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Rain Breaks No Bones
Set in 1955, this final installment in Taylor's best-selling Scranton Trilogy explores a family's legacy of loss and a sometimes mystical vision of a better tomorrow EVERYBODY HAS SECRETS. EVEN THE DEAD. Fifty-year-old Violet has had a good life. The love of an honest man. The joys of motherhood. Yet, even in 1955, her heart still aches over the death of her sister more than four decades earlier. Lately, Violet can't help thinking about the little girl, picturing her in the moments before the accident, wearing that pleated white dress and a hair bow to match. Maybe if her big sister were here now, she could tell Violet what to do about the secret she's been keeping from her daughter Daisy. Daisy has a secret of her own. When she first moved back home to Scranton, she wasn't ready to give up her dreams of performing in Atlantic City. Then she met Johnny, a man who needs music as much as she does. Her first real chance at love. If only they can find the courage to buck small-town thinking when it comes to interracial dating. Small-town thinking. Zethray had seen her fair share of it. That's why she advertised a room to rent in The Negro Motorist Green Book . Give folks a safe place to stay away from home. That's how Johnny ended up at her door. Now he's sweet on some young woman. Not that he told Zethray, but she knows. The dead like to talk, and she listens. If only her mother would tell the secret behind her shocking death. Instead, she stands silent, while that little girl with the bow in her hair runs wild. Rain Breaks No Bones , is the final novel in the Scranton Trilogy, starting with Sing in the Morning, Cry at Night, followed by All Waiting Is Long . Though the novels are connected, they each stand alone.
368 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 31, 2024
TITLE: RAIN BREAKS NO BONES
AUTHOR: BARBARA J TAYLOR
PUB DATE: 05.07.2024
I jumped at the opportunity to read this book by BARBARA J TAYLOR and though part of a trilogy, RAIN BREAKS NO BONES read wonderfully as a stand alone. Set in the 1950’s, this beautifully told character driven story centered on Violet, her daughter Daisy and mother Grace. The story deals with some past traumas and family secrets
The story was powerful and truly well researched. It pains me to read some of the awful things that happened at the time affecting race and the fight for equality. I loved the details in the story that transported me to the time. I am now going to be picking up the first two books as I’m not quite ready to part with the characters and Scranton PA.
AUTHOR: BARBARA J TAYLOR
PUB DATE: 05.07.2024
I jumped at the opportunity to read this book by BARBARA J TAYLOR and though part of a trilogy, RAIN BREAKS NO BONES read wonderfully as a stand alone. Set in the 1950’s, this beautifully told character driven story centered on Violet, her daughter Daisy and mother Grace. The story deals with some past traumas and family secrets
The story was powerful and truly well researched. It pains me to read some of the awful things that happened at the time affecting race and the fight for equality. I loved the details in the story that transported me to the time. I am now going to be picking up the first two books as I’m not quite ready to part with the characters and Scranton PA.
May 4, 2024
Barbara J. Taylor, the Author of “Rain Breaks No Bones” has written a memorable, intriguing and thought-provoking novel. The description of the book mentions that there is “a legacy of loss, and mystical vision for a better tomorrow.” This is the third novel in an Historical Fiction series, that takes place in 1955 in Scranton Pennsylvania. The family saga continues, and this can be read as a stand-alone. The genres for this story are Metaphysical Fiction, Metaphysical Visionary Fiction, Sibling Fiction, Mother/Daughter Fiction and Historical Fiction. The themes throughout the story are secrets, lack of communication, Music and the importance in literature, the importance of family, friends, love and hope. I appreciate that the author discusses interracial relationships, discrimination, poverty, forgiveness and second chances.
This is a well-written story about the people and the 1950s in a community that struggles with moral and economic problems.The author vividly describes the lifestyle, scenery, plot, and the dramatic and colorful characters. There is also a supernatural feeling of living and communicating with those that are deceased. There are deep dark secrets, that affect the generations in the families. Some of the characters are portrayed as understanding, helpful, kind-hearted, and tolerant. I highly recommend this inspirational and captivating novel.
