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.

Unexpectedly loved it!

I began listening to this book with an attitude of "let's see whether I'll become engaged in the story." Boy - did I ever! Now I'm ready to listen to another Sandra Brown title with Victor Slezak as the narrator. This should be made into a movie - with Sam Elliott as Rainwater! And, the book cover illustration was perfect too.

Tantalizing

A memorable and entertaining experience. Real-life effect was easy to identify with and appreciate.

Good read.

Who was the most memorable character of Rainwater and why?

Mr. Rainwater was a true gentleman.

Any additional comments?

I loved the ending. I didn't see it coming.

The best story ever.

This is the most romantic story I ever heard. I love it and recommend it to all romance reader, you will love this story!!!

Excellent!!!

One of the most engaging books I have read/listened to. Highly recommended. Will look forward to more books from the wordsmith

Excellent

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

I loved it!!

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

"RAINWATER" Awesome book. Could not put it down.

Sandra Brown does it again. Cry, laugh, want the book not to end. Could not stop listening. A must read. Victor

Delightful listen!

Rainwater is a delightful, easy listen that is over before you know it. It had me wanting more but, really, it was the right length given the story line. Victor Slezak narrated it to perfection. Highly recommended!

I haven’t words….

I’m so glad I rediscovered the talent of Sandra Brown. I thought I knew just how this beautiful story would end. I was only partially right. I’m thankful that Ms. Brown has the ability to put something so lovely and moving down on paper and that Victor Slezak, using her words, can add to it with his perfect voice.