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.

One of Sandra Brown's Best Books

I have purchased many of Sandra Brown's books and some have been pretty good and some have been Fantastic. Envy, Play Dirty, Smoke Screen, Smash Cut are a few of her best in my opinion.
Rainwater wasn't as highly rated as some of her newer ones and I wasn't sure what I was buying. This story grabbed me more and more as the book went on.
It was part romance which was played out so beautifully for the times in the early 1900's and Ella's Autistic son was described so sweet. Mr. Rainwater comes into Ella's life and turns it upside down with slow and sweet determination.
The ending is sad, but realistic and I did tear up and had to sit there a while to let it all sink in.
Victor Slezak makes all her books so much better with his 10 star narration. I will purchase all of his narrated books. He is that good. I'm so sorry he isn't narrating anymore.
This is worth a credit even though it's only 7 hours.

Loved it

What a wonderful story. It’s unrushed, great character development & sweet. It’s a good period piece & a story of people working together to overcome injustice. I loved the kindness of Mr Rainwater. A quiet man but with feelings that run deep. Awesome book. I only wish it had been a little longer but it ended when it should.

Absolutely Incredible

To say Mr. Slezak is a remarkable narrator is a huge understatement. I often search for books narrated by him. Sandra Brown COMPLETELY KNOCKS IT OUT OF THE PARK!!! So different from her other novels; I'm just in awe of her talent. Keep a box of tissuesbhandy. This is a real tear-jerker. You won't be able to stop listening, you won't be able to wait to see what happens next and you'll be sad when you get to the end.

I really enjoyed this book

Short and simple: I loved this book and the narrator did a good job. The characters were interesting and believable and the storyline was interesting. I looked forward to listening whenever I got a chance. Good way to spend a credit.

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!!

GREAT LOVE STORY

I have any of Sandra Brown's books i can get I can get my hands on. But this one is my all time favorite. It has it all, but it has one of the better love stories I have ever read.
THanks Sandra
Laura Moats

Different Read from Sandra Brown

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The plot and characters were well developed. It reminded me of the book, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rainwater?

When the history of the watch was revealed.

What about Victor Slezak’s performance did you like?

Nice voice

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

no

A beautiful novel

Maybe not Ms Brown's usual style but a very good touching story. Well narrated by an, as always, excellent Mr Slezak as well. You may fell a tear or two but it's worth it. — Highly recommended!

Interesting book

This book was an interesting book. This was the first time I had ever listened to anything by this author. I would try her again.

Sandra Brown?!❤️

Beautiful story. So unlike the “norm”.
Beautifully narrated. Very hard to stop listening. Thank you Sandra for refreshing work of art.