After the Rain

by Laila Ibrahim

It began like any other Sunday morning…Jenn Henderson arrived home from brunch, threw some laundry in the machine, and climbed the stairs to wake her sixteen-year-old son Josh. But as she stepped into his room and pulled back the blankets, she found her sweet boy barely breathing. Keeping vigil by his hospital bedside, Jenn is relieved to see her son begin to recover. But as she nurses him back to health, Josh shares a secret he’s been keeping from his family. A truth he’s found so shameful it nearly ended his life. Now Jenn’s perfect world is unravelling, and she’s starting to question everything she holds dear – the life she’s created for her family, her faith and whether she can truly accept the son she loves, no matter what.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2024

About the author

My education and experience in multiracial, developmental psychology and attachment theory provide ample fodder for my novels. My passion for early childhood education, child birth and religious education are reflected in my writing.

I was the founder and director of Woolsey Children's School where I had first hand experience loving children that were not my own. There are scenes in Yellow Crocus that were largely influenced interactions I had with children from Woolsey.

As a birth doula I had the privilege of witnessing the intensity and joy of childbirth. You can see that my birth experiences are reflected in my novels.

Spiritual themes that cross over multiple religious traditions come directly from working as the Director of Children and Family Ministries at the First Unitarian Church in Oakland.

I live in a small co-housing community in Berkeley, California, with my wonderful wife, Rinda and our beloved dog, Hazel. Our young adult children are our pride and joy.

I'm very grateful to be a full time writer starting in 2015.

I was surprised when the writing bug bit me. The idea for the story came to me in 1998, I was with a group of people talking about Tiger Woods. Someone mentioned that he identifies as much as an Asian person as an African-American person. I thought to myself, "Of course he does, his mother is Asian. You form your core identity in relationship to your primary caregivers. It's a basic part of the attachment process."

Then the image of Lisbeth, a white baby, breastfeeding in the loving arms of Mattie, an enslaved wetnurse came to me in a flash. I thought about what it would be like for Lisbeth to dearly love Mattie and then be taught by society that she wasn't a full person. I wondered how it would feel for Mattie to be forced to abandon Samuel, her own child, in the slave Quarters. Then I imagined what the experience would be like for Miss Anne, the birth mother, to have her own child twist away from her to get into Mattie's arms. These characters started to haunt me. Various scenes popped into my head. Though I had never written anything, I was being called to tell this story. For my fortieth birthday, I began the personal marathon of writing my first novel. I hope you will come to love these characters as much as I have.

At face value Living Right seems like a big leap from Yellow Crocus, but it deals with the same themes: a caregiver loving across a huge societal barrier.

I LOVED returning to Mattie, Lisbeth and Jordan for Mustard Seed. The story of finding faith in hopeless times really resonates for me. I plan to return to their families' ongoing journey after I finish my current novel-Paper Wife.

Paper Wife focuses on Mei Ling, a young Chinese woman immigrating to San Francisco through Angel Island a in the early 1920's. Reactionary anti-immigration laws in the United States and warfare in China caused people desperate for survival to be misleading about their identities so they could be united with family and have access to work. Mei Ling yearns to have a life of integrity though it was built on a foundation of lies.

Golden Poppies returns to the Freedman and Johnson families. It was fascinating to bring them to California, to look at the suffrage movement, and to see how they could keep their connection strong in spite of the very different social worlds they occupied.

I'm feeling a tug to bring the descendants of these families to the 2000s. Scarlet Carnation gets us to World War 1. I'm just starting the World War 2 era novel.

Reviews

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gripping emotionally draining read. In parts this is teally disturbing. It deals with the issue of coming out as a homosexual Christian in a strict christian family. It deals with diatrubing treatment camps ,suicide and prejudice.. sadly although this seems stuck on the past it can be true to life. It deals effectively with the complex relationships and the ideas of different people. It is a compelling very read nd i could imagine it to be true in some places.
I think it was good that its should tge battle of strict out of date values and the cutrent climitate and must be viewed at the year it was set. This is a 4 star read but needs to gave a warning about the issuses covered.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author for this 4 star tead.

[Pink Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

"...she knew. Suddenly she just knew that all these people -each and every one of them in this crowd, the old and the young, the homosexual and the heterosexual, the whole human family- were God's children. God loved them, and Jesus died for them. All of them..."

I'll give this opinion as a 38 year old queer human who came out 26 years ago!!! While assisting an all girls school ran by nuns. I understand why so many straight and/or younger people insisted this book is set in 2004 and saying that bothers them. Let me laugh about that, like history doesn't matter?? You're not interested in how it was for us 20 years ago?! Oh sorry now is different, but let me remind you it is different because of the past generations who did things. Thanks for respecting, and you're welcome!!! Also, with every anti lgbtqa+ law coming out every day based on religion, yeah, every book like this matters!!!

The book is good!!! I couldn't stop reading once I started it. I could feel the desperation, the pain, the love, the confusion... It's written in a way that you always want to know what's next. There were parts of it that, as a queer human, were hard to read, but I couldn't put it down. If you have the chance to read it, I hope you do.

[Becky Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a well written short book.
I didn't enjoy it due to a heavy religious presence.
I'm sure others will like it much more then I did.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC

[Cheila Martins · Rating 3 out of 5]

A conservative Christian mother must come to term with her son’s sexuality.

I have to start by saying that I’m a little disappointed with the book, probably because I was so looking forward to reading something by Laila, after loving some of her books. This is very different from what I had read before (Mustard Seed, Golden Poppies, Yellow Crocus and Paper Wife) and I couldn’t enjoy it as much. Still, the book deals with a very serious topic, which I’m very familiar with, having been raised in a catholic family where homosexuality wouldn’t have been tolerated. Honestly, I think Jenn’s character, while infuriating, is the most accurate one. I wish there were more dads like Steve, but I don’t think that’s the majority in such a community at all, so he sounded too good to be true, in my opinion. I love that the book shows that someone can be both gay and religious, by portraying several gay Christian characters and options for churches that are accepting and welcoming. Overall, the narrative managed to pull me in but not quite amaze me.

[Rebecca Stapleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking

Wow! The rage you feel through reading this. For much of this book I had a really uncomfortable feeling. The Christian intolerance shone through. Then you realise that although this is a work of fiction many churches still believe this. That scares you even more. You can't pray away the gay and never should you even try.

[KC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially, I found this book it be uncomfortable and overwhelming to read. Eventually, it evens out and it felt more comfortable. I think that’s probably part of the point though, no matter which way you read it, as someone who sees things through the lens of religion the same way Jenn did, or as someone who sees things more like Sara and others…it’s going to make you feel some kind of way to be seeing the perspective of the other side. I noticed a fair amount of editing errors that made certain points more difficult to understand until I could work out what the author really meant.

[Kirsty Jarvie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about a highly religious mother coming to terms with her son’s sexuality. I think this book had potential, however it also felt a little stuck in the past?

Jenn was such an infuriating character. How anyone could put their faith ahead of their own children is completely alien to me.

The conversations sometimes felt a little drawn out and I don’t think the story packed as much power as it could’ve.

But, it was fine.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

[Sophie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t realise this was so religion heavy until halfway through … what’s scary is that there are people actually like this??? Religion has no place in politics or peoples rights. Did not like this book 😂

[Tammy Jata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sorry for the lengthy review, but this book calls for it! Oh my! What to say? In a nutshell this book is about a mother’s journey to acceptance of her son who has chosen a different path than the one she had always imagined for their family.

I want to preface my review with the clarification that I believe that the act of homosexuality is a sin, however, the way Jenn, the mother of Josh, is portrayed in this book is beyond the pale. She is so judgmental and so naive. Jenn believes that Josh can be cured of his feelings towards the same sex. She approaches his announcement as if he had just told them he had cancer. It’s all about finding a cure. Jenn goes overboard in her desire to keep her family intact. She goes so far that she risks tearing it apart!

I have a hard time believing that this author really understands how to pray. The prayers she has her characters pray are so stilted. I have never heard people pray like this. She writes that Jenn poured her heart out to God as she prayed for her 16 year old son, “Guide him to have faith in your unfolding creation and will.” What does that even mean? Unfolding creation? Here’s another prayer from Josh, “We thank You for this food which sustains our bodies and for our families that sustain our spirits.” For real? He’s 16? This sounds like something your 90 year old Grandpa might pray by rote. That is not how people pray who really know God.

The author has written in many stereotypical ideas of conservative Christians to the point that it’s ridiculous. Every time Jenn is watching TV, it’s Fox News, as if that’s the only news channel Conservative christian’s watch.

Jenn believed everything her pastor told her about why Josh was gay. She changed the posters in his bedroom to more masculine posters. She quit driving him to school and giving him hugs because the preacher said that Josh needed more masculine influences. Her husband, Steve, was the one to have all the interactions with Josh. Thankfully Steve and Josh’s older sister were much more accepting of Josh than Jenn.

The book opens with Josh trying to kill himself. Jenn is so self righteous throughout this book that I found myself wishing that Josh would try again and this time succeed! It would serve her right! (Remember these are fictional characters. I’d never want that in real life.)

I also had a big problem with the authors ultimate conclusion, that of course was the conclusion Jenn finally came to, and that was that God doesn’t care if you are homosexual. That was an Old Testament law and not applicable for today. The author has Josh switching churches to attend the Unitarian Church which Jenn finally accepted. It’s clear the author thought she had wrapped her story up tidily and in such a way that her readers would feel good about the whole book.

This reader was not left with a good feeling. There is no compromise with God. The NT repeats that homosexuality is wrong. The whole plot was that conservative christian’s are judgmental and do not love people who are homosexual, and that the Unitarian church teaches what God actually believes about homosexuality.

The character of Jenn has been written as an archetype for Conservatives, but I can tell you that this Conservative Christian did not like Jenn’s character! Most people who believe homosexuality is a sin are not like this author portrays them.

I have read several of Ibrahim’s books and I Iike her writing, but this book seems to have an agenda and I am quite disappointed in the author.

[Vemiline · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

“Josh didn’t feel brave, but it was nice to know that someone thought he was.”

Let’s start with a huge thank you to NetGalley and Storm publishing for letting me read the arc for this book! I really appreciate giving me a chance to read and review After the Rain.

“He’s Christian. He doesn’t do drugs.”

Okay I’m gonna start with the fact that I felt so sick in the beginning of the book. Full of Christianity and beliefs and homophobia. It literally hurt to read. It’s upsetting that this is an actual story that rings true for many people. I honestly almost DNFed because of it just feeling so suffocating. I grew up Catholic so I’m not entirely new to religion, but this was just so much. I know my mind is a lot more open compared to some people, but dear god it was hard reading someone’s perspective when they’re so close minded.

“Guess it’s a guy thing. I don’t need to know. I don’t want to know.”

Continuing on reading this, homophobia and close mindedness aside, it was actually pretty inspiring to read about people so devoted to their religion and beliefs. I’m not sure if I ever felt that way before. I know I’ve had my true devout moments, but I know I crack jokes that may be taking it a bit too far. I was dreading this book when I realized it was a book that centred on religion, but it made me think about my own beliefs and wants and how I feel about my relationship with Christianity.

“He’s giving out marriage licenses to homosexuals.”

I think the book got a lot better when the family started to take a turn in their beliefs. I’m happy that Jenn finally came to the full realization, but it was so hard to read her beliefs. I just cannot understand people who listen to one rule in the bible and ignore another like ??? Okok enough with self reflecting religion talk. It was really nice to see that there’s at least a story with a good ending regarding a Christian family whose lives turn “upside down” when their child comes out.

“That’s not a Christian name, is it?”

Haha I literally wrote “This family is giving white af”. It was pretty interesting when I saw that the nurse was Filipino. Like. Of cooourse the nurse is Filipino (speaking as a filipino myself of course). I just wish there was more diversity in books like these, but that’s a whole other thing writing about another culture and its relationship with religion so I guess it’s fine. A lot of research does have to go through with it.

“His heart twisted. Maybe they were hypocrites, but he wanted their approval so much that it hurt.”

It was pretty eye opening reading this book. The bigotry makes sense as it takes place in 2004, but still, that’s not too long ago. All in all, I enjoyed myself mostly towards the end and I don’t hate this book! I’m glad I was given the opportunity to read it.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

After the Rain by Laila Ibrahim is a contemporary novel set in 2004 when Queer rights were starting to gain traction and many people were struggling to accept Queerness. Jenn is a Christian Conservative woman who centers God in her life and as does her family. When she finds her son, Josh, passed out in his bed and barely breathing, it sets them all on a path of learning how to accept that Josh is Gay.

In a lot of ways, this book hit close to home. Like many American Millennials, I grew up in a house with Fox News on in the background and was constantly hearing harmful rhetoric that was framed as ‘just a different opinion’. As a Queer person who was accepted by my parent, I still can relate to Josh’s anxiety because I had that same anxiety and fear. It’s hard to see that same hateful rhetoric, those same word choices, but it’s also important that we remember that 2004, which wasn’t that long ago, was a time when all of that did happen. Queer rights are still under attack to this day, but we have made some progress and we can’t forget how hard we fought for it.

The book is mostly focused on Jenn’s arc and Jenn’s growth but we see Steve, her husband, grow through her POV and we get Josh and Sara’s growth and loving sibling relationship through their POVs. I think the book truly benefits from Josh and Sara’s chapters because it provides balance to Jenn’s chapters and gives a voice to the main Queer character and a character who has already been open to growing and changing and was doing so. It’s a wonderful thing to see Sara accept and support Josh no matter what.

After the Rain asks its readers to extend empathy to Jenn and that can be difficult, but seeing how the Church pushed Jenn, something that I have heard from others did happen, does make her more sympathetic.

Content warning for depictions of homophobia, conversion camp, several uses of slurs, and repeated use of the word ‘homosexual’ in a derogatory way.

I would recommend this to readers who are open to narratives involving a parent learning how to accept their Queer child, readers who remember the 2000s and are in a comfortable space to listen to the POV of someone like Jenn, and those looking to research how far Queer acceptance has come in the 2000s.

[catscoffeesandchapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooh I had so many feelings about this book. I received it as an ARC reading.

It starts with sixteen-year-old Josh being found one morning by his mother, Jenn, barely breathing after a suicide attempt. After being nursed back to health, Josh shares a secret he’s been keeping from his family. A truth he’s found so shameful it nearly ended his life. Now Jenn’s perfect world is unravelling, and she’s starting to question everything she holds dear – the life she’s created for her family, her faith and whether she can truly accept the son she loves, no matter what.

The contention point between Josh and Jenn is that Jenn is a Christian Conservative, and Josh has realised that he is gay. The majority of the book centres around the family trying to 'cure' his homosexuality, a subject matter which is incredibly hard to read. What was happening in the book was bringing up some very negative feelings - mostly aimed towards Jenn - to the point that I had to pause reading for a moment to read up on other reviews, to check which direction the book would ultimately go towards.

Overall, this book took me on a JOURNEY. It is one that I will absolutely be recommending to others, and I am absolutely keeping Laila Ibrahim on my author radar going forwards. The only thing I felt was slightly lacking was developing the dynamic at the end of the book - I would have loved to see more of Josh/Jenn as they were at the end of the book, after all the revelations, to rebuff some of the very destructive interactions they had throughout the book. However, I would be absolutely fine if Laila has a sequel planned with some of this included..........please???!

[J Kromrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

"After the Rain" by Laila Ibrahim is a poignant exploration of the complexities of familial love, acceptance, and the courage to embrace truth. The narrative unfolds with Jenn Henderson's ordinary Sunday morning taking an unexpected turn when she discovers her son, Josh, in a life-threatening state. As Josh recovers, he reveals a deeply held secret that challenges Jenn's perceptions and beliefs, setting off a cascade of emotional turmoil and introspection.

Ibrahim's storytelling delves into the themes of "unconditional love" and the "struggles of coming to terms with one's identity", making it a compelling read for those who appreciate emotionally charged narratives. The book's strength lies in its ability to evoke empathy and provoke thought, as readers are invited to reflect on their own biases and the lengths they would go to for the ones they love.

The characters are crafted with depth and realism, particularly Jenn, whose journey from shock to acceptance is portrayed with sensitivity and insight. Ibrahim's background in psychology and education shines through in her nuanced character development and understanding of human emotions.

"After the Rain" is recommended for fans of Jodi Picoult and Julianne MacLean, as it shares the same caliber of emotional depth and moral dilemmas. This novel, previously published as "Living Right" , remains a testament to Ibrahim's skill as a storyteller and her ability to address complex issues with grace and compassion. It's a book that invites readers to look inward and question their own perspectives on love and acceptance.

[Michelle LeKander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frustrating and thought provoking read.

First, I am a huge fan of Laila Ibrahim and “The Yellow Crocus” will always be one of my most loved and treasured books.
The beginning of this book, probably the first 20% of it was very hard for and actually made me wonder if I was going to continue to read it.
While I understand, that most “born again Christians” tend to be Republicans, I thought it was in poor taste for the author to not once, but three times mention that Jenn had “Fox news” in the background. It had no reference to the story and to me showed the author”s political and personal view on the subject. Not every single Republican is a right wing, conservative Christian who watches Fox News every night and doesn’t believe in gay marriage or that homosexual thoughts can be reversed if they .”love God enough and do the work”. Anymore than every Democrat believes and supports gay marriage and watches CNN every night. That generalization really turned this reader off and There truly was no need for the political aspect to be brought in as it didn’t add to the story at all.
I found Jenn to be very frustrating and of course the religion and the “conversion”to be appalling and yet I know that there are many that think and believe the way she did.
I appreciate the way the author told the story and the growth, love and understanding that developed within Josh’s family. It saddens me that religion and the belief that one religion is the right one over another still continues in this day and age. The bigotry and hate that still exists inside the “walls of God” is humbling. A very thought provoking read.

[Antonia Mancinelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a very strong Christian woman. That being said this book was like nothing I have ever read. Laila Ibrahim is an amazing author. She had me hooked from the first page. It is well written, it flows well and the subject matter is something that everyone has either faced or knows someone that has faced it.

Jenn and Steve are raising their three children Sara, Josh and Rachel in California. One Sunday when Rachel,Jenn and Steve came home from church Jenn went upstairs to check on Josh as he had stayed home from church due to being ill. When Jenn walked into the room she noticed vomit on the floor and thought he had missed the trashcan that she had left beside his bed. Upon further inspection she went up to him and tried to wake him but couldn't. He flopped around like a jelly fish. As she dialed 911 she screamed down the stairs for Steve to go to the corner and wave down the ambulance. He asked what was going on and she tried to explain and talk to the 911 operator at the same time..
Further in the book they find out that their son is fighting the urge of being gay. This doesn't sit well with the families life style. Being Christian in this family means living a complete Christian life. Giving all to the life. They send Josh to a special retreat to get the homosexual feelings and temptations out of him. I will not give away the end but will say that this is so worth the read I was left with new perspectives on all of the different sides.

[Di · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a couple of Ms Ibrahim's books previously. I enjoyed them immensely. I was happy to see this new book with a theme that is so relevant to our times.

The subject of the story is Josh, a teenager who is trying to hide his homosexuality from his very religious family. Religious is the keyword. I did not expect religion to be front and centre in the story. We sit through family prayer time at breakfast, the mother goes to pray in her room right after breakfast, she prays when she hears on the news that marriage licenses have been issued to homosexuals in San Francisco. The prayers go on and on.

The storyline was actually good. I think the presentation of it could have been done differently. Religion could have still played a large part without prayers on almost every page. I can only imagine the strife a family in this position would go through. And Josh's inner turmoil is devastating. But, I cannot imagine a mother choosing religion over her own child. I realize that it happens but, to me, that borders on cult-like behaviour.

The story takes place in the early 2000s. Even though society still has a long way to go, it is heartening to see that progress has been made in the last 20 years.

I'm sorry that this book fell flat for me. The subject matter had promise but I could not handle the praying. I have rated it 2.5 stars, raised to 3 stars because of the storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

[Marcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. Topic wise, this book sounded interesting. It takes place in 2004, before gay rights became a more accepted piece of American equality. A gay teenager,Josh, unfortunately born into a devout Christian family, struggles with his sexuality . His mother is unwavering in her adherence to the strict rules of her Christian church and the pastor who is relatively new to that church. Josh is rejected by those he loves and trusts. Conversion therapy is explored, with all of its negative impact on the human soul. Sounds like there is much potential.

In actuality, I found that the characters were flat and one sided. There were good and bad, kind and unkind characters who totally lacked any depth. I was unable to connect at all. The dialog was stilted and didn’t sound like real conversation. The dogmatic religious point of view was obvious from the outset but was overemphasized and detailed ad nauseum. I found it hard to stay focused on those parts. Ultimately, the ending was very predictable and for me, anticlimactic.

My rating stands at two meager stars for I book that just didn’t do it for me. My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC in return for my unbiased review.

[Stormi Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

After The Rain
By: Laila Ibrahim

4 Stars

This is a story of a mother battling to come to terms with her changing son as well as the everchanging world around her. Coming home from church, Jenn was not expecting to find her son nearly dead. The cause is even more of a shock.

This was a story that is meant to move and shock. I grew up in a pretty religious home in the south, so some of the arguments that arise in this book, I have heard before, but it does not make them any less shocking. Maybe it even made it a little more real, as Josh is only 1 boy from a story, where I can only imagine that many suffered the same treatment. The conversion therapy was something that I had heard of, but knew little about, especially the church involvement and the families. It was hard not to be moved to tears, yet I found myself so angry by this story. The pain from Josh and his whole family is palpable. I could say so much about this story, the characters, everything, but I will leave it by saying it was an awesome book. Well worth the read. I'll just add that I am glad the ways of thinking have become more accepting.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review

[Ankita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed After the Rain!

