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August Rain
Twelve-year-old Marnie Price thought losing her grandfather was the hardest thing she’d ever face—until a mysterious crossword puzzle shows up in the mail, followed by a cryptic note, and eventually a key. Suddenly, Marnie is unraveling a trail of secrets left behind by the man she a former World War II codebreaker whose past is far more complicated than anyone knew.
With help from her cousin Mel, her brother Nick, and a classmate who may know more than he’s saying, Marnie begins decoding clues that lead her to a decades-old betrayal, a hidden operation called August Rain, and a secret that could change her family—and the country— forever.
Set against the backdrop of grief, growing up, and a junior high production of Macbeth, this is a story about courage, truth, and the quiet strength it takes to speak up when it matters most. Maybe, just maybe, it’s also about finding hope, like an August rain, when you least expect it.
With help from her cousin Mel, her brother Nick, and a classmate who may know more than he’s saying, Marnie begins decoding clues that lead her to a decades-old betrayal, a hidden operation called August Rain, and a secret that could change her family—and the country— forever.
Set against the backdrop of grief, growing up, and a junior high production of Macbeth, this is a story about courage, truth, and the quiet strength it takes to speak up when it matters most. Maybe, just maybe, it’s also about finding hope, like an August rain, when you least expect it.
204 pages, Paperback
Published July 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 9, 2026
August Rain is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant middle grade novel that blends mystery, historical intrigue, and the quiet complexities of grief into a compelling coming-of-age story. Centered on twelve-year-old Marnie Price, the novel captures the moment when childhood certainty gives way to moral awareness, curiosity, and courage.
The story begins with loss the death of Marnie’s grandfather but quickly deepens into a layered mystery when a crossword puzzle, cryptic note, and key arrive in the mail. As Marnie follows the trail her grandfather left behind, she uncovers not only his hidden past as a World War II codebreaker but also a secret operation known as August Rain, tied to betrayal and national consequence.
Holly skillfully balances suspense with emotional grounding. The puzzles and clues propel the narrative forward, while the interpersonal dynamics between Marnie, her cousin Mel, her brother Nick, and a guarded classmate anchor the story in authentic adolescent experience. The inclusion of a junior high production of Macbeth subtly reinforces themes of loyalty, betrayal, and moral choice without feeling heavy handed.
At its heart, August Rain is a story about finding one’s voice. Marnie’s journey is not about heroics in the traditional sense, but about developing the inner strength to confront truth, honor the past, and speak up when silence would be easier. The novel’s tone is reflective yet hopeful, offering young readers reassurance that clarity and resilience often emerge from uncertainty.
With its blend of historical mystery, emotional intelligence, and accessible prose, August Rain is well-suited for middle grade readers who enjoy stories that challenge both their intellect and their empathy. It is a quiet but powerful reminder that even small acts of courage can have lasting impact sometimes arriving, like an August rain, exactly when they are needed most.
The story begins with loss the death of Marnie’s grandfather but quickly deepens into a layered mystery when a crossword puzzle, cryptic note, and key arrive in the mail. As Marnie follows the trail her grandfather left behind, she uncovers not only his hidden past as a World War II codebreaker but also a secret operation known as August Rain, tied to betrayal and national consequence.
Holly skillfully balances suspense with emotional grounding. The puzzles and clues propel the narrative forward, while the interpersonal dynamics between Marnie, her cousin Mel, her brother Nick, and a guarded classmate anchor the story in authentic adolescent experience. The inclusion of a junior high production of Macbeth subtly reinforces themes of loyalty, betrayal, and moral choice without feeling heavy handed.
At its heart, August Rain is a story about finding one’s voice. Marnie’s journey is not about heroics in the traditional sense, but about developing the inner strength to confront truth, honor the past, and speak up when silence would be easier. The novel’s tone is reflective yet hopeful, offering young readers reassurance that clarity and resilience often emerge from uncertainty.
With its blend of historical mystery, emotional intelligence, and accessible prose, August Rain is well-suited for middle grade readers who enjoy stories that challenge both their intellect and their empathy. It is a quiet but powerful reminder that even small acts of courage can have lasting impact sometimes arriving, like an August rain, exactly when they are needed most.
September 14, 2025
A Magnificent Debut for Readers of All Ages!
WKLQIV DUH QRW DV WKHB VEEP.
Cryptology. Steganography. A crossword puzzle taped to an index card. A key. An old photograph. A hidden notebook with one missing page. And an old train depot, where an ancient wooden box, wrapped in cloth and sealed with wax, hides papers, photographs, a cassette tape, and more. All clues to unlock a long-buried secret of national importance.
August Rain is about twelve-year-old Marnie, who unravels a chilling mystery left by her recently deceased grandfather.
But it’s so much more.
This engaging, vivid, and brightly written book is a tribute to the author’s own grandfather, who was a code breaker during WWII.
August Rain is about grief, the kind of loss that shakes us to our core and forever leaves a void in our heart. It’s also about cherishing and honoring family. It reminds us of the importance of examining and coming to terms with how we became who we are and understanding the people who shaped our path along the way – and having the courage to do so.
Although classified as a children’s book, it’s a book for readers of all ages.
Read August Rain. You won’t be disappointed!
WKLQIV DUH QRW DV WKHB VEEP.
Cryptology. Steganography. A crossword puzzle taped to an index card. A key. An old photograph. A hidden notebook with one missing page. And an old train depot, where an ancient wooden box, wrapped in cloth and sealed with wax, hides papers, photographs, a cassette tape, and more. All clues to unlock a long-buried secret of national importance.
August Rain is about twelve-year-old Marnie, who unravels a chilling mystery left by her recently deceased grandfather.
But it’s so much more.
This engaging, vivid, and brightly written book is a tribute to the author’s own grandfather, who was a code breaker during WWII.
August Rain is about grief, the kind of loss that shakes us to our core and forever leaves a void in our heart. It’s also about cherishing and honoring family. It reminds us of the importance of examining and coming to terms with how we became who we are and understanding the people who shaped our path along the way – and having the courage to do so.
Although classified as a children’s book, it’s a book for readers of all ages.
Read August Rain. You won’t be disappointed!
August 9, 2025
Wow. I just finished reading "August Rain" (beautifully written by Marlo Holly, a fresh new voice in the Y.A. world) and what a fun ride it was! Suspenseful, enigmatic, mysterious, full of heart and the emotions of young people suffering from and reveling in growing up. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good story and understands the true meaning of family. And everyone else. Buy it! Though it's intended for middle schoolers, it's a delightful read for us so-called "grown ups" too.
August 21, 2025
It was a GREAT young adult book. Slow start but she’s able to draw you into the characters after the first couple and characters and it’s well written. Young Adults will love this, especially young females. It provides courage, strength and confidence.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews