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After the Rain
From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a deeply emotional contemporary romance about the second chances waiting beyond the shattered dreams of youth.
When eighteen-year-old Avelina Belo meets a charismatic cowboy the summer before her senior year of high school, she doesn’t know that accepting his invitation to dinner will lead to a whirlwind marriage three months later and an exciting new life on a Montana ranch. She also doesn’t know that, in a few short years, fate will send everything crashing down around her.
A thousand miles away and fresh out of medical school, Nate Meyers is poised to become UCLA’s next superstar heart surgeon. His laser focus is the key to his success, but it’s also his greatest liability. When a routine surgery ends in disaster, derailing his career, he’s confronted with the hard truth: there’s no one waiting for him at home, no one to help him pick up the pieces.
Regrouping on his uncle’s Montana ranch, Nate meets Avelina, a beautiful but mysterious young woman who keeps to herself and barely speaks a word. As he discovers the details of her devastating past, Avelina teaches him more about matters of the heart than he ever knew before. But can they trust each other enough to put everything on the line?
When eighteen-year-old Avelina Belo meets a charismatic cowboy the summer before her senior year of high school, she doesn’t know that accepting his invitation to dinner will lead to a whirlwind marriage three months later and an exciting new life on a Montana ranch. She also doesn’t know that, in a few short years, fate will send everything crashing down around her.
A thousand miles away and fresh out of medical school, Nate Meyers is poised to become UCLA’s next superstar heart surgeon. His laser focus is the key to his success, but it’s also his greatest liability. When a routine surgery ends in disaster, derailing his career, he’s confronted with the hard truth: there’s no one waiting for him at home, no one to help him pick up the pieces.
Regrouping on his uncle’s Montana ranch, Nate meets Avelina, a beautiful but mysterious young woman who keeps to herself and barely speaks a word. As he discovers the details of her devastating past, Avelina teaches him more about matters of the heart than he ever knew before. But can they trust each other enough to put everything on the line?
294 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2014
359 people are currently reading
8466 people want to read
About the author
Renee Carlino
25 books8,664 followersComing July 9th 2024'...
THIS USED TO BE US
Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and the bestselling author of Before We Were Strangers, Swear On THIS Life, Wish You Were Here, Sweet Thing, Nowhere But Here, Sweet Little Thing, Lucian Divine, After the Rain, The Last Post, Shopping For Love, Blind Kiss, and - coming July 9th - THIS USED TO BE US.
Her books have been featured in national publications, including Cosmopolitan Magazine, InStyle Magazine, USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Redbook, Sunset Magazine, Coastal Living and the Union Tribune.
Her adaptation with Julia Stiles for “Wish You Were Here” is currently in production and scheduled to shoot in New Jersey in January 2024'.
Renée grew up in California and lives in the San Diego area with her husband, two sons and their sweet pup John Snow Cash.
Learn more at www.reneecarlino.com
THIS USED TO BE US
Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and the bestselling author of Before We Were Strangers, Swear On THIS Life, Wish You Were Here, Sweet Thing, Nowhere But Here, Sweet Little Thing, Lucian Divine, After the Rain, The Last Post, Shopping For Love, Blind Kiss, and - coming July 9th - THIS USED TO BE US.
Her books have been featured in national publications, including Cosmopolitan Magazine, InStyle Magazine, USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Redbook, Sunset Magazine, Coastal Living and the Union Tribune.
Her adaptation with Julia Stiles for “Wish You Were Here” is currently in production and scheduled to shoot in New Jersey in January 2024'.
Renée grew up in California and lives in the San Diego area with her husband, two sons and their sweet pup John Snow Cash.
Learn more at www.reneecarlino.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 688 reviews
September 6, 2017
4-4.5 stars
After the Rain is an emotional journey of two broken people who are both in a bad place. Both looking for peace, for healing, and just may find it in the most unlikely of places.
Avelina is a young woman who has been through far too much tragedy in her short life. She fell in love young, she married young, then it was all taken away from her. The beginning story of Avelina and Jake started out beautiful and turned into a completely heart wrenching tale.
Avelina still works on a ranch in Montana. She survives day in and day out but she hasn’t lived in a long time. She keeps to herself. The people that work at the ranch that used to feel like family are now more like strangers. She’s closed herself out completely unable to open up to anyone. Then Dr. Nate Myers shows up and changes everything.
Nate’s life is work and his work is his life. He has no time for anything personal. It’s all about work. He’s a cardiac doctor who works entirely too much. Working in the medical field, you know that one mistake can uproot your entire career. One mistake made Nate reevaluate his entire career. With all the work, he forgot the real reason why he wanted to be a surgeon in the first place.
Nate has to get away for a while, take a break from his busy life. Get to the root of things- get some perspective. He heads to the ranch in Montana where his uncle is. He’s out of his element there, but he needs this time to clear his mind.
From the moment Nate lays eyes on Avelina, he can tell there is something about her. Something beautiful and something broken. Even though he’s warned to stay away from this beautiful yet intimidating stranger, he can’t.
I loved the connection Avelina and Nate had. You could feel it. It wasn’t insta-love, but it was that instant pull. They both had struggles, they were both broken characters, but with time, they were able to come together, to start healing themselves and one another.
Avelina was a frustrating character at times, but any time I got frustrated with her because of her standoffishness, her stubbornness, I remembered. I remember what happened to her and why she was the way she was. I had compassion for all she had been through.
Nate was fantastic. I adored him. His strength, his patience, and his understanding. Avelina needed someone like him in her life. And those letters... oh boy. Those made me cry.
Renee Carlino has this writing style that just blows me away. I love reading her books. They suck me right in. After the Rain was no exception. The writing was truly wonderful- I could visualize all the surroundings perfectly and there was a great flow. The story was beautiful and emotional. I felt while reading this book. I laughed, I cried, I swooned over Nate. The only reason that this wasn’t a solid 5 star read for me is the last little bit of the book. I had a few small issues with things leading up to the end, but it was still a great read. This is a very well written story that I would highly recommend!
“Sometimes love can be easier to find than purpose, but I don’t think it’s any less important.”
After the Rain is an emotional journey of two broken people who are both in a bad place. Both looking for peace, for healing, and just may find it in the most unlikely of places.
Avelina is a young woman who has been through far too much tragedy in her short life. She fell in love young, she married young, then it was all taken away from her. The beginning story of Avelina and Jake started out beautiful and turned into a completely heart wrenching tale.
Avelina still works on a ranch in Montana. She survives day in and day out but she hasn’t lived in a long time. She keeps to herself. The people that work at the ranch that used to feel like family are now more like strangers. She’s closed herself out completely unable to open up to anyone. Then Dr. Nate Myers shows up and changes everything.
Nate’s life is work and his work is his life. He has no time for anything personal. It’s all about work. He’s a cardiac doctor who works entirely too much. Working in the medical field, you know that one mistake can uproot your entire career. One mistake made Nate reevaluate his entire career. With all the work, he forgot the real reason why he wanted to be a surgeon in the first place.
Nate has to get away for a while, take a break from his busy life. Get to the root of things- get some perspective. He heads to the ranch in Montana where his uncle is. He’s out of his element there, but he needs this time to clear his mind.
From the moment Nate lays eyes on Avelina, he can tell there is something about her. Something beautiful and something broken. Even though he’s warned to stay away from this beautiful yet intimidating stranger, he can’t.
“Why do you want to be around me?”
“Because I like you.”
I loved the connection Avelina and Nate had. You could feel it. It wasn’t insta-love, but it was that instant pull. They both had struggles, they were both broken characters, but with time, they were able to come together, to start healing themselves and one another.
Avelina was a frustrating character at times, but any time I got frustrated with her because of her standoffishness, her stubbornness, I remembered. I remember what happened to her and why she was the way she was. I had compassion for all she had been through.
Nate was fantastic. I adored him. His strength, his patience, and his understanding. Avelina needed someone like him in her life. And those letters... oh boy. Those made me cry.
“They reminded me of you, but then again everything reminds me of you.”
Renee Carlino has this writing style that just blows me away. I love reading her books. They suck me right in. After the Rain was no exception. The writing was truly wonderful- I could visualize all the surroundings perfectly and there was a great flow. The story was beautiful and emotional. I felt while reading this book. I laughed, I cried, I swooned over Nate. The only reason that this wasn’t a solid 5 star read for me is the last little bit of the book. I had a few small issues with things leading up to the end, but it was still a great read. This is a very well written story that I would highly recommend!
No matter how devastating the storm may be, after the rain you’ll always find new life sprouting in the aftermath.
October 31, 2014
3 stars!
This is one of those books where I read the blurb and immediately wanted to get my hands on the book. Not only is it described as an emotional second chance romance but a romance between a wrangler and a doctor, two people who are so opposite of each other and under normal circumstances would never have met. While this story started off strong, things started spiraling down after the 25% mark and though I didn’t outright dislike the plot and characters, I didn’t love them either.
At 18, the heroine Avelina gets caught up in a whirlwind courtship and marriage with another young wrangler and they live a quiet, simple life on the ranch. She never expects to lose the love of her life – first when he’s handicapped for the rest of his life, then when he commits suicide. Her experiences through the years have turned her from a vibrant young woman into a cold, harsh shell of who she once was. She blames herself for not being enough to save her husband and she blames her husband for destroying what was left of her heart.
On the opposite end of the country, the hero Nate is a rising star in the surgical field about to take on an operation. One faulty decision blasts his confidence and career into smithereens and makes him question everything he’s ever believed in. In the spur of the moment, Nate goes to his uncle’s ranch to regroup and reflect on his next move. It is in the lush scenery of Montana and amongst the wild horses he meets Avelina, a widow for five years now. It only takes a matter of seconds for Nate to see that this woman is different from others he’s met, in character and physical appearance. And it only takes days for Nate to see how refreshing the ranch is compared to the big city he’s used to – it’s a place where respect is earned and hard work is applauded.
Up to this point in the book, everything was perfect. It was at least a 4.5 star read, the writing was lovely, the character’s struggles were convincingly heartbreaking, and if done well, I could see the potential and beauty in having these two characters – both broken in their own ways – come together. Sadly, this is also the part that fell extremely flat and was the beginning of the end of this book for me. Here is my rationale: whenever there’s a second chance romance that involves two characters that are even slightly damaged, I NEED to be specifically convinced, 100% convinced that these two belong to each other. However, I wasn’t. I felt like Avelina’s connection to Nate was solely based on the fact that he wasn’t from town and was someone new, someone she could know based on a clean slate. And Nate’s connection with Avelina I thought it was because she was the very first woman he spent a little time with after dedicating 5 years to his career. In other words, I thought that these characters could be replaced with others and it wouldn’t make a difference. What makes these two specific characters right for each other? That is the question I ask myself whenever I read a second chance romance like this one and sadly, the author didn’t convince me of their connection.
As the story progressed, Avelina’s stubbornness grated on my nerves and even when the book hit a point where I could feel the characters’ romantic connection, Avelina would push Nate away and cling to the memory of her late husband. I normally would be less frustrated with this part but the author reveals some unsavory details about her late husband’s character that made me believe that he doesn’t deserve all this devotion from Avelina long after his suicide, especially since it was so obvious that she had the capability to move on with her life, whether it was with Nate or by herself.
