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Thunder and Rain: A Novel
Third generation Texas Ranger Tyler Steele is the last of a dying breed-- a modern day cowboy hero living in a world that doesn't quite understand his powerful sense of right and wrong and instinct to defend those who can't defend themselves. Despite his strong moral compass, Ty has trouble seeing his greatest weakness. His hard outer shell, the one essential to his work, made him incapable of forging the emotional connection his wife Andie so desperately needed.
Now retired, rasing their son Brodie on his own, and at risk of losing his ranch, Ty does not know how to rebuild from the rubble of his life. The answer comes in the form of Samantha and her daughter Hope, on the run from a seemingly inescapable situation. They are in danger, desperate, and alone. Though they are strangers, Ty knows he can help-- protecting the innocent is what he does best. As his relationship with Sam and Hope unfolds, Ty realizes he must confront his true weaknesses if he wants to become the man he needs to be.
Now retired, rasing their son Brodie on his own, and at risk of losing his ranch, Ty does not know how to rebuild from the rubble of his life. The answer comes in the form of Samantha and her daughter Hope, on the run from a seemingly inescapable situation. They are in danger, desperate, and alone. Though they are strangers, Ty knows he can help-- protecting the innocent is what he does best. As his relationship with Sam and Hope unfolds, Ty realizes he must confront his true weaknesses if he wants to become the man he needs to be.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2012
1674 people are currently reading
4600 people want to read
About the author
Charles Martin
51 books9,532 followersCharles Martin is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. He and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, FL. Learn more at charlesmartinbooks.com; Instagram: @storiedcareer; X: @storiedcareer; Facebook: @Author.Charles.Martin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 926 reviews
July 25, 2012
"Unbelievable!! I just finished Thunder & Rain (could not put it down, as picked it up this weekend, and had to get up early on Sunday to finish it before going to church)....it was AMAZING! I have read all Charles Martin's books and each time, not sure how they can get better; however, each one is as good as the last in a unique way.
Charles, you have a God-given talent and with your words speak to many - You fall in love with the characters, especially with Hope and her letters to God, Sam, Brodie, Dumps; however, my favorite is Cowboy! A little Clint Eastwood and John Wayne - I hope to see a movie based on this book and can see a sequel to continue the story of the next generation with Hope and Brodie's life. Thank you for your writing and bringing joy to your fans and readers. Now, I cannot wait for the next one!!!! Thunder & Rain is a must read for all ages - women or men! "
Charles, you have a God-given talent and with your words speak to many - You fall in love with the characters, especially with Hope and her letters to God, Sam, Brodie, Dumps; however, my favorite is Cowboy! A little Clint Eastwood and John Wayne - I hope to see a movie based on this book and can see a sequel to continue the story of the next generation with Hope and Brodie's life. Thank you for your writing and bringing joy to your fans and readers. Now, I cannot wait for the next one!!!! Thunder & Rain is a must read for all ages - women or men! "
August 5, 2015
Charles Martin is one of my favorite authors and this book strengthens my opinion! A couple more of his books and I will have to turn in my man card. I will be watching Lifetime and Hallmark channels instead of NFL this fall LOL!
April 10, 2020
Charles Martin is an excellent writer, in my opinion. There were many things about this book to like: the Texas history, the Texas Ranger aspect, the Texas setting (ok, I like Texas), strong lead characters, and most of all--the journal to God written by Hope.
I can highly recommend.
Note: A small part of this story touches of sensitive subjects that some readers might find objectionable. I found it was handled sensitively and didn't occupy too much of the plot as it could have in the hands of a less skilled writer.
I can highly recommend.
Note: A small part of this story touches of sensitive subjects that some readers might find objectionable. I found it was handled sensitively and didn't occupy too much of the plot as it could have in the hands of a less skilled writer.
May 4, 2012
I am ashamed that Thunder and Rain and The Mountain Between Us are the only books I have read by this author. If his others are anywhere near the quality of these two, I need to rush out and buy them. While I believe The Mountain Between Us to be a wonderful book, I liked Thunder and Rain even better. I found it to be a heartwarming, emotional story, yet with a nice edge of suspense and action. Tyler Steele was a fantastic character, and seldom have I read a book about a man so with such strength of purpose and character. Samantha was damaged, yet her strong will and Tyler's timely intervention helped her to heal and become the woman she was meant to be.
Tyler Steele, a retired lawman formerly with the Texas Rangers, is on his way home after making a trip that will see his divorce finalized, when he meets Samantha and her daughter, Hope. After seeing what dire straights the two are in, he offers to turn around and drive them to a relative several hours away. When taking shelter with the relative doesn't pan out, and Tyler realizes that the mother and daughter are in danger, he does the noble thing and takes them to the home he shares with his young son, Brodie. Soon, Tyler has Samantha set up with an apartment and a job, and he does his best to see that her life and Hope's are put back together. As the two females start to creep into his heart, Tyler decides to take steps to make certain Hope and Samantha will remain safe. Danger from his own past, as well as his loyalty to his former wife, threaten the joy Tyler is starting to feel with Samantha. This stalwart, honorable man has to find and take the path that is right for all those he cares about.
Tyler Steele is such an incredible character, and he just made this book for me. I loved his idealism and belief in what it meant to be a Texas Ranger, and the fact that he was a third generation Ranger. The tone and setting of this book felt genuine to me as a native of that area of Texas. The storyline and characters completely captured my heart, and will stay with me for a long while. Charles Martin has become a must read author for me after experiencing two fantastic books by him, and I will be finding the books on his backlist quickly. I have no doubt that this will top my list of favorite books of the year. I received this book as an ARC through Netgalley.
Tyler Steele, a retired lawman formerly with the Texas Rangers, is on his way home after making a trip that will see his divorce finalized, when he meets Samantha and her daughter, Hope. After seeing what dire straights the two are in, he offers to turn around and drive them to a relative several hours away. When taking shelter with the relative doesn't pan out, and Tyler realizes that the mother and daughter are in danger, he does the noble thing and takes them to the home he shares with his young son, Brodie. Soon, Tyler has Samantha set up with an apartment and a job, and he does his best to see that her life and Hope's are put back together. As the two females start to creep into his heart, Tyler decides to take steps to make certain Hope and Samantha will remain safe. Danger from his own past, as well as his loyalty to his former wife, threaten the joy Tyler is starting to feel with Samantha. This stalwart, honorable man has to find and take the path that is right for all those he cares about.
Tyler Steele is such an incredible character, and he just made this book for me. I loved his idealism and belief in what it meant to be a Texas Ranger, and the fact that he was a third generation Ranger. The tone and setting of this book felt genuine to me as a native of that area of Texas. The storyline and characters completely captured my heart, and will stay with me for a long while. Charles Martin has become a must read author for me after experiencing two fantastic books by him, and I will be finding the books on his backlist quickly. I have no doubt that this will top my list of favorite books of the year. I received this book as an ARC through Netgalley.
February 19, 2017
Four and a half stars.
As a person who abhors guns and violence, this book seems a strange choice for me. It is about a third generation Texas Ranger. This Aussie didn’t even know Texas Ranger still existed. I remember seeing them many years back in movies and TV shows. The main character, Tyler Steele, is a man with clear picture of right and wrong. Everything is black and white. On more than one occasion he has come face to face with evil. Life has not been kind to Tyler. Some of it is his fault as he has had a hard time letting down his defences, even with his wife Andie. He also has a hard time letting go and has had the divorce papers to be signed for nearly twelve months. It is while he is coming back from visiting Andie and not handing over signed divorce papers that he comes across Samantha and her daughter Hope. They are on the run from a man who has caused pain in the worst way imaginable for a mother. Being the type of person he is, Tyler cannot leave this mother and daughter stranded and without help.
