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Rainbows and Raindrops
Before… They are the Musketeers–one for all and all for Rain, or however that saying goes.
Now that Rain's sixteen, freedom is at her fingertips. Cliff jumping at the lake. Rain’s first tattoo. Spence finally asking her out. With her friends by her side, there’s no reason Rain can’t be happy in a world that constantly tries to extinguish her addictive, carefree spirit.
After… It’s just Rain. No misfits and no Musketeers.
Until Rain pulls up to her new summer job and discovers the two people she’s been hiding from–Spence and Landon– are her new cabin mates. Landon’s determined to help Rain overcome her guilt and remember what once was. As they become closer, he awakens a part of her soul she never thought she’d feel again.
Making Rain wonder if, despite all the mistakes she’s made, it’s worth trying to get back to the girl she used to be.
Now that Rain's sixteen, freedom is at her fingertips. Cliff jumping at the lake. Rain’s first tattoo. Spence finally asking her out. With her friends by her side, there’s no reason Rain can’t be happy in a world that constantly tries to extinguish her addictive, carefree spirit.
After… It’s just Rain. No misfits and no Musketeers.
Until Rain pulls up to her new summer job and discovers the two people she’s been hiding from–Spence and Landon– are her new cabin mates. Landon’s determined to help Rain overcome her guilt and remember what once was. As they become closer, he awakens a part of her soul she never thought she’d feel again.
Making Rain wonder if, despite all the mistakes she’s made, it’s worth trying to get back to the girl she used to be.
- GenresYoung AdultRomance
272 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2016
2 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Lynn
11 books188 followersYA author with genre commitment issues.
Eventually the day came when the voices in Kelley Lynn’s head were more insistent then her engineering professor’s. So instead of turning to her Thermodynamics book, Kelley brought up a blank page on her computer screen and wrote.
You can find Kelley hanging out at her facebook page. She loves talking to readers at authorkelleylynn@gmail.com.
Eventually the day came when the voices in Kelley Lynn’s head were more insistent then her engineering professor’s. So instead of turning to her Thermodynamics book, Kelley brought up a blank page on her computer screen and wrote.
You can find Kelley hanging out at her facebook page. She loves talking to readers at authorkelleylynn@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 26, 2016
This is one of the most simplist book I've read in a while: Rain is the most happy person in the world. So, of course, she dress and paints her hair of all the colors of the rainbow (besides, her real name is Rainbow, how convenient). Then something bad happens and Rain is sad. So, of course, she wears all black now.
I almost stopped reading the moment when a character passed Rain a note stained with a teardrop. Yeah, I get he's sad. But come on! A note with teardrop stain? He's 17 years old!
I'm too cynical to be the adequate audience target for this book.
I almost stopped reading the moment when a character passed Rain a note stained with a teardrop. Yeah, I get he's sad. But come on! A note with teardrop stain? He's 17 years old!
I'm too cynical to be the adequate audience target for this book.
October 15, 2016
A FAB young adult story. Laughed (but mostly cried) and the characters felt so real. Loved it.
October 21, 2016
One of the best emotional journeys I've been through. The relationships in this book are on a whole other level. This isn't just a romance, it's a story of true friendship and making that friendship last. I hate to say I cried through a good portion, because then someone might think this is a sad book. It's not. Yes, there are sad parts, but it's so much more than sadness. It's transformation of a group of people. Even if it's a little broken in the end, it's still beautiful. And yes, I laughed too. There were so many funny and cute parts, it really balanced the story well.
My favorite read of 2016.
My favorite read of 2016.
March 16, 2016
This book is such a wonderful read! I loved the dynamic of the friendships with Rain and her boys. I loved the unique format of past and present, and the mystery of what made Rain change so much. The character development is so well done.
If you want a book that will give you All The Feels, this is it!
If you want a book that will give you All The Feels, this is it!
October 8, 2016
I loved Rain and how real she felt to me. I've experienced a hard loss and those emotions felt so honest and genuine. This was such am amazing book about loving who we are. You really realize how much we are changed by those we love. I cried several times while reading this and it was worth it. I highly recommend this book! :)
June 3, 2016
Wow, wow, wow!!! What an awesome read! I actually didn't mind the flipping back and forth from "before" to currently and the characters were so loveable. I typically don't enjoy co-authored books (in fact, I loathe them) because I have never found the stories to be very seamless with the language and writing. However, my friend insisted that I try this one and I am SO GLAD I did!!! I absolutely canNOT wait to read the next one and find out all of Knox's secrets!
I think the dialogue was very smooth between all the characters and didn't feel too mature, too far fetched, or too forced.
I really hope these authors continue to write with these characters. I would especially look forward to reading about Spence's story. There is something intriguing about a kid growing up in foster care.
I enjoyed Annie's character as the stable adult in this group of "misfits" and would wish for her character to continue throughout the series.
I think the dialogue was very smooth between all the characters and didn't feel too mature, too far fetched, or too forced.
I really hope these authors continue to write with these characters. I would especially look forward to reading about Spence's story. There is something intriguing about a kid growing up in foster care.
I enjoyed Annie's character as the stable adult in this group of "misfits" and would wish for her character to continue throughout the series.
May 15, 2017
I loved Rainbows and Raindrops! Such a great, emotional story. I haven't read a lot of contemp YA lately (other than epic fantasy) but this one was GREAT! Highly recommended!
September 29, 2016
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4.5 stars -- Oh you guys, this one just sucked me in and has now left me reeling... This book had ALL THE FEELS. I mean seriously, I didn't just bawl once, I bawled at least twice with little mini crying bits in between.
Don't get me wrong it wasn't all just a cry fest. It starts off really light and happy and I was just in love with the characters. The first scene in the book just made me happy and had me wanting to know more about this little band of misfits. Each of the 4 friends was so unique, though they all struggled with difficult home lives in some way...it's kind of what brought them together I suppose. They knew what it was to be outsiders in a sense. And yet they fit with each other. They pushed each other. They wanted what was best for each other. It was a great story of friendship, and how friendship can endure through tragedy (but not without stumbling blocks along the way).
Rain was a fascinating character...there were many parts of her that I related to (her love of colour, and her just giddiness I guess). But at the same time, I can NOT relate to her sense of adventure and risk taking. I was with Spence -- NO NO NO! ;) But I really felt how she felt those colours came from deep inside her soul, and I loved the contrast of colours to black before and after...it was a great use of symbolism, and really fit her character.
The grief and emotional upheaval that Rain experiences...heck that they all experience...was just so real. I felt it in my bones. I loved that they all reacted differently and dealt with it in different ways...they all had different journeys to becoming ok again. And as someone who struggles with depression, while it wasn't addressed head on and spelled out, I could recognize it in Rain, and I thought that it was dealt with superbly. I really did feel all her emotions down to the core of myself. And I especially loved Ms. Morris's note in her acknowledgements at the end of the book about depression...
So why round down instead of up? Well folks, I'm still me, and I'm still a romantic at heart, and so it was a personal taste thing. And while I ADORED the different examples of love in this book, I also struggled with it. My little simplistic heart wasn't prepared to fall in love multiple times, and so my heart had a hard time accepting where the story was going to go (even if I loved where it went and felt it was the right place and all that jazz). And in the end, I kind of wanted a "story" ending on the romance front, like some big declaration from Rain or something. It's stupid. I still got what I wanted, I just wanted more. I love the boy she ended up with...seriously, another beta boy -- MEGA SWOON!!! But it was just too realistic for me. And sometimes I love that...and a part of me is even now arguing in my brain that it was better this way, and it fit the story better and all that good stuff. But damnit! My gut wanted more. Maybe we'll see glimpses of them in the next book and it will satisfy me.
Also, I wanted a bit more from some of the secondary characters (Knox and Ellis in particular). I like mystery, but I needed a bit more of a hook I guess. Not that I'm not all in from that teaser chapter of the next book...oh yeah, my one-click finger is ready, just put the buy link in my hands and I'm all over that shit.
On a final note, can I just say that the ending chapter was pretty much the most perfect way in the history of ways to end the book? I mean, I never saw it coming, and it was just...EPIC. Like EPIC EPIC. Like, I can't even go there epic. Like you guys are all rolling your eyes at me but then you'll read it and be like "awww, Lenore was right. That was epic."
