A Year of Rain

by Jay Ishino

A world with an obliterated population.
A world where wolves are the new apex predators.

In search of a quiet life, day after day Rain tries to survive, but when wolves start brutally killing her friends, she realizes her best bet of survival is returning to someone she vowed never to see again. On her way to meet up with him, she hurts her ankle, which is only the start of her problems. Weakened and injured, she stumbles upon a cabin in the woods where she finds Henry, a man who appears to be kind and caring.

But Henry disappears every month with no mention of where he goes. Still she finds his cabin offers a more peaceful life than the one she was chasing, so she decides to stay. As she deals with wolves and angry humans, Rain must also wrestle with her inner demons and determine if her choice to stay in the cabin is really the path to a perfect life or one more dangerous than she ever could have imagined.

230 pages, ebook

First published October 5, 2021

About the author

Jay Ishino is a big fan of collecting things until she runs out of space. T-shirts, mugs, books, you name it. You can usually find her writing or editing with a very old and bouncy Frenchton, a hyperactive chug, and the sweetest supermutt nearby.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this story as a lover of werewolf/shapeshifter fantasy. That said, the wolves are not the focus of this book, but that's not a bad thing at all. I have a lot of good things to say about this story.

I loved the chapter titles and found myself looking forward to the next one just to see what creative dishes were going to appear.

The story is very personal in its stakes, almost a one-room play (or a "bottle" episode if you're more of a TV fan), and we stay with Rain through all of it. If you're looking for an epic adventure with a large cast, look elsewhere. It relies on the reader's connection to Rain, but it pulled me in easily; Rain's voice is distinct, and she's charming in a way that made me smile and laugh more than once. I wanted to keep reading and see what the story had in store for her.

I was curious about the world, which is in the periphery of this story, but readers get hints throughout to keep us wanting more. I appreciate that we're not given a big info dump on the world, the history, and the characters' biographies. We get just enough.

The story had a fairy-tale or dreamlike quality to it, a world just off normal. Hard to articulate, but I think it was the pacing and the small scope. Emotions run high throughout, and the ending actually made me feel, which is not always a given, as readers of fiction know well.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes self-contained, "small stakes" narratives, werewolf or fantasy fiction.

P.S. I totally pictured Tom Hiddleston when reading about Henry's appearance.

[Jincey Lumpkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read and watched a lot of post-apocalyptic books/movies/TV. I think we all have at this point. But this story is different. There’s the brutality of a broken world somewhere out there, but it’s not the focus of the story, which I liked. I loved how Rain uses food as an escape and a way to bring joy to her life. There’s a meditative quality to the book. It’s kind of a cottage-core love story, with an imperfect woman at the center—and that grounds the plot in reality. She’s a person seeking stability and joy in unsurvivable circumstances, and that’s heroic, I think. I really loved how you stay close to Rain at all times. You’re in her head, really experiencing what she’s feeling. The chemistry is slow burn. And the food Rain makes throughout the book has made me genuinely hungry. In fact, I’m going to make myself s snack right now. Definitely recommend this book to people who enjoy movies like A Ghost Story or Only Lovers Left Alive. Really enjoyed the book and felt very invested in Rain’s life.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been a fan of post-apocalyptic literature and movies, and came into this novel with others already in mind. But this novel approaches it differently, with the tragedy of the world not being the focus point, but rather the relationship that develops between the main character, Rain, and a mysterious man she meets in a cabin. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this novel, but I was captivated from start to finish. I also really enjoyed the great recipes in the book and would always want to get into the kitchen after sitting down to finish a chapter or two. I found Rain to be very relatable and was able to really empathize with her story and life. I have to say that the ending, while unexpected, really tied the story together and made me reflect on the relationship and the world the author created.

[Jay]

Happy pub day to A Year of Rain! I just wanted to drop a content warning for you here.

This book features scenes containing blood and gore, rope restraint, alcoholism, and miscarriage.

To address some concerns: There is no sex in this book (just talk of it). This book is a supernatural suspense, not a romance.

A Year of Rain quickly became a very special book to me, and I hope you love it as much as I do.

Thank you for all your support.

[Johanny Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so sweet until it broke my heart. A fresh take on a love story.

[Heidi Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately captivating and full of surprises!

This book wastes no time with needless descriptions and pages of backstory at the beginning. Instead, the author jumps right into the story and pulls the reader in with them.

This was the first book I have read (as opposed to listened to) in quite some time, as I have found it hard to sit down and read as opposed to listening to books while I drive, cook, etc. This book brought me back to a state of true contentment, simply sitting and reading. If anything, I had a hard time putting it down!

