Genre: YA, Contemporary
Publication date: May 6th 2014
Pages: 188 (Paperback)
Author links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Google + | Pinterest | Amazon | Review Blog
Buy links: Amazon
Taylor Sullivan took her life for granted until she received news that would changer her life forever. In a state of denial she met Kyle, who didn't end up being what she expected. She wasn't able to escape her new reality, but with his friendship, just maybe she could survive it.
When Christie
approached me with a request to read her book I did not really know what to
expect. The short description was rather vague but it sounded mysterious of me
to accept. And I am glad that I accepted her request! Otherwise I would have
missed the chance to read this lovely book.
We meet
Taylor at the moment that her entire life is turned upside down. Nothing is and
never will be the same again in her life. Through this events she learns who
her real friends in life are and that nothing is ever what it seems. Taylor had
to endure some things that I can never imagine myself going true and I hope
that I will never have to, and I hope you guys won’t have to either. But what
was remarkable was that Taylor all took it so well. She knew she had to be
strong, not only for herself but also for the people around her that loved her.
That’s probably why I felt an immediate connection with her. She was incredibly
strong and down to earth. The decisions she makes throughout the book might not
always be the smartest but that’s life. Sometimes all is good and the next
moment all you can see is bad things. And Taylor experiences the good-bad alternation
in a heartbreaking way.
And then there was Kyle. Where should I began to tell how amazing this guy was? When he met Taylor she was a stranger but that didn’t take away that he wanted to take away her pain. Let her forget all the bad things that were happening to her at the moment, even if it was only for a short while. He stood next to her during her darkest moments, never giving her up like others did. Even though he only just met her. Everyone should have someone as Kyle in his life. His kindness towards others is one of the reasons I like him so much. But he also has a great sense of humor and his music taste is terrific. While reading Rain I wished that I could have the playlist he made for Taylor. So many great songs! But I felt like we didn’t know him at all, except from the time he spent with Taylor. The author didn’t mention anything of his past while it’s clear that he has one. But I suppose that we will get that background in the next book, at least that is what I am hoping for.
Rain was a lovely read. It had the right amount of
drama, romance, friendship and heartache. Since this was the author’s first
book I can’t wait what she will have next in store for us!
Author Interview
Q: What inspired you to write this book?
A: I had to
start a new story for a fiction writing class, so I thought about the subject
matter and then a scene came to me with Taylor and rain. The image of rain was
very strong, and that one image is what started it all. I got into the story
and couldn’t stop writing until the book was complete.
Q: Are experiences based on things that
happened in your life or on someone you know?
A: Most of
the book is just fiction, but there are some little things here and there that
are from my life, mostly little conversations and stuff like that.
Q: How would you describe your main character
in 5 words?
A:
Thoughtful, Intelligent, big hearted, strong.
Q: What’s your next work in progress?
A: Before the Rain, the next book in the Rain series.
Blurb:
Kyle Thorne was a stranger, harboring secrets every waking
moment, haunted by them every time his guard was down. He moved in with his dad
in the hope of escaping his dark past. That proved to be difficult when a piece
of that past showed up at his front door, jeopardizing his new beginning and
his relationship with Taylor—the one person who made him want to expose all of
his secrets.
Q: What’s your favorite dessert?
A: Cheesecake.
Q: Pants or dresses?
A: depends
on the season and weather. When it is nice out and warm, I enjoy wearing
dresses, otherwise I’m usually wearing pants.
Q: What is one silly fact about you?
A: In
middle school, I once superglued myself to a friend so we wouldn’t be separated
in class.
Q: What got you starting on your writing
journey?
A: Hmm. I
suppose it started shortly after I became obsessed with Lurlene McDaniel books.
Her stories fascinated me and I always wanted to learn more about the subject.
A year or so after I discovered her books, I began writing stories of my own,
wanting to write like her.
Q: Why should everyone read Rain?
A: Because
the characters are relatable, even if you haven’t experienced some of the
things they are going through. It is a story that also brings some awareness for
an illness that happens to a lot of children.
Q: Anything you want to say to your readers?
A: To keep
in mind that it is very much a Young Adult book. The genre has changed a lot
and matured in the past few years. Sometimes adults reading young adult, expect
more mature content because of how the genre has changed. Taylor is very much a
teenager and while she goes through some serious stuff, she is a teenager and
has those experiences as well. Can adults enjoy the story? I believe so, as
long as they aren’t expecting the characters to be more mature than their age.
I do think that teens will enjoy the book, and appreciate some of the messages
in the story, even if they can’t relate to everything Taylor is going through.
Giveaway
Also I will be giving away one ebook copy to someone.
Let me know in the commnets why you want to win this copy!
Author bio
Christie Cote resides in Vermont with her Husband and their dog. When she isn't reading, writing, or dreaming up her next story, she can be found shooting targets with er bow, drawing or baking.
Rain is her first book.
Christie writes Young Adult Realistic Fiction, Fiction, and New Adult novels.
