Thunder and Rain: A Novel [Hardcover]

Charles Martin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 3, 2012

Third generation Texas Ranger Tyler Steele is the last of a dying breed-- a modern day cowboy hero living in a world that doesn't quite understand his powerful sense of right and wrong and instinct to defend those who can't defend themselves. Despite his strong moral compass, Ty has trouble seeing his greatest weakness. His hard outer shell, the one essential to his work, made him incapable of forging the emotional connection his wife Andie so desperately needed.

Now retired, rasing their son Brodie on his own, and at risk of losing his ranch, Ty does not know how to rebuild from the rubble of his life. The answer comes in the form of Samantha and her daughter Hope, on the run from a seemingly inescapable situation. They are in danger, desperate, and alone. Though they are strangers, Ty knows he can help-- protecting the innocent is what he does best. As his relationship with Sam and Hope unfolds, Ty realizes he must confront his true weaknesses if he wants to become the man he needs to be.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Martin has an incredible gift for characterization and writing that tugs at the emotions without being overly melodramatic. This is the type of novel you will want to read quickly, because it is so engrossing, yet want to savor because the prose is meaningful and poignant."
(RT Book Reviews (**** 1/2) )

"...entertaining hybrid of James Lee Burke's morality tales and Nicholas Sparks' sentimental journeys.A John Wayne hero, multiple appreciations of the Colt Model 1911 and a cowboy-gets-the-girl" (Kirkus Reviews )

"Good for anyone who likes good, strong, old-fashioned, right-or-wrong reads, and Martin does have a following." (Library Journal )

"Charles Martin is a sensitive fellow. He is also one hell of a writer. His latest book tells the story of a modern day Texas Ranger. It will have you cheering, and crying, of course." (The Florida Times-Union )

"[A]n enlivening, inspiring and action-packed novel....you will not be able to put it down." (bookreporter.com )

"Thunder and Rain is one of the best books I have read in years....this book reads easy and Mr. Martin tells a story that grabs you from the first chapter and keeps you turning the pages. Before you know it, the book is almost done. This is the first of Martin's books I have read and now I'm a fan. If you like westerns, read the book. If you like action stories, read the book. If you're a fan of Texas or the mystique associated with the Texas Rangers, get the book. If you like a great story that culminates in the triumph of good over evil - yeah - get the book. Highly recommended, you won't be disappointed." (SkinnyMoose.com )

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin has written eight novels, including The Mountain Between Us. His work has been translated into seventeen languages. When not writing, his hobbies include bow hunting, working out (a blend of old school stuff and martial arts, called Fight Fit), and Tae Kwon Do, in which he currently has a blue belt, though he notes he is "the least flexible person you've ever met." He lives with his wife, Christy, and their three sons in Jacksonville, Florida.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Center Street; 1 edition (April 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1455503983
• ISBN-13: 978-1455503988
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 1.2 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (111 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,913 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner for Charles Martin! March 16, 2012

By Jayl31558

Format:Hardcover

Charles Martin has done it again! Ty Steele is a throwback lawman that still believes in loyalty, honor and respect the way that he cares for people of all walks of life or a rarity ! Love this book and have started passing it around. At least an author that is not afraid to write a great book without e filth of some of the other big selling authors!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars More of the same from Charles Martin March 24, 2012

By Gilmore Fan

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you have enjoyed Charles Martin's books in the past, you will most likely enjoy this one as well. Another strong male character of high morals and integrity who always knows the right things to say and do and shows great concern and compassion for others. Typically I have always been able to purchase Charles Martin books for my church library because they are clean and unoffensive (which I greatly appreciate!). This time, though, I was a little disappointed to discover that I cannot be comfortable putting this book in the church library. Charles Martin crosses a very fine line with his choice of words and innuendos at times. Don't misunderstand....this book is still much less offensive than most every other bestselling author out there, but I know his books are often categorized as inspirational fiction in bookstores, and I'm afraid some people may not appreciate everything they read in this book. Still a good story; I just couldn't give it five stars this time. Definitely still worth reading!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Story On Perseverance and Humility January 4, 2013

By LJ

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book was recommended by a relative and is the first book I've ever read by Charles Martin. I'm really glad this was my first read by this author, for I am able to provide an honest review, without all the comparisons of any other books written by him.

I did not read the reviews on this book until after I finished it. I'm glad I didn't. Furthermore, I don't have a clue about who this author is, and I've only skimmed the descriptive lines of the other books by this author. So, my review is based on the story, not on the author, as so many others seem to have focused on.

This story provides an honest and down to earth perspective on the reality of life in a myriad of stages. It starts out with a man and his son dealing with the issues of a wife and mother who turned in different directions and made choices they all had to contend with every day. The man, Tyler Steele, is returning from a trip after seeing his wife, comes upon a women and her daughter struggling to survive their own various choices and dilemmas.

From here, the story begins to build into scenarios of mistrust, pain, hurt and more choices of entanglement, to a point where their lives are forever entwined. The story conveys the raw sensitivity of a man whose life has driven him to protect others, and to give of himself unselfishly to those in need. The woman (Samantha) and her daughter (Hope) are dealing with their own personal crisis, with nowhere to go and no place to run for safety.

This story portrays the good and bad in people in various degrees. It describes the human side of humanity in which all of us, at some point in our life, may have experienced. As the story unfolds, the reader begins to see the blossoms of love, trust, and humility become apparent as their lives take on meaning and purpose.

Mr. Martin tells how good people can become better, and how great people can provide the guidance needed to assist in the healing process, whether physical or emotional. This story contains lessons, if one chooses to see them. To some extent, it is a "feel good" story, albeit, filled with heartache, loss and mental endurance. It is a romance / love story, but, in my opinion, not even close to being "trashy", as some have chosen to depict it. I have provided in-depth reviews on books that `were' trashy and sickening in their presentation. This novel however, is not even close.

After reading the reviews, it was obvious there were those who brought forth judgment upon the author. I equated this to some deep-seated reasoning that the author didn't meet their personal glorified expectations based on how the `other' novels by this author was written. On the other hand, maybe one's thoughts were based on shallow thinking and an over protective mindset, where just the slightest hint of perceived immorality would have tainted their pedestal of self-proclaimed sanctimony to a point of living out an indulged guilt trip until the following Sunday.

I don't know...I guess when someone takes one statement from the entire book and holds it up as the justification of calling the entire book a "trashy novel", then one has to wonder where that fanatic mindset comes from. Then there is the "h" word review. This reviewer implies that maybe the author is no longer a Christian because he used the word `hell' several times in this story. Other reviews further imply that possibly Mr. Martin is turning "secular" in his writings because, I guess, he was not as warm and fuzzy, touchy-feely in this novel as he has been in the `others.'

Yeah, I'm so glad this is the first book by this author that I've read. I was able to have clarity in my review and add the perspective it deserves, instead of having a false mindset of personal purity, and thinking I had the almighty right to judge an author by one word, or one statement, or because the author dared take a different direction from past novels.

If you are a Christian, or spiritually minded towards Biblical things, and you haven't read this story, don't let some of these 1-3 reviews distort your desire to give this story a read. It really is a good story line...and heartwarming.

Some people just need to take the beam out of their own eye before they try to take the mote out of someone else's. What was it Jesus said? Oh yeah, "He who is without sin, cast the first stone."