Customer Reviews

Rainshadow Road (Friday Harbor)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Lisa Kleypas is one of my favorite authors and there's simply nothing she could publish that I won't read. Although she's made a nice foray into contemporary romance, if you're a die hard fan of her steamy historical novels, this series is very different in style and content. Instead of the laser focus on romantic chemistry and impossible odds, this is more of a family drama and natural progression. The series is about the Nolan brothers who are all a little damaged thanks to their very drunken and now deceased parents. To add to their disfunction, their sister has recently passed away and left her young daughter, Holly, to the care of three reluctant, baggage laden, bachelors who pull together to give Holly the best upbringing possible. It's a nice progression from Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, the first book, and although it picks up after those events, this is easily a standalone book.

Lucy Marinn is having a real bad day. She gets dumped by her long time boyfriend and has to move out of their home to make room for his new girlfriend, Lucy's own sister, Alice. Betrayed and completely befuddled, Lucy finds solace at a quiet beach, but her revery is disrupted when she bumps into and handsome stranger, winemaker, Sam Nolan. Sam takes an interest in the beautiful woman with green eyes, but she runs scared for the hills to get away from men in general. When Lucy gets into an accident and needs round the clock care, Lucy's friends are busy preparing for a wedding and ask their good friend Sam to look after her.

This is a slow paced, whimsical story, with a lot of historical reflection on the character's upbringing and the events that are shaping their lives. Lucy and Sam only have about 15 pages together in the first 100 or so, and months can pass between chapters, so if you're looking for instantaneous combustion when they meet, you're not going to get it here. Their chemistry builds at a realistic pace and is interweaved with friends, family and drama. There's also the addition of magic to the story that I'm not convinced is necessary to the storyline and makes it seem a little too Hallmark chanel. Compared to classic Kleypas, this reads more like three stars, but compared to other contemporary romances, it's easily a four. It's a refreshing, feel good story, without plot manipulations and dreaded misunderstandings, and makes for the perfect read for curling up with a cup of hot chocolate.

But it's ultimately forgettable. And I really, really could have done without the magic. Those elements were halfheartedly written into the plot and could easily have been eliminated, as they added nothing except, in my case, to puzzle me as to why the heck they were there.

Other than that, it's a very pleasant contemporary romance. Heroine Lucy Marinn and hero Sam Nolan come from backgrounds with difficult childhoods. The hero more so than the heroine since both his parents were alcoholics and failures as parents. The heroine only had to deal with parental favoritism of her younger sister Alice, a favoritism that had its origin in Alice's near death from meningitis at a young age but that becomes extremely irrational, baseless and unfair once Alice has recovered.

Lucy is fascinated by glass; it's magical for her and served as an escape during her childhood. She makes her living now as a glass artist. Sam, a neglected child, found acceptance and loving care at the home of a childless neighbor couple and from them he develops a lifelong interest in plants and growing things. He is now into viticulture and is the owner of Rainshadow Vineyard.

Both H and h are still among the walking wounded emotionally because of their pasts and must learn to come to terms with it and learn to trust. Kleypas writes the story well and her characters are engaging and likeable. I don't believe I have ever read a badly-written Kleypas novel and she is true to form here. However, there's nothing groundbreaking here in plot or characters so I'm sticking with the 3-star rating.

Be on the lookout for Crystal Cove and Dream Lake, sequels which will be released this year. And if you haven't read Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, try it as the prequel to this series. It features Sam's brother Mark. One of the sequels will feature Sam's troubled and possibly alcoholic brother Alex. I'll be reading the next ones. I can't not read a Kleypas novel.

It started off with a little magic. It goes through Lucy's childhood and why she and her sister are the way they are. I was so annoyed by Alice that I was cringing all through their childhood. Do parents really act like that? Then, I think, of course they do.

The whole story felt a little depressing to me. Even when Lucy was with Kevin in the beginning she seemed to be ... well, depressed. It was a little hard to read. Then she meets Sam in a very interesting and different way. I felt like it was something I'd almost do. As enjoyable as that was I'm not exactly sure I felt a connection to the characters.

There were a few twists that came about that I didn't see coming and rather enjoyed but then there were a few things that you could see coming a mile away.

The magic wasn't a predominate part of the story and it has me wondering why it was even there at all. I feel like it didn't have to be. I, personally, didn't mind the magic but I'm not sure everyone will feel the same way.

I wish I felt more for these characters because the story was really interesting. I loved the supporting characters and the detail that went into explaining the story. I find it difficult to connect unless I can feel what it is they're feeling.

I am excited about the next book in the series that is coming. I'd love to see where we're going from here and who's next in the story line.

Lovely. I can't think of a better word to describe this book. I must say Lisa Kleypas had really impressed with her transition from historical romance to contemporary. She is one of the few authors, I believe, who has done it not only successfully, but stellarly.

This is just the latest in a very deep bench of really good contemporary romances by this author to stand right along side her wealth of great historical romances.

The rhythms of the book are lyrical, relaxed, almost whimsical. The writing and tone of the this book match the plot perfectly. We first meet Luce Marrin and her family when she is seven years old. We are with her when she discovers her love of all things glass, especially the creation of art with it (only later will she discover the science of it). We are also there when she discovers the existence magic.

We are also with many years later when her boyfriend of three years dumps her for another woman -- her own sister, Alice. Lucy is rightfully hurt and bitter and protective of herself. So when she meets Sam Nolan she's wary. In her mind she doesn't do relationships well and Sam's background as a child of alcoholics doesn't lend itself to creating great relationships either. But they do enter into a lovely (there's that word again!) friendship that blossoms into something really quite magical.

There are many elements that make this book a winner in my eyes. First and foremost is the build of the relationship between Sam and Luce. They meet right at the aftermath of her devastating break-up. Sam hits just the right tone right from the beginning, imo. He is funny, a bit sarcastic and very matter of fact. The one thing that is never in doubt between these two is their communication skills with each other. They talk, they explain, they listen. And yes, sometimes they even prevaricate a bit to protect themselves toward the end, but that doesn't matter because by then they have built up a solid trust.

I also particularly liked how Kleypas built the Marrin family dynamic. At the very beginning of the book, there is a pivot point where the relationship roles between the sisters are set. These roles define much of their personality and follows them into adult-hood. It would have been so easy for the author to simply set Alice up as being spoiled and selfish and Lucy as being long suffering and victimized and the parents as playing favorites and a bit neglectful. But the characters go a bit deeper than that. The author displays a deft touch with the family and each character had nuance and depth because of it.

And since I am not a fan of the Noble Heroine, I was frankly glad to see that Lucy held onto her hurt and her bitterness and her resentment of Alice that went a lot deeper than just Alice stealing her boyfriend. She didn't just smile and forgive, she had a right to her feelings of betrayal and the author let us and Luce righteously feel that for a bit.

But lest you think the book is all angst it isn't. The sisterly betrayal is just a set piece of the book. It is nicely balanced by the romance and the wonder of the magic that is a part of Lucy and her glass creations.

It was also great to re-visit Maggie, Mark and Holly from the Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor first book and meet a slew of truly excellent supporting characters including a group of Hell's Angels bikers who take Luce under their wing and a pair of best girlfriends, Justine and Zoe, who are there when Luce needs them most.

Lovely book.

Important note - the book doesn't play out exactly as the product description suggests. For this reader, the reality was better! It is suggested that conflict arises between Sam and Lucy when she finds out that Kevin asked Sam to date her. That isn't the case at all. **SPOILERS** First, Sam had met Lucy (and tried to get her to go out with him) before he realized Kevin was the dastardly ex-fiance she'd referenced. Moreover, when Sam agreed to do Kevin the favor (he owed Kevin, even though they really weren't friends) Sam clued Lucy in right away. So that was never a source of conflict, thank goodness.

While I appreciate an author laying a good foundation for a book, with strong back-stories, for some reason the opening chapters seemed to drag for me. They fell a bit flat. But I am glad that I stuck with this since it turned out to be a very good read.

Once Lucy was firmly in Sam's orbit/life, the story really worked - and I loved seeing the glimpses into the lives of Sam's family. They revealed a lot about him, while also setting up future books in the series.

In a nutshell, Lucy is a stained glass artist who has a spoiled brat for a younger sister - Alice. Alice had been struck with meningitis as a child and after she recovered her parents went way overboard in spoiling her and insulating her from any disappointments in life. Lucy had to deal with the fall-out, though in the end that treatment probably did more to harm Alice than anyone. It turns out that while Lucy thinks all is clicking along just fine with Kevin, the man with whom she'd been living for 2 years, he and Alice had fallen for each other. She finds this out when Kevin tells her he needs to end things, admits he's been cheating with Alice (whom he loves... truly) and, oh by the way, she needs to move out so Alice can move in.

It doesn't take long for Lucy to realize that this is the best thing for her. She quickly gets over Kevin, but her sister's betrayal and refusal to really take ownership for what poor decisions she's made are what really continue to hurt.

Sam Nolan, child of vicious alcoholics who does not believe in love - at least for himself. He has zero intention ever settling down - even though he has shown himself to be a wonderful, loving uncle to his orphaned niece. Sam and Lucy are thrown together and learn things about each other that no one else knows. Secret things they've never shared with anyone else. All the while, promising each other that they will NOT fall for each other. They will have a no-strings affair and when it's time it will end with no one getting hurt. But how can that be true when they have opened up to each other in ways that they never have before.

Of course, they DO fall in love - and the readers aren't tortured unduly with how long it takes for Sam to realize he is capable AND DESERVING of love and a life that is nothing like his parents'.

It is at least a bit satisfying to see Kevin grovel to Lucy and ask for a second chance - which she has NO intention of doing. He skips out on Alice before their wedding... and I think it is going to be a positive turning point for her life, too.

FINAL SPOILER - there is a mystical/magical element to this book that not all might like. Lucy has an ability to infuse glass with energy so it becomes something else - like fireflies, or hummingbirds. Sam has a magical relationship with plants - he just knows things about them; they communicate. They are draw to him and he can reanimate them. These special talents created some special moments in the book, but you do have to suspend your disbelief.

I enjoyed the novella that introduced this series, Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, and was looking forward to seeing what Lisa Kleypas would do with a full-length book. Unfortunately, I don't think the result is up to Kleypas' normal high standards.

There is a maxim that says that in romance novels there is never a new plot, but a good author will find a way to make a story their own. Kleypas usually does that via evocative writing, particularly excellent characterization. But in this case, although she has a beautiful setting, the descriptions are somewhat awkward, and although the characters should be interesting (a glassmaker and a vinyard owner), they are somewhat flat. In addition, Lucy's character is a bit inconsistent; she is initially described as wary of all relationships, but she seems to have little trouble trusting Sam and developing a relationship, and the fallout from her breakup with Kevin is so minimized it is non-existent.

The biggest problem that I had with the book was the use of magic. In Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor "magic" is used symbolically to represent the power of a child's imagination, innocence, and trust. It adds to the emotional development of the characters and their relationship. In Rainshadow Road the magic is literal. However it adds nothing to the plot, and at times it seems that it is used in place of character development, rather than to supplement it.

Despite it's flaws, and as long as you aren't expecting one of Kleypas' best works, Rainshadow Road is a decent contemporary romance, and I am going to read the next book in the series.

(On a side note- the cover synopsis for the book, although mostly factually accurate, isn't really true to the story line.)

I'm a big fan of Lisa Kleypas. Several of her historical romance novels are on my keeper shelf. And while I loved some of her previous contemporary books (Smooth Talking Stranger is also on my keeper shelf), I was disappointed by Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor (oldest brother Mark's story). I thought it was too short and there just wasn't much to it - so I wasn't sure what to expect from this book.

Happily, there's much more to this story. This book is the romance of the middle Nolan brother, Sam, and Lucy, a glass artist.

The two meet when Lucy takes her bike to the beach. Her live-in boyfriend of 2 years has just dumped her for her younger sister and has even asked her to move out of their home right now. But while Sam is interested in getting better acquainted, Lucy is not - she needs time to come to terms with what's happened.

Time goes on. Unlike some romances, there's a slow progression to the story and the romance. We learn more about the characters, their past and their families. Lucy has issues with her sister and Sam is a nice guy but has a real problem with relationships. Thanks to their folks (alcoholics), the Nolan sons are a mess as far as relationships with women are concerned. In Sam case, he is against marriage and likes to keep things light - a real commitment-phobic.

Lucy knows that Sam can't handle a relationship and she tells herself that something light is just what she needs (friends with benefits), but feelings get in the way. Sam isn't sure what to make of this - he likes being with Lucy but those relationship fears keep popping up. What will he do?

Mark (and Maggie and Holly) are mentioned here too. We learn a bit more about the youngest brother, Alex, and I think his possible romantic interest in a future book.

As others have mentioned, there's also a touch of magic in this story too. It's not overwhelming (or a huge part of the story as in a paranormal). I usually don't care for magic in my stories, but it was OK here.

Overall, this is a nice read. It's not a keeper, but enjoyable all the same.

Lisa Kleypas never disappoints and Rainshadow Road is no different. She starts out with a bang and keeps you on the edge of your chair the whole time!

Lucy thinks she has found Mr Right in Kevin. However after three years of living together, Kevin drops a bombshell. He doesn't think they are right for each other. He has found someone else. HER YOUNGER SISTER! Can you believe it? Off we go on this fantastic ride called Rainshadow Road.

All the signs seem to point to Lucy and Sam, but Sam has a fear of hurting women and commitments. His parents were not the best example in the world. After having Kevin break Lucy's heart she doesn't want anything to do with relationships any more. Figures she is better off with her glass making ALONE.

However Lucy ends up needing a caregiver and who better than Sam!

Enjoy this book, it will delight you every step of the way! You will want to savor it and wish it didn't end so quick.

I loved this story, started out not expecting much, but quickly started liking the heroine so much. The sibling rivalry which provides nearly all of the conflict in the story rung so true for me too as I see it happening with my kids. I liked that the two of them respected each other and didn't play cheap games with each other or anything, and how they fell so in love with each other gradually so that they could heal their childhood wounds and move past into a real relationship was incredibly touching. And we could all do with some magic in our lives...

Lucy Marinn is a talented glass artist whose life seems to be going really well- until the day her boyfriend announces he's leaving her for Lucy's younger sister Alice. Lucy even has to move out, to make room for Alice who is moving in! lucy slowly puts her life together with the help of her friends Justine and Zoe, and of course their good looking friend Sam.

I am a big fan of Kleypas' historical romance novels and I had high hopes for this one. Honestly, I'm having a hard time telling you why I didn't love it. The chemistry just wasn't there for me for one thing. I didn't fall for Sam and I wasn't convinced Lucy was either. I didn't love Lucy- or really any of the characters- I didn't feel like I really knew any of them.

There is also an element of magic to this story that I found distracting rather than adding to the story. I am not opposed to the magic element- I loved the Amanda Quick Arcane Society novels, I just didn't like it here. I have different standards for different kinds of literature, and for me to like a romance novel it has to make me dream a little. This one just didn't, and I am surprised because Lisa Kleypas has always been such a superb storyteller.