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Welcome to Madison Creek Where Northern Hospitality Meets Southern Comfort

A Contemporary Inspirational Romance

Bekka Winters hung up the phone. Ethan, her brother, needed her help filming a music video for his new music production studio. She stared at her already packed bags. Why not? She’d just graduated from college and didn’t exactly have a job to go to. Besides, a music video might look good on her resume when she looked for real work.

Stephen Gaines couldn’t believe Ethan had called him after their last blow up. They’d been music partners once. Stephen had ruined that. It was his expertise to wreck relationships especially those he had with women. Fortunately, Ethan didn’t know about him and Bekka. She was the one woman that had broken through to the deep parts of his heart. If only… how many times had he said that in the past? A fresh start is just what he needed.

Bekka’s mind bubbled with ideas for Ethan’s studio. Not to mention she couldn’t wait to see Ethan and Haley, the woman who’d captured her brother’s heart. But when she pulled into the drive and saw the familiar fancy car that Stephen drove, her heart dropped. There was no way she’d let him back into her life.

Paperback

Published October 18, 2016

13 people are currently reading
33 people want to read

About the author

Jackie Castle

44 books137 followers
Jackie Castle is also known as J.R. Castle.

Hello friends-
Welcome to my Goodreads Story World. I hope you’ll have a stroll around at all the sweet, inspirational stories on my shelves. One never knows what new adventure awaits them around the next corner.

I am the author of over 35 books in various genres: fantasy, romance, children’s & non-fiction. I write as Jackie Castle & J.R. Castle.

​I love exploring my story worlds and, even more, I love God. We’ve had such an interesting journey and there is still so much ahead. I’m always looking for the extraordinary in the ordinary and believe this life is full of unlimited possibilities.

​I love to interact with readers! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter and check out my blog page. ​You can find out more about my shenanigans over at: www.jackiecastle.com. While you're snooping around, take a moment to sign up for my monthly newsletter. =)

Thanks so much for stopping by!
J. C.
.

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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for CJ Myerly.
66 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2016
From the moment I heard the title “Raining Fools”, I was intrigued, but that didn’t stop with the title. Friendship and love are the reigning theme throughout this book written by Jackie Castle. The romance between Bekka and Stephen is sparked by a difficult past that they both must overcome. Stephen’s friendship with Ethan is far from perfect, but through it all, Ethan sticks close to Stephen, no matter what.


This novel brings to my mind the passage of Matthew 18:21-22 (KJV), “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Til seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” The central theme of this passage was not that we should keep tally and stop forgiving after 539 offenses; but rather to forgive all offenses. After all, if one is keeping tally, then it’s not true forgiveness.


You see this truth lived out in these characters’ lives, in a very real way. There are times they struggle to forgive and want to abandon ship, but the love they are called to show through Christ, keeps them pressing on.


What I liked:
I enjoyed reading “Raining Fools” and was sad when the end came. I would definitely read another book by Jackie Castle. While this book was a sequel to Snow Belle, I was able to read it as a stand alone without any confusion. In fact, I am excited to read Snow Belle in the near future!

As a mother of two young ones, it’s often difficult to read a book from the beginning to the end in one read. However, I was able to pick up this book and read a few chapters, put it down when I needed to take care of my kids, and pick it back up later without once getting lost. In simple words: it was an easy read. While I could put it down, I didn’t want to.


The characters were very real. In many ways, I viewed them as my friends. I cheered them on, wanting them to make the right decisions. Each action they chose seemed to reflect who they were and what they believed.


What I disliked:


I disliked the prequel. While it was well written and I enjoyed reading it, it confused me at first because it didn’t seem to flow well with the rest of the book. It took place in Haley’s viewpoint, but it would have made more sense if it had been written from Bekka’s viewpoint. I could also see the prelude having been better as a first chapter as there are parts of it that are essential to the book.


However, that is such a minor point that I would still highly recommend this book if you are looking for a light read, filled with Biblical truth and a thirst for second chances.


