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Rainwater  By  cover art

Rainwater

By: Sandra Brown
Narrated by: Victor Slezak
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Publisher's summary

The year is 1934. With the country in the stranglehold of drought and economic depression, Ella Barron runs her Texas boardinghouse with an efficiency that ensures her life will be kept in balance. Between chores of cooking and cleaning for her residents, she cares for her 10-year-old son, Solly, a sweet but challenging child whose misunderstood behavior finds Ella on the receiving end of pity, derision, and suspicion.

When David Rainwater arrives at the house looking for lodging, he comes recommended by a trusted friend as "a man of impeccable character". But Ella senses that admitting Mr. Rainwater will bring about unsettling changes.

However, times are hard, and in order to make ends meet, Ella's house must remain 100 percent occupied. So Mr. Rainwater moves into her house...and impacts her life in ways Ella could never have foreseen.

The changes are echoed by the turbulence beyond the house walls. Friends and neighbors who've thus far maintained a tenuous grip on their meager livelihoods now face foreclosure and financial ruin. In an effort to save their families from homelessness and hunger, farmers and cattlemen are forced to make choices that come with heartrending consequences.

The climate of desperation creates a fertile atmosphere for racial tensions and social unrest. Conrad Ellis -- privileged and spoiled and Ella's nemesis since childhood -- steps into this arena of teeming hostility to exact his vengeance and demonstrate the extent of his blind hatred and unlimited cruelty. He and his gang of hoodlums come to embody the rule of law, and no one in Gilead, Texas, is safe. Particularly Ella and Solly.

In this hotbed of uncertainty, Ella finds Mr. Rainwater a calming presence. She is moved by the kindness he shows other boarders, Solly...and Ella herself. Slowly, she begins to rely on his soft-spokenness, his restraint, and the steely resolve of his convictions.

©2009 Simon & Schuster (P)2009 Sandra Brown Management, Ltd.

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What listeners say about Rainwater

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Unusual But aGood Read

I'm a Sandra Brown lover and she has not failed me yet. A few not greats but 90% very good. This was a bit unusual but as I got into the story it held my attention. Victor is a good reader for particular stories and this one I think suited him. I was happy with the ending.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Sandra Brown at her best

Any additional comments?

This is what a love story is all about. Two people caring for each other’s welfare. The book is superbly crafted and a true page turner. From page one until the end there is a thread weaving its way through the story until the final page. The reader is compelled to find out what will happen next. I truly enjoyed this story. It is a heart warmer.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful Story

If you could sum up Rainwater in three words, what would they be?

Kindness, Love, and compassion

What did you like best about this story?

It was a fresh and heartwarming story of love

Which character – as performed by Victor Slezak – was your favorite?

Mr Rainwater

If you could take any character from Rainwater out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Solly, I believe he became an interesting man.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Boring and predictable - what else can I say?

I downloaded this book instead of reading it for a book club. The plot was so predictable and the ending was no surprise at all. Maybe I am a book snob but this was such a surface-level reading/listening activity that I'm really glad I didn't waste my time actually reading it! I listened to this while cleaning the house, which is about all this book is good for. If I could rate it lower than one star, I would.

DO NOT RECOMMEND.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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I loved it!!

What a storyteller!!! This book keeps your attention at every turn!! Try it!
You won’t be sorry!!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The kindness of Mr. Rainwater.

Mostly a sad story. A very good period piece. The narrator did a great job.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Short and mehhh

Not great, not terrible but not great, very short. Didn’t make me feel like it was happening during the dust bowl/Great Depression

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent

Engaging, inspiring and a sad commentary on the racism that continues to plague America. Loved it!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Engaging story.

This was a good story. Told well and with several interesting characters. A quick read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of my favorites

This book was so captivating, I couldn’t stop listening. What a love story. The end made me cry. A must read. One of her books that isn’t full of sex!!

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