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Wrapped in Rain
An internationally famous photographer, Tucker Mason has traveled the world, capturing things other people don’t see. But what Tucker himself can’t see is how to let go of the past and forgive his father.
On a sprawling Southern estate, Tucker and his younger brother, Mutt, were raised by their housekeeper, Miss Ella Rain, who loved the motherless boys like her own. Hiring her to take care of Waverly Hall and the boys was the only good thing their father ever did.
When his brother escapes from a mental hospital and an old girlfriend appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face the agony of his own tragic past.
Though Miss Ella has been gone for many years, Tuck can still hear her voice—and her prayers. But finding peace and starting anew will take a measure of grace that Tucker scarcely believes in.
On a sprawling Southern estate, Tucker and his younger brother, Mutt, were raised by their housekeeper, Miss Ella Rain, who loved the motherless boys like her own. Hiring her to take care of Waverly Hall and the boys was the only good thing their father ever did.
When his brother escapes from a mental hospital and an old girlfriend appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face the agony of his own tragic past.
Though Miss Ella has been gone for many years, Tuck can still hear her voice—and her prayers. But finding peace and starting anew will take a measure of grace that Tucker scarcely believes in.
374 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2005
2855 people are currently reading
9572 people want to read
About the author
Charles Martin
111 books9,327 followersCharles Martin is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. He and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, FL. Learn more at charlesmartinbooks.com; Instagram: @storiedcareer; X: @storiedcareer; Facebook: @Author.Charles.Martin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,290 reviews
November 4, 2013
The pain , physical and emotional , that these two brothers endure at the hands of their alcoholic father , is hard to read about . But the love that Ella Rain , their care giver , has for them and that they have for each other ultimately saves them. No need to describe the story , you can read the summary on your
own . Suffice it to say that this is a heartbreaking story that yes does end on a good note and thankfully - the burden of more suffering on these brothers would have been too much . Beautifully written - highly recommended .
own . Suffice it to say that this is a heartbreaking story that yes does end on a good note and thankfully - the burden of more suffering on these brothers would have been too much . Beautifully written - highly recommended .
November 18, 2015
What I like best about this novel was Martin's writing. I felt as a Christian author, he wasn't afraid to 'go there'. The novel felt real and vulnerable, as opposed to the typically overly sensitive and preachy Christian author.
The book still had a very obvious Christian message, but I think I'm ok with the execution. I think Martin was smart in his development of the character of Christian influence. He made her a personality, not just a representation of a religion. I was legitimately drawn into the characters and their experiences.
The story and voice turned out to be completely different than I thought. I do sort of wish that we got a little more from Mutt's perspective! I went into the book for some reason thinking it was going to be mostly about him, this man who escaped an asylum. So I was happy getting some chapters from his POV, and wish they wouldn't have abruptly cut off after he came home. But, that's not a huge critique. Just a very small personal curiosity.
Definitely am wanting to check out more Charles Martin! It was refreshing to find a Christian author not rushing to jam pack his material with cliches and shallow experiences.
The book still had a very obvious Christian message, but I think I'm ok with the execution. I think Martin was smart in his development of the character of Christian influence. He made her a personality, not just a representation of a religion. I was legitimately drawn into the characters and their experiences.
The story and voice turned out to be completely different than I thought. I do sort of wish that we got a little more from Mutt's perspective! I went into the book for some reason thinking it was going to be mostly about him, this man who escaped an asylum. So I was happy getting some chapters from his POV, and wish they wouldn't have abruptly cut off after he came home. But, that's not a huge critique. Just a very small personal curiosity.
Definitely am wanting to check out more Charles Martin! It was refreshing to find a Christian author not rushing to jam pack his material with cliches and shallow experiences.
October 15, 2011
It seemed like it took me all summer to read this book. Oh, wait! It did! I so loved reading Martin's "When Crickets Cry" that I really looked forward to this book. It was so good at first, and the potential for another favorite was there, but the second half just left me a little empty. I had a hard time motivating myself to pick the book up. Many nights I could only squeeze out 2 pages before I lost interest and went to sleep. I just knew something startling, earth shaking, gripping or compelling was about to happen and it just never did. Yes, there was a bit of excitement toward the end, but it was contrived and predictable. There was a great message of what fatherhood should and shouldn't be throughout the story, and heaven knows we need that sort of thing these days. But even the relationship of Tucker to his father was way over the top. Sure, relationships like that exist, but they are so much the exception, and this one was so extreme that it was hard to relate to it. It was just hard to swallow this story in a realistic way, and I felt unmotivated to do so. So much can be accepted when the story moves and is compelling, but I just didn't find it in this book.