The moment I started this book, I was immediately drawn to the main character. As the action unfolds, there are several surprises - up until the very end.

A Year of Rain brought me into a simpler time despite it taking place in a post-apocalyptic world. I found myself wanting to start growing food and also try several of the recipes Rain made throughout the book!

I highly recommend A Year of Rain to anyone who needs an escape to a place that's as beautiful as it is dangerous. I also recommend this book to anyone who needs a book to help jump start their love of reading again. This is a great book to remind you why you were always "a reader" in the first place. I'll be on the lookout for more from Jay Ishino. This is a writing style I cannot get enough of!

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author took werewolves to a new level by offering vivid descriptions to humanize the characters yet also highlight the differences between the wolves and humans. Throughout the book, she lures us into the world of fantasy by providing vivid descriptions that awaken all of our senses. Rain's thoughts and voice are instantly relatable from the beginning. Furthermore, the use of past memory and food allow readers to understand just how much changed in this new world. While the author follows some traditional paths that are occasionally predictable, she also throws in numerous twists and turns to keep you wondering what will happen next. This is one of the few fiction books that has completely enthralled me in recent years. Like real life, the characters are beautiful and messy all at once. The characters in this book are so realistic that readers can feel their feelings, sharing in their joy and pain. The end of the book was magnificently written. While unexpected, it was appropriate.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy, monsters, or descriptive writing. As a word of caution, the author uses her descriptions and words magnificently to evoke feelings in readers. Be prepared to feel strong emotions while reading.

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Expected, Sometimes Surprising, Always Delicious

This story surprised me! There's a common trope of, "girl meets mysterious and handsome man, catches feelings, and discovers he's inhuman, drama happens, then they find their love and live happily ever after," floating around this genre. However, Jay Ishino took the bones of that concept and threw it to the wind in ways that surprised me as I read through this book. Not an action-packed story, this one is a slow burn that finishes sharply and in an unexpected way, which I found to be fresh and invigorating, despite the fairly relaxed nature of the book.

I absolutely loved the hidden recipes in each chapter; each one making my mouth water as I imagined the smells wafting through the cabin interior, and gracing my imaginary pallette.

All-in-all a great read, and I look forward to more from Jay!

[Shelby Mize · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I even recover from this masterpiece?!

I literally couldn't imagine a better story than this.

This story keeps you on your toes, and makes you want to read it all night. I loved the post-apocalyptic world. Rain is an amazing character, and had me laughing from the very beginning. I especially loved learning about her in her "before" life, and Henry trying to bring back some of her favorite things. It's the kind of love story that keeps you wanting more for them.

I listened to the audio version of this book and really enjoyed it. I will be reading it again and everything this author writes honestly.

[Marilyn Frantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Hope to read other books by Jay Ishino

[Terry Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book with a bit of hesitancy as it is not a typical genre' that I read, but found the concept about a post-apocalyptic world one that I wanted to learn more about. The characters came to life quickly and I found myself enthralled in their story of survival. The premise is imaginable considering what has occurred in the world they are living in. I found myself rooting for Rain and appreciating her buoyancy in managing the crises she faced. A Year of Rain a definite must read, but prepare yourself for some turbulent times.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your normal post-apocalyptic tale. Rain is easy to relate to with her use of food as a joy in her life and an escape mechanism. I think in this day and age most readers will understand this part of her.
Likewise wolves/shifters are not front and center in this book because after all this book is about Rain. The slow burn romance that unfolds in this book was well and truly beautiful. Meeting a mysterious man in a cabin and falling in love in a time when the world is in chaos what could be better.
If your fan of slow burn post-apocalyptic sci-fi with a twist and a touch of shifters DEFINITELY READ THIS ONE.

Thank you for letting me be apart this arc Jay

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a reader (one book every couple years), but I couldn’t put this down. If you love romantic fantasy with a little spice, this book is for you. There are a few unsuspecting surprises along the way!

[Trey Westphal · Rating 3 out of 5]

*audiobook*
Spotify prem now offers free audiobook time so jumped on it and this was one of the first titles that popped up. Without reading a preview I just did it... suffice to say werewolf romance novels aren't really my thing. The ending was worth the time listening though.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Year of Rain is a delightful feast of a novel that seamless blends fantasy, romance, and dystopian elements. In full disclosure, I am not a fan of romance or fantasy genres, but I was thoroughly hooked and entertained. The recipes in each chapter kept me hungry for more, and made the novel feel personal and intimate. I have read several novels by Jay Ishino and always enjoy her writing and descriptive storytelling and ability to keep readers on their toes (that ending is brilliant, by the way). She is a master of her craft, and I am eager to read more from her.

I listened to the audio book and thought that Chloe Bright did a remarkable job with the text and enjoyed her narration.

[T OX · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Year of Rain kept my attention from start to finish, and I found myself reading anytime I had a free moment, even late into the night. I enjoyed the writing style, and the characters are well-developed. The title draws you in, and the surprise ending fits perfectly.
I truly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading another Jay Ishino novel.
I have recommended this book to all of my friends and family.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Post-apocalyptic introspection, cooking and interspecies romance. A combination I've not read before, with the right amount of surprises and tension that keeps you turning to the next page. Love this author's style of storytelling.

[Siddhi Palande · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a post-apocalyptic world that's ruled by wolves. Either you are born one or you turn into one if bitten by a wolf. Human civilization has been thriving by scavenging for food. And amidst this atmospheric setting takes place this story, this story of Rain - A year of Rain by Jay Ishino. I finished reading it in a single sitting so it is needless to say that it was unputdownable read with a tight narrative. The end though tragic but was satisfying. This book gave me Twilight vibes and still had a charm of it's own.

Read the entire book review on - https://ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress...

[Theta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Year of Rain follows the main character, Rain, in a post-apocalyptic world. She stumbles across Henry, a mysterious man in a cabin deep in the woods.

I really enjoyed this book! Discovering everything about Rain and Henry along with each other was great! I especially loved all the chapter headings, and I looked forward to seeing the next one, to know what the next item on the menu would be, not to mention I found myself incredibly hungry while reading!

This is a fantastic paranormal fantasy book that I would highly recommend. Thank you to Jay Ishino for the complimentary ebook copy!

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows Rain, and how she is handling/surviving a post apocalyptic world - with werewolves in the mix. The story was a little slow for me, but it's a good story with a much different take on books along this nature. I did enjoy how each chapter some type of recipe or food related. As the reader, you really do start to really connect with Rain and can really feel what she goes through. You are seeing everything from her point of view and you are with her during her inner most thoughts.
This is a sweet story, but your heart will break a little.

[H.M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Weird

This book moved way too fast. The interactions between the characters felt unnatural, and the words were put together in an odd way. It felt like the book was written in a passive voice. The rules for the werewolves weren’t consistent. The relationship didn’t feel like it developed naturally, and the characters were too focused on sex. They seemed to just decide one day that they loved each other, no questions asked. The ending was not what I expected. Rain decided to give the werewolf a snack, and so she gave it a mouse…? Then the wind blew and knocked her shotgun over and it went off, and the werewolf decided Rain was a threat because of that and killed her. And when he changed back into a man, he found her body and burned it and his cabin? I don’t know. This story was weird and not written well. Good thing it was free…

[Amy Mowczan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel this book fell short of its description and was a bit boring (she swore never to see Dan, and he's got maybe like 4 sentences). The dialog between characters was also hard to get through and didn't seem very natural (tbh I found myself questioning how old they were supposed to be, then remembered she was married). The cooking part was a little interesting, so there is that... the ending wasn't super surprising because of the way the book was written, but it was ALRIGHT.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love the cover of this book because it is very well done and gives a little background about what the book is about. I love the way this author writes. It is very flowy and ties together really well. Great character development and background to the story. This normally isn’t a book I would read, but it was a good book and it kept my interest.

[Erin Nott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This both is, and is not a normal read for me. I often read paranormal and romance...this story has both. But to me this is also in the horror (ish) genre, which is not something that I usually read. That being said, the book kept my attention and delivered on all three of the genres that I think it should be in. Happy endings would seem a bit out of place in the Apocalypse, no?

I forgot Dystopian! I love reading about how people would survive if the world as we know it were to suddenly cease to work. The story makes me appreciate all of the luxuries that we currently enjoy. Added bonus of recipes that you could use if you hadn't been to the store in a while and needed to raid the back of your pantry!

I listened in audiobook format. I don't listen to a lot of audiobooks because I often find the narrator's attempt at different voices to be off putting. I think the narrator for this one did a good job.

[Rosemary · Rating 1 out of 5]

What utter drivel. Do not bother reading this book. The writing is appalling and the plot is ridiculous. Hate leaving bad reviews but I just have to warn other readers not to waste their money on this one and go read a Stephen King novel instead. Yuk.