4.5 stars -- Oh you guys, this one just sucked me in and has now left me reeling... This book had ALL THE FEELS. I mean seriously, I didn't just bawl once, I bawled at least twice with little mini crying bits in between.
Don't get me wrong it wasn't all just a cry fest. It starts off really light and happy and I was just in love with the characters. The first scene in the book just made me happy and had me wanting to know more about this little band of misfits. Each of the 4 friends was so unique, though they all struggled with difficult home lives in some way...it's kind of what brought them together I suppose. They knew what it was to be outsiders in a sense. And yet they fit with each other. They pushed each other. They wanted what was best for each other. It was a great story of friendship, and how friendship can endure through tragedy (but not without stumbling blocks along the way).
Rain was a fascinating character...there were many parts of her that I related to (her love of colour, and her just giddiness I guess). But at the same time, I can NOT relate to her sense of adventure and risk taking. I was with Spence -- NO NO NO! ;) But I really felt how she felt those colours came from deep inside her soul, and I loved the contrast of colours to black before and after...it was a great use of symbolism, and really fit her character.
The grief and emotional upheaval that Rain experiences...heck that they all experience...was just so real. I felt it in my bones. I loved that they all reacted differently and dealt with it in different ways...they all had different journeys to becoming ok again. And as someone who struggles with depression, while it wasn't addressed head on and spelled out, I could recognize it in Rain, and I thought that it was dealt with superbly. I really did feel all her emotions down to the core of myself. And I especially loved Ms. Morris's note in her acknowledgements at the end of the book about depression...
So why round down instead of up? Well folks, I'm still me, and I'm still a romantic at heart, and so it was a personal taste thing. And while I ADORED the different examples of love in this book, I also struggled with it. My little simplistic heart wasn't prepared to fall in love multiple times, and so my heart had a hard time accepting where the story was going to go (even if I loved where it went and felt it was the right place and all that jazz). And in the end, I kind of wanted a "story" ending on the romance front, like some big declaration from Rain or something. It's stupid. I still got what I wanted, I just wanted more. I love the boy she ended up with...seriously, another beta boy -- MEGA SWOON!!! But it was just too realistic for me. And sometimes I love that...and a part of me is even now arguing in my brain that it was better this way, and it fit the story better and all that good stuff. But damnit! My gut wanted more. Maybe we'll see glimpses of them in the next book and it will satisfy me.
Also, I wanted a bit more from some of the secondary characters (Knox and Ellis in particular). I like mystery, but I needed a bit more of a hook I guess. Not that I'm not all in from that teaser chapter of the next book...oh yeah, my one-click finger is ready, just put the buy link in my hands and I'm all over that shit.
On a final note, can I just say that the ending chapter was pretty much the most perfect way in the history of ways to end the book? I mean, I never saw it coming, and it was just...EPIC. Like EPIC EPIC. Like, I can't even go there epic. Like you guys are all rolling your eyes at me but then you'll read it and be like "awww, Lenore was right. That was epic."
January 21, 2018
Ummmm, I totally loved this book - it only loses one star because it had typos. Boooo. Thankfully it didn't have many, but when a book uses "then" instead of "than", even just once, that's an automatic 1-star deduction from me. From Chapter 5 on I made notes on my Kindle every time there was a typo and I got up to 12 notes by the end of the book, so really that's not bad, but still these things always jolt me out of the story a little. Thankfully they weren't a dealbreaker in this case.
Really, the book was amazing. Sometimes I admit I struggled to really like Rainbow, the main character, because I just can't understand those reckless types that want to keep taking huge risks to get a thrill. I was definitely not that type of teenager, so I can't relate to characters who are like that. I guess Rain had a very different life growing up than I did, though, so I can appreciate that she would have been formed differently than I was!
I adored her bestie, Landon - I definitely fell in love with that guy while reading this book! Spence is pretty adorable as well, and a nice, sexy character, but all along I was Team Landon.
I see that there's a second book in the series, and I feel compelled to read on even though it's not about Landon so much! I guess that compulsion is a good sign, huh? :)
Really, the book was amazing. Sometimes I admit I struggled to really like Rainbow, the main character, because I just can't understand those reckless types that want to keep taking huge risks to get a thrill. I was definitely not that type of teenager, so I can't relate to characters who are like that. I guess Rain had a very different life growing up than I did, though, so I can appreciate that she would have been formed differently than I was!
I adored her bestie, Landon - I definitely fell in love with that guy while reading this book! Spence is pretty adorable as well, and a nice, sexy character, but all along I was Team Landon.
I see that there's a second book in the series, and I feel compelled to read on even though it's not about Landon so much! I guess that compulsion is a good sign, huh? :)
August 20, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Parts of it made me happy while other parts made me sad. The writing was easy to read and the story flowed well. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes young adult type books.
February 12, 2020
Shockingly Good
This is a poignant look into survivors guilt of a teenage girl. It really brought forth the fear of, why wasn't it me? The characters felt real, there was true growth, and the scenario was heartbreaking. This book hit me hard and I loved it all the more for that.
This is a poignant look into survivors guilt of a teenage girl. It really brought forth the fear of, why wasn't it me? The characters felt real, there was true growth, and the scenario was heartbreaking. This book hit me hard and I loved it all the more for that.
April 18, 2016
Note: I was provided with a copy of this book for review.
After reading the first few pages of this I was sure I wasn't going to love this book. I judged early and based on those first pages I thought that this girl Rain was going to become tiresome if she was that over the top through the whole story. She was a loud, over bearing extrovert that seemed to take up all the space, but my mind quickly changed. Once you understand, even before "the event", once you see her life and her situation and know there is a different side to her.
This is a before and after type story, jumping between moments, scenes, and time to tell a complete story with some intrigue and mystery. Lynn and Morris bring Rain's before world to life with all the colour she brings to it, and contrasts it beautifully with the after. What I loved was the mystery of what happened wasn't dangled in front of your face, the focus surrounded Rain and her emotions, her feelings and her thoughts. Despite not knowing what had happened Rain still got inside your heart and made you feel all her emotions alongside her.
Even once it's revealed the aftermath is captivating enough, Lynn and Morris' writing engrosses you and you become invested in these characters, their lives, emotions, and loss. The story makes you anxious and nervous, not so much for the romance aspect but because of the conflict and pain and guilt that is coursing through it. I became so involved with this story I was compelled to keep going. It really does grab a hold of your heart and the more you read that grip tightens and makes your heart beat faster and the butterflies swarm. I became nervous for these characters, worried, sad, fearful, and proud of every one of them. Nothing felt rushed or outlandish, there were no quick fix solutions and seeing Rain work through her pain and see the others do it as well felt honest.
I really fell in love with each of these characters for different reasons and I really didn't mean to. They're so much like real people you want to comfort them and help them as best you can. I loved Spencer and Landon early on, they're such sweeties and Landon is such a wonderful friend to Rain. The entire friendship of the group is wonderful; because they all have different home lives and struggles, the four of them find solidarity and comfort in each other. They make their own family and support one another. This bond is so beautiful, one that crushes you even more once it's broken.
Lynn and Morris don't make the journey easy, and nor should it be. But the emotions Rain feels are honest and you really get a sense of her fear and shame, and the guilt she feels. Fixing a past you've run away from is never going to happen overnight and that's what makes this so excellent, everything from the characters to the pacing, the gradual improvements and the setbacks. It takes the time it needs to tell the story right, and when you come out the other side you feel satisfied.
There is so much I want to say about this story but can't for fear of giving away too much. Trust me though when I say that it's heartbreaking, and beautiful, and honest, and captivating, and all those wonderful words that people use to make you read a book. It is a wonderful story, one I couldn't stop reading, and I am so glad it is the first in a series because I can't wait to keep reading about these guys.
A longer version of this review was published on my blog https://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2...
After reading the first few pages of this I was sure I wasn't going to love this book. I judged early and based on those first pages I thought that this girl Rain was going to become tiresome if she was that over the top through the whole story. She was a loud, over bearing extrovert that seemed to take up all the space, but my mind quickly changed. Once you understand, even before "the event", once you see her life and her situation and know there is a different side to her.
This is a before and after type story, jumping between moments, scenes, and time to tell a complete story with some intrigue and mystery. Lynn and Morris bring Rain's before world to life with all the colour she brings to it, and contrasts it beautifully with the after. What I loved was the mystery of what happened wasn't dangled in front of your face, the focus surrounded Rain and her emotions, her feelings and her thoughts. Despite not knowing what had happened Rain still got inside your heart and made you feel all her emotions alongside her.
Even once it's revealed the aftermath is captivating enough, Lynn and Morris' writing engrosses you and you become invested in these characters, their lives, emotions, and loss. The story makes you anxious and nervous, not so much for the romance aspect but because of the conflict and pain and guilt that is coursing through it. I became so involved with this story I was compelled to keep going. It really does grab a hold of your heart and the more you read that grip tightens and makes your heart beat faster and the butterflies swarm. I became nervous for these characters, worried, sad, fearful, and proud of every one of them. Nothing felt rushed or outlandish, there were no quick fix solutions and seeing Rain work through her pain and see the others do it as well felt honest.
I really fell in love with each of these characters for different reasons and I really didn't mean to. They're so much like real people you want to comfort them and help them as best you can. I loved Spencer and Landon early on, they're such sweeties and Landon is such a wonderful friend to Rain. The entire friendship of the group is wonderful; because they all have different home lives and struggles, the four of them find solidarity and comfort in each other. They make their own family and support one another. This bond is so beautiful, one that crushes you even more once it's broken.
Lynn and Morris don't make the journey easy, and nor should it be. But the emotions Rain feels are honest and you really get a sense of her fear and shame, and the guilt she feels. Fixing a past you've run away from is never going to happen overnight and that's what makes this so excellent, everything from the characters to the pacing, the gradual improvements and the setbacks. It takes the time it needs to tell the story right, and when you come out the other side you feel satisfied.
There is so much I want to say about this story but can't for fear of giving away too much. Trust me though when I say that it's heartbreaking, and beautiful, and honest, and captivating, and all those wonderful words that people use to make you read a book. It is a wonderful story, one I couldn't stop reading, and I am so glad it is the first in a series because I can't wait to keep reading about these guys.
A longer version of this review was published on my blog https://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2...
April 18, 2016
Reviewed @ Confessions From Romaholics
Review copy kindly provided by author in exchange for a honest review
With a title like Rainbows and Raindrops a contradiction in itself, I was intrigued with this novel when I first heard about it and decided to take a chance on two new to me authors Morris and Lynn. They didn’t disappoint and it’s a coming of age life story about friendship and the highs and lows that comes with it.
Musketeers-one for all and all for Rain,
Rainbow aka Rain is a misfit, she always has known that but she had her guys . TJ, Spence and Landon, they have a friendship that is strong ever sine they have met. They are family, they are her world , and they understand her carefree spirit. She wasn’t named Rainbow for nothing. They follow her with out question and they have a bond that seems unshakeable.
Until the summer she turned sixteen and everything changes. As it is a whole new world, it the summer which means she has freedom as if her father Buck is going to do anything. And is life as sweet as it can be. She can truly become the person she wants to be as she is legal to do more things. And the best thing is Spence has finally asked her out
Until things go horrible wrong and we are left in the present with the aftermath. Rain isn’t the carefree girl that had her musketeers. She just Rain the girl who sticks to herself , holding the pain inside.
The carefree girl is gone and this new Rain is former shell of her past. Everything that went wrong , she blames herself and doesn’t help that she lost her guys. Until her new summer job , brings the present and past crashing together. Opening up the old wounds and creating new raw wounds, that only her guys can fix
However is the old Rain gone forever or does Rain have the strength to find herself .
Rainbow and Raindrops was a beautiful tale of friendship and the highs and lows. I love that this book was raw and honest and that it didn’t shy away from things. Guilt can be hard thing and when it tears apart a friendship. It isn’t easy and we saw it. Whilst the heart of the story was Rain and the way friendship had shaped and her friends life. I did want to know more about her upbring, not just the tidbits we got at times when it came to important things. But that was a moot point compared to the seamless storytelling and the characters that we come to love with this book. Rainbow and the others were a class of their own and I look forward to reading the next novel
4.5 couples
For more of my reviews, visit Confessions From Romaholics.And drop by the blog's Facebook page
Review copy kindly provided by author in exchange for a honest review
With a title like Rainbows and Raindrops a contradiction in itself, I was intrigued with this novel when I first heard about it and decided to take a chance on two new to me authors Morris and Lynn. They didn’t disappoint and it’s a coming of age life story about friendship and the highs and lows that comes with it.
Musketeers-one for all and all for Rain,
Rainbow aka Rain is a misfit, she always has known that but she had her guys . TJ, Spence and Landon, they have a friendship that is strong ever sine they have met. They are family, they are her world , and they understand her carefree spirit. She wasn’t named Rainbow for nothing. They follow her with out question and they have a bond that seems unshakeable.
Until the summer she turned sixteen and everything changes. As it is a whole new world, it the summer which means she has freedom as if her father Buck is going to do anything. And is life as sweet as it can be. She can truly become the person she wants to be as she is legal to do more things. And the best thing is Spence has finally asked her out
Until things go horrible wrong and we are left in the present with the aftermath. Rain isn’t the carefree girl that had her musketeers. She just Rain the girl who sticks to herself , holding the pain inside.
The carefree girl is gone and this new Rain is former shell of her past. Everything that went wrong , she blames herself and doesn’t help that she lost her guys. Until her new summer job , brings the present and past crashing together. Opening up the old wounds and creating new raw wounds, that only her guys can fix
However is the old Rain gone forever or does Rain have the strength to find herself .
Rainbow and Raindrops was a beautiful tale of friendship and the highs and lows. I love that this book was raw and honest and that it didn’t shy away from things. Guilt can be hard thing and when it tears apart a friendship. It isn’t easy and we saw it. Whilst the heart of the story was Rain and the way friendship had shaped and her friends life. I did want to know more about her upbring, not just the tidbits we got at times when it came to important things. But that was a moot point compared to the seamless storytelling and the characters that we come to love with this book. Rainbow and the others were a class of their own and I look forward to reading the next novel
4.5 couples
For more of my reviews, visit Confessions From Romaholics.And drop by the blog's Facebook page
September 20, 2016
A book recommended by one of my favorite authors (Cassie Mae), when she posted the pre-buy option on the book, I one-clicked, because well…I trust her. And she didn’t steer me wrong.
What I Loved: From the onset, I could tell I was going to love this book. Rainbow was such a fun, bright, outgoing and charismatic character, but she had a thirst of adventure and danger, a natural thrill seeker. Perhaps it was because she trying to live up to her name, or perhaps she would have always been that way – but she was a force to be reckoned with, she’s even bright in her clothing and hair color choices. Her three best friends, all boys, are probably all just a little in love with her while at the same time have no idea what to do with her.
When tragedy strikes (come-on, not a spoiler, you can tell from the blurb!) Rain changes too. She is dark and depressed. I think the take-away from her transformation is the fact that she feels guilty and responsible, and turns in on herself, shutting her friends and the world out.
The friendship between the characters is one that I think everyone wishes they had, or reminds them of one that they did or do have. Friends how love each other, and get into trouble with each other and are just basically a single unit. Reading the first couple chapters, I smiled madly at the group and their bond. I love how this bond plays out and grows into something else as the story continues to move forward.
Not So Much: I mentioned that I loved Rainbows character, but I will say she was as little bit cliché in her outward appearance. A Rain clothes that were not though about, but just thrown together in a mismatch array and a hair color that had faded, washed out and grown out probably would have been a better depiction, however I loved the imagery so I didn’t let it affect me too much.
I’m always wanting some kind of redeeming factor for bad parents, and I wished the same for Rainbow and her dad. But no, he was a drunk slob who barely served an purpose in the story at all.
The Verdict: This is not my favorite read of the year, but I really did enjoy it. I really would love to see more people get their hands on this book! While it’s dealt out in extremes, there is just enough happiness and excitement to balance out the sad. This is important to me, because I don’t typically seek out books that are overly sad. This is a good YA book, mostly clean.
What I Loved: From the onset, I could tell I was going to love this book. Rainbow was such a fun, bright, outgoing and charismatic character, but she had a thirst of adventure and danger, a natural thrill seeker. Perhaps it was because she trying to live up to her name, or perhaps she would have always been that way – but she was a force to be reckoned with, she’s even bright in her clothing and hair color choices. Her three best friends, all boys, are probably all just a little in love with her while at the same time have no idea what to do with her.
When tragedy strikes (come-on, not a spoiler, you can tell from the blurb!) Rain changes too. She is dark and depressed. I think the take-away from her transformation is the fact that she feels guilty and responsible, and turns in on herself, shutting her friends and the world out.
The friendship between the characters is one that I think everyone wishes they had, or reminds them of one that they did or do have. Friends how love each other, and get into trouble with each other and are just basically a single unit. Reading the first couple chapters, I smiled madly at the group and their bond. I love how this bond plays out and grows into something else as the story continues to move forward.
Not So Much: I mentioned that I loved Rainbows character, but I will say she was as little bit cliché in her outward appearance. A Rain clothes that were not though about, but just thrown together in a mismatch array and a hair color that had faded, washed out and grown out probably would have been a better depiction, however I loved the imagery so I didn’t let it affect me too much.
I’m always wanting some kind of redeeming factor for bad parents, and I wished the same for Rainbow and her dad. But no, he was a drunk slob who barely served an purpose in the story at all.
The Verdict: This is not my favorite read of the year, but I really did enjoy it. I really would love to see more people get their hands on this book! While it’s dealt out in extremes, there is just enough happiness and excitement to balance out the sad. This is important to me, because I don’t typically seek out books that are overly sad. This is a good YA book, mostly clean.
April 19, 2016
There have been very few books that I just couldn't finish, maybe 2-3 over the last 3 years. This book was close to becoming one of those. By the 10th chapter, I was wondering what the point of the story was going to be. It just seemed to be Rain, TJ, Spence, and Landon enjoying the summer before their junior year of high school. The purpose became apparent in chapter 13. That's when all my thoughts of this book changed. In the end, I realized that I needed the first 12 chapters to really understand and feel the connection these four friends had. It really helped me understand just how devastated they were on that day that changed everything.
Then there was the fact that the author was going between alternating between past and present when the chapters change. Usually, that's another thing that I'm not a fan of and can keep me from really enjoying the story. By the end, I was really appreciating that. I needed the break from the emotional scenes of the past. This book contained so much emotion that I didn't just have tears running down my face, I found myself sobbing (which gave hubby a great laugh) while reading. This book had me experiencing the emotions right there with the characters. It was so intense that I just couldn't put it down.
Even Rain's "colorful" personality irritated me in the beginning. She was just so over the top that I wanted her to calm down. Then, near the end, I figured out the symbolism of her color. How she had to fight to get the color back into her life. This story is an amazing story about a group of friends healing and being there for each other after a tragic event.
I can't tell you how wonderful this story became for me. I was such an emotional mess after reading it that I couldn't start this review right away. I needed to wait until the next day to even know what thoughts to put on paper. This is one book I am so glad I didn't give up on. I can't tell you enough how wonderful a story it was. Even after the rough start for me, it's still more than a 5 star read for me. Trust me, you will LOVE this book.
Then there was the fact that the author was going between alternating between past and present when the chapters change. Usually, that's another thing that I'm not a fan of and can keep me from really enjoying the story. By the end, I was really appreciating that. I needed the break from the emotional scenes of the past. This book contained so much emotion that I didn't just have tears running down my face, I found myself sobbing (which gave hubby a great laugh) while reading. This book had me experiencing the emotions right there with the characters. It was so intense that I just couldn't put it down.
Even Rain's "colorful" personality irritated me in the beginning. She was just so over the top that I wanted her to calm down. Then, near the end, I figured out the symbolism of her color. How she had to fight to get the color back into her life. This story is an amazing story about a group of friends healing and being there for each other after a tragic event.
I can't tell you how wonderful this story became for me. I was such an emotional mess after reading it that I couldn't start this review right away. I needed to wait until the next day to even know what thoughts to put on paper. This is one book I am so glad I didn't give up on. I can't tell you enough how wonderful a story it was. Even after the rough start for me, it's still more than a 5 star read for me. Trust me, you will LOVE this book.
April 23, 2016
pooled ink Reviews:
I can’t tell you what I expected or hoped this book would be because I honestly didn’t know. I chose this book on an honest to goodness whim. I tend to mull over contemporary genre books more than other genres but for whatever reason I saw the cover, I read the blurb, and I was like yeah, let’s just go for it. And NetGalley approved me and yay! Sometimes good things in life indeed require a little risk. Rainbow and TJ understood that.
So this book is written in first person POV (via Rain) but it’s split between two time lines: “Before” and “After.” This was a brilliant move, in my opinion.
Totally non-linear as a whole, but linear within each time-frame of either “Before” or “After” and it made the story flow beautifully. If the book had simply taken place from start to finish chronologically it wouldn’t have had nearly the impact that it did, and also as I’m an ice queen I might have gotten bored. This book is written with the perfect balance of “Before” and “After” and they also alternated at a good pace. It didn’t give me whiplash and it wasn’t confusing at all. Rather it felt natural and it kept the momentum of the story at a comfortable but never pausing pace.
Rainbows and Raindrops is a beautiful kaleidoscope of emotions. It sings with true friendship, deep loss, and the journey of forgiveness. More than just a story this book whispers life in all its glorious colors, even black, from the first word to the final page. Just a snapshot of these teens’ lives and yet what a poignant memory it creates.
Read my FULL review here: https://pooledink.com/2016/04/20/rain...
I can’t tell you what I expected or hoped this book would be because I honestly didn’t know. I chose this book on an honest to goodness whim. I tend to mull over contemporary genre books more than other genres but for whatever reason I saw the cover, I read the blurb, and I was like yeah, let’s just go for it. And NetGalley approved me and yay! Sometimes good things in life indeed require a little risk. Rainbow and TJ understood that.
So this book is written in first person POV (via Rain) but it’s split between two time lines: “Before” and “After.” This was a brilliant move, in my opinion.
Totally non-linear as a whole, but linear within each time-frame of either “Before” or “After” and it made the story flow beautifully. If the book had simply taken place from start to finish chronologically it wouldn’t have had nearly the impact that it did, and also as I’m an ice queen I might have gotten bored. This book is written with the perfect balance of “Before” and “After” and they also alternated at a good pace. It didn’t give me whiplash and it wasn’t confusing at all. Rather it felt natural and it kept the momentum of the story at a comfortable but never pausing pace.
Rainbows and Raindrops is a beautiful kaleidoscope of emotions. It sings with true friendship, deep loss, and the journey of forgiveness. More than just a story this book whispers life in all its glorious colors, even black, from the first word to the final page. Just a snapshot of these teens’ lives and yet what a poignant memory it creates.
Read my FULL review here: https://pooledink.com/2016/04/20/rain...
May 3, 2016
Great read
I am usually not a fan of multiple author books but I loved Rainbows & raindrops. They did a good job of making it seamless. I really liked the story and while a bit slow in the first few chapters I was totally hooked by the end. Highly recommend.
I am usually not a fan of multiple author books but I loved Rainbows & raindrops. They did a good job of making it seamless. I really liked the story and while a bit slow in the first few chapters I was totally hooked by the end. Highly recommend.
May 3, 2016
Once again Jenny Morris has me captivated by her book. I really like the fact that there isn't a lot of foul language, or a lot of sexiness. Rainbows and Raindrops is just a really good read, a great summer book. Worst part of this book is having to wait for the next installment in September.
April 24, 2016
A bit too slow for my taste
I felt this dragged too much and I really didn't like the MC at all. So I just didn't connect with the story or any of the characters.
I felt this dragged too much and I really didn't like the MC at all. So I just didn't connect with the story or any of the characters.
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