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Rainbow Falls #1
Skye
Rainbow Falls…where life is lived in full color.
Skye Blue is tired. She’s worn out from days spent doing what’s expected of her while her heart longs for something else. It doesn’t help that the past has colored her every decision with guilt and fear. When Skye reaches her limit, she packs a bag and runs away from it all…and headlong into Sam.
Sam Madison is a battle-hardened former Marine who can face an enemy combatant without blinking. He is also a man dedicated to serving God by working with those military vets that society often rejects. Samaritan’s Reach, a place that houses and retrains homeless veterans, is the start of Sam’s dream — but an overreaching City Council threatens everything.
How can love develop between a woman who hides from her problems and a man who has never considered backing down?
Skye Blue is tired. She’s worn out from days spent doing what’s expected of her while her heart longs for something else. It doesn’t help that the past has colored her every decision with guilt and fear. When Skye reaches her limit, she packs a bag and runs away from it all…and headlong into Sam.
Sam Madison is a battle-hardened former Marine who can face an enemy combatant without blinking. He is also a man dedicated to serving God by working with those military vets that society often rejects. Samaritan’s Reach, a place that houses and retrains homeless veterans, is the start of Sam’s dream — but an overreaching City Council threatens everything.
How can love develop between a woman who hides from her problems and a man who has never considered backing down?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2018
31 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Heather Gray
23 books240 followersHeather loves coffee, God, her family, and laughter – not necessarily in that order! She writes approachable characters who, through the highs and lows of life, find a way to love God, embrace each day, and laugh out loud right along with her. And, yeah, her books almost always have someone who's a coffee addict. Some things just can't be helped.
Despite being born into different eras, Heather's characters share a common trait. Like her, they're all flawed...but loved anyway.
You can find Heather online at http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywr... and http://www.twitter.com/laughdreamwrite. She can also be found most days at The Inspired Inkpot, a street team, prayer group, and all around awesome place to hang out - http://www.facebook.com/groups/theins....
Despite being born into different eras, Heather's characters share a common trait. Like her, they're all flawed...but loved anyway.
You can find Heather online at http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywr... and http://www.twitter.com/laughdreamwrite. She can also be found most days at The Inspired Inkpot, a street team, prayer group, and all around awesome place to hang out - http://www.facebook.com/groups/theins....
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 7, 2018
I read this in the collection called "Cherish: 7 Tender Christian Romances". This is another truly delightful, yet incredibly in-depth story by this author! While there are many lines that kept me laughing, there are also many lines that were heart-breaking and made me stop and think: The homeless & the way they are often treated; preconceived notions; selfishness & selflessness; relationships; fear; restoration & second chances; our failings being turned into something God can use for His Kingdom; living our lives in full color instead of in black & white; and so many more things worth pondering. I’m hoping this author takes us back to Rainbow Falls to enjoy some of the other characters’ stories. I HIGHLY recommend this story as a great read for anyone!!!
July 10, 2018
Beautiful Love Story
What a beautiful love story about second chances,God's love and redemption.
I loved the storyline,the cast of amazing characters and the town of Rainbow Falls.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romance.
What a beautiful love story about second chances,God's love and redemption.
I loved the storyline,the cast of amazing characters and the town of Rainbow Falls.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romance.
May 19, 2022
When I first started this book, the first chapter made me wonder if there were suspense elements in it, which I do not read. Thankfully, it didn't. It was a little more than just a strict romance, but it was good. Flawed, realistic hero (Sam) and Skye Blue (a Rainbow Girl, named for a color of the rainbow) find each other and themselves in Rainbow Falls, Montana. And Skye finds God, too.
Strong Christian faith thread, loveable character, a slow-burn romance, the value of true friendship, redemption without wallowing in the sin – this had it all!
The only two things I didn't like were the aforementioned hints of suspense (I was almost ready to cry false advertising) and several blaring typos.
But the story was worth losing sleep over.
