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.

Not the usual but LOVED this book

What did you like best about this story?

As I started to listen I wasn't sure I would like this book. However, the longer I listented I couldn't stop. This was a wonderful story and a great listen. Thanks!

Good, fast, listen

When I buy an audiobook, I don't want it to be "work". I desire something to pass the time during my commute or while I do my housework. This totally fit the bill. It is fast moving and kept my interest. If you want fine literature to expand your mind, this isn't it. If you want a good story told by an excellent narrator, it is worth the credit/money.

Classic love story

This was an amazing book. Great characters and story line. I didnt want to put it down. I would put this up there with Bridges of Madison County. This has been one of my top favorite books that Sandra Brown has written. I agree with one of the other posted reviews that this could/should be made into a movie.

Pleasant surprise story!

I love Sandra Brown’s storytelling and think she doesn’t get enough recognition for her talents.
This book is now my favorite one by her. It’s captivating characters are genuine to the 1930 time period. I highly recommend this book. I also liked the narrator.

So, so good!

Absolutely loved this book. Talented narration, compelling story. Vastly different than any other book I've read. I could hardly stop listening!

very good

I sure did enjoy this book. my mother had called and said you have to listen to this book you will love it. and I did. the ending was so good.

"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.

Not your usual Sandra Brown story.

Brown's male protagonist is usually hard and sometimes merciless. David Rainwater is not. The story is enthralling and thoroughly enjoyable.