Heaven Sent Rain: A Novel

Businesswoman Dinah Taylor is a successful CEO with a house full of white furniture, a closet full of stylish suits, and no room in her life for a lonely child and his scruffy dog. But then she meets seven-year-old Jonah, a sad-looking little boy with a dog, sitting in front of her usual breakfast stop. As Dinah gets to know Jonah and his family circumstances, her heart is softened toward him -- but when she finds him suddenly left in her care, she is at a loss. Having Jonah and his dog in her life also brings her into contact with handsome veterinarian Garrett Miller, and it's a case of strong dislike at first sight for both of them. Garrett and Dinah rub each other the wrong way from the start, but as they are drawn together again and show more again over the following weeks, they start to understand each other better. After all, they both care a great deal for Jonah.

There's something odd about the writing style of this book. I wouldn't say that it's badly written, but something about the way this author puts words together knocks me right out of the story time and time again. I also found the ending of this book rushed and abrupt, and a few loose ends were left dangling -- and not in a good, there-will-be-a-sequel kind of way. Plus, I didn't believe in Jonah at all. He's basically the kid from the Christmas Shoes song, and I hate that song. (He's not literally that kid, but you know what I mean: more of a device to tug at the heartstrings than an actual kid.) I do think some readers, particularly fans of this genre who do not share my quirks in regards to the writing style, will enjoy this book. It just wasn't my cup of tea. show less

Dinah is a successful career woman who started her own company to produce food supplements to help people live more healthy lives. She has her life exactly as she wants it -- neat and controlled. But as she launches a new product, she comes under attack from the media and big Pharma. Meanwhile, she befriends a young boy and his dog whom she sees every day on her way to work. Her life takes a unexpected turn when the boy's dog is injured and his mom passes away, naming her as the boy's legal guardian. The author dribbles out bits of Dinah's past that explain why she never intended to get married or have children and why she thinks God is fairy-tale. The vet who treats the boy's dog also has issues from hurts in his past, but he also has show more a strong Christian faith and is able to help both Dinah and the boy through their struggles. Most of what I've read from Lauraine Snelling is historical fiction about Norwegian immigrants in North Dakota, so this was different, but good. Reminded me of Francine Rivers. The theology is bit off -- saying that Jesus comes to us on our terms. I would say, he meets us where we are (he doesn't expect us to get our lives cleaned up and figured out before he saves us), but the Bible is clear that we must come to God on his terms (which are repent and believe). show less

Well, this is certainly not my usual book…

But I received a free review copy in eBook – from Lauraine Snelling and I decided to give it a try.


And darn it! Now I’m going to have to go buy the paper version too!

BE WARNED! This book will pull you right in and it will NOT let go of your heart strings!

And it’s not just the mysterious little boy who has hold of them either.



Chapter 1 of “Heaven Sent Rain” had me going “Huh… What… Why…”

It dives right into the story and hits the ground running. And it only took a paragraph for me to be hooked.

Chapter 2 had me going “Awwww.” And then, “Huh… again” I will NOT spoil it for you but I will say this is an extraordinary book written about an unexpected journey guided by show more what some will probably try to deny is The Holy Spirit – even though it clearly is God’s voice that Dinah is hearing in the completely unexpected thoughts that simply will not stop – and it is a book that EVERYONE should read!


WOW!

I am so glad I asked to review this book. I might have missed out on the tremendous blessing otherwise.

The absolutely only complaint I have is that Lauraine is just a bit stingy with details – she drops little hints of detail and then moves on without explaining. And perhaps her usual readers prefer this or they know enough about her writing to read between the lines but it just left me feeling confused.

However, the impact of the story itself far outweighs any petty issues I might have. It is well worth a read!

I would also like to extend my congratulations to the cover designer. It is spectacular. Not only does it bring to mind what we see in the book (minus perhaps the rain coat our mysterious little boy is wearing…), it also looks so realistic, you can almost hear the rain.


BRAVO!

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. show less

I could hardly put this book down and I was sorry I hadn't started it when I first got it. It shows how God can use people even when they're mad at Him. The author dealt with difficult questions in tactful ways, usually through Dr.Garrett's discussions with Jonah who had just lost his mom, seemed alright for a while, and then exploded. I hope to read more by this author in the future.

I loved the beginning of this book. It caught my interest and held it for quite awhile. Then the book seemed to mire down. I lost interest in Dinah's company and Dr. G's drawings. I wish the author had spent more time on Jonah, his mother, and Dinah.

The book starts with Dinah seeing a little boy and his dog outside Extraburger every day as she goes to work. She worries about him so begins to buy him breakfast. Who is this boy and what is his story? Where are his parents? When Dinah decides to meet him at school and walk him home, she is labeled a possible predictor at the school.

A special thank you to FaithWords/Center Street, and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first book by award-winning author, Lauraine Snelling, and was very impressed. I so look forward to reading more from this talented author.

When I first had an interest in reading this book, was drawn to the high resolution imagery of the front cover, and second the summary seemed something I would enjoy reading. However, was afraid it would be a regular story of a powerful woman meeting a small town veterinarian. “Heaven Sent Rain” was so much more!

Snelling drew me in from the beginning with her storytelling, depth, setting the mood with strong rich character development, and carefully unfolding show more piece by piece with honest emotion and genuine feelings.

Here is a single professional woman, smart, and CEO of her own company and a small little boy and his dog crosses her path. What is his story and is he homeless? The obstacles and challenges begin in her personal and professional life which seem to pile up daily, as she questions her ability, her past, and her future.

Instead of ignoring them, she begins to show compassion, as she helps this seven year old little boy and his dog named Mutt. However, she may get more than she bargained for. Even though throughout the novel the author chooses not to disclose why Dinah is so cold-hearted about certain things, and why she has lost her faith in God and people – until towards the end.

Once you know the real reason behind her past, the story comes together as she slowly allows people, including Garrett, to come into her life, and realizes God has been there all along in everything she has done throughout her career as she helps people with her company and talents.

As we all are aware, God has a way of turning our lives upside down and taking us on a path we had not anticipated. We all are guilty of negative first impressions due to someone or something from our past which has hurt us previously. (Great dynamics between Dinah and Garrett).

This Christian book is about losing faith when the going gets tough, and how God uses someone to help us through it. They may be in our lives for a reason, or just a season. It would be an ideal book for a young mother, or professional single career woman. What an inspirational and beautiful bittersweet story of love, family, friends, healing, and faith-highly recommend!

As the story reiterates – God sees a bigger picture than we see, and He has a perfect plan for each of us. (even though sometimes it is disguised through another person, or ways we cannot comprehend until later). This is the real meaning behind Heaven Sent Rain when fate crosses the path of these three strangers. We all lose our way sometime, no matter how strong we are – it is nice to know someone is there to help guide, love and support us.

My favorite character was Jonah, as he would make you smile and laugh; a little boy who had to grow up before his time, a rough childhood, with a heart of gold melting hearts with his love for his dog. You will also love the vet, Garrett -- sounds like my kind of guy and quite the hero!

http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/post/833922/-heavensentrain show less

A very good book for any one looking for a light summer read. Dinah's very organized life becomes upturned when she is suddenly responsible for a small boy and his dog. Romance and work-related challenges also ensue for the protagonist. Perfect for a lazy afternoon.