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Fire and Rain
Publishers Weekly:
The venerable theme of the stranger who comes to a community and acts as a catalyst for change and redemption receives an entertaining treatment in this new novel by the author of Lovers and Strangers. Years of drought and devastating brush fires have whittled away at the morale of the inhabitants of Valle Rosa. The fortunes of this quaint Southern California town take a turn for the better, however, when a dark-haired man of mystery who calls himself Jeff Cabrio rides into town in his black Saab, promising that he can make it rain. Along with the much-needed precipitation, the rainmaker brings a regenerative force of healing into the lives of the three townspeople he learns to know best. Thanks to Cabrio's benign influence, Chris Garrett, Villa Rosa's acting mayor, comes to terms with the demise of his career as a professional baseball pitcher. However, Chris's ex-wife, newscaster Carmen Perez, is mistakenly convinced that by unraveling the truth about the new local miracle man she can rehabilitate her foundering career. It is Mia Tanner, a sculptress recovering from a failed love affair and a bout with cancer, who gains the most from Cabrio's brief stay. Though rather breathlessly depicted (``There was exhaustion in his eyes, and something else. Some sadness.''), these characters are easy enough to root for. In fact, as the story progresses, their interlocking plights become engrossing enough to make the momentum-inducing plot elements--the rain-making operation, and Cabrio's mysterious past--seem rather flimsy and peripheral in comparison. A patchwork of flashbacks is smoothly incorporated into the narrative; and nearly every chapter finishes with the sort of emotional jolt that keeps the pages turning.
The venerable theme of the stranger who comes to a community and acts as a catalyst for change and redemption receives an entertaining treatment in this new novel by the author of Lovers and Strangers. Years of drought and devastating brush fires have whittled away at the morale of the inhabitants of Valle Rosa. The fortunes of this quaint Southern California town take a turn for the better, however, when a dark-haired man of mystery who calls himself Jeff Cabrio rides into town in his black Saab, promising that he can make it rain. Along with the much-needed precipitation, the rainmaker brings a regenerative force of healing into the lives of the three townspeople he learns to know best. Thanks to Cabrio's benign influence, Chris Garrett, Villa Rosa's acting mayor, comes to terms with the demise of his career as a professional baseball pitcher. However, Chris's ex-wife, newscaster Carmen Perez, is mistakenly convinced that by unraveling the truth about the new local miracle man she can rehabilitate her foundering career. It is Mia Tanner, a sculptress recovering from a failed love affair and a bout with cancer, who gains the most from Cabrio's brief stay. Though rather breathlessly depicted (``There was exhaustion in his eyes, and something else. Some sadness.''), these characters are easy enough to root for. In fact, as the story progresses, their interlocking plights become engrossing enough to make the momentum-inducing plot elements--the rain-making operation, and Cabrio's mysterious past--seem rather flimsy and peripheral in comparison. A patchwork of flashbacks is smoothly incorporated into the narrative; and nearly every chapter finishes with the sort of emotional jolt that keeps the pages turning.
495 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1993
369 people are currently reading
2064 people want to read
About the author
Diane Chamberlain
82 books15.2k followersDiane Chamberlain is the New York Times, USA Today and (London) Sunday Times best-selling author of 28 novels. The daughter of a school principal who supplied her with a new book almost daily, Diane quickly learned the emotional power of story. Although she wrote many small “books” as a child, she didn’t seriously turn to writing fiction until her early thirties when she was waiting for a delayed doctor’s appointment with nothing more than a pad, a pen, and an idea. She was instantly hooked.
Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C, and a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.
More than two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which changed the way she works: She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to get back to typing. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.
Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and their odd but lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole
Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C, and a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.
More than two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which changed the way she works: She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to get back to typing. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.
Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and their odd but lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
August 24, 2024
Fire and Rain by Diane Chamberlain…I don’t know what to rate this book. At one point a 4-5 and the next a struggle not to dump. So I settled for in-between with a 3. It was an interesting plot. But it should have been 2 books. It had two different plots that blended into 1. Jeff trying to make it rain. Carmen who is a reporter digging into Jeff’s background as an investigative reporter. Laura falls in here somewhere. I think she is Mia’s sister. Chris, Carmen’s estranged boyfriend. Mia, a sculpture, who becomes Jeff’s friend. Jeff, running from a difficult background who is under an assumed name. It is all crazy, convoluted, and confusing.
October 8, 2016
Originally published in the early nineties and now re-released in the UK with a more modern look, this is an unusual tale of four people brought together through an extraordinary situation. I can't say I enjoyed this novel as much as Chamberlains others, I felt it was missing some of the heart which makes her other books so captivating. The story came across too sterile at times and occasionally I felt my attention wavering.
Mia is a talented sculptor now working as personal secretary to ex baseball star and reluctant new town mayor Chris. Carmen is the tv reporter trying to increase her air time and her credibility as a serious journalist; she also happens to be Chris' ex wife and mother to their institutionalised young son. As their Californian town is destroyed by wildfires and drought, a mysterious stranger suddenly appears and claims he has the knowledge and tools to be able to make it rain. As the town mounts pressure on Chris to save their homes and lives, Chris takes a leap of faith and employs Jeff to do what he ensures him he has the capacity to do.
As per the time when this book was written, there are many references to now outdated technology, which makes for an irregular perspective. One character listens to tapes for instance, and there is no such thing as the Internet. As Carmen does much of her research using the telephone and calling directory enquires, I happened to think that with the addition of Google, much of the story wouldn't have been created!
There were a couple of aspects of the story I found particularly heartwarming, chiefly Chris' relationship with his disabled son. Conversely, it was interesting to see the total difference in the way in which Carmen addressed her offspring. The author is well known for her ability to create realistic emotion in her writing; as a long-term fan of her work, this was familiarly pleasing to see
A real mixed bag of a novel. I throughly enjoyed some parts and felt frustrated by others; perhaps the dated storyline worked against its overall success in my opinion.
Mia is a talented sculptor now working as personal secretary to ex baseball star and reluctant new town mayor Chris. Carmen is the tv reporter trying to increase her air time and her credibility as a serious journalist; she also happens to be Chris' ex wife and mother to their institutionalised young son. As their Californian town is destroyed by wildfires and drought, a mysterious stranger suddenly appears and claims he has the knowledge and tools to be able to make it rain. As the town mounts pressure on Chris to save their homes and lives, Chris takes a leap of faith and employs Jeff to do what he ensures him he has the capacity to do.
As per the time when this book was written, there are many references to now outdated technology, which makes for an irregular perspective. One character listens to tapes for instance, and there is no such thing as the Internet. As Carmen does much of her research using the telephone and calling directory enquires, I happened to think that with the addition of Google, much of the story wouldn't have been created!
There were a couple of aspects of the story I found particularly heartwarming, chiefly Chris' relationship with his disabled son. Conversely, it was interesting to see the total difference in the way in which Carmen addressed her offspring. The author is well known for her ability to create realistic emotion in her writing; as a long-term fan of her work, this was familiarly pleasing to see
A real mixed bag of a novel. I throughly enjoyed some parts and felt frustrated by others; perhaps the dated storyline worked against its overall success in my opinion.
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April 11, 2012Whilst I really enjoyed the book, the ending was another disappointment for me.
I've read all of Ms Chamberlain's books, and this isn't the first one that just doesn't have a real ending, but seems to leave it open for a follow-up which never appears.
I'm afraid I do like a proper ending, not a "I've run out of pages! I'd better finish it now!" type.
I've read all of Ms Chamberlain's books, and this isn't the first one that just doesn't have a real ending, but seems to leave it open for a follow-up which never appears.
I'm afraid I do like a proper ending, not a "I've run out of pages! I'd better finish it now!" type.
January 10, 2015
I'm having a hard time reviewing this piece of work. I needed a light read over the holidays that wouldn't consume too much of my time and that I would be able to pick up for a few minutes and put down easily. Did I say light reading? Well, I got my wish – this was so light, it hung in mid-air most of the time!
