Rainy Day Dreams

Seattle Brides #2

by Lori Copeland, Virginia Smith

Beloved Christian fiction authors Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith team up once more in the second volume of the Seattle Brides series. When the Burgert family moves to Seattle in 1852, Kathryn is convinced her father has destroyed her life. The backwoods settlement offers none of the comforts and culture she loves in San Francisco. She cares nothing for the new sawmill the townsfolk are so excited about. That is, until she meets Jason, a lumberjack with dreams for a bright future. As she comes to know Jason, Kathryn can’t help catching his vision. But the future they hope for is anything but secure. There are some who see Seattle as a threat and will stop at nothing to make sure the sawmill fails. With the harsh and rugged weather, at times it seems even the land itself is determined to thwart Seattle’s very existence. Kathryn and Jason’s plans for a happy future become entwined with Seattle’s struggle to survive in the midst of adversity, both manmade and natural. A gripping story of love, tenderness, and survival in the rugged Pacific Northwest.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Christian, Historical Romance, Historical, Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

Lori Copeland was born on 12 June 1941. She had a relatively late start in writing, breaking into publishing in 1982 when she was already forty years old. Over the next dozen years, her romance novels achieved much success, as was evidenced by her winning the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller award. She has been inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame.

Despite her success in more mainstream romantic fiction, in 1995, she decided to switch focus. Her subsequent books have been in the relatively new subgenre of Christian romance. She has also collaborated with authors Angela Elwell Hunt or Virginia Smith on a series of Christian romance novels.

Lori and her husband of over forty years, Lance, live in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by the beautiful Ozarks. They have three grown sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. She and her husband are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Reviews

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I have not yet read book 1 in the series, A Bride for Noah, I did not feel that I was at a big disadvantage. I was able to follow the story and characters. I did feel that it may have been slightly more enjoyable had I know all of the back stories, developed a prior relationship with the characters, but not a requirement.

For me, the book had a slow beginning. The first half devoted to introducing the two main characters, Jason and Kathryn. Both were rather standoffish, not very friendly, when they first arrived in Seattle on the same boat. Jason running from bad memories, and Kathryn having little to no choice in the matter - her rich father sent her to find a husband. We also get to know the secondary characters - or visit old friends from book 1 if you read the books in order as intended

The second half is where the story picks up, the action occurs, romance blossoms, and a few surprises occur. If, Ike me, you prefer a romance, with a story attached, you're not going to find it with this book. There's no real chemesrory, courtship, romance. It just kinda happens - I don't like you, I fell in love with you, first kiss. However, there is a pretty good storyline, albeit slow at times, with the romance, plus a surprise romance, attached.

The book does have an epilogue, which is always a plus with me, and a happily-ever-after ending. Well, implied, for some, actual for others. All in all, I would give the book 3 1/2 - 4 stars. I'll be on the look out for book 3 in the series to revisit with old friends, and meet some new ones.

Now I'm going to do what I should have done in the beginning, read book 1, A Bride for Noah.

UPDATE: After reading book one, A Bride for Noah, which I really enjoyed, Rainy Day Dreams makes more sense. I would strongly suggest reading the books in order. Although I said in my original review that I did not feel that it was necessary, it is, if you're going to really enjoy the book and connect with the characters. What I characterized as a slow beginning, was more me not knowing the backstory.

[Joleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall: 3.8 stars.

The main message: Letting go of the past and letting God lead you.

Favorite Characters: The Leads, Kathryn and Jason. Although, Miss Everett is from Nevada City and moves to Seattle--I myself am from the Nevada City area and am now living in the Seattle area so I enjoyed that part.

Overall thoughts: This is a cute little tale. I love the historical aspects that are tied in throughout; Denny, Yesler, Chief Seattle. I think the audience that will enjoy this the most is similar to those who read Amish fiction. The plot is simple, light, clean. It's not necessarily a moving piece by any means though is cute and entertaining. If comparing it to an earthquake, I'd say it's a 3.5 on the richter scale; enough to catch your attention but not enough to rock you. To put it another way, it would be like drinking watered-down punch. It's good, it's just not as intense as other novelists like Denise Hunter, Julie Klassen, MaryLu Tyndall, Tamara Alexander. I truly think people who enjoy Amish fiction will enjoy this read.

I have previously read Lori Copeland's Sisters of Mercy Flats and look forward to finishing the series. I will also probably pick up Book #1 in this Seattle Brides series.

I was given a copy of this book via Netgalley for an honest review.

[Maggie Hesseling · Rating 3 out of 5]

At some points really slow paced, but too interesting to put down. It's slow unfolding keeps you wondering where everything is leading to, but the interesting characters and situation make it all worth the while. With the constant threat of attack, and the need to fit in, this novel has all the great elements of a colony-novel withouth all the pilgrim fluff. I love that they are ruled by their faith in a time of need and that color does not seem to matter, rather it is the person (red or white) that determines the goodness. Beutifully elegant, but yet exciting with regard to the time period. Also, you don't often get a historical romance that takes place in Seattle.

[Marilyn Rondeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kathryn Burgert’s father decided to send his daughter to Seattle in 1852 to work with a relative at the only hotel in town, deep down he was hoping Kathryn would also find a husband as the ratio of men to women was close to a hundred to one. Unfortunately Kathryn feels her father either didn’t give her the unvarnished truth of her situation or he was fully cognizant of wanting to destroy her life! The only light at the end of a very dark tunnel was Kathryn’s attraction to Jason, a man who traveled on the same ship that delivered them both to Seattle, and was to be the Seattle’s only sawmill’s newest foreman. Unfortunately for Kathryn, Jason didn’t seem to want anything to do with her and actually acted like he thought her quite uppity. Amid hardships in this lumberjack country with weather, naysayers, and threats of Indian attacks it would take all their strength, vision, and a strong sense of purpose, combined with faith before both Jason and Kathryn came to grips with life in Seattle and each other.

*** I really enjoyed this story and the snippets of history that came along with it in reference to the early days in the establishment of Seattle. For me fiction is always better when an author weaves in actual historical people and events. I also enjoyed all of the characters, and the watching the growth of Kathryn as she descended from her high horse and taking the time to really get to know and befriend the people of Seattle. RAINY DAY DREAMS (Book 2 of Seattle Brides) was so good I am also ready to go back and get the first book, which I assume would be Noah and Evie’s book, A BRIDE FOR NOAH which judging by the snippets in RAINY DAY must be equally as good as book #2.

While Kathryn needed to come down a bit to appreciate the hard working citizens of Seattle, she wasn’t unkind, just a bit spoiled. However, there were some citizens including Jason, who didn’t give her much of a chance to prove herself and pre-judged her. What I truly found interesting and wow, what a twist, was the mystery of why one person in particular took an immediate and instantaneous hatred of her. I never saw that twist coming! BIG SURPRISE there and no I am not spoiling it for future readers!

Jason on the other hand was simply a wounded and tortured soul who had loved, lost and erected a barrier across his heart. Watching his growth and the realization of his prejudices and dawning appreciation of Kathryn was also quite lovely. For the most part RAINY DAY DREAMS was a totally wonderful addition to what I perceive is a great series from the dynamic duo of Copeland and Smith.

BOTTOM LINE: RAINY DAY DREAMS is an excellent read with great characters, beautiful writing and wonderfully paced. Highly recommended!!

Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com

[Erin H. (ITIO Book Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The publisher gave me a copy of this book to read and review (from NetGalley). This has, in no way, altered my opinion of the book and what is written below is a 100% honest review.

It's not often that I find a Christian romance that is set in Seattle. I must confess that is one of the major reasons I picked up this book. I've never read a book by either of these authors, but I enjoyed this one.

There wasn't a overly preachy tone to it which pleased me. Some Christian fiction becomes nothing more than a overbearing sermon and that grates on my nerves. Between the characters and the story plot, the authors did an excellent job of inserting Christian themes, but not "overdoing" it.

This novel had a unique plot. A young woman, Kathryn, ventures to Seattle because her father wished it. She hates the town at first and, of course, the horrid weather. Soon, she finds herself falling in love with the kindness of the people that inhabit Seattle and their determination behind developing the small town. Kathryn also feels drawn to a certain lovely gent, Jason Gates. At times, I felt like Kathryn and Jason's relationship was a bit forced, so I cannot say with 100% certainty that they definitely belonged together. It seemed like Jason went straight from hating her to being interested her in the next chapter. The story also lagged a bit in parts and didn't always keep my interest.

I enjoyed the frightening possible conflict of a nearby indian attack and felt like the authors weaved history into the plot well.

There were a lot of puzzle pieces that appeared out of order throughout the book, but I felt like the authors set everything right in the very end. In fact, I loved that I didn't understand the full background story until the last couple of chapters. It was one of the novel's aspects that kept me interested and reading.

Overall, I'd say that I enjoyed this novel. It isn't something I'll gush about to all of my friends, but it was enjoyable and fun. Chemistry between the two main characters appeared a bit forced and that was a turn-off for me, but the rest of the novel flowed well.

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The city of Seattle is growing! It now boasts a general store, restaurant, and a hotel (among a few other things, of course). Kathryn's father ships her off to the new town in hopes of her finding a husband. In the meantime, he arranged for her to assist a distant family member at the city's hotel - Faulkner House. Jason Gates also arrives in Seattle on the same boat as Kathryn and scoffs at her "husband hunt." His goal is to run an efficient saw mill, put his past behind him, and stay clear of Kathryn.

Kathryn wants to return home to San Fransisco as quickly as possible, but circumstances prevent her from leaving. As she becomes friends with the ladies of Seattle, her understanding of others and herself grows.

Time Period: 1852
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Harvest House Publishers!

[Ann Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the descriptions in this book and the starkness of early Seattle. Good characterizations, although love seemed to spring out of nowhere. Perhaps if the book had been about 50 pages longer, the reader would have been able to see the romance build a little bit more. Other than that, a good story line.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the development of the characters inn this book. The book moved at a good speed..that's why I was able to read it in a day! I loved the "twin" part - I'm a twin also which definitely made it all the better!
Keep up the great stories Virginia...

[Allison · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blech. Falling in love with a man you don't know, who has only been rude and cruel to you? Double blech. Also, the history of Seattle is not nearly so rosy, filled with people who champion the Native Americans. Meh.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise was good, but I felt like I spent a lot of time waiting for the story to pick up. Once the action started the book ended. An ok read, but forgettable.
Language: clean, heat level: mild.

[Kristen Robison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually enjoy a Lori Copeland book but this one was just okay. It was one of those we hate each other, hate each other, wait...now we're in love kind of books.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this second book in the Seattle Brides series. While I found the heroine and the hero a bit aggravating in the beginning of the book, I continued reading because I loved the first book and figured this one was bound to get better, and it did. The history of Seattle alone in this book was wonderful to read. Also, catching up with the characters from the first book was enjoyable.

In Rainy Day Dreams, Kathryn "Katie" Bergert arrives in Seattle after being sent there by her father to find a husband. The hero, Jason Gates, arrives on the same ship as Katie. Jason is the new manager of the local lumberyard. He arrives with a chip on his shoulder and he and Katie do not hit it off.

The tension between Katie and Jason is palpable and creates a lot of angst in this story. Will they be able to get past their differences and realize their true feelings for each other or will love pass them by? How about the rest of Seattle? What will happen to the citizens of Seattle when there is a threat of an Indian attack? Check out this book and see what comes of this town and these two people. Enjoy!

I borrowed this book from my local library.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was kind of slow and a little dry. The authors seemed more interested in sharing the history of Seattle than in telling a story. There were lots of long descriptions of scenery and drawn out conversations about what to do about the threats from the surrounding tribes. The hero and heroine spend very little time together, and she's pretty much a jerk whenever they are. Then she has a realization that she's actually madly in love with the guy when she should be realizing that she has some romantic interest in him. Those are vastly different. The ending might have been amusing if the book seemed a bit more self-aware of the insane coincidences, but I didn't get that feeling. The book just really wasn't for me, but there was clearly some research and history buffs might enjoy it more than I did.

[Olivermagnus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rainy Day Dreams is Book 2 in the Seattle Brides series. We follow Kathryn Bergert, whose father sends her to the newly named Seattle, hoping that she can find a husband, since there are so many single men there. Kathryn is angry about the arrangement where she is to be a maid in a cousin’s hotel. All she wants to do is follow her dreams of being a painter. In the meantime, Jason Gates has taken a position in the office at the lumber mill. He is trying to move on after the loss of his wife. Kathryn and Jason have an immediate dislike for each other,

I didn't care for either of the main characters. Kathryn was self-centered and Jason was surly. I never felt there was any chemistry and only found them both aggravating.

It did describe an interesting period of history and while it was a Christian novel, it wasn't written in a heavy handed way. Most of the story was built on a foundation of historical facts. The authors document details about at the conclusion of the novel for further research and a discussion guide is also included for book groups.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an all-right book. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, and was excited to pick up this next installment. But, I found the lead characters just “meh”. The spend much of the book disliking and/or not understanding each other, then boom! They’re in love. I wasn’t really rooting for either one of them. (It was no Darcy and Elizabeth sort of dislike.)

What I enjoyed was the ongoing development of Seattle as a town/city, and the occasional familiar names popping up (Chief Seattle, Denny, and Yesler in particular).

[Kim Dobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really harsh on the first book of this series and I stand by that opinion. This book, however, seems to have been written by a different author, which is highly likely since it is a collaboration between 2 writers. The setting is the same, but the characters are more well defined and the story much more believable. I appreciate the actual historic events woven into the story. There is even a bit of a mystery that isn’t resolved till near the end. Well done!!

[Arnetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable quick read about a young woman sent to Seattle by her father with the intent of finding a husband - something she does not want to do. It follows her dismay at the 'town' she finds herself in and her struggles along the way. Very fast read and totally enjoyable. It is the follow up to the book - a bride for Noah by same author. that was also a great, quick read.

[Gwen Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting view of the early establishment of Seattle.

This gives us a view of what was needed in character to survive the early days of our country. It being woven in a love story.

[Jacinta Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good, I enjoyed the historical aspects especially. The romance, I had a hard time believing since the characters apparently shared no more than a few days worth of angry fighting before deciding they were in love, which didn't make sense to me.

[Sandy Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book so much better than the first!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like that there are real people mixed in with the fictional characters. I am interested to read the book about the life of the Denny family that the authors used for research.

[Mardell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historical fiction about settling Seattle Washington circa 1856, spiced with a little romance, a famous battle and a good dose of human nature.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read, especially since my toddler years were spent near where this book takes place . I loved the fact vs. Fiction information at the end , too.

[Terry Yaceyko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok read. I was desperate because I had only a few Library books out because of Covid 19. I'm not sure I would have finished it otherwise....

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this story! Very interesting and a good read.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skim read the majority, glad to have Evie, Noah, and Louisa back from the first book. More tension with the natives in this one. Less interesting overall.

[Jeri Stockdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Good story and interesting history of Seattle's beginnings in the 1850's.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

Beloved Christian fiction authors Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith team up once more in the second volume of the Seattle Brides series.

When the Burgert family moves to Seattle in 1852, Kathryn is convinced her father has destroyed her life. The backwoods settlement offers none of the comforts and culture she loves in San Francisco. She cares nothing for the new sawmill the townsfolk are so excited about. That is, until she meets Jason, a lumberjack with dreams for a bright future. As she comes to know Jason, Kathryn can't help catching his vision.

But the future they hope for is anything but secure. There are some who see Seattle as a threat and will stop at nothing to make sure the sawmill fails. With the harsh and rugged weather, at times it seems even the land itself is determined to thwart Seattle's very existence. Kathryn and Jason's plans for a happy future become entwined with Seattle's struggle to survive in the midst of adversity, both man-made and natural.

A gripping story of love, tenderness, and survival in the rugged Pacific Northwest.



About the Authors:

Lori Copeland is the author of more than 90 titles, both historical and contemporary fiction. With more than 3 million copies of her books in print, she has developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She has been honored with the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller award. In 2000, Lori was inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame. She lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband, Lance, and their three children and seven grandchildren.

Virginia Smith is the author of more than 20 inspirational novels and 50 articles and short stories. An avid reader with eclectic tastes in fiction, Ginny writes in a variety of styles, from lighthearted relationship stories to breath-snatching suspense.



My Review:

Sent to Seattle by her father to find a husband, Kathryn is not happy. Being wealthy and an outstanding artist, she has never had a reason to worry about the chores back home because she has always been working on being a very cultured individual. But now after a long trip to Seattle, Kathryn is ready to hit the road again, but it seems that her father has made it nearly impossible to leave. So she has to settle on being an unpaid maid for awhile, a good, long while. As she does her best to settle down there has been numerous Indian attacks. She now worries about her life and the countless others she has grown to love.

Jason came to Seattle to work, not to argue with the misunderstood Kathryn. The woman unnerves him and drives him completely mad. He knows she is only trying to fit in until its time for her to go, which is suppose to be in a few weeks. After the Indian attacks become quite unbearable, Jason feels he needs to protect this crazy woman even if she drives him crazy.

Book 2 in the Seattle Brides series is a great book whether its your first time reading the series or you just happened to pick this one up. The authors are able to convey the feelings of the characters easily and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Harvest House.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hardest thing to comprehend when we go about our daily lives is how hard it was for those first settlers to travel thousands of miles and begin the cities we find ourselves living in today. We often forget the hardships, the struggles and adversities they faced in trying to make their dreams of a new life come true. From disease, to Indian attacks and just the journey itself is one to be commended and remembered. Perhaps that is why I have such a love for historical fiction. In the Seattle Bride series from Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith, both well known Christian Historical authors, they have once again teamed up to bring you Rainy Day Dreams, the second novel in the series.

We find ourselves watching the struggle that Kathryn Bergert faces upon arriving by ship to the town of Seattle in 1856. She was sent here to find a suitable husband by her parents, mostly her father, since the ratio of men to women is 100 to 1. Armed with a small savings and all her painting supplies, she has acquired lodging with a cousin she has never met, Mary Ann Garritson, who is the proprietor of the Faulkner House. She is also hoping the job she has been promised will allow her to make a living for herself until she figures out just what she is going to do.

When she discovers that the job she had hoped for was that of a maid instead of a manager of the establishment, she immediately begins to make plans to head back on the first available ship out and back to San Francisco. Only she isn't quite sure if she will have enough money to pay for the fare and what her father will say when she returns without a husband. She may have to buy her time, and settle with dealing with her harsh and blunt cousin as a maid until she is able to save enough money. Mary Ann tells her that she isn't going to be paid, but that she can work for her accommodations instead, and that consists of a room that has been converted from an old closet. She definitely won't have room for painting in there. What will she do now?

I received Rainy Day Dreams by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith compliments of Harvest House Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This was such a delightful novel and I didn't even realize it was part of a series until the end. Now I will definitely need to pick up a copy of the first novel, A Bride for Noah, and see how they came to be a couple! You truly meet such a wonderful cast of characters in this novel along with dealing with the threat of an Indian attack in a town that is unprepared to deal with violence. I love that most of this was built on a foundation of historical facts which the authors disclose details about at the conclusion of the novel for further research. A discussion guide is also included for book groups. I absolutely loved this one from start to finish and easily give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Kate (The Shelf Life) · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Rainy Day Dreams we travel back to the settlement of Seattle. Four years have passed since the end of A Bride for Noah, the first book in the series. The town has grown. The biggest mill in the west is operating and business is booming. Men are traveling in a steady flow to find jobs and women are traveling to find husbands.

The set up for this story was great. I enjoyed looking deeper into a history that isn't widely known about outside of Washington State. Even though quite a bit of time has passed, instead of becoming a quiet community, Seattle is now threatened by Indian raids from hostile tribes from surrounding areas, unhappy that their lands are being encroached on. The Navy is now in port to help with the threats.

The historical background was a perfect backdrop and was very entertaining. However, the pacing of the story made it feel like the story rode on a wave. There would be a little bit of action, then we would go back to the normal pacing of a day. Each chapter seemed to represent a day in the life of the lead Kathryn, and with that it was a little choppy in the pacing.

I had hard time connecting with Kathryn. She thought she was above the situation she had been placed in and argued about it and pouted for a time. Jason was a little easier to connect with, but he had secrets he carried around and it made him mystery. However, he enjoyed his job and was good at it. And reading about the joy he had for his job was a delight.

The relationship between Jason and Kathryn was a little hard to believe, I hate to say. For most of the story they argued and squabbled and Jason is still hurting from the secrets he carries. The relationship that formed happened very quickly near the end and was hard to flush out, with many surprises and revelations exposed.

It was an enjoyable story over all and it offered a wonderful look into an interesting time in history. I look forward to what the third book has in store.

Thank you to Harvest House, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.