The Rain Gypsy

The Rain Gypsies #1

by S.A. Smith

“With one behind, you can’t sit on two horses.”—Old Romani Proverb

Eli Evans, a young, contemporary Romani traveling the backroads of Texas with his grandfather’s kumpaníya, has an epiphany in an abandoned field that has the potential to shatter the bonds of his traditional Gypsy life.

Ever a part of two worlds, he must choose which path to that of his own heart or that of his beloved family, who expect him to succeed his grandfather as leader.

Eli’s family is gifted with an ancient magical ability to invoke the rain, and the two parts of Eli’s life collide at the site of the latest Summoning—a small farming community desperate for life-sustaining rain. There he breaks one of his culture’s strongest taboos by falling in love with a non-Romani woman. When his lifelong nemesis shows up, hell-bent to destroy everything Eli holds dear, he must act to save those he loves and his own fragile dream.

Perfect for fans of a good underdog story, The Rain Gypsy is carefully researched and sensitively written. A heady mix of family drama, magic, sweet romance, and dark secrets, it will take you inside one of America’s most hidden cultures. Grab your copy now, and you’ll have something to read when the rain keeps you inside.

"As an illustration of the tension between maintaining traditional values and conforming to life in the twenty-first century--a challenge that speaks to so many individuals, families, and communities-- The Rain Gypsy has the rare quality of universal resonance. Storytelling at its best."-- E.J. Harper, author of Lazarus Remembered

"Smith's words call for healing, for the skies to open and rain down new appreciation for those we deem different."-- Sharon Krasny, award-winning author of Iceman Awakens

"S. A. Smith's intelligent, heartwarming, and thoroughly accomplished debut novel should be on everyone's must-read list."-- Michaelene McElroy, author of The Last Supper Catering Company

392 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2022

Reviews

[Ahmed Ismail · Rating 5 out of 5]

“With one behind, you can’t sit on two horses.”—Old Romani Proverb

I had the privilege of reading The Rain Gypsy when it was still a draft. Frankly, I was hesitant because it was not the kind of genre I would usually read. However, the very first chapter was intriguing enough to get me hooked and I was not satisfied until I got to the end of the book. Honestly, I wasn't even satisfied then, because S. A. Smith's brilliant storytelling along with her three-dimensional characters and incredibly enthralling, witty dialogue rendered me hungry for more.

In this debut novel, S. A. Smith surpasses the work of many established, renowned writers. The Rain Gypsy teems with crisp, realistic dialogue, and the beautifully drawn characters, the taut storytelling and the dazzling plot will leave you thirsty for more. There's got to be a sequel.

This is the first book I read by S. A. Smith and it won't be the last, so I beg her to hurry up with the next book because I really can't wait.

I recommend The Rain Gypsy to all lovers of the written word, not just lovers of magical realism.

So, if you are planning to read or already about to delve into this book, buckle up, my fellow reader, 'cause you are in for an awesome ride.

[Nel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, if it wasn't for the chaos of the holidays, I would've finished this book ages ago! I promise it had nothing to do with the quality of content, but everything to do with my insane schedule: once November hits, I barely have time to breathe.

Okay, I'm going to be quite honest... I went into this book with a bit of trepidation. After all, I'd been booksta buddies with Susan for quite some time, and I've never known an author as a human being before I've read their work. And what an awesome human she is. So when she approached me wondering if I'd be willing to read an ARC of her debut novel, I hesitated for a moment. I'm nothing if not honest in my reviews, and I didn't want to jeopardize our friendship. That lasted all of 2 seconds before I recognized that no matter what, her work would have heart, and I'm a sucker for a book with heart❤️.

Ladies and gents, not only did she not disappoint, but she surprised the heck out of me! This novel kept my attention from start to finish and the character development was such that I felt as if the protagonist was an old friend. The story progressed at a good clip and I was fully invested in the outcome. Her research was remarkable and I learned SO MUCH about the Romani culture! That, of course, was my favorite part: learning about a culture I was unfamiliar with. Did I have preconceived notions about "Gypsies"? Absolutely! Did Susan shatter those stereotypes? Yes indeed! She handled the topic of prejudice against Romani-Americans with sensitivity and respect.

BRAVO, my friend! I am duly impressed by your debut novel👏! Your hard work and dedication certainly paid off!

For more of my reviews, please check out my blog at www.mamasgottaread.blogspot.com or follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mamasgottaread!

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rain Gypsy is absolutely lovely, I learned very much about the Romani people, I loved the family drama, the love interests, the loyalty issues and most of all the sprinkle of magic +
Also, have now added the main character to my list of fictional boyfriends!

[Brenda Klimavicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming debut novel by S.A. Smith. A story of family, love, life choices; cultures collide and main character, Eli, must choose his path. Set in Southern US, this story contrasts the lifestyle of Romani travelers and a rural Texas farming community. The story is carefully woven in page-turning tempo. The characters become your friends and you don't want the book to end. One of my favorite reads of the year.

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasn't sure at first

This book was recommended by a dear friend, who also happens to be one of the author's daughters.

Once I started reading I had a difficult time putting this down as the author has an unusual way of drawing you into the story and fleshing out the characters.

If you have ever wanted to feel like you are in the midst of a beautifully told story then you need to read this one.

Thank you for sharing Eli and Carly with us and for giving a beautiful rendition of the Romani life and travels.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG...This book had my heart the entire time!! Every bit as meticulously researched and beautifully written as a Jodi Picoult book, it took the Romani community of Texas and gave them a loving voice! Not only that, the plot was stellar...there was a little bit of everything in it: family drama, heritage, suspense, action, love! And the words...just the poetry in some of the passages was enough to evoke an awe-inspired gasp as I clutched my heart. I just LOVED this book so much!

I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who loves modern fiction at its finest!

[Robert Dugan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and entertaining .

Easy read with memorable characters. Fun travel in places I have been. Can place myself traveling and living the gypsy life and folklore.

[Donna Scuvotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all, in all the best ways! It's not often you put a book down and come away with so much knowledge about something you knew so little about.

It was so incredibly well researched and knowledgeable about the Romani culture. It even comes with a glossary of terms in the back. I loved learning about their culture and got so wrapped up in their lives. Any preconceived notions I had about gypsies has been wiped from my mind.

There is so much character development that you will become absorbed in this story immediately. You'll root for them and quickly turn the pages to find out what's going to happen next. And trust me a lot happens.

It has suspense, struggle for power, love, friendship and adversity all rolled up in a captivating unputdownable dynamic story.

The story is very well developed. You don't realize you're learning so much about the culture because you are quickly part of their kumpaniya. I want more Eli and Carly. And don't get me started on Clopin. Everyone needs a Clopin in their life to offer guidance, acceptance and understanding.

I'm so excited that there's a sequel in the works because these characters are a part of me now. I can visualize them and I can see them in my dreams. I need more!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a magical, well written, captivating, adventurous, well researched book that will stay with you a life time.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This unique and engaging story, well-researched, well-paced and intelligently written, had me hooked in from the very beginning. Prior to starting this book I had given up on a well-known and popular novel.

The Rain Gypsy was, in comparison, a delight.

It’s a compelling story, and a fascinating insight into the (unknown to me) world of the Romani in Texas, the descriptions of which had me feeling as though I were there.

The characters were well-defined and relatable and I felt I knew them personally

The writer’s spirit of compassion, humanity and tolerance “spoke” to me. (It would be a “spoiler” to explain exactly how)

I loved it.

Hint: Looking forward to more from this author!

[Clive · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and researched book. The story and the characters draw you in to an alternative way of life that I knew little about, the use of the Romani language adds to the reader's enjoyment.

[WHL (Bill) · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 🅑🅞🅞🅚 - 🅡🅔🅥🅘🅔🅦 📚 

2nd read of 2023

Title: The Rain Gypsy 

The Rain Gypsies #1

Author: S.A. Smith

Format: Kindle 

Genre: Cultural Heritage Fiction


Blurb:

With one behind, you can't sit on two horses."--Old Romani Proverb


Eli Evans, a young, contemporary Romani traveling the backroads of Texas with his grandfather's kumpaniya, has an epiphany in an abandoned field that could shatter the bonds of his traditional Gypsy life.



Ever a part of two worlds, he must choose which path to take: that of his own heart or that of his beloved family, who expect him to succeed his grandfather as leader.


Eli's family is gifted with an ancient magical ability to invoke the rain, and the two parts of Eli's life collide at the site of the latest Summoning, a small farming community desperate for life-sustaining rain. There he breaks one of his culture's strongest taboos by falling in love with a woman forbidden to him. When his lifelong, morally bankrupt nemesis shows up, hell-bent to destroy everything Eli holds dear, he must act to save those he loves and his own fragile dream.


Perfect for fans of a good underdog story, The Rain Gypsy is carefully researched and sensitively written. A heady mix of family drama, magic, sweet romance, and dark secrets, it will take you inside one of America's most hidden cultures.


I didn't know what to expect from this book since the genre and theme are not what I normally read. But I love a great story and The Rain Gypsy is that.  The Romani's culture was fascinating

To top it off, S.A. Smith, with this her debut novel turns out to have some storytelling chops. I truly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys learning about unique culture woven into an adventurous story. 

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Monica Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a long while since I read a book with such spell-binding depth and richness of heart. In The Rain Gypsy, Eli, a member of the nomadic Romani clan is given a stone by his grandfather signifying his role as the next leader of the Gypsy clan, the bringer of rain, should he decide to accept the task. But for the love of a woman outside of his culture, Eli quickly becomes torn between two disparate worlds and is thwarted by an angry and violent rival that seeks to destroy all that Eli has come to love. This book is authentic. And holy. It is a story about the preciousness of deep-seated customs, the beauty of community, and a love for the earth that is both powerful and sacred. The rituals and ceremonies are deeply moving and the overall tone awakened in me a renewed reverence and delight for the many gifts of the earth. The author’s passages unfold with elegance and grace that are rarely experienced on the printed page. At the end of The Rain Gypsy, old ways embrace and integrate the new. Things fall apart and then fall together again. And in those last few pages, I wanted to stay in this state of grace, just a little while longer. Bravo! Monica Devine, author of Water Mask

[Jason Guckian · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books you’ll love and always remember. Then there are others that speak to your heart and tendril themselves into your very soul. These are the books that you can’t put down but simultaneously never want to end. When they do, as they must, you hug them to your chest, sighing, as if embracing an old friend that you’ll see again, just not soon enough. The Rain Gypsy is such a book. I found myself falling in love with characters and sympathizing with others, all the while feeling as though I was being drawn into the beautiful, magical world of the Romani. Mind you, this is no romanticized appropriation but thoroughly researched and carefully written in a way that honors a beautiful but often misunderstood culture. S. A. Smith beautifully weaves her tale with such eloquence that each of us can relate to it. You’ll find yourself wondering just who brought the last rain and longing to dance in the next one.

[Kristens.reading.nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Eli sniffed the air. It’s coming, he thought, and he went inside to wait for it.”

That’s the first line of the book (and also the entire first chapter). To say I was intrigued from the beginning would be an understatement. I was completely wrapped up in the dusty towns of Texas where The Rain Gypsy is set. The descriptions were vivid and the characters felt like friends (well, most of the characters anyway 😉).

I love learning about new-to-me people groups. Most often those books are set in far away places. But the Romani people of The Rain Gypsy are a people in the US, although descendants of the Roman Gypsies. Smith included the Romani language in the book which was another factor that I really enjoyed.

This is Smith’s debut novel and thankfully I don’t have to wait long for her next book, The Cemetery Tender, which publishes in a few days.

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Read if you like:
Short chapters
Learning about new cultures
Atmospheric writing

[Heather Guckian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed!
There are books you’ll love and will always remember. Then there are others that speak to your heart and tendril themselves into your very soul. These are the books that you can’t put down but simultaneously never want to end. When they do, as they must, you hug them to your chest, sighing, as if embracing an old friend that you’ll see again, just not soon enough. The Rain Gypsy is such a book. I found myself falling in love with characters and sympathizing with others, all the while feeling as though I was being drawn into the beautiful, magical world of the Romani. Mind you, this is no romanticized appropriation but thoroughly researched and carefully written in a way that honors a beautiful but often misunderstood culture. S. A. Smith beautifully weaves her tale with such eloquence that each of us can relate to it. You’ll find yourself wondering just who brought the last rain and longing to dance in the next one.

[Elliot Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s Summon the Rain! A must read…

Initially, I was intrigued by the title, ‘The Rain Gypsy.’ So, I thought I’d give this a go. Having minimal interaction or knowledge about this community, I wanted to delve in and learn something. Before the book starts, there’s a helpful introduction, explaining the history, culture and stigma of the term ‘gypsy,’ plus other relevant information which helped me relate to the story much more. This really helped propel things forward and set things up as the reader. I was immediately immersed in the visceral, descriptive language the author uses, and felt I was physically there in many of the scenes. The characters are well fleshed out, layered, and demonstrated complex, challenging personalities at times. I didn’t feel any of the chapters were superficial, and it reads very smooth. I particularly enjoyed the twist towards the end, (which I won’t give a spoiler), it was executed well, and I felt the timing for that was perfect. It was a sensitive subject which was balanced wonderfully. It’s evident the author has done research and also knows a lot about the subject matter of the book. Some of the lines have a rather poetic-prose feel to them, with vivid imagery that left an indelible mark with me. Overall, I would highly recommend this novel, and if you like the mystical side of life, travelling, and the elements, all tinged with a sense of magical realism, then you’ll enjoy this book. Also, at the end of the story, there’s other pieces of useful information for the reader. This was helpful and goes to show the skill, and dedication put into the book. There’s also a snippet from her next novel, ‘The Cemetery Tender.’ There’s nothing I could think of to improve The Rain Gypsy. Now, I suggest you polish your crystals, gather your talismans and required objects, take a walk in the wilderness and summon the rain! Or, you could simply purchase this book. It’s much easier…

[M.K. Haka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanderers of the earth could not have hoped for a more empathic storyteller than Susan Smith to recount this charming contemporary tale. That of a young Romani man caught between two worlds: heart and family. Gifted with the magical ability to invoke rain, Eli Evans goes through the rites of passage to manhood, in an adventure of cinematic potential. This debut novel, about one of America's hidden cultures has all the makings of a mini series. The writing is flowing, approaching cultural issues in a sensitive manner, and the reader is rooting for the main character to make the best choice for his future, a choice that resonates with every young person searching for a life to call their own, regardless of race, creed and family.

A heartwarming debut from a gifted writer, that only poses one question: What happens next? Fortunately, a sequel is on the way!

[Arlene Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good book, and if I can learn something through while reading, it’s a bonus! The Rain Gyspsy is just that. S.A.Smith did not disappoint. She evidently did a lot of research on the Romani culture, because she crushed the stereotypical notions of what a gypsy is, and I’m glad she did. Her descriptions are so detailed you feel like you’re actually there. This is a story about Eli, a young man faced with a life choice, one of which is not to his family’s liking. He’s a gifted rainmaker, but is less interested in that path than his family members who have been practicing it for generations. What will he ultimately do? No spoilers here. You’ll have to read the book to find out. Highly recommended for those interested in a great story about gypsy life.

[Nic Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell headfirst into this book from the opening narrative. Intelligent writing shines, and this book shone brightly, navigating me through a wealth of history and a tapestry of familial, community and very tender relationships. The author, quite simply, writes beautifully and I connected with Eli immediately, which is a must for me as a reader, the connection with the main character is everything. The cadence and flow of the narrative is almost lyrical at times and I found myself reflecting a lot on every page. One thing that I greatly appreciated...I felt like I'd not only read the book but had enjoyed an experience and one that had taught me so much. A beautifully written, heartwarming, pull no punches, poignant book with a huge amount of heart at it's core. Highly recommended.

[Sarah Oakey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since reading the book "A Field full of Butterflies," I've held a torch for the Romani Gypsy life.

The Rain Gypsy enchanted me from the very first unique chapter!
We are taken on a jouney along side Eli Evans, a young Romani travelling the backroads of Texas with his Grandfather's kumpaniya. Through Eli, we get to peep behind the curtains of Romani life, but also we learn how complicated life can be for a young man who has to make difficult decisions that will affect his whole way of life.

Full of adventure, action and romance this a beautifully written novel that had me hooked, and charmed me to my very core.

Kudos to the author @andallthatsass Susan A Smith. I can wait to read her next book The Cemetery Tender

[Janice Coy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusual story of Romani Gypsies traveling around the U.S. south. These are a special group of Gypsies - Rain Gypsies. Eli, 24, is expected to become the next leader of his group of Gypsies but he is conflicted about taking on the role. When his band sets up camp in a particularly drought-stricken region of Texas, he meets Carly and falls in love. But she's not a Gypsy, and the camp is only temporary until the rain arrives.
This interesting story immerses the reader in American Gypsy culture, taking the reader on a magical and believable journey of a unique way of life.

[Diane Craft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book from the author herself at a market in Texas. I like supporting local authors and thought it looked interesting. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. She is a wonderful storyteller and I believe this is her debut novel. There were times when I couldn’t put this book down. Can’t wait to read her next one!

[Emily David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book off the booklist for my local library’s adult reading program and I am so glad I did. The Romani culture, the characters, and the locations were so well researched and written that I felt like I could’ve been riding alongside the kumpaniya. I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it is published.

[C B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a gorgeous book. It is clear how much research and love has gone into this story. I've come away with a warm heart, a smile, and knowing so much more about a community I knew so little about. A stunning read that will stay with me for a long time.

[Lindsay VanEtta Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because an author that I follow gave it a five star rating. It really isn't my genre, but I still found it to be a sweet story and an enjoyable read. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves a cozy romance, small town setting, and lovable characters.