Customer Reviews

Former Rain

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In Vanessa Miller's novel Former Rain, we are introduced to two couples, Kenneth and Elizabeth Underwood and Nina Lewis and Isaac Walker, whose lives are spinning out of control. Kenneth has been unfaithful to Elizabeth, something he seemingly got from his father. And Elizabeth is a Prime A B****, which was one of the things that sent Kenneth into the arms of another. Nina is a naive young thing that gets involved with Isaac, a heartless cold drug dealer. When she realizes that she needs to get out of the lifestyle that she created with him, she finds that he is not going to just let her leave. In this story both of these couples hit road bumps that are definitely relationship wreckers but will they allow the grace of God to make the difference in their lives?

Vanessa Miller tells an engaging realistic story of how people respond when they are hurt and bitter. How they lash out and do things that you cannot take back and always regret. However once she introduces God into the lives of these people, the dramatic fiction takes a backseat to scriptures, sermons, and bible lessons. The excessive use of these elements distracted from the story and everything that was played out in the dramatic seemed to be laid out in the scripture or in a "Christian" explanation. The reader is even subjected to that actual voice of God giving direction and a visit to hell. Despite these things, I appreciated the story and the storytelling. The ending was a real stretch that fit like an afterthought, although it may play a part in the anticipation of the sequel in the planned Rain trilogy.

I would recommend this book to other Christians and those who are open to Christianity. It would be a definite plus for book clubs that exist in churches. This book offers much to be discussed.

Kotanya
APOOO Bookclub

I'm sure you've read the descriptions and reviews of others. I won't lie after reading a few other books, I slept on this one and the skills of Vanessa Miller. Big mistake! I am not into those African-American books dealing with the dirt that goes on in many of our communities. So I was turned off and closed my mind to this book but after having finished all my other books and being on a business trip, I thought I'd go ahead and read it. I thought I wouldn't like this book because of the setting and the characters. I feel as though, many (Christian) books have pretty boring/slow/uneventful beginnings, often taking forever to get to the nitty gritty while pushing religion so much that your drowning out the story line leaving you struggling to make it through the book. This is not the case with Former Rain or Vanessa Miller's Rain series. She doesn't forsake the importance of including messages in connection with God or christianity but does it in a real, down-to-earth, believable manner which we in the real (not novel) world would have encounters with God ourselves.

The characters pull you in and there are a few twists and turns. Even though a couple of twists are a little predictable, the book leaves you wanting more and now I am here to buy the rest of the series. Make sure you read these in order though Vanessa Miller provides you the background and snippets from the other books to help you understand where's she's going it's best to read them in this correct order: Former Rain, Abundant Rain, Latter Rain, Rain Storm and Through the Storm. It's a good read that deserves 5 stars that will make you appreciate that God reaches out and uses all people. That's what His people are comprised of, real people with real issues facing the consequences of their actions but experiencing His grace and mercy through the rain!

I must say that I totally enjoyed this book. It was soooo good. I read in about a day and a half. I was ready to get through so that I could read the other two books in the series. The book makes you take a look at yourself and really think about forgiveness. This is definitely a book club read.

I really enjoyed this story. Elizabeth and Kenneth have a rocky relationship and are on the verge of a divorce. Elizabeth is being served her walking papers because Kenneth has had enough! Can finding Christ weather them through the storm to save their marriage? I'm not telling, you'll have to read and find out.

Nina and Issac have many challenges as well in their dysfunctional relationship that include, drugs, incarceration, cheating, and a child. Nina seeks to change her life for christ and her child, will Issac join her? Or is it too late to change a murderer, drug dealer, player from a life of crime?

Vanessa Miller is a great storyteller. This is the first book that I've read that brought tears to my eyes when Elizabeth was about to be hauled off to jail in front of her daughter. The scene was so real and it broke my heart.

This is a MUST read! Highly recommend.

Without pretense, this author is not concerned about being a dainty Christian Fiction writer. Vanessa Miller jumps it off from page one and keeps the reader turning pages until the very end. This story introduces 2 couples Nina and Issac, Elizabeth and Kenneth. It is a testimony to the struggles of living the street life and the often cruel consequences that come with love, bad influences and really bad choices. The characters are vividly human, flawed and identifiable. She holds no punches when it comes to chronicling street life-- drugs,addictions,dysfunctional relationships and good intentions as well as bad ones.While dealing with touchy /controversial issues that saved folks don't want to talk about, let alone rehash--- she boldly brings them to the forefront. There is nothing subtle or prissy about her style of writing. Immediately she makes you connect with her fictional world.One minute you love the characters, the next you are fussing at them and the next you are running with them or rooting for them. I love the way she builds the story, never letting you down throughout the rollercoaster driven journey. A truly gifted writer who is able to create scenes that you feel you are a part of as you read.In a world where some Christians forget that the only reason there is a Savior is because we are all sinners, Miller reminds readers that there is a heaven and a hell and gives a realistic imagry of both worlds. One of the best glimpses into the supernatural vs. natural realms I have read in a long long time. Very fascinating,entertaining and fast paced. I couldn't put this book down. I was so looking forward to unraveling the story so I could get through the entire 'RAIN SERIES'. This book did not disappoint in that it had its action,tender moments, moments shock & of enlightenment, overall, a fantastic read. Highly recommended!
After reading this book Ms.Miller earned a place on my author to watch list.After completing the entire series she most definitely moved to my list of all time favorite authors to date.Kudos!

Wow! This book has it all. The storyline is excellent, the characters are well-developed and the author has quite a few personal nuances that make the book special, like the way she names characters that are not a major part of the storyline. There some extra special scenes talking about hell and heaven that no one who doesn't know Jesus should miss. Buy it, read it, share it with a friend, no one will be disappointed! I am about to start part two and I'm looking forward to another great read!

This is one of the best books I've read of late. The characters are realistic and Miller's character progression allows you to witness the natural growth of each. The story itself is compelling and inspiring. I read in a few hours and was shouting by the epilogue. A definite book club read. I will be reading the others in the series.

Although this book was written several years ago I felt the relevance of today through all of Vanessa Miller's characters in her re-released book Former Rain.

There was Issac and Nina. Once lovers, now enemies, and not just for him beating her down after she stepped foot out of an abortion clinic. This couple's story took you on a rollar coaster ride throughout the entire book, but what gripped me was the story behind Issac's pain. His chosen profession was about power and the ability to control others, but the reasons why he needed that validation sent chills up my spine. It made me question how our past really does shape our future, and if not careful, with the help of God, it will ultimately destroy us all.

Then you have Kenneth and Elizabeth. This married couple, like 50% of society, are headed for divorce unless they realize the error of their ways. Each openly blames each other for the failed marriage, but when Elizabeth decides to live for God she wants her marriage restored. Unfortunately, this is not as simple as saying the Prayer of Salvation. Like any wound Elizabeth and Kenneth's marriage needs time to heal, but will Elizabeth's struggle with submission continue to infect the marriage? Especially, if she does decide to put that sugar in his gas tank!!

I was blown away by Vanessa's writing style and her in-your-face characters. Although I enjoyed the entire book, and will read all her works, my favorite scenes are those that describe Heaven and hell.

Tifany Jones
Founder and Radio Show Host
Sistah Confessions Book Club
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I am at a place in my life where I wonder what my purpose is & if I am worthy of God's mercys & grace. I was actually looking for another book came upon christian fiction ordered former rain with a few others it was as if I was reading about myself. God is truly amazing I have all 5 books and I am telling others about them. Thank You Vanessa may God continue to use you to be a blessing to others.

This was a very good book!! It was so good you could not put it down as a matter of fact I read the book in a week and a half! Good christian fiction!!