I was given a complimentary copy of “Raining Fools” to review by the author and Celebrate Lit. All views are my own. I would give this book four stars.
Profile Image for Chastity Ray.
168 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2016
I truly enjoyed Jackie Castle's writing style. I love how she managed to bring the characters to life and make them relatable. I also loved how she was able to draw me into the world she created. It was truly an enjoyable experice to read this book and I'm looking forward to going back and read the first book in this series.
* I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
May 16, 2017
This was a beautiful romance between Bekka and Stephen.
Bekka knows The Lord and Stephen is struggling.
We see God's love, redemption and second chances in this book.
I loved the characters, storyline and the setting.
This book is a stand alone but reading book 1 will enhance the reading experience of book 2.
Profile Image for Margaret Nelson.
1,634 reviews
May 29, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. You really should read Snowbelle and Secretly in Love first, as the main characters from those books show up quite a bit in this one as well.

I appreciated that this was not a novella. Castle made it long enough to deal with all the characters' various issues, and has lots of good insights into what real love and forgiveness are like.

I look forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Christina Scotton.
46 reviews
November 4, 2016
Raining Fools is the story of a second chance at love. It is the second book in the Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast series. I haven’t read the first book in the series but this works as a standalone novel, though you may appreciate the moments in this book between Ethan and Haley (the hero and heroine of the first book) if you have read the previous book in the series.

Ms. Castle is an author I have never read but I love trying new authors and second chance romances are one of my favorite scenarios (I have a lot of favorite scenarios). Bekka and Stephen, the main characters, had a relationship years ago that ended abruptly—though I won’t spoil the “why” here as it’s revealed early in the story.

I relate to Bekka’s struggle with what she wants to do with her life and career. She’s close to my age and I still struggle with the decisions I made for my job and life and if it’s the right one or not. That struggle forms a large part of Bekka’s narrative and it was easy for me to understand Bekka. She is also struggling against her brother Ethan’s desire to control her life, which I’m sure that any one of us that has younger siblings can understand the push and pull of sibling interaction.

It took me longer to warm up to Stephen. He is written as someone who nominally believes in God but does not consider himself a Christian. He smokes and drinks during the story. I appreciated his character arc as he begins to turn away from sin and lean on God. Stephen’s interactions with his mother are some of the best in the book and elevate Stephen’s character in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

I enjoyed this book while reading it, but the story did not “stick” with me after. It is nicely written and the characters are well-rounded and likable, but there was nothing in it that hit enough emotional notes for me to ruminate on the story and characters once I had finished reading it. I also found the “prologue” with Ethan and Haley quite jarring in tone when compared to Bekka and Stephen’s story.

Because I enjoyed the characters and the writing style, I will more than likely try another book by Ms. Castle. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys small-town contemporary Christian fiction with likable characters who struggle with what God wants for them.

I give this book 3/5 stars.

** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through CelebrateLit. All opinions are my own.**
3 reviews
November 18, 2016
Not many people love a good love story as much as I do. The one thing I love better than a good love story is a good Christian love story. Raining Fools by Jackie Castle intertwines two Christian love stories in one sweet tale.
Raining Fools: The Story

Stephen Gaines and Bekka Winters reunite after years of separation. They had been high school sweethearts until Bekka’s protective brother, Ethan, put a halt to their relationship. Ethan and Stephen had been music partners until a twist in their relationship sent them down separate paths. Now Ethan and his love, Haley, are working hard to build a future together around a warm and cozy small town bed and breakfast business. In addition to helping Haley build her bed and breakfast business, Ethan is working on opening a recording studio, but he needs Bekka’s and Stephen’s help to get started.

Bekka and Stephen must work together to create the video needed to help Ethan open his studio. Bekka swears she will never let Stephen back into her life. Is she capable of keeeping Stephen locked out of her heart?

Stephen comes into town with problems of his own. His life is complicated by a few real world realities to which many readers are bound to relate. Can he become the man Bekka deserves? Can he break the barriers she has set in place to protect her heart?

While Stephen and Bekka work together on the video, they notice Ethan’s peculiar habits that reveal a big secret. What are Ethan and Haley hiding?

What I Like About the Book

I like that most of the characters in Raining Fools seek God’s plan and direction for their lives. Young readers will surely be impressed by the example of the young people in this book.

I like that Mrs. Castle weaves real world problems and spiritual battles in her story.

I like that the reader will witness a steadfast faith in some characters and changed lives in others.

I love that the reader will realize that a person’s past holds no stronghold over his or her future when he or she allows the Lord to rule the heart.
1,093 reviews10 followers
November 5, 2016
I have not read book one in the Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast series but that did not hinder my understanding or enjoyment of “Raining Fools”. When I began reading it my first impression was that it was a book intended for teens due to thoughts and actions expressed by one of the characters. However, as I continued to read the story grew in both scope and depth and ended up being a pretty satisfying book.

Overall “Raining Fools” is a story of second chances, forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. Bekka had been hurt badly when a previous relationship with Stephen had ended so she was not happy to learn that he was also to be included in the special project her brother Ethan was developing. Stephen had never gotten over Bekka and was trying hard to turn his life around to please her but alcohol and cigarettes were temptations difficult to resist on his own. Lots of old baggage held him back, not the least of which was his own mother. Ethan and Haley seemed to have everything figured out but even they had secrets that could destroy their testimony.

I did enjoy “Raining Fools”. In particular I liked the Stephen’s character was developed, especially why he had come to make the poor choices he had made. A scene between him and Haley was extremely touching and I was happy with his eventual choices regarding his mother. Although “Raining Fools” is technically a romantic novel, it has plenty of “meat” for the reader to chew on. Some may not like the inclusion of some of Stephen’s choices but to me they just help illustrate the changes that are made in his life.

A free copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Karla.
307 reviews11 followers
November 2, 2016
I am always excited when introduced to new authors, however, I must admit am somewhat nervous when having to review a book by them . What if I don't like the story? What if I don't have anything good to say?? I hate writing negative reviews! Well, after reading just a few pages of "Raining Fools", my worries quickly evaporated!! Whew!! Thank goodness.

This book is the second in The Madison Creek Bed and Breakfast series. Each book is a standalone so can be thoroughly enjoyed without having read any others. Jackie does a good job of capturing the reader's attention within the first few pages. An easy to read, light story is always a welcome addition to my library.

The characters are well developed and realistic, making it easy to identify with them. They grow along with the story and became my friends, ones that sometimes I wanted to hug, ato other times give a good shake and tell them to think!

The plot moves steadily and although it was somewhat different from what I usually read, I enjoyed it and it kept me interested from start to finish. There are just enough complications to keep a reader happy and wondering.

This is a story that emphasizes second chances. We always have them but do we always accept help and take what is offered??

I would highly recommend this book particularly to young audiences. There are definitely lessons to be learned that are examples to all of us.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,569 reviews4 followers
November 16, 2016
"Raining Fools” by Jackie Castle is the second book in the (Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast) series. "Raining Fools picks up where "Snow Belle" leaves off. You don't have to read "Snow Belle" first to enjoy " Raining Fools" but I am glad I did because it is Haley's and Ethan's story. While "Raining Fools" is Bekka and Stephen's Story.

“Raining Fools” is a clean love story but it is more than that. I feel that “Raining Fools” is a story about forgiveness and redemption.

I especially liked how Jackie Castle used truth about God and Bible Scriptures to tell Haley and Ethan and Stephen and Bekka and readers ( if you are like me, and use the books you read to impart truth into your life, yes even fiction can do that) how God cares and loves the “little people”.

There is one character in this book that isn’t someone I would want to be friends with but this story reminds us all that everyone wants and deserves to be loved.

This story has no unclean scenes but does deal with some alcohol abuse and a scene with someone putting drugs in a drink. But I think this just makes this story more realistic.

I am hoping to read more about all these characters in the future.

I really enjoyed the time I spent in Madison Creek and I think my fellow readers will too.

I am giving both “Snow Belle” and “Raining Fools” by Jackie Castle five stars.


I was given a complementary copy of “Raining Fools” by the author and Celebrate Lit. The opinions are mine own.
Profile Image for Crystal Scott.
230 reviews11 followers
November 9, 2016
Raining Fools is book two in Jackie Castle's Madison Creek Bed and Breakfast series. Jackie Castle is a new other for me and I honestly can say that I thoroughly enjoyed Raining Fools. Even though it is the second book in the series, each book can be read as a stand-alone but I am looking forward to purchasing the first book in the series.

Do you believe in second chances? I do and I know we serve a God of second chances. Raining Fools brings us a story of forgiveness, second chances, love, and new beginnings. Bekka is excited to go help her brother with his new studio, fresh out of college, nothing else to do, she packs her bags and heads to Madison Creek. When she arrives, parked in the driveway is a car she recognizes immediately and immediately her heart drops. What was she going to do? How can she begin to let her past come back in her life.

Wonderful story, very well written, definitely perfect for teens, young adults and even us old timers!! I highly recommend Raining Fools for your next read.

I received a copy of this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all opinions expressed here are my own.
346 reviews
November 8, 2016
Jackie did such a great job of painting a picture with words that I originally thought I had picked up a fantasy novel. Instead, it was four young men and women shooting a music video! Very well done. And though I knew nothing about the process before this, it was not difficult to follow, and i found it fascinating! Misunderstandings, secrets, love and forgiveness are recurring themes in this delightful novel. Emotions and feelings are issues we all deal with no matter how old or young we are. And through it all runs a thread of humor. This is the second book in the series, but even though I have not read the first one (I will need to remedy that) it did not cause me to feel like the story was disjointed. An added bonus was the thread of a deep Christian belief that the reader can tell the characters have in a subtle but clear way. Jackie is a new author to me, and I plan on checking out her other novels.
Thank you to Sandra Barela of CelebrateLit for the opportunity to read this ebook. I recieved an Ebook free. No review was required and the opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jennifer  J..
481 reviews56 followers
November 12, 2016
Well done! A thoroughly enjoyable and highly engaging read! Great depth of characters, stunning setting with a clear and loving faith message.

Raining Fools unfolds at a steady pace keeping the reader engaged in the life, love, challenges and triumphs of this diverse and well-developed group of characters. The author does a fine job of foreshadowing as well as drawing the reader into the deeper thoughts and emotions of featured characters.

I especially appreciated Jackie Castle’s sincerity in basing the central theme on God’s grace and abiding love no matter how far one strays. To God, no one is unreachable, and this story shares a reminder to us all that we are to be about the business of loving, forgiving and bringing others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

I am so pleased to have met this cast of characters and I certainly look forward to reading their continuing stories. Thank you, Jackie Castle, for this is surely a 5 of 5 stars!

Disclaimer
I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Carol Keen.
Author 9 books122 followers
November 11, 2016
This book was different in some ways. I really loved the photography, the art, the filmmaking, and visual effects and the music, not necessarily in that order. All those scenes were very well written. This book focuses mainly on two couples and their relationships with each other and their families. There were lots of ups and downs, people coming from broken backgrounds, solid backgrounds, mixed backgrounds, abuse both physically and from drugs, as well as just plain not having a relationship with God.


I never quite figured out why the title is what it is, but I was happy with the ending and how the relationship resolved, the way the secrets were handled. What remains with me the most, however, is the imagery of when the film was shot, and the music, and the interspersed message of God’s redeeming love.

My copy came from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a review. I do so of my own free volition. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Bree.
500 reviews47 followers
November 5, 2016
Jackie gave her characters life with her breath of fresh air to Christian Romance. I was loving all the different stories for the characters in this second book, in what seems to me to be a fantastic series ( I must read more!). Readers that enjoy complex relationships that aren’t really a cut and dry story, a tale with depth and the need for more to come will be enjoying this book!
Full review at:
https://bibliophile.reviews/book-revi...
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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