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The Colors Of Rain
Evan made a deathbed promise to his dad to hold their family together and lead them well. In the face of challenges on every side, Evan neglects his studies, and to make up his grade, he must write the story of the girl in his class who always has a palm-sized masterpiece painted on her left hand. Rain has lived in Ivy Hollow nearly her entire life. The circumstances of her story have never been easy to come to terms with, but they've never been a secret… until now. Her senior year brings two new students to her small-town school, and both turn out to be a threat to the life she’s created for herself. Her long buried past is being exposed all over again, and she’s terrified of facing it. Jordan doesn’t want anything to do with Ivy Hollow, but her mom’s new business has them living there anyway. While she’s unpacking boxes, Jordan discovers a dark family secret that will shatter every conception she’s ever had—and it just might have something to do with the girl at school who has a unique name and only one hand. Three stories. One small town. Once they collide, life will never be the same.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2023
9 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Hayven
1 book56 followersAbigail Hayven is a wife and entrepreneur, but she was once a girl who couldn’t get enough books to read. So she began writing to fill the void.
Now with a background in pro-life ministry and a continuing passion for storytelling, Abigail has decided to use her words to write about the issues she’s most passionate about. Her prayer is that young, hungry readers like herself would find compelling plots, relatable characters, and an abundance of thought-provoking truth in the books that she writes.
When she isn’t penning novels, you might find her being a barista at the coffee shop she co-owns, baking something scrumptious, or spending time with her romance-novel-material husband, John.
Abigail’s greatest passion in life is to glorify her King and create beauty that points others to Him.
Now with a background in pro-life ministry and a continuing passion for storytelling, Abigail has decided to use her words to write about the issues she’s most passionate about. Her prayer is that young, hungry readers like herself would find compelling plots, relatable characters, and an abundance of thought-provoking truth in the books that she writes.
When she isn’t penning novels, you might find her being a barista at the coffee shop she co-owns, baking something scrumptious, or spending time with her romance-novel-material husband, John.
Abigail’s greatest passion in life is to glorify her King and create beauty that points others to Him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 29, 2023
Such a beautiful story 🥺🤎
July 26, 2024
Oh my goodness... honestly, I thought this book would be good, but I saw a spoiler on a writing group I'm in and was so afraid to read it because...well, said spoiler was sad.
But then two of my friends just kept talking about the book so I took the plunge and bought it, kept it on my shelf for 2 months and finally worked up the courage to face that spoiler head on...I was no prepared for how beautiful this book is!
Characters:
Evan is one of the MCs, and he's such a dear guy, so broken and hurting. I loved him even though he didn't like books...lol...he was too endearing, too precious for me to dislike him.
Rain was another MC, and she stole my heart! Her fear of change reseaonates deeply with me, I think because so much of the change in my life, and hers, has been negative, so it makes you not want anything to change. To stop time or stay in Neverland, as Rain says. I loved her and the whole plot of the book and just...ack!
Jordan...guys, my heart hurt for this girl. For the brokenness of her home, for the fact that she felt like she had to hold everyone together. To the ending of this book... everything. Yet, I love her journey through the story, and as Evan says, at one point, her perspective was needed.
Themes:
The value of life, the reality of grief, the devastation that abortion can cause on not only the mother but everyone in her life. The healing power of God through the trials of life. Guys, my heart is so full right now... honestly, no words!
Language:
N/A
Romance:
Budding, but just crushes, really. Some mild flirting that is so totally adorable because...well, that's a spoiler.
Overall:
This book is GORGEOUS! It's beautiful and everyone should read it... everyone. I loved it. I loved the classics incorporated. I loved the fact that Rain paints her hand every day. I love that Evan notices so much.
I love that the value of life is brought out. That grief is addressed as the monster it is, that pain isn't shied away from, and just...ack...everything.
I can't properly word how much I love this book.
Recommended for ages 15+... Now do yourself a favor and go read this beautiful, heartbreaking, gorgeous story!
But then two of my friends just kept talking about the book so I took the plunge and bought it, kept it on my shelf for 2 months and finally worked up the courage to face that spoiler head on...I was no prepared for how beautiful this book is!
Characters:
Evan is one of the MCs, and he's such a dear guy, so broken and hurting. I loved him even though he didn't like books...lol...he was too endearing, too precious for me to dislike him.
Rain was another MC, and she stole my heart! Her fear of change reseaonates deeply with me, I think because so much of the change in my life, and hers, has been negative, so it makes you not want anything to change. To stop time or stay in Neverland, as Rain says. I loved her and the whole plot of the book and just...ack!
Jordan...guys, my heart hurt for this girl. For the brokenness of her home, for the fact that she felt like she had to hold everyone together. To the ending of this book... everything. Yet, I love her journey through the story, and as Evan says, at one point, her perspective was needed.
Themes:
The value of life, the reality of grief, the devastation that abortion can cause on not only the mother but everyone in her life. The healing power of God through the trials of life. Guys, my heart is so full right now... honestly, no words!
Language:
N/A
Romance:
Budding, but just crushes, really. Some mild flirting that is so totally adorable because...well, that's a spoiler.
Overall:
This book is GORGEOUS! It's beautiful and everyone should read it... everyone. I loved it. I loved the classics incorporated. I loved the fact that Rain paints her hand every day. I love that Evan notices so much.
I love that the value of life is brought out. That grief is addressed as the monster it is, that pain isn't shied away from, and just...ack...everything.
I can't properly word how much I love this book.
Recommended for ages 15+... Now do yourself a favor and go read this beautiful, heartbreaking, gorgeous story!
November 22, 2023
There is something remarkable about the way paper & ink transcend into colour before your very eyes, engulfing your very heart. 💛🎨
From the moment Abbey announced this book, I knew I was going to love it. Before the end of the first chapter I was already smitten. And by the end of the story, I was sobbing.
The Colors of Rain is one of those stories that feels necessary. It’s real & raw. It doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff—grief, fear of change & the future, aching for a place to call home. It’s unapologetically pro-life. There’s a strong Christian faith on display that’s real & natural. Honest & yet grappling with hard things & unknowns.
Penned & painted in an immersive, poetic style that is as engaging as it is relatable, you’ll fall in love with Evan, Rain, and Jordan. And the small town of Ivy Hollow where all their stories overlap, their secrets fall out of the closet, & they find that family reaches far beyond the ties of blood to include ties of the heart.
This story hit hard as I brought up memories of my own past & the past of family members. It’s a heartfelt reminder that we all have our stories. We all touch someone else’s life in some way. We have a purpose.
