Customer Reviews

After the Rains (Beneath a Southern Sky Series #2)

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4 star:		(1)
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If ever a sequel could surpass its predecessor, this book has done it. After the Rains by Deborah Raney is the story of Natalie Camfield, daughter of Nathan Camfield and his wife, Daria. In the first book in this series, we meet Daria and Nathan when they are missionaries in Colombia, South America. Daria is forced to deal with Nathan's untimely death, only to discover a year and a half later, after she is married to another man, that Nathan is still alive. Award winning, Beneath a Southern Sky is that poignant, stirring story of the choices Daria must make between two husbands.

After the Rains continues the story of their daughter Natalie and the tragedy that follows a moment of teenage rebellion. Can God forgive? And if He does forgive, will Natalie ever be free of the guilt and the harsh memories that dog her steps throughout her young adult years?

Deborah Raney is a master of asking the tough questions and showing the inevitable consequences of sinful choices. This story evokes much emotion - from tears to romantic yearnings to satisfying joy. I found this book to be a compelling read, which I highly recommend to anyone who loves a truly good story. But keep a box of tissues handy. Oh, and if you haven't read Beneath a Southern Sky, be sure to read that first. Both books excel in the craft of good writing - you won't be disappointed.

This sequel to "Beneath a Southern Sky" is a wonderful story that while different from the first, is magicial in its own way. The characters are real and fully developed. We can feel the heroine's pain at her mistakes from the past, and identify with her that sometimes you just can't go back and fix things. We must move on. Grab a box of tissues and spend your evening with Deb Raney. Highly recommended.

Deb Raney has a way of gripping you by the throat with emotions and literally transporting you into the lives of her characters. After the Rains is her best yet and showed the way it's so hard to forgive ourselves for our sins. I lived every page with the characters. You've got to read this one!

After contributing to the tragic death of her best friend, Natalie is unable to find a way to fit into her current life, so she joins her missionary father in Columbia. There she finds work among the Indians rewarding and challenging. What is more, she finds what she had never expected to, forgiveness and love.

***** This moving story will hold appeal to fans of all ages. The tough subject matter contains strong lessons for young people, yet is still interesting enough to hold the attention of older readers. Natalie gives us a heroine who is easy to relate to and empathize with her feelings. Though most people will hopefully never be in a similiar situation, everyone has to deal with learning to forgive the most unforgiveable person, one's self. *****

Reviewed by Amanda Killgore.

I read Deborah's first book and then got hooked on her writing and have read all her books now and this one keeps the pages turning and a different kind of Christian story than most Christian writers write....

This story tells of God's perfect, redeeming power of mercy and grace. The fulfillment I felt at the novel's end gave me joy, after the main character finally found peace and contentment subsequent to the suffering from repercussions of a severe past mistake. I've recommended this book to my friends and colleagues. You should read it, too!

This sequel to "Beneath a Southern Sky", will keep you turning pages until the last one. It continues with Natalie's growing up years. Until a tragedy strikes her life and she just feels lost and apart from God's forgiveness.....It is an incredible, original storyline, and the characters are so alive, you feel as though you know each one. Ms Raney draws you into Natalie's world and makes you want more!!!! How about a sequel to this one, I know you could continue Natalie's life in Timone' with her love for David, the mission work that she loves so much, plus continuing the lives of her family in the states. There is so much inspiration and love in this book, we could all use some application in our own lives. PLEASE, PLEASE, one more book, Ms Raney!!!!!!

A memorable coming-of-age story, that sees Natalie Camfield finding her place in life amidst a tragic background and a fatal mistake. Coming to terms with her choices, her relationship with God becomes centre stage once again, as she struggles with who she is and who she should become, regardless of the agonizing guilt that threatens to overwhelm her. A heart-wrenching story of redemption and second chances, appealing to readers of Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury, Robin Lee Thatcher and Lynn Austin. ~~Ellie Schroder, owner of The Christian Fiction Site

I liked this book even better than its predecessor. This really goes into depth about the after effects of the choices made by Daria in the first book, where, after she marries Cole, she finds out that Nate, her first husband is alive.

It discusses in great detail the identity confusion that Daria and Nate's daughter, Natalie, feels and how that effected her life. Natalie gets drunk and a car collides into her's and her best friend is killed. Then the book describes very effectively the pain that she feels over her friend's death and how she works toward healing by turning towards God. She then renews her relationship with her Daddy Nate and joins him in Timone.

I highly recommend this book on God's love, grace, and forgiveness.