The first thing that captured my attention about this book is the setting. From Mountains of West Virginia to the coast of Myrtle Beach, SC and to the hills of Kentucky this book will introduce to various cultures and people that populate the various regions. I found the descriptions of the locations realistic and believable.

Rich with Appalachian dialect, and feisty characters you are sure to feel like you are right there in the story. I did, however, find it difficult to connect with the main characters. While they are charming and believable, I just couldn't quite seem to connect with them in this story.

My favorite character is a secondary character, Granny Jane, a cantankerous old woman from the hills of Kentucky. Her wisdom and wit brought a smile to my face on more than one occasion.

If you are looking for a story to read that will give you a glimpse into what everyday life was like for people living the in the 1950's then you won't want to miss this story. Overall, I'd give this book 3.5 stars, as this is an enjoyable story to read.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

The story is one that warms your heart and has little surprises along the way. I didn’t really expect some of the little twists that the story had, but it ended with little surprises.
A fun historical mixed with the taste of a contemporary novel, I found a learned a bit. This author does a great job of bringing you into a somewhat unique story and making you care.

The book was provided to my by Bethany House and NetGalley. The opinions contained herein are my own.

The Sound of Rain starts off with a big cave in at a coal mine. One that took the life of Judd's brother and almost took his legs off, but left him gimp . So instead of going back underground coal mining - he decides to leave and move to South Carolina – where his dead brother was going to go – he will become a lumberjack . When he's on the bus to get to South Carolina he meets someone that knows the owner of the lumber company and he would introduce him to the owner and get him a job. When he did he met Larkin the owner's daughter and a small spark flew. Now In the beginning Judd didn't have faith – did he find it ? Did anything happen with him and Larkin – being the bosses daughter and-all? There's so many twists to this story you will love it .

After the mine he's working in collapses, injuring him and killing his younger brother Joe, Judd Markley can't bear to go back to mining. He leaves his home in West Virginia to go to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he finds a job working for a timber company. When he first meets Larkin Heyward, his boss's daughter, he figures she's spoiled and shallow, but as he gets to know her better, he realizes there's more to her than a rich girl who likes dancing. Larkin has been volunteering at the local hospital, but she finds herself wanting to do more and decides to join her minister brother Ben in rural Kentucky to help the people there. As she comes to know Judd better, she's torn between her desire to help the people in Appalachia and her feelings for Judd, who doesn't want to leave his job working for Larkin's father. This book was delightful! I loved the setting; I was so drawn into the time period (it's set in 1954) and the locations. I've never been to West Virginia, South Carolina, or Kentucky, but Sarah Loudin Thomas made all of those places real for me with her descriptions. Beyond that, though, the characters just pulled me in. From the get go, I couldn't help but feel for Judd, who's a lost without his brother and has to figure out what the future has in store for him. I also liked seeing Larkin find her own strength. Secondary characters (like Granny Jane!) stole my heart as well. There were so many great themes, such as figuring out what actually matters in life, finding the path God wants for you, and living again after a loss, that most readers will be able to relate to.

It was the settings that drew me to The Sound of Rain: the lowlands of South Carolina, a place I’ve wanted to visit; West Virginia, a place whose beauty touches my heart each time we are there; and Kentucky, a place that I am proud to call home. Judd Markley loved his home in West Virginia until he found himself buried in a cave-in in the mine in which he and his younger brother, Joe, worked. While he found the hot, humid air of South Caroline, the place to which he fled, quite oppressive, he cherished the opportunity to work above ground and to use his mechanical skills, and he decided that he might also cherish his boss’s daughter. Larkin Heyward, whose father owned Waccamaw Timber Company, had everything most girls her age could want: beauty, wealth, and popularity. Yet, something was missing. Larkin longed to follow her God given calling to be of help to others, to make a difference in the world, to go beyond the superficial life of a young socialite. She especially longed to help the people of Appalachia, but might she also long for a certain young timberman recently transplanted from the mountains of West Virginia?
The Sound of Rain is a story of discovering, embracing and setting priorities, while looking to God for guidance in the process. It is also a story of relationships, and understanding others, accepting them for who they are and where they are in their life journey, taking their hand, and walking alongside them, moving together to a closer relationship with one another and with God.
I recommend The Sound of Rain to readers who love a sweet romance along with a bit of drama, but with a full share of deeper meaning, a lesson worth pondering. I thank NetGalley and the Baker Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of The Sound of Rain in exchange for this honest review. I received no monetary compensation.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the free review copy of this book. All opinions in this blog are mine.

This was such a sweet book. I enjoyed the narration of it. I usually don’t read books that are in an mans point-of-view. It was interesting to get to read about different aspects of life from this view point. Whether in the coal mine or in the timber, I liked how the author gave a glance into jobs that aren’t usually held by women.

Judd is a character that is so relatable. He is an honest, hardworking man. On his journey, we see him struggle with loss, love, and God. He is kept as a down-to-earth character, who doesn’t involve himself in lots of drama, which I appreciated. Larkin is the perfect opposite to Judd and helps bring an energy to the novel, which would’ve been missed without her. Whether in South Carolina or Kentucky each setting is described so the audience can understand what the 1950’s was like in these areas.

I only wish that George Heyward’s character had been a bit more developed. There is a major revelation that occurs in his life, but the reader is only able to get a glimpse into it. His struggle is pivotal in the plot, so I thought he would’ve had more depth to him.

This book is out tomorrow, so go and pre-order it or look for it in a bookstore. It’s for anyone who loves some romance, mystery, or the 1950’s.

I have been looking forward to reading this book all year. I loved Sarah Loudin Thomas' Appalachian Blessings series. Although the time period and setting are the same, I found the tone and feel of this book to be very different. This one focused more on the romance and courtship of the main characters and less on the family drama, although that did play an important role in the plot.

I enjoyed the main characters, and thought they had good chemistry. Judd was a strong male lead even though he was dealing with grief and guilt over the death of his brother. Larkin was sweet and naive without being obnoxious. I felt like her character had the most growth.

I loved the 1950's setting. It felt old fashioned, but everyone could still get in their cars and get places in a reasonable amount of time. I would have loved more time spent in Kentucky. Overall the book felt a little short. I'm hoping we get to visit these characters later on, though I don't see anything that indicates this is a series.

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical romance in a unique setting.

I received this book for free for the purpose of review.

Judd Markley and Larkin Heyward`s life might have completely different backgrounds but both have had their share of hurts that have shaped them today.
Judd Markley moves to South Carolina consumed by grief and remorse. He's determined to live out his baby brother dream not only as a way of preserving his brother's memory but as a self-punishment as well. When new dreams and friends come along, how long can Judd hold on to undeserved penitence so he can learn to smile again?
Larkin Heyward has grown up pampered, with doting parents and a loving family. But her brother's decisions upon graduating have shattered her family in two, secluding him from being part of her life ever again. When Larkin starts to find aspiration in a path similar to the one taken by her brother, will she bare breaking her father's heart again?
A hurricane brings these two characters together in ways neither one imagined. And as much as Larkin may come out as naive, spoiled and downright irritating, Judd is quickly finding out she also represents the purest sunshine capable of bringing hope to his darkness.

The Sound Of Rain by Sarah Loudin Thomas is a marvellous Christian historical romance which I devoured.
It was a cracking story set in 1954 which wove certain facts into fiction. With a comprehensive cast of characters, the reader will find that they weave their way into your heart.
The novel's main themes are about knowing God and having the correct priorities. "There's making money and then there's making a living." There is nothing wrong with having money and possessions but when they are your sole focus, something is wrong. People should come first. Relationships should be a priority as it is too late once people are gone.
There are characters who have hearts for people, who put people first and cannot be swayed by bribery.
A relationship with God is important. We need to listen to Him and follow His plans. If we do not know what they are, we must ask Him.
God always answers prayer. We must pray at all times. Sometimes life is tough and only God can get us through.
There is the theme of grief. Grief hurts. Grief consumes. Grief can take over. The only comfort we can have is that if our loved one knew Jesus, they will reside with Him and we will see them again one day.
We all have dreams. The novel shows the importance of following our God given dreams.
Family is important. Fractured families hurt. We need to work on restoring relationships.
We are called to shine our light wherever we go. Light is needed to shine in this dark world. This is powerfully illustrated in the novel as part of it is set in a mine. We need to follow the light. Some people are the light. Their personality is sunny and they spread joy, peace and light wherever they go.
The Sound Of Rain was a wonderful read from a talented author. I loved it.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

This is a fine debut by the author. My measure for good Christian fiction is whether the story would stand on its own without the Christian themes. If it can, then the Christian element is just "appliqued" on the surface of an ordinary fiction book. The Sound of Rain weaves an intricate tale of a family torn apart by religion and ultimately healed by the same faith. Well-paced with likeable characters and a tidy ending. A very enjoyable read.