I wouldn’t completely write this book off, but to read the book I would prepare myself for insta-love and some character stupidity before starting. It wasn’t an outstanding book in my eyes but it wasn’t bad either. It fell right in the middle, and usually those are the books that readers have trouble in deciding whether or not to read. IMO, I would recommend this book but with caution, as a frustrating heroine can really wear you down.
After the Rain is a complete standalone that is unrelated to the author’s other books.
ARC provided by Atria Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those books where I read the blurb and immediately wanted to get my hands on the book. Not only is it described as an emotional second chance romance but a romance between a wrangler and a doctor, two people who are so opposite of each other and under normal circumstances would never have met. While this story started off strong, things started spiraling down after the 25% mark and though I didn’t outright dislike the plot and characters, I didn’t love them either.
At 18, the heroine Avelina gets caught up in a whirlwind courtship and marriage with another young wrangler and they live a quiet, simple life on the ranch. She never expects to lose the love of her life – first when he’s handicapped for the rest of his life, then when he commits suicide. Her experiences through the years have turned her from a vibrant young woman into a cold, harsh shell of who she once was. She blames herself for not being enough to save her husband and she blames her husband for destroying what was left of her heart.
On the opposite end of the country, the hero Nate is a rising star in the surgical field about to take on an operation. One faulty decision blasts his confidence and career into smithereens and makes him question everything he’s ever believed in. In the spur of the moment, Nate goes to his uncle’s ranch to regroup and reflect on his next move. It is in the lush scenery of Montana and amongst the wild horses he meets Avelina, a widow for five years now. It only takes a matter of seconds for Nate to see that this woman is different from others he’s met, in character and physical appearance. And it only takes days for Nate to see how refreshing the ranch is compared to the big city he’s used to – it’s a place where respect is earned and hard work is applauded.
Up to this point in the book, everything was perfect. It was at least a 4.5 star read, the writing was lovely, the character’s struggles were convincingly heartbreaking, and if done well, I could see the potential and beauty in having these two characters – both broken in their own ways – come together. Sadly, this is also the part that fell extremely flat and was the beginning of the end of this book for me. Here is my rationale: whenever there’s a second chance romance that involves two characters that are even slightly damaged, I NEED to be specifically convinced, 100% convinced that these two belong to each other. However, I wasn’t. I felt like Avelina’s connection to Nate was solely based on the fact that he wasn’t from town and was someone new, someone she could know based on a clean slate. And Nate’s connection with Avelina I thought it was because she was the very first woman he spent a little time with after dedicating 5 years to his career. In other words, I thought that these characters could be replaced with others and it wouldn’t make a difference. What makes these two specific characters right for each other? That is the question I ask myself whenever I read a second chance romance like this one and sadly, the author didn’t convince me of their connection.
As the story progressed, Avelina’s stubbornness grated on my nerves and even when the book hit a point where I could feel the characters’ romantic connection, Avelina would push Nate away and cling to the memory of her late husband. I normally would be less frustrated with this part but the author reveals some unsavory details about her late husband’s character that made me believe that he doesn’t deserve all this devotion from Avelina long after his suicide, especially since it was so obvious that she had the capability to move on with her life, whether it was with Nate or by herself.
I wouldn’t completely write this book off, but to read the book I would prepare myself for insta-love and some character stupidity before starting. It wasn’t an outstanding book in my eyes but it wasn’t bad either. It fell right in the middle, and usually those are the books that readers have trouble in deciding whether or not to read. IMO, I would recommend this book but with caution, as a frustrating heroine can really wear you down.
After the Rain is a complete standalone that is unrelated to the author’s other books.
ARC provided by Atria Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2014
LIVE -> http://amzn.to/1DuSMa4
3.5 - 4.0 Stars
♥ ♥ ♥HEARTS ♥ ♥ ♥
Bleeding hearts, aching hearts and heavy hearts are something Ava and Nate are no stranger to.
Ava has had her fill of heartache as a young woman. She had her dreams crushed as a newlywed and never fully recovered from that incident. Feeling hopeless in her efforts to fix her situation she withdraws from everyone who loves her. Pouring herself into her work with horses allows her to keep people out of her life. She creates an island of herself to protect her heart from anymore sorrow.
Nate is a brilliant heart surgeon who experiences a life changing moment in his career that leaves him questioning his life. Recovering from that moment he takes a month off from his work in the city to help his uncle on a ranch in Montana. The moment he lays eyes on Ava his curiosity takes over and he makes it his mission to show her compassion where others have failed.
These two broken hearts are brought together on a ranch in Montana. Learning to love again is an effort that both of them must figure out.
While After the Rain starts out strong it has its moments where I was extremely frustrated with Ava. Ava spent some time self loathing over something that really wasn’t her fault. When Ava finally takes the bull by the horns I cheered for her. *You go, girl!*
Renee Carlino designed a story about the healing powers of love on a damaged heart. As Edith, the neighbor, pointed out, “... after the rain you’ll always find new sprouting in the aftermath.”
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2014
Pre-order | order: http://amzn.to/1DuSMa4
Standalone
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
3.5 - 4.0 Stars
♥ ♥ ♥HEARTS ♥ ♥ ♥
Bleeding hearts, aching hearts and heavy hearts are something Ava and Nate are no stranger to.
Ava has had her fill of heartache as a young woman. She had her dreams crushed as a newlywed and never fully recovered from that incident. Feeling hopeless in her efforts to fix her situation she withdraws from everyone who loves her. Pouring herself into her work with horses allows her to keep people out of her life. She creates an island of herself to protect her heart from anymore sorrow.
Nate is a brilliant heart surgeon who experiences a life changing moment in his career that leaves him questioning his life. Recovering from that moment he takes a month off from his work in the city to help his uncle on a ranch in Montana. The moment he lays eyes on Ava his curiosity takes over and he makes it his mission to show her compassion where others have failed.
These two broken hearts are brought together on a ranch in Montana. Learning to love again is an effort that both of them must figure out.
While After the Rain starts out strong it has its moments where I was extremely frustrated with Ava. Ava spent some time self loathing over something that really wasn’t her fault. When Ava finally takes the bull by the horns I cheered for her. *You go, girl!*
Renee Carlino designed a story about the healing powers of love on a damaged heart. As Edith, the neighbor, pointed out, “... after the rain you’ll always find new sprouting in the aftermath.”
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2014
Pre-order | order: http://amzn.to/1DuSMa4
Standalone
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
Read
November 16, 2014
DNF @ 41%
I am very upset I have to shelf Renee Carlino's book as a DNF; I really have no other choice, though. After The Rain turned out to be very disappointing read. I couldn't connect with the plot, characters or anything else for that matter.
Avelina and Nate's story is one of the most emotionless, flat and boring stories I've read in quite awhile. The plot seemed to hold so much potential but the execution was horrible. It missed the spark 'Sweet Thing' had. There was literally nothing that made me sad, feel heartbreak or even crack a smile. It was so empty. So cold. I can't even comprehand how the same woman who wrote the sweetest, sexiest and cutest romance ever could create... this! Books are supposed to make you feel something, aren't they? There is no point of going forward if there isn't a single spark.
I am sorry but I couldn't finish this.
Want to read
October 14, 2014 Omigosh. I can't wait for this book!!!!
It's a "deeply emotional" romance about a woman, Avelina, who falls for a handsome cowboy and after a whirlwind romance settles into married life with him on their ranch until a freak accident brings everything to an end. Meanwhile, Nate Myers was intending to follow in the footsteps of his father, a superstar surgeon, but a malpractice suit ruins his career and he retreats to a cattle ranch where meets Avelina!! <---- OMG!!!
RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2014
It's a "deeply emotional" romance about a woman, Avelina, who falls for a handsome cowboy and after a whirlwind romance settles into married life with him on their ranch until a freak accident brings everything to an end. Meanwhile, Nate Myers was intending to follow in the footsteps of his father, a superstar surgeon, but a malpractice suit ruins his career and he retreats to a cattle ranch where meets Avelina!! <---- OMG!!!
RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2014
November 17, 2014
3 Healing Stars
Avelina thought she had everything. She was happy, had a simple life and was in love. Until tragedy robed her everything. Now she's broken and doesn't believe she deserves to be happy.
Nate is also going into a rough phase. He's a heart surgeon who just lost a patient on the operation table.
When their lives cross in a Montana ranch they fell a strong connection with each other, but neither of them belibes their worth it.
What they still habe to find out is that sometimes, you need to broken souls to find, so they can heal together.
This was a sweet romance, but in my opinion it lacked something. I can quite put my finger on what, but I didn't felt that nice warm feeling I usually get when I'm reading romances I love. Instead I got bored several times. I loved all Renee's books so far,and I liked this one, I did. I just don't think its her best work, by far.
Rating: 3 Stars
Characters Development: Ava annoyed me So much. I get it, she was broken and I did see why she acted that way, but still, it annoyed me. I really enjoyed, however, her decision towards the end, it showed how strong she was. Nate was sweet, but he really should learn to get his priorities straight. As a couple, they were sweet but they lacked connection and some "steaminess".
Steam: Meh.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Avelina thought she had everything. She was happy, had a simple life and was in love. Until tragedy robed her everything. Now she's broken and doesn't believe she deserves to be happy.
Nate is also going into a rough phase. He's a heart surgeon who just lost a patient on the operation table.
When their lives cross in a Montana ranch they fell a strong connection with each other, but neither of them belibes their worth it.
What they still habe to find out is that sometimes, you need to broken souls to find, so they can heal together.
This was a sweet romance, but in my opinion it lacked something. I can quite put my finger on what, but I didn't felt that nice warm feeling I usually get when I'm reading romances I love. Instead I got bored several times. I loved all Renee's books so far,and I liked this one, I did. I just don't think its her best work, by far.
Rating: 3 Stars
Characters Development: Ava annoyed me So much. I get it, she was broken and I did see why she acted that way, but still, it annoyed me. I really enjoyed, however, her decision towards the end, it showed how strong she was. Nate was sweet, but he really should learn to get his priorities straight. As a couple, they were sweet but they lacked connection and some "steaminess".
Steam: Meh.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
November 28, 2015
After the Rain reminded me why I love reading. Renée Carlino created a beautiful work of art with this book. She drew me in, made me fall in love, shattered my heart, and pieced it back together.
You have to understand something about me. I read books to escape. My life in itself is beautiful. I have a loving husband, a beautiful daughter, and a job that I love. I wouldn’t change a single solitary thing about it. But the world is an ugly place and I’m reminded of it with every mean-spirited person I encounter, every tragic story I hear on the news, every bad thing that happens to good people. Reading is my vice and my way to pretend that a different world is the reality, if only for a while. So when I pick up a book, it’s usually one that’s carefully selected to be one that’s not going to rip my heart to shreds.
But then there are books that are so beautiful, so raw, so real, and so honest that they completely gut you. This book made me cry because it broke my heart and because it was so breathtakingly beautiful. Even now, just thinking of the book makes my heart ache with longing and my eyes tear up. That feeling of longing that I remember feeling for my husband when we first started dating, I am feeling for a book!
I also limit the heavier reads because they tend to affect me pretty deeply. Rarely do I cry, but they can really affect my mood and can keep me down for a whole day if I let them. There are some that have made me teary, and some that even caused a few tears to fall. Keep that in mind when I tell you this.
Avelina’s story pierced me straight through the heart. The pain that I felt for her was fierce and gripped my heart like a fist. It stole my breath. At one point I cried so hard and so suddenly that I clapped my hand over my mouth to muffle my sob and burrowed my face in my pillow to keep from waking my daughter from her nap while I wailed like a baby. I ugly cried, my face leaking every possible fluid while I felt the pain like it happened to me. I have never experienced body-wracking sobs like that from a book or from any fictional character.
Nathaniel is unlike any other hero, love interest, book boyfriend, insert-your-title-of-choice-here. He’s one of a kind. He’s innocent in a way, and all but innocent in other delicious ones. I could not get enough of him. His heart and soul are so pure, good and beautiful that I was helpless to fall in love with him.
I have never read a book that compelled me to write to the author. I could not stop myself from writing Renée after only 16%. Here is a portion of what I wrote to her: “I’m not a creative person mostly because I’m horrible at envisioning things. Normally when I read, the world sort of exists in a blurry dream-like state, everything is soft and details don’t exist. But with this one, it’s like I’m seeing everything for myself. Everything is so crisp and real. You are the only author to ever evoke emotion out of me like that.”
Renée is a truly talented and gifted author. She is something very special. I believe that books are pieces of people and I can’t help but think that the beauty that I saw in this book is beauty that exists in her heart and in her soul. I’m in awe of her as a writer and as a person. She’s one of those people I feel like I need to know, like my life would be better just by having someone with that kind of inner beauty in it. Unfortunately, I will have to settle with feeling like I know her through social media and experiencing pieces of her through her books. Luckily, her books don’t feel like settling.
You have to understand something about me. I read books to escape. My life in itself is beautiful. I have a loving husband, a beautiful daughter, and a job that I love. I wouldn’t change a single solitary thing about it. But the world is an ugly place and I’m reminded of it with every mean-spirited person I encounter, every tragic story I hear on the news, every bad thing that happens to good people. Reading is my vice and my way to pretend that a different world is the reality, if only for a while. So when I pick up a book, it’s usually one that’s carefully selected to be one that’s not going to rip my heart to shreds.
But then there are books that are so beautiful, so raw, so real, and so honest that they completely gut you. This book made me cry because it broke my heart and because it was so breathtakingly beautiful. Even now, just thinking of the book makes my heart ache with longing and my eyes tear up. That feeling of longing that I remember feeling for my husband when we first started dating, I am feeling for a book!
I also limit the heavier reads because they tend to affect me pretty deeply. Rarely do I cry, but they can really affect my mood and can keep me down for a whole day if I let them. There are some that have made me teary, and some that even caused a few tears to fall. Keep that in mind when I tell you this.
I was learning that being alive means knowing the threat of dying is there but facing your mortality and moving through it anyway.
Avelina’s story pierced me straight through the heart. The pain that I felt for her was fierce and gripped my heart like a fist. It stole my breath. At one point I cried so hard and so suddenly that I clapped my hand over my mouth to muffle my sob and burrowed my face in my pillow to keep from waking my daughter from her nap while I wailed like a baby. I ugly cried, my face leaking every possible fluid while I felt the pain like it happened to me. I have never experienced body-wracking sobs like that from a book or from any fictional character.
Apparently there’s something in the Montana water that instantly transforms an agnostic, Starbucks-loving, vegetarian pacifist into a God-and-country-loving protector of all women and cattle.
Nathaniel is unlike any other hero, love interest, book boyfriend, insert-your-title-of-choice-here. He’s one of a kind. He’s innocent in a way, and all but innocent in other delicious ones. I could not get enough of him. His heart and soul are so pure, good and beautiful that I was helpless to fall in love with him.
The four-week roller coaster of my life was clicking back up the tracks. I was at that point when you reach the peak before falling and you think maybe you want off, that maybe they can stop it. But I don’t think you can stop once you start falling. At least I couldn’t, and I didn’t want to. It’s as exhilarating as it is terrifying to fall in love.
I have never read a book that compelled me to write to the author. I could not stop myself from writing Renée after only 16%. Here is a portion of what I wrote to her: “I’m not a creative person mostly because I’m horrible at envisioning things. Normally when I read, the world sort of exists in a blurry dream-like state, everything is soft and details don’t exist. But with this one, it’s like I’m seeing everything for myself. Everything is so crisp and real. You are the only author to ever evoke emotion out of me like that.”
Renée is a truly talented and gifted author. She is something very special. I believe that books are pieces of people and I can’t help but think that the beauty that I saw in this book is beauty that exists in her heart and in her soul. I’m in awe of her as a writer and as a person. She’s one of those people I feel like I need to know, like my life would be better just by having someone with that kind of inner beauty in it. Unfortunately, I will have to settle with feeling like I know her through social media and experiencing pieces of her through her books. Luckily, her books don’t feel like settling.
November 12, 2014
Well this sits firmly on my "worst books ever" shelf. I hated it. I'm quite shocked that this came from Carlino because while I do think that the quality of her novels have declined since Sweet Thing, all have been enjoyable even if I did have some peeves. After the Rain was awful. I'm not quite sure how, after being in such a rut, that I didn't DNF it.
The amount of melodrama in this novel is threat level Charlie and all of it is either caused by or made unbearable by Ava. Ava is awful. She was written to have no self-worth, no will to live, to be extremely depressed, to talk like a robot, and to be extremely unreasonable. Throughout the entire book I was trying to kill her with my mind.
Nate started off as an interesting character. I remember thinking that I liked him, but as soon as he got interested in Ava (for no apparent reason) he became a cheesy pushover who seemed to live only to serve her. It was such a turn off. Ava would over-react, act like an idiot, refuse to talk to him, and he would drive across the country to make it better. He was constantly catering to her and trying way too hard to make her feel better. It made me feel gross. He became desperate for Ava'a attention and it made me extremely aggravated.
The sex scenes were not hot. Ava's mental state made it really hard for me to even read these. She was so fragile and such a shell of a person that it felt wrong for them to be having sex. I am not under any circumstances making any claims of rape, but it felt inappropriate and frankly kind of predatory for Nate to be physically intimate with her. She was just so messed up in the head that it seemed like Nate should have been trying to take care of her in other ways. I think the author did attempt to write this, but I think the novel would have been better served if there was no sex between Nate and Ava until the end of the story. It was just creepy to me the way it was written. Regardless of all of that, it wasn't even hot.
This is the end of the spoiler free portion of my free. I HAVE to tell you guys all of the dumb shit that happens in this book because I don't think the above explains how awful the novel truly is, but before I do that I have one word of advice to those of you who still may want to read it (it's $7.99 on Amazon!!! Expensive for an eBook!):
If you're still reading, here's a list of spoilery things that happen (in order) to really drive it home:
See why I hated this?
Review is on the blog: Crazy Something Maybe
The amount of melodrama in this novel is threat level Charlie and all of it is either caused by or made unbearable by Ava. Ava is awful. She was written to have no self-worth, no will to live, to be extremely depressed, to talk like a robot, and to be extremely unreasonable. Throughout the entire book I was trying to kill her with my mind.
Nate started off as an interesting character. I remember thinking that I liked him, but as soon as he got interested in Ava (for no apparent reason) he became a cheesy pushover who seemed to live only to serve her. It was such a turn off. Ava would over-react, act like an idiot, refuse to talk to him, and he would drive across the country to make it better. He was constantly catering to her and trying way too hard to make her feel better. It made me feel gross. He became desperate for Ava'a attention and it made me extremely aggravated.
The sex scenes were not hot. Ava's mental state made it really hard for me to even read these. She was so fragile and such a shell of a person that it felt wrong for them to be having sex. I am not under any circumstances making any claims of rape, but it felt inappropriate and frankly kind of predatory for Nate to be physically intimate with her. She was just so messed up in the head that it seemed like Nate should have been trying to take care of her in other ways. I think the author did attempt to write this, but I think the novel would have been better served if there was no sex between Nate and Ava until the end of the story. It was just creepy to me the way it was written. Regardless of all of that, it wasn't even hot.
This is the end of the spoiler free portion of my free. I HAVE to tell you guys all of the dumb shit that happens in this book because I don't think the above explains how awful the novel truly is, but before I do that I have one word of advice to those of you who still may want to read it (it's $7.99 on Amazon!!! Expensive for an eBook!):
If you're still reading, here's a list of spoilery things that happen (in order) to really drive it home:
See why I hated this?
Review is on the blog: Crazy Something Maybe
August 10, 2014
I couldn't get enough of this compelling, heart-wrenching, sexy and beautifully written story of second chances and new beginnings. I finished with tears streaming down my cheeks and a smile plastered to my face, so grateful for the time spent with these captivating characters who now hold a very special place in my heart.
December 4, 2014
3.5 -ish Stars
November 12, 2014
"Sometimes there's no reasonable explanation why shit happens. We can take all the precautions, go through our lives being terrified of everything, and still there's a chance that we'll walk out the front door and get hit by a stray bullet meant for someone else."
This. This is exactly what I've been looking for. Have you ever picked up a book where you knew by the first page that you were going to love it? How about trying to read as slowly as possible to savor every last word only to realize that you're already on the last page?
From the moment I read the very first sentence of After the Rain, I knew that this book was "the one". And after the first page? I was a goner. This is my first Renee Carlino book, even though I do have her previous works on my kindle. I've only ever heard good things about her and now I'm beating myself up for waiting so damn long to read her books. Her latest book had destroyed me and I mean that in a good way!
The story follows both Avelina and Nathaniel as they go on a journey together to strive to find peace within themselves. Both have to endure different types of tragedy beyond what anyone should ever have to experience in a lifetime. The real test is finding the strength to do the hardest thing of all...move on and accept the fact that sometimes life isn't a pretty picture. It's dark and cruel and honestly that's what I believe is the true beauty of it. Without a little bit of rain, we would never fully appreciate the sun.
"When we're young, we want so badly to connect with others that we end up reflecting them, losing ourselves in the process."
Avelina gets married young to a cowboy named Jake; he's full of laughter and life. She's blissfully happy and one moment is all it takes for it to be taken away. Nate is well on his way to becoming a top notch heart surgeon. It's something he's dreamed about his whole life. He's living day to day as a workaholic when it all comes crashing down. Resulting in him taking a break on a ranch in Montana.
"I don't have to hide because no one's looking."
Ava, what Avelina likes to be called now, is struggling to make it through the day without thinking back to that horrible moment when everything changed. Life can be so cruel. When Nate shows up on the ranch she's been living on and working at, they form a friendship. But Nate wants more; something Ava just can't give him without bringing all her demons along.
Will Ava ever be ever to let go of all the pain from the past? What about Nate, will he be able to help lure Ava out of the wall she keeps herself behind?
After the Rain is a gut-wrenching, heart-squeezing, ugly-crying, and deeply satisfying read. One look into this book and you won't ever want to get out. The heartbreak yet heartfelt feelings you get while reading the book will have you flying through the pages as if they aren't even there. Although the book has many dark moments, it shines with light as we realize that sometimes when you least expect it, life can truly surprise you.
It's obvious Carlino has such a way with words that you can't help but feel like After the Rain has a life of its own. The characters are flawed and that's what makes them perfect. I highly recommend this novel. And if you're a newbie of the author like I was, just go ahead and do yourself a favor by buying her books.
This. This is exactly what I've been looking for. Have you ever picked up a book where you knew by the first page that you were going to love it? How about trying to read as slowly as possible to savor every last word only to realize that you're already on the last page?
From the moment I read the very first sentence of After the Rain, I knew that this book was "the one". And after the first page? I was a goner. This is my first Renee Carlino book, even though I do have her previous works on my kindle. I've only ever heard good things about her and now I'm beating myself up for waiting so damn long to read her books. Her latest book had destroyed me and I mean that in a good way!
The story follows both Avelina and Nathaniel as they go on a journey together to strive to find peace within themselves. Both have to endure different types of tragedy beyond what anyone should ever have to experience in a lifetime. The real test is finding the strength to do the hardest thing of all...move on and accept the fact that sometimes life isn't a pretty picture. It's dark and cruel and honestly that's what I believe is the true beauty of it. Without a little bit of rain, we would never fully appreciate the sun.
"When we're young, we want so badly to connect with others that we end up reflecting them, losing ourselves in the process."
Avelina gets married young to a cowboy named Jake; he's full of laughter and life. She's blissfully happy and one moment is all it takes for it to be taken away. Nate is well on his way to becoming a top notch heart surgeon. It's something he's dreamed about his whole life. He's living day to day as a workaholic when it all comes crashing down. Resulting in him taking a break on a ranch in Montana.
"I don't have to hide because no one's looking."
Ava, what Avelina likes to be called now, is struggling to make it through the day without thinking back to that horrible moment when everything changed. Life can be so cruel. When Nate shows up on the ranch she's been living on and working at, they form a friendship. But Nate wants more; something Ava just can't give him without bringing all her demons along.
Will Ava ever be ever to let go of all the pain from the past? What about Nate, will he be able to help lure Ava out of the wall she keeps herself behind?
After the Rain is a gut-wrenching, heart-squeezing, ugly-crying, and deeply satisfying read. One look into this book and you won't ever want to get out. The heartbreak yet heartfelt feelings you get while reading the book will have you flying through the pages as if they aren't even there. Although the book has many dark moments, it shines with light as we realize that sometimes when you least expect it, life can truly surprise you.
It's obvious Carlino has such a way with words that you can't help but feel like After the Rain has a life of its own. The characters are flawed and that's what makes them perfect. I highly recommend this novel. And if you're a newbie of the author like I was, just go ahead and do yourself a favor by buying her books.
July 9, 2024
This was my first book that I have read by Carlino... and I loved it. I was sucked in from the first page. I loved the style of writing. I loved the characters. I loved the setting. Hell, I think I even love Ms. Carlino.
This book was about love. Lost love. Finding love. Finding balance. Finding yourself.
I will be looking back to find more books by Renee Carlino! I am excited to read her again.
**ARC received for an honest review from Atria Books | Simon & Schuster publishing company!**
This book was about love. Lost love. Finding love. Finding balance. Finding yourself.
I will be looking back to find more books by Renee Carlino! I am excited to read her again.
**ARC received for an honest review from Atria Books | Simon & Schuster publishing company!**
November 3, 2014
Review: Surj Harvey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHopelessR...
Blog: http://thehopelessromanticsbookblog.b...
Renee Carlino… you keep doing this to us and we fall for it every time. You paint this wonderful picture of a perfect life for your characters, where they have everything they could possibly dream of. You distract us, making us lose ourselves in their world. You make our hearts swell with joy and happiness, where excitement about what the future holds keeps us on the edge of our seats. In fact we are so completely blindsided by this perfection, that we just don’t see it coming.. you know… that sledgehammer that smashes it all pieces, leaving a trail of devastation in its path. Yup, this author really knows how to deliver the best kinds of sucker punches to her readers and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I absolutely loved “After the Rain.” It was emotional, impactful, heart breaking and so completely heart warming all in the same breath and I read it in one sitting.
Eva and Nate were two characters who had suffered unimaginable loss but through very different circumstances. Nate was a cardiologist performing ground breaking surgery, saving lives, quite literally fixing hearts that were broken. But when a surgery went horribly wrong, he was forced to take a step back and reevaluate all that he had ever known.
Eva was only young when she met Jake McRae but she knew straight away that he would be the love of her life. What this couple shared was beautiful, all consuming, intense ... It was what most people dream of but in the blink of an eye it was gone and Eva was left dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy. She went through so much at such a young age and the guilt and self loathing she felt as a result, left her withdrawing from all those that loved her. She pretty much became a recluse, living only for her horses.
My heart broke for both characters because they both seemed so lost. It was like they were scratching to find answers that never came and instead they were left with the same thoughts going around in their heads... misdirected self blame and self hatred.
Eva's character was so complex but it was still difficult not to be affected by all she had been through. At her age, she Should have been our there living her life, her hopes and dreams a bright light calling to her. Instead she hid from the world feeling she was to blame for all that had happened. She was angry, hurt, heart broken and I completely understood why she felt this way. I think you will too once you read the book. The events leading to her feeling the way she did were not as cut and dry as you may initially think. However, the further I progressed into "After the Rain," the more I wanted to shake Eva because she wouldn't even entertain the prospect of moving on with her life, instead digging her heels in when opportunities to move forward presented. I wanted her to grab the bull by the horns but time and time again, she pushed away.
Nate, my beautiful fixer of broken hearts... The question was : would he be able to fix Eva's? I loved how selfless this man was and I admired his persistence when it came to this woman. Trust me, there were times she made it difficult to like her. When. Others told him to run a mile, he dismissed the advice and instead pushed forward, following the feelings that were ever growing within. The question I kept asking myself was, with all that each of these characters had been through, could they possibly heel one another? I wasn't so sure. I felt both had some souls searching to do. Neither had ever really found thier place in the world, instead following in the expectations of others.
Renee's writing was just perfect for the story that was told. The simplicity of the words, the fact that there were no exaggerated explanations for emotions that were felt made it all the more impactful. I could hear the characters speaking in my head and it felt so right for who they were and all they had been through. And to add to that, the visuals that were incorporated into the story line meant I could picture the setting for the whole book and it was beautiful. I wanted to be on that ranch.
This author really has written another fantastic story and I cannot wait for you all the read it. I have a feeling you're going to love it. "After the rain" was about letting go of the past, healing, finding your place in the world and looking to the future. My heart ached, it swelled with joy, I laughed and of course there were tears. The character development was perfect and I loved the way both Nate and Eva grew both as individuals and as a couple.
This was an emotional ❤️❤️❤️❤️ read for me.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHopelessR...
Blog: http://thehopelessromanticsbookblog.b...
Renee Carlino… you keep doing this to us and we fall for it every time. You paint this wonderful picture of a perfect life for your characters, where they have everything they could possibly dream of. You distract us, making us lose ourselves in their world. You make our hearts swell with joy and happiness, where excitement about what the future holds keeps us on the edge of our seats. In fact we are so completely blindsided by this perfection, that we just don’t see it coming.. you know… that sledgehammer that smashes it all pieces, leaving a trail of devastation in its path. Yup, this author really knows how to deliver the best kinds of sucker punches to her readers and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I absolutely loved “After the Rain.” It was emotional, impactful, heart breaking and so completely heart warming all in the same breath and I read it in one sitting.
Eva and Nate were two characters who had suffered unimaginable loss but through very different circumstances. Nate was a cardiologist performing ground breaking surgery, saving lives, quite literally fixing hearts that were broken. But when a surgery went horribly wrong, he was forced to take a step back and reevaluate all that he had ever known.
I was a terrible surgeon. I was a f**k up. I was a murderer.
Eva was only young when she met Jake McRae but she knew straight away that he would be the love of her life. What this couple shared was beautiful, all consuming, intense ... It was what most people dream of but in the blink of an eye it was gone and Eva was left dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy. She went through so much at such a young age and the guilt and self loathing she felt as a result, left her withdrawing from all those that loved her. She pretty much became a recluse, living only for her horses.
"Looking death in the face and begging, that's how old she is."
My heart broke for both characters because they both seemed so lost. It was like they were scratching to find answers that never came and instead they were left with the same thoughts going around in their heads... misdirected self blame and self hatred.
Eva's character was so complex but it was still difficult not to be affected by all she had been through. At her age, she Should have been our there living her life, her hopes and dreams a bright light calling to her. Instead she hid from the world feeling she was to blame for all that had happened. She was angry, hurt, heart broken and I completely understood why she felt this way. I think you will too once you read the book. The events leading to her feeling the way she did were not as cut and dry as you may initially think. However, the further I progressed into "After the Rain," the more I wanted to shake Eva because she wouldn't even entertain the prospect of moving on with her life, instead digging her heels in when opportunities to move forward presented. I wanted her to grab the bull by the horns but time and time again, she pushed away.
The pain ran so deep in me, though I remained quiet and still on the surface, like an eerily calm lake. no life to ripple the water, no colour to show the depth, just a black void.
Nate, my beautiful fixer of broken hearts... The question was : would he be able to fix Eva's? I loved how selfless this man was and I admired his persistence when it came to this woman. Trust me, there were times she made it difficult to like her. When. Others told him to run a mile, he dismissed the advice and instead pushed forward, following the feelings that were ever growing within. The question I kept asking myself was, with all that each of these characters had been through, could they possibly heel one another? I wasn't so sure. I felt both had some souls searching to do. Neither had ever really found thier place in the world, instead following in the expectations of others.
"I'm not this guy. You make me feel..." He searched for the words.The secondary characters in this book were just brilliant, all playing their parts in how this story unravelled. I loved how they each connected the two main characters and I for one wanted to be a part of that family... Old man and all.
"You make me feel. that's it. I haven't felt anything for anyone like this."
Renee's writing was just perfect for the story that was told. The simplicity of the words, the fact that there were no exaggerated explanations for emotions that were felt made it all the more impactful. I could hear the characters speaking in my head and it felt so right for who they were and all they had been through. And to add to that, the visuals that were incorporated into the story line meant I could picture the setting for the whole book and it was beautiful. I wanted to be on that ranch.
This author really has written another fantastic story and I cannot wait for you all the read it. I have a feeling you're going to love it. "After the rain" was about letting go of the past, healing, finding your place in the world and looking to the future. My heart ached, it swelled with joy, I laughed and of course there were tears. The character development was perfect and I loved the way both Nate and Eva grew both as individuals and as a couple.
In all my years, I've learned that life delivers many storms for us to weather. Some will be slow, brooding, quiet beasts, and others will be loud,thunderous and frightening. But if you're willing to look close enough, no matter how devastating the storm may be, after the rain you'll always find new life sprouting in the aftermath.
This was an emotional ❤️❤️❤️❤️ read for me.
May 15, 2024
Re-read
Awesome thoughtful delicious book!
2017
Amazing, beautifully written story! I'm in love with Nate and Avelina! Thank you for this amazing book.