This book got me in right from the beginning. I liked the way the relationship between Tyler and his young son Brodie is portrayed and his relations with Dumps, an ex-prisoner who lives on the property with Tyler and Brodie. I also liked the letters young Hope writes to God. She raises questions many of us adults may have asked at times too when evil seems to triumph.
Yes, there are times when this reads like a boy’s own adventure with a larger than life hero, who it almost seems it is impossible to kill. But I was so caught up in the story and the characters I was happy to go along with it. There are moments of humour but also times when emotions of sadness, and anger bubbled up. At one stage I found myself crying over a horse. The first time I’ve done that since a child reading Black Beauty. But there were more tears than that for the people involved in this story.
I raced through this book. If I had to put it down, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. Towards the end nothing would have caused me to put the book down.
My biggest gripe is the back cover. Do we really need the author’s photo plastered all over it? To me, it’s all a bit much. Sadly, that seems to be a feature of all his books.
As a person who abhors guns and violence, this book seems a strange choice for me. It is about a third generation Texas Ranger. This Aussie didn’t even know Texas Ranger still existed. I remember seeing them many years back in movies and TV shows. The main character, Tyler Steele, is a man with clear picture of right and wrong. Everything is black and white. On more than one occasion he has come face to face with evil. Life has not been kind to Tyler. Some of it is his fault as he has had a hard time letting down his defences, even with his wife Andie. He also has a hard time letting go and has had the divorce papers to be signed for nearly twelve months. It is while he is coming back from visiting Andie and not handing over signed divorce papers that he comes across Samantha and her daughter Hope. They are on the run from a man who has caused pain in the worst way imaginable for a mother. Being the type of person he is, Tyler cannot leave this mother and daughter stranded and without help.
This book got me in right from the beginning. I liked the way the relationship between Tyler and his young son Brodie is portrayed and his relations with Dumps, an ex-prisoner who lives on the property with Tyler and Brodie. I also liked the letters young Hope writes to God. She raises questions many of us adults may have asked at times too when evil seems to triumph.
Yes, there are times when this reads like a boy’s own adventure with a larger than life hero, who it almost seems it is impossible to kill. But I was so caught up in the story and the characters I was happy to go along with it. There are moments of humour but also times when emotions of sadness, and anger bubbled up. At one stage I found myself crying over a horse. The first time I’ve done that since a child reading Black Beauty. But there were more tears than that for the people involved in this story.
I raced through this book. If I had to put it down, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. Towards the end nothing would have caused me to put the book down.
My biggest gripe is the back cover. Do we really need the author’s photo plastered all over it? To me, it’s all a bit much. Sadly, that seems to be a feature of all his books.
April 15, 2012
I did indeed read this book and I read a lot of reviews about it as well. The reason being, I wanted to see if others had a proverbial raised eyebrow about this particular book being in the "Christian-Fiction" genre.
It seems most of the reviews I read didn't seem to have a problem with it. There was one individual that I found however that said she did not feel comfortable purchasing this author's particular book and putting it in the church library because of Mr. Martin's choice of words and innuendos.
I personally thought Mr. Martin wrote a good story and it was certainly interesting yet at the same time I also thought he crossed the lines and in some instances, there was "too much information."
It seems most of the reviews I read didn't seem to have a problem with it. There was one individual that I found however that said she did not feel comfortable purchasing this author's particular book and putting it in the church library because of Mr. Martin's choice of words and innuendos.
I personally thought Mr. Martin wrote a good story and it was certainly interesting yet at the same time I also thought he crossed the lines and in some instances, there was "too much information."
January 29, 2019
For those that like Charles Martin this will scratch that itch. A fast moving thoughtful read that takes you through all of the ups and downs of each emotion. Great characters mixed with some good ole Texas horse sence.
June 13, 2018
Well, this was an unexpected find. I have never read any novel by this author, and this was a random audiobook choice from Scribd. I was a couple of chapters in, when I realised after reading a review of this book, that it's classified as Christian fiction. I never would have guessed given the amount of violence and lack of preaching in this book. I guess, there is the symbolisms if you want to interpret them as such, but really, it is essentially an action drama with a romantic backbone. The hero, Tyler Steele, is a larger than life retired Texas Ranger, trying to raise his son on his own and run his cattle ranch following the breakdown of his marriage 3 years earlier. He is forced out of retirement after running across a little girl and her single mother, Sam, in need of his aid. He is a man of great principles and a definite notion of right and wrong, and when a terrible wrong has been done to them, he cannot walk away knowing that he has the ability to make things right. He helps them get away from their past and create a new and safer future, but as they shed their baggage and leave them behind, we slowly learn that Tyler has far more baggage than the mother and daughter he is saving. Through flashbacks and reminiscences, we learn of why his marriage failed and what lead to his wife's downward spiral from a loving mother and spouse to a drug-addicted spend-thrifter.
What I love about this book is the lyrical prose and the often profound philosophical ponderings of the hero. I enjoyed especially the moving bond between Tyler and his son. I liked the realistic inner struggle within Tyler as he is tempted by the promise of a brighter and fresh future with Sam while holding onto the ties of the past and promises made back then to his wife. I like the fact that through it all, he remains honourable as a law-enforcer, as a man and a father.
What I was less fond of was the glorification of guns. I get that as a Texas Ranger, the hero has a healthy respect for guns since they form an integral part of his life and ongoing survival. However, I feel the author went beyond that in devoting pages upon pages of preaching about the greatness of various guns and rifles and the necessity for the everyday person to master the art of shooting and shooting to kill. As an Australian, I totally could not relate to this philosophy at all nor the notion that such belief can coexist with a Christian message.
I also frankly did not like the character of Sam as a romantic interest. She was way too forward, way too soon, at a time when she should be focusing on rebuilding her life and reestablishing an atmosphere of stability and safety around her daughter. It was not a time to be making advances towards a man she had known for just a few days, especially given her own admittedly atrocious track record with falling for the wrong men.
The only Christian thing about this book is through the little girl, Hope, and her diary entries to God. It's sweet and more about innocent existential questions that she poses and little observations that she makes, rather than being preachy in any way. Kind of like labelling the classic adolescent book Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret as Christian Fiction.
I really enjoyed the mellow voice of the male narrator.
What I love about this book is the lyrical prose and the often profound philosophical ponderings of the hero. I enjoyed especially the moving bond between Tyler and his son. I liked the realistic inner struggle within Tyler as he is tempted by the promise of a brighter and fresh future with Sam while holding onto the ties of the past and promises made back then to his wife. I like the fact that through it all, he remains honourable as a law-enforcer, as a man and a father.
What I was less fond of was the glorification of guns. I get that as a Texas Ranger, the hero has a healthy respect for guns since they form an integral part of his life and ongoing survival. However, I feel the author went beyond that in devoting pages upon pages of preaching about the greatness of various guns and rifles and the necessity for the everyday person to master the art of shooting and shooting to kill. As an Australian, I totally could not relate to this philosophy at all nor the notion that such belief can coexist with a Christian message.
I also frankly did not like the character of Sam as a romantic interest. She was way too forward, way too soon, at a time when she should be focusing on rebuilding her life and reestablishing an atmosphere of stability and safety around her daughter. It was not a time to be making advances towards a man she had known for just a few days, especially given her own admittedly atrocious track record with falling for the wrong men.
The only Christian thing about this book is through the little girl, Hope, and her diary entries to God. It's sweet and more about innocent existential questions that she poses and little observations that she makes, rather than being preachy in any way. Kind of like labelling the classic adolescent book Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret as Christian Fiction.
I really enjoyed the mellow voice of the male narrator.
May 10, 2012
If you have ever wanted to pick up and book and have it completely capture your attention until you find yourself turning pages faster and faster because the story is that intense you want to know how it will end, then pick up Charles Martin's latest novel, Thunder and Rain. This is the perfect summer read for those of you that love a contemporary suspenseful love story of a Texas Ranger and a single mother and her daughter looking to find a way to start a new life. The only problem is the ex-boyfriend/SWAT officer that will stop at nothing to find them.
The conflict in this story is two-fold, with the first dealing with the pending divorce of Texas Ranger, Tyler Steele and his estranged wife Andie. Caught in the middle is Brodie, their only son, who only wishes for his family to work things out and be happy again. Yet Tyler hasn't been completely honest with the reasons why he can no longer be married to Andie and subsequently looks for a way to tell him that he is divorcing his mother. While trying to find answers of his own, he manages a cattle ranch with Brodie and an ex-con who goes by the name of Dumps. He takes care of Brodie and the ranch when Tyler is called out of town to work on a case.
Tyler is now facing the same challenge his father before him had, which is finally realizing that his job has become the most important thing in his life while his family is slowly eroding away. When he attempts to find retirement as the answer, he runs literally into a single mother, Sam and her ten-year-old daughter Hope in the fog on a highway one night. Seeing her in dire straights with a run-down car that is on it's last leg, Tyler tries to help them get to safety at the local truck stop for gas and some food.
Once they arrive, he finds out more than he ever wanted to know when Sam's abusive ex-boyfriend locates them and attempts to abduct them in his van. But Tyler being a Ranger knows that he can't turn his back when he knows he can help and that is protecting the innocent. Now he attempts to help them as much as he can and put a stop to why this man insists on hunting down Sam and Hope, but now, Tyler is his next intended target. Will Tyler's future end up just like his father's or will he be able to let go of his job and focus on what's really important, raising his son Brodie?
I received Thunder and Rain compliments of Center Street, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review and LOVED it. I was immediately drawn into the hero of the story and the details of Tyler's life and his past. The love his shares for his job and the responsibilities creates a likeable characteristic of what makes a true hero, one who will do whatever it takes to defend the innocent, no matter what the cost. There are memorable supporting characters you meet along the way that help balance Tyler's hard exterior and make you want to meet them in real life. For me, this book hooked me from the beginning and kept me up until I finished the final page. For those of you looking for a great crime mystery with a romantic twist, then you'll definitely want to pick this one up. The action is intense but with so much tenderness woven in between! In my opinion, this one is a 5 out of 5 stars and has found a permanent place on my personal library. Now I want to pick up more novels by this amazing author.
The conflict in this story is two-fold, with the first dealing with the pending divorce of Texas Ranger, Tyler Steele and his estranged wife Andie. Caught in the middle is Brodie, their only son, who only wishes for his family to work things out and be happy again. Yet Tyler hasn't been completely honest with the reasons why he can no longer be married to Andie and subsequently looks for a way to tell him that he is divorcing his mother. While trying to find answers of his own, he manages a cattle ranch with Brodie and an ex-con who goes by the name of Dumps. He takes care of Brodie and the ranch when Tyler is called out of town to work on a case.
Tyler is now facing the same challenge his father before him had, which is finally realizing that his job has become the most important thing in his life while his family is slowly eroding away. When he attempts to find retirement as the answer, he runs literally into a single mother, Sam and her ten-year-old daughter Hope in the fog on a highway one night. Seeing her in dire straights with a run-down car that is on it's last leg, Tyler tries to help them get to safety at the local truck stop for gas and some food.
Once they arrive, he finds out more than he ever wanted to know when Sam's abusive ex-boyfriend locates them and attempts to abduct them in his van. But Tyler being a Ranger knows that he can't turn his back when he knows he can help and that is protecting the innocent. Now he attempts to help them as much as he can and put a stop to why this man insists on hunting down Sam and Hope, but now, Tyler is his next intended target. Will Tyler's future end up just like his father's or will he be able to let go of his job and focus on what's really important, raising his son Brodie?
I received Thunder and Rain compliments of Center Street, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review and LOVED it. I was immediately drawn into the hero of the story and the details of Tyler's life and his past. The love his shares for his job and the responsibilities creates a likeable characteristic of what makes a true hero, one who will do whatever it takes to defend the innocent, no matter what the cost. There are memorable supporting characters you meet along the way that help balance Tyler's hard exterior and make you want to meet them in real life. For me, this book hooked me from the beginning and kept me up until I finished the final page. For those of you looking for a great crime mystery with a romantic twist, then you'll definitely want to pick this one up. The action is intense but with so much tenderness woven in between! In my opinion, this one is a 5 out of 5 stars and has found a permanent place on my personal library. Now I want to pick up more novels by this amazing author.
October 5, 2012
I'm a big fan of Charles Martin and usually love his books, so I hate to say that I only liked this one. I appreciated the themes and issues in this book: forgiveness, redemption, marriage and divorce, abuse, etc. I appreciated the hard decisions that Tyler Steele has to make, and the moral strength in those decisions. However, I just didn't fall in love with the characters as I usually do. Maybe it's because I read it on the heels of my favorite book of his, When Crickets Cry, that I'd reread for a book discussion. Crickets and Chasing Fireflies are his best books, in my opinion. Thunder and Rain wasn't as memorable and didn't ring as true as those. Still a good book, just not his best.
April 6, 2012
Charles Martin is one of my favorite authors, but this latest book fell short of my expectations: over-the-top plot lines, corny in places, a few underdeveloped (important) characters, and a terse, staccato style that was probably meant to symbolize Ty's personality and the Rangers in general--but which became annoying. I got tired of reading intentional fragments. Oh, and there was far too much crying in this novel. If you read it, you'll see what I mean.
July 8, 2022
Charles Martin does not disappoint. Like each and every one of Martin’s books I was captivated from the first page to the last page. I devoured this book within hours. Highly recommended.
February 14, 2014
Well, that went from promising, to disappointing, to just awful before it was over. Come on Charles Martin, give me back the Charles Martin I used to love. By the way, I thought it was tacky to refer to one of your own books as the date movie. And as a woman, I liked the parts about firearms and Texas ranger facts, and that was about it. I'm not kidding. My eyes hurt from so many eye rolls. Now, untie and ungag the real Charles Martin. Please.
April 22, 2012
I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway, which in no way influenced my review.
This book defies description. I see that some people have pegged it as Christian fiction, while some people heartily disagree because of the language and sexual content. Some people call it inspirational, some categorize it as suspense. If I were to label it myself, I would call it mythical, featuring a main character who is larger than life. But if you were to ask me if I enjoyed the story, I could not say that I did, nor could I say that I didn't. Sounds confusing, doesn't it? Well that is how I found this book to be--utterly confusing, in a number of ways. But in a way, I am glad that I read it. If you want to know why, read on.