I finished the book drowning in tears and overwhelmed with lingering hope. It’s a story I won’t forget in a hurry. One I know I’ll return to. Because like all the best stories, it sticks with you. Well done, Abbey! 💛
*I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
From the moment Abbey announced this book, I knew I was going to love it. Before the end of the first chapter I was already smitten. And by the end of the story, I was sobbing.
The Colors of Rain is one of those stories that feels necessary. It’s real & raw. It doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff—grief, fear of change & the future, aching for a place to call home. It’s unapologetically pro-life. There’s a strong Christian faith on display that’s real & natural. Honest & yet grappling with hard things & unknowns.
Penned & painted in an immersive, poetic style that is as engaging as it is relatable, you’ll fall in love with Evan, Rain, and Jordan. And the small town of Ivy Hollow where all their stories overlap, their secrets fall out of the closet, & they find that family reaches far beyond the ties of blood to include ties of the heart.
This story hit hard as I brought up memories of my own past & the past of family members. It’s a heartfelt reminder that we all have our stories. We all touch someone else’s life in some way. We have a purpose.
I finished the book drowning in tears and overwhelmed with lingering hope. It’s a story I won’t forget in a hurry. One I know I’ll return to. Because like all the best stories, it sticks with you. Well done, Abbey! 💛
*I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 21, 2023
Because the scary parts of our stories and the parts that sting are storms. But it’s the rain that causes growth, brings life, and creates color. -The Colors of Rain
This story was everything. I started this book expecting something beautiful, but I found something no words can even begin to describe. Every sentence was pure poetry. Abigail's love and passion produced a piece of art that I cannot wait to read over and over. There wasn't a thing I didn't absolutely adore with this book.
The characters were all at once lovable and unique. Evan, Jordan, and Rain all captured my hearts and I wanted the absolute best for all of them. Their interwoven stories were all engaging and kept me turning pages as fast as I could. Rain was my favorite character in this cast, not just because I found many similarities with her, but also because she was beautifully and unashamedly unique. Rain Brooks was like a prism. When the spotlight was on her, she shone with a brilliance that lit up the world around her with beauty. She brought out the best in so many people. I also really adored Evan, he was genuinely a good guy with a very real and raw story.
There were so many beautiful details that helped this story shine. I loved the quotes that started out each chapter and not only that each fit what was happening in the story, but also because the author drew from books relevant to the story. I also adored how the story was broken out into colors and how well those colors related to the emotions.
It's books like these that help remind me why I read. Stories like this ignite life inside the reader, they explore the depths of brokenness to find the beauty if raw, untainted hope. This story covers heavy topics like death, abortion, and broken families, but in turn, it handles these topics with grace and compassion. These stories help the reader break in order to heal pieces of us that have begun to die or lose hope.
I cannot thank Abigail Hayven and The Glory Writers for sharing this story with the world and giving me the chance to read an e-arc of this story.
This story was everything. I started this book expecting something beautiful, but I found something no words can even begin to describe. Every sentence was pure poetry. Abigail's love and passion produced a piece of art that I cannot wait to read over and over. There wasn't a thing I didn't absolutely adore with this book.
The characters were all at once lovable and unique. Evan, Jordan, and Rain all captured my hearts and I wanted the absolute best for all of them. Their interwoven stories were all engaging and kept me turning pages as fast as I could. Rain was my favorite character in this cast, not just because I found many similarities with her, but also because she was beautifully and unashamedly unique. Rain Brooks was like a prism. When the spotlight was on her, she shone with a brilliance that lit up the world around her with beauty. She brought out the best in so many people. I also really adored Evan, he was genuinely a good guy with a very real and raw story.
There were so many beautiful details that helped this story shine. I loved the quotes that started out each chapter and not only that each fit what was happening in the story, but also because the author drew from books relevant to the story. I also adored how the story was broken out into colors and how well those colors related to the emotions.
It's books like these that help remind me why I read. Stories like this ignite life inside the reader, they explore the depths of brokenness to find the beauty if raw, untainted hope. This story covers heavy topics like death, abortion, and broken families, but in turn, it handles these topics with grace and compassion. These stories help the reader break in order to heal pieces of us that have begun to die or lose hope.
I cannot thank Abigail Hayven and The Glory Writers for sharing this story with the world and giving me the chance to read an e-arc of this story.
November 18, 2023
Endorsement:
With incredible storytelling that hooks you from page one, deep characters you want to cheer for, and a gut-wrenching climax that brings tears to your eyes, The Color of Rain is an absolute masterpiece. Never as a contemporary gripped me so tightly. It had me gasping and laughing in turn, and I found that I didn't want it to end. This is a story that hangs onto you long after you turn the last page and is one I'll return to again and again.
With incredible storytelling that hooks you from page one, deep characters you want to cheer for, and a gut-wrenching climax that brings tears to your eyes, The Color of Rain is an absolute masterpiece. Never as a contemporary gripped me so tightly. It had me gasping and laughing in turn, and I found that I didn't want it to end. This is a story that hangs onto you long after you turn the last page and is one I'll return to again and again.
November 30, 2023
OH.
MY.
GOSH.
This book has my heart! It has been so so very long that I completely and utterly fell in love with any book, and The Colors Of Rain captured me from the first chapter. Plus, I read the e-copy of it and it never failed to hold my attention the whole time. That does NOT happen unless I truly love a book.
OH.
My.
Gosh.
The ending was absolutely beautiful, tear-jerking, heart piercing, and all the words, in the best way possible. I adore Rain and Evan's relationship, and Rain is hands down one of my new favorite fictional characters. She doesn't let her disabilities define her, which I found so important for us to remember.
The literature references won me over, all the color and pain, A Tale Of Two Cities, family, forgiveness, abortion, and it was all so heart warming.
I loved the redemptive arc the characters must take without being preachy. At times it fell a bit heavy on the preaching side, I'll admit, but not as near heavy as I've read in some Christian lit. This one was pure and authentic because you felt the author's heart in the story and from the note in the back, how personal it was for her.
I loved every moment, and like I said, that is very rare for me.
Plus the cover is absolutely begging to be put on my shelf ASAP!
AND THE ENDING. I was NOT expecting it at all.
MY.
GOSH.
This book has my heart! It has been so so very long that I completely and utterly fell in love with any book, and The Colors Of Rain captured me from the first chapter. Plus, I read the e-copy of it and it never failed to hold my attention the whole time. That does NOT happen unless I truly love a book.
OH.
My.
Gosh.
The ending was absolutely beautiful, tear-jerking, heart piercing, and all the words, in the best way possible. I adore Rain and Evan's relationship, and Rain is hands down one of my new favorite fictional characters. She doesn't let her disabilities define her, which I found so important for us to remember.
The literature references won me over, all the color and pain, A Tale Of Two Cities, family, forgiveness, abortion, and it was all so heart warming.
I loved the redemptive arc the characters must take without being preachy. At times it fell a bit heavy on the preaching side, I'll admit, but not as near heavy as I've read in some Christian lit. This one was pure and authentic because you felt the author's heart in the story and from the note in the back, how personal it was for her.
I loved every moment, and like I said, that is very rare for me.
Plus the cover is absolutely begging to be put on my shelf ASAP!
AND THE ENDING. I was NOT expecting it at all.
November 18, 2023
ENDORSEMENT:
There aren’t many stories out there that feel necessary, but THE COLORS OF RAIN is one of them. Hayven’s debut dates to venture into uncharted literary territory, and it’s taken my heart with it. With rich and colorful prose and characters you want to cling to and never let go of, THE COLORS OF RAIN is a must-read.
There aren’t many stories out there that feel necessary, but THE COLORS OF RAIN is one of them. Hayven’s debut dates to venture into uncharted literary territory, and it’s taken my heart with it. With rich and colorful prose and characters you want to cling to and never let go of, THE COLORS OF RAIN is a must-read.
March 20, 2024
This might just be my favorite book of 2024 so far. The Colors of Rain broke my heart and put it back together all in just a little over 300 pages. It was amazing.
July 25, 2024
I am a little speechless, after finishing this book! It was so good and I think it made so many important points about many topics while doing it.
This book is mainly about abortion and its lingering effects on not only the mother, but the children who survive, future spouses and children, and family. So much pain and loss is involved and this book represents that well.
The author does a good job of pointing it back to God and the forgiveness and redemption he offers even to those who struggle with this in their past. It was a beautiful story and really well written.
The three main characters in this book had completely different lives and challenges but their stories ended up wound so beautifully. I actually related to Jordan the most. As an older child, with that peace keeping/people pleasing gene, I felt her pain.
Rain truly is an inspiring character. She has been through so much, and though she has every right to be bitter and angry, she chooses love and joy. I enjoy the way that she views colors as emotions. It was beautiful to see things through her view. I also appreciated the way there was room for the negative emotions even in that joy and positivity. That’s definitely more realistic!
Evan was such a strong person. He also has been through a lot and yet he doesn’t stop caring for those around him. He didn’t have to care for Rain or even Jordan, or Thomas (another sweet side character), but he does. And he was such a little gentlemen. I enjoyed his perspective as well.
I don’t think I can say anymore without spoilers, but as a pro-lifer, I appreciated the moral of this story about abortion and its long lasting after effects. Makes us grateful for God’s mercy and forgiveness He offers to change our trajectories. Last note, please read the author’s note, it made the book all that more powerful!
Content Warnings:
Language: None
Spice: None
TW: Abortions (multiple, portrayed negatively), emotionally abusive mother, car accident, death/grief
This book is mainly about abortion and its lingering effects on not only the mother, but the children who survive, future spouses and children, and family. So much pain and loss is involved and this book represents that well.
The author does a good job of pointing it back to God and the forgiveness and redemption he offers even to those who struggle with this in their past. It was a beautiful story and really well written.
The three main characters in this book had completely different lives and challenges but their stories ended up wound so beautifully. I actually related to Jordan the most. As an older child, with that peace keeping/people pleasing gene, I felt her pain.
Rain truly is an inspiring character. She has been through so much, and though she has every right to be bitter and angry, she chooses love and joy. I enjoy the way that she views colors as emotions. It was beautiful to see things through her view. I also appreciated the way there was room for the negative emotions even in that joy and positivity. That’s definitely more realistic!
Evan was such a strong person. He also has been through a lot and yet he doesn’t stop caring for those around him. He didn’t have to care for Rain or even Jordan, or Thomas (another sweet side character), but he does. And he was such a little gentlemen. I enjoyed his perspective as well.
I don’t think I can say anymore without spoilers, but as a pro-lifer, I appreciated the moral of this story about abortion and its long lasting after effects. Makes us grateful for God’s mercy and forgiveness He offers to change our trajectories. Last note, please read the author’s note, it made the book all that more powerful!
Content Warnings:
Language: None
Spice: None
TW: Abortions (multiple, portrayed negatively), emotionally abusive mother, car accident, death/grief
May 25, 2025
"𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
This was such a deep story, but honestly, it didn’t really pull me in like I was hoping it would. It wasn’t until the last quarter of the book that I really felt invested in the story, so that’s why my rating isn’t any higher than it is. This book will definitely gut you, though it will likely resonate more deeply with some readers than others. I loved the overriding themes of forgiveness and trusting God’s plan through times of hardship.
𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚐𝚛𝚘𝚠𝚝𝚑, 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚛����𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚛.
This book followed the lives of three teens with difficult stories in Ivy Hollow. Each of them faced their share of sorrow and tragedy, and this story revealed how their lives ultimately became intertwined. The ending was tragic, and yet it left the readers with a renewed sense of hope for tomorrow—even if today may be filled with pain.
𝚂𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚘𝚎𝚝𝚛𝚢 𝙳𝚊𝚍 𝚞𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚊 𝚜𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚖𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚙𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖.
Rain, with her passion for books, was definitely my favorite character. She filled the pages of this story with light, love, and color as she effortlessly lived her best life. I loved how she freely extended the gift of friendship to those around her that others may have overlooked, forming some of the most meaningful and lasting bonds of friendship.
Favorite quotes:
𝚆𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚍; 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚐𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚛𝚑𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚖, 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚐𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐.
"𝙰 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚎 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚎, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚊 𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚊𝚕𝚔 𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚢, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘, 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚞𝚕𝚐𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚘 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚝."
𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚒𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚖𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚊 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚘𝚏 𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚊𝚌𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚘𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎; 𝚒𝚝'𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚎. 𝙰 𝚜𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗. 𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚍𝚎𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛.
This was such a deep story, but honestly, it didn’t really pull me in like I was hoping it would. It wasn’t until the last quarter of the book that I really felt invested in the story, so that’s why my rating isn’t any higher than it is. This book will definitely gut you, though it will likely resonate more deeply with some readers than others. I loved the overriding themes of forgiveness and trusting God’s plan through times of hardship.
𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚐𝚛𝚘𝚠𝚝𝚑, 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚛����𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚛.
This book followed the lives of three teens with difficult stories in Ivy Hollow. Each of them faced their share of sorrow and tragedy, and this story revealed how their lives ultimately became intertwined. The ending was tragic, and yet it left the readers with a renewed sense of hope for tomorrow—even if today may be filled with pain.
𝚂𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚘𝚎𝚝𝚛𝚢 𝙳𝚊𝚍 𝚞𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚊 𝚜𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚖𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚙𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖.
Rain, with her passion for books, was definitely my favorite character. She filled the pages of this story with light, love, and color as she effortlessly lived her best life. I loved how she freely extended the gift of friendship to those around her that others may have overlooked, forming some of the most meaningful and lasting bonds of friendship.
Favorite quotes:
𝚆𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚍; 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚐𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚛𝚑𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚖, 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚐𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐.
"𝙰 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚎 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚎, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚊 𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚊𝚕𝚔 𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚢, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘, 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚞𝚕𝚐𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚘 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚝."
𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚒𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚖𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚊 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚘𝚏 𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚊𝚌𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚘𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎; 𝚒𝚝'𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚎. 𝙰 𝚜𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗. 𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚍𝚎𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛.
September 2, 2024
Pardon me for the slightly delayed review. It took a bit to sweep up the shatters of my heart and collect my thoughts………….
This book is so, so, so beautiful.
To describe it in a word, it is lovely. Philippians 4:8 type of lovely.
My words won’t do it justice, so you’ll just have to read it for yourself. And please, please do.
It’s full of truth and beauty while feeling so very real.
The prose is absolutely stunning. Almost like poetry.
The emotions are raw and achingly realistic. I was smiling and melting at parts and nearly crying at others (since this is one of only three books to make me almost cry, that’s kind of a big deal).
The Colors of Rain deals with a lot of hard realities like death, abortion, broken families, and grief. It broke my heart, but it also made me better appreciate life. It made me believe my beliefs more deeply.
By seeing life through the eyes of Rain, Evan, and Jordan, I saw many beauties and hardships in a new light. Each of the characters was extremely relatable and their povs were written masterfully.
This is definitely a new favorite! I have half a mind to start back at page 1 and read it again.
This is the kind of book that my generation needs. It is a book that has heart and soul, all while contending for truth.
The Colors of Rain is a fantastic story reflecting the true Master Storyteller. I very highly recommend!
Full review: https://thisreadersthoughts.com/2024/...
This book is so, so, so beautiful.
To describe it in a word, it is lovely. Philippians 4:8 type of lovely.
My words won’t do it justice, so you’ll just have to read it for yourself. And please, please do.
It’s full of truth and beauty while feeling so very real.
The prose is absolutely stunning. Almost like poetry.
The emotions are raw and achingly realistic. I was smiling and melting at parts and nearly crying at others (since this is one of only three books to make me almost cry, that’s kind of a big deal).
The Colors of Rain deals with a lot of hard realities like death, abortion, broken families, and grief. It broke my heart, but it also made me better appreciate life. It made me believe my beliefs more deeply.
By seeing life through the eyes of Rain, Evan, and Jordan, I saw many beauties and hardships in a new light. Each of the characters was extremely relatable and their povs were written masterfully.
This is definitely a new favorite! I have half a mind to start back at page 1 and read it again.
This is the kind of book that my generation needs. It is a book that has heart and soul, all while contending for truth.
The Colors of Rain is a fantastic story reflecting the true Master Storyteller. I very highly recommend!
Full review: https://thisreadersthoughts.com/2024/...
November 23, 2024
Awwww! Such a precious book. I’ve read many serious book recently, this may be my favorite. Rain was definitely my favorite character. I’m not a great artist, but I love art. This was art. Evan was such an interesting protagonist to start with. And Jordan. Jordan is so complex, yet I wanted more. Definitely a good book!!
Content: mention of abortion, drinking, h word used literally, r*t*rd*d (it’s not “technically” a cuss word, but I don’t like it. It didn’t make me dnf because of context, but I understand the triggers that come with it), death, car accident, loss of family, minor romance content (not much from my memory)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2023
I was so excited to get a copy of this, and now to see where this story goes, but I have a lot of rambling here, so let’s just hop right into it. My apologies if something doesn’t make sense; I’ve gotten into a bad habit of working on projects when I should be sleeping.
Initial thoughts:
I was so excited to read this, but oddly busy after I received it, so it took me several days of reading snippets before I finally stopped long enough to truly read… and then I was up until 1:30am finishing. I just couldn’t bring myself to stop. It was beautiful. And harsh. Bittersweet in every sense of the word.
I’m not entirely sure what I expected going into this. I know the blurb intrigued me from the start, and I love Abigail’s other content so I wanted to read it, but based on the overall vibe, I wasn’t 100% sure if it would be in my usual genre/style (as if I have a usual genre/style - ha). I am so glad I did though, because it both lived up to and exceeded my expectations.
Positives:
Where do I start? I had to pause several times while reading because the emotional impact was simply overwhelming. While the actual events were very different from any I’ve personally experienced, the dynamics and emotional scenarios were painfully accurate.
That said, the topics tackled in this book are weighty, and while they are certainly not shied away from, it is done with thoughtfulness and tact.
I have to take a minute to appreciate the characters. I love them all, and getting to experience the ups and downs of their journey, to see their growth, and watch as their lives became more and more intertwined was wonderful. Also, shout out to Thomas for being such a great side character. Wouldn’t be the same without him.
This is rather random, but I had an interesting moment several chapters in where I first realized it was written in first person. I find books in 1st person so infrequently that it generally takes me a while to get used to, but it was so well written that I didn’t even notice until that moment (and then promptly forgot about it again).
Ok, to wrap up my rambling, and without being to spoilery, I’m not generally a fan of ‘vague’ endings (give me the wedding in the epilogue every time, folks), but this one I appreciated. It felt appropriate, as if it built on the poetic feeling of the writing, and I can’t picture it any other way.
Wait, I can’t not mention the quotes and sections! As a quote collector, I thoroughly enjoyed all the classic quotes throughout the book, and I also loved how the sections were broken down by color. Not only a very creative idea (and perfect for the story), but amazingly executed. The colors and their descriptions fit the sections perfectly, and ties in the title of the story even more.
Negatives:
I don’t have any major issues to point out, just some notes on things that differed from my personal tastes.
As I mentioned, Abigail’s writing has the flavor of poetry, and as that isn’t often a part of my “literary diet,” it did take me a few chapters to get used to and fully invested in the story. However, I have also been in a bit of a reading slump, so it may simply have been that.
There was a relationship twist, shall we say, that I wasn’t entirely on board with… didn’t exactly feel necessary, but it worked out in such a way that it didn’t drive me crazy.
I already talked about the ending, but I will add that it left room for loose ends to be tied up several different ways, which could be taken as good or bad. Given that I was long overdue for sleep, I wasn’t mad about it.😂
General reader ranting:
I knew the black section would be bad, but I did not see *spoilers* coming, and I was thoroughly shocked and distraught. Despite fixing an “issue” (*trying desperately not to mention spoilers*) I was not thrilled about, IT’S STILL SO SAD!!! I could go on, but I will restrain myself.
Ok, now that I’ve sufficiently warned you that your heart will be broken to pieces, go read it. ☺️
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion, and these are my own thoughts on it.
Initial thoughts:
I was so excited to read this, but oddly busy after I received it, so it took me several days of reading snippets before I finally stopped long enough to truly read… and then I was up until 1:30am finishing. I just couldn’t bring myself to stop. It was beautiful. And harsh. Bittersweet in every sense of the word.
I’m not entirely sure what I expected going into this. I know the blurb intrigued me from the start, and I love Abigail’s other content so I wanted to read it, but based on the overall vibe, I wasn’t 100% sure if it would be in my usual genre/style (as if I have a usual genre/style - ha). I am so glad I did though, because it both lived up to and exceeded my expectations.
Positives:
Where do I start? I had to pause several times while reading because the emotional impact was simply overwhelming. While the actual events were very different from any I’ve personally experienced, the dynamics and emotional scenarios were painfully accurate.
That said, the topics tackled in this book are weighty, and while they are certainly not shied away from, it is done with thoughtfulness and tact.
I have to take a minute to appreciate the characters. I love them all, and getting to experience the ups and downs of their journey, to see their growth, and watch as their lives became more and more intertwined was wonderful. Also, shout out to Thomas for being such a great side character. Wouldn’t be the same without him.
This is rather random, but I had an interesting moment several chapters in where I first realized it was written in first person. I find books in 1st person so infrequently that it generally takes me a while to get used to, but it was so well written that I didn’t even notice until that moment (and then promptly forgot about it again).
Ok, to wrap up my rambling, and without being to spoilery, I’m not generally a fan of ‘vague’ endings (give me the wedding in the epilogue every time, folks), but this one I appreciated. It felt appropriate, as if it built on the poetic feeling of the writing, and I can’t picture it any other way.
Wait, I can’t not mention the quotes and sections! As a quote collector, I thoroughly enjoyed all the classic quotes throughout the book, and I also loved how the sections were broken down by color. Not only a very creative idea (and perfect for the story), but amazingly executed. The colors and their descriptions fit the sections perfectly, and ties in the title of the story even more.
Negatives:
I don’t have any major issues to point out, just some notes on things that differed from my personal tastes.
As I mentioned, Abigail’s writing has the flavor of poetry, and as that isn’t often a part of my “literary diet,” it did take me a few chapters to get used to and fully invested in the story. However, I have also been in a bit of a reading slump, so it may simply have been that.
There was a relationship twist, shall we say, that I wasn’t entirely on board with… didn’t exactly feel necessary, but it worked out in such a way that it didn’t drive me crazy.
I already talked about the ending, but I will add that it left room for loose ends to be tied up several different ways, which could be taken as good or bad. Given that I was long overdue for sleep, I wasn’t mad about it.😂
General reader ranting:
I knew the black section would be bad, but I did not see *spoilers* coming, and I was thoroughly shocked and distraught. Despite fixing an “issue” (*trying desperately not to mention spoilers*) I was not thrilled about, IT’S STILL SO SAD!!! I could go on, but I will restrain myself.
Ok, now that I’ve sufficiently warned you that your heart will be broken to pieces, go read it. ☺️
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion, and these are my own thoughts on it.
November 21, 2023
I cannot recommend The Colors of Rain enough!! It was amazing! Read it and give it to your teenagers!
This book had no respect for my to-do list; I couldn't put it down! It made me smile, laugh, and cry. The writing is so good! I don't think I've ever marked so many quotes in a single book before. I loved the characters, the small town setting, the pro-life theme, and the Gospel message! It's clean, enjoyable, and thought provoking.
If you are a classic book lover (like me) you will love this book! There are classic book quotes at the beginning of every chapter and references scattered throughout. It's like getting to know a new friend and meeting old friends along the way! 🥰
This book deals with some pretty hard topics, but in such an amazing way. Topics like abortion, grief, and forgiveness are addressed so poignantly and yet still suitable for young teenagers. The author did an amazing job!
There were so many quotes in the book that really resonated with me, and here is one of them:
“A good book can be enjoyed once just fine, but a great book leaves you never wanting to walk away, and so, every once in a while, you indulge in the pull to go back and relive it.”
The Colors of Rain is one book I will pull back off the shelf to read again and to share with others! 😊
I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion, and these are my thoughts on it. Five stars!
This book had no respect for my to-do list; I couldn't put it down! It made me smile, laugh, and cry. The writing is so good! I don't think I've ever marked so many quotes in a single book before. I loved the characters, the small town setting, the pro-life theme, and the Gospel message! It's clean, enjoyable, and thought provoking.
If you are a classic book lover (like me) you will love this book! There are classic book quotes at the beginning of every chapter and references scattered throughout. It's like getting to know a new friend and meeting old friends along the way! 🥰
This book deals with some pretty hard topics, but in such an amazing way. Topics like abortion, grief, and forgiveness are addressed so poignantly and yet still suitable for young teenagers. The author did an amazing job!
There were so many quotes in the book that really resonated with me, and here is one of them:
“A good book can be enjoyed once just fine, but a great book leaves you never wanting to walk away, and so, every once in a while, you indulge in the pull to go back and relive it.”
The Colors of Rain is one book I will pull back off the shelf to read again and to share with others! 😊
I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion, and these are my thoughts on it. Five stars!
January 8, 2024
"Rain Brooks...In some ways, her name was the opposite of who she was. She evoked nothing of rain clouds. She was bright, sunny, and warm. The darkness faded when she walked into a room." The beauty of this quote is just a sliver of the wonder you will find in the pages of The Colors of Rain, written by Abigail Hayven. This is Hayven's debut novel, and with her background in pro-life ministry, this book doesn't merely sparkle; it shines.
The Colors of Rain follows three different yet converging storylines: Rain, a girl who paints masterpieces on her hand with her teeth because she's missing a hand; Evan, a boy who is looking for a story to tell and hides a grieving heart, and Jorden, a girl whose family is falling apart. Their pain collides with friendship and new beginnings in the small town of Ivy Hollow in Virginia.
Words are my living, but this book truly leaves me without any. This book is spectacular with how it expertly weaves themes of grief, friendship, new beginnings, forgiveness, redemption, and even a smidge of first love into its pages. The characters feel like living, breathing people who invite into the heartache but the beauty of their lives. This book is marketed as John Green meets Anne of Green Gables, and I don't think anything could describe it better. I would say this book far surpasses any John Green novel with its depth, heart, and Christian values ringing through its core. This book is a masterpiece like the ones Rain paints on the back of her hands.
For anyone looking to read this novel, I would issue a strong content advisory for mentions of abortion, PTSD, divorced parents, thoughts about death or dying, drunkness, and grief. The Colors of Rain does not back down from the hard conversations, for which I applaud it because it handles each topic with the grace, compassion, and redemption it deserves.
Abigail Hayven is an author I will read anything she writes. Stunning debut!
The Colors of Rain follows three different yet converging storylines: Rain, a girl who paints masterpieces on her hand with her teeth because she's missing a hand; Evan, a boy who is looking for a story to tell and hides a grieving heart, and Jorden, a girl whose family is falling apart. Their pain collides with friendship and new beginnings in the small town of Ivy Hollow in Virginia.
Words are my living, but this book truly leaves me without any. This book is spectacular with how it expertly weaves themes of grief, friendship, new beginnings, forgiveness, redemption, and even a smidge of first love into its pages. The characters feel like living, breathing people who invite into the heartache but the beauty of their lives. This book is marketed as John Green meets Anne of Green Gables, and I don't think anything could describe it better. I would say this book far surpasses any John Green novel with its depth, heart, and Christian values ringing through its core. This book is a masterpiece like the ones Rain paints on the back of her hands.
For anyone looking to read this novel, I would issue a strong content advisory for mentions of abortion, PTSD, divorced parents, thoughts about death or dying, drunkness, and grief. The Colors of Rain does not back down from the hard conversations, for which I applaud it because it handles each topic with the grace, compassion, and redemption it deserves.
Abigail Hayven is an author I will read anything she writes. Stunning debut!
January 30, 2024
I put this book on my tbr because of the beautiful cover and I read it immediately after buying it (which rarely happens) because of its themes.
The Colors of Rain is a beautifully vulnerable and honest book about grief, loss, trauma, and forgiveness. There are three POV’s, Rain, Evan, and Jordan and at first I wasn’t particularly interested in the later two as Rain was the most interesting and mysterious character, but I soon learned that all three were needed and had their own unique stories to offer that made this book complete.
The story deals with many different kinds of broken families, one ripped apart by death, the other by divorce and a third that was whole but not in the usual way. It was very interesting to see people with similar outcomes but completely different backgrounds and the way they dealt with it. It is a book about overcoming trauma, healing, and finding courage and forgiveness and that was shown in a very thoughtful way.
I absolutely adored Rain. Her character was so unique and despite her heartbreaking past she was incredibly optimistic and kindhearted.
The main theme of the book is abortion. How it can affect a family in a long lasting shattering way, especially the kids being born after an abortion and their mother’s relationship with them. The struggles and questions that come from having survived an abortion attempt and the cruelty of people suggesting to kill a baby just because it would have special needs when it was born.
The climax was absolutely gut wrenching, and the ending almost made me cry.
I enjoyed the way the story wrapped up though and the only slight problem I had was that sometimes the point the author wanted to convey felt a little on the nose. I can’t think of a way she could have done it better, but it took me out of the story a little from time to time.
The Colors of Rain is a beautifully vulnerable and honest book about grief, loss, trauma, and forgiveness. There are three POV’s, Rain, Evan, and Jordan and at first I wasn’t particularly interested in the later two as Rain was the most interesting and mysterious character, but I soon learned that all three were needed and had their own unique stories to offer that made this book complete.
The story deals with many different kinds of broken families, one ripped apart by death, the other by divorce and a third that was whole but not in the usual way. It was very interesting to see people with similar outcomes but completely different backgrounds and the way they dealt with it. It is a book about overcoming trauma, healing, and finding courage and forgiveness and that was shown in a very thoughtful way.
I absolutely adored Rain. Her character was so unique and despite her heartbreaking past she was incredibly optimistic and kindhearted.
The main theme of the book is abortion. How it can affect a family in a long lasting shattering way, especially the kids being born after an abortion and their mother’s relationship with them. The struggles and questions that come from having survived an abortion attempt and the cruelty of people suggesting to kill a baby just because it would have special needs when it was born.
The climax was absolutely gut wrenching, and the ending almost made me cry.
I enjoyed the way the story wrapped up though and the only slight problem I had was that sometimes the point the author wanted to convey felt a little on the nose. I can’t think of a way she could have done it better, but it took me out of the story a little from time to time.
November 21, 2023
What a book. There was so much I wasn’t expecting, and it was all beautiful. This book is for the classic lit lover and the one who loves a story set in a small town. It’s also not for the faint of heart with the deep and dark issues presented in the life of the characters. If you want a book to stay with you a while, this is one of those. Abigail does a great job of bringing the characters and their life struggles to life and sharing how the gospel of Christ redeems. It’s a great book for teens. The romance is clean and sweet. As a mom, it made me want to love my children even more. As a daughter, it made me long to see my parents soon.
December 19, 2023
My favorite book of 2023 (and one of my new favorites in general). Abigail’s writing style in itself is amazing. It’s easy to read and her words are expressive to help you understand the characters, stories, and setting in a deeper way. If you are a book lover, you will love this book. Abigail incorporates two pieces of literature and threads them throughout the story in such a creative way. Her characters are fleshed out so well that they felt like real people. I laughed and cried while reading this book, and getting to the end felt bittersweet. I’ll be thinking about this story for quite a bit. Plus, there’s a very sweet, clean, old-fashioned love story as one of the subplots. Love stories are definitely not written like this anymore, and it felt so reminiscent of Anne and Gilbert from Anne of Green Gables (my favorite literary couple). Most importantly, this was a story that glorified God in every single page. The story tackles the attributes of God, specifically His sovereignty and redemption in all circumstances, including the main theme of abortion. Abigail incorporated her real life experience of working at a Pregnancy Resource Center to expose the detrimental harms of abortion to everyone involved: the baby, the mother, and family and friends. The dedication of the book beautifully sums up this story: for the ones with a story but without a voice.
June 29, 2024
I feel so conflicted writing this review.
I loved this book. I raved over it as I read it because it was so so good! So powerful and just so homey and comforting!
Up to 75% or so I adored every word in this book!
Then part 4 happened and it took a huge nose dive for me. Still well written, but the plot, I just…I can’t accept it. Is it realistic? Sure. But I do not like it one bit and the ending just didn’t bring it back for me. If it has a sequel, that would help, because the ending was very open ended and disappointing, frankly.
However, I don’t think this book should be avoided. It has a powerful prolife message and the most beautiful prose I’ve read in ages. (Maybe that’s why I had such a drastic reaction to the end. I should have been sad, not irrationally angry 😅 I just didn’t see it coming and it honestly makes no sense even now.)
I do plan to read more of this author’s work in the future but I will be going in with a quick flip through first to prepare myself 😅 I can’t handle this type of story apparently 🤣
If the story had ended at 75%, this would have been the easiest 5 star of the year! And for that reason, I will definitely look for more of this author in the future.
For details, feel free to reach out.
I loved this book. I raved over it as I read it because it was so so good! So powerful and just so homey and comforting!
Up to 75% or so I adored every word in this book!
Then part 4 happened and it took a huge nose dive for me. Still well written, but the plot, I just…I can’t accept it. Is it realistic? Sure. But I do not like it one bit and the ending just didn’t bring it back for me. If it has a sequel, that would help, because the ending was very open ended and disappointing, frankly.
However, I don’t think this book should be avoided. It has a powerful prolife message and the most beautiful prose I’ve read in ages. (Maybe that’s why I had such a drastic reaction to the end. I should have been sad, not irrationally angry 😅 I just didn’t see it coming and it honestly makes no sense even now.)
I do plan to read more of this author’s work in the future but I will be going in with a quick flip through first to prepare myself 😅 I can’t handle this type of story apparently 🤣
If the story had ended at 75%, this would have been the easiest 5 star of the year! And for that reason, I will definitely look for more of this author in the future.
For details, feel free to reach out.
December 2, 2024
Well, this book wrecked havoc on my sleep schedule. It could have been the coffee I had this afternoon, but who knew that would affect me☕️🙃 My brain was having a hay day with long monologue over all the angst I felt.
So I did what any normal sleep deprived person would do when their brain won't shut off. I woke up at 1:30 to finish this at 3:50. Ha, I'm so dead tired, and I cried way too much already. What a book!!!!
This book. I've no words for how badly brain is functioning, so maybe later, but chefs kisses though!!! 👩🏽🍳💋❤️
So I did what any normal sleep deprived person would do when their brain won't shut off. I woke up at 1:30 to finish this at 3:50. Ha, I'm so dead tired, and I cried way too much already. What a book!!!!
This book. I've no words for how badly brain is functioning, so maybe later, but chefs kisses though!!! 👩🏽🍳💋❤️
December 20, 2023
3.5 stars
November 18, 2023
Amazing! I just finished this book and I am in awe of the powerful story that Abigail Hayven has been able to tell. This book had me laughing, sighing, and crying as I read it. The strong Christian themes throughout encouraged my heart and I am so thankful for the opportunity to read this book. The main characters are so loveable and relatable! I ended the book feeling satisfied and hopeful, despite some of the heavier topics that were covered. I recommend this book to any high-schooler!
Content: completely clean romance/swearing. Some heavier content such as death and abortion are main themes, but the overall message is positive and hopeful.
Content: completely clean romance/swearing. Some heavier content such as death and abortion are main themes, but the overall message is positive and hopeful.
May 2, 2024
🎨🌧️The Colors of Rain 🎨🌧️
As soon as I saw the cover for this book, I knew I had to have it. What I didn’t know was that the amazing author would reach out to me and send me a copy!! I can’t tell you how excited I was to read it and to share my thoughts with you all!
The Colors of Rain... where do I begin... For those who are itching for a contemporary fiction YA adult read, this book has it all! Love, laughter, loss, friendship, family, drama, secrets, oh- and not to mention- antique stores, milkshakes.... and a BOY WHO WRITES ON A TYPEWRITER?!?! *swoons*
In Abigail Hayven’s debut novel, we are swept away into the small town of Ivy Hollow, where we meet Rain, a girl who shows up to school every day with a masterpiece painted on her hand. The only hand she has. Because she is the product of a failed abortion. Soon, we are introduced to Evan (my personal favorite)... who is searching for a story to tell to distract himself from his grief. He and Rain develop a friendship that later buds into romance. Then, as Rain and Evan are getting to know each other, Jordan moves into town- bringing with her a dark family secret that soon will involve them all.
💛 Three stories. One small town. Once they collide, life will never be the same. 💛
If you are looking for a book that will get you thinking about it long after it’s over, look no further! The Colors of Rain will have you laughing, then crying after you’ve read the last page. (Don’t tell me I didn’t warn you)
I absolutely treasured this lovely book and I can’t wait to read what comes next from Abigail! She writes difficult subjects with grace and tact, all the while weaving a thread of hope through them. As someone who desires to do the same, I know how challenging this can be, and I commend her for not shying away from darkness, but also not lingering too long in it.
I’d highly recommend the Colors of Rain, especially for all the Kate DiaCamillo, John Green, and L.M. Montgomery fans out there!
As soon as I saw the cover for this book, I knew I had to have it. What I didn’t know was that the amazing author would reach out to me and send me a copy!! I can’t tell you how excited I was to read it and to share my thoughts with you all!
The Colors of Rain... where do I begin... For those who are itching for a contemporary fiction YA adult read, this book has it all! Love, laughter, loss, friendship, family, drama, secrets, oh- and not to mention- antique stores, milkshakes.... and a BOY WHO WRITES ON A TYPEWRITER?!?! *swoons*
In Abigail Hayven’s debut novel, we are swept away into the small town of Ivy Hollow, where we meet Rain, a girl who shows up to school every day with a masterpiece painted on her hand. The only hand she has. Because she is the product of a failed abortion. Soon, we are introduced to Evan (my personal favorite)... who is searching for a story to tell to distract himself from his grief. He and Rain develop a friendship that later buds into romance. Then, as Rain and Evan are getting to know each other, Jordan moves into town- bringing with her a dark family secret that soon will involve them all.
💛 Three stories. One small town. Once they collide, life will never be the same. 💛
If you are looking for a book that will get you thinking about it long after it’s over, look no further! The Colors of Rain will have you laughing, then crying after you’ve read the last page. (Don’t tell me I didn’t warn you)
I absolutely treasured this lovely book and I can’t wait to read what comes next from Abigail! She writes difficult subjects with grace and tact, all the while weaving a thread of hope through them. As someone who desires to do the same, I know how challenging this can be, and I commend her for not shying away from darkness, but also not lingering too long in it.
I’d highly recommend the Colors of Rain, especially for all the Kate DiaCamillo, John Green, and L.M. Montgomery fans out there!
January 1, 2024
Abigail Hayven did an amazing job with this beautifully woven story! She has such a beautiful way with words. The creative cover matches so well with the story and creative words inside. This book is for ages 12 and up and deals with some very heavy topics like abortion and death. Instead of being a depressing story because of some of the heavy issues in this novel, she does a great job of showing the hope we can have in Christ and God's sovereignty and goodness through painful situations. This is a story heavily on redemption and forgiveness and was a story I needed to hear. The beautiful language and quotes throughout added to this beautiful story of redemption. There was suspense and great character development and plot twists. It was hard for me to put this book down! I loved all the literature references throughout and the significance of color. This is not just another novel... it is a wonderful artistic display of truth that gives a voice to those that have no voice and points readers to God.
January 30, 2024
“So I have to come up with a new goal to chase after… and that’s to take the broken pieces and arrange them to create the most beautiful life I can. To make the most of what I’ve been given and use it to bring God glory. I have to trust that He’s the Master Artist, creating me the way He did purposefully and tastefully. And I have to trust He’s the Master Storyteller, and He wrote it this way for a reason.” - Rain Brooks, The Colors of Rain
The Colors of Rain is a beautifully written story about grief, healing, and growth. I absolutely adored this book.
Abigail Hayven has written a story with characters you simply fall in love with. I loved seeing each character’s pov as they each grew through their own trials.
“A good book can be enjoyed once just fine, but a great book leaves you never wanting to walk away, and so, every once in a while, you indulge in the pull to go back and relive it.” - Rain Brooks, The Colors of Rain
This is a great book! If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend reading it.
The Colors of Rain is a beautifully written story about grief, healing, and growth. I absolutely adored this book.
Abigail Hayven has written a story with characters you simply fall in love with. I loved seeing each character’s pov as they each grew through their own trials.
“A good book can be enjoyed once just fine, but a great book leaves you never wanting to walk away, and so, every once in a while, you indulge in the pull to go back and relive it.” - Rain Brooks, The Colors of Rain
This is a great book! If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend reading it.
March 18, 2025
The conclusion of this book was a lot heavier than I expected, and I struggled with it, since I'm really not a fan of sad endings - so be forewarned if you find sad endings rough, too.
That being said, I don't regret reading this book, and I understand why it has the ending it does.
I loved the use of colors and their meaning as a sectioning technique and just the incorporation of that in general! The quotes suited the chapters fantastically. (I loved that Anne of Green Gables was in there!) I appreciate the complexity of the story and the way the author handled challenging topics. Also, the cover is GORGEOUS.
The one technical comment I want to add is that the text messages were difficult to read sometimes. If possible, I would recommend making the images bigger for future copies.
That being said, I don't regret reading this book, and I understand why it has the ending it does.
I loved the use of colors and their meaning as a sectioning technique and just the incorporation of that in general! The quotes suited the chapters fantastically. (I loved that Anne of Green Gables was in there!) I appreciate the complexity of the story and the way the author handled challenging topics. Also, the cover is GORGEOUS.
The one technical comment I want to add is that the text messages were difficult to read sometimes. If possible, I would recommend making the images bigger for future copies.
February 19, 2025
A truly beautiful story. Sad, but beautiful.
The author paints a vivid image that unfolds with beautiful color and weaves together themes of love, loss, and forgiveness drawing us into the lives of its characters in a way that feels deeply relatable.
Each character—Evan, Rain, and Jordan—comes from different backgrounds, each wrestling with their own pain, struggles, and the potential for new beginnings.
As an artist myself, I love the meanings of the colors and the emotions they represent. Honestly, it helped me view my own struggles, pain, and healing differently.
Overall, this story shows that beauty coexists with sorrow and how God, as the ultimate author and artist, can transform our lives despite the past, and create a masterpiece.
The author paints a vivid image that unfolds with beautiful color and weaves together themes of love, loss, and forgiveness drawing us into the lives of its characters in a way that feels deeply relatable.
Each character—Evan, Rain, and Jordan—comes from different backgrounds, each wrestling with their own pain, struggles, and the potential for new beginnings.
As an artist myself, I love the meanings of the colors and the emotions they represent. Honestly, it helped me view my own struggles, pain, and healing differently.
Overall, this story shows that beauty coexists with sorrow and how God, as the ultimate author and artist, can transform our lives despite the past, and create a masterpiece.
November 29, 2023
When I first heard about Abigail’s WIP at the end of last year, I was instantly excited about it. Think Because of Winn-Dixie meets clean John Green meets all the Enneagram Four vibes meets Christian values and you got TCOR.
It’s evident that there was a lot of work put into this book. The story flowed really nicely. There was just enough school scenes to remind you that they were high school students without being trapped in the boring school setting. Also, I shouldn’t have to say this, but with YA being so bizarre recently, they actually felt like high school students! Evan, Rain, and Jordan’s character development felt natural and real.
What really made the story for me, was Abigail’s author note at the end of the book. She shared her reasoning and desire for this story and … just wow!
Read TCOR if you like:
🎨 Christian reads
🎨 Pro-life themes
🎨 Character-driven stories
🎨 Books that make you cry
🎨 Deep, intertwining stories
🎨 Redemption arcs
🎨 Artistic aesthetics
Ps – this book was gifted to me by the author and publisher, but this review is entirely honest and my own opinion.
It’s evident that there was a lot of work put into this book. The story flowed really nicely. There was just enough school scenes to remind you that they were high school students without being trapped in the boring school setting. Also, I shouldn’t have to say this, but with YA being so bizarre recently, they actually felt like high school students! Evan, Rain, and Jordan’s character development felt natural and real.
What really made the story for me, was Abigail’s author note at the end of the book. She shared her reasoning and desire for this story and … just wow!
Read TCOR if you like:
🎨 Christian reads
🎨 Pro-life themes
🎨 Character-driven stories
🎨 Books that make you cry
🎨 Deep, intertwining stories
🎨 Redemption arcs
🎨 Artistic aesthetics
Ps – this book was gifted to me by the author and publisher, but this review is entirely honest and my own opinion.
April 2, 2024
Words cannot adequately describe how much I love this book. Abbey is a genius! TCOR is so beautifully written with a plot that draws the reader in and keeps them on the edge of their seat. Tough topics are covered in such a tasteful and effective manner. The characters are well-rounded and relatable. My only complaint is they were so well written that I became emotionally attached and sobbed uncontrollably multiple times 😫 I will definitely be reading this book again in the future and recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.
April 22, 2024
a must read!
Such a wonderful, encouraging, Christ centered, heart tugging story! I love how it can be read by a 14 year old or a 30 year old and still enjoyed deeply! Not to mention it’s Written by an incredible author!
Such a wonderful, encouraging, Christ centered, heart tugging story! I love how it can be read by a 14 year old or a 30 year old and still enjoyed deeply! Not to mention it’s Written by an incredible author!
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