December 4, 2018
This is a gritty Christian fiction novel. Another reviewer called it earthy. To me some of the content is crude with a little too much detail but not to the point of taking off a star. The story is well written. The characters are true to life and the setting is so vivid. I usually read female authors, I could definitely feel the masculine point of view coming through in this book. I enjoyed the writing style and appreciate the message of forgiveness and of letting go of the past. I am looking forward to my next read by Charles Martin.
April 10, 2016
Wrapped in Rain follows the story of two half brothers, adults, trying to survive the fallout of their abusive childhoods. As children, Tucker and Mutt's saving grace was their housekeeper Miss Ella and her brother Mose, the town physician. Miss Ella infused love, grace and compassion in an otherwise unbearable home.
While both men struggle with their memories of their abusive father in their own ways, their childhood friend Katie returns with as a single mom with a son of her own. Tucker and Mutt set out to follow Miss Ella's example by teaching love to a child not biologically their own.
This novel is beautifully written. Martin writes so clearly that you have no trouble imaging Waverly House and the Mason family's troubles. However, while the story rooted in darkness, the overall theme is one of hope and endurance. All of the characters demonstrate a strength of character and an amazing capacity for forgiveness. At the last page, you are left wanting to read another chapter to find out what happened with Tucker, Mutt, Katie, and Jase.
This is the first book I've read by Charles Martin. It will not be the last! I can't wait to read more.
While both men struggle with their memories of their abusive father in their own ways, their childhood friend Katie returns with as a single mom with a son of her own. Tucker and Mutt set out to follow Miss Ella's example by teaching love to a child not biologically their own.
This novel is beautifully written. Martin writes so clearly that you have no trouble imaging Waverly House and the Mason family's troubles. However, while the story rooted in darkness, the overall theme is one of hope and endurance. All of the characters demonstrate a strength of character and an amazing capacity for forgiveness. At the last page, you are left wanting to read another chapter to find out what happened with Tucker, Mutt, Katie, and Jase.
This is the first book I've read by Charles Martin. It will not be the last! I can't wait to read more.
December 30, 2019
Like the AT&T ad, it was only okay. The main characters, two white half-brothers brought up by an abusive father, who seemed only interested in making money. The protagonist brother became successful through playing baseball and taking photos, while the other developed schizophrenia and had to be hospitalized. The high point was the love showered on them by their black nanny who raised them and taught them right from wrong. There is also a love story intertwined along with the protagonist helping rescue his brother. Unfortunately, the back and forth between the past and present was hard to follow at times.
February 21, 2023
The writing in this book is exquisite. two half-brothers who are now adults strive to survive the effects of their traumatic upbringing in the story that follows. Yet in the end, they are saved by the love that Ella Rain, their caregiver, and they share for one another.
Unlike the typically excessively sensitive and preachy Christian author, the novel seemed real and vulnerable, but the book still had a very clear Christian message. While the plot is founded in tragedy, hope and perseverance are the overarching themes.
Each character exhibits a remarkable capacity for forgiveness as well as moral fortitude. The stunning scenery descriptions and the backdrop are both quite evocative. I typically read books by female authors, and I could tell this book had a strong male perspective.
The climax didn't wow me, and there were numerous distracting parts. Although the romance in the book was overdone, my opinion of it altered as I read more of the story. Despite this, I found myself wanting to keep reading to find out what happened next.
I have to admit that this book isn't really my bag, but it does have a lovely message overall.
Unlike the typically excessively sensitive and preachy Christian author, the novel seemed real and vulnerable, but the book still had a very clear Christian message. While the plot is founded in tragedy, hope and perseverance are the overarching themes.
Each character exhibits a remarkable capacity for forgiveness as well as moral fortitude. The stunning scenery descriptions and the backdrop are both quite evocative. I typically read books by female authors, and I could tell this book had a strong male perspective.
The climax didn't wow me, and there were numerous distracting parts. Although the romance in the book was overdone, my opinion of it altered as I read more of the story. Despite this, I found myself wanting to keep reading to find out what happened next.
