If It Rains

Written by Jennifer L. Wright

Narrated by Sarah Zimmerman

A story of resilience and redemption set against one of America’s defining moments―the Dust Bowl.
It’s 1935 in Oklahoma, and lives are determined by the dust. Fourteen-year-old Kathryn Baile, a spitfire born with a severe clubfoot, is coming of age in desperate times. Once her beloved older sister marries, Kathryn’s only comfort comes in the well-worn pages of her favorite book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Then Kathryn’s father decides to relocate to Indianapolis, and only the promise of a surgery to finally make her “normal” convinces Kathryn to leave Oklahoma behind. But disaster strikes along the way, and Kathryn must rely on her grit and the ragged companions she meets on the road if she is to complete her journey.

Back in Boise City, Melissa Baile Mayfield is the newest member of the wealthiest family in all of Cimarron County. In spite of her poor, rural upbringing, Melissa has just married the town’s most eligible bachelor and is determined to be everything her husband―and her new social class―expects her to be. But as the drought tightens its grip, Henry’s true colors are revealed. Melissa covers her bruises with expensive new makeup and struggles to reconcile her affluent life with that of her starving neighbors. Haunted by the injustice and broken by Henry’s refusal to help, Melissa secretly defies her husband, risking her life to follow God’s leading.

Two sisters, struggling against unspeakable hardship, discover that even in their darkest times, they are still united in spirit, and God is still with them, drawing them home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
• Release date: Jul 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9781496459329

Reviews for If It Rains

[Debbie Jayne Doolin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written!! This is one of my top five books (out of countless) so far this year - and going a good ways further back. I suppose it reminds me a bit of my favorite Chris Fabry books somehow - it's lyrical, a completely new take on a familiar historical story, emotionally deep (though not scarringly so), contains a bit of mystery in places, and is, in the end, an inspirational tale of perseverance, worthiness through God's design, and recognition of His faithfulness and provision in difficult circumstances.

I couldn't predict where it was going (as I too often do), and absolutely loved it!

There is some description of narcissistic spousal abuse. Not graphic or frequent, but something that may offer healing and hope for the journey to women who have experienced emotional, verbal, physical, mental, (or any sort, really), manipulation or abuse. The tale is also a good reminder to all, that this is an invisible epidemic whose sufferers could truly use the compassion practical kindnesses, and recognition of the church (and of those who are impatient in the grocery store line). A little kindness goes a long way when someone is in the fog of pain.

I believe this is so well written that readers will experience the gentle care of the author's words in a very meaningful way.

I listened to the audio book which was outstanding! It grabbed me and wouldn't let me go, and was so realistic and well done I felt I'd traveled to another place and time. I'll be getting a hard copy of this one to put on my shelf to read again and to share with friends and family.

This book is not to be missed, and I'll be looking for other novels by this talented author! Many thanks to her for her beautiful work. HIGHLY recommended!!!

[pwrxtrem2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book deserves a 10 star. It has all the elements of a great novel. I highly recommend it. Author did a great job building the characters, and the storyline was not predictable . It was a great read!!!

[shelly Thrasher · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful story set in dust bowl period in an area of Oklahoma and Texas that is close to my home. Loved the characters, loved their perseverance and the gentle weaving of God’s grace throughout!

[martha wessinger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What is NOT to love about this book!!! Great read!!! Colorful characters!!! Does not disappoint!!!

[Jenni Monahan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book!! Looking forward to reading more from this author!!

[Angela Ayers · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Colorful and richly expressed story. It’s immersive and really places you within the characters lives. I felt like I was living in their world with them. Beautiful, tragic and joyful story. Thank you..

[Christopher Norris · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was so well written. It was beautiful in word, character, plot and setting I loved it.