Waiting For The Rain

by M. Jean Pike

Abandoned by her husband after receiving a fatal medical diagnosis, twenty-eight-year-old Willow Mackenzie is determined to realize her unfulfilled dreams. On a jaunt to a lonely quarry called Baker's Gully in the hope of photographing an eagle, she discovers an abandoned cottage and its reclusive owner, Darby Sullivan. Captivated by the rose-covered dwelling, and intrigued by its stern, sexy owner, Willow knows instinctively that she is meant to spend the rest of her life in Baker's Gully. A man of secrets, Darby is content with his hermit-like existence, but troubled by the deadly illness he senses within her, he agrees to rent Willow the cottage, knowing it is the one place on earth that can heal her. But saving Willow's life may cost Darby his own.

228 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2007

About the author

Changing seasons. Unexpected blessings. Love that lasts forever. These are a few of M. Jean Pike's favorite things. With a writing career that has spanned two decades, Jean combines an insatiable curiosity about humans and why they do what they do with a keen interest in the quirky and offbeat things in life to bring readers unforgettable tales of life, love, and the inner workings of the human heart. Her short works have been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Whispers From Heaven, The Lutheran Digest and others. Her latest novella, The Key to Christmas, is available now at Amazon and Pelican Book Group!

Reviews

[Norabee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Beautiful Love Story

Willow has been diagnosed with a life threatening illness and decides to try to photograph an eagle, a bird that she has long admired for its strength and fortitude - when she meets Darby, a man who has secrets of his own as well as a bristling personality. The two meet when Willow has car trouble and is assisted by Darby, the handsome but reclusive stranger. He lives in beatific Baker’s Gully along with his trusted dog, Lucky. Willow doesn’t know why but she’s strangely drawn to this place and eventually comes across a cabin that covered in roses and Willow is instantly enchanted.

As might be expected, soon enough the two fall in love. This was a beautiful romance. I only wish the book had been longer so we could see their romance develop a little more slowly. I would have given this novel 5 stars had it been a little longer and shown more detail. This would have given weight to their feelings for each other, but despite its brevity, the reader is left feeling that this romance came from a deep place. This book makes you believe in true love and that some people just “click” right away and devote themselves effortlessly. This novel makes you feel that it can really happen.

Willow has separated from her husband because of her illness and at first; she doesn’t trust herself to fall in love again. The reader is taken in by Darby’s reticence to reveal himself to Willow, as his attraction to her grows. We discover that Darby’s heart has also been broken before, but the circumstances behind his past breakup are incredible and give this story a fairy tale quality.

You get a nice look at some secondary characters and their inclusion enhances the story. As the mystery behind his life story deepens, you can see why he’s at first so “gun-shy” about love. This tender tale exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice made in the name of love.

[Phyllis Ring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul-satisfying read, a tender, wise, wonderful book. These characters are unforgettable and the story, just beautiful. I started with this earlier of the author's works - can't wait to add more to my shelf.