MY REVIEW:
I adored the author’s debut series so I was excited to have the chance to read the first book in her latest series. It is somewhat different than her Appalachian Blessings novels but I still found the well-rounded characters and vivid descriptions that captivated me in the first books.
I liked Judd Markley from the start and hoped that he would find the new beginning and success in South Carolina that he desired. It took me a bit longer to like Larkin. It took getting past her spoiled little rich girl exterior and getting to know her true heart for me to care. Once I saw the real Larkin, I could see the light in her that attracted Judd.
“The Sound of Rain” is a story filled with tragedy and triumph, hopes and dreams, and learning to walk the path the Lord has laid out. It was encouraging to see Judd and Larkin find their way down that very path despite the hurdles set before them. It was also gratifying to watch how the Lord used circumstances to soften some very hard hearts and use them to restore lives and relationships.
This wonderful story is further enhanced by the gorgeous cover. I especially liked the three dimensional reflective raindrops on the front. Looking forward to the next book in this series. I hope you will check it out for yourself.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the Dark of the Mine, In the Face of Rising Water,
In the Shadows of the Hills, Faith Will See Them Through
Judd Markley knows he can never set foot underground again. The mine collapse that nearly killed him and claimed his brother’s life means leaving West Virginia forever. Although that hard Appalachian world is all he knows, he puts it behind him and heads for the open sky of the thriving town of 1954 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Larkin Heyward’s life in the beach town is uncomplicated, mostly volunteer work and dancing at the Pavilion. But she dreams of one day doing more and being more–maybe moving to the hills and hollers of Kentucky to help the poor children of Appalachia. But she’s never even met someone who’s lived there–until she encounters Judd, the newest employee at her father’s timber company.
Drawn together in the wake of a hurricane that changes Myrtle Beach forever, Judd’s and Larkin’s dreams pull them in divergent directions. It will take a significant sacrifice to keep them together–or maybe, it will take a miracle.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Kristen Delliveniri
Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fundraiser for a children’s ministry and has written for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times. She is the author of Miracle in a Dry Season, Until the Harvest, and A Tapestry of Secrets. She holds a BA in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in Asheville, North Carolina. She can be found online at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.
