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Rain and Revelation

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On the rugged, rain and windswept coast of Ireland, twenty-year-old Eliza Conroy’s predictable life is shattered when she returns home to find her mother bathing in her own blood. Eliza sets out to understand the events leading up to that fateful day and discovers that she has been deceived her entire life by those she loves and trusts the most. What she uncovers threatens to destroy her family and tight knit community and Eliza is forced to choose between the cost of speaking the truth and remaining silent.

219 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 2012

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890 people want to read

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Therese Pautz

2 books9 followers

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5 stars
66 (16%)
4 stars
135 (34%)
3 stars
142 (36%)
2 stars
33 (8%)
1 star
15 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Becky.
1,648 reviews1,949 followers
May 11, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the author for review.

I haven't been accepting many books for review lately, because I dislike the feeling of obligation that accepting a book for review brings with it, especially the past chunk of time, with my reading so erratic and all.

But Therese emailed me, and I checked out the book and it intrigued me. The cover drew me in, and the description left me wondering, and both are good things. So I accepted a review copy, but then all that erratic reading happened again, and I sat on this one for over a month.

I picked it up last night, and I'll admit that right off the bat, I was a little apprehensive. This is written in 1st person present tense, which is honestly my least favorite narrative style. I thought right away that I was going to be constantly distracted by the narrative. I will admit that there were a few times that repetitive wording or phrasing jumped out at me ("If there's a choice, I don't see it" and "If I have a choice, I don't see it" both showed up within 9 pages of each other, for example), but once I got into the story, I was engrossed, and read the majority of the book in one sitting this afternoon. Which is pretty impressive, since, as I've mentioned, I have Erratic Reading Syndrome (ERS).

I am pleasantly surprised by how much I actually did enjoy this story, considering my first impressions last night. I thought that the characters were all well done, and understandable, if a bit frustrating. I truly felt as though I was trying to figure things out with Eliza as she went along - not just about the mystery, but also who Eliza is, or wants to be.

I got the feeling that Eliza had done a lot of growing up in a short time, even before the start of the book, and didn't yet realize it. Her interactions with Fiona just held that awkwardness of friends who are drifting apart but are unsure why or how. This is one of the things that I liked best about the book. We're not in Eliza's head a lot - just when she's actively questioning or piecing things together - but it never feels like there's any narrative missing. She is understandable and relatable, even if I don't always necessarily agree with her reactions, so it's easy to keep up with her moods and changes.

The story itself is interesting, and kept me reading through to the end to find out the answers to the questions, but also to find out what the repercussions of the answers would be.

I felt for Annie, after learning what she had gone through, and though the subject matter was grim, the writing was never manipulative or overly sentimental. I liked that quite a bit. Let the story speak for itself. If you've written a good one, it will. This one did.

Overall, I really enjoyed it, and I would recommend it to someone looking for a good way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Profile Image for Julie Griffin.
280 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2013
This book set in a west coast town of Ireland combines a traumatic event in the life of a young woman with mystery and yes, revelations, about her family and her past during a few rainy months. Eliza Conroy has been drifting a bit since she graduated from high school--she is in a relationship off and on that she knows is going nowhere. Life for her and her best friend Fiona centers around regular visits from college students from America who come to stay in the bed and breakfast cottages run by Eliza's parents and owned by her grandparents. All of this changes when Eliza comes home after a night out to find her mother has slit her wrists. Quickly trying to save her mother, Eliza bundles her in the car and stops at the first medical clinic she passes on the way to a far-away hospital, a veterinary clinic staffed by a handsome new vet. He helps stabilize her mother and she is rushed off to a hospital. Eliza is then left to try to discover why her mother, a quiet woman who has let life move on around her, tried to end her life in such a dramatic matter. She is not so much helped in this as tolerated by her distant father, his omnipresent best friend Paddy, a schoolteacher from the past, and her best friend who is more interested in the latest crop of Americans than focusing on her friend's situation. The revelations are stunning, and the weakest part of the book as they are a little bit too much to be believable all together. the author, Therese Pautz, was herself an exchange student in Ireland, and she creates a very readable and likable main character in Eliza, and her portrait of growing up and needing more than a small tourist town can offer is very believable. All in all, a fun read and a nice vicarious trip to Ireland in the rainy season.
Profile Image for Patty.
303 reviews78 followers
March 27, 2013
This book is like a little snack of a mystery, it is a small book, 219 pages, and it is a page turner. The author, http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/..., sure knows how to keep the story line going. The last book I really enjoyed was, Gone Girl, and no one has come close to keeping me as engaged as that book did, but this book did make me want to know more, to figure out the mystery. Another author that I really like is, Douglas Kennedy, who is an expert at keeping the story progressing and having you fully engaged in wanting to know, what's next. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kristin Lockhart.
140 reviews
May 4, 2020
What a ride!!! I am not someone who gets caught up in a story and reads into the wee hours of the night ... but I did with this one. I am not someone particularly interested in stories set in Ireland (sorry!!) but I was with this one. I couldn't wait for what was to come next, and what this protagonist was to face next, and wow, what a set of revelations. Wonderful read, thanks Therese Pautz!!!
Profile Image for Joy  Cagil.
328 reviews6 followers
July 17, 2020
I surprised myself by enjoying this story, considering that it is about the secrets and the shadowy negatives of an extremely complicated family. What I liked the most about it is the change in the protagonist Eliza Conroy, a girl in her late teens, by the time the story wrapped up at the end. Then, the characterization itself is first-rate, which made up for the gory facts behind most of the actions.

In the story, Eliza has postponed attending the university even though she wants it and has the means for it. The reason is the family business with a B&B and several rental cottages. One day, she comes home to find her mother Annie in the bathtub with a slit wrist, an apparent suicide. With some help from their veterinarian’s son, she manages to take her mother to the hospital, and the story continues from there with Eliza trying to solve the mystery of why Annie Conroy became so despondent.

The setting for this dramatic story is a small town in the west coast of Ireland, although Ireland has little to do with the plot, as this story might happen anywhere.

Besides the family members, there are several other seemingly secondary characters who, at times, sneak into the front row, but this is not a bad thing. It only makes the story more interesting. In fact, if it weren’t for all those characters, the mystery wouldn’t be a mystery but would emit the illusion of a sappy daytime drama.

The characterization is outstanding, and each character is given his or her due place and importance. While the real villain has lurked quietly in the background, finding out that he is the villain at the end made the story even more confounding and thought-provoking.

Eliza as a character has a swinging best friend Fiona, Eliza's Da, a somewhat distant and mostly drunk father figure who always sticks with his best friend Paddy, Maeve the housekeeper, an old school teacher from her high-school days, and a not too many boyfriends. Except for her mother’s gloom, Eliza seems to have an okay life, but this is only in the beginning. When she starts to poke into the mystery of why her mother tried to kill herself, the readers find out with her the family secrets and the well-hidden facts about almost every character.

Although I did enjoy reading this story, I found its turns and twists to be excessive, especially after somewhere in the middle of its dark plot. I believe too much twisting toward the end, especially when it involves several characters, can lead a reader’s attention astray.

Still, the writing is very good with a resolution of the plot satisfactory enough and the superb characterization, which has enhanced greatly the quality of this novel.
Profile Image for Denise	Erdman.
12 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2014
Twists and turns...

Would I recommend this book..? Yes. It's a book of the heart, with no car chases, explosions or sexually explicit and potent scenes. It does follow the path of a young Irish woman, taking you along as she struggles to move forward, but finding she can only do so by looking backwards...
This first novel of Ms. Pautz' is strongly written, with a leanness of expression that has you listening in the quiet spaces of her main character's narration, for the nuggets of wisdom she falters across during her painful journey. Eliza, the main character, seems to be stumbling around under her own personal, black cloud, as calamity and sickening revelations begin with a shocking family tragedy, and seem to pile up as months pass. These aren't simply author's devices, but are integral to the storyline and they ring true, as the 'stepping stones' in her painful quest to unearth the truths to both her Mother's history and therefore, finally, their shared truths.
It's a tale of mystery, but one on a very human level, and the author never lets you lose your connection with this very vulnerable, slightly irritating, but ultimately triumphant young woman.
I've given this four stars because I thought the other characters could have been developed a bit more than they were, though this is not to say they didn't become 'sympathetic souls'. The ending also felt a bit rushed and I would have liked to have seen Eliza's summation also more refined, instead of left hanging in a slightly shaggy, mysterious and dubious denouement.
Others who have given reviews have given away certain facets of the story... I don't want to do that, as I consider the beginning to be very important on a 'first read' level, but they've already done it...if you can, avoid those reviews. Also, some complaints that the character had so many things happen to her and she was hard to like, well... first, I've found that in most cases, that you aren't always supposed to 'like' everyone in order to have the characters 'do their jobs' in either/both educating the reader, or advancing the storyline. Secondly, I think you're supposed to find Eliza a little irritating and juvenile, possibly even undisciplined and 'whiny', at the beginning and during her sojourn to truth. This is a story of growth and how this one young woman is forced by events and a history, which has ever been out of her control, into a level of wisdom and enlightenment, that most never, if ever, are compelled to achieve.
Profile Image for Angela Ainsworth.
26 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2015

