Rainstorm review
RAINSTORM is optimistic about finding true and enduring love, even the second time around.
RAINSTORM by Diane Brandow review by Kristine Daniels
RAINSTORM by Diane Brandow is a modern-day romance set in the idyllic Wyoming countryside. Jessy Kalender inherits the Diamond-K Ranch and millions in assets from her recently deceased father. She returns home to Deer Creek after a 5-year exile despite bitter memories of her father’s abuse, a conniving sister, and betrayed first love.
In the close-knit ranching community, it is inevitable that Jessy will run into her former beau, Matt Donovan. He is the quintessential romantic cowboy: hard-working, sensitive, looks good in jeans. Matt’s also still in love with Jessy despite the fact that she abandoned him for several years with no explanation, and the small matter that Matt was briefly married to Jessy’s sister, Laney. There is no doubt to anyone, even Jessy’s Border Collie Maggie, that the two belong together; but unanswered questions about the past hold Jessy back from trusting her heart.
With the help of Jessy’s Uncle Frank and his law firm, shocking family secrets are uncovered that lead to an unexpected reunion. Jessy eventually feels ready to admit that she has secrets of her own to share as well. With the support of Matt and her devoted surrogate family, Jessy begins to reconcile the past and move on with her life.
Brandow transports us into the daily life of a ranching community, where the characters are straight-talking, loyal and practical. Though Jessy and Matt’s courtship is the book’s main focus, the reader is driven by the unfolding family drama that surrounds the romance. Brandow’s strength is in her ability to contrast models of strong, long-term relationships against the new passion of the young couple, emphasizing that genuine love survives not only intense passion and melodramatic events but also the realities of everyday life. At times, RAINSTORM reads a bit more like screenplay than novel; but some inventive scenes, such as Maggie’s dog’s-eye perspectives, are refreshing. More backstory about Jessy’s father and her sister Laney (a most deliciously despicable character) would make for an even juicier read, or perhaps begs a sequel or prequel.
RAINSTORM is optimistic about finding true and enduring love, even the second time around. Diane Brandow delivers a classic romance with passion, humor and sentimental charm.
*review by Kristine Daniels http://www.kristinedaniels.net Book Info: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1432752944/thepageonelitera ISBN-10: 1432752944 Genre: FICTION / Romance / Contemporary Publication: Feb 27, 2010
RAINSTORM by Diane Brandow review by Kristine Daniels
RAINSTORM by Diane Brandow is a modern-day romance set in the idyllic Wyoming countryside. Jessy Kalender inherits the Diamond-K Ranch and millions in assets from her recently deceased father. She returns home to Deer Creek after a 5-year exile despite bitter memories of her father’s abuse, a conniving sister, and betrayed first love.
In the close-knit ranching community, it is inevitable that Jessy will run into her former beau, Matt Donovan. He is the quintessential romantic cowboy: hard-working, sensitive, looks good in jeans. Matt’s also still in love with Jessy despite the fact that she abandoned him for several years with no explanation, and the small matter that Matt was briefly married to Jessy’s sister, Laney. There is no doubt to anyone, even Jessy’s Border Collie Maggie, that the two belong together; but unanswered questions about the past hold Jessy back from trusting her heart.
With the help of Jessy’s Uncle Frank and his law firm, shocking family secrets are uncovered that lead to an unexpected reunion. Jessy eventually feels ready to admit that she has secrets of her own to share as well. With the support of Matt and her devoted surrogate family, Jessy begins to reconcile the past and move on with her life.
Brandow transports us into the daily life of a ranching community, where the characters are straight-talking, loyal and practical. Though Jessy and Matt’s courtship is the book’s main focus, the reader is driven by the unfolding family drama that surrounds the romance. Brandow’s strength is in her ability to contrast models of strong, long-term relationships against the new passion of the young couple, emphasizing that genuine love survives not only intense passion and melodramatic events but also the realities of everyday life. At times, RAINSTORM reads a bit more like screenplay than novel; but some inventive scenes, such as Maggie’s dog’s-eye perspectives, are refreshing. More backstory about Jessy’s father and her sister Laney (a most deliciously despicable character) would make for an even juicier read, or perhaps begs a sequel or prequel.
RAINSTORM is optimistic about finding true and enduring love, even the second time around. Diane Brandow delivers a classic romance with passion, humor and sentimental charm.
*review by Kristine Daniels http://www.kristinedaniels.net Book Info: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1432752944/thepageonelitera ISBN-10: 1432752944 Genre: FICTION / Romance / Contemporary Publication: Feb 27, 2010