The story is about Tyler Steele, a third generation Texas Ranger, who is raising his son, Brodie, on his own as his estranged wife is in rehab. She could not cope with the demands of his job and his lack of attention, using drugs and gambling and an affair to get through and get back at him. They are in the middle of a divorce when Ty literally runs into a mother and daughter stranded on the road. They are on the run from an evil man in law enforcement who sexually abused the young daughter, Hope. Ty helps the mother, Sam, and the daughter as best he can, bringing them home with him, getting them get back on their feet and getting them settled into his community. And soon, Ty and Sam are eyeing one another in a more personal way, wondering if they might have a future together once Ty's divorce is finalized. People and events conspire against them, creating tension and upsetting the newfound balance they have gained in their lives.
Let me get the negatives out of the way first thing, then I can concentrate on the positives, leaving the review on a high note. The writing, especially in the first quarter of the book, was jagged and could have used better editing. The images invoked by the author darted around, not only in time, but in place. As an example, the young girl, Hope, is the diner, then she is in the store, then the diner, then she is by the window somewhere near the car near the trash can. But which window and where? I had to reread this and many other passages more than once to make sense of the sequencing, and I never have to do that in other books except on occasion.
Another problem was that the author used many pronouns without much of a clue as to whom or what he was referring to, again forcing me to reread a number of sentences as there were often more than one 'she' or 'it' involved in the scene. I am trying not to nitpick here, but let me say that another thing that grated on me, which is again an editing problem, was that there is a 'thinking back' scene in the middle of a chapter and it continues on into the next chapter, interrupting the flow of time. I have never seen anything like this before, splitting time where it continues on into multiple chapters. I was certain that I was reading a dream sequence in the next chapter and was surprised to discover that I wasn't. I am referring to the first big gunfight scene where the goons of the man Ty put in prison attack him and he ends up in the hospital, soon learning that his son has been kidnapped by them. Utterly unbelievable as to what happened next. No wonder I thought it was a dream.
Other things in this story also stretched its credibility factor. Sam is supposed to be in hiding, yet she stands in the middle of a truck stop with a sign asking for help. No wonder the man she was running from found her. She also spends more time trying to put the moves on Ty than trying to find help for her daughter who has been traumatized. Not cool. And I hate to break it to the author, but Sam would have needed a license to give pedicures. She should have been a receptionist at the beauty parlor since that is the only job a person would not need a license for in that instance. And how Ty survived the prison riot and was resurrected, so to speak, I could not find it within me to believe any of it. Call me jaded, but there you have it.
And one last thing. About two thirds of the way through the book, Ty begins talking in speeches as if a dam broke inside him, letting out all his thoughts and feelings and his own personal philosophy on life. It goes on for pages and pages in numerous places, all his sentences perfectly formed as if he had rehearsed it all. Maybe he had, and he had just been waiting to tell someone. All I can say is, it was way too much information. Less is more.
Okay, now for the good things about this book. And yes, there are many to be enjoyed despite my list of gripes. Mainly, the hero of the piece, Ty Steele, makes this book. He is the real reason to read it. He is a man of conviction, not perfect, not trying to be. Just trying to be more of a human being. Very admirable. I found his inner struggles to be the most believable and moving parts of the story. His son, Brodie, and his relationship with him added even more dimension to a fully realized character. I could have read about Ty and his son for pages on end and never felt bored or incredulous. I also liked the letters to God that Hope wrote, making God her pen pal. And there was some nice humor in the book, and I liked how the title of the book came into play and its meaning. Strangely enough, the romance was the weakest part and detracted from all that I found good about it. I say strangely enough because I am a big fan of romance novels with well developed characters. I guess it is because I did not find Sam to be the most likable character. She seemed rather selfish.
Overall, I think that the concept of this book was great, as were most of the characters. I only wish it had been executed differently.
This book defies description. I see that some people have pegged it as Christian fiction, while some people heartily disagree because of the language and sexual content. Some people call it inspirational, some categorize it as suspense. If I were to label it myself, I would call it mythical, featuring a main character who is larger than life. But if you were to ask me if I enjoyed the story, I could not say that I did, nor could I say that I didn't. Sounds confusing, doesn't it? Well that is how I found this book to be--utterly confusing, in a number of ways. But in a way, I am glad that I read it. If you want to know why, read on.
The story is about Tyler Steele, a third generation Texas Ranger, who is raising his son, Brodie, on his own as his estranged wife is in rehab. She could not cope with the demands of his job and his lack of attention, using drugs and gambling and an affair to get through and get back at him. They are in the middle of a divorce when Ty literally runs into a mother and daughter stranded on the road. They are on the run from an evil man in law enforcement who sexually abused the young daughter, Hope. Ty helps the mother, Sam, and the daughter as best he can, bringing them home with him, getting them get back on their feet and getting them settled into his community. And soon, Ty and Sam are eyeing one another in a more personal way, wondering if they might have a future together once Ty's divorce is finalized. People and events conspire against them, creating tension and upsetting the newfound balance they have gained in their lives.
Let me get the negatives out of the way first thing, then I can concentrate on the positives, leaving the review on a high note. The writing, especially in the first quarter of the book, was jagged and could have used better editing. The images invoked by the author darted around, not only in time, but in place. As an example, the young girl, Hope, is the diner, then she is in the store, then the diner, then she is by the window somewhere near the car near the trash can. But which window and where? I had to reread this and many other passages more than once to make sense of the sequencing, and I never have to do that in other books except on occasion.
Another problem was that the author used many pronouns without much of a clue as to whom or what he was referring to, again forcing me to reread a number of sentences as there were often more than one 'she' or 'it' involved in the scene. I am trying not to nitpick here, but let me say that another thing that grated on me, which is again an editing problem, was that there is a 'thinking back' scene in the middle of a chapter and it continues on into the next chapter, interrupting the flow of time. I have never seen anything like this before, splitting time where it continues on into multiple chapters. I was certain that I was reading a dream sequence in the next chapter and was surprised to discover that I wasn't. I am referring to the first big gunfight scene where the goons of the man Ty put in prison attack him and he ends up in the hospital, soon learning that his son has been kidnapped by them. Utterly unbelievable as to what happened next. No wonder I thought it was a dream.
Other things in this story also stretched its credibility factor. Sam is supposed to be in hiding, yet she stands in the middle of a truck stop with a sign asking for help. No wonder the man she was running from found her. She also spends more time trying to put the moves on Ty than trying to find help for her daughter who has been traumatized. Not cool. And I hate to break it to the author, but Sam would have needed a license to give pedicures. She should have been a receptionist at the beauty parlor since that is the only job a person would not need a license for in that instance. And how Ty survived the prison riot and was resurrected, so to speak, I could not find it within me to believe any of it. Call me jaded, but there you have it.
And one last thing. About two thirds of the way through the book, Ty begins talking in speeches as if a dam broke inside him, letting out all his thoughts and feelings and his own personal philosophy on life. It goes on for pages and pages in numerous places, all his sentences perfectly formed as if he had rehearsed it all. Maybe he had, and he had just been waiting to tell someone. All I can say is, it was way too much information. Less is more.
Okay, now for the good things about this book. And yes, there are many to be enjoyed despite my list of gripes. Mainly, the hero of the piece, Ty Steele, makes this book. He is the real reason to read it. He is a man of conviction, not perfect, not trying to be. Just trying to be more of a human being. Very admirable. I found his inner struggles to be the most believable and moving parts of the story. His son, Brodie, and his relationship with him added even more dimension to a fully realized character. I could have read about Ty and his son for pages on end and never felt bored or incredulous. I also liked the letters to God that Hope wrote, making God her pen pal. And there was some nice humor in the book, and I liked how the title of the book came into play and its meaning. Strangely enough, the romance was the weakest part and detracted from all that I found good about it. I say strangely enough because I am a big fan of romance novels with well developed characters. I guess it is because I did not find Sam to be the most likable character. She seemed rather selfish.
Overall, I think that the concept of this book was great, as were most of the characters. I only wish it had been executed differently.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2019
I'm making my way through Charles Martin's novels and this is the first 3* I've given any of them. Here's why:
First, let me say that I'm not opposed at all to tough and touchy subjects brought up in stories as long as their done tastefully. Charles Martin does a good job with the subject of child molestation but I will warn that even done well, this could be a trigger for readers. This didn't affect my rating.
Secondly, Charles Martin's novels are NOT overtly Christian, in fact, I wouldn't classify them as Christian Fiction but rather good, clean fiction that rings authentic and genuine to real life. With that in mind, I know from other novels of Charles Martin that he does bring that authenticity to his characters by revealing their natural, carnal instinct when it comes to temptations. This does not normally bother me but I'm beginning to notice a trend in the four books I've read now when it comes to the female characters that does bother me. I'm only going to comment on this particular story since in the previous ones it didn't catch my attention at much as it did in this one and didn't take away from the story like it did in this one.
In Thunder and Rain you have a retired Texas Ranger dealing with family issues who runs into a single mom and her daughter who are trying to escape a desperate situation of their own. Tyler feels obligated to help them out and brings them to his hometown. The story has plenty of plot threads that weave into what could be a 5* story (for me) if it weren't for a character quirk that I didn't appreciate. Samantha is grateful to be rescued by this badge wearing knight but rather quickly (too quickly in my opinion) she's forgotten the atrocities she's running from and begins to "offer" herself to him. Tyler turns this offer down but it doesn't deter Sam from continuing to tempt her hero even to the point of stripping down to nothing and swimming in front of him. This is ANNOYED the heck out of me for so many reasons. As a woman, if I'd been through what this character had I don't think I'd be so quick to get naked in front of a man, trustworthy or not, and definitely not within days/weeks of meeting him. I get attraction and the natural desires of the human body but these scenes diminished my opinion of the female lead instantly. In fact, it made me angry and resentful of her, which I don't think is what any reader should feel towards a main character.
Sexual tension in stories is a must but there's a difference between the need/want/desire and flat out, "here it is come and get it, don't you want it" attitude that plays out in this story. I would've loved if Samantha took the opportunity as a woman to grow from the mistakes of her past relationship and turn her focus to her daughter who suffered horrific abuse rather than seeing if she could get another man to fall in love with her, body first. There was so much opportunity for Tyler and Sam to build that romantic tension through their commitment to the well-being of their children (i.e. the Monopoly game on the porch) that I couldn't help but feel disappointed at the way their love (or lust) story unfolded.
A unique aspect of this story was the use of a third POV, Sam's daughter, Hope, through her journal entries to God. I'm not sure I loved it but that could be because I was listening to the audio and the narrator's voice comes off a bit sappy. Through these journal entries we see the victim's side of the abuse (again could have a trigger effect on certain readers) I'm not sure if I think think there was enough care taken to either be authentic to the damage this kind of abuse can have on a child or if too much would've made the story heavier than it already was. Mixed thoughts on this.
Overall, this story is heavy. Heavy topics. Heavy theme. I loved the secondary characters Mr. Martin brings in and they help bring some lightness to the story that is definitely needed. There's back and forth story-telling as Tyler explains his background, history, and I enjoyed reading this as it helped me understand his character a great deal. I'm still not a fan of Sam.
Still a fan of Charles Martin, though, and ready to read his next book.
First, let me say that I'm not opposed at all to tough and touchy subjects brought up in stories as long as their done tastefully. Charles Martin does a good job with the subject of child molestation but I will warn that even done well, this could be a trigger for readers. This didn't affect my rating.
Secondly, Charles Martin's novels are NOT overtly Christian, in fact, I wouldn't classify them as Christian Fiction but rather good, clean fiction that rings authentic and genuine to real life. With that in mind, I know from other novels of Charles Martin that he does bring that authenticity to his characters by revealing their natural, carnal instinct when it comes to temptations. This does not normally bother me but I'm beginning to notice a trend in the four books I've read now when it comes to the female characters that does bother me. I'm only going to comment on this particular story since in the previous ones it didn't catch my attention at much as it did in this one and didn't take away from the story like it did in this one.
In Thunder and Rain you have a retired Texas Ranger dealing with family issues who runs into a single mom and her daughter who are trying to escape a desperate situation of their own. Tyler feels obligated to help them out and brings them to his hometown. The story has plenty of plot threads that weave into what could be a 5* story (for me) if it weren't for a character quirk that I didn't appreciate. Samantha is grateful to be rescued by this badge wearing knight but rather quickly (too quickly in my opinion) she's forgotten the atrocities she's running from and begins to "offer" herself to him. Tyler turns this offer down but it doesn't deter Sam from continuing to tempt her hero even to the point of stripping down to nothing and swimming in front of him. This is ANNOYED the heck out of me for so many reasons. As a woman, if I'd been through what this character had I don't think I'd be so quick to get naked in front of a man, trustworthy or not, and definitely not within days/weeks of meeting him. I get attraction and the natural desires of the human body but these scenes diminished my opinion of the female lead instantly. In fact, it made me angry and resentful of her, which I don't think is what any reader should feel towards a main character.
Sexual tension in stories is a must but there's a difference between the need/want/desire and flat out, "here it is come and get it, don't you want it" attitude that plays out in this story. I would've loved if Samantha took the opportunity as a woman to grow from the mistakes of her past relationship and turn her focus to her daughter who suffered horrific abuse rather than seeing if she could get another man to fall in love with her, body first. There was so much opportunity for Tyler and Sam to build that romantic tension through their commitment to the well-being of their children (i.e. the Monopoly game on the porch) that I couldn't help but feel disappointed at the way their love (or lust) story unfolded.
A unique aspect of this story was the use of a third POV, Sam's daughter, Hope, through her journal entries to God. I'm not sure I loved it but that could be because I was listening to the audio and the narrator's voice comes off a bit sappy. Through these journal entries we see the victim's side of the abuse (again could have a trigger effect on certain readers) I'm not sure if I think think there was enough care taken to either be authentic to the damage this kind of abuse can have on a child or if too much would've made the story heavier than it already was. Mixed thoughts on this.
Overall, this story is heavy. Heavy topics. Heavy theme. I loved the secondary characters Mr. Martin brings in and they help bring some lightness to the story that is definitely needed. There's back and forth story-telling as Tyler explains his background, history, and I enjoyed reading this as it helped me understand his character a great deal. I'm still not a fan of Sam.
Still a fan of Charles Martin, though, and ready to read his next book.
August 23, 2020
Reviewed on: Ashes Books & Bobs.
Charles Martin’s books were recommended by my friend, @sincerely_reading. She made such a convincing case for his work, I immediately decided to pick this one up at my library and dive in. I immediately was drawn into this fast-paced story and couldn’t put it down until I saw every issue resolved.
This was one of the most refreshing reads because it wasn’t chock full of unlikeable characters with bad morals as we oftentimes in modern books. I liked that I was able to find a book that felt clean but still dealt with real, tough issues we see in the world. I’m not a big fan of Christian fiction because I find it too fluffy and perfect. Though I see several people classifying Thunder and Rain as a Christian book, I think it teeters the line between faith-based fiction and secular fiction. There are mentions of God, but it the characters felt like real-life people who made mistakes and the story even had one of the vilest bad guys imaginable.
“This is a battlefield. Has been since Cain killed Abel. And don’t let it get complicated. Gray it ain’t. It’s black and white. Good versus evil. You might as well choose sides right now.”
In some ways, this novel reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks book, with a bit of a grittier edge. I think this story appeals to women, though we follow along with a male main character. There’s a love story, suspense, and excitement throughout the book, which I adored! Tyler Steele was such a likeable character – I couldn’t help picturing Chuck Norris as Walker Texas Ranger from my childhood days as I was reading. ha! I appreciated his desire to always do the right thing, even if sometimes it would have been easier to let someone else deal with a hard situation. I would love to see more books about him, in fact!
Charles Martin has won me over as a reader and I’m anxious to check out more of his books in the future!
Charles Martin’s books were recommended by my friend, @sincerely_reading. She made such a convincing case for his work, I immediately decided to pick this one up at my library and dive in. I immediately was drawn into this fast-paced story and couldn’t put it down until I saw every issue resolved.
This was one of the most refreshing reads because it wasn’t chock full of unlikeable characters with bad morals as we oftentimes in modern books. I liked that I was able to find a book that felt clean but still dealt with real, tough issues we see in the world. I’m not a big fan of Christian fiction because I find it too fluffy and perfect. Though I see several people classifying Thunder and Rain as a Christian book, I think it teeters the line between faith-based fiction and secular fiction. There are mentions of God, but it the characters felt like real-life people who made mistakes and the story even had one of the vilest bad guys imaginable.
“This is a battlefield. Has been since Cain killed Abel. And don’t let it get complicated. Gray it ain’t. It’s black and white. Good versus evil. You might as well choose sides right now.”
In some ways, this novel reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks book, with a bit of a grittier edge. I think this story appeals to women, though we follow along with a male main character. There’s a love story, suspense, and excitement throughout the book, which I adored! Tyler Steele was such a likeable character – I couldn’t help picturing Chuck Norris as Walker Texas Ranger from my childhood days as I was reading. ha! I appreciated his desire to always do the right thing, even if sometimes it would have been easier to let someone else deal with a hard situation. I would love to see more books about him, in fact!
Charles Martin has won me over as a reader and I’m anxious to check out more of his books in the future!
April 1, 2021
I have been in a reading slump and grabbed this book off my bookshelf to finally read. And I am SOOOOOO glad I did. Charles Martin is one of my favorite authors and he just reminded me why. His ability to tell a crazy good story is simply beautiful.
"Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway."
Saddle up, because this book is full of good quotes, good lessons and really good heart. This was just what I needed right now. Martin has a good way of putting life in perspective in his books. And we all could use a little perspective, right?
"They say God made man, but Sam Colt made them equal. Then John Browning came along and made some better than others."
I have yet to read a Charles Martin book that I haven't loved!! If you haven't read this author yet, please please do. I promise you won't regret it!!
"Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway."
Saddle up, because this book is full of good quotes, good lessons and really good heart. This was just what I needed right now. Martin has a good way of putting life in perspective in his books. And we all could use a little perspective, right?
"They say God made man, but Sam Colt made them equal. Then John Browning came along and made some better than others."
I have yet to read a Charles Martin book that I haven't loved!! If you haven't read this author yet, please please do. I promise you won't regret it!!
April 2, 2012
Readers who have loved previous books by Charles Martin are going to absolutely love his latest book, "Thunder and Rain". And, readers who haven't enjoyed his previous books are also going to love this book - guaranteed!
Martin has penned a story that will grab you from the first page, engage your mind and your heart, and have you devouring the book as fast as you can read, because it's just that good. The plot is outstanding, with carefully crafted scenes, moving dialogue, and descriptions that paint the setting to perfection. Ty is a character that I wish existed in real life - courageous, strong, learning to admit his weaknesses, a good father, embodying what it means to be a man as God created men to be. The scenes he shares with Samantha are humerous and touching, and the development of their relationship is simply a pleasure to behold. One of my favourite aspects of this book are the letters written by young Hope, which are incredibly moving and poignant, and her story is one that will long haunt me and yet encapsulates the blessings of God at the same time. The conclusion was powerful and deeply satisfying, providing oustanding closure to the story of Ty and Sam, Brodie and Hope, while leaving me craving more.
I have to admit that I have a found a couple of Martin's previous books to be on the slower side - but that is not the case here. The pacing is swift and the story was action-packed and yet equisitely emotional, blending to create a fanstastic story.
Well done, Charles Martin. I award this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher for the purposes of this unbiased review.
Martin has penned a story that will grab you from the first page, engage your mind and your heart, and have you devouring the book as fast as you can read, because it's just that good. The plot is outstanding, with carefully crafted scenes, moving dialogue, and descriptions that paint the setting to perfection. Ty is a character that I wish existed in real life - courageous, strong, learning to admit his weaknesses, a good father, embodying what it means to be a man as God created men to be. The scenes he shares with Samantha are humerous and touching, and the development of their relationship is simply a pleasure to behold. One of my favourite aspects of this book are the letters written by young Hope, which are incredibly moving and poignant, and her story is one that will long haunt me and yet encapsulates the blessings of God at the same time. The conclusion was powerful and deeply satisfying, providing oustanding closure to the story of Ty and Sam, Brodie and Hope, while leaving me craving more.
I have to admit that I have a found a couple of Martin's previous books to be on the slower side - but that is not the case here. The pacing is swift and the story was action-packed and yet equisitely emotional, blending to create a fanstastic story.
Well done, Charles Martin. I award this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher for the purposes of this unbiased review.
September 24, 2017
Questo autore mi ha ricordato molto Nicholas Sparks, amore, speranza, perdono, perdita, rinuncia, la lotta tra il bene e il male,dio,dio, dio...e ancora dio.
Complessivamente un bel libro, il protagonista, Tyler, coraggioso, leale, buono, generoso (una specie di Rambo) un uomo che raramente,se non difficilmente, si trova nella vita.
La storia è narrata da due punti di vista: quello di Tyler, che racconta in prima persona la sua storia,l'amore per il padre, l'affetto per il figlio, l'amore per la moglie, ma sopratutto l'amore per il suo lavoro (che prevarica su tutti gli altri).
Il secondo punto di vista, quello che mi è piaciuto di meno, è quello di Hope, una bimba di dieci anni, che non sapendo con chi parlare scrive un diario rivolgendosi a Dio, per niente convincente con le sue riflessioni poco confacenti alla sua età.
In definitiva un bel libro, un tripudio ai valori, all'amore in tutte le sue sfaccettature e ovviamente a Dio!
Un libro indimenticabile, non per bellezza ma, per la storia e stille narrativo.
Complessivamente un bel libro, il protagonista, Tyler, coraggioso, leale, buono, generoso (una specie di Rambo) un uomo che raramente,se non difficilmente, si trova nella vita.
La storia è narrata da due punti di vista: quello di Tyler, che racconta in prima persona la sua storia,l'amore per il padre, l'affetto per il figlio, l'amore per la moglie, ma sopratutto l'amore per il suo lavoro (che prevarica su tutti gli altri).
Il secondo punto di vista, quello che mi è piaciuto di meno, è quello di Hope, una bimba di dieci anni, che non sapendo con chi parlare scrive un diario rivolgendosi a Dio, per niente convincente con le sue riflessioni poco confacenti alla sua età.
In definitiva un bel libro, un tripudio ai valori, all'amore in tutte le sue sfaccettature e ovviamente a Dio!
Un libro indimenticabile, non per bellezza ma, per la storia e stille narrativo.
