Candles in the Rain

by Becky Melby

Shawny Moses is dying. In her last hours, she retraces her life and prays that her death will allow the children she thought of as her own to finally know the truth. . .and each other. When missionary Serena Devon learns the woman she calls her second mom is dying, she finds a sliver of hope in knowing the store she will inherit from Shawny can be sold to build a new safe house in Mombasa. Her dreams dissolve when she meets Luke Aspen, who also thinks he’ll inherit the store. Luke and Serena grow close as they work to uncover the secret that severed their mothers’ friendship. Can the reading of Shawny’s will end decades of silence and secrets?

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2020

About the author

Wisconsin resident Becky Melby is the author of more than 20 titles, including her latest, Candles in the Rain, plus the Lost Sanctuary Series, four books in the Guideposts cozy mystery series Secrets of Wayfarers Inn, and a novella in A Door County Christmas. Married for 48 years, mother of four, grandmother to sixteen, Becky thrives on writing, reading, camping, rides on the back of a silver Gold Wing, and time with family. Connect with her at www.beckymelby.com or Facebook.

Reviews

[Jan Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend Candles in the Rain. I devoured the book with its rich characters and vivid word pictures.

Candles in the Rain is a love story on several levels that brings social issues, that are unfortunately common in many (all) parts of the world, to the reader’s attention. I wanted to savor the read because of the rich characters that Becky created. The characters are believable because they are not perfect and are true to their personalities. Candles in the Rain has vividly described places as well as people. Becky uses a past and present storytelling; she created seamless and well thought out transitions from the then to the now and back again. The story line made me consider what I can do to make our world and the world of others a better place.

[Rebecca McLafferty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becky Melby’s novel, Candles in the Rain, transported me directly into Serena Devon’s life of selfless love. The story embraces the heart of poverty and homelessness, both in Africa and Arkansas. The past interweaves with the present, instilling heartfelt purpose to those fighting to save victims from human trafficking. The book is an eye-opener to the dangerous plight of many—the helplessness they feel—and the help they need. Lives dedicated to battling this epidemic cannot be praised enough. Becky’s characters are so realistic that I have thought of them often since reading the book. This book is a must-read. Once started, it is almost impossible to put it down!

[Connie Cortright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kudos to Melby for writing this split-time story about the pertinent topic of human trafficking. She wove the tale of Serena, who saved children and women in Africa from the trade, with the tale of Shawny, who grew up during the hippie era. Their stories combined with the secrets of Serena and Luke's parents to keep the reader interested until the final page. The details that the author wound around the plot brought the 1960s, including Woodstock, to life.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! Becky Melby caught my heart on page one and didn't let go! This is memorable and engaging and holds all aspects of great story! I highly recommend CANDLES IN THE RAIN to anyone who doesn't want a fluffy read. This is a rich as cream delightful story with amazing depth and genuine characters that dance on the page!

[Sara Tickanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becky Melby's Candle in the Rain is a master class in how to construct a story narrative. This split-time tale juggles a myriad of characters, but each voice is unique and identifiable. The emotion behind each character makes it easy to root for those you should, and will keep you turning the pages long past the time you intended to be reading. I was never lost knowing who was who or where I was in the story, a feat that isn't easy to accomplish writing along multiple timelines with so many distinct personas to juggle. Staying spoiler free as always, but these characters and how their story ends will stick with you long after the final page. Definitely worth a read, especially if you need a book that will tug at your heart.

[Morgan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melby’s latest time-slip novel will sweep you away with its vivid settings from the plains of Africa to small town Arkansas to a 1960s commune and even more so with the characters’ unforgettable, emotional journey as they discover not only who they really are but who God wants them to be. A powerful story of forgiveness, friendship and faith tested by pain, loss and heartache over decades. A must read for fans of split time fiction.