Because I did not grow up Christian or with much exposure to Christian values, it was interesting to see all the different perspectives of the Christian characters in the book: anti-LGBTQ, pro-LGBTQ, hate the sin but love the sinner, etc. Jenn's perspective in particular (especially in comparison to her husband's) was noteworthy. Laila Ibrahim honestly made me empathize with Jenn in some ways, which is something I struggled to do before.

The writing was a bit simple, straightforward, and very "tell, not show" for me, so it might be better suited for younger audiences (maybe early teens?). Also, a lot of dialogue and events that took place didn't really move the story forward. It felt like not much was happening.

The entire book focuses on Christianity, which I expected, but this may not be everyone's cup of tea. I personally have never read a book portraying this specific Christian experience so authentically, so I found After the Rain very valuable in that way. I know that this book will hit home for a lot of people, especially those living near the Dublin area (like me!).

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC.

[Maryann Forbes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author Laila Ibrahim for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of After the Rain. My review is voluntary, and reflects my honest opinion. I will be honest; I found After the Rain a challenging read at first. It is the story of an evangelical Christian family torn asunder when their sixteen year old son and brother reluctantly shares that he may have SSA. I was at odds with the parents' reaction as I sincerely believe in an all- loving God.
Initially I thought I might not finish the book, however I am glad that I did. Laila Ibrahim tells a moving story of faith, family, hope, forgiveness, acceptance, reconciliation, redemption and love. There were times I wanted to shake the mother in the book, yet I appreciated that she was struggling and her reactions were faith-driven. Some of the family's prayers were beautiful, I especially enjoyed the inclusion of The Serenity Prayer.
After the Rain is a fast-paced novel with believable characters; it provides a satisfying read. 3.5 stars.

[Kate Veno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the page turner I had hoped for.

While reading this book I was so angry. A Christian family who believed God only loved the good people, that prayer would cure their son (I’m trying not to make this too much of a spoiler). So much judgement. A16 year old boy is trying to deal with the fact he is gay, he is so overwhelmed he tries to take his own life. He’s called an abomination, disowned by both sets of grandparents. What happened to God loving all? Why are some Christians so close minded, so unaccepting, such hypocrites? Meanwhile this boy continues to live his Christian values and principles despite the church and his family trying to pray him straight. The reason I kept reading was for Josh. His strength and courage, his love for God and his family. He never gave up.

I still can’t decide if I like the book or not. It did hit some triggers for me and the Catholic Church. The book is well written, character development was excellent. I feel I got to know each of them. The story line, for me, was difficult at times. I say read it and make up your own mind.

[Andy Krahling · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded down to 3.

Hmmm. I just finished this, and I'm not sure how I feel. On the one hand, it was set in 2004, so it was clearly a different time. It was also set outside San Francisco, which is probably the most progressive city in the country. I could certainly appreciate the struggle that the family went through, but, not coming from an evangelical Christian background, it was hard to empathize with. The mom was clearly an unsympathetic character, and everyone else was written like they were angels. That was a little hard for me to accept. The dialogue felt a little forced, and slightly unrealistic to me.

This story would have made more of an impact 20 years ago, certainly. As for today, I'm not so sure. In most places, that river has been crossed.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being given freely.

[Paul]

Jenn Henderson returned home after brunch, tending to household chores before discovering her son Josh's near-tragic secret. As she nurses him back to health, their family faces the intersection of religion, beliefs, motherhood, and teenage struggles. The story delves into Jenn's unwavering faith, the challenges of acceptance, and the harsh realities of certain religious communities.

The narrative, told from different perspectives, sheds light on the profound impact of societal views on identity and the poignant aftermath of a suicide attempt. While the book may be unsettling, it prompts introspection on personal beliefs and societal attitudes. The author, Laila Ibrahim, courageously tackles a sensitive and genuine issue, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of complex themes.

I express my gratitude to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for providing me with the chance to read and delve into this book.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of After the Rain by Laila Ibrahim due to be published March 22, 2024.
Jenn Henderson came home from brunch with her family and went to check on her son, Josh. She found him barely breathing. Jenn is relieved when Josh recovers but has a secret that he is afraid to share with her and the rest of his family. Can Jenn learn to accept her son and love him no matter what and still hold on to her faith?
Oh, my goodness – this book. It made me angry, furious, anxious – every emotion possible. What people do in the name of being a Christian (yes, I am one) is sometimes unfathomable and unbelievable to me. It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming and one book I will not soon forget.
Thank you, Laila Ibrahim, for tackling a subject that needs to be tackled and for doing it so lovingly and eloquently.
#NetGalley #LailaIbrahim #StormPublishing #AfterTheRain

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this is an excellent story but very difficult to read! It's not difficult because of the writing, that's superb. However, the topics dealt with and the consequences of Jenn's behaviour are difficult to watch unfold. Jenn's strict, rigid and uncompromising religious belief regarding her son Josh nearly tears her family apart. Unfortunately, her pastor only reinforces her rigidity and uncompromising position. It takes her a long time to learn that not everything her pastor says and that she believes in, is the ultimate truth and that there are other ways to maintain her beliefs without destroying everything she holds dear. I feel the author has done a magnificent job portraying Jenn's and Josh's internal struggles. It's such a shame that this type of situation still occurs far too often in today's world and doesn't always have the same outcome as Jenn and her family.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a little conflicted about this book. Being set 20 years ago, it seems a bit dated as the world has moved on. However, as a study in religion, beliefs, motherhood and teenage issues, it is pertinent. Jenn truly believes she is a good mother and woman, and proud of her religion and spirituality, When her son attempts suicide because he is worried about his sexuality, her world is turned upside down. What was interesting was the POV of Josh and the way he approached the issue. Not knowing much about such churches, I was rather confronted by the response of the church and the pastors. And it is quite probable that stuff like this still goes on. This is not a book that you read for entertainment, however, it will make you think about issues and your own beliefs. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy to read and give an honest review of.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where to begin ...
So firstly thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the arc in return for an honest review.
I couldn't decide whether to rate this a 2 star or a 3 star and whether the fact that by the fourth chapter i was so angry was a good thing or not.
The plot is very "religion" based and how "religion" and "homosexuality" clash, how some people think that it is an illness that can be cured by conversion therapy. Personally i disliked the main character Jenn and maybe that was the point, she was so focussed on her religious beliefs and appearance that she lost sight of what really mattered, her son Joshs' happiness and wellbeing. Whereas the author seemed to really connect with Jenn and make her a wholly believable character i felt that the others were a little two dimensional and more could have been done with them.

[Michelle Cornish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the four-star rating, I must admit, this book was not for me. This was 100% my own fault, though--so, four stars for the beautiful writing! I missed the cross on the front cover, indicating this might be Christian fiction, which I don't normally read. Otherwise, the blurb and categories, didn't signal Christian fiction to me. I don't have anything against this genre, it's just not for me, and I feel it's important that readers know what kind of story they will be getting.

I'm afraid I have to agree with other reviewers in that I just couldn't seem to connect with Jenn. As a parent, I was confused by a lot of her actions, but maybe that's the point--to make me think. Anyway, for readers looking for a story that delves into the complexities of family and acceptance in the context of the Christian religion, this offers a thought-provoking read.

[Lucy Dunphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll begin by saying that if I knew how much religion played part of the plot of the book, I don't think I'd have requested it. I nearly gave up reading several times within the first quarter of the book.

I'm glad I persevered though because it made for interesting reading. Part of me can't believe this is set only twenty years ago. It was barbaric. It was an infuriating to read at times and I hated Jenn for most of the book. She was awful, putting her faith before her struggling child's wellbeing. I wanted to scream in frustration several times. The hold that religion had on her was scary and for somebody who isn't religious somewhat fascinating.

I probably will read more from Laila Ibrahim in the future, After the Rain was just a little different than I was expecting.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.

[Joannewelsh76 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had the potential to be really good, the premise is fantastic and meaningful for readers of today, and there were definitely aspects I liked. The overall message of acceptance is a very important one. However, I did at times find the book quite preachy, and while I understand the book was looking at this issue from a 'Christian' perspective, so much of it was centred on that quite harmful view, and not enough of the others to balance it out. I would have loved to see more from Josh's POV considering that his story was the catalyst for the whole thing, and while I understand the story was widely about a mother's acceptance, I do think so much more could be done. At times the writing was quite simplistic and even immature in some ways. I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it like I think I could have if things were done differently.

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC