JDCMustReadBooks

By Lauraine Snelling 

ISBN-13: 9780892969135

Publisher: FaithWords

Publication date: 7/1/2014

Pages: 384

Format:  e-book

My Rating:  5 Stars

This was my first book by award-winning author, Lauraine Snelling, and was very impressed. I so look forward to reading more from this talented author.

When I first had an interest in reading this book, was drawn to the high resolution imagery of the front cover, and second the summary seemed something I would enjoy reading. However, was afraid it would be a typical story of a powerful CEO and woman, meeting a small town veterinarian. “Heaven Sent Rain” was so much more! 

Snelling drew me in from the beginning with her storytelling, depth, setting the mood with strong rich character development, and carefully unfolding piece by piece with honest emotion and genuine feelings.

Here is a single professional woman, smart, and CEO of her own company and a small little boy and his dog crosses her path. What is his story and is he homeless? The obstacles and challenges begin in her personal and professional life which seem to pile up daily, as she questions her ability, her past, and her future. 

Instead of ignoring them, she begins to show compassion, as she helps this seven year old little boy and his dog named Mutt. However, she may get more than she bargained for. Even though, throughout the novel the author chooses not to disclose why Dinah is so cold-hearted and rigid about certain things, and why she has lost her faith in God and people – until towards the end. 

Once you know the real reason behind her past, the story comes together as she slowly allows people, including Garrett, to come into her life, and realizes God has been there all along in everything she has done throughout her career as she helps people with her company and talents.

As we all are aware, God has a way of turning our lives upside down and taking us on a path we had not anticipated. We all are guilty of negative first impressions due to someone or something from our past which has hurt us previously. (Great dynamics between Dinah and Garrett).

This Christian book is about losing faith when the going gets tough, and how God uses someone to help us through it. They may be in our lives for a reason, or just a season. It would be an ideal book for a young mother, or professional single career woman.

What an inspirational and beautiful bittersweet story of love, family, friends, healing, and faith-highly recommend! 

As the story reiterates – God sees a bigger picture than we see, and He has a perfect plan for each of us. (even though sometimes it is disguised through another person, or ways we cannot comprehend until later). This is the real meaning behind Heaven Sent Rain when fate crosses the path of these three strangers. We all lose our way sometime, no matter how strong we are – it is nice to know someone is there to help guide, love and support us. 

My favorite character was Jonah, as he would make you smile and laugh; a little boy who had to grow up before his time, a rough childhood, with a heart of gold melting hearts with his love for his dog. You will also love the vet, Garrett -- sounds like my kind of guy - quite the hero! 

A special thank you to FaithWords/Center Street, and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.