August 8, 2020
“Thunder and Rain” mixes romance and mystery when modern-day retired Texas Ranger Tyler Steele saves a mother and her sick daughter on the run from the corrupt and abusive San Antone lawman they’d been living with. A moral man with upheavals in his own life including separation from his drug-addicted wife and raising a son on a Texas cattle ranch Ty who’s good at protecting the innocent takes Samantha Dyson and daughter Hope under his wing knowing that her predatory ex-boyfriend is not far behind.
Set against the backdrop of Texas, its history and the dedication of its Rangers this emotionally-charged plot tackles a bevy of issues including deliverance, forgiveness, addiction, abuse, and divorce as Ty struggles to rebuild his life, pay off a mountain of debt and raise his son Brodie. Intensity and suspense build with Billy Simmons’ tracking and confrontation with Samantha; the coming release of Ty’s nemesis Jose Juan Chuarez; and a prison riot.
Intertwined with Ty’s perspective with memories of his past, failed marriage and struggle to put aside the tough core that makes him a good Texas Ranger but Andie's neglectful husband, is Hope’s compelling letters to God as she unburdens herself and hopeful as she asks for his help with problems like the budding romance brewing between her mother and Ty. Humor is abundant in the romance as Ty struggles to honor his former wife until the divorce while being aroused by events that draw him closer to the personable and more outgoing Samantha. Well-written with strong undertones of faith, the plot quickly progresses to an ending that I hope promises a future book centered around the next generation.
Among the multi-faceted and intriguing characters that breathe life into the story are; the quiet, determined and conscientious eleven - year-old Brodie Steele; the likable and loyal ex-con/bootmaker Pat Dalton (aka Dumps); ten-year-old insightful and loving Hope Dyson; her mother the wary and outspoken Samantha Dyson; as well as honest, morally upright and heroic Tyler Steele.
With every novel I read Charles Martin becomes one of my favorite writers. I thoroughly enjoyed this uplifting plot and characters that kept me engrossed from beginning to end.
Set against the backdrop of Texas, its history and the dedication of its Rangers this emotionally-charged plot tackles a bevy of issues including deliverance, forgiveness, addiction, abuse, and divorce as Ty struggles to rebuild his life, pay off a mountain of debt and raise his son Brodie. Intensity and suspense build with Billy Simmons’ tracking and confrontation with Samantha; the coming release of Ty’s nemesis Jose Juan Chuarez; and a prison riot.
Intertwined with Ty’s perspective with memories of his past, failed marriage and struggle to put aside the tough core that makes him a good Texas Ranger but Andie's neglectful husband, is Hope’s compelling letters to God as she unburdens herself and hopeful as she asks for his help with problems like the budding romance brewing between her mother and Ty. Humor is abundant in the romance as Ty struggles to honor his former wife until the divorce while being aroused by events that draw him closer to the personable and more outgoing Samantha. Well-written with strong undertones of faith, the plot quickly progresses to an ending that I hope promises a future book centered around the next generation.
Among the multi-faceted and intriguing characters that breathe life into the story are; the quiet, determined and conscientious eleven - year-old Brodie Steele; the likable and loyal ex-con/bootmaker Pat Dalton (aka Dumps); ten-year-old insightful and loving Hope Dyson; her mother the wary and outspoken Samantha Dyson; as well as honest, morally upright and heroic Tyler Steele.
With every novel I read Charles Martin becomes one of my favorite writers. I thoroughly enjoyed this uplifting plot and characters that kept me engrossed from beginning to end.
June 21, 2024
"Thunder and Rain" is not just a love story but also a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It reminds us that, even in the midst of life's most turbulent storms, there is always hope and the possibility of new beginnings. This novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a heartfelt story about finding love and hope amidst life's challenges.
January 4, 2023
Action-packed love story.
May 14, 2025
“What do you dream? To live with and alongside... rather than without and alone.”
I loved this good, old cowboy love story. I am typically not a fan of “Westerns” but this was very modern, very well-written, and so easy to get lost in.
Synopsis: Tyler Steele is a retired (early-retired) Texas Ranger who is having a little bit of an identity crisis. He is recently divorced and raising his 11 year old son. Tyler is one of the good guys but he’s been so busy being the strong, tough man his job requires him to be that he’s no longer sure how to emotionally connect with others. Then Sam and Hope cross his path. They are on the run from a very bad man and are quite literally alone. Tyler vows to help them out because protecting others is the one thing he knows how to do. What he doesn’t realize is that Sam and Hope may be the two people in the world that can help him uncover the type of man he needs to be.
This book is so well written. The narrative and dialogue both flow so easily and naturally that it's hard to set it aside and not just keep reading. I very quickly became very invested in the storyline and the characters. There is a lot of emotion in this one. It is told mostly from the perspective of Tyler so we get a front seat of his soul-searching and self-discovery. But there are little chapters mixed in of Hope’s journal entries/letters to God. I loved this. I always enjoy the perspective of a child. There is a raw honesty and innocence that comes with it...even if it was written by a grown man. I think he did a great job with that part. This book will take you on a wildly emotional ride. The story has love, it has suspense, it has action, and it has some hard life lessons. It will make you laugh, it will make you smile, it will make you cry buckets of tears and it will make you want to throw something. There is so much depth to this storyline and the characters. There were parts that were probably a little over the top and a little unrealistic. I don't care. The rest of it was so good that it didn't even matter.
I loved this good, old cowboy love story. I am typically not a fan of “Westerns” but this was very modern, very well-written, and so easy to get lost in.
Synopsis: Tyler Steele is a retired (early-retired) Texas Ranger who is having a little bit of an identity crisis. He is recently divorced and raising his 11 year old son. Tyler is one of the good guys but he’s been so busy being the strong, tough man his job requires him to be that he’s no longer sure how to emotionally connect with others. Then Sam and Hope cross his path. They are on the run from a very bad man and are quite literally alone. Tyler vows to help them out because protecting others is the one thing he knows how to do. What he doesn’t realize is that Sam and Hope may be the two people in the world that can help him uncover the type of man he needs to be.
This book is so well written. The narrative and dialogue both flow so easily and naturally that it's hard to set it aside and not just keep reading. I very quickly became very invested in the storyline and the characters. There is a lot of emotion in this one. It is told mostly from the perspective of Tyler so we get a front seat of his soul-searching and self-discovery. But there are little chapters mixed in of Hope’s journal entries/letters to God. I loved this. I always enjoy the perspective of a child. There is a raw honesty and innocence that comes with it...even if it was written by a grown man. I think he did a great job with that part. This book will take you on a wildly emotional ride. The story has love, it has suspense, it has action, and it has some hard life lessons. It will make you laugh, it will make you smile, it will make you cry buckets of tears and it will make you want to throw something. There is so much depth to this storyline and the characters. There were parts that were probably a little over the top and a little unrealistic. I don't care. The rest of it was so good that it didn't even matter.
March 22, 2021
I have a problem: I keep reading Charles Martin books. I can't help it. There's something about them that speaks to my soul, even when my brain is begging me not to because of they are generally cheesy and absurd.
This book contains a hero named Texas. I mean a legend named Hero. Oh wait, no, a Texas Ranger called Cowboy (yes, that's what everybody calls him). He loves guns and he loves shooting bad guys. He owns a 1967 Corvette SS. This is a problem. As anyone who knows something about Corvettes will tell you: there is no such thing as a Corvette SS. Come on Martin, you could have at least googled it!
Most Charles Martin books are about as edgy as a marshmallow. It seems they were written to be homeschooler-friendly (and I'm allowed to say that, as a former member of homeschool honor roll). This book is...different. It contains numerous references to child rape (which is a main plot point), really awkward voyeurism (including a woman and her 10-year-old girl watching a man shower), and even a couple instances of some pants-off action between consenting and unmarried adults. I understand and applaud Martin for wanting to edge up his writing, but this was a really strange way to do it.
The book is also interspersed with chapters from a 10-year-old girl's diary--which are more like lyrics in a melodramatic country song than a preteen's journal entries. Case in point: "Momma just asked me how I’m feeling. I said fine. But between you and me I feel like a dirty tumbleweed. Just rolling ’round in the wind. No roots. No place to set down. Nothing to call home."
There are many reasons to not like this book. It's essentially a romance novel with questionable fantasies dressed up like an adventure. But I still read it, and I still loved the ending, even if I found myself cringing and shaking my head way most of the way through it.
Now I need to take a break from Charles Martin novels. But I know that someday, in the not-too-distant future, I'll get a craving and come running back to eat some more of his wonderful, tasty, stinky cheese.
This book contains a hero named Texas. I mean a legend named Hero. Oh wait, no, a Texas Ranger called Cowboy (yes, that's what everybody calls him). He loves guns and he loves shooting bad guys. He owns a 1967 Corvette SS. This is a problem. As anyone who knows something about Corvettes will tell you: there is no such thing as a Corvette SS. Come on Martin, you could have at least googled it!
Most Charles Martin books are about as edgy as a marshmallow. It seems they were written to be homeschooler-friendly (and I'm allowed to say that, as a former member of homeschool honor roll). This book is...different. It contains numerous references to child rape (which is a main plot point), really awkward voyeurism (including a woman and her 10-year-old girl watching a man shower), and even a couple instances of some pants-off action between consenting and unmarried adults. I understand and applaud Martin for wanting to edge up his writing, but this was a really strange way to do it.
The book is also interspersed with chapters from a 10-year-old girl's diary--which are more like lyrics in a melodramatic country song than a preteen's journal entries. Case in point: "Momma just asked me how I’m feeling. I said fine. But between you and me I feel like a dirty tumbleweed. Just rolling ’round in the wind. No roots. No place to set down. Nothing to call home."
There are many reasons to not like this book. It's essentially a romance novel with questionable fantasies dressed up like an adventure. But I still read it, and I still loved the ending, even if I found myself cringing and shaking my head way most of the way through it.
Now I need to take a break from Charles Martin novels. But I know that someday, in the not-too-distant future, I'll get a craving and come running back to eat some more of his wonderful, tasty, stinky cheese.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2013
*Disclaimer: I only got half-way through this book.* I tried. Really, I did. I didn't go into this book expecting it to be something that it wasn't. I knew this was going to be something akin to the bastard love child of Louis L'Amour and Jackie Collins. But rather than being good 'ol fashioned western fun or salacious gossip dripped pages, what I found was two dimensional characters battling for the "best cliche" awards and a maddeningly employed literary device ala "Dear God" journal entries that have the distinct voice of an older man trying to write like a 12 year old girl. Just to be kind, I will point out that other reviewers have suggested that the author's other books ring more true. As to such claims, I will leave it to other readers to decide. That said, I cannot think of a type of reader or audience I would recommend this book to.
December 5, 2016
This is one of those books for which I wish there was a higher rating to give. If there were, I'd give "Thunder and Rain" a seven. Charles Martin has taken a plot that would be ordinary if written by many other authors and added unique touches that make it extraordinary - at least in my opinion. One such touch is to read the parts of the story as told through the journal entries of a young girl who uses that as a way to talk to God. The characters are well-developed and have personalities that had me feeling involved with their lives. If I had to choose one word to describe this novel it would be "excellent".
April 12, 2015
A wonderful story of how life really evolves. With a dual reflection of both the Cowboy - a Texas Ranger Tyler Steele and the abused child - Hope Dyson this story is one of love, acceptance and redemption.
Tyler cannot pass a person in need. He has no agenda, only the act of help and kindness.
Hope has been abused and lost all trust. She and her mother are fleeing the abuser, and as luck would have it - they run into problems and have no where to turn.
Martin is a wonderful author. His novels carry you right along, insisting that you turn the page. Good wholesome fiction.
Tyler cannot pass a person in need. He has no agenda, only the act of help and kindness.
Hope has been abused and lost all trust. She and her mother are fleeing the abuser, and as luck would have it - they run into problems and have no where to turn.
Martin is a wonderful author. His novels carry you right along, insisting that you turn the page. Good wholesome fiction.
June 28, 2024
OH this book! I loved it. Loved the epilogue! I had no idea what was going to happen, which is a sign of excellent writing. Loved Tyler! What a strong male lead. I also liked seeing Brodie’s growth and development. This had elements of a thriller too. I was totally engaged.
August 12, 2023
This early novel by Charles Martin has all the trademark features of the craft he's honed in the years since. Complicated, flawed characters for which readers can't help but cheer, dysfunctional families, and well developed settings. Being a transplanted Texan, I particularly love how Martin uses West Texas a backdrop for Ty "Cowboy" Steele as he struggles to let go of his love for his ex-wife and move on. He's an "ex" Texas Ranger who also can't let go of his law enforcement career. Thunder and Rain is classic Martin hero-meets-woman-who-needs-saving, but as usual the woman does just as much saving. The result is a lovely examination of love, marriage, honor, and fidelity.
February 5, 2017
Mi ha stupito la delicatezza con cui ha raccontato questa storia. Si parla di fatti orribili come stupri violenza paura ma anche di sentimenti come la fiducia l'amore l'amicizia e l'altruismo... Ty il Texas ranger, rude duro fiero ed eroico ma c'è anche una parte molto dolce sensibile premurosa... Mi è piaciuto questo mix e il fatto di essere coraggioso con i delinquenti o con le situazioni difficili ma molto insicuro su tutto ciò che riguarda l'amore. Ha donato la sua vita al lavoro a discapito di tutto....però è riuscito a capire i suoi sbagli. Ho amato come si è rapportato con Hope. Un uomo d'oro.
Sam è una donna forte dolce determinata che nonostante tutto ha il coraggio di andare avanti che non si lascia schiacciare dagli eventi ma lotta con le unghie e con i denti x sopravvivere. Brodie è um ragazzino nell'età ma è più uomo di tanti altri. Si prende cura di Hope e la protegge. Due piccoli nei in questa storia Hope e come ha superato quello che le e successo secondo me andava un po più approfondito e la scelta di Ty verso la fine che ha rischiato di farmi spaccare il kindle.
Epilogo bellissimo come piace a me dopo parecchi anni dalla fine così da capire che è successo. Bel libro scritto bene non banale pieno di sentimenti. Lo consiglio
Sam è una donna forte dolce determinata che nonostante tutto ha il coraggio di andare avanti che non si lascia schiacciare dagli eventi ma lotta con le unghie e con i denti x sopravvivere. Brodie è um ragazzino nell'età ma è più uomo di tanti altri. Si prende cura di Hope e la protegge. Due piccoli nei in questa storia Hope e come ha superato quello che le e successo secondo me andava un po più approfondito e la scelta di Ty verso la fine che ha rischiato di farmi spaccare il kindle.
Epilogo bellissimo come piace a me dopo parecchi anni dalla fine così da capire che è successo. Bel libro scritto bene non banale pieno di sentimenti. Lo consiglio
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