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Hepdale Rain #1
People Notice the Rain
On the day Silas hears he failed another math test, he meets a boy with a thousand freckles. There's something strange about the boy. He keeps going on about smell, and he seems strangely attached to Silas. It doesn't help that whenever he smiles his boy-next-door smile, Silas wants to stare. But that's not all. During the full moon, the boy warns him to stay inside. Turns out werewolves don't just exist in D&D.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2020
5 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 3, 2022
People notice the rain is the first book in the Hepdale rain series, by Cindy Paul, and so far two books have been published. In the first one, the story is told from the point of view of Silas, a boy who suffers from panic attacks since he was a child, quite unsure of himself and afraid to tell people that he is gay, especially seeing the harassment his friend Jack receives for his bisexuality. He is afraid of being rejected. Until one rainy day waiting for the bus, he meets a boy who changes his world completely, Theo, who also turns out to be a werewolf.
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In this first book the story focuses more on the characters, so the central plot doesn't go much further, but it's a sweet story, with painful parts. As I read it I remembered Wolfsong in some scenes. But you'll also find some mistery parts that are related to the werewolvolves.
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The relationships that are formed and strengthened throughout the book is another of the most important points and that I liked the most. Between Silas and Theo, a friendship that turns into something more, little by little. Theo teaches Silas to love himself more. Between Silas and Jack, a friendship that grows stronger and stronger, in which Jack brings a lot of confidence and courage to Silas.
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We also find more characters like the D&D group consisting of Sarah, Megan, Nico, as well as Jack and Silas. They give a lot of fun moments while role-playing. There are more secondary characters with weight in the plot, but I prefer that you discover them if you read the book.
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I really liked the way Cindy narrated the story, short sentences, dialogues. The book can be read in a day or two. And in the Hepdale rain series you will find homosexual, bisexual and pansexual representation.
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I have enjoyed it very much and I hope that you give a chance to this book I highly recommend it and I thank Cindy for the opportunity to read this story and to meet these wonderful characters.
ㅤ
In this first book the story focuses more on the characters, so the central plot doesn't go much further, but it's a sweet story, with painful parts. As I read it I remembered Wolfsong in some scenes. But you'll also find some mistery parts that are related to the werewolvolves.
ㅤ
The relationships that are formed and strengthened throughout the book is another of the most important points and that I liked the most. Between Silas and Theo, a friendship that turns into something more, little by little. Theo teaches Silas to love himself more. Between Silas and Jack, a friendship that grows stronger and stronger, in which Jack brings a lot of confidence and courage to Silas.
ㅤ
We also find more characters like the D&D group consisting of Sarah, Megan, Nico, as well as Jack and Silas. They give a lot of fun moments while role-playing. There are more secondary characters with weight in the plot, but I prefer that you discover them if you read the book.
ㅤ
I really liked the way Cindy narrated the story, short sentences, dialogues. The book can be read in a day or two. And in the Hepdale rain series you will find homosexual, bisexual and pansexual representation.
ㅤ
I have enjoyed it very much and I hope that you give a chance to this book I highly recommend it and I thank Cindy for the opportunity to read this story and to meet these wonderful characters.
May 22, 2020
The world has been blessed with another Cindy Paul book and once more I am back to tell you what an absolute pleasure it was to read this book.
I'm not going to bore you with a synopsis but rather I want to talk to you about the things I loved most about this book, starting with the main romance. The only words to describe the romance is instantaneous and believable. That is not to say that this book is insta-love; it's not. It's so far from it. Instead, we get this instant connection between the characters that draw them together but doesn't sacrifice the development that comes with depicting a genuine relationship and all its struggles. I was simply captivated by this romance especially with Silas's internal struggle that added a depth I felt deep within my bones. If you want a soulmate book without the cheesy and overdone insta-love and really pays its due to the slow burn, then you need to read this book.
Another thing I adored about this book was just how vivid the characters were. Even the most basic side characters felt alive and real with their own personalities and desires. They existed beyond the confines of the main cast's struggles and drama. And can we just take a second to talk about the abundant amount of representation in this book? If you ready Cindy's For Ever then you know the woman is a master at making her cast diverse and believable and People notice the rain is just another example of how well she carefully includes and depicts a colorful cast of characters from all different backgrounds seamlessly and genuinely.
Words fail me when it comes to describing this book; I should know, I've been trying to write this review for three days now. I got to read it in its early stages and I'm proud to say that rereading it in its completion has only made me fall more in love with it. I for one cannot wait to see where this series unfolds and if you've been thinking of picking up this book, then do it! You Won't regret it in the least.
I'm not going to bore you with a synopsis but rather I want to talk to you about the things I loved most about this book, starting with the main romance. The only words to describe the romance is instantaneous and believable. That is not to say that this book is insta-love; it's not. It's so far from it. Instead, we get this instant connection between the characters that draw them together but doesn't sacrifice the development that comes with depicting a genuine relationship and all its struggles. I was simply captivated by this romance especially with Silas's internal struggle that added a depth I felt deep within my bones. If you want a soulmate book without the cheesy and overdone insta-love and really pays its due to the slow burn, then you need to read this book.
Another thing I adored about this book was just how vivid the characters were. Even the most basic side characters felt alive and real with their own personalities and desires. They existed beyond the confines of the main cast's struggles and drama. And can we just take a second to talk about the abundant amount of representation in this book? If you ready Cindy's For Ever then you know the woman is a master at making her cast diverse and believable and People notice the rain is just another example of how well she carefully includes and depicts a colorful cast of characters from all different backgrounds seamlessly and genuinely.
Words fail me when it comes to describing this book; I should know, I've been trying to write this review for three days now. I got to read it in its early stages and I'm proud to say that rereading it in its completion has only made me fall more in love with it. I for one cannot wait to see where this series unfolds and if you've been thinking of picking up this book, then do it! You Won't regret it in the least.
July 9, 2020
7/10! People notice the rain is een mooi combinatie tussen een contemporary en een fantasy. Veel queer personages, en een unieke schrijfstijl met veel witregels. Ik ging zo snel door dit boek heen! Ik kijk in ieder geval uit naar het vervolg en hoop dat daar het fantasy-aspect nog meer naar voren komt. Lees hier voor al mijn recensie: https://nerdygeekyfanboy.com/recensie...
October 28, 2023
Only love for this book! So adorable and fun and cute 🥰🥰
July 13, 2020
In People Notice the Rain volg je Silas. Een doodgewone tienerjongen die er enorm van baalt dat hij zijn wiskundetoets verkloot heeft. Gelukkig kan hij steun vinden bij zijn vrienden op school. Maar ook tijdens hun wekelijkse Dungeons & Dragons sessies, waarbij hij even compleet iemand anders kan spelen.
Op een dag, ontmoet hij een mysterieuze jongen bij een bushokje en hij kan deze jongen niet uit zijn hoofd zetten. Silas wordt dankzij deze mysterieuze jongen in een wereldje gezogen waarvan hij niet eens wist dat deze echt bestond…
Tijdens het schrijven van mijn eerste indruk over People Notice the Rain, merkte ik al dat dit een bijzonder boek zou gaan worden. Cindy Paul maakt namelijk enorm veel gebruik van de nodige witregels tussen de zinnen. Iets wat ik nog nooit eerder echt heb meegemaakt. Tenzij het gesprekken waren tussen personages door middel van chat vensters.
Door het gebruik van de witregels, las het verhaal enorm snel weg. Voor ik het wist was ik alweer halverwege het boek. Natuurlijk kwam dat niet alleen door de witregels, maar ook door het verhaal. Ik werd eigenlijk meteen in het verhaal gezogen. Het klonk allemaal zo mysterieus dat ik alsmaar verder wilde lezen. Ik heb dan ook erg genoten van de bijzondere schrijfstijl van auteur Cindy Paul!
People Notice the Rain is een mix van zowel het Contemporary als het Fantasy genre. Het Contemporary gedeelte zat er goed in. Ik kon alles goed voor me zien en het was fijn om te lezen hoe de personages zich verder ontwikkelden gedurende het verhaal. Hun emoties voelde puur en je merkte goed aan de personages dat ze af en toe met zichzelf in de knoop zaten. Echte tieners dus!
Het Fantasy gedeelte wist me echter niet erg goed te overtuigen. Het voelde wat gehaast aan en had wat mij betreft wat dieper uitgewerkt mogen worden. Door de achterflaptekst, kom je er vrijwel meteen achter dat er één of meerdere weerwolven in het verhaal gaan voorkomen. Zoals ik hierboven ook al vertelde, was het begin erg mysterieus omdat je weet dat er fantasiewezens in voor gaan komen. Maar daarentegen voelde het ook compleet random.
Al met al heb ik erg genoten van People Notice the Rain. Het las vlot weg en je voelde mee met de personages. Ik ben heel benieuwd naar het vervolgdeel. Ik hoop dat er dan wat resterende vragen die ik nog heb worden beantwoord!
Op een dag, ontmoet hij een mysterieuze jongen bij een bushokje en hij kan deze jongen niet uit zijn hoofd zetten. Silas wordt dankzij deze mysterieuze jongen in een wereldje gezogen waarvan hij niet eens wist dat deze echt bestond…
Tijdens het schrijven van mijn eerste indruk over People Notice the Rain, merkte ik al dat dit een bijzonder boek zou gaan worden. Cindy Paul maakt namelijk enorm veel gebruik van de nodige witregels tussen de zinnen. Iets wat ik nog nooit eerder echt heb meegemaakt. Tenzij het gesprekken waren tussen personages door middel van chat vensters.
Door het gebruik van de witregels, las het verhaal enorm snel weg. Voor ik het wist was ik alweer halverwege het boek. Natuurlijk kwam dat niet alleen door de witregels, maar ook door het verhaal. Ik werd eigenlijk meteen in het verhaal gezogen. Het klonk allemaal zo mysterieus dat ik alsmaar verder wilde lezen. Ik heb dan ook erg genoten van de bijzondere schrijfstijl van auteur Cindy Paul!
People Notice the Rain is een mix van zowel het Contemporary als het Fantasy genre. Het Contemporary gedeelte zat er goed in. Ik kon alles goed voor me zien en het was fijn om te lezen hoe de personages zich verder ontwikkelden gedurende het verhaal. Hun emoties voelde puur en je merkte goed aan de personages dat ze af en toe met zichzelf in de knoop zaten. Echte tieners dus!
Het Fantasy gedeelte wist me echter niet erg goed te overtuigen. Het voelde wat gehaast aan en had wat mij betreft wat dieper uitgewerkt mogen worden. Door de achterflaptekst, kom je er vrijwel meteen achter dat er één of meerdere weerwolven in het verhaal gaan voorkomen. Zoals ik hierboven ook al vertelde, was het begin erg mysterieus omdat je weet dat er fantasiewezens in voor gaan komen. Maar daarentegen voelde het ook compleet random.
Al met al heb ik erg genoten van People Notice the Rain. Het las vlot weg en je voelde mee met de personages. Ik ben heel benieuwd naar het vervolgdeel. Ik hoop dat er dan wat resterende vragen die ik nog heb worden beantwoord!
March 13, 2021
So. Reading books and reviewing them is a process that differs slightly with each book, but for the most part will be quite consistent. I'm currently at the ''awkward'' in-between stage of having read the book, yet forgetting about it constantly, only to be reminded by Goodreads or the actual book glaring at me from the pile that's now its new home.
This book. THIS BOOK.
This book was everything I was looking for, and everything I wanted to read. It was light and quick, but captivated me and pulled me along in a way not many books do. I usually take breaks between reading, but I just couldn't with this one. I HAD to keep on reading.
It had enough depth to be interesting, but it wasn't as heavy as many books can get. There was a lovely plot (that left me with a few questions that I desperately hope will be answered in a next book), the characters were incredibly fun, I really enjoyed the writing style and I loved the way ''Rain'' kept being a thing, kept being referred to, almost a bit poetic in a way.
