Counting Raindrops Through a Stained Glass Window [Paperback]

Cherlyn Michaels (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 1 and up

-The surest way to ruin a relationship is to marry the man you love.+ At least that+s what Vanella Morris believes. So when Alton, her longtime boyfriend and the love of her life, proposes, Vanella is faced with a dilemma: Unable to convince Alton to skip the vows and just live together, does she walk away from happiness because of her fears, or ignore her commitment concerns and risk the possibility of marital hell on earth?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Counting Raindrops is a must read -- don’t be left out. Read it for yourself." -- Shelia M. Goss, Talented Tenth reviewer

"A vibrant, engaging, and compulsively exciting novel . . ." -- Tee C. Royal, Rawsistaz.com

"A wonderful debut about dating, marriage, and family drama -- something we all can relate to in one way or another." -- Kimberla Lawson Roby, author of The Best-Kept Secret

"Michaels is a wonderful storyteller with the uncanny ability of keeping the readers from putting down the book." -- Angie Pickett-Henderson, Readincolor moderator/reviewer

"Ms. Michaels definitely has a way with words and, with her new novel, has managed to hook this reader . . ." -- J.D. Mason, author of Don’t Want No Sugar

From the Publisher

Prerelease edition --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 1 and up
  
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion (September 14, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401308139
• ISBN-13: 978-1401308131
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,069,816 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Cherlyn Michaels self-published Counting Raindrops Through a Stained Glass Window in January 2004, which led to her first publishing deal with Hyperion Books. First Fridays is her second novel. She was nominated for the African American Literary Awards Show Open Book Award for Best Self-Published Author of the Year. She is a board member of StudioSTL, a literary non-profit in St. Louis that offers writing workshops to children from ages 8 to 18. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the #1 Stunnas Motorsports Club. Cherlyn resides in St. Louis, MO where she is working on her third novel.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Once You Pick It Up...You Can't Put It Down, November 25, 2003

By 

Shelia M Goss (Essence Magazine Best-Selling Author of My Invisible Husband, Delilah, Hollywood Deception and more.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Counting Raindrops through a Stained Glass Window (Paperback)

Cherlyn Michaels is an exciting new author who's debut novel, COUNTING RAINDROPS through a STAINED GLASS WINDOW will have readers across the nation talking. The novel immediately captures your attention during the prologue and holds it until the very last page.

Vanella Morris is a single successful woman, who's afraid of commitment. She's in a long term relationship with Alton Goode, who would be considered by most women as their idea man-successful, good looking, family oriented and the list goes on. Vanella has to decide on whether her fear of commitment is worth her losing the love of her life.

The novel has several scenes with Vanella and some of her girlfriends. The interactions between the friends will have you laughing and thinking at the same time. As you read the novel, be prepared for some twists and turns.

Her family is far from perfect, but she loves them and ends up making a special trip back home-St. Louis, Missouri to deal with their family issues.

Michaels has written a winner and I'm eager to read her next one. Counting Raindrops is a must read-don't be left out. Read it for yourself.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When is your next book coming out?, November 27, 2003

By 

Angelique Henderson (North Attleboro, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Counting Raindrops through a Stained Glass Window (Paperback)

The surest way to ruin a good relationship is to marry the man you love. This is the "O" theory, which is the basis of Vanella Morris' life. Vanella has been in a wonderfully drama free relationship for six years. That is until the love of her life, Alton, decides to throw her a monkey wrench and propose. Unable to convince Alton that "shacking" would be much better she has been backed against a wall. Just as her love life begins to deteriorate her family is starting to unravel at the seams. Between her man-crazy sister, over compensatory younger brother, emotionally starved mother and totalitarianistic father, Vanella has no time to take care of her own situation. Vanella now has the perfect excuse to "run for the hills" and make a pilgrimage home to try to salvage her family.

In the process of trying to save her family, Vanella discovers a secret that her family may not be able to survive. This secret has the ability to disprove the "O"theory as well as destroy her family. Unsure of anything at this point Vanella finds comfort from her first love. She is then forced to face some demons from long ago. If she finds the strength to do this her life may change forever.

Cherlyn Michaels' debut novel, Counting Raindrops Through A Stained Glass window has best seller written all over it. Michaels is a wonderful storyteller with the uncanny ability of keeping the readers from putting down the book. She has introduced us to some of the most unforgettable characters in African American fiction. Counting Raindrops is one of those books that you will pick up from time to time just because.

Angie Pickett-Henderson
Readincolor Moderator/Reviewer

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!!, December 22, 2003

By 

tccreative (Dallas, Tx) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Counting Raindrops through a Stained Glass Window (Paperback)

This book was really good. Cherlyn took an approach to the different side of women and marriage. Most women love to get married but for her particular character, Vanella Morris, she chose to make Vanella question the validity of marriage. I would definitely reccommend this book. It's fun, exciting and also has a lot of drama. The ending is the best part. Great Job, Cherlyn!! Can't wait to see sequels.