This is a well-written story about the people and the 1950s in a community that struggles with moral and economic problems.The author vividly describes the lifestyle, scenery, plot, and the dramatic and colorful characters. There is also a supernatural feeling of living and communicating with those that are deceased. There are deep dark secrets, that affect the generations in the families. Some of the characters are portrayed as understanding, helpful, kind-hearted, and tolerant. I highly recommend this inspirational and captivating novel.
May 2, 2024
This is a beautifully written family drama set in 1955 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The book centers around the lives of mother and adult daughter, Violet and Daisy. Violet’s mother, Grace, is also part of the story.
This book blends family secrets, personal growth, aging family members, and relationship building all with a bit of the paranormal. The ghost being “Our Daisy”, Violet’s sister who died in 1913 when she was 9 years old.
I loved the feel of being transported back to 1955. The newness of owning a television set. The use of Green Stamps to buy items you really want, but don’t want to spend cash on. 1955 in Scranton also came with challenges like catastrophic Hurricane Diane and the indignation people felt about mixed race relationships.
This book concludes a trilogy based on this family.
This book blends family secrets, personal growth, aging family members, and relationship building all with a bit of the paranormal. The ghost being “Our Daisy”, Violet’s sister who died in 1913 when she was 9 years old.
I loved the feel of being transported back to 1955. The newness of owning a television set. The use of Green Stamps to buy items you really want, but don’t want to spend cash on. 1955 in Scranton also came with challenges like catastrophic Hurricane Diane and the indignation people felt about mixed race relationships.
This book concludes a trilogy based on this family.
July 24, 2024
I loved this trilogy set in my hometown. I knew most of the places that were mentioned and enjoyed the historical aspect of the books.
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April 4, 2024Wound up reading this book without having read the first two in the series and having no familiarity with the the area in which it takes place. Nevertheless I had no trouble loving it. The characters are easy to identify with and you quickly get caught up in their emotions. Now I'm going to get the first two books.
July 17, 2024
Thank you to the author, publisher and Novels n Latte FB page.
I am very stingy with my 5 star ratings, but this one deserves it and even more. Bear with my long review, but it's worth it I hope.
Most people know I'm from Scranton, PA, and I knew when I saw the giveaway I had to enter hoping I would win. Even though it's the 3rd of the series I didn't care. I had to read it.
Right from the prologue I started recognizing familiar street names, and store names. (I'm sure that many of the places/streets I don't remember because they were there before I was born since it's set in 1955), and started smiling already. My face might be sore from smiling by the time I finish this book. I've read books with Scranton mentioned and some in a not so “nice” way like it's a podunk town which I know it's not.
All of the characters in this book were well-rounded and enjoyed meeting every one of them. People back then who were 50 and 75 (Grace, Violet (mother and daughter) seemed so old. Daisy (Violet's daughter) had a promising career with her own studio, dance, singing lessons, and piano lessons. Sort of a ghost story too with Violet's deceased sister, who died at age 8 when a sparkler set her dress on fire. Violet always blamed herself. She shows up as a ghost in Zethray's (Mamma Z) negro (her word not mine) boarding house who speaks to the dead and a seer. There's a connection with her boarder Johnny and Daisy too. I fell in love with all the characters and don't want to pick a favorite because I loved them all.
So many memories some of these places brought back, one I even forgot about like Grablicks ice cream in West Pittston. It's a walk down memory lane with a lot of nostalgia that's for sure.
The last 30 pages were so harrowing and I was holding my breath to see what was going to happen. I'm a very emotional person. When I read the epilogue, I cried like a baby.
I saw where the author is donating a portion of this book to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation in honor of her nephew Jimmy. Even though I didn't buy this book and even though I don't know anyone with this disease, I'm grateful for her doing so. I see commercials for Shriner's Hospital a lot and they focus on this a lot and their spokespersons are Alec and the other one is Kaleb and I thought of them when I saw this.
I am very stingy with my 5 star ratings, but this one deserves it and even more. Bear with my long review, but it's worth it I hope.
Most people know I'm from Scranton, PA, and I knew when I saw the giveaway I had to enter hoping I would win. Even though it's the 3rd of the series I didn't care. I had to read it.
Right from the prologue I started recognizing familiar street names, and store names. (I'm sure that many of the places/streets I don't remember because they were there before I was born since it's set in 1955), and started smiling already. My face might be sore from smiling by the time I finish this book. I've read books with Scranton mentioned and some in a not so “nice” way like it's a podunk town which I know it's not.
All of the characters in this book were well-rounded and enjoyed meeting every one of them. People back then who were 50 and 75 (Grace, Violet (mother and daughter) seemed so old. Daisy (Violet's daughter) had a promising career with her own studio, dance, singing lessons, and piano lessons. Sort of a ghost story too with Violet's deceased sister, who died at age 8 when a sparkler set her dress on fire. Violet always blamed herself. She shows up as a ghost in Zethray's (Mamma Z) negro (her word not mine) boarding house who speaks to the dead and a seer. There's a connection with her boarder Johnny and Daisy too. I fell in love with all the characters and don't want to pick a favorite because I loved them all.
So many memories some of these places brought back, one I even forgot about like Grablicks ice cream in West Pittston. It's a walk down memory lane with a lot of nostalgia that's for sure.
The last 30 pages were so harrowing and I was holding my breath to see what was going to happen. I'm a very emotional person. When I read the epilogue, I cried like a baby.
I saw where the author is donating a portion of this book to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation in honor of her nephew Jimmy. Even though I didn't buy this book and even though I don't know anyone with this disease, I'm grateful for her doing so. I see commercials for Shriner's Hospital a lot and they focus on this a lot and their spokespersons are Alec and the other one is Kaleb and I thought of them when I saw this.
October 31, 2025
I have to preface by acknowledging that Barb is a friend of mine. We’ve worked on a project together, and she’s reading at my university, so I can’t pretend to objectivity.
Still, this novel caps quite an accomplishment.
This works on its own as an exploration of a cross-racial romance in post-WWII Scranton, but its larger success is as the culmination of Barb’s Scranton trilogy.
I trust it’s not a spoiler to suggest that Violet Morgan is the central character in the trilogy. It’s her daughter, Grace, who falls in love here, but we get to see the culmination of Violet’s love for Stanley, the boy we see her meeting in the first book.
In effect, we get the perspectives of three generations of women running through these books, and we get a celebration of Scranton.
I think of this project as a whole as echoing the same kind of work that August Wilson did with his Pittsburgh cycle of plays or that William Kennedy does in his Albany novels. It’s a celebration of a city, and the only way to do that is to show it across time and across different people’s dreams.
Barb’s Scranton doesn’t always fulfill those dreams for her characters, but there’s something compelling in the way we see them play out.
I happened to read the books out of order – the second first and the first second – so this is the first time I got the opportunity to feel the cumulative effect of the books. We meet Violet as a girl who accidentally plays a part in the horrific accident that kills her sister. Violet may never get everything she wants, but she does come to inhabit fully the city that Barb reconstructs around her.
Thanks to this accomplishment, I see places in Scranton in a fresh light, not frozen in the time of any one of the books, but fluid across them all and across five decades.
Still, this novel caps quite an accomplishment.
This works on its own as an exploration of a cross-racial romance in post-WWII Scranton, but its larger success is as the culmination of Barb’s Scranton trilogy.
I trust it’s not a spoiler to suggest that Violet Morgan is the central character in the trilogy. It’s her daughter, Grace, who falls in love here, but we get to see the culmination of Violet’s love for Stanley, the boy we see her meeting in the first book.
In effect, we get the perspectives of three generations of women running through these books, and we get a celebration of Scranton.
I think of this project as a whole as echoing the same kind of work that August Wilson did with his Pittsburgh cycle of plays or that William Kennedy does in his Albany novels. It’s a celebration of a city, and the only way to do that is to show it across time and across different people’s dreams.
Barb’s Scranton doesn’t always fulfill those dreams for her characters, but there’s something compelling in the way we see them play out.
I happened to read the books out of order – the second first and the first second – so this is the first time I got the opportunity to feel the cumulative effect of the books. We meet Violet as a girl who accidentally plays a part in the horrific accident that kills her sister. Violet may never get everything she wants, but she does come to inhabit fully the city that Barb reconstructs around her.
Thanks to this accomplishment, I see places in Scranton in a fresh light, not frozen in the time of any one of the books, but fluid across them all and across five decades.
May 9, 2024
First, I would be dishonest if I didn’t say that it is unsettling to read a historical fiction book about events that happened in my lifetime. No! Wait! Am I that old?
Rain Breaks No Bones is the final book in the Scranton trilogy about three generations of Scranton women. The third book takes place in the 1950s. The books can stand alone, although after I read this third book as a stand-alone, I remembered that I had read and reviewed All Waiting is Long eight years ago. The women remain important to the plot, with the addition of several other important characters.
The title is explained about half way through the book. “Rain breaks no bones” Daisy explains to her love, Johnny, “It means a little discomfort never hurt anybody.” Often in the book, there is discomfort. Johnny is a wonderful young man, but he is Black and Daisy is white. That is just one of the 1950s discomforts that the main characters experience.
I enjoyed all the reminders of my childhood, but this is not a book essential to your reading list. It was a lovely diversion.
Rain Breaks No Bones is the final book in the Scranton trilogy about three generations of Scranton women. The third book takes place in the 1950s. The books can stand alone, although after I read this third book as a stand-alone, I remembered that I had read and reviewed All Waiting is Long eight years ago. The women remain important to the plot, with the addition of several other important characters.
The title is explained about half way through the book. “Rain breaks no bones” Daisy explains to her love, Johnny, “It means a little discomfort never hurt anybody.” Often in the book, there is discomfort. Johnny is a wonderful young man, but he is Black and Daisy is white. That is just one of the 1950s discomforts that the main characters experience.
I enjoyed all the reminders of my childhood, but this is not a book essential to your reading list. It was a lovely diversion.
May 23, 2024
I fell in love with this book! I want the read earlier books in the series. I identified most with Violet. The book is set in 1955 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. I loved reading about this time period because the book reminded so many things, like saving green stamps, the advent of the first TV, going fishing with my father.
The characters are very strong. Grace is the grandmother, and she adds do much humor, the daughters, Daisy who died earlier in an accident with a sparkler, Violet who feels guilty of the death of Daisy, Lily who comes more into the story at the end.
Then the men, past and present and dog, the black friend of Grace, and the scenes between blacks and whites all added richness to the book.
Many hot button areas were covered and music from the past made me feel that I was back in that time period make my heart yearn for more.
The characters are very strong. Grace is the grandmother, and she adds do much humor, the daughters, Daisy who died earlier in an accident with a sparkler, Violet who feels guilty of the death of Daisy, Lily who comes more into the story at the end.
Then the men, past and present and dog, the black friend of Grace, and the scenes between blacks and whites all added richness to the book.
Many hot button areas were covered and music from the past made me feel that I was back in that time period make my heart yearn for more.
April 20, 2024
Rain Breaks No Bones by Barbara J. Taylor is the final book in the Scranton trilogy series.
Having not read the first two books, I had no trouble at all getting fully invested in this wonderful family story.
The story is set in 1955. Violet has been keeping a secret from her daughter Daisy.
But Violet isn't the only one with a secret.
The author tackles the topic of interracial dating during the 1950's.
This was a fantastic multi-layered novel. The characters were well developed and complex.
I appreciate the metaphysical aspect to this story. An excellent novel. I look forward to reading the first two books in the trilogy.
Having not read the first two books, I had no trouble at all getting fully invested in this wonderful family story.
The story is set in 1955. Violet has been keeping a secret from her daughter Daisy.
But Violet isn't the only one with a secret.
The author tackles the topic of interracial dating during the 1950's.
This was a fantastic multi-layered novel. The characters were well developed and complex.
I appreciate the metaphysical aspect to this story. An excellent novel. I look forward to reading the first two books in the trilogy.
May 18, 2024
This is such a beautiful story set in the 1950's in Scranton, Pennsylvania with fascinating characters that I came to adore. There is a lot to learn from this novel and I enjoyed reading about life in that decade. We've made some progress in finding equality, but have so far to go. The author's writing style is lovely and captivating and I experienced so many gentle emotions while reading and the epilogue is just a wonderful way to bring a sense of closure. This is third book in a trilogy, but can be read as a standalone and I can't wait to read the first two books.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2024
Beautifully written, vividly drawn characters and powerful. A family drama set in the 1930s, full of secrets, twists and a bit of paranormal elements. This is the third book and final installment in a series but can be read as a standalone.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Akashic Books for this tour invite.
𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀 𝗡𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 by Barbara J. Taylor, author released May 6, 2024.
𝗪𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁?
I pick french toast.
𝗜 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆!
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Akashic Books for this tour invite.
𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀 𝗡𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 by Barbara J. Taylor, author released May 6, 2024.
𝗪𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁?
I pick french toast.
𝗜 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆!
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
May 31, 2024
This book is set in the 1950’s in Pennsylvania, it centers around a generation of mothers and daughters. This story interweaves layers of family secrets, mother daughter relationship, family and current life at that time with a bit of a paranormal edge. I loved the messaging behind the title
I loved reading about the 50’s. The lifestyle of the times. I remember my mom would collect the Green Stamps to get kitchen items. This is a wonderful historical fiction read.
Although part of a trilogy these books can be read as stand-alone.
I loved reading about the 50’s. The lifestyle of the times. I remember my mom would collect the Green Stamps to get kitchen items. This is a wonderful historical fiction read.
Although part of a trilogy these books can be read as stand-alone.
May 13, 2024
This is the final book in the Scranton trilogy. But this can be read as a standalone also. Taking place in the 1950s Scranton Pennsylvania. A story about mothers, and daughters, secrets, loss, some paranormal, social standards, and interracial dating. This was a well-written story, and I liked going back in time. It held my interest. I really liked the paranormal elements. A fast read I really enjoyed
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
August 13, 2024
I absolutely LOVE this book! I love everything about this series. Turning the pages is like having a conversation with a best friend or family member. I honestly cannot say enough good things about this series and have recommended it to quite a few people already. If there were 10 more books witg the same characters I'd read them all! Looking forward to going to an event with the author in November!
May 26, 2024
This was such compelling historical fiction. The prologue hooked me and the book was a page turner until the very end - - such great characters and so many secrets! I love when the significance of a title is revealed and this one was especially meaningful. The sprinkles of magical realism worked perfectly in this story and tugged hard at my heartstrings.
May 30, 2024
The pages came alive with normal everyday life and events while the characters added the secret sauce. And when I say secret sauce, the secrets are gooey. This touching story of love, grief, and hardships kept me turning the pages until I hesitantly turned the final one. This is a story that will stay with me.
May 26, 2024
This book can be read as a standalone. Gorgeous writing and amazing characters made for an incredible reading experience. I loved it and will read the other two in this series as soon as I can get my hands on them.
November 15, 2024
Enjoyed this tale about life in Scranton area circa 1950s. Even though I gre up in Wyoming Valley, much was the same.
June 6, 2024
I received this book to review. I did enjoy this book for the most part. However, there was so much background information in the book that I felt like once I got to the climax the book was almost done. I would like to know what actually happens to the characters. The ending left me hanging.
June 15, 2024
What a wonder when a writer knows just the word, the perfect turn of phrase. And Barbara Taylor does just that in the third installment of her Scranton trilogy. She susses out the history without boring you, brings characters to life with joy and sorrow. Wonderfully done. Brava
May 30, 2024
I loved how there was a decent amount going on without it feeling rushed. This is the third in a series but I don’t feel like I was missing anything by not reading them. It followed multiple different people and I enjoyed how they had different problems/secrets but were all connected because of their relationship to one another. It felt like I was transported to the 50’s and I loved the emotion and suspense that the events brought.
Thank you @barbarajtaylorauthor and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @barbarajtaylorauthor and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
July 26, 2024
Great story and character development
Another wonderful book from
Barbara Taylor! I felt connected to your characters and cared about what happened to them. The action in the story held my attention and made for a thoroughly enjoyable read. Thanks for tying up all the loose ends. Keep writing Barb!
Another wonderful book from
Barbara Taylor! I felt connected to your characters and cared about what happened to them. The action in the story held my attention and made for a thoroughly enjoyable read. Thanks for tying up all the loose ends. Keep writing Barb!
April 8, 2025
RAIN BREAKS NO BONES is a captivating and poignant read, delving into family secrets, love, and the weight of the past. Taylor weaves a compelling and utterly beautiful narrative that pulls you from the first line.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews