After the Rain

by Rita Gerlach

It's 1908, a year in the Edwardian Age, the year J.M. Barrie’s play 'What Every Woman Knows', premiered in Atlantic City and the first Model T rolled off the assembly line in Detroit. It is a year when the world faced one of its worst disasters in history, when the New Year would heal the wounds of loss.

Louisa Borden lives a privileged life in Chevy Chase, Maryland, a new and thriving community on the outskirts of Washington, DC for the well-to-do. Against the wishes of her domineering grandmother, she retreats from the prospects of a loveless marriage and instead searches for what she hopes is her calling in life.

When her horse is spooked along Rock Creek, she is thrown from the saddle—an embarrassing situation for any affluent young lady. Soaking wet, bruised and humiliated, she is carried up the muddy bank to safety by Jackson O’Neil, a stranger to the city, who changes the course of everything, including the lives of all those around her.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian Fiction, Historical, Fiction

575 pages, ebook

First published September 29, 2015

About the author

Rita Gerlach lives with her husband in a historical town nestled along the Catoctin Mountains, amid Civil War battlefields and Revolutionary War outposts in central Maryland.

"Inspirational romantic fiction is one way people can escape the cares of life and be transported back to a time of raw courage and ideal love," she says. "The goal of my writing is to give readers a respite, and inspire them to live fully and gratefully."

Reviews

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the Rain is a clean Christian historical romance by Rita Gerlach. I found myself enjoying all 500+ pages. We see the characters in the Washington D.C area in Chevy Chase, Maryland, as well as in the rural town of Chestnut Creek, Virginia. Many historical events are included in this tale, and the author does a great job of weaving them in.

4 stars

Jackson O'Neil has been holding the fort on the O'Neil horse farm in Virginia while the rest of his family are in Washington D.C. to seek a cure for his mother's illness. When it's time for her to return home, Jackson goes to DC to help bring his family back to Virginia.

Louisa Borden's father is an architect, and needs to go to Italy for a project he's been commissioned to undertake. He'll be gone for Christmas, and Louisa has never been without him at Christmas time. To top it off, her forceful grandmother insists on some unwanted matchmaking for Louisa.

What I liked:

*I liked the hero and heroine, which is always most important to me in any romance. Gerlach's characters feel authentic, including the secondary characters.

*This felt like a Regency book in many ways (though it's not set in England), but showed a shifting toward a more modern era. As another reviewer stated, it's obvious the author has done her research. So I'm assuming that the depiction of the times is accurate. I didn't find anything that I thought didn't fit the period.

*I saw several nods to Jane Austen, but this story is very definitely new and fresh.

What I disliked:

*There were a lot of mistakes, most of which were selecting the wrong homophone. "Flower pedal" is one of many. I loved the book, but can only give it four stars since I found the many errors to be distracting.

I'd recommend this to fans of historical fiction/romance and to fans of historical Christian (or clean) fiction/romance. I've had Rita Gerlach on my list for a while now, and I'm glad I tried one! I'm putting another on my "to read" list.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

After The Rain***** e-book by Rita Gerlach

Louisa Borden is from a wealthy family who make their home in 1908's Chevy Chase, Maryland. Her grandmother, Beatrice—who is not only domineering, even cruel at times—insists she marry Rupert Eastcott and live far away in a lonely castle in England. Louisa has no intentions in marrying Rupert—a man she does not love and barely tolerates. One day as she is riding she is thrown from her horse and lands along the bank of Rock Creek. Laying on the cold, wet, muddy bank Jackson O'Neil—a handsome stranger—comes along, picks her up and carries her to safety thereby changing her life in a way she never would have dreamed. Even though she finds him fascinating and charming, he is not of her class....but it doesn't seem to matter to her heart. Jackson was smitten from the moment he laid eyes on Louisa. Can there really be a future for them?

Rupert soon informs her of a shocking secret about Jackson that crushes her tender heart. Adding to her broken heart, her grandmother gives her another shock when she shares a long held secret that shatters her even more. On top of these revealed secrets, a terrible tragedy strikes—one that could forever change her life. With nowhere else to turn, she takes the train to Chestnut Creek, Virginia to visit her loving and fun-loving widowed aunts.

After the Rain is an unforgettable story set in the Edwardian era that takes the reader back to a time where the past meets the future. The real-to-life characters experience struggles, heartaches, joys and love just as we do. I loved Louisa's strength and giving heart and Jackson's integrity, faith and compassion. Maude and Mildred, the two widowed aunts, are full of wisdom and fun—I loved their enthusiasm for life. There are humorous moments, one scene involving a mule and motorcar had me laughing out loud—I still chuckle whenever I think about it. I also cried—some sad tears and some happy tears—along with the characters and was on the edge of my seat during some suspenseful situations. There are more unexpected surprises that take the story-line in directions I had not anticipated. The descriptions of the country side, town and Edwardian era are so well written I could envision it all as I read along. I enjoyed the historical aspects in the story and how they were woven throughout the story seamlessly. Instead of one romance there are actually four. Rita Gerlach has written a remarkable story that will stay with me for a long time.

[DianFlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such An Alluring Fragrance 'Tis After The Rain...



In After the Rain, author Rita Gerlach pens an unforgettable Edwardian era novel that sweeps the reader from the opulent busyness of Chevy Chase, Maryland—where past and future intertwine with the invention of motorcars and telephones—to the vast, quiet beauty of the small hamlet of Chestnut Creek, Virginia, where one can hear the whispers of the winds through the pines and the water tumbling over the rocks in the creek.

Although Louisa Borden lives in a gorgeous mansion in Chevy Chase, she feels suffocated by her overbearing and ofttimes cruel grandmother, Beatrice, who insists upon her marrying Rupert Eastcott—a wealthy man she doesn't love. The stubborn Louisa definitely has no desire to marry the stuffy Rupert and live in a huge lonely mansion in England. When she is thrown from the saddle by her high spirited horse above the creek, she is rescued by Jackson O'Neil, a handsome stranger who carries her up the slippery bank—muddy and totally humiliated. Intrigued by this rugged country man, Louisa finds herself falling for him until Rupert reveals an unforgivable secret concerning the enigmatic Mr. O'Neil. Love-sick, crushed by another shocking revelation from Beatrice, and a terrible tragedy befalling her as well, Louisa pays a visit to her fun loving, widowed aunts in Chestnut Creek. After the rain, will the sweet fragrance of new blossoms spring forth with healing for her broken heart...and perhaps love?

One of the reigning queens of descriptive imagery and masterful storytelling, Rita Gerlach, has set the bar high with her newest release, After the Rain! The sights, sounds, and scents of this wonderful book permeate the readers' senses as this amazing tale of love and forgiveness unfolds. I instantly fell in love with the strong, yet vulnerable, Louisa, and the charming, compassionate man of her dreams as well. I cried along with them in their trials, and chuckled at her enthusiastic, wise aunts and their optimistic zest for life! With three romances for the price of one, After the Rain is a memorable novel and one I highly recommend!


~*~ Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. ~*~ Mark Twain

[Kari Trumbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the rain is a romance that starts of slow, builds quickly when Louisa and Jackson are together, then slows back down when they are apart. It couples a love story and history to make the story believable fiction. I enjoyed the historical detail and the attention that was taken to each bit, even down to listing some of the products woman of that era used.

Louisa meets Jackson when she is in an embarrassing situation, it is a juxtaposition of how working class people and the wealthy class deal with a problem, and that thread weaves throughout the entire novel in various ways. Each time Louisa or one of her friends is faced with something to overcome the author proposes how it might be resolved by each social class. The love story was sweet though at points felt like a secondary plot. I cared much more about Louisa's development as a young woman of God than I truly cared about her ending up with Jackson. I wanted it to happen, yes, but it was more important that she take the steps she needed to, to find her calling.

I was given a free copy of this novel by the author through the Celebrate Lit blog team in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. The gift of a free book in no way guarantees that it will be positive.

[Katja Labonté]

Free on Amazon!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After The Rain by Rita Gerlach is a Christian historical romance. Set in Washington and then moving to the countryside in 1908, it reminded me of Downton Abbey American style, as upstairs and downstairs mingle.
Louisa lives with her father and a very over-bearing grandmother who desires to be obeyed by everyone at all times. Her grandmother issues orders but never affection. She is a cold hearted bully. Louisa's friend is her maid Millie. They have a wonderful relationship that stretches beyond the class divide.
Rita Gerlach portrays the differing classes within the novel and reveals a very snobbish attitude of the day. Louisa is rescued from a fall by Jackson, a farmer whom her grandmother looks down on. At first Louisa shares her grandmother's prejudices but as soon as she gets to know Jackson, Louisa realises "The size of his bank account did not matter. What counted was the size of his heart." This reminds the reader that God does not look at our outward appearances so much as our inner ones.
Within After The Rain is the theme of looking after the widows and orphans. Louisa goes with Millie to volunteer at a shelter for the poor. Here her eyes are opened to the suffering on the streets of Washington. Later Louisa will see a home for children born out of wedlock who are viewed as an embarrassment to their families and needed to be hidden away. Louisa realises that "all children should be loved and not looked at as inconveniences." Through Louisa, the reader can glimpse the heart of God.
There are other prejudices of the time revealed in the novel. Jackson's sister Blossom has Down's Syndrome and the family are pressured to institutionalise her, even being threatened with a court order. Jackson is a godly man who knows not only the value of educating Blossom but also the value of loving her extravagantly.
Louisa is a very modern woman who knows her own mind. She will not bow down to her elders and knows she needs "no approval except her Creator's." She is a godly woman who sees the world with the eyes of love for the poor and marginalised in society.
Louisa is wonderfully a drawn young woman who is easy to empathise with. She does know her own mind and has gut instincts, but at times she is manipulated by others, believing everyone is telling the truth. When she realises that she has been duped, she berates herself - something I am sure we can all identify with.
After The Rain educates the reader in some of the historical events of the day as the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 is mentioned, followed by the Messina earthquake. The problems of living in an age without technology to unite the world are highlighted.
The bond of friendship is revealed in After The Rain not only between Louisa and Millie but also between Louisa and her friend Amy. Where there are secrets, friendships can be strained but love always prevails.
There are differing families shown within the novel. Louisa's is a strained family relationship. Jackson's is one of love. The elderly aunts Mildred and Maud are another family unit and the children in the home, another. Whatever family one is in, the need for love is the most important.
I thoroughly enjoyed After The Rain and greedily devoured it. I identified myself with Louisa and loved journeying through the book with her. All Rita Gerlach's books are compulsive reads. Pick up After The Rain today and give her a go.

[Lynne Modranski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delight by Rita Gerlach. Set in the early 1900's, After the Rain has just enough romance and just enough twists to Intrigue even folks like me who read primarily for the history. I highly recommend

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rita Gerlach in her new book, “After The Rain” published by The Author takes us into the life of Louisa Borden.

From the back cover: He becomes the love of her life. She becomes his biggest challenge.

It’s 1908, a year in the Edwardian Age, the year J.M. Barrie’s play What Every Woman Knows, premiered in Atlantic City and the first Model T rolled off the assembly line in Detroit. It is a year when the world faced one of its worst disasters in history, when the New Year would heal the wounds of loss.

Louisa Borden lives a privileged life in Chevy Chase, Maryland, a new and thriving community on the outskirts of Washington, DC for the well-to-do. Against the wishes of her domineering grandmother, she retreats from the prospects of a loveless marriage and instead searches for what she hopes is her calling in life.

When her horse is spooked along Rock Creek, she is thrown from the saddle—an embarrassing situation for any affluent young lady. Soaking wet, bruised and humiliated, she is carried up the muddy bank to safety by Jackson O’Neil, a stranger to the city, who changes the course of everything, including the lives of all those around her.

Let me assure you that Rita Gerlach is an incredibly gifted author. She is able to transport you back in time and you actually feel as if you are there. When she is describing an event in history you feel as if you have learned about that event and not as if a teacher had given a lecture from the front of the class. She is able to describe these wonderful scenes where you feel as though you are there watching the event instead of reading about it. In “After The Rain” Ms. Gerlach takes us into the life of Louisa Borden who is faced with a loveless future yet continues to somehow survive and persevere. Ms. Gerlach makes you care not only for Louisa and her journey but for all the supporting characters as well. There is a lot going on in this story, lots of interesting people within its pages, and hope that somehow God is going to work everything out. I am so looking forward to the next story from the pen of Ms. Gerlach.

If you missed the interview for “Surrender The Wind”, a different book from Rita Gerlach, and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to Kingdom Highlights where they are available On Demand.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from The Author. 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.”

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author through The Celebrate Lit Blogging program for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.




Book Description:




It's 1908, a year in the Edwardian Age, the year J.M. Barrie’s play What Every Woman Knows, premiered in Atlantic City and the first Model T rolled off the assembly line in Detroit. It is a year when the world faced one of its worst disasters in history, when the New Year would heal the wounds of loss. Louisa Borden lives a privileged life in Chevy Chase, Maryland, a new and thriving community on the outskirts of Washington, DC for the well-to-do. Against the wishes of her domineering grandmother, she retreats from the prospects of a loveless marriage and instead searches for what she hopes is her calling in life. When her horse is spooked along Rock Creek, she is thrown from the saddle—an embarrassing situation for any affluent young lady. Soaking wet, bruised and humiliated, she is carried up the muddy bank to safety by Jackson O’Neil, a stranger to the city, who changes the course of everything, including the lives of all those around her.







My Thoughts:




After The Rain is the first book by Rita Gerlach I have had the pleasure of reading. As a fan of Christian Historical Fiction this book really caught my attention, first the gorgeous cover and of course the back cover description. Rita Gerlach writes with authority about the Edwardian Age in the United States and Europe, the social classes in the city and in the country, art, horses, medical care in 1908, and the treatment of down syndrome children during this time. I enjoyed this book from start to finish, unable to put this book down until the end. I found that the book kept me guessing until the end how everything would turn out. I enjoyed the characters in this book especially Louisa and her father. Their relationship is very special and they truly cared for one another no matter whether together or apart. All of the characters in this book are real, lives messy like the rest of us. After The Rain has a lot of emotion throughout, I found myself laughing in some parts and crying in others. I found Rita Gerlach's writing fantastic, I really felt like I was there in 1908 seeing all of the events unfold. I have found a new author to add to my must read list! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 5 STARS.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

​Louisa Borden is a very pretty young woman. She has had her share of heartache and now lives in a mansion in Chevy Chase. Her grandmother is very stuffy and stern. She rules the mansion and is quite rude at times to people. Beatrice, the grandmother has decided that Louisa is to marry Rupert Eastcott. He is a very wealthy man who will provide well for Louisa. There is of course one problem with that decision. Louisa does not love Rupert at all and refuses to live in England with him.

One day while Louisa is out riding she is thrown from the horse and a man happens upon her. Jackson O'Neil helps her get back up the slippery bank that she fell into. Poor Louisa is embarrassed but doesn't miss the fact that her rescuer is quite handsome. They become attracted to each other, much to her grandmother's very vocal disapproval.

The story is so well written and the author has a great knack for letting a story flow across the pages with emotion and mystery that it is hard to put the book down. Louisa will endure heartache, deceit and a feeling of loneliness that she can't escape. Rupert will stop at nothing to win Louisa's hand in marriage. Will Louisa believe the lies Rupert tells her about Jackson? What secret will her grandmother tell her that will have her heart break into pieces like shattered glass?

When her father goes away on a business trip , a devastating natural disaster happens that could claim his life. Will Louisa be strong enough to carry on and honor her father's wishes if he doesn't survive? It has been awhile since I have read a book of this caliber. The history in the story is real and described in great detail. The story is filled with so many raw emotions that I found myself crying at times, and gasping at the surprises throughout the book. I got so involved in the book, that I blocked out the world around me and traveled back in time with Louisa and watched her beautiful story unfold. There are a few funny moments in the story that will make you chuckle as you get to know Louisa's aunts. This story is one that will stay with me forever. It's a breathtaking story that goes through an aray of emotions which will grab at your heart and keep you engrossed in a magnificent story of love, hope and family and forgiveness.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the publisher for an honest review.

[Kathleen E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saturday, February 27, 2016
After the Rain by Rita Gerlach, © 2015

After the Rain is a sprawling 570 page Edwardian era novel set in the outskirts of Washington DC and a tight-knit village called Chestnut Creek in Virginia.

I purchased this copy of After the Rain by Rita Gerlach and highly recommend this historical fiction.

My review:
I loved the flow of this story. Jackson O'Neil and Louisa Borden are separated from each other after they meet. I admire Louisa for continuing on nobly with her life when her interest lies with Jackson, along with an unknown future. Her widowed father travels for business and she is left at home with a cantankerous Gammi who has little use for Louisa. Louisa's best friend, Amy Lockhart, has been away from home for months. Instead of bemoaning her station in life, Louisa cares for others and their needs, and goes to serve a Thanksgiving meal at a mission with her dear, close maid, Millie.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the characters in After the Rain. Even some I wouldn't have expected! Wait until you find out what a mule and a new Buick have to do with each other!

Amy returns home and Dr. and Mrs. Lockhart invite Louisa to join them during Christmastime while her father is abroad and Gammi has gone back to England with distant relatives. She had been certain a visiting childhood friend of Louisa would be just the right match. Louisa decides not, and desires to marry for love and not money. Mrs. Lockhart, Amy, Louisa and Millie, go to visit Amy's Aunt Annabelle Fairchild in Long Island in mid-winter.

Receiving troubling news and not hearing from her father, Louisa travels to stay with her elderly great aunts, Mildred and Maude, in a small country town in Virginia. Her life takes a different turn as she oversees a children's home, continuing from an endowment funding patronage begun by her mother years before.

This story is so thorough and you come to care for secondary characters who enliven and nourish so richly.

The scar may remain, but with forgiveness it will not fester.
Louisa ~ After the Rain, 293

Love this quote. A story well worth reading!! Built very well and you come to know the characters in a genuine way.

[Missica Skeens pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was blessed with the change to review After the Rain recently. This is a historical drama that is packed with goodness. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip back in time with this book. At least it felt like I was on a trip back through time with the amazingly wonderful descriptive style Rita Gerlach has blessed us all with in this novel! This book features an overbearing and controlling grandmother who insists her granddaughter Lousia marry a rich man she doesn't love. Honestly, there were times I really wanted to have a few words with dear Beatrice, the grandmother! Thankfully, Louisa is a very strong young woman who knows her place in the world. She's modern by that day's standards for sure, and knows she does not want to marry the rich Rupert, no matter the fact he can provide well for her. A woman like Lousia can provide for herself, thank you very much! Oh sorry, I got a little carried away there haha! Anyway, one day a very muddy misfortune causes Louisa to meet the dashing Jackson and sparks fly, much to her grandmother's dismay. The remainder of the novel is full of love and heartache, forgiveness, mystery, and lies. Rupert wants Louisa's hand in marriage, and is completely willing to stoop low enough to spread lies and plant seeds of doubt in her mind. I've not even gotten to her aunts, or Louisa's longing to help the children! You will just have to read about all of that, and her dad, on your own! This is a great novel, a bit long, but worth it!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to love “After the Rain” from its very first page. The absolutely magnificent descriptions pulled me right into the story and kept me there until the very end. What an excellent assortment of characters! From the kind-hearted and determined heroine Louisa and the perfectly gallant yet down-to-earth Jackson, the author has provided other characters for the reader to either love or hate. Other than the two primary characters, I thoroughly enjoyed Louisa’s two aunts who were both loving and humorous.

Be warned, “After the Rain” is quite lengthy. It could easily have been divided into two separate novels but I am so glad the author chose to keep the story together. I would have hated to wait for the next volume. At any rate, the plot moves along at a steady rate with ample drama, humor, and of course romance to hold my attention. Just as I thought everything was ready to wrap up, something new would happen to take things off in a different direction. Quite a few surprises were in store but I kept rooting for Louisa and Jackson, even when it seemed that a permanent relationship would be impossible.

What more can I say? I loved “After the Rain” and would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy historical Christian romance with a few twists. Even at 570 pages, it ended much too quickly for me.

This book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK


Louisa Borden's grandmother, Beatrice has decided that her granddaughter will marry Rupert Eastcott a wealthy man that will sure provide for and take care of Louisa. Miss Borden has a mind of her own, refusing her grandmother's matchmaking, while Beatrice is determined to marry her granddaughter off to this Mister Eascott. Things change one day as Louisa was out riding and was thrown from her horse and stranger, Jackson O'Neil comes along to help. The two was attracted to each other, and the story begins!


I really enjoyed this story. The characters were fun and enjoyable and I grew to love them as I read their story. Clearly Ms. Gerlach researched the book well before she wrote it, and it shows in the detailed scenes and the history surrounding each scene. This book has lots of emotions, drama, twists and turns, humor and a sweet romance that will stay with you for a while. I highly recommend this book for any0ne who enjoys historical Christian fiction, or if you have never read any of the great historical Christian fictions out there, this would be a great one to try!


I received this book from Celebration Lit to read and review. 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 55.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, I don't know what to say except that I loved the story.
What a weird way to meet your future husband! I think I would be mad and embarrassed too! But they say things have a way of working out. Where there's a will, there's a way. But, most often it's God's will of working things out.
That Mr. Eastcott was mean, mean!!!! Beatrice was just as bad. They did everything they could to hurt Louisa but I believe it made her a stronger person and more compassionate towards others especially the children no one wanted. I'm glad Louisa stepped in for the children in Chestnut Creek. I'm glad someone stood up to that old bat. Someone in that town should have stood up for those children long ago.
I loved Louisa's two Aunts. They made me giggle towards the middle of the story. I hope I'm like them when I get older except I don't want a stubborn mule. I think I do enough of that myself.
Rita, your story was delightful! !! I especially loved the ending!!! You sure kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen!!! This was one of the best books you've written so far, and I would definitely recommend it to others.
My thanks for a copy of this wonderful book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

[Jeanette Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this ebook to read for free. I always start to read these books with some apprehension. What if I don't like it? What if I can't finish it? Well, I didn't have that problem at all with this story.

The first chapter grabbed my attention and had me right until the last page. I loved the main character, Louisa. Her compassion for others even when she was up against adversity was such a joy. Louisa saw the need and she would step right in and do what she could to help. She was criticized for her compassion but she wouldn't let it stop her from doing her upmost to make the world a better place. She had an inner strength that I admired.


The Title, After The Rain, signifies to me that after the rain the sun will come out and there is a new day to embrace and start over. Louisa had her troubles. She had her sorrow. At times, she was hurt and confused. But she never gave up. She kept looking to the future and knew things would be better
AFTER THE RAIN.

Five stars! Absolutely loved it!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Rita Gerlach has written a breathtakingly wonderful historical fiction novel that readers will absolutely love! With many enjoyable characters and a rich storyline, readers will love this story from page one. This story not only has a focus on family, but is also filled with romance and adventure. Although a little long, After the Rain has several twists and turns to the story that readers will never guess are coming. I recommend this story to readers that enjoy historical romance stories with a bit of adventure.

Genre: historical fiction, romance, adventure, Christian
Publisher: Rita Gerlach
Publication date: September 29, 2015
Number of pages: 481

Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars

A review copy of this book was provided by CelebrateLit.

[Crystal Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Rita Gerlach that I have had read. If you love historical fiction then you will love this book. Rita definitely researched the Edwardian Age in preparation for writing this novel. Set in 1908 Washington, DC, you can't help but picture the scenery and wish you were there. After the Rain is a story of Louisa Borden who is searching for her calling in life. Louisa meets Jackson O'Neil when her horse is spooked and she falls off. The story is wonderful, I fell in love with the characters, the time period and Rita's writing. I definitely recommend this book to all. I will be adding more of Rita's books to my To Be Read list.


Thank you to the publisher and Celebrate Lit for providing me a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me interested from start to finish. I loved all the characters in the story. There were a lot of twists and turns throughout. Louisa Borden meets her fate after being thrown from a horse. Jackson O'Neil helps her and she is a snob to him. Many adventures later and some tragedies help to bring them together again. This is a long book but it never seemed that way to me. I had to know how all the characters would fair in the end. I look forward to reading more of Rita Gerlachs books. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Rita Gerlach takes the reader back to a time of proper etiquette and a different life. Louisa Borden is a determined young woman with a mind of her own. She meets Jackson in a unique way and they are forever bonded. Through trials and gossip, she believes the wrong story about Jackson. Will they ever be together? What happens to her father? This story kept me wanting to read more and more about the characters. I learned a lot about the era and the people of the time. Good story.

[Jacki Prettyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tender compassion

Getting to know Louisa and Jackson thro this story was so nice. The author has an exquisite way of writing details that make you feel as if you are right there with the characters in Chevy Chase and at Chestnut Cottage. Best of all was watching God's plan work its way out in the lives of each person.

[Bernard Holler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novel filled with mystery, compassion and love.

Louisa Borden lives in the era where many new ideas and inventions are making her life unsettled. Does she have to marry the man her grandmother chooses for her or can she marry Jackson O' Neil who rescued her when her horse threw her in the mud? Thinking her father was killed in an earthquake, she has many changes to face.

[Caryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Gerlach masterfully created this amazing story. I immediately fell in love the the heroine Louisa Borden. She is quite spunky! Her faith and strength to endure hardship is incredible. I highly recommend this book.

[Jeanne Johnston · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story itself wasn't bad but the lack of English skills and editing were ridiculous. Add in some heavy-handed religious crap--which reach a fever pitch near the end--and the prissiness overwhelmed me.

[Karen Vogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book Rita has written. She's a modern day Jane Austen and I reread her books like I do Jane's.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very enjoyable read. About life, love, and the mistakes we make that shape who we are.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

It's a decent story with a lot of twists and turns. It always comes back to good Faith and Christian belefs.

[Cindy]

Very good!

[Patricia S Winchel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Romance

I really enjoyed this book but it definitely needs some editing. There are errors of grammar, punctuation and even simple mistakes of names.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the Rain

Very interesting and informative story about love, faith and hardships in the early 1900's. God is faithful and will always be with us no matter what happens.