This book is in a very strange league of its own that I can't quite put my finger on. It manages to find the perfect balance (for me) between every little thing. It's exciting, but not in the amount that it's constant adrenaline. It's soft and warm, but also contains angst and sadness, without either becoming too much for too long. I love the balance of this book.
This book isn't a Holly Bourne filled with dark plots and betrayals around every corner, but I think the author really manages to capture representation, geekery, fantasy, character development, metaphors (and more) into a captivating story that doesn't bore and leaves you feeling very fulfilled, happy and even a bit giddy.
Reading this book felt like a small celebration that lasted an entire day, and honestly: I might just reread it after wrapping up this review.
This book managed to, very quickly, claw (haha) its way to my heart and just started occupying some space inside. I'm really happy I came across this book, and I'm really grateful I got to step into the reading process without any indication of what I would run into!
I'm definitely rereading this now.
This book. THIS BOOK.
This book was everything I was looking for, and everything I wanted to read. It was light and quick, but captivated me and pulled me along in a way not many books do. I usually take breaks between reading, but I just couldn't with this one. I HAD to keep on reading.
It had enough depth to be interesting, but it wasn't as heavy as many books can get. There was a lovely plot (that left me with a few questions that I desperately hope will be answered in a next book), the characters were incredibly fun, I really enjoyed the writing style and I loved the way ''Rain'' kept being a thing, kept being referred to, almost a bit poetic in a way.
This book is in a very strange league of its own that I can't quite put my finger on. It manages to find the perfect balance (for me) between every little thing. It's exciting, but not in the amount that it's constant adrenaline. It's soft and warm, but also contains angst and sadness, without either becoming too much for too long. I love the balance of this book.
This book isn't a Holly Bourne filled with dark plots and betrayals around every corner, but I think the author really manages to capture representation, geekery, fantasy, character development, metaphors (and more) into a captivating story that doesn't bore and leaves you feeling very fulfilled, happy and even a bit giddy.
Reading this book felt like a small celebration that lasted an entire day, and honestly: I might just reread it after wrapping up this review.
This book managed to, very quickly, claw (haha) its way to my heart and just started occupying some space inside. I'm really happy I came across this book, and I'm really grateful I got to step into the reading process without any indication of what I would run into!
I'm definitely rereading this now.
May 28, 2020
It's quiet, peaceful and fragile. Such books are very rare. I loved this book.
April 19, 2023
This had me in the feels once again 😭😍
May 10, 2020
I really really like this book a lot! It is funny, sweet, angsty, sad, there are werewolves, what more do you want!
I relate to Silas a lot, I might not have written any angsty poetry in my high school days, but his struggles with his sexuality feel really similar to mine during high school and I think it is really cool to see this reflected in a book!
Also everyone else in this book is precious. I love the friendgroup Silas has, they are so nice and supportive and nerds. It is really cool to have a book that has a lot of romance, but the main character still gets to have friends that are not excluded from the narrative.
I also like the dad a lot, he makes me sad, but he is also such a good person! Colin has the best strawberry blond hair! And of course Theo is the brightest star, a beefcake, a good boy! It is really fun to read about a boy-next-door werewolf.
I recommend this book and I dont think you’ll regret reading it! Its good and indulgent and a fun time *chefs kiss*
I relate to Silas a lot, I might not have written any angsty poetry in my high school days, but his struggles with his sexuality feel really similar to mine during high school and I think it is really cool to see this reflected in a book!
Also everyone else in this book is precious. I love the friendgroup Silas has, they are so nice and supportive and nerds. It is really cool to have a book that has a lot of romance, but the main character still gets to have friends that are not excluded from the narrative.
I also like the dad a lot, he makes me sad, but he is also such a good person! Colin has the best strawberry blond hair! And of course Theo is the brightest star, a beefcake, a good boy! It is really fun to read about a boy-next-door werewolf.
I recommend this book and I dont think you’ll regret reading it! Its good and indulgent and a fun time *chefs kiss*
January 25, 2022
Amazing book! I really like how Silas grows into being his true self. And ofcourse Jack is best boi. Can't wait te Read more about him in the second part!
April 19, 2022
I loved the story, it was easy to read. Fun and exciting too. I finished it in a day <3
August 3, 2023
Absolutely loved the writing style and the characters!! Cannot wait to read book 2 !
May 9, 2020
Ho boy, were do I start (hehe were). I first of all loved the fact that this book does not hide what it is, you get exactly what you can expect from it and I loved it. It was every bit of indulgent gay werewolfs it made it self out to be and I. Am. Here. For. It. Yeah there were some flaws but I got exactly what I wanted, some fluff, some angst, werewolfs and a quick read. It is currently 00:45 as I am writing this straight after I finished the book and I didn't even notice the time flying by.
I can't wait to read more from this author because man was this promising.
I can't wait to read more from this author because man was this promising.
January 28, 2025
This was such a fun, lovely and cute story to read! I finished it in one afternoon, simply could not put it away before I knew how things would end between Silas and Theo. I loved these boys and their bond so much, just like the friend side characters! This story contained the perfect amount of diversity, love and cuteness all combined with some great werewolf fantasy elements. People. Read. This. Book!!!
March 16, 2024
I fucking love these. It is cozy, thrilling, sweet and so so so good!
I’m not sure if i can say this, but they are like an teenage version of the greencreek books. They gave me all of the giggles and idk how to say it but they gave me butterflies and a sense of home when i needed it.
But furthermore; silas is so goddamn relatable. He is just trying his best and his issues are so so real?
My roommate introduced me to these books last fall and i’ve read them 4 times already, whenever i need a sense of belonging or recognition.
I’m not sure if i can say this, but they are like an teenage version of the greencreek books. They gave me all of the giggles and idk how to say it but they gave me butterflies and a sense of home when i needed it.
But furthermore; silas is so goddamn relatable. He is just trying his best and his issues are so so real?
My roommate introduced me to these books last fall and i’ve read them 4 times already, whenever i need a sense of belonging or recognition.
May 31, 2020
The story was Well written and really grabbed my attention. When i was reading it I felt like I was there with thé characters and I could see it all happen. The storyline and event that happend really draw you into the book and it's world. You could say it's a portal to another world. The characters also have such An interesting personalities you Cant not notice how they are and how they fit in thé story perfectly. This book is amazing and really worth reading!🐺
June 28, 2021
I honestly do not know where to begin. The writing, the characters, the story. This has not only felt like I’ve had access to a whole new world, watching everything from the sideline. It feels like I’ve been through it all, together with the characters. It feels like I’ve been in Silas’s heart and head, a space he maybe barely lets anyone in.
With this book, it feels like I’ve had a friend. In the story, in the characters, someone that keeps you company no matter if you are feeling lonely or not.
Sure, I don’t know much about D&D and I probably didn’t get all of the references and in the beginning I honestly was a bit confused by the writing style. Still, this book is just so.. wow. In so many ways. Over time I even came to love the writing style. So, so, very, much. It’s poetic and feels very real, vulnerable and honest. You can see everything that happens before your eyes.
In conclusion, I would really recommend this book. This is totally one of my favorite books of all time. I just love it, by heart. Looking forward to read the whole series! :)
With this book, it feels like I’ve had a friend. In the story, in the characters, someone that keeps you company no matter if you are feeling lonely or not.
Sure, I don’t know much about D&D and I probably didn’t get all of the references and in the beginning I honestly was a bit confused by the writing style. Still, this book is just so.. wow. In so many ways. Over time I even came to love the writing style. So, so, very, much. It’s poetic and feels very real, vulnerable and honest. You can see everything that happens before your eyes.
In conclusion, I would really recommend this book. This is totally one of my favorite books of all time. I just love it, by heart. Looking forward to read the whole series! :)
July 26, 2021
literally my favorite book , currently reading the second one and i already cant wait for the third!
June 13, 2020
AHHHHHHHHH
I love this book so freaking much!!
It has everything I love: werewolves, looooots of LGBT+ representation, adorable and lovable characters, D&D - seriously what more can you ask for?
I have become so so attached to these characters I love them so much and it was so much fun following Silas along the way of discovering what's really going on!
I love this book so freaking much!!
It has everything I love: werewolves, looooots of LGBT+ representation, adorable and lovable characters, D&D - seriously what more can you ask for?
I have become so so attached to these characters I love them so much and it was so much fun following Silas along the way of discovering what's really going on!
August 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! I needed a little pick me up this weekend and since it has been raining a lot my eye fell on this beautiful cover. The writing is very clean, almost a bit minimalistic, which makes the words that are on the page more telling. And you notice what isn't on the page more. The story is just.so.cute. and I want to hug everyone that's in it. Jack is my favourite!
October 17, 2020
This book was like a straight shot of serotonin to my brain.
Its arguably insta-love but the writing captures the feelings of Silas so well.
His loneliness was infectious, and the way his relationship with Theo develops... This book made me sad in a good way.
I want book 2 so badly
Its arguably insta-love but the writing captures the feelings of Silas so well.
His loneliness was infectious, and the way his relationship with Theo develops... This book made me sad in a good way.
I want book 2 so badly
June 6, 2022
I bought this book two days ago and it was a blessing to read it through the night.
I especially love the character developement of Silas and the so soft and kind written Theo. It was so easy to fall into the world and get swept away by it. I am so looking forward to the next book I will start today. (and I hope for more Colin Content ;) )
I especially love the character developement of Silas and the so soft and kind written Theo. It was so easy to fall into the world and get swept away by it. I am so looking forward to the next book I will start today. (and I hope for more Colin Content ;) )
December 2, 2022
Started reading with little expectations, but such a cute book! Normally don't really get appalled by books starring werewolves but this one was different for some reason, and Im so glad I read it. So many cute little scenes, and every now and then a nice amount of action and tension.
July 16, 2022
siljas wallowed in self-pity so much i'm surprised he didnt drown. even adding the gay bonus, i wanted to inflict pain on him. 5/5 awful mc, theo deserves better.
June 26, 2021
*clears throat, pulls a Janice* Oh. My. God.
Angsty boy meets cinnamon roll with puppy eyes. Boy smells boy. Boys fall in love. I devoured this book. So amazing! A must read for all queer lovers.
Angsty boy meets cinnamon roll with puppy eyes. Boy smells boy. Boys fall in love. I devoured this book. So amazing! A must read for all queer lovers.
November 10, 2022
Amazing book! Finished reading it in 5 hours. I could literally feel what the characters where feeling. The way it is written and the Poetry, I loved every aspect of it. Can't wait to buy the next books 😊
May 10, 2020
People notice the rain is the exciting start of a new trilogy that promises to be an amazing ride. The characters are so easy to form an attachment to, and I especially found Silas to be quite different from myself and a lot of other characters I've read about, so being in his head and following his progress was fascinating! It's an incredibly easy read that you won't want to put down.
This book has LGBT characters, an amazing relatable friend group, humor, angst, and werewolves! Pair that with the beautiful writing style and pretty cover, and there should be no doubt about whether or not to read this.
I am already excited about the next one <3
This book has LGBT characters, an amazing relatable friend group, humor, angst, and werewolves! Pair that with the beautiful writing style and pretty cover, and there should be no doubt about whether or not to read this.
I am already excited about the next one <3
March 10, 2023
This book was fine, i guess? I really think it could have benefited from an editor though. Not because of typos, but because it read like a first draft. This book almost feels like a light novel. Where there are little to no descriptions and a lot of dialogue. Also, the formatting was... odd, to say the least. It was almost like the author was trying to make the text look like poetry, but it just made it feel choppy and disjointed instead. I know I rated this book 2 stars, but it isn't bad, just very meh.
March 21, 2021
The story was really cool and I love the way Cindy writes, like a breath of fresh air. And omg, the characters are so pure, I absolutely adore them. The story left me with some unanwsered questions, and I hope those gaps will be filled in the next book. I can’t wait!
***
Reread: yes, still love it! Time to start reading People need a Storm 😍
***
Reread: yes, still love it! Time to start reading People need a Storm 😍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews