When a child is born they’re a blank canvas. A canvas that is later molded by the influences of the world around them. Those influences determine that child’s future, but they are not always kind. Some of those children will enter adulthood easily, unscathed by the harshness of life, but for others, that journey is not an easy path to follow.And then there are those, whose journeys are cut short.… cut short.
He only ever wanted ….. to fit in.
He only ever wanted ….. to be included.
He only ever wanted ….. to have friends.
Alec never wanted for anything.
His parents made sure of that.
But, what Alec desperately wanted, they couldn’t buy.
He just wanted to be normal……..
He could never see what the rest of us could.
Smart. Funny. Goodlooking. Sensitive.
Alec only saw what his mind wanted him to see.
And believed the false truths it told him.
BUT, I won’t allow him to become one of the lost, and when the clouds clear after the rain, I WILL make him see that he is everything WE believe him to be, and so much more……..
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Alec and Penny have an amazing story of love for nearly a lifetime, having met in kindergarten. Through ups and downs, lots of downs lately, their love and marriage is put to the test. This story gives one an appreciation and insight to mental disease, as well. Very good book.
Stacey Johnston’s novel “After the Rain” is such a beautiful book. It is so wonderfully written it will stay with you long after you are finished reading.
This book gave me an idea of what an attempted suicide does to a family and the strength it takes for a spouse to deal with the mental illness of their partner. It tells the story from the perspective of both the husband and wife. I admire their love story and their strength to love each other and hold their family together. It is not easy and a lot of couples would simply give up when faced with the struggles they fought against.
This was a truly inspiring story that I think most people would like and I highly recommend this book.
I recieved a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Alec and Penny have been friends since they were little kids. They drifted a part for a few years in high school but then rekindled their friendship and love that they’ve always felt towards each other. Fast forward 25 years and you feel the pain and love that these two have gone through.
This book covers depression and gives you insight into what it is to live through it and what it is like for your loved ones too. The ups and downs, the heartbreak of not feeling like you’re not enough, the little voice inside your head telling you your best isn’t enough. It truly hurts your heart to see what others go through with this disease.
Will Penny and Alec’s family be able to make it through when one more curve ball is thrown at them? Will their past be able to hold up to it?
A very good story about different hardships people and couples have to endure in everyday life.
“I’ll walk right there beside you with each step forward you take, and if you fall, I’ll stop and help you pick yourself up. We can brush off any dirt together and carry on, hand in hand.”
The love that Penny had for Alec was unconditional. She is the perfect example of “in sickness and in health” when wedding vows are said. She is one strong women and an amazing supporter for Alec. Alec is sick and the struggles that he goes through are those that many may be able to relate to. I’m not too sure many people could deal with it as gracefully as Penny did. Honestly, I’m not sure I’d be able to manage the way she did when it came to Alec. However, I do believe that love can concur all and get us through the most trying times.
After the Rain had a great storyline. One I’m sure will have many readers reaching for a box of tissues. I believe that it was written well, and I can see where the author wanted to take her audience.
Unfortunately, I was unable to connect to the characters which kind of made it hard for me to keep reading. I did finish it, and I did like the way it ended. I just wish I felt the characters a little more.
-Juls