2018
Is it possible for heart surgeon to repair someone's broken heart? And his own heart?
Why this life shows us unforgettable lessons?
Is it possible to be young but with eyes of 80 years old person??
This was a second time I've read this book, and I was devastated as well as first time.
This is a story about loss, friendship, family knots, healing, growing up, falling in epic love ...
There are triggers.
There are scenes with OP
There is no cheating
MCs are faithful to each other
It's a pity there is no second epilogue, it felt for me too short time with MCs after they reunited. I wrote to Renee Carlino and asked her if she will write a new epilogue for them or a new book, she doesn't want to do it. It's a pity!!
2022, still loving it
Awesome thoughtful delicious book!
2017
Amazing, beautifully written story! I'm in love with Nate and Avelina! Thank you for this amazing book.
2018
Is it possible for heart surgeon to repair someone's broken heart? And his own heart?
Why this life shows us unforgettable lessons?
Is it possible to be young but with eyes of 80 years old person??
This was a second time I've read this book, and I was devastated as well as first time.
This is a story about loss, friendship, family knots, healing, growing up, falling in epic love ...
There are triggers.
There are scenes with OP
There is no cheating
MCs are faithful to each other
It's a pity there is no second epilogue, it felt for me too short time with MCs after they reunited. I wrote to Renee Carlino and asked her if she will write a new epilogue for them or a new book, she doesn't want to do it. It's a pity!!
2022, still loving it
November 12, 2014
"Forever is only now."
WHAT A JOURNEY! The very first chapter of this book grabbed my attention. An instant one-clicker! The author takes you on Avelina's emotionally long journey to finding peace with the help of the young and handsome doctor, Nate.
Picture the worst tragedy imaginable happening to a young and happily married couple. Well, that's how AFTER THE RAIN begins. I don't believe I have ever read a book that started out quite that way. My heart was utterly broken from the very beginning. Seriously, I couldn't stop thinking about that devastating event throughout the entire reading process. There seemed to be a dark gray cloud that hung solemnly over this love story of self-forgiveness and healing.
'There are people in this world who have experienced great personal tragedy, some of whom just wither away from the pain or meander through life numb until time comes to an end.'
Honestly, it took me a while to warm up to this book after that jolt of a beginning. I wouldn't say it was a slow read because it definitely was not, in my opinion. Although the author's written words had me turning the pages, the tone of this story is very melancholy, which isn't a writing style I'm accustomed.
The majority of this book is set in Montana, and I have to say the landscape, nature, ranch living, and the elegantly described horses were side characters all their own. I really enjoyed the author's description of the ranch life. I felt like I was there swinging on the porch, horseback riding the back country, and gazing upon the star filled skies. It was one of the most gorgeous settings I have ever read.
Nate, oh, Nate. That man captured my heart. The way he was able to tear down Ava's defenses and love her unconditionally is so beautiful. The way he takes care of her and his ability to understand her pain...sigh. These were two tortured souls that find healing, peace, and love in each other.
'She smelled of sweet alyssum like no one I had ever known, so sweet and natural only God could create it - a reminder of salvation in the secular age we were living.'
This has been a hard review to write because the longer I digest everything about this book the more I like it. I've been thinking about this story all day and it had my emotions all over the place. It's a strange feeling to have. I've never experienced that before so AFTER THE RAIN definitely deserves 4.5 stars.
WHAT A JOURNEY! The very first chapter of this book grabbed my attention. An instant one-clicker! The author takes you on Avelina's emotionally long journey to finding peace with the help of the young and handsome doctor, Nate.
Picture the worst tragedy imaginable happening to a young and happily married couple. Well, that's how AFTER THE RAIN begins. I don't believe I have ever read a book that started out quite that way. My heart was utterly broken from the very beginning. Seriously, I couldn't stop thinking about that devastating event throughout the entire reading process. There seemed to be a dark gray cloud that hung solemnly over this love story of self-forgiveness and healing.
'There are people in this world who have experienced great personal tragedy, some of whom just wither away from the pain or meander through life numb until time comes to an end.'
Honestly, it took me a while to warm up to this book after that jolt of a beginning. I wouldn't say it was a slow read because it definitely was not, in my opinion. Although the author's written words had me turning the pages, the tone of this story is very melancholy, which isn't a writing style I'm accustomed.
The majority of this book is set in Montana, and I have to say the landscape, nature, ranch living, and the elegantly described horses were side characters all their own. I really enjoyed the author's description of the ranch life. I felt like I was there swinging on the porch, horseback riding the back country, and gazing upon the star filled skies. It was one of the most gorgeous settings I have ever read.
Nate, oh, Nate. That man captured my heart. The way he was able to tear down Ava's defenses and love her unconditionally is so beautiful. The way he takes care of her and his ability to understand her pain...sigh. These were two tortured souls that find healing, peace, and love in each other.
'She smelled of sweet alyssum like no one I had ever known, so sweet and natural only God could create it - a reminder of salvation in the secular age we were living.'
This has been a hard review to write because the longer I digest everything about this book the more I like it. I've been thinking about this story all day and it had my emotions all over the place. It's a strange feeling to have. I've never experienced that before so AFTER THE RAIN definitely deserves 4.5 stars.
October 8, 2014
I always know that when I read a book by Renée Carlino, it's going to be magical for me. After the Rain is such a book and more.
Your heart goes on a journey with After the Rain. It's a journey about love and heartbreak, new beginning and letting go of the past. The imagery in this book takes you to new heights. It's hard for me to put into words worthy enough for this book. So instead, maybe the trailer I made for it will help you understand:
http://youtu.be/M2SXlUx6m8k
My heart ached for Avalina and Nate both. I was in tears reading a majority of the book. I wanted to jump into the book and hug them both, letting them know it would be ok. I was emotionally drained yet my soul soared as I read the last words.
Renée's way of pulling you into the story and being invested in it, it's an experience that can not be missed. After the Rain is my #1 read of 2014 so far this year. I can't wait for everyone to read it!
Your heart goes on a journey with After the Rain. It's a journey about love and heartbreak, new beginning and letting go of the past. The imagery in this book takes you to new heights. It's hard for me to put into words worthy enough for this book. So instead, maybe the trailer I made for it will help you understand:
http://youtu.be/M2SXlUx6m8k
My heart ached for Avalina and Nate both. I was in tears reading a majority of the book. I wanted to jump into the book and hug them both, letting them know it would be ok. I was emotionally drained yet my soul soared as I read the last words.
Renée's way of pulling you into the story and being invested in it, it's an experience that can not be missed. After the Rain is my #1 read of 2014 so far this year. I can't wait for everyone to read it!
November 14, 2014
"Forever is only now."
A heart-wrenching story of love, loss and finding what's most important in life. This story was such a roller coaster of emotions. One that I enjoyed.
Right from the start, my heart was ripped out. When Jake and Avelina met at a horse competition, there was an instant spark. Three months later, they found themselves married and living a simple life on a ranch in Montana. It was sweet and idyllic. But a freak accident and a devastating tragedy left Ava a widow. What a devastating blow! Jake was sweet, but as the story unfolded and we learned more things about him, not so much. Ava was swallowed up by her grief and simply existed for years on the ranch, until Nate showed up.
"I don't know if it's the healing that hurts. I just miss him and I'll never stop missing him."
After Nate loses his first patient on the operating table, he ends up at his uncle's ranch. He needs to gain some much needed perspective. Being totally focused on becoming a doctor, he never really dated or even set up a life outside of the hospital. It was really kind of pathetic. There was something about Ava that intrigued him and he was relentless in his pursuit of her. She didn't make it easy though. Her own doubt and self blame held her back so many times from just moving on and living life.
"I want you. Maybe someday I can have you?"
What I loved most about this story was Nate. He was kind and so patient with Ava. Sure he let work get in the way a few times, but he was so determined to build a life with her and to see her happy. Ava on the other hand, seemed so self-centered at times. I don't understand how she let her grief and guilt overtake her entire life, especially after watching her mother's complete shutdown. Her decision near the end of the book really threw me off the most though. It was sad and really selfish in my eyes. I can understand wanting to find yourself, but I didn't care for the way she went about it. Nate hung in there though and they made it through. His letters were pretty cute and made me smile. Overall, a really sweet love story.
4/5 Fangs
*Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
A heart-wrenching story of love, loss and finding what's most important in life. This story was such a roller coaster of emotions. One that I enjoyed.
Right from the start, my heart was ripped out. When Jake and Avelina met at a horse competition, there was an instant spark. Three months later, they found themselves married and living a simple life on a ranch in Montana. It was sweet and idyllic. But a freak accident and a devastating tragedy left Ava a widow. What a devastating blow! Jake was sweet, but as the story unfolded and we learned more things about him, not so much. Ava was swallowed up by her grief and simply existed for years on the ranch, until Nate showed up.
"I don't know if it's the healing that hurts. I just miss him and I'll never stop missing him."
After Nate loses his first patient on the operating table, he ends up at his uncle's ranch. He needs to gain some much needed perspective. Being totally focused on becoming a doctor, he never really dated or even set up a life outside of the hospital. It was really kind of pathetic. There was something about Ava that intrigued him and he was relentless in his pursuit of her. She didn't make it easy though. Her own doubt and self blame held her back so many times from just moving on and living life.
"I want you. Maybe someday I can have you?"
What I loved most about this story was Nate. He was kind and so patient with Ava. Sure he let work get in the way a few times, but he was so determined to build a life with her and to see her happy. Ava on the other hand, seemed so self-centered at times. I don't understand how she let her grief and guilt overtake her entire life, especially after watching her mother's complete shutdown. Her decision near the end of the book really threw me off the most though. It was sad and really selfish in my eyes. I can understand wanting to find yourself, but I didn't care for the way she went about it. Nate hung in there though and they made it through. His letters were pretty cute and made me smile. Overall, a really sweet love story.
4/5 Fangs
*Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
September 7, 2015
Renee has outdone herself with After the Rain. All of her books have a very emotional quality to them but ATR was absolutely gut wrenching.
ATR is a beautifully dramatic story of one young woman's journey to love and forgiveness and the man who needs to be saved just as badly as she does.
Avelina falls in love quickly at a young age with her handsome cowboy. Life is perfect for a short time but when tragedy strikes, she is left to mourn the life she will never get back.
Nate is also struggling personally and professionally when he comes to hide out on the Montana Ranch so different from his usual California lifestyle. He is immediately drawn to the standoffish but beautiful Avelina.
Despite her painful past, she can't but help let Nate in. These two vastly imperfect characters have a beautiful friendship and love. But love isn't always enough and these two characters soon realize this.
This may be a story of two people learning to love each other but most importantly it is a story of two people learning to love themselves despite their past mistakes and imperfections. Only when you truly love yourself can you really love someone else. And this is the biggest battle for Nate and Avelina. Loving each other is much easier than loving themselves.
So WOW! Just WOW! I love Renee's books and I had a feeling this one was going to tear me apart and it did. Although Renee's writing style is evident in her beautiful words and amazing character development, ATR is a bit darker, more emotional in a "I needed an extra box of tissues" way.
This author is all about the character development and the stories she weaves. She can really paint a picture of not only faces but scenery as well. I love how the story journeys over many years which I think really adds to the development of the story and lets us know our characters even more.
Avelina is a complicated but likable heroine and she undergoes a wonderful transformation as the story continues. Nate is amazing but for every five times he makes you swoon, there will be a time you want to slap him as well. I love that though, it makes him much more realistic.
I highly recommend this book. It's contemporary with a lot of sexual tension and definitely some steamy scenes as well. But as always with Renee, the focus is the story and the characters which is what put her in the "I'll read anything she writes" category of authors for me.
Five Wonderful Stars!
ATR is a beautifully dramatic story of one young woman's journey to love and forgiveness and the man who needs to be saved just as badly as she does.
Avelina falls in love quickly at a young age with her handsome cowboy. Life is perfect for a short time but when tragedy strikes, she is left to mourn the life she will never get back.
Nate is also struggling personally and professionally when he comes to hide out on the Montana Ranch so different from his usual California lifestyle. He is immediately drawn to the standoffish but beautiful Avelina.
Despite her painful past, she can't but help let Nate in. These two vastly imperfect characters have a beautiful friendship and love. But love isn't always enough and these two characters soon realize this.
This may be a story of two people learning to love each other but most importantly it is a story of two people learning to love themselves despite their past mistakes and imperfections. Only when you truly love yourself can you really love someone else. And this is the biggest battle for Nate and Avelina. Loving each other is much easier than loving themselves.
So WOW! Just WOW! I love Renee's books and I had a feeling this one was going to tear me apart and it did. Although Renee's writing style is evident in her beautiful words and amazing character development, ATR is a bit darker, more emotional in a "I needed an extra box of tissues" way.
This author is all about the character development and the stories she weaves. She can really paint a picture of not only faces but scenery as well. I love how the story journeys over many years which I think really adds to the development of the story and lets us know our characters even more.
Avelina is a complicated but likable heroine and she undergoes a wonderful transformation as the story continues. Nate is amazing but for every five times he makes you swoon, there will be a time you want to slap him as well. I love that though, it makes him much more realistic.
I highly recommend this book. It's contemporary with a lot of sexual tension and definitely some steamy scenes as well. But as always with Renee, the focus is the story and the characters which is what put her in the "I'll read anything she writes" category of authors for me.
Five Wonderful Stars!
July 22, 2017
Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful! Full review will be posted when I can form a coherent sentence! <3
Many thanks to Simon and Schuster UK for the proof copy!
Edit. Final review.
My original review consisted of ‘Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful!’ as I was so overwhelmed by how beautiful, heart-wrenching and special this book was that I didn’t feel that any review I wrote would do it justice. I still think the same so I start this review begging everybody to just go and read this amazing book, as it is definitely not one to be missed.
‘After the Rain’ is a book that just has to be experienced yourself for you to understand its power. I started this book in my lunch hour at work, and I was so engrossed in the heartbreaking storyline, and the beautifully developed characters that I really struggled putting it down to go back on my shift. From the start, Avelina became a character that I not only sympathised with, but who I connected with on such a deep level that my heart broke along with hers as she has to face the future without the man that she loves.
Renee Carlino did such a stunning job at introducing us to these characters, and it was this that made them feel so real to me. Jake’s descent into depression and eventual emotional blackmail to Avelina was all the more heartbreaking for me having witnessed Jake before his accident. Similarly seeing Avelina’s slow recovery and her slow developing trust in Nate was made all the more real after having seen the loving relationship that she and Jake had once had. Seeing that Jake was onve as loving as you could imagine is what made Avelina’s heartbreak more believable.
Renee Carlino developed Nate and Avelina’s relationship with absolute perfection. The way that Avelina begins to return to life after Nate pushes for a friendship was just so wonderful to read, and I had tears in my eyes more than once. I loved seeing the development that their relationship had not just on Avelina, but also on Nate, helping him see that there are other ways to live your life than being devoted to your work, and that there is no shame in not reaching perfection.
Avelina and Nate’s story is a emotional one, but it is one that has stayed with me on so many levels since I turned the last page. You will laugh and cry in earnest, but ‘After the Rain’ will leave you looking at the world anew.
5+ Stars!
Many thanks to Simon and Schuster UK for the proof copy!
Edit. Final review.
My original review consisted of ‘Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful!’ as I was so overwhelmed by how beautiful, heart-wrenching and special this book was that I didn’t feel that any review I wrote would do it justice. I still think the same so I start this review begging everybody to just go and read this amazing book, as it is definitely not one to be missed.
‘After the Rain’ is a book that just has to be experienced yourself for you to understand its power. I started this book in my lunch hour at work, and I was so engrossed in the heartbreaking storyline, and the beautifully developed characters that I really struggled putting it down to go back on my shift. From the start, Avelina became a character that I not only sympathised with, but who I connected with on such a deep level that my heart broke along with hers as she has to face the future without the man that she loves.
Renee Carlino did such a stunning job at introducing us to these characters, and it was this that made them feel so real to me. Jake’s descent into depression and eventual emotional blackmail to Avelina was all the more heartbreaking for me having witnessed Jake before his accident. Similarly seeing Avelina’s slow recovery and her slow developing trust in Nate was made all the more real after having seen the loving relationship that she and Jake had once had. Seeing that Jake was onve as loving as you could imagine is what made Avelina’s heartbreak more believable.
Renee Carlino developed Nate and Avelina’s relationship with absolute perfection. The way that Avelina begins to return to life after Nate pushes for a friendship was just so wonderful to read, and I had tears in my eyes more than once. I loved seeing the development that their relationship had not just on Avelina, but also on Nate, helping him see that there are other ways to live your life than being devoted to your work, and that there is no shame in not reaching perfection.
Avelina and Nate’s story is a emotional one, but it is one that has stayed with me on so many levels since I turned the last page. You will laugh and cry in earnest, but ‘After the Rain’ will leave you looking at the world anew.
5+ Stars!
November 15, 2014
I don't know how Renee Carlino does it, but she manages to write these books I just absolutely fall in love with (while being emotionally challenged). But this one was a little darker than her previous books, the characters a little more broken, and their path to HEA a little less unsure.
Avelina was a teenager when she falls in love with a cowboy who sweeps her off her feet. She fully embraces the rancher life with her hot cowboy and wants for nothing. But her life is shattered when a storm spooks her horse, her husband saves her life and the course of her life is altered forever.
Nate was on his way to being a superstar heart surgeon, following in his father's footsteps. But when he performs surgery on a girl he really shouldn't have, he's forced to re-evaluate who he is and what he wants out of his life.
These characters were so gut-wrenching. Avelina broke my heart. Her suffering and guilt because of her husband's injury and eventually death, left her a shell of a person. She stops socializing with those that love her on the ranch. It's not until Nate comes in, the city boy trying to be a rancher, that she starts to come slowly back to life. He makes her remember what it's like to live and that it's ok to want more from her life than what she had dedicated herself to when her husband was alive.
Nate beat himself up a lot over the death of his patient, but he also needs someone to tell him that everything will be ok. When he doesn't get that from her parents, he ends up with his uncle at the ranch in Montana. It's through he work at the ranch and his growing friendship/relationship with Avelina that he discovers what important in life. He let's go of the sterile way in which he lives and opens himself up to everything.
It was almost like a perfect storm when Nate and Avelina met. If they had met earlier, I'm not sure either of them would have been open to what started to develop between the two of them. Instead of casting it aside, they were able to forge a friendship which was able to grow into something more and prove that together they could overcome anything.
Renee Carlino does not disappoint with this new story. If you're looking for something a little different, this is definitely one to pick up.
Avelina was a teenager when she falls in love with a cowboy who sweeps her off her feet. She fully embraces the rancher life with her hot cowboy and wants for nothing. But her life is shattered when a storm spooks her horse, her husband saves her life and the course of her life is altered forever.
Nate was on his way to being a superstar heart surgeon, following in his father's footsteps. But when he performs surgery on a girl he really shouldn't have, he's forced to re-evaluate who he is and what he wants out of his life.
These characters were so gut-wrenching. Avelina broke my heart. Her suffering and guilt because of her husband's injury and eventually death, left her a shell of a person. She stops socializing with those that love her on the ranch. It's not until Nate comes in, the city boy trying to be a rancher, that she starts to come slowly back to life. He makes her remember what it's like to live and that it's ok to want more from her life than what she had dedicated herself to when her husband was alive.
Nate beat himself up a lot over the death of his patient, but he also needs someone to tell him that everything will be ok. When he doesn't get that from her parents, he ends up with his uncle at the ranch in Montana. It's through he work at the ranch and his growing friendship/relationship with Avelina that he discovers what important in life. He let's go of the sterile way in which he lives and opens himself up to everything.
It was almost like a perfect storm when Nate and Avelina met. If they had met earlier, I'm not sure either of them would have been open to what started to develop between the two of them. Instead of casting it aside, they were able to forge a friendship which was able to grow into something more and prove that together they could overcome anything.
Renee Carlino does not disappoint with this new story. If you're looking for something a little different, this is definitely one to pick up.
April 18, 2019
After The Rain is a sweet romance about finding your way back after being irrevocably broken. Avelina is lost and her soul broken after losing her husband and her love. Meeting Nate, a doctor, slowly makes her want to open up again but it takes time and trust.
I enjoyed After The Rain but I felt Nate was too pushy at times. He wanted Avelina there was no doubt about that but for me it was on a physical level. I needed their courtship to take their time. To establish a connection on the emotional level which I felt it lacked. It moved to fast.
There was some great secondary characters. Especially Nate’s uncle and Aunt who cared for Avelina on the ranch.
The epilogue was kind of a letdown since the POV wasn’t from either Nate or Avelina.
Overall a great romance despite its flaws.
I enjoyed After The Rain but I felt Nate was too pushy at times. He wanted Avelina there was no doubt about that but for me it was on a physical level. I needed their courtship to take their time. To establish a connection on the emotional level which I felt it lacked. It moved to fast.
There was some great secondary characters. Especially Nate’s uncle and Aunt who cared for Avelina on the ranch.
The epilogue was kind of a letdown since the POV wasn’t from either Nate or Avelina.
Overall a great romance despite its flaws.
September 5, 2016
As much as I like Renee Carlino's writing style, this story just didn't work for me. I didn't bond with either of the main characters AT ALL and the story itself just irritated and frustrated me.
During all of the "emotional" parts, the only thing I felt was annoyed. I didn't get Nate and Avelina's connection and the conflicts seemed contrived and unbelievable.
During all of the "emotional" parts, the only thing I felt was annoyed. I didn't get Nate and Avelina's connection and the conflicts seemed contrived and unbelievable.
September 10, 2015
3.25/5
I admire Renée Carlino's writing. It's full of emotions and simply beautiful. There were many things I liked about this book. The plot was good, and the dialogue was true to life and so natural. The secondary characters made me smile, they seemed so real and colorful.
I think the story itself was great but I had a problem with the two main characters, both the hero and heroine.
Even though there was enough depth to Nate's personality, I felt like I couldn't connect with him. I tried to understand him but I think I failed. I was so confused and wondered why he really wanted to be with Ava, so much so that he could leave everything in his life in the city, to become a small town doctor, but he didn't even know whether he loved her or not!
Ava wasn't my kind of heroine. At first, she was a sweet and strong girl who braved enough to follow her heart and got married at a very young age. It broke my heart when her husband shot himself dead, left her alone in misery, and she blamed herself for his death since then.
But after 5 years had passed, she still lost her 'life', lived in chronic sorrow, and couldn't move on. It was just way too much. She was 'too much'!
By the end, I couldn't tell how Ava 'grew up' like she said because there was no Ava's POV while she was living in Spain. I didn't see any point in deciding to be apart from each other for one year, in my opinion, it didn't make any difference to their lives.
Anyway, I enjoyed reading this book though it wasn't my favorite by this author.
I admire Renée Carlino's writing. It's full of emotions and simply beautiful. There were many things I liked about this book. The plot was good, and the dialogue was true to life and so natural. The secondary characters made me smile, they seemed so real and colorful.
I think the story itself was great but I had a problem with the two main characters, both the hero and heroine.
Even though there was enough depth to Nate's personality, I felt like I couldn't connect with him. I tried to understand him but I think I failed. I was so confused and wondered why he really wanted to be with Ava, so much so that he could leave everything in his life in the city, to become a small town doctor, but he didn't even know whether he loved her or not!
Ava wasn't my kind of heroine. At first, she was a sweet and strong girl who braved enough to follow her heart and got married at a very young age. It broke my heart when her husband shot himself dead, left her alone in misery, and she blamed herself for his death since then.
But after 5 years had passed, she still lost her 'life', lived in chronic sorrow, and couldn't move on. It was just way too much. She was 'too much'!
By the end, I couldn't tell how Ava 'grew up' like she said because there was no Ava's POV while she was living in Spain. I didn't see any point in deciding to be apart from each other for one year, in my opinion, it didn't make any difference to their lives.
Anyway, I enjoyed reading this book though it wasn't my favorite by this author.
dnf
November 11, 2014DNF at 35%
I was gonna say, it's not you, it's me. But I'm pretty sure it's you now that I read other reviews by readers having the same problems with this book that I am.
I still love you, Renée Carlino. I hope your next book will be better than this one.
I was gonna say, it's not you, it's me. But I'm pretty sure it's you now that I read other reviews by readers having the same problems with this book that I am.
I still love you, Renée Carlino. I hope your next book will be better than this one.
December 10, 2014
This was ok. Felt very young adult to me. Avelina, the heroine, definitely had been through a lot, but she felt very immature. She over-reacted many times. Nate was a good hero but his formal speak just seemed so awkward. I was hoping for a bit more oomph based on the author's other books.
April 25, 2021
Really good story with a great cast of characters. I enjoyed reading it and the chaotic romance between Ava & Nate. Great way to spend a rainy afternoon.
August 18, 2016
* I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Actual ratings=5++ stars
Now this is how you truly write an emotional, feel good book. This book was such an emotional rollercoaster for me. I’m sure Ms Carlino did not mean to make it such a way but for me it felt like that. This book was very beautiful. It showed in a realistic manner how two flawed people can overcome their faults and it was written so beautifully.
Avelina was a tortured soul. Really. It was heartbreaking to watch her kill her self within just because of her coward of a husband. I felt so sad for her and I felt bad how no one actually tried to help her till Nate came. I mean she was surrounded by people who were almost like a family to her but pretty much did nothing to help her out. In a way I guess they thought they were giving her space but truly how can anyone just ignore and let a woman be like that? How can anyone truly watch a person slowly waste her young life away like that? I truly liked how patient and sweet Nathaniel was with her. It was lovely watching them fall in love. She needed it. Specially after what Jake did to her. No one, I mean not a single person should ever think of doing such a horrible thing as that to anybody. Though he didn’t actually physically abuse her or leave scars, he mentally ruined her after Jake truly, completely left her in living hell while nobody in the ranch pretty much tried to help her. She lost the person she loved when she was 19 for god’s sake. No one can take proper decisions after that. As adults you have to help her, which no one bothered. That angered me a lot. How everyone had something to say about her and be like she’s bat-crazy and shit like that but didn’t bother helping her at all. And they were even mad cuz she doesn’t join them for dinner anymore!!!!! How could they even think like that I don’t know. After spewing nonsense that they are religious and this is God’s will and this and that. I mean I’m a catholic and I was ashamed of how they thought. Ok that sounds pretty stupid but I’m just gonna let it stay there though.
The only person I truly liked in this whole book was Nate. Now he knew what he was doing. Ok not maybe truly but still. I loved how he completely helped Ava get over everything. He himself was carrying a huge burden on his shoulders when he came to the ranch but it was so beautiful watching the two of them somehow even though not perfectly help each other out of their personal hells. It was almost magical as they help each other out and also painful at the same time.
The romance was one of true heartache. Thought there was HEA, it was heart-breaking how they got there. Not in a cheesy Nicholas-Sparks book heart breaking but actually movingly nice heart-break. It slightly reminded me that Of Fitzpatrick’s My Life Next Door. This was like a more mature outlook of that. The last bit was emotionally hard to read. Especially the letters Nate wrote and I don’t know how in the world Ava was able to stay without replying back. It made me question her love even a bit. Each of those letters broke my heart and left me emotionally open and vulnerable for a few hours after finishing the book also. Their love was hot and steamy and sexy and at the same time heart wrenching. How miss Carlino wrote such a wonderful book is amazing. I mean she has written it in such a way that it touched me so deep. Specially on how Lizzy’s death affected Nate. I guess it affected me mostly is because my dad is a doctor too and after reading that chapter and how Nate felt, I actually kept iPad away for a minute and thought whether my father had gone through similar situations. Whether he was left broken after a death of a patient. It never occured to me how painful it can be for a doctor. In all of my 20 years (though I properly remember around 15 only of those :D ) I’ve never heard my dad talk a word about his work in front of us. I never had to hear any gory details of any surgeries he had done but only snippets from my mom on how during his early days in his internship how he had to practically live at the hospital. I also felt for Nate how he was affected in his duty for the hospital and his love. I remember clearly days when I was young how I wouldn’t see my father for days and days cuz he gets up before me and go to the hospital (the one he worked for was far away from our house and he had to travel for at least 45 minutes) and come back around 11 after his private practice also. So I actually knew how hard it would have been for Nate. A patient’s life would depend on him. SO for me this story was like pretty personal and beautiful. So I guess that was one of the major reasons that I absolutely loved this book. I really wish I can give more than 5 stars for this because I truly believe it deserves it.
Actual ratings=5++ stars
Now this is how you truly write an emotional, feel good book. This book was such an emotional rollercoaster for me. I’m sure Ms Carlino did not mean to make it such a way but for me it felt like that. This book was very beautiful. It showed in a realistic manner how two flawed people can overcome their faults and it was written so beautifully.
Avelina was a tortured soul. Really. It was heartbreaking to watch her kill her self within just because of her coward of a husband. I felt so sad for her and I felt bad how no one actually tried to help her till Nate came. I mean she was surrounded by people who were almost like a family to her but pretty much did nothing to help her out. In a way I guess they thought they were giving her space but truly how can anyone just ignore and let a woman be like that? How can anyone truly watch a person slowly waste her young life away like that? I truly liked how patient and sweet Nathaniel was with her. It was lovely watching them fall in love. She needed it. Specially after what Jake did to her. No one, I mean not a single person should ever think of doing such a horrible thing as that to anybody. Though he didn’t actually physically abuse her or leave scars, he mentally ruined her after Jake truly, completely left her in living hell while nobody in the ranch pretty much tried to help her. She lost the person she loved when she was 19 for god’s sake. No one can take proper decisions after that. As adults you have to help her, which no one bothered. That angered me a lot. How everyone had something to say about her and be like she’s bat-crazy and shit like that but didn’t bother helping her at all. And they were even mad cuz she doesn’t join them for dinner anymore!!!!! How could they even think like that I don’t know. After spewing nonsense that they are religious and this is God’s will and this and that. I mean I’m a catholic and I was ashamed of how they thought. Ok that sounds pretty stupid but I’m just gonna let it stay there though.
The only person I truly liked in this whole book was Nate. Now he knew what he was doing. Ok not maybe truly but still. I loved how he completely helped Ava get over everything. He himself was carrying a huge burden on his shoulders when he came to the ranch but it was so beautiful watching the two of them somehow even though not perfectly help each other out of their personal hells. It was almost magical as they help each other out and also painful at the same time.
The romance was one of true heartache. Thought there was HEA, it was heart-breaking how they got there. Not in a cheesy Nicholas-Sparks book heart breaking but actually movingly nice heart-break. It slightly reminded me that Of Fitzpatrick’s My Life Next Door. This was like a more mature outlook of that. The last bit was emotionally hard to read. Especially the letters Nate wrote and I don’t know how in the world Ava was able to stay without replying back. It made me question her love even a bit. Each of those letters broke my heart and left me emotionally open and vulnerable for a few hours after finishing the book also. Their love was hot and steamy and sexy and at the same time heart wrenching. How miss Carlino wrote such a wonderful book is amazing. I mean she has written it in such a way that it touched me so deep. Specially on how Lizzy’s death affected Nate. I guess it affected me mostly is because my dad is a doctor too and after reading that chapter and how Nate felt, I actually kept iPad away for a minute and thought whether my father had gone through similar situations. Whether he was left broken after a death of a patient. It never occured to me how painful it can be for a doctor. In all of my 20 years (though I properly remember around 15 only of those :D ) I’ve never heard my dad talk a word about his work in front of us. I never had to hear any gory details of any surgeries he had done but only snippets from my mom on how during his early days in his internship how he had to practically live at the hospital. I also felt for Nate how he was affected in his duty for the hospital and his love. I remember clearly days when I was young how I wouldn’t see my father for days and days cuz he gets up before me and go to the hospital (the one he worked for was far away from our house and he had to travel for at least 45 minutes) and come back around 11 after his private practice also. So I actually knew how hard it would have been for Nate. A patient’s life would depend on him. SO for me this story was like pretty personal and beautiful. So I guess that was one of the major reasons that I absolutely loved this book. I really wish I can give more than 5 stars for this because I truly believe it deserves it.
November 12, 2014
"But if you're willing to look close enough, no matter how devastating the storm may be, after the rain you'll always find new life sprouting in the aftermath."
The only thing devastating about this book is how much I didn't like it. I warn you that the following review will contain spoilers, so please read on at your own risk. After The Rain has the makings of what could be an awesome story. In fact, I was actually enjoying myself for the first 10% and that is saying something considering how quickly it turned into a tragedy. But pretty much after the "event" with Avelina's husband the story just got progressively worse.
"Sometimes there's no reasonable explanation why shit happens. We can take all the precautions, go through our lives being terrified of everything, and still there's a chance that we'll walk out the front door and get hit by a stray bullet meant for someone else."
My biggest gripe starts with the characters. When Jake, Avelina's husband, becomes paralyzed he does a complete 180. Instead of being this charming guy that you love at the start of the story, he starts taking his pain out on Avelina and starts beating her. I do understand that the accident changed him but it just seemed so out there. Like making him a villain would make it easier to deal with his eventual death. Avelina, in the years after he commits suicide, would go from putting Jake on a pedestal to saying how she hated him. I get that grief is something that makes no sense but it was so hard trying to understand her as a person when she was either switching roles from martyr to executioner. Top that off with her bizarre behavior (stalking a married man that looks like her husband and asking him to beat her) and I just couldn't care anymore. I hate when characters play victim and she constantly pulled that card throughout the book. It only got worse when she met Nate. Nate who has absolutely no personality. All I can really recall about Nate is that he's 1. a workaholic 2. he's so hot but has no time for sex or relationships and 3. instantly falls for Avelina and literally uproots his life, more than once, to be with her.
"But you haven't told me how you feel."
"You said after the rain."
Let's gloss over the fact that there is no development between them. Maybe it's just me but I felt NO connection between them. Nate came off as a horny 13 year old and Avelina was such a hot, drunk mess I'm surprised if she noticed he was around. When Nate "realizes" he's in love with Avelina it's during a corny ass conversation with a 10 year old heart patient that is an "old soul" and blah blah blah. I didn't think this was cute. In fact I was cringing the whole time. But the real kicker that made me loath this book was that once Nate and Avelina declare their undying love, Avelina makes Nate wait a year to be together. For real? Honestly, I would have DNFd this 20% in had I known this was going to happen in the last 10%. All of these elements really left me in a state of irritation and unhappiness. I really loved Ms. Carlino's novel Sweet Thing and was hoping that despite the heavier content, I would be in for a well written and original story. What I got was this. Sure it was original but very disappointing. Maybe it's just me because I know many people that love it, but it was not my cup of tea.
The only thing devastating about this book is how much I didn't like it. I warn you that the following review will contain spoilers, so please read on at your own risk. After The Rain has the makings of what could be an awesome story. In fact, I was actually enjoying myself for the first 10% and that is saying something considering how quickly it turned into a tragedy. But pretty much after the "event" with Avelina's husband the story just got progressively worse.
"Sometimes there's no reasonable explanation why shit happens. We can take all the precautions, go through our lives being terrified of everything, and still there's a chance that we'll walk out the front door and get hit by a stray bullet meant for someone else."
My biggest gripe starts with the characters. When Jake, Avelina's husband, becomes paralyzed he does a complete 180. Instead of being this charming guy that you love at the start of the story, he starts taking his pain out on Avelina and starts beating her. I do understand that the accident changed him but it just seemed so out there. Like making him a villain would make it easier to deal with his eventual death. Avelina, in the years after he commits suicide, would go from putting Jake on a pedestal to saying how she hated him. I get that grief is something that makes no sense but it was so hard trying to understand her as a person when she was either switching roles from martyr to executioner. Top that off with her bizarre behavior (stalking a married man that looks like her husband and asking him to beat her) and I just couldn't care anymore. I hate when characters play victim and she constantly pulled that card throughout the book. It only got worse when she met Nate. Nate who has absolutely no personality. All I can really recall about Nate is that he's 1. a workaholic 2. he's so hot but has no time for sex or relationships and 3. instantly falls for Avelina and literally uproots his life, more than once, to be with her.
"But you haven't told me how you feel."
"You said after the rain."
Let's gloss over the fact that there is no development between them. Maybe it's just me but I felt NO connection between them. Nate came off as a horny 13 year old and Avelina was such a hot, drunk mess I'm surprised if she noticed he was around. When Nate "realizes" he's in love with Avelina it's during a corny ass conversation with a 10 year old heart patient that is an "old soul" and blah blah blah. I didn't think this was cute. In fact I was cringing the whole time. But the real kicker that made me loath this book was that once Nate and Avelina declare their undying love, Avelina makes Nate wait a year to be together. For real? Honestly, I would have DNFd this 20% in had I known this was going to happen in the last 10%. All of these elements really left me in a state of irritation and unhappiness. I really loved Ms. Carlino's novel Sweet Thing and was hoping that despite the heavier content, I would be in for a well written and original story. What I got was this. Sure it was original but very disappointing. Maybe it's just me because I know many people that love it, but it was not my cup of tea.
November 9, 2014
I noted a couple of outstanding characteristics about Renee Carlino’s writing while reading After the Rain, her third full-length contemporary romance. First, each story written by Carlino is very distinct from her previous novels. And second, her writing flows beautifully – something which has never been more evident to me then when reading this novel. After the Rain is a story about second chances, about recovering from tragedy, and about hope.
Avelina Jesus de los Santos Belo grew up on a cattle ranch in Central California. After meeting Jake McCrea at a rodeo, she fell in love. Three short months later, eighteen year-old Avelina dropped out of high school and married her cowboy. Jake and Avelina settled on a ranch a hundred miles northeast of Great Falls, Montana, earning their living as wranglers. After a brief period of happiness, Avelina experienced heartbreaking tragedy. And now, years later, she is terribly misunderstood.
Nate Meyers is following in his father’s footsteps. After graduating from UCLA Medical School, Nate has become the youngest attending surgeon at the UCLA Medical Center, where his father is chief of staff. As a cardiothoracic surgeon, Nate has a promising future ahead of him. He works extremely hard and his career has always come first in his life. After making a poor judgment call during surgery, Nate becomes involved in a medical malpractice lawsuit. His father grants him a one month leave of absence from work, sending him to visit his Uncle Dale on a ranch in Montana to gain some perspective on life. In the most unlikely place, Nate meets the reclusive Ava McCrea.
The plot and setting of After the Rain combine to make this story so unlike any other contemporary romance that I have ever read. Although parts of this story are tragic, I feel the overall mood of After the Rain is one of quiet beauty. Much of this story involves scenes in nature, such as riding horses and being outdoors under the big sky of Montana. I had trouble connecting with Ava’s character, although I believe the reason that I felt this way had more to do with her circumstances in life. I loved the ending to After the Rain! Without giving away what happens, I feel the unique method in which Carlino ends this novel strengthens the story, really bringing out my emotions when I was reading! My overall impression of After the Rain is beautiful, favorable, earning Carlino a solid 4-star rating.
Avelina Jesus de los Santos Belo grew up on a cattle ranch in Central California. After meeting Jake McCrea at a rodeo, she fell in love. Three short months later, eighteen year-old Avelina dropped out of high school and married her cowboy. Jake and Avelina settled on a ranch a hundred miles northeast of Great Falls, Montana, earning their living as wranglers. After a brief period of happiness, Avelina experienced heartbreaking tragedy. And now, years later, she is terribly misunderstood.
Nate Meyers is following in his father’s footsteps. After graduating from UCLA Medical School, Nate has become the youngest attending surgeon at the UCLA Medical Center, where his father is chief of staff. As a cardiothoracic surgeon, Nate has a promising future ahead of him. He works extremely hard and his career has always come first in his life. After making a poor judgment call during surgery, Nate becomes involved in a medical malpractice lawsuit. His father grants him a one month leave of absence from work, sending him to visit his Uncle Dale on a ranch in Montana to gain some perspective on life. In the most unlikely place, Nate meets the reclusive Ava McCrea.
The plot and setting of After the Rain combine to make this story so unlike any other contemporary romance that I have ever read. Although parts of this story are tragic, I feel the overall mood of After the Rain is one of quiet beauty. Much of this story involves scenes in nature, such as riding horses and being outdoors under the big sky of Montana. I had trouble connecting with Ava’s character, although I believe the reason that I felt this way had more to do with her circumstances in life. I loved the ending to After the Rain! Without giving away what happens, I feel the unique method in which Carlino ends this novel strengthens the story, really bringing out my emotions when I was reading! My overall impression of After the Rain is beautiful, favorable, earning Carlino a solid 4-star rating.
July 5, 2015
Is it possible for an author to get better with every book she writes? In Renee Carlino's case, it definitely is true!
Renee captured me with 'Sweet Thing' and 'Sweet Little Thing', she stole my heart with 'Nowhere But Here' and it went straight to my favourite book of all time. Then I read 'After The Rain', and it is now tied in the number 1 position of my all time favourites! To say I loved it would be an understatement. This book took me through so many emotions, that when I finished, my eyes were red and swollen, and my heart had that certain ache to it, that happens after going through a roller coaster of emotions.
'After The Rain' is about Avelina (Ava), who meets the very charming cowboy, Jake. They quickly fall in love and marry soon after. What she doesn't expect is that things don't always turn out how you first planned.
Far away from the farm in Montana, Nate Meyers is finishing medical school, and is known as the next big thing in heart surgery, and is impressing everyone, especially his father. Surgery is his life with no spare time for anything or anyone else. Like Ava, things aren't always smooth sailing, and when he is faced with something that all doctors dread, his father suggests he takes time out at his uncles farm in Montana. He meets Ava and they help each other overcome their devastating pasts, and they both learn that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Renee Carlino has a true gift with words, she pulls you in with her story right from the start, and I kept reading till the very early hours of the morning to finish this beautiful story. Renee is one of my very few 'go to' authors, that I will read anything and everything this lady writes. I did have to take a break after chapter 3, though. Now, if you read the book, you'll immediately know what I mean when you finish reading this chapter.
I had to put my iPad down to get myself together. This was the biggest 'OMG' moment I've ever had while reading a book, and for it to happen in the 3rd chapter is something I never expected. Of course I'm not going to give anything away with the story, but, I would love every single person to read this beautiful, heartbreaking, sweet, sexy read for themselves. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
I am giving this book 5 of the biggest stars I've ever given in a review. I absolutely LOVED it!
Renee captured me with 'Sweet Thing' and 'Sweet Little Thing', she stole my heart with 'Nowhere But Here' and it went straight to my favourite book of all time. Then I read 'After The Rain', and it is now tied in the number 1 position of my all time favourites! To say I loved it would be an understatement. This book took me through so many emotions, that when I finished, my eyes were red and swollen, and my heart had that certain ache to it, that happens after going through a roller coaster of emotions.
'After The Rain' is about Avelina (Ava), who meets the very charming cowboy, Jake. They quickly fall in love and marry soon after. What she doesn't expect is that things don't always turn out how you first planned.
Far away from the farm in Montana, Nate Meyers is finishing medical school, and is known as the next big thing in heart surgery, and is impressing everyone, especially his father. Surgery is his life with no spare time for anything or anyone else. Like Ava, things aren't always smooth sailing, and when he is faced with something that all doctors dread, his father suggests he takes time out at his uncles farm in Montana. He meets Ava and they help each other overcome their devastating pasts, and they both learn that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Renee Carlino has a true gift with words, she pulls you in with her story right from the start, and I kept reading till the very early hours of the morning to finish this beautiful story. Renee is one of my very few 'go to' authors, that I will read anything and everything this lady writes. I did have to take a break after chapter 3, though. Now, if you read the book, you'll immediately know what I mean when you finish reading this chapter.
I had to put my iPad down to get myself together. This was the biggest 'OMG' moment I've ever had while reading a book, and for it to happen in the 3rd chapter is something I never expected. Of course I'm not going to give anything away with the story, but, I would love every single person to read this beautiful, heartbreaking, sweet, sexy read for themselves. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
I am giving this book 5 of the biggest stars I've ever given in a review. I absolutely LOVED it!
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