The author's audience was definitely not intended to be anyone with a memory since she explained everything in minute detail several times in case you didn't' understand it the first time around. And the story line was just a fairy tale. A strange man shows up in a town that hasn't seen rain for quite some time and is suffering fire problems. He tells the acting mayor he can produce rain. The acting mayor says “OK, sure, I'll give you the town's money – go to it!” I mean, that's what any acting mayor would do. Right? The mayor's ex-wife is a has-been news reporter trying to get her job back so she digs up a few scraps of the “rain man's” past and the news station suddenly thinks she's the greatest reporter since soda pop was invented. It all goes downhill from there.
This author didn't make me care one whit about anyone in this book except for the rain man's cat. I don't know if the rain main ever “produced “rain or not – I couldn't stay with it long enough to find out. I mean, really!!!
The author's audience was definitely not intended to be anyone with a memory since she explained everything in minute detail several times in case you didn't' understand it the first time around. And the story line was just a fairy tale. A strange man shows up in a town that hasn't seen rain for quite some time and is suffering fire problems. He tells the acting mayor he can produce rain. The acting mayor says “OK, sure, I'll give you the town's money – go to it!” I mean, that's what any acting mayor would do. Right? The mayor's ex-wife is a has-been news reporter trying to get her job back so she digs up a few scraps of the “rain man's” past and the news station suddenly thinks she's the greatest reporter since soda pop was invented. It all goes downhill from there.
This author didn't make me care one whit about anyone in this book except for the rain man's cat. I don't know if the rain main ever “produced “rain or not – I couldn't stay with it long enough to find out. I mean, really!!!
December 24, 2021
The small town of Valle Rosa is experiencing a drought and wildfires. Jeff Cabrio walks into town and claims he can make rain.
I've read many books by Diane Chamberlain and have enjoyed them. This offering for me is certainly not one of her best.
The story follows four main characters. Jeff the rainmaker and his past that he doesn't want people to know about. Carmen a failing reporter who now has the story of a lifetime. Mia who has her own issues that she needs to deal with and Chris the town mayor.
For me the story had a few things that did hold my interest but a lot of the story for me just dragged on. I was hoping for a twist to give the story something worth saving but that didn't happen. The story seemed to be more character driven and was about each one and what they each had to deal with.
I really didn't enjoy much of this book and feel disappointed as I normally enjoy books by the author. Way to long for what it was.
I've read many books by Diane Chamberlain and have enjoyed them. This offering for me is certainly not one of her best.
The story follows four main characters. Jeff the rainmaker and his past that he doesn't want people to know about. Carmen a failing reporter who now has the story of a lifetime. Mia who has her own issues that she needs to deal with and Chris the town mayor.
For me the story had a few things that did hold my interest but a lot of the story for me just dragged on. I was hoping for a twist to give the story something worth saving but that didn't happen. The story seemed to be more character driven and was about each one and what they each had to deal with.
I really didn't enjoy much of this book and feel disappointed as I normally enjoy books by the author. Way to long for what it was.
January 2, 2017
You can tell this is an old book of hers by the style. Ok storyline but a bit predictable
June 6, 2022
Great book, with great characters and a beauty of a plot. Couldn’t give it 5 stars because I thought the ending was a bit rushed, and left me with questions. Brilliant book despite it though!
February 8, 2020
I was intrigued by the plot of this novel and was keen to see how it would pan out. It’s very slow paced though, lots of detail certainly enabled me to picture the scene, but was also frustrating at times. There were four main characters who all, to a greater or lesser extent, went on a journey of self-discovery during the story. Overall it was an interesting read but, in my opinion, not one of Diane’s best novels.
April 12, 2015
Originally published in 1993, "Fire and Rain" takes place in a southern California town that has not had any significant rainfall for 5 years. Our story, begins with veteran reporter, Carmen Perez racing to cover the story of a devastating house fire. Carmen, who has taken an absence from her job is resolved to find herself back at the front desk. She soon finds herself at the home of her ex-husband, Valle Rosa's acting mayor and former Padres pitcher, Chris Garrett. Chris, has also suffered damage to his home, homeless, Chris moves back to the cottages on his and Carmen's shared property. There is plenty of history between these two that kept me riveted to their story.
It is while at work one day, that a mysterious stranger, going by the name of Jeff Cabrio, walks into Chris's office, and claims that he knows how to make it rain. All that Jeff asks is that Chris gives him the freedom to do what he must and keep others away. Chris, is willing to give this man a try and offers him a place to live at Carmen's ranch. However, Carmen becomes convinced that Jeff is nothing but a charlatan and sets out to find about the mysterious man in order to jumpstart her career.
Added into all this mix, is sculptress, Mia Tanner, Chris's secretary, who strikes up a friendship with Jeff and is also running from her own past. I would have to say that Mia was my favorite character as DC unfolds her story with such care and plenty of emotion.
Diane Chamberlain presents readers with strong characters in a very vivid setting that I found myself hard to peel away from and finished in one sitting.
It is while at work one day, that a mysterious stranger, going by the name of Jeff Cabrio, walks into Chris's office, and claims that he knows how to make it rain. All that Jeff asks is that Chris gives him the freedom to do what he must and keep others away. Chris, is willing to give this man a try and offers him a place to live at Carmen's ranch. However, Carmen becomes convinced that Jeff is nothing but a charlatan and sets out to find about the mysterious man in order to jumpstart her career.
Added into all this mix, is sculptress, Mia Tanner, Chris's secretary, who strikes up a friendship with Jeff and is also running from her own past. I would have to say that Mia was my favorite character as DC unfolds her story with such care and plenty of emotion.
Diane Chamberlain presents readers with strong characters in a very vivid setting that I found myself hard to peel away from and finished in one sitting.
April 13, 2021
Originally published in 1993, this is yet another in a long line of superb stories written by Diane Chamberlain. I have been reading about one of her books per month and will be sorry when I no longer have any left to read.
This story has an element in it that is unbelievable. Despite this, the story and especially the characters seem so real. This is about a southern California town that is suffering from drought and wildfires. The mayor, a former major league baseball pitcher, brings in a guy (Jeff) who says he can make it rain. Jeff has a mysterious past and starts gaining attention as his work to create the contraption that brings rain progresses. The mayor's ex-wife (Carmen) is a TV reporter who makes it her mission to investigate Jeff's background and past, which Jeff is hiding and protecting.
All of these characters, along with the mayor's assistant (Mia), are hurting psychologically from events in their past. Such interesting characters! And what a plot! What was Jeff hiding? Would Carmen figure things out and rise to the top of the TV news world through her relentless, dogged reporting? Would the rainmaker be able to actually produce rain? Would the rainmaker's past catch up with him?
Read all about this and more. You won't be sorry.
This story has an element in it that is unbelievable. Despite this, the story and especially the characters seem so real. This is about a southern California town that is suffering from drought and wildfires. The mayor, a former major league baseball pitcher, brings in a guy (Jeff) who says he can make it rain. Jeff has a mysterious past and starts gaining attention as his work to create the contraption that brings rain progresses. The mayor's ex-wife (Carmen) is a TV reporter who makes it her mission to investigate Jeff's background and past, which Jeff is hiding and protecting.
All of these characters, along with the mayor's assistant (Mia), are hurting psychologically from events in their past. Such interesting characters! And what a plot! What was Jeff hiding? Would Carmen figure things out and rise to the top of the TV news world through her relentless, dogged reporting? Would the rainmaker be able to actually produce rain? Would the rainmaker's past catch up with him?
Read all about this and more. You won't be sorry.
June 26, 2012
I enjoyed the book but did not like the ending. I don't expect everything to be tied up in a neat bow but this one left a lot of loose ends hanging. Overall, she tied four characters together well with a host of minor characters and her creativity was ingenious with the rain maker.
December 9, 2017
First of all I really love your writing Diane, but this one for me started off very slow it really didn't pick up till half way through. It was then I wanted to keep reading and know more.
August 24, 2018
Another engossing and interesting book by Diane Chamberlain.
July 3, 2020
Another good one!
not-for-me
November 22, 2022Read over half and could not care less so I DNF'ed
May 1, 2025
My mum recommended this but I'm sorry, I thought it was rubbish! Supermarket fodder.
July 8, 2016
I absolutely adore the narrator! Karen White could make a Steven King novel soothing. While I do have favorite authors that I go to when in a reading slump, I also locate books narrated by Ms. White. She always gets me out of my reading or listening slump!
This is one of Diane Chamberlain’s older books. However, this was just recently published as an audio book. Thanks to Tantor Media for sending me this audio in exchange for an honest review.
Valle Rosa, California has been ridden with drought over the past five years. The valley has all but withered and died. Fires are out of control and water supply is extremely low. A stranger comes to town and promises the mayor (ex. major league baseball player) that he can make rain. His only request is that he be given complete privacy and a place to stay. Each character has their own burdens to hide.
Chris Garrett’s (acting mayor) house burns to the ground thanks to the wildfires that are out of control. He was only able to save some scrapbooks detailing his frail son’s life. Chris decides to give Jeff a try at making rain. Jeff is Valle Rosa’s last hope. Jeff ends up staying in an adobe cottage on the grounds of Chris’ ex-wife, Carmen Garrett’s home. Carmen has her own demons and wants to prove that she is still on top of her game as a news reporter.
Carmen has been out of the limelight for a few years and wants her show back. She must first prove to her boss that she still has the energy and charisma that she once had. In order to prove herself, Carmen begins to unravel Jeff’s past. Another character that had a supporting role was Mia Tanner. Mia is Jeff’s secretary and also has a past to hide. Mia and Jeff strike up a friendship then become lovers.
The characters were well flushed, and their backgrounds were slowly unraveled. As bad as Carmen was, I was rooting for her and Chris. The unthinkable happened to this couple, which ultimately split them up. I also felt bad for Jeff and for the demons that he was running from. However, my favorite character was Mia. She was loving to a fault. I gave this book a 4 star rating, because at times the story was slow. Had I simply read this book, I would probably only give a 3 star due to the lack of a plot. While the storyline was suspenseful, I felt that something was missing. I kept wanting for something major to happen, other than rainfall. The ending left me with wanting more and appeared to end very abruptly without answers to some unresolved questions.
This is one of Diane Chamberlain’s older books. However, this was just recently published as an audio book. Thanks to Tantor Media for sending me this audio in exchange for an honest review.
Valle Rosa, California has been ridden with drought over the past five years. The valley has all but withered and died. Fires are out of control and water supply is extremely low. A stranger comes to town and promises the mayor (ex. major league baseball player) that he can make rain. His only request is that he be given complete privacy and a place to stay. Each character has their own burdens to hide.
Chris Garrett’s (acting mayor) house burns to the ground thanks to the wildfires that are out of control. He was only able to save some scrapbooks detailing his frail son’s life. Chris decides to give Jeff a try at making rain. Jeff is Valle Rosa’s last hope. Jeff ends up staying in an adobe cottage on the grounds of Chris’ ex-wife, Carmen Garrett’s home. Carmen has her own demons and wants to prove that she is still on top of her game as a news reporter.
Carmen has been out of the limelight for a few years and wants her show back. She must first prove to her boss that she still has the energy and charisma that she once had. In order to prove herself, Carmen begins to unravel Jeff’s past. Another character that had a supporting role was Mia Tanner. Mia is Jeff’s secretary and also has a past to hide. Mia and Jeff strike up a friendship then become lovers.
The characters were well flushed, and their backgrounds were slowly unraveled. As bad as Carmen was, I was rooting for her and Chris. The unthinkable happened to this couple, which ultimately split them up. I also felt bad for Jeff and for the demons that he was running from. However, my favorite character was Mia. She was loving to a fault. I gave this book a 4 star rating, because at times the story was slow. Had I simply read this book, I would probably only give a 3 star due to the lack of a plot. While the storyline was suspenseful, I felt that something was missing. I kept wanting for something major to happen, other than rainfall. The ending left me with wanting more and appeared to end very abruptly without answers to some unresolved questions.
May 9, 2022
A town in drought could be saved by a stranger, but can he be trusted....who is he and what is he running from?
This story centres on a few main characters whose lives become intertwined, brought together as their Californian town rages with fire:
Jeff - is he a saviour or a sinner? Scientist or schemer?
Chris - once a baseball pro, now mayor of a town with only one option left.
Carmen - has-been news reporter with a scoop.
Mia - young and touched by tragedy, hidden away in the dessert.
I would rate this book somewhere between 4 - 5 because it held my interest and I was keen to keep on reading. I’d class it as “an easy read with a lot of oomph” because although it isn’t a twisty thriller, there is something to uncover and a mystery to be solved. Nor is it a schmaltzy Mills & Boon, although “Fire & Water” has elements of romance and complex relationships.
This combination appears to be Chamberlain’s trademark - and it works.
This story centres on a few main characters whose lives become intertwined, brought together as their Californian town rages with fire:
Jeff - is he a saviour or a sinner? Scientist or schemer?
Chris - once a baseball pro, now mayor of a town with only one option left.
Carmen - has-been news reporter with a scoop.
Mia - young and touched by tragedy, hidden away in the dessert.
I would rate this book somewhere between 4 - 5 because it held my interest and I was keen to keep on reading. I’d class it as “an easy read with a lot of oomph” because although it isn’t a twisty thriller, there is something to uncover and a mystery to be solved. Nor is it a schmaltzy Mills & Boon, although “Fire & Water” has elements of romance and complex relationships.
This combination appears to be Chamberlain’s trademark - and it works.
February 9, 2017
Meh. Probably my least favorite Chamberlain book. Glad it's done. Nor horrible, but more of a filler book. Filled the space while I waited for others to come available at the library!
April 11, 2022
I usually love DC’s book but this one was not a page turner for me. It felt a bit boring, which made the book drag on to me. The story of Jeff's (the rainmaker) past was interesting, but it went on much too long. I read all of DC’s current/newer books, and decided to go back to read her older ones. This book was originally published in 1993, she’s definitely has come a long way from her older books.
September 25, 2019
Usually a big fan of this author but Fire and Rain was not one of my favorite reads. The book takes place in Valle Rosa, CA which is the midst of a crushing and long time draught. In comes a stranger who promises he can make it rain. All he asks for is a place to stay and complete privacy. The characters were a bit dull and the story went on too long.
July 30, 2023
Storyline sounded interesting - but none of the characters were engaging
I struggled to finish this - the characters were completely unbelievable and the dialogue was totally unreal, actually cringeworthy at times - the main seed of the story dragged on then ended abruptly - I think this was just not my cup of tea, sorry!
I struggled to finish this - the characters were completely unbelievable and the dialogue was totally unreal, actually cringeworthy at times - the main seed of the story dragged on then ended abruptly - I think this was just not my cup of tea, sorry!
December 24, 2014
It took a bit for the story to build and characters to develop but I really enjoyed the whole story and was hooked! I'll have to check out more from the author
August 30, 2022
Could not seem to get into the book.
Read
August 22, 2020Haven't read Diane Chamberlain in awhile but her books just draw you in and keep you guessing and wanting more.
A small town experiencing a bad drought, houses been wrecked by fire destroying family homes and memories. And then a mystery man offering to make it rain.
While Jeff the rainmaker is mysterious but confident he can help fill the water reservoir by making it rain many people are unsure and in disbelief. But acting Mayor Chris who has his own battles in life takes a chance. Chris ex wife Carmen a news reporter though believes Jeff is out to con Chris and rest of the town.
In this story we see Carmen fight her demons from her past to try get the job she use to be known for done but at what cost of her career is she willing to go to, what secrets that she discovers about the rainman will she let others known. Will Carmen throw Jeff's secrets out to the world just for her own career or will they make her see she can do better?
I loved the story of how Carmen is fighting to regain her old life after 4 yrs break but yet stuff she fought so hard to ignore shows she ain't that person anymore. Having her ex Chris who feels guilty and reason for Carmen's illness still around for her is sweet.
Mia who's running from her own life, her story of closing herself off from failed romance not trusting men or having any confidence in her body after breast cancer shows how when u meet the right person to help break down those walls you built around yourself and let love in how good it can be.
Beautiful story
A small town experiencing a bad drought, houses been wrecked by fire destroying family homes and memories. And then a mystery man offering to make it rain.
While Jeff the rainmaker is mysterious but confident he can help fill the water reservoir by making it rain many people are unsure and in disbelief. But acting Mayor Chris who has his own battles in life takes a chance. Chris ex wife Carmen a news reporter though believes Jeff is out to con Chris and rest of the town.
In this story we see Carmen fight her demons from her past to try get the job she use to be known for done but at what cost of her career is she willing to go to, what secrets that she discovers about the rainman will she let others known. Will Carmen throw Jeff's secrets out to the world just for her own career or will they make her see she can do better?
I loved the story of how Carmen is fighting to regain her old life after 4 yrs break but yet stuff she fought so hard to ignore shows she ain't that person anymore. Having her ex Chris who feels guilty and reason for Carmen's illness still around for her is sweet.
Mia who's running from her own life, her story of closing herself off from failed romance not trusting men or having any confidence in her body after breast cancer shows how when u meet the right person to help break down those walls you built around yourself and let love in how good it can be.
Beautiful story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2020
The last book of Diane Chamberlain that I read was in Dec 2018. And I still have with me a few novels of hers which are still in their plastic wrap... untouched.
Not that I didn't enjoy her novels.
It was the opposite of it.
Once picked up, I just can't put the book down. With my busy schedule of work, class and revision, I simply had to pull the brake with her novels .
She is a master in writing. Once the plot thickens, you wanted to rush reading it to get the answer yet the beautiful language made you sit back, lingering with each pages savouring the story.
Indeed after each reading session, you simply need to rest not only your eyes but also your mind and your emotion as each story binds you strongly to the character.
Give me books and without realising it, this Restriction Order period will be over in no time.
Not that I didn't enjoy her novels.
It was the opposite of it.
Once picked up, I just can't put the book down. With my busy schedule of work, class and revision, I simply had to pull the brake with her novels .
She is a master in writing. Once the plot thickens, you wanted to rush reading it to get the answer yet the beautiful language made you sit back, lingering with each pages savouring the story.
Indeed after each reading session, you simply need to rest not only your eyes but also your mind and your emotion as each story binds you strongly to the character.
Give me books and without realising it, this Restriction Order period will be over in no time.
June 11, 2017
I adore Diane, with every fiber of my being. Her writing style speaks to me in such a way no one else does. I loved this book! But, oddly, it was a slow starter for me. introduction of characters (each one having a background worthy their own book) made it (for me) a little slow in the beginning BUT once I got over that wee hump I couldn't put it down. ignoring headaches to keep reading. One more thing, I'm DYING to know what happens with Robby!! The end felt rushed, leaving many expected details. I assumed to read Jeff and Mia found each other again, or Carmen decided to take her boy on board and care for him and you know.. the happily ever after.
June 28, 2017
What a shame!!!
I went on a marathon audible reading session with this one, sacrificing a day & night.
This was heading in the right direction & I was thoroughly enjoying it but the ending totally floored me. It wasn't an ending in the true sense of the word but more like a summary. I kept reading (listening) and waiting for an outstanding ending, which I'm sure was possible, but zip..nothing..zero - it finished rather abruptly with no surprises, reveals or anything.
Very disappointing!
I went on a marathon audible reading session with this one, sacrificing a day & night.
This was heading in the right direction & I was thoroughly enjoying it but the ending totally floored me. It wasn't an ending in the true sense of the word but more like a summary. I kept reading (listening) and waiting for an outstanding ending, which I'm sure was possible, but zip..nothing..zero - it finished rather abruptly with no surprises, reveals or anything.
Very disappointing!
December 31, 2018
I don't understand why other readers didn't like this book. I liked it very much. Diane Chamberlain is an excellent writer, unafraid to tackle difficult social and moral issues. She presents them in an open minded fashion so the reader can see a different side of an issue than perhaps they had thought of before reading the book. she helps us walk a mile in another's shoes without actually having to take the difficult journey. That is what this book was all about while clothed in an interesting story.
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