Rainwater : a Novel

Library Journal: An antiques store owner's explanation of why he won't sell his beloved pocket watch to a yuppie couple is the basis of prolific author Brown's (Smashcut) attempt to entertain readers with a sentimental story just in time for Christmas. Actually, it's a pretty darn good attempt. In 1934 Texas, Ella runs a small boardinghouse while coping with a difficult ten-year-old son. New boarder David Raintree shows a special interest in Ella's son. Raintree is handsome, charming, kind, and sensitive and has some serious health issues of his own. It's a foregone conclusion that he and Ella will become lovers. Some racial overtones are thrown in when a young black minister comes to town, and the story reaches a somber and violent conclusion. VERDICT Predictable but pleasant. Fans of Brown's romantic suspense thrillers will be surprised, as this book resembles a Richard Paul Evans or Emily Grayson novel. But multiple copies will be essential, as author recognition alone will spark interest.