Rain & Revelation by Therese Pautz is a dark, gripping story that I was enthralled with from the first page. From finding her mother dying in the tub to ending up battling members of her own family, Eliza dealt with so much drama throughout the story. Her Mother’s character Annie was so dark and piqued my curiosity and it was a shame to find that she had gone through so much. It was also sad that Annie and Eliza were not close. As I’m extremely close with my mom, it saddened me to see a Mother/Daughter relationship so challenged. The story had many twists and turns and the pain experienced by all the characters was heart breaking. **Spoiler Alert…continue reading at your own risk** Eliza finding out her Grandfather is actually her father and was a disgusting rapist and abuser to her mother, sickened me. Knowing he could take advantage of his daughter made me want to puke and finding out how Annie’s mother (Eliza’s Grandmother) treated her was foul. All in all, I think the story was written well and the storyline, though dark was put together well. The only thing I didn’t like about the story was Fiona. I could not for the life of me stand her character. She acted like a petulant child the majority of the time. It was good that Eliza had a female friend though and that she snapped at her (finally). I also want to mention, Ryan’s character was interesting. I’d love to see a novel about him (crosses fingers).


~Until the next review...
Profile Image for Jaymie.
41 reviews
March 7, 2023
This book deals with a wide range of issues including everything from suicide to life changing secrets. I wont spoil anything for those of you who read it but I did find the story to be a little unbelievable. One bad trauma after another happens to the main character, it got to the point I expected her to get hit by a bus while crossing the street. Bad things do happen to people, sometimes all at once, this story just made it seem like a competition for who has the worst life. I don't feel the main character was easy to connect to. She was a very fragile character who needed to find courage, sadly to me, it never seemed like she did. She would complain about her problems and then blame them on others or have someone else fight her battles. For a character of her age I expected more. In general, I wouldn't reccomend this book.
Profile Image for Elaine.
2,258 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2012
What drew me in? From reading the synopsis there seemed to be a bit of mystery surrounding Eliza’s family. Also the setting is in Ireland; I like reading books which take place in parts of Europe.

What kept me reading? “Rain and Revelation” has something occurring regularly that keeps me wanting to read. Eliza is faced with whether it’s worth digging; Should she just let things go? Will the truth help or hurt and what is she hoping to gain? What she’s uncovered already is more than she bargained for.

The truth may surprise you.
Profile Image for Joy.
26 reviews
July 31, 2013
I won this book from a goodreads contest and I am so happy that I did. The book was a mystery that keep me engaged in it the whole entire time. I constantly thought I knew what was going to happen and I was wrong. And that does not happen often. I also loved the setting, Ireland and the characters, especially Eliza and how she fought for answers and knowledge even through the toughest of times. Thank you for the book!
Profile Image for Sarah.
2 reviews
January 3, 2013
Could not put down Rain and Revelation - truly captivating! The main character is relatable and sometimes inspirational as she makes positive life changes which pull her away from her past and propel her into her future. All the while she is uncovering the dark pasts of her family and has to find ways to reconcile and move forward.
Profile Image for Amy.
23 reviews
May 26, 2013
This book is a poor attempt at digging into the deepest, darkest secrets of a family. The author tried to hit every one she could think of; attempted suicide, physical abuse, sexual abuse, alocoholism, homosexuality, etc. It would have worked better if she had just picked one and delved deeper. This book was a quick read yet still left me feeling like I had wasted my time.
Profile Image for Michelle.
81 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2013
I read this book almost straight through in just a few sittings. The characters are real and intriguing, likable at times and unlikable at others. Things weren't wrapped up in a pretty package at the end, just as in real life. I feel a bit heavy hearted after reading it. Time for some "chick-lit" now, where things end just as you hope they will!
Profile Image for Carissa Janes.
1,970 reviews6 followers
October 28, 2019
Rainy days and Mondays

This book really sucked me in. Eliza initially struck me as a shallow person, but as I got to know her she matured before my eyes. I really liked meeting the characters and the author made me feel like I was in the story. Lots of twists, great storyline. I like the feeling of hope the book leaves me with.
1 review
March 27, 2013
I loved this book. I picked it up without any ideas about what the book was about and had to read it straight through in just a few sittings. The detail of characters and environment pulled me in. I felt as if I was magically taken away to Ireland while reading.
1 review1 follower
May 9, 2013
This is a great read! I got totally caught up in the story, the intrigue of the intertwined lives of the various characters and ultimately, the profound growth of the main character, Eliza. I can't wait for a sequel.
64 reviews
June 2, 2013
Rain and Revelation was an extremely enjoyable book. The twists and turns made the story unpredictable and I loved the main character. The book flowed well and the ending was quite satisfying.
Profile Image for Melanie Hall.
45 reviews
June 19, 2013
It wasn't a bad book, it wasn't a pain to get through, I just wasn't really attached to the characters.
Profile Image for John.
104 reviews
April 17, 2015
I totally enjoyed this book. It was a quick read with lots of surprises.
Look forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Karen B.
691 reviews8 followers
July 12, 2015
I am always pleased when a Kindle freebie turns out to be a wonderful read. This one had me from the first page and it kept my interest until the very end. I look forward to more from Ms Pautz.
Profile Image for Pj.
133 reviews
February 19, 2020
Eliza finds her mother has attempted to kill herself on her 40th birthday. Over the next few months she discovers her life has been shrouded in lies and deceit and sets out to discover the truth.
Profile Image for Stacy Sabala.
1,056 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2018
Book Review- Rain and Revelation by Therese Pautz
Eliza’s life is the same everyday. She works for her granda, goes out with best friend Fiona, and occasionally hooks up with Mike. Everything changes when she comes home and finds her mother. Eliza is shocked and wonders why she would do that.
Things start coming clear. Eliza takes a good look at herself, her da, Mike and Fiona. She is realizing things may not be what she thought they were. She finds herself on a fact finding mission. She has to know why her mother did what she did. She can’t directly ask her ma since see refuses to see her.
Once she starts digging into the past, it turns out her da may not be her da. Everyone she knows is keeping secrets. Eliza makes her way to the truth and reels from what she finds. An understanding of her ma fills her. She makes big decisions regarding her family and herself. She refuses to let the shocking revelations destroy her life. She now has to find out what she wants.
This story was pretty shocking in the sense that I didn’t see any of it coming at all. The author pretty much throws you into the deep in of the story. It’s a shocking way to start. Then you watch as Eliza struggles with what happened and to understand why. She is a complete mess.
Her character is very complex. She doesn’t let anyone too close, which I picked up pretty quickly. She doesn’t seem to have a direction on a dream yet she is completely in a rut. Her triathlon is a start in the right direction. So are the new friends she makes.
Her determination to find the truth really defines her. There are those that encourage things are better left alone. The truth was a shock to me and I had to put the book down for a while to process what the author revealed.
I do like how she attempts to set things right and take care of those she loves. She truly changes from the beginning to the end of the book. I give it a 3.5 out of 5.
Profile Image for J. A.  Lewis.
449 reviews5 followers
January 10, 2022
A young Irish woman's world falls apart when she finds her mother in the tub after an attempted suicide. As things go from bad to worse in her home situation, she goes on a search for her actual father. This is an ok read. Kept my attention.
Profile Image for Melanie Pietrowski.
96 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2013
Well that wrapped up rather quickly. what a life these 2 women have been through... the daughter finding her ma like she did... then finding out all these details of her ma's life and then finally when she does get to see her... bam everything comes out between them and it's all cleaned up lickity split. Just like that. I did enjoy reading this story, the twists and turns and revelations... but I honestly didn't care for how it all just cleaned up so quickly and ok go on with your life now... goodbye. that was just odd... gonna have to check authors page and see if there is a sequel to this.

Ok I guess not... this is the only book she has out. I wonder if she is planning the next "Chapters" of Eliza life... or that of Annie... maybe Seamus & Paddy' s life? I guess only time will tell.
Profile Image for Susan Thurston.
Author 2 books24 followers
April 6, 2016
Lean and beautifully crafted, this mystery is for the reader who only wants the finest development in that genre. Pautz is able to present details with a keen eye and balances just enough of the torment of not knowing with moving revelations (play off the title intentional) of each character. I thought I'd start in and take my time reading this solidly written work, but once I started, I stayed on through the end. My own theory proved true, but I wasn't certain for a moment. That's the best sort of mystery.
1,178 reviews14 followers
May 26, 2013
Twenty year old Eliza Conroy searches for answers as to why her mother committed suicide in front of her by slashing her wrists in the bathtub. The twists and turn in the plot are used to emphasize the price of finding truth and facing the consequences.

The work is Americanized. Phrases used in American but are not used in Ireland. Words are used differently or have a different meaning when used in Ireland, i.e.. Tub.
4 reviews
May 27, 2013
I didn't know anything about this book before I downloaded it as noted by other reviewers some of the Irish references were quite American we don't eat biscuits with savoury food for example . I didn't want to stop reading it and read it in a day but it seemed like the author was trying to fit everything into one book, abuse on multiple levels, sexual orientation and suicide combined with many hidden family secrets and a bit of a love affair just to complete the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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