Where the Rainbow Falls

The Rivers #2

by Joey Jones

In the face of a storm, a father’s love is the most powerful force.

With Hurricane Florence quickly approaching the North Carolina coastline, all Niles North can think about is his five-year-old son Riley, wishing he’d bent the law when he had the chance to evacuate him. Now, instead of being safe in Hickory with his dad, Riley is with Niles’s ex-wife Eden, who’s decided to ride out the storm at home with her drummer boyfriend. Desperate to get back to his son as the stormwaters rise, Niles begs Reese, an attractive police detective and rescue worker, to drive him back to New Bern.

Reese couldn’t refuse when Niles asked for her help. But she’s in deeper than she should be—both professionally and emotionally—especially since she’s drawn to almost everything about Niles. As the two undertake a perilous journey into the eye of the storm, Niles’s worst fears come true, setting in motion a series of events that will change both of their lives forever.

283 pages, Paperback

Published August 25, 2022

About the author

Joey Jones’s writing style is described as a mixture of Nicholas Sparks, Richard Paul Evans, and James Patterson. New York Times Bestselling Author Kristy Woodson Harvey labels Jones’s writing as “lyrical” and proclaims, “He effortlessly pulls readers into the souls of his characters.” USA Today Bestselling Author Jeff Gunhus compares Joey Jones’s work to Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Evans, and Sparks.

The ratings and reviews of Jones’s novels A BRIDGE APART (2015), LOSING LONDON (2016), A FIELD OF FIREFLIES (2018), THE DATE NIGHT JAR (2019), WHEN THE RIVERS RISE (2020), WHERE THE RAINBOW FALLS (2022), and ALONG THE DUSTY ROAD (2023) reflect the comparison to the aforementioned New York Times bestselling authors. Readers can expect the same from THE ROOTS BENEATH US (2024).

Joey Jones fell in love with creative writing at a young age and, in his early twenties, decided to write a book. His debut novel A BRIDGE APART is a suspenseful love story that was years in the making as he tinkered with the manuscript off and on while working full-time in the marketing field. In February 2016, Jones became a full-time novelist and published his second novel LOSING LONDON later that year. The average rating of Jones’s novels is 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.

In his spare time, Joey enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, working out, reading, and embarking on new adventures. His favorite meal is a New York Style Pizza with sweet tea. He won the 8th-grade spelling bee at his school, but if you ask how many students participated, he might say, “Such minor details are not important!” He currently lives in North Carolina with his family.

Joey Jones earned a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College where he graduated with honors (2006). He was the owner of a full-service advertising agency and taught business and marketing courses as an adjunct college instructor.

Jones invites you to connect with him online to find out more about his upcoming novels, book signings, giveaways, exciting news, charities, and more: www.Joey-Jones.com / Facebook.com/JoeyJonesWriter / Instagram.com/JoeyJonesWriter

Reviews

[Meagan Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

No better back drop than some driftwood and the Neuse River basically right in my backyard.

Joey Jones - Novelist I’m not sure if I’m mad at you, glad you broke my heart then pieced it back together, or happy I finally got to read part 2.

This book was so, so good. It took the first few pages to refresh my memory about part 1 but once I was all in, I COULD NOT STOP. The vivid imagery of Hurricane Florence really hit home and it almost felt like I was reliving it.

I loved Niles in the first book and love him even more after book 2.

Do yourself a favor and support a local author and a local bookstore and buy this book!! Just be sure to read part 1 first!

[Penny Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the second book I'd bought from this local author. It was interesting to me because where I live, we frequently have hurricanes, in fact, we experienced one while reading it. I also am very familiar with the New Bern area. I thought the plot was good and made me want to keep reading until the little boy was found. I'm glad it had a good ending, although the part when his mother got injured seemed pointless and their relationship was left unresolved, wasn't it?

[Janey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intense descriptions of a town (which happens to be the town where I live) inundated by Hurricane Florence (which I lived through in NC) and the continuing story of Niles, Eden, their son Riley, and many others who are in New Bern for search and rescue and clean up after the storm. With Nile’s and Eden’s young son missing, emotions are running high due to their divorce and each of them having someone new in their lives plus the devastating storm they all are dealing with. The story unfolded at a steady pace then accelerated near the end as they frantically searched for Riley. Enjoyed the book, loved the rainbow references, and there was a satisfying ending.

[Kayla Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good enough plot and ending. The twist at the end was sweet for sure. As someone who grew up and still lives in the area written about, descriptions were more accurate than I expected, although not perfect. Some of the descriptions in general were a little unnecessary or cheesy at times. I even found a couple of grammatical errors- “parent’s” instead of “parents’” and “shutter” instead of “shudder” made me cringe, and there’s no way I am the only person that noticed these mistakes! Still, a good enough pair of books I would recommend for some good hearted summer reading.

[Elena J]

Where the Rainbow Falls by Joey Jones is a breathtaking tale of love, redemption, and the relentless power of a parent’s heart in the face of nature’s fury.

Set against the raw backdrop of Hurricane Florence, Jones crafts a storm story that isn’t just about wind and rain it’s about grief, forgiveness, and the desperate lengths a father will go to for his child.

Niles North’s race through floodwaters to reach his five-year-old son, Riley, is as emotionally gripping as it is suspenseful. But what gives the novel its pulse isn’t just the danger it’s the quiet humanity in every decision, the moral complexity of regret, and the unexpected tenderness that blossoms between Niles and Reese, the detective who risks everything to help him.

Jones’s prose is cinematic equal parts Nicholas Sparks and Jodi Picoult, yet uniquely his own balancing edge-of-your-seat tension with the aching beauty of second chances. It’s not just a story about survival; it’s a story about what love saves, even when the storm takes everything else.

For readers who love emotionally charged Southern fiction, Where the Rainbow Falls is a modern classic in the making heartfelt, heroic, and deeply human.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed When The Rivers Rise until I got to the last few chapters when I realized that it wasn't a stand-alone book in a series but actually was going to continue into Where the Rainbow Falls. Fortunately, I had the pleasure of meeting Joey Jones at a Christmas bazaar and he suggested I buy both of the River Series books. I would have been so disappointed not to be able to pick up immediately where book one left off.

Where the Rainbow Falls is fast-paced, gripping, compelling and an edge of your seat. seat kind of read. I finished it in one day which is remarkable for me. I absolutely loved it and am looking forward to reading more of Joey Jones books in the future.

[Tonya Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this 2 book series. I finished When The Rivers Rise and Immediately started Where The Rainbow Falls. The twist and unexpected turns kept me captivated. I experienced all emotions, living through hurricane Florence myself, it was as if every page was real. It is a Beautiful love story on SO MANY levels.

[Mary Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great ending to When the Rivers Rise. I enjoy the story of Niles and Riley North. It was suspenseful and funny .
Hopefully Joey Jones will write more great books.

[Dawn Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Kept me interested and wanting to pick it up to see what happens. Can't wait to get and read all of his books!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down. What an amazing author Joey Jones is.

[Charisse Paskell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book was amazing! The suspense and the cute love story is Great too! Being from NC this book has been Great!

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the Rainbow Falls by Joey Jones is the second book in the River Series.

Plot: Hurricane Florence descends on New Bern N.C. ( I have a daughter that lives there and I remember when this hurricane came through.

Characters:

Niles North heads to New Bern to evacuate his son Riley. Riley lives with Eden, his mother, and Niles's ex-wife.

Eden: Ex-wife of Niles and mother to Riley has decided to ride out the storm, much to Niles's dismay

Reese: A Police Detective and rescue worker who takes Niles to New Bern to get his son.

Kirk: A new love interest of Eden's with a criminal past

Riley: Niles and Eden's son who has gone missing in the hurricane.

This book is very relatable to what happened in New Bern N.C. during Hurricane Florence in 2018. The passion of all the people involved is palatable. Niles is furious with his ex for not evacuating. Instead, Eve, Riley, and Kirk go from her home to her mother's thinking that because they have a generator they would be safer.

Not the case as the Neuse River comes through the backyard and into the house, in one door and out the other. In a moment of passion between Eve and Kirk, Riley was left sleeping on the couch and when they go looking for him, he has disappeared. Frantic they try to find him. That is when Reese and Niles show up.

Reese has a rescue boat with her and they launch that to see if they can assist in the search for Riley. Not much happens with the search and they are forced to hole up in a fire station until light so they can search again.

I enjoyed this story, not because I have been to New Bern and recognized the places that were described in the book. This book is fast-paced, accurate, and heartfelt. Many times my heart was in my throat waiting for the next scene to see what happens. Full of emotions, a bit of romance, and faith. All the while hoping that everything comes together and that Riley is found. I even thought about Niles and Reese as a couple.

Natural disasters are always a good backdrop to a story that can be either good or bad. The author did an incredible job of describing the hurricane and its aftermath.

I give it 5 stars.

I received a copy of the book for review purposes only.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 star book from Joey Jones.. I couldn't ojt this book down. I had to know what happened to Noah and were he was. I felt the emotions of the characters in this book.

[Lisa Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is WOW! What an awesome story, so well written. The journey I took with Niles, and all the other wonderfully written characters, as he travelled into the heart of a hurricane to get to his son, Riley. So well written, filled with action, suspense, difficult choices, a little romance, loss, faith, and a parent’s love. I felt I was right there with them as they navigated through the hurricane and its resulting flooding and chaos. I couldn’t put it down and loved how rainbows brought them hope and eventually led them to Riley. The ending brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.

Even though it is the second book in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Trust me you will enjoy this book. Joey Jones has just gained another fan. I will be reading more of his books.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the author Joey Jones in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited in any way.

[Barbara Woodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the series. So you have to read “When The Rivers Rise” first. I have to say, it was well worth the wait getting to this book! The descriptions of the hurricane were very accurate! Anyone living in or near New Bern during this time (even those of us who stayed away until it was over) can vouch for the accuracy! Reliving it through the eyes of Joey Jones (also a New Bern area resident) was fascinating!!! I was riveted by the details! It brought me back to the devastation in my own community, as well as the rebuilding efforts of so many residents & volunteers! I was on the edge of my seat! But the most gripping was the end & what happened to Riley. Somewhat reminiscent of "The Shack." So much I want to say, but I can't without giving the ending away. This book kept me engaged to the very end!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing!

I read hundreds of books a year, and this series is one of the best I have read in awhile. Joey Jones has nailed romance and suspense in this series, especially this book. I have read all of his books and have to say he is one of my favorite authors. Next to Jodi picoult and Nicholas Sparks.

[Elizabeth Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

You did it again!

Once again Joey Jones wrote a book I couldn’t put down. His descriptions of places makes me feel as if I am right there. I become so attached to the characters due to their realness. I’m ready for the next masterpiece!

[Roxanne Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

The two books when the River Rise and Where the Rainbow Falls are a great read ! Since getting A bridge Apart for Christmas from a friend ! I have read all of his books . A.good feeling comes out of them . time for a new book !

[Brittany Hoult Penwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please see my review on the front and back cover. Heartwarming ending!

[Andrew Buttery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story and a true emotional roller-coaster. Hoping to see these characters again

[Juanita Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal! Page turner from page 1. A must read!