Rising Sun Falling Rain

by Trish Devine

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "This book was breathtaking... Her writing style reminds me of Kristin Hannah. What a debut novel! 10/10 recommend ❤️ " - Rachel C

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "This book is a must-read if you like a good story told in flowing language, with just the right amount of tension, love, laughter, and loss. I shall insist that it is on my book club choice." - Lucinda C


A sweeping saga of buried secrets, forbidden love and unyielding hope - set in the devastation of post-war Japan.

Introducing the stunning debut RISING SUN FALLING RAIN by Trish Devine. This powerful novel explores the clash between tradition and new ways, weaving a story spanning cultures and generations, celebrating the enduring strength of the human spirit.

New Zealand serviceman Mick Mitchell tackles the recovery of Hiroshima with compassion, Kiwi ingenuity and the determination to make a difference.

Eighteen-year-old Emiko Tanazawa, determined to break free from the constraints of her traditional upbringing, emerges as a driving force for social reform. Advocating for the rights of marginalised women and children, she embraces modern ideals born from the chaos of war.

Drawn together in the wave of change, Mick and Emiko fall in love and furtively marry, but dreams are not enough. Their plans for a better life are thwarted by the controlling influences of others, forcing them into an unforeseen future.

Twenty years later their daughter sets out to unlock the mysteries of her past...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction

264 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2025

About the author

Trish Devine grew up under the mountain in Taranaki, New Zealand, where her love for storytelling and curiosity about the world took root. Her fascination with Japan’s rich culture was ignited during her time living and teaching in Hiroshima, where she witnessed firsthand the enduring strength of its people and traditions.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Anthropology and a teaching career in culturally diverse communities, Trish has long explored themes of identity, resilience, and connection. Her lifelong passion for writing culminates in Rising Sun Falling Rain, which bridges the landscapes of New Zealand and Japan with a deeply human story.

Now based on Auckland’s stunning Hibiscus Coast, Trish continues to draw inspiration from her surroundings and her love of exploring the intersections of history and culture.

Reviews

[rosie (jason todd's version) · Rating 2 out of 5]

(⭐1.5)

sigh... finally dragged myself out of my slump to finish up this one...

1. Anticipation
I was so excited to begin this book! The premise was everything to me - I was expecting drama, heartbreak, soul-crushing yearning, longing for what once was...

And all I got was meh. 🤷‍♀️

I suppose it is also some fault of mine - I let myself get caught up in the possibilities and anticipation, rather than letting myself experience the book with no prior expectations.

The idea was everything! The execution, however... 😬

I just felt myself getting so bored and feeling it drag on and on... the last 5% really annoyed me especially. And the climax of the entire book being in the literal last 2 pages? I was hoping for some more!!

I get that it's all about the journey, not the destination, but girl the journey was so boring 😭

2. The Stakes?
It wasn't that the stakes weren't high... it was just that I didn't really care? I felt that there was definitely a lack of building character and emotion before just throwing us into the main conflict of the book.

Rising Sun Falling Rain grabbed my attention, cruelly, at about 50%, when things were just starting to get interesting. It just failed to hold it for the rest of the book, having me hoping for something else interesting to happen and preventing me from DNFing.

3. The Writing
I feel like the writing style was definitely not for me. It would be good for someone who reads the slower, more relaxed and often annoyingly detailed style. But for me, it really made me struggle to stay interested.

I felt like we were taking so much time to explain the littlest things, like what Karina and Sarah ate for breakfast, and subtracting from the emotionally charged moments. I didn't really feel anything at the very end, just because I was so ready for this to be over 😢

4. End Notes
All in all, I'm glad I read it, very glad I got accepted for the ARC, but it's really just not for me. And that's a huge part of reading - finding out what works for you and what doesn't!


🍁pre-read (31st March):

Thank you so so much to Netgalley and the author, Trish Devine, for providing me with the e-ARC of Rising Sun Falling Rain in exchange for an honest review!

I have been anticipating the reply to my request for this one, and OMG the way I cheered when I saw it got accepted!!! Aghhh I’ve been so eager to dive into this, making time in my schedule to start reading it as we speak 😋

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Olympia Publishers for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

In a historical romance set in post-WWII Japan, a soldier from New Zealand meets a young Japanese woman. Their love is mutual and passionate, but not all those around them are supportive and many decisions are made that will have consequences for decades.

I struggled with this one, and it almost became my first "do not finish" of 2025. However, I am glad that I stuck with it because the second half of the book's plot was good. It wasn't enough to make me fall in love with the story.







#risingsunfallingrain #NetGalley.
Publication Date 30/01/25
Goodreads Review 22/02/25

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's love of story-telling is apparent. She grew up in Japan, was fascinated with the culture and traditions and witnessed first hand the strength of its people.
Set in post-war Japan this is a compelling saga of forbidden love, buried secrets and unrelenting hope. New Zealand serviceman Mick Mitchell aids in the recovery of Hiroshima when he meets 18 yr old Emiko Tanazawa who is determined to break free from the pressure of her traditional upbringing and become a driving force for social reform.
Drawn together Mick and Emiko fall in love yet their plans for a better life are undone by the controlling influences of others and unforeseen circumstances.
A wonderful debut novel!

Thank you to NetGalley and Olympia Publishers for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[itsallaboutbooksandmacarons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story captivated me from start to finish. The depth and emotion in the writing are unlike anything I've read before. It explores the profound effects of the nuclear bomb on Japan, delving into the complex realities of time, memory, and human resilience. I learned so much about this era that I hadn't known before, especially the lasting impacts on culture, relationships, and the hearts of the people. The narrative is both heartbreaking and beautiful, with moments of raw vulnerability, yet also a sense of hope and strength. The friendships forged amidst such tragedy highlight the power of cultural diversity and the human spirit. It’s a truly moving experience that I won't soon forget.

[Abhay Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚫️Trish Devine’s Rising Sun Falling Rain is a beautifully crafted historical saga that seamlessly weaves together themes of romance, resilience, and the tension between tradition and progress. Set in the aftermath of World War II, this novel vividly portrays the heart-wrenching struggles and triumphs of two unforgettable characters Mick Mitchell, a compassionate New Zealand serviceman, and Emiko Tanazawa, a brave young woman determined to carve out a new future for herself and those around her.

⚫️From the very first pages, Devine draws the reader into post-war Hiroshima, creating a vivid and evocative picture of a city striving to rise from the ashes. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its characters Mick’s sincere desire to help, Emiko’s passionate advocacy for marginalized women and children, and their intense yet forbidden love story that transcends cultural boundaries. Their relationship, tender yet filled with challenges, feels heartbreakingly authentic, making readers root for them even as external forces threaten to separate them.

⚫️However, Rising Sun Falling Rain is more than just a love story; it’s a moving exploration of identity, sacrifice, and the price of change. Devine’s writing is both lyrical and grounded, skillfully blending historical detail with deeply personal struggles. The novel’s second timeline, set two decades later, adds another layer of complexity as Mick and Emiko’s daughter embarks on a quest to uncover long-hidden family secrets, ensuring that the narrative resonates across generations.

⚫️Heartfelt, thought-provoking, and utterly captivating, Rising Sun Falling Rain is a remarkable debut that will linger in readers' minds long after they finish the last page. Fans of historical fiction, sweeping romances, and tales of resilience will find much to cherish in this unforgettable novel. Highly recommended.

Happy reading ❤️✨

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rising Sun Falling Rain is set in Japan in 1947, after the bombing of Hiroshima. Australia and New Zealand sent into teams of men to help restore and support the Japanese people who were facing severe hardship and devastation at every turn.
New Zealand Serviceman Mike Mitchell volunteered to be part of J Force, arriving to take over as a driver, ferrying the local villagers helping out at the Hospital, to and from each day. He is young, naïve and horrified at what he is seeing, as he takes his first trip with Buster, on the hospital run.
One of the volunteers is a beautiful, young girl who is gracious and respected by the other people on the truck. Mick is captivated at first sight but told emphatically- no fraternising!
Trish Devine has gently woven the culture of Japan, their strict traditions and the diversity of social standing into a captivating story as Mick and Emiko fall in love, both for the first time, the issues that arise from this and the decisions they both must make if they wish to have a life together.
Sensitively written, she captures the sentiment prevalent during the post war years towards the Japanese in New Zealand and Australia, the conflict that comes from keeping secrets and the heartbreak when those secrets are discovered.
Rising Sun Falling Rain wraps around many of the profound aspects of life; new beginnings forged from devastation, hope, love, friendship, acceptance and family. A most enjoyable, deeply immersive, heart wrenching debut novel from Trish Devine.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book about a young man from New Zealand who ends up in Japan , in the military, directly after the war. He comes to love the place and a beautiful young woman there. We follow their story.
I enjoyed the characters and the descriptions of Japan and its people. The pace really picked up as the story progressed. A very heartwarming story!

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story! When Mick leaves New Zealand to go to Japan to help after the war, he falls in love with Emiko. Mick is a thoroughly likeable character, with a good heart and practical skills. When things take a turn for the worse after their marriage, and Emiko is desperately ill after the birth of their baby, life gets hard. This is book about kindness, prejudice, family and healing. It is also about making your life in the face of adversity, and the power of friendships. What decisions would you have made if you were Dorothy in 1947? Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a beta reader for this book so saw it a little earlier and been on the journey with it. It is a beautiful story. Tender & heartfelt, badass women sticking it to the patriarchy, little bit of spice but its not a full romance, more about family, courage, rekindled relationships. Trish has a fine writing style that captures the imagination. The characters are well crafted.

[Bookguide · Rating 3 out of 5]

An engaging post-WWII story of the love between a good-hearted J-Force New Zealander and a high status Japanese woman. Interesting details, unexpected consequences.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Japan 1946 after the Hiroshima bombing is where readers will find themselves in “Rising Sun Falling Rain” by Trish Devine. We get to experience what it’s like for Mick, a New Zealand serviceman, to come to Japan and try to help rebuild after the bombing. Not only does he come with compassion, but he also has the desire to make a difference. He meets Emiko, a native who is determined to find ways to break the traditionalism of Japanese culture and make a difference in her own way. Together they accomplish making some big changes that will create ripples throughout the next 20 years.

This is a beautiful story that encompasses so many emotions. I felt joy at times, trepidation, fear, loss, and reunion. I don’t remember how many times I cried, but they were not all bad tears. Some were of immense joy. Devine does an amazing job of pulling readers into the story and making it very real. She paints a beautiful portrait of the land and the buildings. Even the culture of Japan seems accurate. (I’ve not read/studied a lot of Japanese culture, but what I have studied was spot on with this book). Even the food descriptions are so well done that I found myself wanting to jump into the pages to enjoy the meals with them.

I do not often compare one author to another author as each is so unique and different; however, I do feel like this comparison will only help readers understand exactly how well-written this book is. Devine’s writing moves me in the way that Kristin Hannah’s writing has always moved me. It gets deep into your being and draws you through the story as if nothing else matters. This is such a talent, and I cannot help but comment on it.

The characters in this story are also very wonderful and real. Even the ‘villains’ of the story are simply doing what tradition or rules would tell them to do. While that does not make them more likable, it at least makes them realistic. The reader falls in love with Mick right away. As he encounters other characters in the story, we also find ourselves wanting to know more about each one. Another really cool thing is that the author has sprinkled some Japanese words throughout the story with translations so that we’re able to learn just a little bit about the language.

To say I loved reading “Rising Sun Falling Rain” by Trish Devine, would be an understatement. I can tell this will be a book that will live with me for a long time. The genre is historical fiction with a strong romantic edge. There is a closed-door scene and very minor cursing. I would recommend this book to everyone! Even if you are not a historical fiction fan, I believe everyone should be more aware of what a war-torn country is truly like and how humans can overcome anything.

[Helen Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing book was very engaging right from the start. I found it to be an emotional read with great characterisation, strong underlying themes and the story moved at a good pace.
It is hard to conceive that this is Devine’s debut novel.
A most compelling read that will stay with me for a long while. Impressive.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

NPR used to promote its programming as "driveway radio" with the idea being that the content was so captivating that you would arrive at your destination but not want to get out of your car (and sit in your driveway) because you wanted to hear the end of the story. That is exactly how I felt while reading Rising Sun Falling Rain. I simply could not put it down and read it over the course of 24 hours. Trish Devine expertly crafts and develops a host of diverse, likable characters so that you end up with an equal affinity to main characters as well as those with minor roles. Devine educates the reader with an obvious love and appreciation of the Japanese people and culture, and their ethos of hospitality, and collectiveness . I was lucky enough to live in a Tokyo neighborhood with our own version of Tatami-san and the description of his craft, as well as his wife and mother brought tears to my eyes. After the first few pages I was ready to settle in to a nice little story about rural Hiroshima during Occupation and boy, was I wrong. The twists and turns taken in the plot left me surprised, devastated, and delighted. Thank you to Trish Devine for a truly wonderful book.

[Jennifer (Yodareads) Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Japan 1946 after the Hiroshima bombing is where we begin in “Rising Sun Falling Rain” by Trish Devine. We get to experience what it’s like for Mick, a New Zealand serviceman, to come to Japan and try to help rebuild after the bombing. Not only does he come with compassion, but the desire to make a difference. He meets Emiko, a native who is determined to find ways to break the traditionalism of Japanese culture and make a difference in her own way. Together they accomplish making some big changes that will create ripples throughout the next 20 years.

To say I loved reading “Rising Sun Falling Rain” by Trish Devine, would be an understatement. I can tell this will be a book that lives with me for a long time. The genre is historical fiction with a strong romance in it. There is a closed door scene and very minor cursing. I would recommend this book to everyone! Even if you are not a historical fiction fan, I believe everyone should be more aware of what a war-torn country is truly like and how humans can overcome anything.

For a more detailed review, check out the link below:
https://readerviews.com/reviews/risin...

[Urban Broadmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a fan of fiction but Trish suggested I give her book a try. I am so pleased I did. Once I started I couldn't put it down. I found it hard to convince myself I wasn't actually reading a real life saga of Post War Japan and the young Kiwi Soldier's contribution to the Peace Keeping Corps. It was all so real. Well Done Trish. Can't wait for the film, and the sequel.

[Mrs Moa · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of At The Foot of The Cherry Tree.

This story is a tale of love and loss, of heartbreak, prejudice and racism.

A fabulous historical romance. A love story between a New Zealand soldier and a Japanese war bride.

We meet Mick, a New Zealand soldier who has been sent to Japan, to assist with the villages near Hiroshima after the bomb has hit.

His kindness and generosity attract a young Japanese woman, Emiko and against her families wishes, they marry and Emiko soon finds herself pregnant.

Heartbreaking and frustrating circumstances mean that all three of them are separated, and then the story flows onto a different timeline. 20 years later, we meet Emiko and Mick's daughter Karina, who is now living in New Zealand and her life has been shrouded in a secret and when it is unravelled, Karina and her cousin travel back to Japan to uncover the truth of her beginnings.

I will admit that I really, really struggled to read the last two pages in this book because I couldn't see through my tears, such an emotional story.

I loved how the Japanese culture is represented in here, from their language, to their food, to their customs, to their religion, to their way of life.

This is beautifully told.

I was sent this book by the author and all opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my GOSH!!! Trish!! What have you done?! That book was soo good. I’m sobbing.

I have to say. My only Criticism is why did you stop there? I want to know what now? Did they go home? Meet the family? Did they love her? What??!! But equally. Good place to stop. Nothing more was truly needed. Perfecto.

So many times I was tearing up. Ugghhh. I hâte my emotions spilling out of me.

The book was set mostly in Japan immediately after the Hiroshima bombing where the NZ army was sent for peace keeping and rebuilding. (Reconnaissance work?? I think that’s what it’s called). A kiwi bloke from rural NZ from a kiwi dad and rarotongan mum has travelled there for a year to help out. He quickly meets Emiko who he very quickly falls in love with and tries to woo. Which he does very well and very fast (which isn’t surprising to me given my parents met and were engaged after their first date).

But there are complications. Namely her dumb as dad who’s somewhat like mafia in this village. Well, he’s not. But he may as well be because he is a powerful business man who protects his affairs with bodyguards, samurai etc. And is prepared to use his daughter in culturally appropriate for the time ways through arranging a marriage of convenience. For his convenience.

Because she runs off with Mick. The kiwi bloke. Completely inappropriate at the time when non-Japanese folks have just devastated their village and are looked at with hate and distrust by most. And largely Japanese are looked at the same way. Her father is just mainly out of the picture until she is pregnant with their hafu baby (essentially a half-caste child). She gives birth too early while Mick is away having been deployed elsewhere. And her father is called. He hides her and drugs her. And then sends her hafu child to an orphanage for hafu children.

Mick tries to rescue them both. But fails epically. And promptly dies onboard the ship returning him to NZ.

His parents take the child and raise her as their own daughter. Again, totally appropriate for that time. And when she finds out she heads back to japan to find out about her dad and maybe find her mum. Essentially to connect the dots.

Anyway. That’s pretty much the story.

Trish, your writing is impeccable. Your attention to detail, construction of character, atmosphere arousal of location and differentiation of location and culture and culture clashes are handled with the utmost expertise I can barely believe this is your first book!!!

All the characters are CLEARLY and masterfully constructed. They each have their own foibles and none of them are caricatures including the delightful QM who could SO EASILY have become one. How each person speaks for their own hometown is easy to hear the uniqueness of dialect and jargon. It’s easy to tell apart which character is speaking at any time. Even Mick I was like I know guys like him. Lovely and sweet around women and workplaces. Then just needing time out from that around their blokey mates. Also that scene and he’s in the car with croc and he’s in the passenger seat and you write how he presses his foot to the floor where the accelerator would be. Masterful. I’ve been there. Trying to drive the car for how we wish it would be driven. It was small details like this that had me drawn so desperately into this story. Fully feeling and knowing gutterally how the situations made them feel.

The difference in locations. Again superb. When we were in Japan we SO felt like we were in Japan. We could hear it, smell it, feel it’s peace. But then when we were in NZ we could feel that homeliness. The familiarity and the sense of putting your life on display because of the pride of family. The little details about the family meal. The arguments. Even the fight over the box. I know people, I know families with such differing qualities who behave and rationalize things so differently from each other (pointing at myself and my family here). That’s all completely relateable. Even how Dorothy is so emotional. I read my mum in her. And Jack he’s not like my dad. But maybe my grandad (god rest his soul). The yin to her yang. I found how you dealt with the tension between people of differing cultures, especially ones so recently at war with each other was excellent. I could feel the uncertainty of protocols and wanting to do the right thing (or not as some didn’t care) and how this affected other characters.

I actually wasn’t disappointed at how fast the girls got on the trail at the end. I actually found it refreshing that there was no piss assing about. Because you know what? Sometimes things DO happen that quick. Especially in a small village. And especially with people who are so prominent in that village. Plus it kept the story moving sadly to the last page.

Ultimately while there was ZERO talk about NZ European/ maori relations in here I picked up on how this all relates back to the cultural tension we experience here fairly regularly. How we each disrespect the cultures of each and cause further disruptions. How (especially in the last section) so many of us feel a part of our identities are missing. I’m not just speaking about maori who were denied their culture for so long, but equally about myself as a nz European who knows nothing about where I’m from or what my ancestors came from. How that whole part of me is removed. Perhaps not by secrecy. But just from people forgetting to pass the information on. I dunno.

The book was honestly masterful. I think NZ publishers should be backhanded for not picking this book up (I dunno if it was submitted to them first or not. But a london publisher - Olympia publishers picked it up and did an incredibly beautiful job of printing it).

Anyway. Bravo Trish. I’m so so proud of you. I’ve only just started conversing with you. And I don’t really know you. But I’m so proud that a kiwi (especially one who grew up so close to where I live now) has written something this beautiful. It’s a masterpiece and I hope hope hope and pray you write more.

[Cece · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Mick Mitchell, a New Zealander in Japan as part of army support to bring aid to Hiroshima post-bombing. Though the customs are strange to him, he comes to ingratiate himself with the villagers he transports -- especially as he desires to get close to one: the enigmatic Emiko. Born the only daughter of the village's richest family, Emiko's courtship is surely meant to be business proposition, but the world is opening up for the young Japanese woman and her values do not remain in the past. Against the backdrop of war and tradition, they seek each other.

***

Devine's 'Rising Sun Falling Rain' had me enchanted in the first half; I deeply appreciated all the details that were introduced throughout every step of Mick coming to learn about this foreign country he's sworn to help yet knows so little about. You're able to be in that place with him. His struggles, his meaningful attempts to connect, his frustration with a society that makes little sense to him and how he's used to living. All thanks to Devine's evocative language and clear appreciation for the landscapes used, the cultures, and the little details of the areas.

However, the turn from Mick's Book I to Emiko's perspective brings a notable change. I'm not sure if it was an attempt to make Emiko's voice distinct or more "reserved", but her observations do not flow as well, lack the same descriptiveness, and she's not given at all the same amount of grace and time to go through her ordeals. Her section is plagued with enormous time skips. There's no effort to sit with her and what she's going through, or even where she's been. As soon as we meet up with her, her life begins and ends with this stranger she now loves after speaking twice. Maybe we're not meant to examine precisely how young Emiko is when this all occurs for her.

The final entry has it even worse. While the setting of a country family, gathering together for the first time in a while, and the bustle and teasing elicit such a strong understanding from anyone who's had to bring a salad to a family party-- we're coming off of a very major event happening entirely off-screen, with no lead-up that I could immediately recall reading, so I was basically struck in the face with it, and then given little time to adjust to caring about this new cast of people who would be closing up the narrative.

Instead of time skips, the ending takes place after a huge gap but in a very short amount of time, paraded in with a long string of coincidences and instant success. It made the last, most pronounced, attempt to lay out the message of bonds and familial fate feel heavy-handed. Everything's handed over without any effort, effectively deflating any tension or emotion.

Despite this conclusion, I'm not sorry to have read the first section with Mick. It was a real delight, and Devine's descriptions--well--should I say divine? It makes it more the shame that the second half couldn't hold up its part. It felt like it was being hurried along to get to the point, like the book were running out of time to get where it wanted to be, meaning it only skimmed the surface of some really good themes it was diving towards.

To note: There were almost constant formatting errors in my physical copy--mostly extra spaces in the middle of sentences.

***

⭐⭐⭐ Very split down the middle -- just like the first and second half of the book.

This is an honest review in trade for a download of the book provided by NetGalley. Thank you for this opportunity!

[Raquel Velasco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm crying right now 😭😭

listen!.. at first It was difficult to read because of the writing but As I progressed and reached the middle of the book, I couldn't be more delighted....This story, set after the bombing of Hiroshima, speaks of love that crosses borders, forbidden love, something that wasn't meant to be, but fate brought it together...It is narrated from 4 different perspectives and is divided into 4 parts...Through various misfortunes, everyone's lives take a turn, there is crying, pain, little lies, and reunions that squeeze your heart. It's a great story and really, despite having a kind of slow start, it's completely worth it.

My favorite part of this book was the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. They are inspiring and go along with what you will read later. 🩷

1st part: Mick's POV tells of his excitement and nervousness about helping and being part of the soldiers who went to help war-damaged villages in Japan, showing us the kindness of his heart , love at first sight and how you can break the language barrier if you set your mind to it

2nd part: Emiko's POV She tells us how she was separated from her love and what she had to suffer during her pregnancy, her loss and confusion.

3rd part: Dee's POV... Here begins the crying, the tragedy and a new turn in the lives of all who love Mick

4th part: Karina's POV... This last part where Karina goes in search of answers about her past and what could have been and how she finally finds what she was looking for and generates peace in more than one heart literally I couldn't hold back the tears


I thank Net Galley and the author for allowing me to read this ARC a little late. 🩷

[Xine Segalas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rising Sun, Falling Rain by Trish Devine is an absolute 5-star read for me. From the first page, I felt completely transported. The writing is so immersive, that I truly felt like I was right there alongside Mick, Emiko, Kazu, Karina, and the family. These characters felt alive, their emotions deeply authentic, their arcs beautifully believable.

Set in the post-war period, with the Kiwis working in Japan to help rebuild, the story brings to life a part of history I hadn’t known much about — and I learned so much without ever feeling like I was being taught. The historical details are rich and seamlessly woven into the narrative, making the world feel fully formed and lived in.

Trish Devine does an incredible job exploring themes of healing, generational trauma, and the quiet resilience of the human spirit. The romance is tender and genuine, the kind that feels earned and stays with you long after you finish the book. Nothing felt forced or unbelievable — the events and emotions unfolded so naturally, as though this story truly lived and breathed beyond the page.

Her writing is superb. I could easily imagine a follow-up focusing on the future — there’s so much depth in these characters that I would gladly return to their world.

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Olympia Publishers for allowing me to read this pre-release edition. Rising Sun, Falling Rain was released January 30, 2025, and I can’t recommend it enough.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know that you are not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but both the cover and the title made me cringe. I knew right away that this was going to be one of those very sappy portrayals of Japan filled with the requisite tropes. I was not wrong. The story played on many others before it and was very predictable and much too pat in the contrivances that were used to make the story fit the mold.

Yet, the writing is fairly tight. I wish the author had dug deeper into the story, but it really wasn't meant to be anything but a sappy romance. I appreciated the details that gave the reader a taste of New Zealanders in Japan after the war. For the American reader, this is quite interesting. And though the storyline was contrived, it was smoothly done. I easily read to the end, though all the way sighing at how saccharine it was.

I think that there are no major mistakes made in the portrayal of Japan. The author did her research and like I said, her writing is smooth. For what this is meant to be, it will be pleasing to those types of readers.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It was better than I thought it would be.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! It really touched my heart and I felt the gamut of emotions while reading it.

Mick, a serviceman from New Zealand, is based in the Hiroshima area soon after the world war is over. He meets several Japanese locals while doing his job as a driver and one in particular catches his eye. He wishes to get to know Emiko better. She is the daughter of a very wealthy businessman.

Mick tries to make life easier for the people he drives to work at the hospital by fixing up his truck to make them more comfortable. Friendships are made along the way and the townspeople appreciate his care and thoughtfulness. I really enjoyed the stories of his experiences with the local residents. Mick manages to get to know Emiko secretly and their love blossoms. There is danger that follows the pair and gut-wrenching moments to come.

I highly recommend this if you like heartfelt historical fiction and reading about Japanese culture. I felt like I was inside the places described in Japan and I even learned some Japanese words! I also loved the beautiful proverbs chosen at the beginning of each chapter.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Keila (speedreadstagram) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rising Sun Falling Rain resonated with me deeply. I loved how the determination to break free from traditional constraints and advocate for the rights of marginalized women and children was both powerful and moving. The love story between Mick and Emiko was beautifully written, and I was captivated by their forbidden romance. The challenges they faced and the controlling influences that thwarted their dreams added so much depth to the story. I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions as I followed their journey. I also enjoyed the subplot involving their daughter, who sets out to unlock the mysteries of her past twenty years later. It added another layer of intrigue and kept me hooked until the very end.

This book is a stunning debut that masterfully weaves together tradition and new ways, celebrating the enduring strength of the human spirit. It's a powerful story of love, hope, and resilience that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and epic sagas. This book is a true gem, and I can't wait to read more from Trish Devine!

[Debbie Viscosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Zealand serviceman Mick Mitchell travels to Japan to assist in post-WWII cleanup efforts. One of his duties is to drive villagers to the hospital in Hiroshima. The villagers are going to give aid to those suffering from the war. Mick meets the demure, lovely Emiko and falls in love. Emiko comes from a wealthy and traditional Japanese family. Cultures cross as Mick and Emiko dream of a world accepting of their love. Challenging circumstances separate them and cultural differences change their lives forever.

In her debut novel, Trish Devine gives us a tender and emotional story of love challenging culture. The struggle of Japan to rebuild echoes the struggle of the Japanese culture to rebuild and assimilate foreign influence. Heart-warming and heart-breaking, this is an excellent book to read!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beautiful cover and title of this book caught my attention and I knew I had to read it. Rising Sun Falling Rain is a post-WWII historical novel. Serviceman Mick Mitchell leaves his home in New Zealand and heads to Japan to help in the recovery efforts of the bombing of Hiroshima. There doesn't seem to be much in the story about those efforts, it's mainly about the love story between Mick and Emiko. This was a slow-moving book for the first half, but the ending made up for that and made it hard to put down. This was an emotional read dealing with family drama and secrets. I enjoyed reading this book. Thanks to the author Trish Devine, Olympia Publishers, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Tabatha Shipley · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I Did Like:
+The way each part of the story follows a different character in the story is excellent. It puts the emphasis on a different POV and shows how decisions can affect each other.
+I did enjoy the running theme that your story is interconnected to so many other stories. We affect each other in ways we might not realize and our actions have ripples. That theme runs through this story.
+The kind of ending I like, which is to say some answers are given while some are left to the reader to ponder.

Who Should Read This One:
-Historical fiction fans who also loved family drama stories.

My Rating: 3 Stars

For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2025/07/...

[Hikari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweeping family saga taking in 3 generations: we have Mick & Emiko in 1947 then Mick's parents, siblings, wider family in 1965. There's a big twist mid-way through the book that I didn't see coming, and I'll say no more as I don't want to spoiler the story for anyone who's not read it. I cheered, I cried, I celebrated. The character I found hardest to empathise with was Emiko - she's clearly rich yet didn't seem to mind one iota that she'd given up her status, wealth, home and family for Mick. Nevertheless, an enjoyable read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chris Dorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The story pulled me in at the very beginning and didn't let me go until the end!
It's a beautifully told historical fiction from a time when peacekeepers went into Japan after the devastation of the Hiroshima bombing. Each part of this story went into my heart and I felt as if I was right there beside them, experiencing it with the characters. I laughed with them, smiled at them, and also shed a few tears.
Ms Devine did a wonderful job of portraying her characters. These are people that I would love to meet if they were real.
Thanks for the ARC and for allowing me to read this beautiful story.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story set in a small village in Japan near Hiroshima after the war, and then in New Zealand in the 1960’s. Mick joined the New Zealand military to help Japan rebuild, and as he drives a truck to ferry locals to volunteer at a hospital, he meets Emiko. Emiko is struggling with breaking traditional roles and finding her way in the Japan that emerges after the war, with women redefining their roles. As their relationship deepens, many roadblocks will form. I highly recommend this beautifully told work of historical fiction. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Ethel · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's quite interesting to find out that when I downloaded this book through NetGalley, I couldn't get this ARC on my Kindle. Why? Only to find out that the publisher didn't allow a digital version to be read (or for that matter, reviewed). I'm not sure why, but that's their loss, not mine. For those of you who have read this novel, you were luckier than me!!!