Long ago, Natalie’s mother faced an agonizing choice between the two people she loved most, and the difficult resolution to her predicament affects Natalie throughout her young life–fueling a season of teenage rebellion that results in the death of her best friend. As a young woman, Natalie attempts to put her troubles behind her, ultimately finding solace in the arms of a man with close ties to … close ties to the tragedy. Yet neither time nor love can liberate her from the past. Determined to confront her terrible guilt, Natalie embarks on a journey that will take her thousands of miles from home and straight into the life and heart of a man unlike any she has ever known.
Confronted with a decision that echoes the one her mother faced so many years before, Natalie finds herself drawn to two men–each of whom holds a claim to her heart. But the sins of her past must be confronted, and an escape from her guilt found, before her heart will be free to find its home.
Showing that God can forgive the gravest of sins, After the Rains beautifully illustrates that his forgiveness comes purely through loving mercy and grace, not by our human efforts to earn it.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
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Maturity comes through challenges. What a challenging read. Natalie’s struggles and those she put her family and friends through were heartbreaking. Ms. Raney creates real characters and presents the kinds of struggles many of us face. Even though we’re not in the Colombian jungles many find themselves on the outside looking in. It’s a search for self and purpose.
This is a wonderful book!
Nothing is perfect, but God redeems – seems like an apt description. I like this author – she thinks outside the box. It isn’t a fairy tale, but a real show of God’s second, third, chances to his own.
A touching fictional account of a teenager trying to overcome deadly mistakes she’s made in her past. I found it to be a nice balance between forgiveness and redemption. It was an easy-read, but difficult to put down.
I loved the book. Didn’t love the ending.
Just plain awesome. Deborah Raney is a great Christian fiction writer. So much truth in there.
Everyone has regrets. It is easier to forgive others than forgiveyourself. Must read and see it from a different perspective. .
This is a wonderful sequel following the consequences of decisions made. What a beautiful story of the love of God in all of our strong willed decisions based on what we want.
Raney does it again! She creates and develops wonderful characters that weave in and out of an intriguing story line.
Well written story, well developed characters and believable plot. I can honestly recommend to others.
I haven’t read a Deborah Raney book I didn’t like. All are great.
After reading Beneath a Southern Sky, I could not wait to read this book. I wanted to follow the lives of Natalie Camfield, her father (Dr. Nathan Camfield) and her other family (Mother, Stepfather, and two sisters). Natalie was in her senior year of high school when she tried breaking out of character to taste what her peers were doing. She was involved in a horrible accident in which two lives were lost. One night – one second of time – changed everything. Even though everyone has said they forgive her for her part in this tragedy, Natalie cannot escape the messages of guilt that keep entering her dreams and her daylight hours.
We watch Natalie as she struggles with her guilt, the consequences of not following God, and her desire to make restitution. This story takes place on two continents and with two very different people groups. These two groups are linked together by God’s love and saving grace. Don’t forget to keep a box of tissues handy.
Deborah’s main message to her readers is that God completely forgives when we ask, but we must also forgive ourselves. Thanks, Deborah, for another heart-tugging book filled with wisdom and insight.
Another inspirational book by Deborah Raney…sure wish she’d do better editing, tho!
It did not grab my interest – I did not read the book.
I really enjoyed this book. Had me involved from the beginning. I love this writer, will purchase again!
I didn’t care for this book. It just didn’t live up to expectations. Too choppy, Did not flow.
An excellent look at our attempt to make up for past mistakes and seeing God’s work of forgiveness and restoration.
This is one of the best books I’ve read. A lot of spiritual truths that make one stop and think! There were a lot of tears. I can understand the feelings of guilt over past mistakes. The hardest person to forgive is yourself. Loved the ending. This is a book I highly recommend.
I enjoyed this book immensely. My heart ached for what happens when we use poor judgment. God’s forgiveness is always there for our asking.
This is an excellent novel about real relationships, tragedy, and the ways people deal with life’s pain. The story is very inspirational which is something I always count on with this author. Deborah Rainey’s books always add something important to my life, and I’m thankful for her.