Favorite quotes:
“She wasn't going back. A herd of wild unicorns couldn't drag her back to Samaritan's Reach.” (p. 73)
“'I'm never … going shopping … with you … again.' Tawny poked at one of the packages of underwear. 'Oh, yes you are. Shopping without me will be boring from now on. You'll be begging me to go with you.'” (p. 79)
“What on earth had happened? And why couldn't women talk straight and make sense? Yep. The undercurrent was pulling him under. If only it was as simple as knowing how to swim.” (p. 88)
“'I was a pastor's wife for forty years … and if there's one thing I learned during that time, it's that people like to bellyache … But most of all, they complain when God is growing them. Because, let's face it, sometimes those growing pains hurt …'” (p. 106)
“Fear and courage weren't mutually exclusive. Courage was about marching ahead despite the fear.” (p. 125)
“Family. The word sent a chill through her veins at the same time that it warmed her heart.” (p. 153)
“Sam … needed to focus. He led the Monday Bible study each week, and it was supposed to be a follow-up to the sermon so he could answer any questions the men had. At this rate, the answer to every single one of their questions was going to be, 'Skye.'” (p. 160)
“'From where I'm sitting, most people get lost when they're too busy running away to pay attention to where they're going.'” (p. 184)
“Sam took a deep breath and let the air out slowly. Anybody who said walking in faith was easy lied.” (p. 230)
“'God could wave a magic wand and change the whole world into a perfect utopia, sure. Who does that help, though? He wants us to learn and to grow, not to be automatons. We each have the power to change the world by showing mercy, love, and grace to the people we come into contact with. We change the world by letting Him change us first.'” (p. 265)
“Rainbow Falls would always be the place where life was meant to be lived in full color and where hope was filled with every shade of the rainbow.” (p. 378)
(I received a copy for free from a giveaway. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was the decision to write this review.)
Strong Christian faith thread, loveable character, a slow-burn romance, the value of true friendship, redemption without wallowing in the sin – this had it all!
The only two things I didn't like were the aforementioned hints of suspense (I was almost ready to cry false advertising) and several blaring typos.
But the story was worth losing sleep over.
Favorite quotes:
“She wasn't going back. A herd of wild unicorns couldn't drag her back to Samaritan's Reach.” (p. 73)
“'I'm never … going shopping … with you … again.' Tawny poked at one of the packages of underwear. 'Oh, yes you are. Shopping without me will be boring from now on. You'll be begging me to go with you.'” (p. 79)
“What on earth had happened? And why couldn't women talk straight and make sense? Yep. The undercurrent was pulling him under. If only it was as simple as knowing how to swim.” (p. 88)
“'I was a pastor's wife for forty years … and if there's one thing I learned during that time, it's that people like to bellyache … But most of all, they complain when God is growing them. Because, let's face it, sometimes those growing pains hurt …'” (p. 106)
“Fear and courage weren't mutually exclusive. Courage was about marching ahead despite the fear.” (p. 125)
“Family. The word sent a chill through her veins at the same time that it warmed her heart.” (p. 153)
“Sam … needed to focus. He led the Monday Bible study each week, and it was supposed to be a follow-up to the sermon so he could answer any questions the men had. At this rate, the answer to every single one of their questions was going to be, 'Skye.'” (p. 160)
“'From where I'm sitting, most people get lost when they're too busy running away to pay attention to where they're going.'” (p. 184)
“Sam took a deep breath and let the air out slowly. Anybody who said walking in faith was easy lied.” (p. 230)
“'God could wave a magic wand and change the whole world into a perfect utopia, sure. Who does that help, though? He wants us to learn and to grow, not to be automatons. We each have the power to change the world by showing mercy, love, and grace to the people we come into contact with. We change the world by letting Him change us first.'” (p. 265)
“Rainbow Falls would always be the place where life was meant to be lived in full color and where hope was filled with every shade of the rainbow.” (p. 378)
(I received a copy for free from a giveaway. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was the decision to write this review.)
December 24, 2023
Current day
Rainbow Falls, Montana
So, this is another book I’d placed on my to-read list and grabbed as soon as I bought into Kindle Unlimited. I’ve long enjoyed Heather Gray's work. If I give an author's work all 4 and 5 stars, I know I can trust their work and can look forward to all their books in the future. This book was one of those.
Many of the residents born in Rainbow Falls were named after colors. It all stemmed from a teenager dying of leukemia who gave a moving commencement speech about living in full color. The main character is Skye Blue, a girl who was a member of The Rainbow Girls, lifelong friends all named after a color. A tragedy changed her life and when it was time for college, Skye ran, thinking never to return.
Years later, because she felt trapped in a company she never wanted to own in the first place, she ran again, only this time it was back to Rainbow Falls. The first person she met was Sam Madison, a former marine who managed a shelter for homeless veterans. To Skye, he was scary, but also a challenge.
I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Gray's writing and this book. She always includes wonderful tidbits of wisdom, clearly from a flourishing relationship with the Lord, without sounding preachy. I underlined quite a bit.
Skye, who has a grudge against God, if she believed in Him at all, was being told by Sam about how God can grow us when we suffer…
“I’m all grown up. What more does He want?”
“I have all kinds of answers I want to give you, but I’ve been where you’re at. If someone tried spouting off their theology to me, I’d want to deck them. Nobody needs empty platitudes.”
“You’re not a platitude kind of guy.”
“Only because I’ve been there. No matter how true a Bible verse is, it feels like a slap in the face if you’re not ready to hear it.”
“I don’t mind talking about the past because, bad as it is, buried in the middle of the bombed-out rubble that was my life is the story of a savior who takes the ugliest parts of who we are and recreates them into something more beautiful than we can imagine, more beautiful than we deserve. The story of my past is the story of who Christ is and how He took my ugly, messed-up life and turned it into something useful."
This was also a slow romance….very slow…so slow you’ll think it’s not going anywhere. But redemption is the overarching theme throughout, and redemption was necessary for a future to unfold.
Loved it.
Rainbow Falls, Montana
So, this is another book I’d placed on my to-read list and grabbed as soon as I bought into Kindle Unlimited. I’ve long enjoyed Heather Gray's work. If I give an author's work all 4 and 5 stars, I know I can trust their work and can look forward to all their books in the future. This book was one of those.
Many of the residents born in Rainbow Falls were named after colors. It all stemmed from a teenager dying of leukemia who gave a moving commencement speech about living in full color. The main character is Skye Blue, a girl who was a member of The Rainbow Girls, lifelong friends all named after a color. A tragedy changed her life and when it was time for college, Skye ran, thinking never to return.
Years later, because she felt trapped in a company she never wanted to own in the first place, she ran again, only this time it was back to Rainbow Falls. The first person she met was Sam Madison, a former marine who managed a shelter for homeless veterans. To Skye, he was scary, but also a challenge.
I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Gray's writing and this book. She always includes wonderful tidbits of wisdom, clearly from a flourishing relationship with the Lord, without sounding preachy. I underlined quite a bit.
Skye, who has a grudge against God, if she believed in Him at all, was being told by Sam about how God can grow us when we suffer…
“I’m all grown up. What more does He want?”
“I have all kinds of answers I want to give you, but I’ve been where you’re at. If someone tried spouting off their theology to me, I’d want to deck them. Nobody needs empty platitudes.”
“You’re not a platitude kind of guy.”
“Only because I’ve been there. No matter how true a Bible verse is, it feels like a slap in the face if you’re not ready to hear it.”
“I don’t mind talking about the past because, bad as it is, buried in the middle of the bombed-out rubble that was my life is the story of a savior who takes the ugliest parts of who we are and recreates them into something more beautiful than we can imagine, more beautiful than we deserve. The story of my past is the story of who Christ is and how He took my ugly, messed-up life and turned it into something useful."
This was also a slow romance….very slow…so slow you’ll think it’s not going anywhere. But redemption is the overarching theme throughout, and redemption was necessary for a future to unfold.
Loved it.
July 20, 2018
A beautiful woman and an unconventional man make for a memorable love story. Sometimes love takes you by surprise when it’s not what you are looking for and it doesn’t look like what you imagined. Sam isn’t just rough around the edges, he is gritty, rough, and overbearing. Skye finds herself turned off yet inexplicably drawn to Sam in ways she doesn’t understand and rejects completely. “He didn’t look like a man who worked with homeless people and even less like a man who quoted the Bible.”
Skye is burdened with cares and responsibilities. She is fearful, private, and broken. “A woman who wore a show-stopping blue dress to run away in was a woman worth getting to know.” Some of the shadows came from their time in the service, and some came from their time on the street. Both were war zones in their own right.”
“Courage was about marching ahead despite the fear.” This story strikes an emotional chord as it focuses on the plight of the homeless in America by focusing on one small community and one man’s efforts to make a difference. One little drop can create a ripple that affects hundreds. “Sam has scars, physical and emotional; souvenirs from his combat experiences.” The drama sucked me in and the characters stole my heart. This is one of my favorite stories I’ve read this year.
I really enjoyed the storyline and the setting of Rainbow Falls. The bond between the Rainbow Girls is a living, breathing force in this story. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
Skye is burdened with cares and responsibilities. She is fearful, private, and broken. “A woman who wore a show-stopping blue dress to run away in was a woman worth getting to know.” Some of the shadows came from their time in the service, and some came from their time on the street. Both were war zones in their own right.”
“Courage was about marching ahead despite the fear.” This story strikes an emotional chord as it focuses on the plight of the homeless in America by focusing on one small community and one man’s efforts to make a difference. One little drop can create a ripple that affects hundreds. “Sam has scars, physical and emotional; souvenirs from his combat experiences.” The drama sucked me in and the characters stole my heart. This is one of my favorite stories I’ve read this year.
I really enjoyed the storyline and the setting of Rainbow Falls. The bond between the Rainbow Girls is a living, breathing force in this story. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
July 28, 2018
Honestly, this book punched me in the solar plexus
This book was both amazing and hard to take. I loved the characters, loved how Skye was so flawed and yet you couldn’t help but love and root for her. She was strong and caring with lots of good qualities to recommend her. She was forgiving and kind. Sam on the other hand seemed almost flawless which only detracted from the book a smidge for me. I loved his character and his goals and his loving/generous heart but part of me wished he made at least one mistake, lost his temper, said the wrong thing, acted without thought. It would have humanized him more. The theme of the book was beautiful and fantastic and true (themes of Gods redemption of past deeds and events in our lives) but I kind of wished that the author had thrown something in there about the present and future and his forgiveness of current mistakes after we’ve been saved. We don’t just turn perfect after all. And although I go on, these were very minor issues. I loved this book. Had my fair share of laughs and my fair share of tears, for me (it was far from sad but it had a way of digging deep into my soul and teaching me something drawing me closer to the cross and my Savior who died on it and rose again for us and that redemption) Five stars and more!
This book was both amazing and hard to take. I loved the characters, loved how Skye was so flawed and yet you couldn’t help but love and root for her. She was strong and caring with lots of good qualities to recommend her. She was forgiving and kind. Sam on the other hand seemed almost flawless which only detracted from the book a smidge for me. I loved his character and his goals and his loving/generous heart but part of me wished he made at least one mistake, lost his temper, said the wrong thing, acted without thought. It would have humanized him more. The theme of the book was beautiful and fantastic and true (themes of Gods redemption of past deeds and events in our lives) but I kind of wished that the author had thrown something in there about the present and future and his forgiveness of current mistakes after we’ve been saved. We don’t just turn perfect after all. And although I go on, these were very minor issues. I loved this book. Had my fair share of laughs and my fair share of tears, for me (it was far from sad but it had a way of digging deep into my soul and teaching me something drawing me closer to the cross and my Savior who died on it and rose again for us and that redemption) Five stars and more!
September 4, 2018
If you want to see a Rainbow...
I liked this book from the very beginning, but didn’t expect to get sucked into the colorful world of Rainbow Falls the way that I did! The people, like Miss Rebecca and the Rainbow Girls, the businesses, including Sam and Samaritan’s Reach, & the world painted by Heather Gray just took on a life of its own! The romance blooming between Sam & Skye moved slowly, but there was no doubt it was happening. It was filled with relevant scripture, redemption on multiple levels, and introduction to a place I can’t wait to return to!
I liked this book from the very beginning, but didn’t expect to get sucked into the colorful world of Rainbow Falls the way that I did! The people, like Miss Rebecca and the Rainbow Girls, the businesses, including Sam and Samaritan’s Reach, & the world painted by Heather Gray just took on a life of its own! The romance blooming between Sam & Skye moved slowly, but there was no doubt it was happening. It was filled with relevant scripture, redemption on multiple levels, and introduction to a place I can’t wait to return to!
July 9, 2018
Heather Gray’s book Skye. I had the honor to review this book for the author.
When Skye comes back to Rainbow Falls her life will change. When she meets Sam she was scared of him because of the way he looked. Watching Syke change the way she feels about Sam and the guys at Samaritans Reach is truly remarkable. The things that she does for the men is truly amazing. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
When Skye comes back to Rainbow Falls her life will change. When she meets Sam she was scared of him because of the way he looked. Watching Syke change the way she feels about Sam and the guys at Samaritans Reach is truly remarkable. The things that she does for the men is truly amazing. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
September 11, 2019
This book was a pleasant departure from the genre(s) I've mostly been reading of late (Suspense and Thrillers). There is a sweet romance in this story but the book is so much more than merely another Romance. It is a heartwarming tale of God at work in a lot of people. Broken and beaten down and fearful people with less than stellar pasts are lifted up by God and they, in turn, imitate God by reaching out to others who are what they once were. I was inspired by this book.
July 15, 2018
I loved this book! The characters are fun, interesting, and somewhat a mystery until the end. The story line is compassionate, intriguing and current. I love the little town it's set in - makes me want to go there! Best part? It's the first in a series! I can't wait for book two.
July 24, 2018
Skye Blue
A true romance. Not the fast attraction, race to the altar, happily ever after variety. This is more like real life. Sam has experienced GOD'S healing redemption. Skye is experiencing it. The deeper love story is GOD'S and it is beautifully told in this story.
A true romance. Not the fast attraction, race to the altar, happily ever after variety. This is more like real life. Sam has experienced GOD'S healing redemption. Skye is experiencing it. The deeper love story is GOD'S and it is beautifully told in this story.
April 14, 2022
A top fav!
I was so excited when I realized that this was a book that I’d already read. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I reread it slowly so I didn’t miss any of my favorite parts. And it’s ALL a favorite part!
I was so excited when I realized that this was a book that I’d already read. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I reread it slowly so I didn’t miss any of my favorite parts. And it’s ALL a favorite part!
September 20, 2023
Great read
I lived how the book drew me in. The characters and situations were very realistic. I had to keep reading to see into their lives, struggles and how God was going to put all the pieces back together.
I lived how the book drew me in. The characters and situations were very realistic. I had to keep reading to see into their lives, struggles and how God was going to put all the pieces back together.
September 7, 2018
Redemption. Skye Blue returns to the one place that felt like home. She finds old friends, a new mission, and perhaps, love. Can she overcome fear and guilt to become what God has for her?
May 3, 2022
Great book!
I would definitely recommend this book. It has twists and turns to make it interesting. There are great characters. Well written!
I would definitely recommend this book. It has twists and turns to make it interesting. There are great characters. Well written!
October 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and seeing the characters unfold. It reminded me some of George Müller's story.
October 30, 2022
touching
This book keeps you interested without being a typical Christian romance. There is mystery and her characters are all believable.
This book keeps you interested without being a typical Christian romance. There is mystery and her characters are all believable.
March 21, 2019
A satisfying read
The start to a new series, Skye tells the story of the impact a homeless shelter and its director have on a broken young woman.
The start to a new series, Skye tells the story of the impact a homeless shelter and its director have on a broken young woman.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews