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Keepers #2
Walking in the Rain
Sometimes, destiny can’t be left to chance.
Three years ago in a hospital in the Snowy Mountains, Alf Hall stood by while the woman he loved re-united with her wayward husband. These days, Raine and Teddy are his best friends, their children call him Uncle Alf. Now Alf stands by as his days slip into loveless tedium.
June Lovell, a nurse, witnessed the anguish in Alf’s eyes. A spark flared between them. But life moved on.
Pushed by a near tragedy into searching for a new start, Alf returns to the mountains. He tells himself finding June is not the reason he’s chosen this particular place to be. Which is probably for the best. Because it seems that June has found the man of her dreams.
Can the stars be made to align this time? Or will life move on again?
The sequel to Keepers: ‘A treat to savour’ Discovering Diamonds
Three years ago in a hospital in the Snowy Mountains, Alf Hall stood by while the woman he loved re-united with her wayward husband. These days, Raine and Teddy are his best friends, their children call him Uncle Alf. Now Alf stands by as his days slip into loveless tedium.
June Lovell, a nurse, witnessed the anguish in Alf’s eyes. A spark flared between them. But life moved on.
Pushed by a near tragedy into searching for a new start, Alf returns to the mountains. He tells himself finding June is not the reason he’s chosen this particular place to be. Which is probably for the best. Because it seems that June has found the man of her dreams.
Can the stars be made to align this time? Or will life move on again?
The sequel to Keepers: ‘A treat to savour’ Discovering Diamonds
134 pages, ebook
First published February 9, 2023
55 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Burman
16 books74 followersCheryl Burman grew up as the child forever reading on her bed. But as this was Australia, she was also often tempted outside to the beach and the yabby creeks near her suburban home.
When she moved to the Forest of Dean, UK, she followed the likes of Tolkien, Rowling and many others in being inspired to write. As a devout Narnia fan, she started with middle grade fantasy, discovered a taste for historical fiction, and then combined the two into historical fantasy.
Given she is lucky enough to live in a place chock-a-block full of history, legend and myth, there is much to draw on. She does so, as well as on her own childhood in Australia.
Two of her novels have won awards, as have several of her flash fiction pieces and short stories. Some of these are included in her two short story collections, while others are published in various anthologies.
A keen student of writing craft, Cheryl has had articles published on writing-related topics both online and in print, and maintains a popular writing tips post on her blog.
As Cheryl Mayo, she is a former chair of Dean Writers Circle and a founder of Dean Scribblers, which encourages creative writing among young people in her community.
Find her and her books at https://cherylburman.com/
Follow her on twitter @cr_burman
and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CherylBurman...
Follow her on twitter https://twitter.com/cr_burman
Follow her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CherylBurman...
Follow her on BookBub bookbub.com/authors/cheryl-burman
When she moved to the Forest of Dean, UK, she followed the likes of Tolkien, Rowling and many others in being inspired to write. As a devout Narnia fan, she started with middle grade fantasy, discovered a taste for historical fiction, and then combined the two into historical fantasy.
Given she is lucky enough to live in a place chock-a-block full of history, legend and myth, there is much to draw on. She does so, as well as on her own childhood in Australia.
Two of her novels have won awards, as have several of her flash fiction pieces and short stories. Some of these are included in her two short story collections, while others are published in various anthologies.
A keen student of writing craft, Cheryl has had articles published on writing-related topics both online and in print, and maintains a popular writing tips post on her blog.
As Cheryl Mayo, she is a former chair of Dean Writers Circle and a founder of Dean Scribblers, which encourages creative writing among young people in her community.
Find her and her books at https://cherylburman.com/
Follow her on twitter @cr_burman
and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CherylBurman...
Follow her on twitter https://twitter.com/cr_burman
Follow her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CherylBurman...
Follow her on BookBub bookbub.com/authors/cheryl-burman
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 27, 2023
I was so happy to hear Cheryl Burman wrote a sequel to her Keepers book so I could l learn what happened to Alf, the breakout star. In Keepers, Burman wrote with such love and detail to Alf’s characterization that she left her readers wanting more. We had to know if Alf would get his happily-ever-after.
And Burman did not disappoint.
In Walking in the Rain, we get to cheer for Alf as he takes his life in a new direction which may or may not include a new lady. We push right along with him, hoping he makes the right choice. But Burman does not unfold a linear path toward love. Oh, no. The queen of tension keeps her readers biting their nails as we shout at Alf and June to find each other.
Read this tale about seeking true love. You won’t be disappointed.
And Burman did not disappoint.
In Walking in the Rain, we get to cheer for Alf as he takes his life in a new direction which may or may not include a new lady. We push right along with him, hoping he makes the right choice. But Burman does not unfold a linear path toward love. Oh, no. The queen of tension keeps her readers biting their nails as we shout at Alf and June to find each other.
Read this tale about seeking true love. You won’t be disappointed.
February 5, 2023
Cheryl Burman has a confident writing style that flows beautifully. I found myself picturing the scenes in this book, vividly, in spite of the fact the location was alien to me.
This book is the sequel to Keepers, though I am sure it could be read as a standalone. It follows the story of Alf and develops the character of Nurse June from Book One. I loved June and found her relatable: down to earth, practical, intelligent and thoughtful. Alf is a lost soul, pained and often confused by his own emotions.
Are they meant to be together? Or is Alf hankering after the past? Should June play it safe and stay with the steadfast Peter? And what about Libby, June's beautiful and flirtatious friend? There are many twists and turns with these believable characters and moments of frustration -- and serendipity.
I found myself reading the book in two sittings, keen to find out the resolution and hoping that - this time - Alf might get a happy ending. No spoilers: you'll just have to read it yourself. Highly recommended.
This book is the sequel to Keepers, though I am sure it could be read as a standalone. It follows the story of Alf and develops the character of Nurse June from Book One. I loved June and found her relatable: down to earth, practical, intelligent and thoughtful. Alf is a lost soul, pained and often confused by his own emotions.
Are they meant to be together? Or is Alf hankering after the past? Should June play it safe and stay with the steadfast Peter? And what about Libby, June's beautiful and flirtatious friend? There are many twists and turns with these believable characters and moments of frustration -- and serendipity.
I found myself reading the book in two sittings, keen to find out the resolution and hoping that - this time - Alf might get a happy ending. No spoilers: you'll just have to read it yourself. Highly recommended.
January 27, 2023
I really enjoyed Walking in the Rain. It doesn’t fit into one particular genre; it’s a little bit of a historical novel, a little bit of a romance and a little bit will they/ won’t they? It kept me guessing until the end. What I didn’t know was that this is in fact a follow up from a previous book Keepers. This book stands on its own merit but now I have the opportunity to read about these characters one more time. Happy Days.
January 25, 2023
Was it all to do with escaping Raine and Teddy’s V formation that made Alf decide to fly solo or was there more to his decision.
Cheryl’s sequel to Keepers is a beautifully descriptive book giving you an insight into the different seasons in a fascinating country. The story weaves in and out of challenging emotions and although I was going to read it slowly I finished it all in one day.
If you loved Keepers you will want to read Walking in the Rain.
Cheryl’s sequel to Keepers is a beautifully descriptive book giving you an insight into the different seasons in a fascinating country. The story weaves in and out of challenging emotions and although I was going to read it slowly I finished it all in one day.
If you loved Keepers you will want to read Walking in the Rain.
January 26, 2023
This book is a follow-up to Keepers, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. However, book one was excellent as well, so I recommend you go back and read it, too, if you haven't already.
In Walking in the Rain, we get to hear Alf's story. He's a sweetheart of a guy and so genuinely kind, you pull for him from page one to find happiness and love.
Walking in the Rain is a love story, and misunderstandings dog the two main characters from the get go, although not in a way that seems contrived in order to string the story along. You, as the reader, can fully identify with the insecurities and fears both characters struggle with.
The author has dropped little detail nuggets through the story that firmly place it in its setting and time period. And the short mentions of the history that lay as the backdrop to the story are fascinating and informative, although you never get the feel this is a history lesson. The facts shine through as parts of the story in a completely natural (but interesting) way.
Burman knows how to write in a lyrical, almost poetic, way that perfectly draws a picture in your mind so that you ARE the character drowsing on the bus or shivering in the cold.
Read this book. You'll be glad you did.
In Walking in the Rain, we get to hear Alf's story. He's a sweetheart of a guy and so genuinely kind, you pull for him from page one to find happiness and love.
Walking in the Rain is a love story, and misunderstandings dog the two main characters from the get go, although not in a way that seems contrived in order to string the story along. You, as the reader, can fully identify with the insecurities and fears both characters struggle with.
The author has dropped little detail nuggets through the story that firmly place it in its setting and time period. And the short mentions of the history that lay as the backdrop to the story are fascinating and informative, although you never get the feel this is a history lesson. The facts shine through as parts of the story in a completely natural (but interesting) way.
Burman knows how to write in a lyrical, almost poetic, way that perfectly draws a picture in your mind so that you ARE the character drowsing on the bus or shivering in the cold.
Read this book. You'll be glad you did.
January 23, 2023
I was eager to read this book and as is always the case with this author she didn't disappoint. I made the fatal mistake of thinking I would read a couple of chapters before I went to bed. I found myself unable to go to bed till I finished the whole thing.
Cheryl Burman's writing urges you on through this gentle tale as befits the MC. Her realistic characterisations and descriptive settings take the reader on the characters journey as if they were sitting next to them.
Alf just might be one of my favourite characters in fiction.
Fans of Keepers will lap this up. Those who haven't read it will want to.
Cheryl Burman's writing urges you on through this gentle tale as befits the MC. Her realistic characterisations and descriptive settings take the reader on the characters journey as if they were sitting next to them.
Alf just might be one of my favourite characters in fiction.
Fans of Keepers will lap this up. Those who haven't read it will want to.
April 22, 2023
Ahhh love. It follows such a difficult path, fraught with missed opportunities, misunderstandings, misstated intentions.
Frequently, however, these human conditions are not well reflected in novels; tropes lead us into manufactured and unbelievable situations.
Walking in the Rain is not one of them.
The main male character, Alf, has really had a rough time of the heart, having adored a woman who married one of his best friends. At first I thought, for heaven's sake, man, get on with your life. But as I 'got to know' him, I adjusted my view. This happens all the time. This is real. And Alf . . . well, he's kind and handsome and hard-working; despite his minor, gentle faults, you can't help but sympathize.
Then there is June, who has attached herself to Peter and his motherless children. A nurse, she is a creature of compassion; but can she show it to herself, and see this relationship for what it really is?
Alf and June met in a previous and difficult time. When they meet again, their situations have changed . . . but they remain complex. How can they find each other? It seems that weather, other lovers, finances and distances conspire against them.
And such is life, beautifully and realistically portrayed by the author.
While the entire book is unputdownable (and a fairly fast read), one lengthy scene near the end will keep you breathless. I desperately want to give you a peek of it, but no; you must experience it yourself. Rarely have I read such a compelling, well-paced and intricate . . . chase scene.
Frequently, however, these human conditions are not well reflected in novels; tropes lead us into manufactured and unbelievable situations.
Walking in the Rain is not one of them.
The main male character, Alf, has really had a rough time of the heart, having adored a woman who married one of his best friends. At first I thought, for heaven's sake, man, get on with your life. But as I 'got to know' him, I adjusted my view. This happens all the time. This is real. And Alf . . . well, he's kind and handsome and hard-working; despite his minor, gentle faults, you can't help but sympathize.
Then there is June, who has attached herself to Peter and his motherless children. A nurse, she is a creature of compassion; but can she show it to herself, and see this relationship for what it really is?
Alf and June met in a previous and difficult time. When they meet again, their situations have changed . . . but they remain complex. How can they find each other? It seems that weather, other lovers, finances and distances conspire against them.
And such is life, beautifully and realistically portrayed by the author.
While the entire book is unputdownable (and a fairly fast read), one lengthy scene near the end will keep you breathless. I desperately want to give you a peek of it, but no; you must experience it yourself. Rarely have I read such a compelling, well-paced and intricate . . . chase scene.
July 16, 2023
Cheryl Burman’s Walking in the Rain, while a standalone story, is a perfect sequel to her earlier novel, Keepers. The previous book was focused on Raine’s struggles in mid-century rural Australia. This one follows one of the most beloved characters in Keepers, Alf. According to the Amazon listing, Walking in the Rain is “Woman’s Historical Fiction.” I can see why it’s been given that designation, but I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and its precursor, even though I’m not one. I’m just a guy who loves good writing, relatable characters, and a chance to escape the often unpleasant reality of today’s world.
Walking in the Rain is set in 1954 in Australia, where the weather and working conditions are rough and sometimes cruel. Burman’s prose captures the time and place so well you can feel the cold, wet, harsh, hard labor conditions of the giant Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. As Burman’s readers have come to expect, the plot of Walking in the Rain is well-crafted and full of twists and surprises.
Alf is an honest, well-drawn character who lacks confidence in his convictions and seems to have resigned himself to a life as a third wheel. It’s so difficult for him to overcome his lack of self-esteem that we sometimes want to give him a swift kick in the right direction. But Burman’s characters are always authentic and relatable, so we cling to the hope that happiness is not as elusive as Alf believes. That said, readers cannot feel completely confident that the story will end with the happily-ever-after ending they’re hoping for. After all, Alf’s plight in Keepers was neither happy nor ever after.
I loved Keepers, and Walking in the Rain is a great follow-up. It’s well-written, full of ups and downs, and Burman has placed us in the midst of some believable, flawed, admirable characters. Not such an easy task in a novel set nearly seventy years in the past.
Walking in the Rain earns my highest rating. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Walking in the Rain is set in 1954 in Australia, where the weather and working conditions are rough and sometimes cruel. Burman’s prose captures the time and place so well you can feel the cold, wet, harsh, hard labor conditions of the giant Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. As Burman’s readers have come to expect, the plot of Walking in the Rain is well-crafted and full of twists and surprises.
Alf is an honest, well-drawn character who lacks confidence in his convictions and seems to have resigned himself to a life as a third wheel. It’s so difficult for him to overcome his lack of self-esteem that we sometimes want to give him a swift kick in the right direction. But Burman’s characters are always authentic and relatable, so we cling to the hope that happiness is not as elusive as Alf believes. That said, readers cannot feel completely confident that the story will end with the happily-ever-after ending they’re hoping for. After all, Alf’s plight in Keepers was neither happy nor ever after.
I loved Keepers, and Walking in the Rain is a great follow-up. It’s well-written, full of ups and downs, and Burman has placed us in the midst of some believable, flawed, admirable characters. Not such an easy task in a novel set nearly seventy years in the past.
Walking in the Rain earns my highest rating. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
February 17, 2023
Walking in the Rain is a warm-hearted story and a very enjoyable read. I really loved the description and imagery of the Australian Alps, which paints the setting so well. You can feel the coldness and the damp which particularly contrasts against a feeling of underlying hopefulness that threads throughout the book and keeps you engaged. It’s a fast paced but realistic look into love and hurt and the characters are sympathetic with believable motivations and actions. The writing flows with beautiful metaphors and overall I thoroughly recommend (ideally to be read in front of an open fire with a warm tea!)
February 15, 2023
Alf spent years pining for a woman who would never be his. Now, he isn't sure he'll ever find The One. Tired of sitting on the sidelines of his own life, he decides it's time to make changes - to his job, his home, and hopefully, his love life. In her novel, "Walking in the Rain," Cheryl Burman does a beautiful job of telling the story of Alf and June. She's a master at creating characters to fall in love with and cheer for. The build-up between Alf and June kept me reading well into the night. I've read many of this author's novels, and once again, I enjoyed her beautifully descriptive language and well-crafted plot. I highly recommend this book to anyone who believes in love.
February 26, 2023
I loved seeing Alf find his happiness in this sequel to Keepers (which can be read as a standalone). Alf is such a likable character—introspective, caring, dedicated, loyal to the core—and I’m so glad the author wrote a book dedicated to him. While she took us on a different journey with him, there were still plenty of familiar characters from Keepers to have the reader feel instantly at home in this second installment. And although the happy ending was expected, the author built in enough obstacles and diversions to keep us guessing until the end if and how the perfect match would be made. A quick and satisfying read infused with beautiful prose and deep emotion.
July 29, 2024
Having read Keepers, I was so happy to be re-introduced to Alf (my favourite character) three years on, and I was gripped from the first page. Nurse June is also a wonderfully imagined character, and the potential romance between the two protagonists kept me hooked. I was rooting for them throughout. Add to the mix Cheryl Burman’s flowing, evocative prose and you have a surefire winner of a read. Highly recommended.
May 1, 2023
This is a sweet story, Alf and June have missed opportunities.
The longing between them really pulls you in.
A great story.
The longing between them really pulls you in.
A great story.
January 15, 2024
Short but sweet
A sweet and happy ending. Enjoyed reading and happy to see Alph get his happy ending with the nurse June
A sweet and happy ending. Enjoyed reading and happy to see Alph get his happy ending with the nurse June
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews