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Let it Rain
The funniest and most charming novel about finding yourself you’ll read this year.
Mandy Olsen lives and breathes the Eighties: an era of great music, questionable fashion choices, and endless possibilities. It was also the only time Mandy was truly happy in her life.
Now working at the school she used to attend, Mandy’s fixation with the past is starting to attract attention. Jessy, the office mean girl, whispers that “Mental Mandy” is going off the deep end. Principal Weber prefers to call her confused. And to make matters worse, the mysterious hot new teacher has developed a knack for popping up at the most embarrassing moments possible.
If Mandy wants to keep her job, she knows she needs to face the grief that turned her world upside down. But can you grasp at a second chance if your best years are behind you?
Perfect for fans of Beth O’Leary and Sophie Kinsella, Let it Rain is a bittersweet coming-of-age story about friendship, rebellion, and finding the courage to love and laugh again.
Mandy Olsen lives and breathes the Eighties: an era of great music, questionable fashion choices, and endless possibilities. It was also the only time Mandy was truly happy in her life.
Now working at the school she used to attend, Mandy’s fixation with the past is starting to attract attention. Jessy, the office mean girl, whispers that “Mental Mandy” is going off the deep end. Principal Weber prefers to call her confused. And to make matters worse, the mysterious hot new teacher has developed a knack for popping up at the most embarrassing moments possible.
If Mandy wants to keep her job, she knows she needs to face the grief that turned her world upside down. But can you grasp at a second chance if your best years are behind you?
Perfect for fans of Beth O’Leary and Sophie Kinsella, Let it Rain is a bittersweet coming-of-age story about friendship, rebellion, and finding the courage to love and laugh again.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2022
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 5, 2022
Thank you to Jamie Witcomb for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I read this in a day. It was very bingeable.
There's a heavy focus on mental health in this book, which I think Mariz handles well. I appreciated the MC trying to work through her struggles and show that it's ok to not be ok. I thought it was realistic in showing that there are good days and bad days.
I also liked the cast of friends that surrounded the MC - all very supportive and non-judgemental.
However, there's something that happens in this book past the halfway mark. I was surprised at the, what I felt was a, sudden genre change but then the mystery wrapped up far too quickly. I thought it was a bit of a bizarre turn for the story to take - I guess if there had been more development leading up to it, I could've gotten more on board with it.
Separate to that, there was one particular reveal I didn't see coming so kudos.
A good little book if you're looking for something quick on a rainy day.
I read this in a day. It was very bingeable.
There's a heavy focus on mental health in this book, which I think Mariz handles well. I appreciated the MC trying to work through her struggles and show that it's ok to not be ok. I thought it was realistic in showing that there are good days and bad days.
I also liked the cast of friends that surrounded the MC - all very supportive and non-judgemental.
However, there's something that happens in this book past the halfway mark. I was surprised at the, what I felt was a, sudden genre change but then the mystery wrapped up far too quickly. I thought it was a bit of a bizarre turn for the story to take - I guess if there had been more development leading up to it, I could've gotten more on board with it.
Separate to that, there was one particular reveal I didn't see coming so kudos.
A good little book if you're looking for something quick on a rainy day.
August 3, 2022
This was such a lovely book to read with such brilliant character development. Really liked the names of the chapters and how the book as a whole was just one you can instantly lose yourself in and become engrossed.
Mandy is such a wonderful character. Trying to get through the days while also trying to deal with grief. So many of us deal with grief differently and I really felt for Mandy. In a way I felt like I was following the recovery journey with her and how she developed throughout and found herself again was just lovely.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this, with an unexpected twist thrown in and some uplifting and funny moments. Some lovely characters too!
Mandy is such a wonderful character. Trying to get through the days while also trying to deal with grief. So many of us deal with grief differently and I really felt for Mandy. In a way I felt like I was following the recovery journey with her and how she developed throughout and found herself again was just lovely.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this, with an unexpected twist thrown in and some uplifting and funny moments. Some lovely characters too!
August 5, 2022
• Deals with grief, mental illness, therapy, and acceptance.
•1996 Setting full of 80s throwback vibes
•Makeover Montage
• Literal “Say Anything” moment
Let it Rain, is like an 80s feel good movie in book form. It was so much fun to read a book that took place in the mid 90s. As a person who wore leg warmers in the aughts as a fashion choice, I loved Mandy’s attachment to her clothing. This was a really quick read full of 80s and 90s romcom tropes that were entertaining, if not always believable. Mandy’s journey to process her grief and open her heart to love and new experiences was relatable and heartening.
This book got 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' stuck in my head the last few days, and I'm not mad about it. I generally only listen to music that came out before I was born and felt right at home here.
The characterizations were stereotypical like the personalities of 80s movies and sitcoms, which made them not always believable. I can't imagine a highschool bully still acting like a child years on, no matter the disappointments in life. That being said it worked as a throwback to 80s storytelling. There were maybe too many metaphors and analogies, but the main character herself points that out a few times, so I guess it's intentional.
I enjoyed Mandy's growth throughout and her acceptance of the tragedies in her life. I can completely understand wanting to stay in the time where you were happy and not wanting to move forward.
The love story was cute and reminded me of something like 16 Candles, Say Anything, and Pretty in Pink.
I'm glad I was approached to read this book in exchange for my honest review, I don't know that I would have found it otherwise.
🎙️🎶🎙️🎶🎙️
•1996 Setting full of 80s throwback vibes
•Makeover Montage
• Literal “Say Anything” moment
Let it Rain, is like an 80s feel good movie in book form. It was so much fun to read a book that took place in the mid 90s. As a person who wore leg warmers in the aughts as a fashion choice, I loved Mandy’s attachment to her clothing. This was a really quick read full of 80s and 90s romcom tropes that were entertaining, if not always believable. Mandy’s journey to process her grief and open her heart to love and new experiences was relatable and heartening.
This book got 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' stuck in my head the last few days, and I'm not mad about it. I generally only listen to music that came out before I was born and felt right at home here.
The characterizations were stereotypical like the personalities of 80s movies and sitcoms, which made them not always believable. I can't imagine a highschool bully still acting like a child years on, no matter the disappointments in life. That being said it worked as a throwback to 80s storytelling. There were maybe too many metaphors and analogies, but the main character herself points that out a few times, so I guess it's intentional.
I enjoyed Mandy's growth throughout and her acceptance of the tragedies in her life. I can completely understand wanting to stay in the time where you were happy and not wanting to move forward.
The love story was cute and reminded me of something like 16 Candles, Say Anything, and Pretty in Pink.
I'm glad I was approached to read this book in exchange for my honest review, I don't know that I would have found it otherwise.
🎙️🎶🎙️🎶🎙️
September 13, 2022
I Love it.
Let it rain is a intriguing coming-of-age story about realization of one's own self and learning to appreciate the flaws as well as our emotions, friendship that makes you believe in magic, rebellion and opening the doors of courage to love and enjoy oneself all over again. It's a sweet and heartfelt rom com that will engage you right away.
The protagonist of the story is Mandy Olsen, a twenty- six- year working in the school she used to attend. Mandy has a secret. But she knows how to be herself amongst the crowd of known people.
However, one day her secret is out in the open. It evolves into a cruel joke which makes Mandy rethink about all her decisions, choices and actions. Everything was splitting into chaos and her job was in line as well. Mandy never thought that the pain and hurt of the past would come knocking in her present but with a twist.
Set in fictional town of Eaglewood, Connecticut, delve into an era that had style and vibe unlike anything. It's like reliving the mid- 80's when there used to be good music and fashion sense. Talking about the mental health, the author has explored the profound emotions of grief, stressful situations and events, social anxiety wrecking her and other hurdles in an understanding manner. Mandy as a character was unique because although she had her own set of problems and struggles, she has a personality that was unmatched by any thing. Other characters were also masterfully well-developed and their emotions felt real too. I think the plot was absolutely incredible because of the creative writing style that was simply out of this world.
I'd recommend this to the readers who love to read rom com with reality claiming the experience. Perfect for a relaxing weekend read.
Let it rain is a intriguing coming-of-age story about realization of one's own self and learning to appreciate the flaws as well as our emotions, friendship that makes you believe in magic, rebellion and opening the doors of courage to love and enjoy oneself all over again. It's a sweet and heartfelt rom com that will engage you right away.
The protagonist of the story is Mandy Olsen, a twenty- six- year working in the school she used to attend. Mandy has a secret. But she knows how to be herself amongst the crowd of known people.
However, one day her secret is out in the open. It evolves into a cruel joke which makes Mandy rethink about all her decisions, choices and actions. Everything was splitting into chaos and her job was in line as well. Mandy never thought that the pain and hurt of the past would come knocking in her present but with a twist.
Set in fictional town of Eaglewood, Connecticut, delve into an era that had style and vibe unlike anything. It's like reliving the mid- 80's when there used to be good music and fashion sense. Talking about the mental health, the author has explored the profound emotions of grief, stressful situations and events, social anxiety wrecking her and other hurdles in an understanding manner. Mandy as a character was unique because although she had her own set of problems and struggles, she has a personality that was unmatched by any thing. Other characters were also masterfully well-developed and their emotions felt real too. I think the plot was absolutely incredible because of the creative writing style that was simply out of this world.
I'd recommend this to the readers who love to read rom com with reality claiming the experience. Perfect for a relaxing weekend read.
October 10, 2022
This was such an emotional, fun, heartwarming rom-com! I loved Mandy as a main character, and the way her mental illness was portrayed so well. She was very relatable for me, and I honestly had tears in my eyes at parts of this book! The chemistry between Mandy and Zack was adorable. It was so much fun to read their relationship evolve from colleagues, to friends, to falling in love.
While this is a rom-com, there were some twists thrown in there as well that I did not see coming! I think the build-up and reveals were executed really well. I also really enjoyed the atmosphere and setting Mariz created by setting her story in the 90s.
I do think some of the characters could've been fleshed out a bit more. The immaturity among adult characters, especially Jessy was hard to read at times. Looking back, though, immaturity was most of Jessy's personality and driving motivation, which made her into a good antagonist.
If you love the 90s, cute rom-coms, and mental health rep, you should definitely check this out!
While this is a rom-com, there were some twists thrown in there as well that I did not see coming! I think the build-up and reveals were executed really well. I also really enjoyed the atmosphere and setting Mariz created by setting her story in the 90s.
I do think some of the characters could've been fleshed out a bit more. The immaturity among adult characters, especially Jessy was hard to read at times. Looking back, though, immaturity was most of Jessy's personality and driving motivation, which made her into a good antagonist.
If you love the 90s, cute rom-coms, and mental health rep, you should definitely check this out!
December 24, 2022
BOOK TOUR - @telepathy.booktours
Thank you @telepathy.booktours for having me on this tour! Down below you can find my review of “Let it Rain” by @marcelamariz13:
I was immediately drawn to Let It Rain, because I also moved back to my hometown, and I became a teacher at the school I grew up in. And I love all of the 80s references (and 90s) and songs - brought me right back to my youth!
Holy smokes! What a twist near the middle of the story! Buckle up for that one! Definitely did not see it coming! And honestly, right off the bat, there’s a great twist you don’t see coming. On the other hand, the first twist does come with a feeling of anguish for our main character, Mandy.
Let It Rain is an uplifting and heartfelt story about digging oneself out of the deepest despair and fighting the way to the top. Learning to take on your enemies and face realities. Grab your copy using the link below!
Purchase the book using this link: https://a.co/d/bZMwG9E
Thank you @telepathy.booktours for having me on this tour! Down below you can find my review of “Let it Rain” by @marcelamariz13:
I was immediately drawn to Let It Rain, because I also moved back to my hometown, and I became a teacher at the school I grew up in. And I love all of the 80s references (and 90s) and songs - brought me right back to my youth!
Holy smokes! What a twist near the middle of the story! Buckle up for that one! Definitely did not see it coming! And honestly, right off the bat, there’s a great twist you don’t see coming. On the other hand, the first twist does come with a feeling of anguish for our main character, Mandy.
Let It Rain is an uplifting and heartfelt story about digging oneself out of the deepest despair and fighting the way to the top. Learning to take on your enemies and face realities. Grab your copy using the link below!
Purchase the book using this link: https://a.co/d/bZMwG9E
December 25, 2022
Mandy Olsen lives in the eighties from her leg warmers and her music taste, to the way she experiences life in the nineties. She’s forced to overcome her trauma after an incident of at her house that draws attention.
This was a feel good book about mental health. I loved the way that it was depicted, and experiencing the nineties through the eyes of somebody living in the eighties to avoid their grief. I loved the way mental health was approached, and the way Mandy was depicted, where she was still feeling like she was in high school. Her relationship with her coworkers was complex. There’s plot twists that you wouldn’t expect. Overall this was a great book, and it’s an easy read with twists and turns.
This was a feel good book about mental health. I loved the way that it was depicted, and experiencing the nineties through the eyes of somebody living in the eighties to avoid their grief. I loved the way mental health was approached, and the way Mandy was depicted, where she was still feeling like she was in high school. Her relationship with her coworkers was complex. There’s plot twists that you wouldn’t expect. Overall this was a great book, and it’s an easy read with twists and turns.
January 1, 2023
Looking at the front cover of Let It Rain by Marcela Mariz, my first thought was that it would appeal to a young adult audience - maybe late teens and twenty-something women. However, it turned out that as a woman in my fifties, I loved it and felt like it was focusing in on my own memories of growing up in the eighties and nineties. I loved all the little flashbacks to my formative years and the references to various song lyrics frequently had me humming eighties classics all day long !
(You can read my full review on my blog : https://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspo...)
(You can read my full review on my blog : https://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspo...)
August 15, 2022
I’m not sure the blurb completely matches up with the book.
I was a bit confused about what was going on at first.
Mandy is a character who I empathise with. Her trauma and it’s effect on her psyche were fascinating.
I wish she had found out why resident mean girl had such a problem with her.
The surprise about Joshua was one I didn’t expect, but it worked out.
Once I figured out what was going on, I couldn’t put this down.
I received an advance copy from the author via booksirens. All opinions are my own.
I was a bit confused about what was going on at first.
Mandy is a character who I empathise with. Her trauma and it’s effect on her psyche were fascinating.
I wish she had found out why resident mean girl had such a problem with her.
The surprise about Joshua was one I didn’t expect, but it worked out.
Once I figured out what was going on, I couldn’t put this down.
I received an advance copy from the author via booksirens. All opinions are my own.
August 4, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.,great ,well written love the relationships with her bestest friend Joshua and her mum ,life affirming storyline realistic characters like the 80s 90s vibes ,winner for me I’m hooked
August 10, 2022
I absolutely love 80s and 90s nostalgia, and this book checked all the boxes I was looking for with it. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and really liked Mandy and Zack. I was happy with their HEA and how everything worked out. I was gifted a copy.
October 6, 2022
This book was SO cute! I laughed out loud, but it still dealt with some heavy topics. I’m really glad I was on this book tour, I’m not sure if I would have found it otherwise and I’m really glad I did!
October 7, 2022
This is a really interesting story of love, loss, friendship and mental illness. I love thed nostalgia element and the characters were really vibrant. Let It Rain is very quirky and different and I highly recommend it.
August 3, 2022
I loved reading this book, I flew through it. It was so good seeing character development throughout and mental health awareness. Even the ending was just great!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews