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Right as Rain
When Molly Carter finally gets hired at a small school on the plains of Colorado, she couldn't be more thrilled to declare her independence. Now that she's hours away from friends, family, and the amenities of the big city, she embarks on an emotional roller coaster as she realizes that not everyone in the close-knit town is ready to welcome her with open arms.
Her already vulnerable composure is further shaken when ruggedly compelling cop Jake Runco returns to his hometown after being injured in the line of duty. Their attraction is immediate and intense, but Jake has every intention of going back to L.A. as soon as he recovers. Hoping to protect her heart, Molly tries to fight the inevitable. But their bond grows when the sleepy town is rocked with a scandal that quickly spirals out of control.
A local teacher, Georgia Quinlan, and her stepsons disappear without a trace. Already suspicious of Georgia's temper and heavy drinking, Molly is determined that her deranged coworker is behind the scheme. As Molly pushes closer to the truth, she finds herself caught in a web of danger fueled by desperation and greed. As much as she hates to admit it, she'll have to rely on Jake--and the few friends she's made--to help her unravel the plot before it's too late.
Her already vulnerable composure is further shaken when ruggedly compelling cop Jake Runco returns to his hometown after being injured in the line of duty. Their attraction is immediate and intense, but Jake has every intention of going back to L.A. as soon as he recovers. Hoping to protect her heart, Molly tries to fight the inevitable. But their bond grows when the sleepy town is rocked with a scandal that quickly spirals out of control.
A local teacher, Georgia Quinlan, and her stepsons disappear without a trace. Already suspicious of Georgia's temper and heavy drinking, Molly is determined that her deranged coworker is behind the scheme. As Molly pushes closer to the truth, she finds herself caught in a web of danger fueled by desperation and greed. As much as she hates to admit it, she'll have to rely on Jake--and the few friends she's made--to help her unravel the plot before it's too late.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2013
4 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Heather Cleveland
7 books57 followersI wanted to be an actress for a long time until I realized it wasn’t so much the acting that I loved but the storytelling. (But don’t get me wrong, if someone offered me a dream role in a movie, I’d take it.) So I’ve lovingly returned to my childhood pastime of writing, only now my novels come to life on my computer screen rather than being scrawled in a spiral notebook. And thank goodness for that, or it’d take me a year to finish the editing process.
I'm active in our local theatre scene (on the management side now). I love traveling, playing games, gardening, crafting, and checking items off my bucket list—last accomplishment: learn to sew; next up: milk a cow. If you asked my friends to describe me, I think they’d say I am a little quirky and an old soul.
I live north of Denver with my very supportive husband. He is vital to my writing process--serving as sounding board, walking thesaurus, and reality check.
Thanks for reading my book, and please check back for news on my next novel; my always-active imagination is hard at work formulating the next plot.
I'm active in our local theatre scene (on the management side now). I love traveling, playing games, gardening, crafting, and checking items off my bucket list—last accomplishment: learn to sew; next up: milk a cow. If you asked my friends to describe me, I think they’d say I am a little quirky and an old soul.
I live north of Denver with my very supportive husband. He is vital to my writing process--serving as sounding board, walking thesaurus, and reality check.
Thanks for reading my book, and please check back for news on my next novel; my always-active imagination is hard at work formulating the next plot.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 11, 2013
Full disclosure: I absolutely, 100% chose to review this book based on the cover. I didn't even read the description. There were a few reasons it was appealing, including the fact that there were no boobs on it; but the biggest, dorkiest reason? It reminded me of my childhood. It looks like an 80s/90s Maeve Binchy or Nora Roberts book cover, and those were the books that I would sneak off of my mother's bookcase and read. Ahh, memories.
Much to my surprise, the inside of the book was reminiscent of my favorite stolen books, too. Right as Rain had a definite Maeve Binchy/Nora Roberts vibe, which I loved!! It was a book with a little romance, a little mystery, and a small town. I love a small town book!
City girl Molly Carter moved to the small town of Hammond, Colorado, to take a teaching position. She's excited to be on her own and all butterflies and rainbows about having her own classroom and bulletin boards and lots of little minds to mold. She's optimistic about the people in Hammond and expects that a small town means everyone is friendly. She has a rude awakening when a good amount of the people she meets are downright rude.
Jake Runco left Hammond as fast as his legs could carry him and ended up, after a bad post-college breakup, as a cop in LA, which gives his mother palpitations every time the phone rings. Jake isn't comfortable in LA and is eventually injured in the line of duty. His parents bring him home to Hammond to recover, hoping (of course) that he'll decide to stay.
Molly meets Jake, Jake meets Molly, and while it isn't love at first sight, there's a definite interest. Molly is straightforward and empathetic, something that Jake appreciates, especially back in his parents' house with his mother hovering.
But Molly has other questions for Jake. Two kids are missing from school, as is there bitch-on-wheels stepmother, Georgia Quinlan. Georgia is the high school math teacher and has it in for Molly. Molly has suspicions that the boys are being abused by their stepmother while their father is out of town, but when she reports it to the principal, discovers that the boys haven't been in school all week. Molly turns to Jake the cop, not Jake the invalid, and they are off to investigate. Investigation at the house turns into finding a broken window, which turns into missing kids and ransom notes and dead bodies and a mystery.
Right as Rain was excellent and rereadable. I loved that I got to meet Molly and Jake separately and become invested in each of them before they met. There was a love story, yes. But there was also a great mystery and a fun group of characters who made up the small town of Hammond--Sophie, Chief Maxwell, Jasper, and T.J. were some of my favorites.
I highly recommend Right as Rain, especially to anyone who likes a good Nora Roberts or Maeve Binchy novel. There was just the right amount of suspense, romance, and angst. And a little bit of sex.
An impressive debut from Heather Cleveland. I'm excited to read more!
Much to my surprise, the inside of the book was reminiscent of my favorite stolen books, too. Right as Rain had a definite Maeve Binchy/Nora Roberts vibe, which I loved!! It was a book with a little romance, a little mystery, and a small town. I love a small town book!
City girl Molly Carter moved to the small town of Hammond, Colorado, to take a teaching position. She's excited to be on her own and all butterflies and rainbows about having her own classroom and bulletin boards and lots of little minds to mold. She's optimistic about the people in Hammond and expects that a small town means everyone is friendly. She has a rude awakening when a good amount of the people she meets are downright rude.
Jake Runco left Hammond as fast as his legs could carry him and ended up, after a bad post-college breakup, as a cop in LA, which gives his mother palpitations every time the phone rings. Jake isn't comfortable in LA and is eventually injured in the line of duty. His parents bring him home to Hammond to recover, hoping (of course) that he'll decide to stay.
Molly meets Jake, Jake meets Molly, and while it isn't love at first sight, there's a definite interest. Molly is straightforward and empathetic, something that Jake appreciates, especially back in his parents' house with his mother hovering.
But Molly has other questions for Jake. Two kids are missing from school, as is there bitch-on-wheels stepmother, Georgia Quinlan. Georgia is the high school math teacher and has it in for Molly. Molly has suspicions that the boys are being abused by their stepmother while their father is out of town, but when she reports it to the principal, discovers that the boys haven't been in school all week. Molly turns to Jake the cop, not Jake the invalid, and they are off to investigate. Investigation at the house turns into finding a broken window, which turns into missing kids and ransom notes and dead bodies and a mystery.
Right as Rain was excellent and rereadable. I loved that I got to meet Molly and Jake separately and become invested in each of them before they met. There was a love story, yes. But there was also a great mystery and a fun group of characters who made up the small town of Hammond--Sophie, Chief Maxwell, Jasper, and T.J. were some of my favorites.
I highly recommend Right as Rain, especially to anyone who likes a good Nora Roberts or Maeve Binchy novel. There was just the right amount of suspense, romance, and angst. And a little bit of sex.
An impressive debut from Heather Cleveland. I'm excited to read more!
April 15, 2013
A truly compelling novel about what it means to let someone in. A great read for all genre lovers. I HIGHLY recommend it!
May 17, 2013
For more of my romance book reviews: http://onlytrickinthebook.blogspot.com
If this is Heather Cleveland's debut novel, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for my Kindle. Right as Rain read like a fun and refreshing Nicholas Sparks novel. Her writing style is rich and inviting, making it easy to feel connected to the characters she brings to life through her storytelling.
This is mainly a story about Molly Carter, a single woman starting independent life in Hammond, CO. Centered around the various relationships she creates because of that move and the mystery unfolding in this small town, our heroine doesn't really come in contact with her hero for a few chapters. Still, a sweet love story between these strong, animated characters is developed.
I'd like to point out that there's nothing really standing in the way of Jake and Molly's relationship, which is a nice switch-up compared to other books in this genre. Molly is relatable and mature. While Jake, a you will find, is every bit man and charmingly funny. Of course they have their individual concerns, but they follow their gut and conduct themselves without the dramatics.Ms. Cleveland knows how to keep a reader anxiously turning pages, as well as chuckling to themselves. With out saying too much, the plot flows nicely, the romance follows a realistic course, the mystery is suspenseful and the climax is well constructed. There are also stories and point of view changes within the story that add an interesting and suspenseful dynamic.
That considered, if I had to find something to complain about, it would be that this novel did not feature an extended ending or an epilogue. I would certainly pick up Ms. Cleveland's next offering in hopes that she continues to expand on the town of Hammond and the characters that live there. Ms. Cleveland was a delight to read and she has set up that possibility nicely.
If this is Heather Cleveland's debut novel, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for my Kindle. Right as Rain read like a fun and refreshing Nicholas Sparks novel. Her writing style is rich and inviting, making it easy to feel connected to the characters she brings to life through her storytelling.
This is mainly a story about Molly Carter, a single woman starting independent life in Hammond, CO. Centered around the various relationships she creates because of that move and the mystery unfolding in this small town, our heroine doesn't really come in contact with her hero for a few chapters. Still, a sweet love story between these strong, animated characters is developed.
I'd like to point out that there's nothing really standing in the way of Jake and Molly's relationship, which is a nice switch-up compared to other books in this genre. Molly is relatable and mature. While Jake, a you will find, is every bit man and charmingly funny. Of course they have their individual concerns, but they follow their gut and conduct themselves without the dramatics.Ms. Cleveland knows how to keep a reader anxiously turning pages, as well as chuckling to themselves. With out saying too much, the plot flows nicely, the romance follows a realistic course, the mystery is suspenseful and the climax is well constructed. There are also stories and point of view changes within the story that add an interesting and suspenseful dynamic.
That considered, if I had to find something to complain about, it would be that this novel did not feature an extended ending or an epilogue. I would certainly pick up Ms. Cleveland's next offering in hopes that she continues to expand on the town of Hammond and the characters that live there. Ms. Cleveland was a delight to read and she has set up that possibility nicely.
June 22, 2013
When Heather contacted the blog about reviewing her book, I have to admit I was a bit skeptical. I have to say, I normally don't like to mix my romance with mystery but with "Right As Rain" I was pleasantly surprised! I think what made this book stand out from other mystery/ romances, is that it was nice and light-hearted. Let me say the one negative I had about this book before I go any further, Molly, the lead female will at times annoy the ever loving s$%t out of you! I had to keep reminding myself that she is 24, starting a new career in a new town and her family is a bit stand offish to me.
The story begins with Molly Carter moving to Hammond, a small town about three hours outside of Denver. At 24, she has finished college and gotten her first job in the career she has always wanted - to be a teacher. Because of the small population, she will be the only second grade teacher.
To read the rest of my review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books.
The story begins with Molly Carter moving to Hammond, a small town about three hours outside of Denver. At 24, she has finished college and gotten her first job in the career she has always wanted - to be a teacher. Because of the small population, she will be the only second grade teacher.
To read the rest of my review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books.
April 17, 2013
This book did a great job of combining a really interesting, mysterious plot with a budding romance. It had all the elements that I look for in a good book—strong character development, believable relationships, and unexpected plot turns.
