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A Feather in the Rain
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Feather in the Rain. I felt a real affinity with the characters and hope to one day see this book as a motion picture."
Harrison Ford, actor
Alex Cord novel is ablaze with passion
Alex Cord has starred in more than 30 movies and 300 television shows, often portraying men of grit and toughness. As a boy, he was stricken with polio and confined to a hospital. As a young man, he made a living as a professional bull rider on the rodeo circuit, once landing in a pile of broken bones that led to another lengthy stay in a hospital. Nothing, however, could prepare him to deal with the tragic loss of his son Damien Zachary.
"I went into a major depression," explains Cord. "Nothing in my life seemed to have any value, any purpose." He says he pulled the covers over his head, both literally and figuratively, unable to deal with the heartache. "I came to understand the weight of the phrase, ...died of a broken heart." He dragged himself out of bed one day, determined to write down his memories of Zach. But what began as a cathartic writing exercise soon blossomed into full-blown novel, A Feather in the Rain.
The story begins by telling of Jesse Burrell, a Texas rancher and horseman who had buried his son. Disconsolate, Jesse's love and lust for life went fallow. Determined to never again experience the heartache of loss, this trail-hardened cowboy chose a self-imposed lonely and celibate existence. With great effort, he managed to struggle through the motions of his life, running a ranch and occasionally winning awards in cutting horse competitions (although the ultimate dream of a Futurity championship eluded him.) That was how his life was, and that was how it seemed destined to remain.
Then through a chance encounter, he meets a beautiful young woman, her own heart shattered by the death of her brother. They immediately see in each other a kindred spirit. Their explosive love affair will set readers' hearts ablaze with empathy and passion.
"Of course, I know where the initial idea for the story came from," confesses Cord, "but a lot of it? Well, the story just took on a life of its own." Cord is a private man, not given to explaining where the line is that divides fiction from fact in his latest book.
A Feather in the Rain is Cord's second novel. The first-Sandsong-was published by Warner Books and has been optioned for a feature film production. He has also written and sold three screenplays.
Ernest Borgnine, Academy Award-winning actor, says of A Feather in the Rain, "Alex has written one of the finest love stories I’ve ever read."
Harrison Ford, actor
Alex Cord novel is ablaze with passion
Alex Cord has starred in more than 30 movies and 300 television shows, often portraying men of grit and toughness. As a boy, he was stricken with polio and confined to a hospital. As a young man, he made a living as a professional bull rider on the rodeo circuit, once landing in a pile of broken bones that led to another lengthy stay in a hospital. Nothing, however, could prepare him to deal with the tragic loss of his son Damien Zachary.
"I went into a major depression," explains Cord. "Nothing in my life seemed to have any value, any purpose." He says he pulled the covers over his head, both literally and figuratively, unable to deal with the heartache. "I came to understand the weight of the phrase, ...died of a broken heart." He dragged himself out of bed one day, determined to write down his memories of Zach. But what began as a cathartic writing exercise soon blossomed into full-blown novel, A Feather in the Rain.
The story begins by telling of Jesse Burrell, a Texas rancher and horseman who had buried his son. Disconsolate, Jesse's love and lust for life went fallow. Determined to never again experience the heartache of loss, this trail-hardened cowboy chose a self-imposed lonely and celibate existence. With great effort, he managed to struggle through the motions of his life, running a ranch and occasionally winning awards in cutting horse competitions (although the ultimate dream of a Futurity championship eluded him.) That was how his life was, and that was how it seemed destined to remain.
Then through a chance encounter, he meets a beautiful young woman, her own heart shattered by the death of her brother. They immediately see in each other a kindred spirit. Their explosive love affair will set readers' hearts ablaze with empathy and passion.
"Of course, I know where the initial idea for the story came from," confesses Cord, "but a lot of it? Well, the story just took on a life of its own." Cord is a private man, not given to explaining where the line is that divides fiction from fact in his latest book.
A Feather in the Rain is Cord's second novel. The first-Sandsong-was published by Warner Books and has been optioned for a feature film production. He has also written and sold three screenplays.
Ernest Borgnine, Academy Award-winning actor, says of A Feather in the Rain, "Alex has written one of the finest love stories I’ve ever read."
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2005
166 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Alex Cord
11 books25 followersAlex Cord has been a successful actor in the theatre in New York and London, (Best Actor Nominee). He has starred in 300+ TV shows and 35 feature films, with Kirk Douglas, Ann-Margaret, Ernest Borgnine, Harrison Ford, George C. Scott, Angela Landsbury, Jean Simmons, Ben Johnson, Bing Crosby, Stefanie Powers, Chuck Connors and many others. His first novel, "SANDSONG", was published by Warner Books. "A FEATHER IN THE RAIN," published by Five Star Publications won The Glyph Award for Best Popular Fiction. It has received countless 5 star reviews on Amazon, and will be made into a movie. Alex has just finished a new novel, titled, "DAYS OF THE HARBINGER". Available on Amazon, it's an unusual story which answers the question, "Can one man acquire the power to change the way the entire world thinks?" Dr. Kenneth Atchity, professor of literature, author of dozens of books, film producer, said, "Loved reading this book which, Lord knows, the world needs desperately!"
A lifelong serious horseman, he has played polo for 20 years, shown jumpers, competed in rodeos as a "Cutter" and Team Roper and is currently studying Dressage with his professional trainer wife, Susannah Cord, who is also a gifted writer and author of "FENELLA, A FABLE OF A FAIRY AFRAID TO FLY." FENELLA is an illustrated children's book. FenellatheFairy.com. Alex and Susannah live on their Texas ranch with 5 dogs, 2 barn cats, 3 burros, their horses and a partridge in a pear tree.
A lifelong serious horseman, he has played polo for 20 years, shown jumpers, competed in rodeos as a "Cutter" and Team Roper and is currently studying Dressage with his professional trainer wife, Susannah Cord, who is also a gifted writer and author of "FENELLA, A FABLE OF A FAIRY AFRAID TO FLY." FENELLA is an illustrated children's book. FenellatheFairy.com. Alex and Susannah live on their Texas ranch with 5 dogs, 2 barn cats, 3 burros, their horses and a partridge in a pear tree.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 31, 2024
This is the second time I have read this book.
I really enjoyed the story which is semi-autobiographical by the author, Alex Cord, following the death of his son to drug abuse some years earlier. I think this book was a way for him to cope with his grief.
It has a typical happy ever after ending. Anyone who is a lover of horses would also appreciate this book too.
I really enjoyed the story which is semi-autobiographical by the author, Alex Cord, following the death of his son to drug abuse some years earlier. I think this book was a way for him to cope with his grief.
It has a typical happy ever after ending. Anyone who is a lover of horses would also appreciate this book too.
April 3, 2013
A FEATHER IN THE RAIN is one of the most powerfully emotional and honest novels I've ever read. It is the story of the resilience of the heart, even in the face of devastating loss, and of how the capacity to hope and courage to love, despite all risk, define us as human.
Jesse Burrell is a gifted horseman and trainer and rider of champion cutting horses. His instinctive connection with the horses he loves has given him some sense of purpose as he struggles to recover from the devastating, senseless loss of his son, Zack. Long separated from Zack's mother, Jesse is deeply lonely, realizing that other than his son, no one has said "I love you" to him in many years.
When Jesse suddenly finds himself beginning to love again, he must find the courage - and the faith - to risk his sorely battered heart.
It's very rare to read a page-tuner of a novel that not only entertains, but also lays bare raw, and very honest, emotions - from hopelessness and despair to elation and joy. A FEATHER IN THE RAIN is that rare book that stays with you long after you finish reading it, and makes you think about what is most important in your life. It's a beautifully written story, its language both straightforward and poetic. The physical settings of the book - the hill country of Texas, the Lazy JB Ranch, the competitive cutting arena, friends' homes, the hospital - all are as vividly drawn as Jesse's thoughts and emotions.
Jesse has both a cowboy's dry sense of humor and terse manner of speech. He believes actions speak louder than words, but at times he wishes he had the right words to express what is in his heart and mind. He struggles mightily with this, knowing he lacks the "skill and the means" to explain what he feels. Luckily for the readers of this extraordinary book, Author Alex Cord does have them. In spades.
Jesse Burrell is a gifted horseman and trainer and rider of champion cutting horses. His instinctive connection with the horses he loves has given him some sense of purpose as he struggles to recover from the devastating, senseless loss of his son, Zack. Long separated from Zack's mother, Jesse is deeply lonely, realizing that other than his son, no one has said "I love you" to him in many years.
When Jesse suddenly finds himself beginning to love again, he must find the courage - and the faith - to risk his sorely battered heart.
It's very rare to read a page-tuner of a novel that not only entertains, but also lays bare raw, and very honest, emotions - from hopelessness and despair to elation and joy. A FEATHER IN THE RAIN is that rare book that stays with you long after you finish reading it, and makes you think about what is most important in your life. It's a beautifully written story, its language both straightforward and poetic. The physical settings of the book - the hill country of Texas, the Lazy JB Ranch, the competitive cutting arena, friends' homes, the hospital - all are as vividly drawn as Jesse's thoughts and emotions.
Jesse has both a cowboy's dry sense of humor and terse manner of speech. He believes actions speak louder than words, but at times he wishes he had the right words to express what is in his heart and mind. He struggles mightily with this, knowing he lacks the "skill and the means" to explain what he feels. Luckily for the readers of this extraordinary book, Author Alex Cord does have them. In spades.
November 6, 2013
A wonderful book about working through the grief of losing a child and finding true love. The descriptions of riding a cutting horse and connecting to a horse is superb!
February 8, 2017
Ok, but?
Read for pleasure and relaxation, but I feel reviews should be left to recognized critics and that the star system of rating should be sufficient from most readers because it is simply an individual's opinion when writing a review. Enjoyed this book with the exception that there was too much sexuality in the latter portion of the plot.
Read for pleasure and relaxation, but I feel reviews should be left to recognized critics and that the star system of rating should be sufficient from most readers because it is simply an individual's opinion when writing a review. Enjoyed this book with the exception that there was too much sexuality in the latter portion of the plot.
January 1, 2018
I am a city girl ,hated the outdoor. Mr. Cord descriptions of the outdoor I felt I was enjoying my easy listening music. I loved tnd story.
Reading this book I felt the lost of his son,joy of finding love,and the well to continued to live. Great
Reading this book I felt the lost of his son,joy of finding love,and the well to continued to live. Great
July 26, 2018
Trust Hope Faith
Excellent work. Heartwarming. Held my attention from the first page. Thank you for a touching read. There are better things awaiting us. Believe!!!!!!!
Excellent work. Heartwarming. Held my attention from the first page. Thank you for a touching read. There are better things awaiting us. Believe!!!!!!!
November 17, 2018
Awesome read
What an amazing story of family love heartbreak and great friends. If you never read another book you must read this one. Just wow !!
What an amazing story of family love heartbreak and great friends. If you never read another book you must read this one. Just wow !!
February 20, 2017
A novel with plenty of "Western" flavor, but it's so much more than a Western story. An emotional read, as expected, because of the author's true-life story, which inspired this book. Kept me engaged throughout, and loved the story line. Enjoyed the emphasis on cutting horses, and found the information both exciting and educational. I could feel the action. The joy, grief, loss and sadness elicited many emotions within me. Wonderful read. Well-written, somewhat poetic, and well-edited.
February 12, 2017
A must read
I appeal to you as a licensed psychologist that reading this book may be a life-changing experience. Thank you Alex Cord for sharing.
I appeal to you as a licensed psychologist that reading this book may be a life-changing experience. Thank you Alex Cord for sharing.
October 13, 2016
I also lost a son .he was eighteen years old This was so comforting and truthful thank you for sh aring
What. Only a parent who has lost a child can identify with . Your writing of your feeling was special and the helping of the animals to understand and comfort us humans are beyond the pale .
What. Only a parent who has lost a child can identify with . Your writing of your feeling was special and the helping of the animals to understand and comfort us humans are beyond the pale .
December 29, 2016
Four or Five
I started feeling this book was rather drawn out and was dragging. Almost stopped reading this book. I'm glad I hung in and finished the ending is terrific and every bit worth the reading
Good story the characters are well developed after reading the author note I highly regard this author's work and do recommend reading the entire story.
I started feeling this book was rather drawn out and was dragging. Almost stopped reading this book. I'm glad I hung in and finished the ending is terrific and every bit worth the reading
Good story the characters are well developed after reading the author note I highly regard this author's work and do recommend reading the entire story.
May 22, 2016
Wonderful!
If you love horses , cowboys, strong women characters, and great love stories, this is the novel for you!
Alex Cord ties all of the above in a riveting story you won't want to put down!
If you love horses , cowboys, strong women characters, and great love stories, this is the novel for you!
Alex Cord ties all of the above in a riveting story you won't want to put down!
January 24, 2017
Great book
At the beginning I didn't think I was going to like it. I didn't think it would be good reading. I was wrong. Got to where I couldn't put it down. So sad. So happy. Glad I read it
At the beginning I didn't think I was going to like it. I didn't think it would be good reading. I was wrong. Got to where I couldn't put it down. So sad. So happy. Glad I read it
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews