accident that erases part of her memory. Eric believes God has given him a second chance, but is plagued with worry that when Kyra's memory returns, she'll discover what he's done? Or whether or not she'll forgive him.
You're taking a chance when you purchase a book by an author you're not familiar with, especially when it's a debut novel. GINA HOLMES first novel, CROSSING OCEANS, was recommended to me as a MUST read by a friend. I can't say enough about how amazing it is. I'm forever grateful that I was introduced to this wonderfully talented writer.
When I received the chance to read MS. HOMLES second novel, DRY AS RAIN, I didn't hesitate. I imaged it would be good, though I had to wonder if she could pull off another novel as amazing as CROSSING OCEANS.
As I began to read DRY AS RAIN, I soon realized I would be immersed in another fascinating story. One that I would lose track of time and feel as though I were living right in the mist of the characters lives.
Besides the exceptional writing, remarkable lines, three dimensional characters, and wonderful storyline, I'm forever changed by the uniqueness of how MRS. HOLMES plays out the plot. Most stories are predictable with a twist here and there. I have yet to be disappointed with how MRS. HOLMES carries out the story from the very first word to the very last. It will leave you fully satisfied, with no desire to change a thing.
DRY AS RAIN is a realistic, wonderfully amazing love story. One that will illustrate the reality of so many marriages, entwined with fears, trials and tribulations, as well as hope, grace, forgiveness, and second chances.
DRY AS RAIN has a special place in my heart with characters what will last a lifetime.
So impacted by this story, I plan on purchasing a Beta fish as a reminder that love is worth working for, and with God's grace, there's always hope.
November 9, 2011
First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.
Hearing a lot of praises for Gina Holmes’ debut novel, Crossing Oceans, I was really excited to get the opportunity to review her next release, Dry as Rain. While the writing and depth of emotions in this book was amazing, something about the story as a whole rubbed me wrong. Even now that I finished it, I cannot name exactly what it is I did not like about it.
Eric and Kyra marriage is down the tubes and their son, Benji, is suddenly faced with a midlife crisis. The book is set in first person, from Eric’s point of view, thus giving me a very unique view of the story. While I understood Eric was far from perfect and enjoyed watching him grow throughout the story, I had a hard time liking him. The way he handled things and what he did had me on the verge of being depressed!
Because part of their broken marriage is because of an affair Eric had with a (much younger) coworker, I wouldn’t recommend Dry as Rain for teens. But it isn’t really directed toward younger readers anyway.
So, while I didn’t find Dry as Rain as captivating a read as I had hoped, I would suggest reading more reviews before coming to a conclusion. This book just didn’t work for me—but it might for you.
Gina Holmes’ writing was wonderful and writing in such a way, it was almost an effortless read! Seriously, I found myself flying easily through the pages; just taking the story in. I can now understand how she became a bestselling author with her debut novel!
Hearing a lot of praises for Gina Holmes’ debut novel, Crossing Oceans, I was really excited to get the opportunity to review her next release, Dry as Rain. While the writing and depth of emotions in this book was amazing, something about the story as a whole rubbed me wrong. Even now that I finished it, I cannot name exactly what it is I did not like about it.
Eric and Kyra marriage is down the tubes and their son, Benji, is suddenly faced with a midlife crisis. The book is set in first person, from Eric’s point of view, thus giving me a very unique view of the story. While I understood Eric was far from perfect and enjoyed watching him grow throughout the story, I had a hard time liking him. The way he handled things and what he did had me on the verge of being depressed!
Because part of their broken marriage is because of an affair Eric had with a (much younger) coworker, I wouldn’t recommend Dry as Rain for teens. But it isn’t really directed toward younger readers anyway.
So, while I didn’t find Dry as Rain as captivating a read as I had hoped, I would suggest reading more reviews before coming to a conclusion. This book just didn’t work for me—but it might for you.
Gina Holmes’ writing was wonderful and writing in such a way, it was almost an effortless read! Seriously, I found myself flying easily through the pages; just taking the story in. I can now understand how she became a bestselling author with her debut novel!
August 31, 2011
Dry As Rain is a very interesting story because it is written from the viewpoint of a husband who makes a huge mistake and then struggles with doing the right thing.
Technically, he could very well get away with what he’s done because his wife suffers memory loss after a car accident. Technically, this could be the second chance he’s been waiting for to reconcile with his estranged wife. But the guilt of his actions is eating him alive and he spends his days walking on eggshells, waiting to see if his wife will eventually remember their life before the accident.
This book is intense, emotional and filled with anticipation but after a few chapters I found myself getting a little impatient with what felt like repeated information. The first part of the book is so fast paced that it caught me off guard when it started to bog down in the middle – however, the overall story cancels out the glitches in my opinion.
For those readers who may be surprised at some of Eric’s actions in this book, author Gina Holmes wrote about him exactly as she wanted him portrayed; a lukewarm, nominal Christian who has grown a bit cold in his walk with the Lord. With an overall theme of honesty, forgiveness and reconciliation, the story is told in a manner which reflects Eric’s weaknesses and struggles and the choices his faces.
Technically, he could very well get away with what he’s done because his wife suffers memory loss after a car accident. Technically, this could be the second chance he’s been waiting for to reconcile with his estranged wife. But the guilt of his actions is eating him alive and he spends his days walking on eggshells, waiting to see if his wife will eventually remember their life before the accident.
This book is intense, emotional and filled with anticipation but after a few chapters I found myself getting a little impatient with what felt like repeated information. The first part of the book is so fast paced that it caught me off guard when it started to bog down in the middle – however, the overall story cancels out the glitches in my opinion.
For those readers who may be surprised at some of Eric’s actions in this book, author Gina Holmes wrote about him exactly as she wanted him portrayed; a lukewarm, nominal Christian who has grown a bit cold in his walk with the Lord. With an overall theme of honesty, forgiveness and reconciliation, the story is told in a manner which reflects Eric’s weaknesses and struggles and the choices his faces.
February 28, 2012
I chose this book because I really liked the author's first novel, Crossing Oceans. That book was a better story than this one, though this was a solid read as well.
The description on the back of the book led me to expect something different than the story presented. The cover asks if "this is a precious opportunity for the fresh start Eric has longed for? Does he even deserve the chance... to win back Kyra's heart?" I thought the novel was going to be about Eric trying to make his wife fall in love with him again. Instead, Eric spends the majority of the novel just trying to cover up the mistake he made right before his wife's accident. I thought he didn't really embrace the chance to woo his wife again but instead tries to find a way to cover up the truth of his actions. I was expecting more of a courting story.
It was still a page turner and I look forward to any other books the author might publish.
The description on the back of the book led me to expect something different than the story presented. The cover asks if "this is a precious opportunity for the fresh start Eric has longed for? Does he even deserve the chance... to win back Kyra's heart?" I thought the novel was going to be about Eric trying to make his wife fall in love with him again. Instead, Eric spends the majority of the novel just trying to cover up the mistake he made right before his wife's accident. I thought he didn't really embrace the chance to woo his wife again but instead tries to find a way to cover up the truth of his actions. I was expecting more of a courting story.
It was still a page turner and I look forward to any other books the author might publish.
January 13, 2020
Not bad, cheating story told from the hero’s POV, with christian overtones but not too preachy.
October 6, 2022
Very slow and redundant. Had to DNF
August 28, 2011
Behind every broken vow, lies a broken heart.
When Eric and Kyra Yoshida first met, they thought their love would last forever. But like many marriages, theirs has crumbled, one thoughtless comment and misunderstanding at a time, until the ultimate betrayal pushes them beyond reconciliation. Though Eric longs to reunite with Kyra, the only woman he has truly loved, he has no idea how to repair the damage that has been done.
Then a car accident erases part of Kyra's memory - including her separation from Eric - and a glimmer of hope rises from the wreckage. Is this a precious opportunity for the fresh start Eric has longed for? Does he even deserve the chance to find forgiveness and win back Kyra's heart? Or will the truth blow up in his face, shattering their last hope for happiness?
My Review:
I received Dry As Rain by Gina Holmes compliments of Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review and found this to be a perfect example of what it truly means to seek and find forgiveness. While the premise behind the story involves infidelity, the second chance that Eric sees as a sign from God leads him to delay telling Kyra the truth, even though the doctors have warned him that Kyra's memory could come back at any time.
He spends the first few nights dealing with the feelings of guilt, remorse and regret because even though Kyra remembers nothing, he still knows that nothing has changed from his own perspective. He now holds in his hand a simple choice, to tell the truth or live a lie, and ultimately he chooses wrong. The book is filled with what happens when we don't live alongside God's truth and the darkness that will follow for those wrong decisions.
For once I was happy that this didn't end up the way we would all like, because much like reality, we don't get second chances. Not all our life decisions end up for the best and sometimes life throws us a curve ball. Yet its what we chose to do in THAT moment at the crossroads, that determines the course of the life that follows. This is a shining example of that and how the road to forgiveness isn't an easy path as we'd like it to be sometimes. That is real and for that reason, I award, Dry As Rain, a perfect 5 out of 5 stars because life isn't perfect!
When Eric and Kyra Yoshida first met, they thought their love would last forever. But like many marriages, theirs has crumbled, one thoughtless comment and misunderstanding at a time, until the ultimate betrayal pushes them beyond reconciliation. Though Eric longs to reunite with Kyra, the only woman he has truly loved, he has no idea how to repair the damage that has been done.
Then a car accident erases part of Kyra's memory - including her separation from Eric - and a glimmer of hope rises from the wreckage. Is this a precious opportunity for the fresh start Eric has longed for? Does he even deserve the chance to find forgiveness and win back Kyra's heart? Or will the truth blow up in his face, shattering their last hope for happiness?
My Review:
I received Dry As Rain by Gina Holmes compliments of Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review and found this to be a perfect example of what it truly means to seek and find forgiveness. While the premise behind the story involves infidelity, the second chance that Eric sees as a sign from God leads him to delay telling Kyra the truth, even though the doctors have warned him that Kyra's memory could come back at any time.
He spends the first few nights dealing with the feelings of guilt, remorse and regret because even though Kyra remembers nothing, he still knows that nothing has changed from his own perspective. He now holds in his hand a simple choice, to tell the truth or live a lie, and ultimately he chooses wrong. The book is filled with what happens when we don't live alongside God's truth and the darkness that will follow for those wrong decisions.
For once I was happy that this didn't end up the way we would all like, because much like reality, we don't get second chances. Not all our life decisions end up for the best and sometimes life throws us a curve ball. Yet its what we chose to do in THAT moment at the crossroads, that determines the course of the life that follows. This is a shining example of that and how the road to forgiveness isn't an easy path as we'd like it to be sometimes. That is real and for that reason, I award, Dry As Rain, a perfect 5 out of 5 stars because life isn't perfect!
September 12, 2011
After years of miscommunication, silent nights, missed dinners and little interaction with his son, the marriage has fell to pieces. Loneliness drives Eric to not guard his heart and what starts as harmless flirtations with another woman, leads to the discovery of questionable emails and ultimately gets Eric the boot. After Kyra kicks him out, distance and separation lead Eric to make the biggest mistake of his life…an affair with a fellow co-worker.
Divorce is on the horizon for the Yoshida’s- but after a car accident Kyra is left with a concussion that affects her long term memory. Kyra awakens as the woman before the affair, to a place where her and Eric were madly in-love, before distance created silence and before miscommunication became bitterness. As Eric fights for his second chance to win Kyra back, he delays telling her the truth about their marriage, even though at any moment she could regain her memories back. Although he is racked with guilt and begins to see the mistakes over the years, Eric fails once again in telling the truth and the few months of martial bliss doesn’t compare with the avalanche getting ready to crumble down on him…….
At first I didn't like Eric, I couldn't stand the choice he made, I hated what he did and for a moment there thought he made his bed of infidelity and should suffer for it. But as Eric progressed throughout the story and truly did suffer from his indiscretion, my heart started to soften towards him and I found myself wanting his life to turn around, wanting Kyra to never remember and for the couple to start over in their happily ever after.....however terrible mistakes- which can be forgiven- always have consequences and Eric's are real and painful. While Kyra works to forgive Eric, I had to forgive him myself and found that after I was able to do that, could easily love him. While Eric doesn't get a fairytale, God fixed everything ending- he does by the end redeem himself and the lives of those around him.
Divorce is on the horizon for the Yoshida’s- but after a car accident Kyra is left with a concussion that affects her long term memory. Kyra awakens as the woman before the affair, to a place where her and Eric were madly in-love, before distance created silence and before miscommunication became bitterness. As Eric fights for his second chance to win Kyra back, he delays telling her the truth about their marriage, even though at any moment she could regain her memories back. Although he is racked with guilt and begins to see the mistakes over the years, Eric fails once again in telling the truth and the few months of martial bliss doesn’t compare with the avalanche getting ready to crumble down on him…….
At first I didn't like Eric, I couldn't stand the choice he made, I hated what he did and for a moment there thought he made his bed of infidelity and should suffer for it. But as Eric progressed throughout the story and truly did suffer from his indiscretion, my heart started to soften towards him and I found myself wanting his life to turn around, wanting Kyra to never remember and for the couple to start over in their happily ever after.....however terrible mistakes- which can be forgiven- always have consequences and Eric's are real and painful. While Kyra works to forgive Eric, I had to forgive him myself and found that after I was able to do that, could easily love him. While Eric doesn't get a fairytale, God fixed everything ending- he does by the end redeem himself and the lives of those around him.
August 28, 2011
Gina Holmes in a master wordsmith and story weaver and in her second novel, Dry as Rain, I was once again captivated.
I love first person novels and done well, I feel I can really crawl within the skin of the character. The first person in the male point of view isn’t often seen, but I thought it well done. There were a few times I would have liked to climb within the mind of Kyra (the wife) and feel what she was thinking, but for the most part she was a transparent character, which worked well on the ‘stage’ of this story.
The plot of this book will, I believe, touch many lives. Relationships, control, mistakes, you don’t necessarily have to be going through a separation or divorce to grasp the depth of Eric and Kyra’s emotions.
I grew to admire Eric’s convictions as he realized just how much he did not want to lose his wife. We don’t realize how much we want something until we can’t have it. This novel kept me hanging. 15 pages from the end and I wasn’t sure how it was going to wrap up! There is a great concept to this novel that takes it beyond just “finding love” again. There is depth to the plot.
An excellent story cover to cover, I am once again thrilled with the voice of Gina Holmes. She crafts a masterful story!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
I love first person novels and done well, I feel I can really crawl within the skin of the character. The first person in the male point of view isn’t often seen, but I thought it well done. There were a few times I would have liked to climb within the mind of Kyra (the wife) and feel what she was thinking, but for the most part she was a transparent character, which worked well on the ‘stage’ of this story.
The plot of this book will, I believe, touch many lives. Relationships, control, mistakes, you don’t necessarily have to be going through a separation or divorce to grasp the depth of Eric and Kyra’s emotions.
I grew to admire Eric’s convictions as he realized just how much he did not want to lose his wife. We don’t realize how much we want something until we can’t have it. This novel kept me hanging. 15 pages from the end and I wasn’t sure how it was going to wrap up! There is a great concept to this novel that takes it beyond just “finding love” again. There is depth to the plot.
An excellent story cover to cover, I am once again thrilled with the voice of Gina Holmes. She crafts a masterful story!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
August 28, 2011
Eric and Kyra Yoshida are a recently separated couple when Kyra gets in a car accident and loses her memory. At first, Eric is hesitant to take care of Kyra, who does not seem to remember their marriage troubles. But then he realizes he has been given a rare second chance to make things right with his wife. With the constant possibility of Kyra's memory returning, however, Eric will need to reach deep within himself to reconcile their differences and make the wrongs he did right.
I loved Gina Holmes' first book Crossing Oceans, which made my heart swell and my eyes tear up. With Dry As Rain, I was excited to dive into another story of redemption and soul searching. Plus, it was interesting to read a male's perspective written by a woman author. It makes me wonder how close to this story the author really was. I thought Holmes wrote Eric in a rather rough manner, with the only soft edges being when it came to his wife. In fact, Eric does not seem to have many redeemable qualities at all and I felt myself pitying poor Kyra for staying with a total jerk. But perhaps that it what I like about reading Gina Holmes - she tells stories how they are, without apologizing for being ugly and unhappy. One thing is for sure: I will waiting with baited breath for her next book!
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
I loved Gina Holmes' first book Crossing Oceans, which made my heart swell and my eyes tear up. With Dry As Rain, I was excited to dive into another story of redemption and soul searching. Plus, it was interesting to read a male's perspective written by a woman author. It makes me wonder how close to this story the author really was. I thought Holmes wrote Eric in a rather rough manner, with the only soft edges being when it came to his wife. In fact, Eric does not seem to have many redeemable qualities at all and I felt myself pitying poor Kyra for staying with a total jerk. But perhaps that it what I like about reading Gina Holmes - she tells stories how they are, without apologizing for being ugly and unhappy. One thing is for sure: I will waiting with baited breath for her next book!
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
December 26, 2011
Wanting a contemporary Christian Fiction ? One that answers the question of What If ???? . What if you had committed something so terrible , betraying the ones you loved and those around you ? For Eric , he fell into the web of temptation and what started off as an innocent lunch with co-workers grew into an affair with one in particular - a young female in her early 20's Danielle . His wife Kyra discovered it through an email that had been sent and his wife feeling betrayed kicked him out and was ready to divorce him as how could she trust him anymore. A few months later Kyra is in an accident and finds herself with amnesia , at first she thinks Eric is dead but as soon as she finds out he's alive, she is overjoyed . Kyra thinks that her and Eric are still the perfect couple , but what happens when she discovers that what she thinks and what really happened are two different things ? Should Eric come clean about what happened or should he play along with the amnesia and start anew ? Has God given Eric a second chance at renewing love and showing him that the statement - "You Don't realise how much you had , until it's gone " rings accurate ?.
Find out in this awesome journey of relationships with it's up's and down's. In a way this book reminded me of "The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks and "The House" by Anjuelle Floyd.
Find out in this awesome journey of relationships with it's up's and down's. In a way this book reminded me of "The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks and "The House" by Anjuelle Floyd.
September 28, 2011
Though not a romance by genre, this is a love story for sure. It’s about love blossoming at first sight, only to dry up and wilt over time. It’s about love’s pain. Love betrayed. Love’s power to heal.
Stirring the emotions without stooping to sentimentality, Dry as Rain is the story of Eric Yoshida and his wife, Kyra, at the end of a once-happy marriage. Their love fades and erodes as one thoughtless comment and gesture leads to another, creating a rubble of misunderstanding and confusion. Finally, an ultimate betrayal pushes them past the point of no return. After what Eric did, reconciliation is out of the question.
But when an auto accident erases part of Kyra’s memory, he wonders if they can start over. Is this a chance to mend their relationship? Can true restoration be based on a lie?
This beautifully crafted story raises some good questions, which the reader is led to answer for him or herself. Though the questions are sticky, the journey is enjoyable.
Gina’s done a fine job portraying a delicate situation and bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion. I give it five stars.
Stirring the emotions without stooping to sentimentality, Dry as Rain is the story of Eric Yoshida and his wife, Kyra, at the end of a once-happy marriage. Their love fades and erodes as one thoughtless comment and gesture leads to another, creating a rubble of misunderstanding and confusion. Finally, an ultimate betrayal pushes them past the point of no return. After what Eric did, reconciliation is out of the question.
But when an auto accident erases part of Kyra’s memory, he wonders if they can start over. Is this a chance to mend their relationship? Can true restoration be based on a lie?
This beautifully crafted story raises some good questions, which the reader is led to answer for him or herself. Though the questions are sticky, the journey is enjoyable.
Gina’s done a fine job portraying a delicate situation and bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion. I give it five stars.
October 5, 2011
DRY AS RAIN by Gina Holmes is an interesting inspirational fiction.See “Crossing Oceans” for her debut novel. This is a haunting tale of betrayal,forgiveness,healing,faith,second chances,fresh starts,misunderstandings,guilt,dishonesty,saving grace and determination.Eric and Kyra’s live is not always easy,with a failing marriage,betrayal,adultery on Eric’s part and a horrible car accident which takes Kyra’s memory they try to rebuild their marriage and their love. This is a through provoking story of family,faith and love. A haunting tale of hope,forgiveness and healing.A great story to all inspirational,contemporary,romance readers. It packs a powerful,emotional,and heart wrenching story of the drama in two people’s lives and it’s emotional toll. Received for review from the publisher. Details can be found at Tyndale and My Book Addiction Reviews.
October 26, 2011
The opening pages of Dry as Rain introduces us to Eric Yoshida, a 40-something man who's been married for 20 years. I gritted my teeth as the story began because Eric wakes up in bed with a woman who is NOT his wife. That's not exactly the best way for a character to work his way into my heart. But despite his flaws, Eric did.
The first person male voice was unexpected but was the perfect vehicle to tell this story of marriage in ruins and one man's effort to restore his relationship with his wife.
Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes is an emotional journey of forgiveness and redemption amid the chaos of poor choices. The book is a fast and satisfying read, and one I'm pleased to recommend.
The first person male voice was unexpected but was the perfect vehicle to tell this story of marriage in ruins and one man's effort to restore his relationship with his wife.
Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes is an emotional journey of forgiveness and redemption amid the chaos of poor choices. The book is a fast and satisfying read, and one I'm pleased to recommend.
May 16, 2019
Holmes grabs the reader with a unique story line about infidelity and what it truly means to forgive after betrayal. By looking at the situation from a different angle, the author provides a great deal of food for thought and contemplation.
SUMMARY: Eric and Kyra Yoshida's marriage is on the rocks, and it looks as if the final nail is placed in the coffin when Eric has an affair. Then Kyra is involved in a car accident and doesn't remember their marriage problems--she just remembers the happy times. Eric seizes the opportunity to make things right between them, but what happens if she remembers before their relationship is restored?
SUMMARY: Eric and Kyra Yoshida's marriage is on the rocks, and it looks as if the final nail is placed in the coffin when Eric has an affair. Then Kyra is involved in a car accident and doesn't remember their marriage problems--she just remembers the happy times. Eric seizes the opportunity to make things right between them, but what happens if she remembers before their relationship is restored?
October 18, 2011
Eric and Kyra have been married for twenty years, but her suspicions of infidelity cause her to throw him out. Then she is in a car accident and loses parts of her memory, including the part about the separation from her husband. She thinks they are still madly in love, and he has to decide whether to tell her the truth or enjoy this happiness they once shared and had since forgotten. I loved the way Eric drew closer to the Lord during his difficult times. This story focuses on forgiveness; God forgiving our sins and people forgiving other people. There is much wisdom to be found here!
April 30, 2014
Another book by Gina that delves into the places that many Christian authors don't dare to travel, the area of marriage breakdown and infidelity. Written in the first person from the husbands point of view, it gave a different perspective to most book I read. His raw honest assessment of himself, was contrasted with his persona to the rest of the world.
It is a book of grace, but shows the truth that forgiveness doesn't mean consequences of sin done't remain. I found this an authentic interesting story.