I loved Molly's journey to find herself. I could completely relate to her struggle to find work without experience and then her excitement at finally getting hired. I also liked that her life and relationship with Jake had ups and downs—nobody's perfect—yet I was entertained during both the highs and lows rather than feeling depressed while I was reading.
The mystery was really engaging. I liked that the book switched perspectives, and it kept me guessing until the very end. I also really enjoyed the supporting characters—they all had really distinct personalities and were necessary for the development of the plot.
I loved Molly's journey to find herself. I could completely relate to her struggle to find work without experience and then her excitement at finally getting hired. I also liked that her life and relationship with Jake had ups and downs—nobody's perfect—yet I was entertained during both the highs and lows rather than feeling depressed while I was reading.
The mystery was really engaging. I liked that the book switched perspectives, and it kept me guessing until the very end. I also really enjoyed the supporting characters—they all had really distinct personalities and were necessary for the development of the plot.
January 16, 2014
I wish I could give this book 4 1/2 stars. Five is 'it blew me away" and this was pretty close. I will definitely read Heather's second book and look forward to others.
Molly has just moved to a very small town in Colorado to begin her first teaching job. She has a wonderful landlady in Rhonda and meets many other people who befriend or help her. All except Georgia, another teacher, who hates everyone, especially her step- children.
Life in the small town is turned upside-down when Georgia and her step-children go missing. The author keeps you guessing as there are several people who might be suspected of this crime and someone from the past reappears.
Great characters, well written, fun read. It does move a little slowly while the background is being told but Molly and other residents are such a great characters that the reader won't mind.
Molly has just moved to a very small town in Colorado to begin her first teaching job. She has a wonderful landlady in Rhonda and meets many other people who befriend or help her. All except Georgia, another teacher, who hates everyone, especially her step- children.
Life in the small town is turned upside-down when Georgia and her step-children go missing. The author keeps you guessing as there are several people who might be suspected of this crime and someone from the past reappears.
Great characters, well written, fun read. It does move a little slowly while the background is being told but Molly and other residents are such a great characters that the reader won't mind.
April 15, 2013
A fantastic debut novel! Fans of the mystery/romance genre and fans of characters like Stephanie Plum and Heather Wells will find a new friend in Molly, whose best intentions and curiosity seem to keep landing her right at the heart of a small-town mystery. Molly Carter is a fun, strong character who will be immediately relatable for anyone who has gone through the adjustment of being newly independent; and the cast of characters, including sexy cop Jake, and the quick moving and exciting plot make Right as Rain compulsively readable and leave readers hoping for another Molly and Jake novel.
January 16, 2014
This book was wonderful. I absolutely love it and could not put it down. Just enough mystery and romance to make it perfect. With the book set in Colorado is just the topping on the cake! Living in California and reading these books makes me feel like I'm still there! Great job Heather and I can't wait for more!
October 6, 2021
It held my attention right to the end.
June 22, 2013
Right as Rain is my own book, so obviously I love it :)
Just a little factoid: I named Molly after one of my favorite historical figures--the Unsinkable Molly Brown, who I recently learned was never called Molly while she was alive. Her name was Margaret Brown, but when Hollywood made her life into the 1964 musical with Debbie Reynolds, they started calling her Molly because the shorter name fit into the songs better, or so says the tour guide at the Molly Brown House in downtown Denver, Colorado.
I appreciate your interest in Right as Rain, and send me a message if you have any questions or comments! Happy reading!
Just a little factoid: I named Molly after one of my favorite historical figures--the Unsinkable Molly Brown, who I recently learned was never called Molly while she was alive. Her name was Margaret Brown, but when Hollywood made her life into the 1964 musical with Debbie Reynolds, they started calling her Molly because the shorter name fit into the songs better, or so says the tour guide at the Molly Brown House in downtown Denver, Colorado.
I appreciate your interest in Right as Rain, and send me a message if you have any questions or comments! Happy reading!
February 21, 2016
2.4
Annoying characters, especially Molly. The relationship between h/H was shallow and boring. The writing itself was decent.
Annoying characters, especially Molly. The relationship between h/H was shallow and boring. The writing itself was decent.
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March 30, 2014:(
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews