Along Came the Rain is a suspense-filled story told from the points of view of two major characters, Wynn and Barker, and two additional characters, Parminder and Kallie. Wynn is an older woman, a self-employed jewelry-maker who is somewhat eccentric and quirky; Barker is a social worker and the younger woman in this domestic partnership. Parminder is an intern working under Barker, and Kallie is a fifteen-year-old foster placement of Barker’s.

A kidnapping with an unusual motive is the basis of the story, which proved to be very engrossing right from the beginning. I found the outcome to be a total surprise, far from predictable, and the entire book an enjoyable read. Wynn and Barker are believable and well-developed characters. I could feel Wynn’s periodic confusion and frustration with herself, and I came to really like Barker because of her dedication to her clients. Parminder and Kallie are less developed, but that felt okay because the story belongs to Wynn and Barker.

My main criticism is that, while the story is told from the points of view of four different characters, their voices never differ. Kallie, a fifteen-year-old coming from a decidedly rougher background, possesses a vocabulary and sentence structure similar to that of the adults. Parminder, a native of India, does not have any distinctive characteristics to her narration. I also had a problem with Wynn's ability to accept and forgive when she is grievously wronged, but it’s possible that she might just be a better person than I am.

This book was well-written, an enjoyable read, and I found no errors of note other than a single word that should have been edited out and multiple places where I would have expected commas. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a quick suspense novel with a satisfying ending.

A longtime couple –one a social worker and the other an artist, fear and discover more about each other. This is a thriller, social commentary, and an excellent read.

I only have one word for word for this book - WOW!!
Beautifully written and a real page turner, Alison kept me hooked from the first few pages. I loved how the ending surprised me I certainly did not see that one coming.
Read this book you won't be disappointed.

Well that was fun.

Wynn Larimar loves making gourmet meals, designing jewellery and is dealing with what she fears is increasing memory loss. Her partner Barker is a social worker with a heavy caseload and is concerned about Wynn's inability to remember simple basics, like walking the dogs and remembering dinner invitations.

When Wynn is thrown in jail accused of kidnapping two foster kids under Barker's supervision the reader is left wondering how can this slightly confused older woman be involved in something so terrible and how will Barker protect her partner and find the teens.

Alison R. Solomon has written something new and different with Along Came the Rain. It's a thriller but it's gentle. A Cosy Thriller perhaps? There is tension created and we worry that Wynn, while not at the top of her game is being framed but by whom? And to what purpose?

I liked the author's writing style. The story moves along nicely with an easy flow but as another reviewer has indicated, it is important to note the dates listed under the chapter headings. To build layers and increase tension and intrigue the story bounces back and forth from the day Wynn is arrested, to the events surrounding the kidnapping and moments in Barker and Wynn's personal life.

This style of writing is not for everyone, and neither is the first person perspective told chapter to chapter by Wynn, Barker and one of the kidnapped girls but in this novel it works. We readers get to see first hand how Wynn's slips in memory are affecting her confidence and self esteem. Barker gives us insight into the career of a social worker, it's challenges and small victories. She also comes across as short-tempered when her partner forgets some of the smaller details in life. In Kallie we see the world through the eyes of a foster child caught in the system. Her survival skills are honed and she is mature beyond her fifteen years. The most poignant scene in the book for me was Kallie saying she had been drinking beer since she was three years old. Her drug addicted mom would dip her pacifier in beer to calm and quiet the child.

I found myself unable to put this quick read down. If you are looking for a Karin Slaughter or Lisa Gardner type thriller then this is not the book for you. The mystery involved is not earth shattering but it is surprising.

3.5 stars boosted up to 4 stars for its unique style and subject matter.

ARC received with thanks from Sapphire Books via NetGalley for review.

Great story with interesting twists and turns that came out of nowhere. All the while deal with the topic of Alzheimer's.
Great read and looking forward to the authors next book!

A really well written thriller with a great ending that I did not see coming.

Wow what a book! This book was amazing, great story with plenty of twists. Had me engrossed from the first page right up until the last. You think you know someone and then something happens and you realise you have been living with a complete stranger! A must read!