I have to admit that this book isn't really my bag, but it does have a lovely message overall.
July 31, 2020
Tucker Mason and his brother Matthew were taught by their housekeeper Ella rains to love and not to fight with your fists. She loved the motherless boys like they were her own children; always praying for them and with them.
As adults, Tucker a world traveled photographer and Matt in a mental hospital for things he should not have seen in his childhood.
After Matt escaped the mental hospital Tucker takes on a new responsibility of caring for his brother and an old friend and her son.
Tucker remembers all that Ella Rains taught him about love and forgiveness.
A wonderful story everyone should read.
As adults, Tucker a world traveled photographer and Matt in a mental hospital for things he should not have seen in his childhood.
After Matt escaped the mental hospital Tucker takes on a new responsibility of caring for his brother and an old friend and her son.
Tucker remembers all that Ella Rains taught him about love and forgiveness.
A wonderful story everyone should read.
August 20, 2016
Чарльз Мартин «В объятиях дождя».
На страницах нового романа Чарльза Мартина, вас ждет пронзительная история троих друзей – двух братьев и одной девушки. И нет, любовного треугольника не будет. Жизнь разделила неразлучную троицу в детстве и соединила их годы спустя, уже взрослыми людьми. У каждого своя история, свой так сказать «багаж». Такер не может обрести внутренний покой, Мэтт сбегая из лечебного заведения, в прямом смысле слова борется со своими внутренними демонами, Кэти бежит от своего прошлого. Судьба сведет и под крышей семейного поместья Уэверли Холла, где героям предстоит не просто простить старые обиды, обрести внутренний мир, найти любовь, но снова отыскать дорогу домой.
Любовь - это выбор. Это - решимость. Любовь - как река: она втекает в тебя, течёт в тебе и вытекает, она обойдет тебя и найдёт себе другое сердце и пробьется на свет через него.
Книги Мартина – как сладкая карамельная ириска - насыщенные, яркие и тягучие. У меня не получается просто прочитать, я на полном серьезе проживаю его истории. И эта, не стала исключением. Атмосфера затягивает. Кажется, что написанное оживает перед глазами. Его романы сложно назвать «легким чтением», хотя книги типичная сентиментальная проза. Но глубже, тяжелее. «В объятиях дождя» поднимается много тяжелых тем, тут и тема домашнего насилия, и тема веры в Бога, тема психического состояния, тема прощения. Автор плетёт историю очень медленно, осторожно. Где-то на середине, кажется, что все – сейчас начнется банальщина и Мартину просто не удастся вытянуть историю, но нет! Он сможет. Герои у автора вышли очень приземленные, и что мне больше всего понравилось – абсолютно несовершенные. Они совершают ошибки, «наступают на грабли» дважды, не могут решить банальные простых проблем, но от того они становятся такими живыми и родными! Им веришь, им сопереживаешь. Послевкусие шикарное. Оценка +5 из 5
На страницах нового романа Чарльза Мартина, вас ждет пронзительная история троих друзей – двух братьев и одной девушки. И нет, любовного треугольника не будет. Жизнь разделила неразлучную троицу в детстве и соединила их годы спустя, уже взрослыми людьми. У каждого своя история, свой так сказать «багаж». Такер не может обрести внутренний покой, Мэтт сбегая из лечебного заведения, в прямом смысле слова борется со своими внутренними демонами, Кэти бежит от своего прошлого. Судьба сведет и под крышей семейного поместья Уэверли Холла, где героям предстоит не просто простить старые обиды, обрести внутренний мир, найти любовь, но снова отыскать дорогу домой.
Любовь - это выбор. Это - решимость. Любовь - как река: она втекает в тебя, течёт в тебе и вытекает, она обойдет тебя и найдёт себе другое сердце и пробьется на свет через него.
Книги Мартина – как сладкая карамельная ириска - насыщенные, яркие и тягучие. У меня не получается просто прочитать, я на полном серьезе проживаю его истории. И эта, не стала исключением. Атмосфера затягивает. Кажется, что написанное оживает перед глазами. Его романы сложно назвать «легким чтением», хотя книги типичная сентиментальная проза. Но глубже, тяжелее. «В объятиях дождя» поднимается много тяжелых тем, тут и тема домашнего насилия, и тема веры в Бога, тема психического состояния, тема прощения. Автор плетёт историю очень медленно, осторожно. Где-то на середине, кажется, что все – сейчас начнется банальщина и Мартину просто не удастся вытянуть историю, но нет! Он сможет. Герои у автора вышли очень приземленные, и что мне больше всего понравилось – абсолютно несовершенные. Они совершают ошибки, «наступают на грабли» дважды, не могут решить банальные простых проблем, но от того они становятся такими живыми и родными! Им веришь, им сопереживаешь. Послевкусие шикарное. Оценка +5 из 5
March 5, 2020
Wrapped in Rain
by Charles Martin
Present day story set near Jacksonville, Florida.
In my mind Charles Martin compares to Jan Karon. Both have unique, God given writing styles beyond what most authors can accomplish, and their way with words captures me like few can. I love tucking in to a Charles Martin book because I know the awe factor will grab me from the first line. However, like Jan Karon, he can be just a tad earthy, not with swear words, just when their more worldly characters are talking, their conversations sound...well...worldly. Real world talk, but toned down for us Christian fiction readers.
Some authors throw in rabbit trail stories to add to the word count, lengthening the book, but could totally be left out. I thought back on the book and remembered what I thought had been one of those stories. I just re-read it and laughed through it again. It's purpose was two fold.
1. A flirty waitress is schooling these flashy Northerners on how sweet tea is brewed, and it's importance to Southerners. Then a history lesson on grits, how lunch is called dinner down there, and how she never thought she'd be eating bait, but sushi has taken off in the South. It was cute, and the whole thing was being observed by one of the main characters.
2. That character had just escaped from a mental hospital and was eating lunch there, watching and listening to every word. His take-away from that exchange was the crux of this story. The female northerner had a necklace that said her name, which rested low on her chest, almost inside her low cut shirt. What he said to her as he was leaving was, "Ma'am, if you want someone to read your name tag you need to put it on a shorter chain." This makes total sense to the reader who is learning his literal thought processes. It was a fun few pages, and totally made that chapter.
Kay, nuff said.
Story...
This is a story of love that heals, of deep friendships and some romance, of helping each other through hard memories, and yes, eventually forgiveness. I still like Chasing Fireflies best of all his books (which deeply affected me and I still think about often), but this might be close behind.
by Charles Martin
Present day story set near Jacksonville, Florida.
In my mind Charles Martin compares to Jan Karon. Both have unique, God given writing styles beyond what most authors can accomplish, and their way with words captures me like few can. I love tucking in to a Charles Martin book because I know the awe factor will grab me from the first line. However, like Jan Karon, he can be just a tad earthy, not with swear words, just when their more worldly characters are talking, their conversations sound...well...worldly. Real world talk, but toned down for us Christian fiction readers.
Some authors throw in rabbit trail stories to add to the word count, lengthening the book, but could totally be left out. I thought back on the book and remembered what I thought had been one of those stories. I just re-read it and laughed through it again. It's purpose was two fold.
1. A flirty waitress is schooling these flashy Northerners on how sweet tea is brewed, and it's importance to Southerners. Then a history lesson on grits, how lunch is called dinner down there, and how she never thought she'd be eating bait, but sushi has taken off in the South. It was cute, and the whole thing was being observed by one of the main characters.
2. That character had just escaped from a mental hospital and was eating lunch there, watching and listening to every word. His take-away from that exchange was the crux of this story. The female northerner had a necklace that said her name, which rested low on her chest, almost inside her low cut shirt. What he said to her as he was leaving was, "Ma'am, if you want someone to read your name tag you need to put it on a shorter chain." This makes total sense to the reader who is learning his literal thought processes. It was a fun few pages, and totally made that chapter.
Kay, nuff said.
Story...
This is a story of love that heals, of deep friendships and some romance, of helping each other through hard memories, and yes, eventually forgiveness. I still like Chasing Fireflies best of all his books (which deeply affected me and I still think about often), but this might be close behind.
September 10, 2018
I really wanted to like this book but I found it to be extremely boring and a bit contrived and heavy-handed. I get that the author had a message he wanted to convey, but every chapter and every other paragraph doesn't have to be a teaching moment. Some of the scenarios to get that message across seemed forced and head-scratching. For example, Tucker talking to 5 year old Jase about horses being castrated so they'll be nicer just so Jase can ask the question about doing that to people, implying to quell the meanness in his father. Who would ever talk to a 5 year old about horse castration? Or the whole scene with Tucker having him and Jase spray beer everywhere, including all over themselves, just because beer scared Jase. Why would someone ever do that? It just doesn't make sense. So much seemed contrived.
I get that the author wanted to tell a story about love and forgiveness but I felt that the author was more interested in driving home the message than telling a good story.
I get that the author wanted to tell a story about love and forgiveness but I felt that the author was more interested in driving home the message than telling a good story.
November 4, 2014
I really loved this book. It's a Christian book but not a "preachy" book. It ended up making me want to be a better person.
Read
January 2, 2022This book is heading right to my "Favorites" shelf! There is so much packed into this story making it both powerful and uplifting. I also just added all of Charles Martin's book to my TBR!
August 1, 2022
I changed my rating to 3 because it did take me some time to get into it.
The story itself was good and I liked the characters a lot. The faith was great.
The writing was really good but it did get overly descriptive and reflective for my taste.
The message of forgiveness and love winning was beautiful.
Definitely a piece of art but not my kind of super enjoyable read.
It gets violent in its descriptions of abuse so be warned.
The story itself was good and I liked the characters a lot. The faith was great.
The writing was really good but it did get overly descriptive and reflective for my taste.
The message of forgiveness and love winning was beautiful.
Definitely a piece of art but not my kind of super enjoyable read.
It gets violent in its descriptions of abuse so be warned.
February 7, 2012
I read this one for my book club. It was good, but too much of a Lifetime Movie theme for me. The main characters, two brothers brought up by an abusive and neglected father plus the nanny who raised them, are interesting and likeable. But there were a LOT of flashbacks to explain the characters and I found myself getting lost in the timeline. I also never understood where the boys' mothers went (yes, plural) or why the father took them in when he obviously never wanted them. Ultimately the story is about letting go of the past, forgiving those who have wronged you, and moving on with your life. Good message and it had it's entertainig moments, but had it not been for the book club I probably wouldn't have finished it.
March 22, 2023
I read a few Charles Martin books back around 2009-ish and then didn’t read for awhile and forgot about him. One of his books popped up on social media recently, so I pulled up his books. This one was written in 2005, so it’s not one of his recent ones, but it is SO good! And I’m convinced I need to re-read the ones I have read and probably more. Seriously…it’s SO good. I’m not one to laugh or cry easily from a book, so if it evicts those emotional responses, I know it’s really good. And I did cry with this one. It gives such a good picture of forgiveness. Specifically…forgiving without an apology.
June 20, 2009
“Child, Love always wins, always has – always will!”
Timeless words of instruction from the memories of ‘Miss Ella’ float through “Wrapped in Rain” by Charles Martin and capture your heart, strike down your pride, and offer glimpses of the mystery of Grace.
This is a story of two abused boys, a self-absorbed money hungry father, a self sacrificing little black woman and how love wins over incomprehensible physical, mental, and emotional pain.
Tucker Rain providentially meets his childhood friend (Katy Withers) and her son one stormy night. The next day, Tucker discovers his schizophrenic brother (Mutt Mason) has escaped the mental ward. Tucker, Katy, and Jayce (Katy’s five year son) set off to find him and bring him home.
Once found, Tucker brings Mutt back to their home and they slowly discover their roots again. Katy’s son is a visual reminder to both Tucker and Mutt of their own childhood innocence they had lost somewhere long ago in an upstairs room of Waverly Hall.
With vivid, enduring characters and picturesque landscape descriptions, the reader discovers redemption and forgiveness, pride and hatred, innocence and wonder all set in a small town in Alabama.
The dialogue will capture your heart and linger through your mind long after you finish the book. Words such as: “If your knuckles are bloodier than your knees, you’re fighting the wrong battle” and”His blood dripped onto my restraints and dissolved them.”
Perhaps the most enduring dialogue was explaining an invisible God to a five year child by saying “The closer you get to the heat, the less you doubt the fire“
This is a must read book. In it you will learn what a ‘People Place’ is, the real reason for beer, and the most complete description of the cultural south by a waitress named Dixie I have ever read.
If you have struggled with facing your own childhood demons, read this book and you may find yourself putting some of your own memories behind you.
Timeless words of instruction from the memories of ‘Miss Ella’ float through “Wrapped in Rain” by Charles Martin and capture your heart, strike down your pride, and offer glimpses of the mystery of Grace.
This is a story of two abused boys, a self-absorbed money hungry father, a self sacrificing little black woman and how love wins over incomprehensible physical, mental, and emotional pain.
Tucker Rain providentially meets his childhood friend (Katy Withers) and her son one stormy night. The next day, Tucker discovers his schizophrenic brother (Mutt Mason) has escaped the mental ward. Tucker, Katy, and Jayce (Katy’s five year son) set off to find him and bring him home.
Once found, Tucker brings Mutt back to their home and they slowly discover their roots again. Katy’s son is a visual reminder to both Tucker and Mutt of their own childhood innocence they had lost somewhere long ago in an upstairs room of Waverly Hall.
With vivid, enduring characters and picturesque landscape descriptions, the reader discovers redemption and forgiveness, pride and hatred, innocence and wonder all set in a small town in Alabama.
The dialogue will capture your heart and linger through your mind long after you finish the book. Words such as: “If your knuckles are bloodier than your knees, you’re fighting the wrong battle” and”His blood dripped onto my restraints and dissolved them.”
Perhaps the most enduring dialogue was explaining an invisible God to a five year child by saying “The closer you get to the heat, the less you doubt the fire“
This is a must read book. In it you will learn what a ‘People Place’ is, the real reason for beer, and the most complete description of the cultural south by a waitress named Dixie I have ever read.
If you have struggled with facing your own childhood demons, read this book and you may find yourself putting some of your own memories behind you.
July 24, 2020
A unique story set in rural Alabama that kept me guessing.
The story is told through Tuck .. who ages from a small boy to a seasoned professional world photographer.
But even though we experience the story through his eyes .. Miss Ella is the heroine of this tale.
This is my first Charles Martin book .. and I hope to read more!
PS: Gritty .. some typos :( .. and a bit too “wispy” for me at the end there.
The story is told through Tuck .. who ages from a small boy to a seasoned professional world photographer.
But even though we experience the story through his eyes .. Miss Ella is the heroine of this tale.
This is my first Charles Martin book .. and I hope to read more!
PS: Gritty .. some typos :( .. and a bit too “wispy” for me at the end there.
February 14, 2019
So so Very Very GOOD!!!
I couldn't put this book down. When I wasn't crying I was laughing....or being touched to my soul. The author words are magical.. The plot is so so good and I fell in love with the characters!. If I could give this book more than 5 I would!
I couldn't put this book down. When I wasn't crying I was laughing....or being touched to my soul. The author words are magical.. The plot is so so good and I fell in love with the characters!. If I could give this book more than 5 I would!
February 13, 2022
3.5 Stars!
Moving and really enjoyable. Love heals all. Forgiveness changes lives. Making time for the little things is important. Simple words, but so true.
Moving and really enjoyable. Love heals all. Forgiveness changes lives. Making time for the little things is important. Simple words, but so true.
March 17, 2012
This is the story of Tucker Mason and how he overcame growing up in the home of an abusive, strict, alcoholic father. His half-brother, Matthew, who goes by Mutt, didn't fare so well. When the book opens, Mutt is in a mental hospital being treated for schizophrenia. Their father Rex left the boys for long periods of time with a caregiver. When he was home, he mistreated the boys.
In flashbacks we learn about Miss Ella Rain, the black woman hired to care for Tucker and Mutt. She was forty-five, a childless widow, and daughter of the son of a slave. She helped her younger brother Moses get through college. He serves in the military and become a doctor.
When the story begins, we learn that Miss Ella has died and Tucker has taken her last name. Tucker Rain is an internationally renowned photographer with cover photos on all the major magazines. He is on his way back to the family home in a small Alabama town even as his agent tries to get him to go on jobs. The family home, which Tucker now owns, is called Waverly Hall. Tucker's father was a mean person, but he had a knack for making money. He was worth more than $50 million by the time he was forty.
On the trip home, Tucker meets a woman, Katie Wither with a child, first at a food stop and later when her car breaks down. It turns out she was a neighbor of the Mason's and a close childhood friend. She was a talented musician, who played the piano as a child at the Mason's home with encouragement from Miss Ella. She left to study piano at Julliard, and later married an unfaithful and abusive man, Trevor. She divorced him, but ran away to protect her five-year old son, Jase.
After rescuing Katie and Jase, and learning of their situation, Tucker talks her into hiding out at the Mason home. When they get there, Tucker finds out his brother has left the hospital where Tucker had taken him seven years earlier.
Katie, Jase and Tucker find Mutt and the three adults recall childhood memories and get together to plan a super Christmas. Moses is at there, too.
The background information is introduced gradually, as needed, without distracting the reader from the main flow of the story.
I loved meeting these characters. Tucker was able to forgive his father and that is what made him special. Mutt tried to control himself, but he couldn't. He was a good man, but unable to be like others. Katie was a good mother who let herself get tricked into marrying an abusive man. She would survive. Moses, set good examples for the brothers when they were children and when they were adults. Along with Ella, he helped them survive.
It was a satisfying story with characters you'll not soon forget.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
In flashbacks we learn about Miss Ella Rain, the black woman hired to care for Tucker and Mutt. She was forty-five, a childless widow, and daughter of the son of a slave. She helped her younger brother Moses get through college. He serves in the military and become a doctor.
When the story begins, we learn that Miss Ella has died and Tucker has taken her last name. Tucker Rain is an internationally renowned photographer with cover photos on all the major magazines. He is on his way back to the family home in a small Alabama town even as his agent tries to get him to go on jobs. The family home, which Tucker now owns, is called Waverly Hall. Tucker's father was a mean person, but he had a knack for making money. He was worth more than $50 million by the time he was forty.
On the trip home, Tucker meets a woman, Katie Wither with a child, first at a food stop and later when her car breaks down. It turns out she was a neighbor of the Mason's and a close childhood friend. She was a talented musician, who played the piano as a child at the Mason's home with encouragement from Miss Ella. She left to study piano at Julliard, and later married an unfaithful and abusive man, Trevor. She divorced him, but ran away to protect her five-year old son, Jase.
After rescuing Katie and Jase, and learning of their situation, Tucker talks her into hiding out at the Mason home. When they get there, Tucker finds out his brother has left the hospital where Tucker had taken him seven years earlier.
Katie, Jase and Tucker find Mutt and the three adults recall childhood memories and get together to plan a super Christmas. Moses is at there, too.
The background information is introduced gradually, as needed, without distracting the reader from the main flow of the story.
I loved meeting these characters. Tucker was able to forgive his father and that is what made him special. Mutt tried to control himself, but he couldn't. He was a good man, but unable to be like others. Katie was a good mother who let herself get tricked into marrying an abusive man. She would survive. Moses, set good examples for the brothers when they were children and when they were adults. Along with Ella, he helped them survive.
It was a satisfying story with characters you'll not soon forget.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
April 22, 2008
This was such a unique book. It wasn’t close to what I expected. Two boys, who live with their father in Alabama, are pretty much raised by their housekeeper, Ella Rain. Their father is very abusive and it impacts the boys life in drastic ways. Tucker, a photographer, is running from himself and the person he does not want to become. Mutt is in a mental hospital dealing with his demons and the voices inside his head. When Mutt escapes from the hospital and Katie appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face his tragic past. This books brings faith and hope together with great character development and a very unique story line. One of those I whipped through and did not want to put down.
March 16, 2011
Charles Martin books are amazing. You know how some stories take their time to engage your mind and eventually capture all of your attention? This one embraces you from the very beginning and just gets better and better and will take your heart captive as well.
June 19, 2021
Charles Martin continues to be my absolute favorite author. I am going back to slowly read and savor his older books. Love his broken characters. Love his writing style. Excellent book, highly recommend.
January 3, 2014
Goodness, am I tired of being preached to. Not a bad book, just to preachy for me.
Read
March 26, 2020Powerful. This is a book I would re-read.
April 18, 2022
Beste boek van Charles. Oprecht mooi
July 23, 2022
Vet goed, wel heftig maar mooi
June 25, 2024
Beautifully written. This book feels like I’m having a cuppa with an older, wiser elder who is handing me invaluable bits of truth and honesty. Love, justice, forgiveness, and innocence.
July 13, 2024
I really really liked this book. Had a lot of intertwining little details that were so meaningful and just so redemptive in so many ways
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