It is a book of grace, but shows the truth that forgiveness doesn't mean consequences of sin done't remain. I found this an authentic interesting story.
December 24, 2014
4.4 Stars
I really liked this novel! I'm not going to waste time retelling the synopsis, but just know it's a story of redemption and forgiveness when both seem far from reach.
I LOVED Gina Holmes's writing! Witty and sarcastic - just the way I like it. Honestly the best part of the novel!
My only reservation is that some events of the novel were not fully detailed and felt somewhat incomplete.
Overall, read this book!
I really liked this novel! I'm not going to waste time retelling the synopsis, but just know it's a story of redemption and forgiveness when both seem far from reach.
I LOVED Gina Holmes's writing! Witty and sarcastic - just the way I like it. Honestly the best part of the novel!
My only reservation is that some events of the novel were not fully detailed and felt somewhat incomplete.
Overall, read this book!
January 27, 2015
No sophomore slump for Gina Holmes! I enjoyed this story even more than the author's award-winning debut Crossing Oceans. Told in first person from the male point of view, Holmes has created a unique protagonist that readers, both male and female, will be able to relate to. Poignant tale with even more spiritual application than the author's first. Would make a great movie!
October 22, 2011
In Dry as Rain, Eric and Kyra Yoshida begin the story separated and headed for a divorce. Told in the male point of view it was hard for me to feel a part of the story. It was like watching a movie for me where I'm rooting for the main character to make it work out. Holme's addresses some tough subjects in this book and does it with finesse.
November 29, 2011
This is a book about life, marriage, family, happiness, lies, infidelity and a little bit of God.
It was well written and held my interest.
It starts with a couple who are seperated. There is an accident, some memory loss and trying to rebuilt a marriage based on not all the facts. There are lots of minor characters who at times have a place in the story and at others not really.
It was well written and held my interest.
It starts with a couple who are seperated. There is an accident, some memory loss and trying to rebuilt a marriage based on not all the facts. There are lots of minor characters who at times have a place in the story and at others not really.
September 26, 2011
Another great book by Gina Holmes. While I liked Crossing Oceans more, I still really enjoyed this book. Written from the husband's perspective, it added an interesting angle for the story. The book was well developed and I enjoyed the relationships between characters and the plot flow. Good book!
February 13, 2012
Very interesting book. Communication is the key. I'm not sure what I would have done if I was Eric. I understood exactly how he felt, but when one makes choices, it's hard to deal with the consequences.
October 17, 2011
A book about 2nd chances, page turner and a must read!
June 29, 2013
A predictable storyline, but an easy read.
September 10, 2018
Not as compelling as Crossing Oceans but there is a good message in it....actually several messages
December 31, 2017
When Eric met his wife, he fell hard and fast for her. After many years of great marriage, slowly their relationship started to fall apart. Then Eric made the ultimate mistake. Eric wants to win his wife Kyra back but he doesn’t think she will ever forgive him. Suddenly, Kyra has a car accident and loses part of her memory. Could this be a chance to win her back and hope she will permanently forget?
This story written by Gina Holmes is told from a man’s perspective. The man being, Eric Yoshida, the main character and the husband. I loved this different perspective and it kept me wanting more with every page. The story was a single storyline strictly from Eric’s point of view. This book is one of those books that will stay with me long after I have finished reading it! I couldn’t put this book down and finished reading it in a day.
I am reading through the Christy Awards archives list. I found this book as it was a finalist in 2012 in the Contemporary category.
This story written by Gina Holmes is told from a man’s perspective. The man being, Eric Yoshida, the main character and the husband. I loved this different perspective and it kept me wanting more with every page. The story was a single storyline strictly from Eric’s point of view. This book is one of those books that will stay with me long after I have finished reading it! I couldn’t put this book down and finished reading it in a day.
I am reading through the Christy Awards archives list. I found this book as it was a finalist in 2012 in the Contemporary category.
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