Counting Raindrops through a Stained Glass Window [Paperback]

Cherlyn Michaels (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2004

In her debut novel, Cherlyn Michaels boldly turns the tables in challenging the institution of modern day marriage. Instead of the male character, it is the female main character that has a fear of commitment in marriage and wants to avoid it at all costs. Vanella Morris believes in and follows her self subscribed O-theory: The surest way to ruin a relationship is to marry the man you love. So when her man proposes, she is heartbroken that she cannot convince a pro-marriage Alton to skip the wedding and just live together. As she struggles to salvage her relationship, an unveiled family secret destroys the foundation of her fear, and she again comes face to face with the question of marriage. However, this time it’s from an unexpected source. Even so, the question remains of whether or not she can get beyond her O-theory to marry the man that she loves.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A creatively refreshing new voice in fiction. Ladies and gentleman...meet Cherlyn Michaels." -- Eric E. Pete, Author of Real for Me & Someone's In the Kitchen

"Cherlyn Michaels is a compelling storyteller who deftly manages the skills to draw you into her world of characters. . ." -- Linda Dominique Grosvenor, Author of Bloom and Fever

"Counting Raindrops is a vibrant, engaging, and compulsively exciting novel. . ." -- Tee C. Royal, Founder of Rawsistaz.com

From the Publisher

Prerelease edition

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Archland Books (January 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097295001X
• ISBN-13: 978-0972950015
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,564,650 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.