Raindrop World

by Katja H. Labonté

If true love is laying down your life, how can a simple girl really live it?
Neriya always hated rainy days. They were unproductive and gloomy, and always had her doing dumb things to combat the dreariness, like buying a $6 drink and sitting in a café to feel stylish. Or maybe she did that because she was still upset that she’d been left by her friend group for another, more popular girl.
When Neriya’s angry blindness throws her—literally—against Samantha O’Dell, a short conversation challenges her view of rainy days. As she begins to prove Samantha’s claim that rainy days are a time to slow down and see God’s love around us, Neriya finds herself wondering: can laying down your life really be as simple as slowing down and sharing that love with others around you? And can someone as ordinary and obscure as her still make a difference for someone else?
Previously published in the “Seize the Love” anthology by Abigail Kay Harris et al.

Genres: Contemporary

28 pages, ebook

First published February 14, 2023

About the author

Katja H. Labonté is a Christian, an extreme bibliophile who devours over 365 books in a year, and an exuberant writer with a talent for starting short stories that explode into book series. She is a bilingual French-Canadian and has about a dozen topics she’s excessively passionate about (hint: that’s why she writes). Katja writes both contemporary and historical fiction, as well as non-magical historical and contemporary kingdom fiction, and covers themes of worth, love, peace, and Christian growth. She spends her days enjoying little things, growing in faith, learning life, and loving people. You can follow her life journey, find free books, browse her services, and more on her website and blog.

Reviews

[Katja Labonté]

*Now available on Amazon for 99¢ or as a free download on my blog: https://littleblossomsforjesus.wordpr.... Published in the Seize the Love anthology.*

I had this title for years but couldn’t figure out the story for it. My plot finally came with the SEIZE THE LOVE contest and I wrote this story in one sitting. It’s a pouring-out of my heart right now 💙

[Kaytlin Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I have a new appreciation for rain, I loved this story. The little ways we can show love to others were presented so well, and Katja's descriptions were beautiful!

The whole theme has stuck with me over the last year...and honestly...beautiful! I can't think of any other way to describe it. Do yourself a favor and give this story a read! You won't regret it.

[Angie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, simple, but beautiful story that packed a serious punch! Neriya could be a bit dramatic at times, but it was understandable and fit with her character, and the lesson she learned was one that I felt to my core. Slowing down, noticing others, reaching out...I need to do all of this so much more, and I hope this story stays in my mind the next time I have the opportunity to touch a stranger. Although I cringed so hard at the thought of starting a conversation with a random stranger on a bench--yeah, I need this message badly. I also loved the specific focus on being content to bloom exactly where you are, even if no one notices. <3 Such beautiful reminders!

[Hannah Foster]

This was a sweet well-written story. More devotional than story though which isn't a bad thing at all, just not as much my cup of tea.

[Madisyn Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely little story. The theme of how gratitude and slowing down was beautifully woven in. And Neriya’s name is beautiful as well. The faith content was superb and I think everyone will relate with Neriya’s feelings of giving their all for someone and then being passed over.

[Rhys-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent story with a contemporary or possibly slightly futuristic setting. Neriya is a well-written character, although her constant self-deprecation was annoying, as despite what she thought, she was a great person! I absolutely loved the message as well as the writing.

[Lilly Wiscaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I've read a story by Katja that I haven't liked, and this one was no exception! I can relate so much Neriya... I love how the story is about showing love to strangers.