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Bring the Rain

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One summer to make the choice of a lifetime…

Everything is waiting in Paris for Autumn—her new home, her mom, the Louvre, and a life where she can experience art, and not just look at it. But to get there, she'll have to survive the summer in the least colorful place she can imagine — her father's Oklahoma cattle ranch

Autumn finds the perfect summer distraction in Colt, the one cowboy hotter than the July sun. But Colt is her father's ranch hand, and he won’t go for the Manhattan-style fling that she's used to. The closer they become, the more she questions which side of the ocean she belongs.


Then her father reveals an unforgivable secret, and Autumn’s illusions shatter. Will the secret destroy everything? Or could Oklahoma hold the greatest masterpiece of all—a love that could mend her heart?

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First published February 17, 2015

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258 people want to read

About the author

Lizzy Charles

7 books347 followers
When Lizzy Charles isn’t scrambling to raise her two spunky toddlers or caring for premature and sick babies as a neonatal intensive care nurse, she’s in a quiet corner writing or snuggled up with a novel and a few squares of dark chocolate. Black tea keeps her constant and she loves guacamole. She married her high school sweet heart, a heart-melting musician, so it’s no surprise she’s fallen in love with writing contemporary YA romance novels.

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5 stars
67 (35%)
4 stars
61 (32%)
3 stars
44 (23%)
2 stars
15 (7%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,082 reviews895 followers
February 18, 2015
Autumn was just eight years old when her parent’s divorce took her from the comfort of Oklahoma Ranch that she called home and thrust her into big city life, in New York. Now Sixteen, Autumn is returning to her roots for the summer before her birthday, back to a father that has been pretty much non-existent over the last eight years.

With the help of a cute cowboy, Colt, Autumn finds a little bit about what home really means; even if that lesson comes with a little bit of heartache. But a decision has to be made, will Autumn stay to further mend the relationship with the father she is just getting to know again or move to Paris to live the life she thought would be everything she could ever want?

This was a beautiful coming of age romance that not only gave you a pretty sweet love story of two young kids but a great story of redemption for a father and daughter. I loved the moments when Chris finally broke down her walls enough to gain an honest reaction from his daughter. It hurt my heart completely to see him struggle with what he wanted with her – only for her to hold back from him.

Colt was a bit of a dream at first, but some harsh truths blurred that perfect image for a while. Although in the end I can clearly see where he was coming from; I can’t lie and say my heart was a little crushed though. He was that perfect kind of guy, the one that isn’t supposed to make these kind of mistakes.

In the end I loved watching Autumn grow from an immature girl to the beginning stages of becoming an adult. I loved watching the events shape her and that no matter how high she built her walls, there was always something that kept her from putting that last stone in.

This was my first Lizzy Charles read and although I YA reads leave me wanting more; I loved the theme and the overall message this story had. These characters were ones that resonated with me as a reader and I couldn’t help but love each and every one of them by the end of this story.

ARC
Profile Image for Rebecca Yarros.
Author 67 books194k followers
January 21, 2015
I freaking love Lizzy Charles and her spot-on sweet YA Romances!!! (Review to Follow)
Profile Image for Rachel.
Author 16 books1,335 followers
February 16, 2015
A beautiful story of discovering who you are, who to fight for, and where you belong. BRING THE RAIN is about rebirth and romance...and stars a sexy cowboy who turned my heart into sticky goo. Lizzy Charles has become one of my favorite authors, and this is a must-read for any fan of sweet romance. A new favorite!
Profile Image for Michele.
396 reviews29 followers
January 27, 2015
*I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.*

This was my first Lizzy Charles book. Bring the Rain is a super sweet YA romance, with a little angst.

Autumn's parents divorced 7 years ago. After the divorce, she moved to New York, with only occasional contact from her dad. But the summer before she turns 17 she returns to her dad's ranch in Oklahoma to spend three months before moving to Paris with her mom.
When she goes to a party with her old friend, Gina, she meets cowboy Colt who quickly turns her world upside down.

This is a sweet story about growing up, falling in love, and finding out that what you thought was true may not actually be true at all.

At times I felt like this story was a bit rushed and choppy. There were a few instances, especially one very pivotal event, that I wished the author would have spent more time on. I liked the characters for the most part, although at times I thought Autumn was spoiled and selfish. This is a quick, sweet story of finding love and discovering where you belong.
Profile Image for Briana.
15 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2015
I was very lucky to receive an ARC in a giveaway I won. I have been a fan of Lizzy Charles since I read her first book, "Effortless with You." The sequel, "Perfectly Messy," solidified her on my list of favorite authors. So, when I won this ARC it was like Christmas morning for me! "Bring the Rain" is simply wonderful. It is packed full of real emotions, wonderful characters, and a well thought out plot. Her attention to detail makes you feel as if you are part of the story. I hated to see the book end! A much deserved 5 stars to Lizzy Charles and "Bring the Rain!"
2 reviews
February 10, 2015
Do yourself a favour and read this book!

Lizzy Charles is without a doubt one of my favourite Authors and if you haven't read any of her other books, 'Effortless with you' & 'Perfectly Messy'then go and get them right now, trust me it's worth it.

She has this way of telling a love story but having so much personal growth and bigger issues surrounding it that makes it perfect and super relatable!

I will always recommend Lizzy's books and it doesn't hurt that she's just a lovely person in general.

Can't wait for what she brings out next!!
Profile Image for Catherine Glenn.
35 reviews
February 10, 2015
This was my first book by this author and I now would love to read more of hers!
As the book started, I felt that it may be too young adult for me considering the main characters and the romances were based on characters at 16 years of age. But shortly into reading the book, I fell in love with the story and there were plenty of relatable feelings. There are more complex relationships beyond the romances that also keep you very involved.
I will definitely be recommending this book.
Profile Image for Lou-Lou Belle.
578 reviews6 followers
March 16, 2015
752 reviews
May 2, 2015
Bring the Rain was a sweet, coming of age, YA novel about Autumn, a 16 year old girl. It follows her transition from living the city life with her mother in NYC to country living on her father's cattle ranch in Oklahoma. Autumn has to survive the summer in the middle of nowhere before she can join her mother in Paris for their new adventure.

Autumn was an independent teenager who wasn't accustomed to having a parent ever-present in her life. Autumn's mother was an extremely busy marketing executive who didn't want Autumn to hate her, so she treated Autumn as a peer instead of as her child. Because of this, as well as her age, Autumn tended to be self-centered and shallow. At times, I wanted to smack some common sense and manners into Autumn. But then she redeems herself when times are hard. I guess you could say Autumn behaved as a typical teenager.

Although the hero of this story was Colt (her father's 18 year old ranch-hand), I enjoyed the father/daughter storyline more. To me, Chris' (Autumn's father) storyline held more emotion. At times, my heart was aching for Chris and Autumn to finally put their pride and the past aside to form the relationship they both needed. Chris, like many fathers I know, just had trouble verbally expressing his love. But as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words.

While at times the story was slower, Bring the Rain was a solid read with an amazing, sweet story. I would recommend it for fans of YA. This was my first book by Lizzy Charles and I am excited to read her other novels.
Profile Image for Hilda.
243 reviews3 followers
February 19, 2015
Autumn's sixteenth summer starts off with life-changing news with regards to a life she thought she knew and had figured out. The secrets that she's become privy to changes EVERYTHING she knows and she only has a couple of months to come to terms with her feelings and to make an even bigger decision at her seventeenth birthday. Her character really grows on you as the story progresses. What seems to be a spoiled city girl intent on just getting through the summer on the family ranch she left behind blossoms and grows into a stronger young woman (as mature as a someone her age can be expected to be, really!).

Colt seems drawn to Autumn from her first arrival. It's sweet and, really, in this day in age, where does one find a guy like him with the noblest of intentions? I think I swooned more and more as his character unfolded. His and Autumn's relationship may be one big emotional roller coaster ride but at that age, what relationship isn't? I think he really complements Autumn's character and truly gives her even more reason to establish roots in a place she used to love and call home.

This novel is one of the sweetest that I've read lately about growing up, discovering yourself and finding out where you belong. I totally recommend this to anyone who loves a heartwarming ya/teen romance! I'd love to see where Colt and Autumn end up and where life will take them :)
Profile Image for Chantal Leahy.
48 reviews
February 2, 2015
**I received an ARC for an honest review**

This is a YA romance and my first novel by Lizzy Charles. This is a story about growing, finding and falling in love. Autumn's parents are divorced and she spends the summer of her 16th birthday with her dad where she finds out some truths that were hard for her to deal with. After meeting Colt at a party she was hoping to have a fling with him nothing serious for the summer before she leaves to move to Paris with her mom. She develops feelings for him which she doesnt want since it might ruin her plans for Paris and she also doesnt want to get to know her dad either, life doesnt always go as planned and she soon realizes the little country town she grew up in she still loves. I can relate to her feelings with her dad as i went through something similar with my own father. She didnt realize what she had and missed until it was gone. I liked how the book ended, and I will definitely read more by Lizzy Charles!!!
Profile Image for Kelly P..
79 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2015
I found this book interesting because I could identify with the main character Autumn, at least with respect to her original dislike of all things quiet and country. Being dropped in the great plains of the USA is pretty much my nightmare. Country music, cowboy boots, nooooooo!

BUT the best part of the book was reading about Autumn finding her place in the world, even if it is her country hometown that she thought she grew out of. The sense of community and family is truly touching and I'm glad the book ended how it did.

HOWEVER, my main dislike of the book...while attempting to keep this review spoiler-free...is Colt's misstep and his lack of remorse. I mean I must be a total B compared to Autumn, because I would not have let that slide.

Overall, a solid 4 star YA book.

I was lucky enough to snag an ARC, thank you!
Profile Image for Nabila Anjum.
170 reviews3 followers
April 23, 2015
After the rain has a nice story, some remarkable characters, and a good background setting. SO what sucks, you ask? The male lead, that's who. Colt is an exceptionally crappy self centered egotistical sanctimonious narcissist, who judges others when standing on the edge of the same precipice. He utterly ruined the story for me. Also, for some one as detached and practical as Autumn comes across, i couldn't understand her decision to return to her father, especially when she was used to the mould that was her life. She is the kind of person who refuses to take things seriously, and is intent on blaming her father for almost everything. Also, her decision to reconcile with Colt went against nature. He was an asshole, and that's that. A five star story with an asshole= 2stars knocked out= 3 stars.
4 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2015
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review

I had never read a Lizzy Charles book before but i will read more now!!

I found this book very sweet and loved loved loved Colt!! what a hot cowboy!! I wasn't sure how I felt about Autumn at the beginning, I found her a bit spoilt but she changed more and more as the story progressed and I really did feel for her by the end. I would love to read more of Autumn and Colt to know what happens next!!

The only reason i didn't give this book a full five stars is because there were a few missing/wrong words throughout which was very slightly distracting but it didn't take anything away from a lovely story, I would highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kelley Harvey.
Author 10 books384 followers
January 23, 2015
Oh my, HOLY COWBOY HOTNESS! I love this book and will ALWAYS love this story. Autumn is so real for me and Colt is and might just always be my favorite cowboy. He's the one I think of when I think of a hot cowboy & perfect book boyfriend. I love the tension between Autumn and her dad, and then between her and Colt, but there are also those moments of sweetness that give this book a perfect balance. If you love Justin and Lucy from EFFORTLESS WITH YOU, also by Lizzy Charles, then you’ll be crazy over Colt and Autumn. Lizzy out does herself with this one.
Profile Image for Ashley Berry.
535 reviews26 followers
January 29, 2015
This was such a phenomenal read! One of the best YA novels I have read! Not many books I can share with my daughters and this is certainly one that I can! This book touched home in so many ways, it was the perfect book for my soul! As a daughter of divorced parents and feeling like taking sides is always a battle and having to make decisions at such a young age I GOT IT!!! I held my breath and suffered and laughed and felt like I was 16 again!!! Lizzy, you have a new fan!!! Plus Paris and Cowboys! How could that ever be bad!!! It was perfect!!!

ARC provided by the author!
Profile Image for DCT.
1,036 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2015
This is my first read by this author, and I was moved by how poetic and beautifully written it was. The words were so fluid, artful and descriptive that I felt transposed to the ranch in Oklahoma. Yes, this is a YA story, but even a mature woman like myself could connect with the experiences and life lessons in Autumn's journey. I would have loved to known more of what happened between her parents, and all the years Dad was forced to stay away, but all in all, it really was a sweet, heartfelt read that I truly enjoyed. Looking forward to more of this author's work.
Profile Image for Amber Dicks.
81 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2015
I must say that I've finally found a cowboy book that I really liked!

The story of Autumn and Colt is so hot and cold... They both obviously want each other, but there is always something standing in their way. Colt is looking for the forever kind of love and Autumn is looking for a summer fling since she will be heading to Paris after her birthday. Or will she? You can take the girl out of the country, but can you take the country out of the girl?
Profile Image for Victoria .
540 reviews47 followers
February 10, 2015
I won an ARC of this book and this is my first Lizzy Charles read.

I was honestly surprised at how sweet this story was. It hits all the marks of falling in love and self discovery. I enjoyed all of the characters and the story itself invoked a lot of different emotions. A solid YA book that is worth reading.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,467 reviews51 followers
February 19, 2015
Great love story! But that's not all you get! You have a little twist in this book that will floor you like no other! This book will have you wanting more from this author! Lizzy Charles show how talented she is. The characters are realistic and the story even better! Recommend this book for anyone that needs a good read!

*Received for an honest review*
Profile Image for Jamie Rae.
Author 13 books120 followers
March 7, 2015
This was a sweet and beautifully written story that is a perfect example of why a lot of adults read YA stories. It takes you back to a place and time where you will remember how exciting and intense young love can be. Well done Lizzy Charles!
Profile Image for Amanda Adkins.
298 reviews5 followers
February 19, 2015
I enjoyed this book. It's definitely a book that keeps your emotions in check. It was well written but had a few typos, they don't take away from the reading experience though.
Profile Image for Denise.
74 reviews3 followers
August 28, 2015
3 words:

I LOVE IT.

Definitely one of my favorite books.
Profile Image for Culture-Vulture.
540 reviews
September 9, 2021
It's apparent this is a self-published novel: there's a large number of typos, punctuation and grammatical mistakes, even mistakes while referencing the names of places and things. Plus, the pacing of the novel feels off; the transitions between scenes, moods, chapters isn't fluid.

❎SPOILERS AHEAD❎

There's a lot about this novel I didn't like, from the hideous cover to the unlikeable characters to all the excessive drama. But I'll still give it 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for the unusual romantic arc. I haven't come across this kind of romance before now (and I've read a ton of YA Romance!): one where a reformed-player guy tries to reform the player-girl into choosing a relationship over a casual hookup. I still don't understand how a 18-year old and a 16-year old can decide on their "forever" so early in their life, but it's still unusual enough a YA plot/romance-arc to squeeze those 5 Stars out of me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
16 reviews
May 21, 2017
liked it more then i expected but i hated Colt a little (for lying of course) but overall a good read.

Profile Image for Umi.
392 reviews5 followers
March 4, 2015
Saya suka 2 novel Lizzy Charles sebelumnya. Saya ingat awalnya tertarik baca novel pertama Lizzy Charles waktu gak sengaja saya baca bab 1 nya. Saya penasaran dan beruntung bisa baca novel penuhnya. Di novel ketiganya ini sayang sekali bab pertamanya gak begitu menarik dan cenderung membosankan. Mungkin karena saya gak begitu menikmati ilustrasi kegiatan di daerah peternakan di Amerika. Entah. Yang pasti bab pembukaannya agak lambat.
Seperti novel Lizzy Charles sebelumnya, novel ini juga menceritakan tentang proses pendewasaan seorang gadis remaja. Autumn harus menghabiskan musim panas di usia 16 tahunnya di perternakan milik ayahnya di Oklahoma sebelum dia pindah ke Paris dengan ibunya. Orang tuanya bercerai ketika dia berusia 8 tahun. Terbiasa hidup di New York, Autumn sudah memutuskan tidak betah di daerah pedesaan. Meski dia bertemu dengan coboy ganteng, Colt yang membuatnya nyaman. Dia tidak membutuhkan hubungan jangka panjang. Apalagi setelah ayahnya membeberkan kenapa orang tuanya memutuskan untuk bercerai.
Di novel ini digambarkan bagaimana pergaulan remaja Barat. Bagaimana mereka menghabiskan waktu berpesta, minum alkohol dengan bebas meski di bawah umur, dan sex bebas yang dianggap keren daripada bahaya. Rasanya sedih membaca bagaimana pola pikir mereka yang mementingkan kesenangan duniawi yang hanya sesaat. Saya kurang suka dengan pola pikir Autumn yang dengan mudah menggoda cowok asing di hari pertamanya di Oklahoma. Bagaimana dia merasa tersinggung ketika Colt yang menolak berhubungan sex dengannya. Dan menganggap keputusan Colt untuk menyimpan malam pertama untuk istrinya konyol. Mengingat Colt masih 18 tahun. Di akhir novel dia tidak seliar ketika dia baru datang ke Oklahoma karena dia mulai berubah lebih dewasa. Walau dia hampir mengambil keputusan yang salah.
Selain itu isu utama novel ini adalah tentang hubungan Autumn dan ayahnya. Karena ego kedua orang tuanya, Autumn harus menghabiskan masa setelah perceraian orang tuanya merasa ayahnya tidak menyayanginya. ketika dia kembali ke ayahnya dia mendapat kejutan yang membuatnya semakin kecewa. Dari proses memafkan ini yang membuat Autumn lebih dewasa.
Gaya penulisan novel ini masih sama seperti novel Lizzy Charles sebelumnya. Enak dibaca meski di awal agak lambat. Karakter di dalamnya bukan karakter sempurna. Tetapi ada proses dimana mereka berubah lebih baik.
Sejujurnya novel Lizzy Charles sebelumnya lebih bagus dari ini. Tapi pesan tentang proses pendewasaannya masih sama.
Profile Image for Molly Lee.
Author 18 books994 followers
March 7, 2015
There is something majestic about Oklahoma, from the rich red dirt to the way the stars fill the inky sky after the sun sets. That's why when I learned Lizzy Charles’ BRING THE RAIN was set in Oklahoma, I had to devour the novel. It's such a refreshing setting, an Oklahoma cattle ranch where the stakes are completely different for the main character, Native New Yorker, Autumn. On her dad’s ranch, it's about survival and community and opening up, with her mom in NYC it's about elegant restaurants, spa days, and keeping conversation strictly casual.

The two starkly different places try to find room in Autumn’s heart, but ultimately she must choose where she really wants to be. Choosing a parent is hard enough but when it comes after a complicated divorce and previously buried secrets are revealed, Autumn must dig soul deep in order to make her choice. As the summer on the ranch goes on, she starts to understand that this isn't just about picking a zip code, this is choosing between two versions of herself, and which one she values more.

Throw in a hot cowboy with a real old-world code, and Autumn is in for one frustratingly soul searching summer.

Charles gets to the heart of YA, placing her main character in situations that test her character and shape her future self worth, for better and worse. The epitome of the teenage experience, Charles never shorts readers on the intensities of everyday life as a 16 year old...especially one struggling with a broken home, a seemingly mismatched romance, and the choice of a lifetime.
Profile Image for Lisa.
476 reviews
February 17, 2015
I was given an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute, 'coming of age' YA novel about a girl named Autumn who leaves the city life to spend the summer in Oklahoma with her father. She becomes friends with Colt and begins to question everything. He's like no boy she's ever met. The country life ends up holding the key to all the answers she's been looking for.

Autumn is just trying to figure out who she is and where she fits. She's a child of divorce, so this is her big chance to get her Dad's side of the story... which she does. She discovers a lot which in turn helps her make decisions about her future. Her relationship with her Dad isn't perfect, but they both get a second chance here. To me, the best part was seeing the transformation of their relationship and how Autumn matured.

There is a small amount of angst in "Bring the Rain". I love a healthy dose of angst and find that YA/NA novels usually have a large amount. That wasn't the case here. I felt like Autumn was always throwing herself at Colt and I wish there was more build up.

I give this between 3 1/2 and 4 stars.


Profile Image for Krista.
Author 2 books19 followers
July 17, 2016
Autumn had everything going for her. She only had to make it through one summer with her dad before she could join her Mom in Paris. It can't be that hard. But it's been a long time since she's been on her dad's Oklahoma ranch. It's a lot more work than she remembers. Getting along with her dad is also harder. He abandoned her when she was a little girl, so trusting him is something she can't do, especially when she finds out the truth about the divorce.

Summer isn't going well. Autumn is forced to chose between living with her mom or dad and only has until her birthday to decide. She is distracted by Colt, her dad's farm hand who is incredible attractive and kisses very well. But he wants to wait. Autumn doesn't want a reason to stay in Oklahoma, but Colt might be. When the truth comes out, Autumn finds it every harder to decide where her heart wants to be.

I really enjoyed Autumn's character - she was sweet and very honest. Colt was adorable! This was such a sweet romance and very good. I recommend it to others! :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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