WAITING FOR THE RAIN

Author: M. Jean Pike ISBN: 1897261918 8/2007 PARANORMAL Publisher: CHAMPAGNE BOOKS

Abandoned by her husband after receiving a fatal medical diagnosis, Willow Mackenzie is determined to realize her unfulfilled dreams. On a jaunt to a lonely quarry called Baker's Gully in the hope of photographing an eagle, she discovers an abandoned cottage and its reclusive owner, Darby Sullivan. Captivated by the rose-covered dwelling, and intrigued by its stern, sexy owner, Willow knows instinctively that she is meant to spend the rest of her life in Baker's Gully. A man of secrets, Darby is content with his hermit-like existence, but troubled by the deadly illness he senses within her, he agrees to rent Willow the cottage, knowing it is the one place on earth that can heal her. But saving Willow's life may cost Darby his own.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS: ^PLUS!

Every once in awhile, a book comes along that touches me so deeply. It's such a wonderful feeling to be moved by an author's words. I had a feeling that WAITING FOR THE RAIN by M. Jean Pike was going to be a spectacular book, right from the beginning. I'm so happy that I was right. This book is wonderfully written and very emotional. Before you get comfortable and begin to read this book, might I suggest having a big box of tissues at hand!

WAITING FOR THE RAIN is the story of Willow (Willy) Mackenzie and Darby Sullivan. Willow has cancer and her prognosis isn't good. After stumbling across a quaint cottage, she decides to rent it. It's just what she needs for her emotional and physical health. If only she could get along with her somewhat mysterious neighbor, Darby.

While Darby doesn't rent out the cottage to anyone, he knows that there's something special about Willow. He's drawn to her, yet he can't open up his heart and let her in. Darby has an incredible secret and he's just not ready to let Willow in on it. He's been hurt once and can't bear it if Willow would leave him.

Darby is an amazing character. His secret is very unique, and the love he has for Willow is powerful enough for him to give her all that he has—body and soul. I get goose bumps just thinking about him.

Pike definitely pulled my heartstrings with this book. I literally stopped reading because I couldn't see the pages through the tears that were overflowing and running down my face. There was a certain point at the end of the story that was so touching that again, I was overcome with emotion and had to stop reading the book until I composed myself. WAITING FOR THE RAIN touched me on an emotional level where not many books have touched me before.

There aren't enough words for me to use when describing how much I loved this book. The writing is brilliant, the characters are so real, and what they experience is at times, heartbreaking, and other times, joyous. The ending will have you believing in miracles (if you're able to read through tears).

WAITING FOR THE RAIN by M. Jean Pike is a treasure. I loved it, and I really want you to read it and hopefully love it as much I do. Pike is an amazing storyteller, the proof of which is between the pages of her new book. I recommend reading this story and sharing it with your friends.

Julie Kornhausl