Rainwater

By: Sandra Brown

Narrated by: Victor Slezak

Length: 7 hrs and 1 min

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.

Beautiful story

Loved it with all my heart. Such a heart wrenching story of love and endurance.

A great read!

Loved it! Great intrigue and romance in the depression years from a side you don't usually see.

Sad but compelling reading

This is my second Sandra Brown book. I loved "Envy" and this book is a close second. Great characters with many twists and surprises in the plot. Victor Slezak is incredible. In fact, based on his narration of "Envy" I chose my second book because he narrated.
This is a must-read.

Incredible story!!

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

Unexpected turns throughout

Any additional comments?

Great Sandra Brown novel with the usual twist at the end. Very touching story and a joy to listen to!

Excellent

This book is absolutely excellent I've read it twice now it's one of her better ones

Wonderful

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

Gripping, moving, educational

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rainwater?

There are so many moments in this book that I bookmarked that I decided to listen to it again. I believe the point where Solly takes the defense of his mother into his own hands will be remembered for quite a while

Also, when the author was speaking of the destruction of the cattle I was lead to read more about that. It was a true action taken by the government. I was amazed by that.

Which scene was your favorite?

When they discovered the Solly was processing thoughts! Uplifting!

If you could rename Rainwater, what would you call it?

The name is perfect. I wouldn't change a thing about this book.

Any additional comments?

I have read and listened to thousands of books. Rainwater is most definitely in my top 15.

Exceptional!

I've read a great number of Sandra Browns books. Although I have enjoyed each one of them, this is by far my absolute favorite! The range of emotions felt during this read, has been off the charts. I dearly loved Mr. Rainwater, and Ella. ❤️

Rainwater

Beautiful story that was beautifully told. Very different from the other plots I’ve read by Sandra Brown but just as intriguing.

Excellent!

A very special storyline … Excellent! Victor Slezak’s performance was was heartfelt and moving. I thoroughly enjoyed!

beautiful

loved it
for me it was a wonderfully written story
full of compassion for all people
even I fell in love with mr. rainwater