Guest Author, Sandra Brown with Giveaway!
by sue on Nov.05, 2009, under Book Chat
Rainwater by Sandra Brown
Setting: 1930s Dustbowl Texas
Subgenre: Historical Fiction
Hero: David Rainwater
Heroine: Ella Barron
One sentence summary: A heartwarming historical novel about an independent woman who runs a boarding house in Dust Bowl Texas, who unexpectedly finds love amidst the chaos of her time.
Why this story is so personal to you: My dad told of an incident that happened when he was eight years old and which left a distinct impression on him. My paternal grandfather owned a dairy farm. Agents from the federal government arrived, demanding that he pour out his surplus milk. Grandpa had been giving it way to indigent families. He refused to comply with this government mandate, implemented to create a demand and thereby raise the price of milk. There ensued an armed standoff between the agents and my grandfather, who was backed by his friends and relatives. Eventually the agents retreated, and Grandpa continued to give away the milk he couldn’t sell. This story fired my imagination and provided the backdrop for RAINWATER.
Scene you like most and would never cut: The scene in the kitchen where Mr. Rainwater gives Ella the copy of “A Farewell to Arms.”
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: Ella would never stand by and let someone harm or verbally abuse her autistic son, Solly.
Thing your heroine learns about herself through the course of the novel: She learns how to live.
Your hero, is he a man of action or a strong silent type? Mr. Rainwater is definitely the strong, silent type, but there are taut action scenes where he’s the pivotal character. He’s resolute in his convictions. It’s that strength that intimidates his enemies.
Ancillary character you most admire: Brother Calvin, the preacher. But I also admire Lola for her optimism and for making no secret of the love she holds for her husband and children.
Your heroine’s greatest desire: If I reveal that here, I reveal the plot!
Your hero’s greatest fear: That his being in Ella and Solly’s lives would bring them harm.
What you think readers will like best about this book: I sincerely hope they like it all. I didn’t create it; the story was there. I just feel very fortunate to have been the writer who found it.
Is this a one hanky, two hanky or three hanky tale? Are we limited to three?
What’s next for Sandra Brown: In the next book, TOUGH CUSTOMER, I do carry over a character from SMASH CUT. It’s the first time in more than twenty years, since I’ve been writing suspense, that I’ve done this. But Dodge Hanley, the irascible investigator in SMASH CUT, was such an interesting character, that when I finished that book, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to him. I wanted to know what had made him such a cynic. Was it an innate trait, or had an event made him that way? TOUGH CUSTOMER weaves a present day conflict with Dodge’s back story
For Discussion:
Several scenes make me cry even though I’ve read them so many times I almost know them by heart. Which scenes put tears in your eyes?
Ladies, had you been in Ella’s situation, knowing what she did about Rainwater, would you have allowed yourself to fall in love with him? Would you have had a choice?
Rainwater is described as gaunt and pale. Conrad Ellis refers to him as a pantywaist. As you were reading the novel, did you think of him as weak or strong?
Giveaway – one FREE copy of Rainwater! Winner will be chosen randomly from comments below – good luck!
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Sandra Brown – Blog » Blog Archive » Don’t Forget
November 5th, 2009 on 2:49 pm[...] Appearances, Contests, Reading, Touring | Return to Home View commentsComments I’m over at Sue Grimshaw’s blog today chatting about Rainwater. Stop by and comment–you might win a book! With Elaine, a [...]
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About Sue & Borders True Romance Blog
Sue G - Borders True Romance Host - Borders Romance Buyer, reads romance. For her JOB. No, really. You can email Sue at sgrimshaw at bordersgroupinc dot com.
Borders True Romance Blog is a community, developed for you, the romance reader, to find out more about the books you love; the authors who write them & where to buy them :) Borders.com
Previously published as Wishes No Matter How Fast You Run. . .The newborn baby boy is beautiful, perfect, and hers for the asking. All Kate Summers has to do is agree to one condition--she must disappear from Boston and never breathe a word about the adoption to anyone. Or How Far You Go. . .Fifteen years later, Kate has built a good life for herself and her son, Jon, in Hopewell, Oregon. Still, she is haunted by the fear that he will somehow be taken away. Then Daegan O'Rourke arrives in town and strikes up a friendship with her and Jon. But Daegan has his own past to hide--one with shocking ties to hers. A Killer Will Always Find You. . .Someone is watching Kate, watching her son, and is willing to go to any lengths to claim him. And the one man Kate is tempted to trust has dangerous secrets that could change her world forever. Soon the past Kate thought she could outrun will explode, unearthing a legacy of lies and treachery, and a fury powerful enough to kill. . .
Friend Feed
November 24th, 2009 on 8:49 am
I do not read suspense books so I can’t say that I have read any of your previous books but after reading a summary of Rainwater, I very much want to read it. I am going to try and get this book before Christmas and read it over the holidays.
November 7th, 2009 on 11:56 am
Since I got my friend to start reading again and it was YOUR book EXCLUSIVE that got her to where she is today, I’d love to win your newest book, RAINWATER. Maybe this will get me started in reading ROMANCE!!!! LOL Mickey Mac
November 7th, 2009 on 7:02 am
Sounds great, I can’t wait to read it!
Since I tend towards Highlander-type heroes, I think I’d have a little bit of wrestling to do before I can actually see him as the hero.
November 6th, 2009 on 5:36 pm
I think this book sounds great! I’m very excited to read it.
Sandra, I love your books.
Thanks!
November 6th, 2009 on 3:12 pm
I’m back from New York City and still sick, but all the wonderful comments made me feel so much better. Thank you again for chatting with me!
November 6th, 2009 on 2:40 pm
Hello, Sandra! You are one of my very favorite authors! You are one of the few writers whose books I will always buy just for the author alone. I know that you will captivate me as a reader with whatever story you tell!
November 6th, 2009 on 1:02 pm
After a review like this — How could I not want to rush out and buy it. This sounds wonderful, powerful, moving…
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
November 6th, 2009 on 10:32 am
This book sounds awesome…I can’t wait to read it!
November 6th, 2009 on 9:52 am
Looking forward to reading this one! You’re a talented lady, keep them coming.!
November 6th, 2009 on 9:29 am
Love reading Sandra Brown’s books! Can’t wait to read this one — sounds great!
November 6th, 2009 on 2:06 am
I really enjoy Sandra’s books although I haven’t read this one, sad to say. I love the way the characters really become somehow dear and close to my heart so that I can’t help but follow through their journey and feel each sad and happy moment with them
November 5th, 2009 on 11:55 pm
This book sounds fantastic. I really can’t wait to get a copy
November 5th, 2009 on 9:14 pm
Sandra, Thank you for your labor of love on this book. I can only imagine how exciting and challenging it may have been for you to write a story that is so close to home. I’m excited that it is out in time for the Christmas shopping season because it’s going on my wish list on the fridge for my husband to see (and children when they visit)! I just want you to know that I truly enjoy reading your work and it has brought me a lot of peace and relaxation while taking care of my 3 teens over the years. Sincerely, Marie
November 5th, 2009 on 8:10 pm
Wouldlove to read this book! Sounds great. Love your books.
November 5th, 2009 on 6:30 pm
The video is awesome. For some reason it reminds me of the anime “Emma” I watched some years back…
November 5th, 2009 on 6:06 pm
Hi Sandra, your books sounds like a fabulous read and I would love to read it. I love a good hanky story, so I will have to put this one on my list. I am glad the story came from your grandfather.
November 5th, 2009 on 6:03 pm
hmmm
November 5th, 2009 on 6:01 pm
I’ve never read Sandra Brown’s book but this sounds awesome. Recently I’ve been reading books which are good but horrible sad stories. I need some heart-warming book.
November 5th, 2009 on 5:42 pm
this sounds amazing!
November 5th, 2009 on 5:40 pm
I am intrigued by this book. I have never read anything set in the 1930’s.
November 5th, 2009 on 4:40 pm
I love Sandra Brown, she’s one of my favorite romance writers. Historical fiction is not my number one choice, but I like the way she writes, so I’ll have to try it. I’d rather this type than Victorian England!
November 5th, 2009 on 3:41 pm
im just getting into the collection of books written, good thing i belong to the state cassette recordings so i will have that opportunity to read them all. safe travels.
November 5th, 2009 on 3:41 pm
Kelly and everyone else who mentioned the time period…I agree that it’s an overlooked time period. And it was so rife with all kinds of built-in drama, so it lends itself to story telling.
Sandra
November 5th, 2009 on 2:53 pm
My mom loves your books and I have read many myself and really love them. So please count me in for this one.
Karen T.
November 5th, 2009 on 2:37 pm
Sounds like a very good book. I’ve never read anything set in the 1930’s so I’d definitely grab this one. Thanks for stopping by!!!
Rosie
November 5th, 2009 on 2:25 pm
My mom LOVES Sandra Brown. She has a whole pile almost a whole room of her books, and she won’t let me throw any of them away. I know that I can make her smile by bringing her a SB book. Mom and I are very close, and I love to make her HAPPY, as she enjoys the small things in life, like curling up with her coffee and reading. I look forward to this one.
November 5th, 2009 on 2:08 pm
Hi Sandra,
I love your books! Rainwater sounds like it will be wonderful.
November 5th, 2009 on 1:53 pm
Oh! Yes, I haven’t read this book but I just have to say that I ADORED Mirror Image. It is still to this day one of my favorites, I have read it so many times! Looking forward to your new one!
November 5th, 2009 on 3:12 pm
Kristi,
Since you mentioned Mirror Image, I have to tell on myself. Shortly after we received the ARCs for Smash Cut my assistant asked if it was in any way tied to Mirror Image.
My reply was, “No, why?”
She then told me that Julie Rutledge was the name of the heroes daughter in Mirror Image and wanted to have an answer ready for if/when fans asked. To date, no one has asked.
November 5th, 2009 on 1:36 pm
I’ve never read a book by Sandra Brown. I just watched the video and Rainwater sounds like my kind of novel. It sounds lovely.
November 5th, 2009 on 1:35 pm
I can’t wait to read this. I think this is a time period that is VERY rarely written about, especially in the romance genre. I for one would love to read more about the first half of the 20th Century.
November 5th, 2009 on 1:30 pm
I’ll put Rainwater on my Christmas wish list. I’ve been fascinated with the Dust Bowl for a while now so this setting is right up my alley!
November 5th, 2009 on 1:11 pm
Didn’t enjoy reading till my little sister introduced me to my first Sandra Brown book… Great books and can’t wait to buy & read Rainwater.
November 5th, 2009 on 12:59 pm
Wow! Thank you for being here today! Your books are wonderful and I can’t pinpoint which one I like the best. One can tell how great and passionate you are for your books by seeing what strong family roots you came from.
Rainwater sounds like a wonderful book to read. I think most women can relate to a strong, hardworking heroine. Ella sounds like a mother who would do anything to protect her son but wants love in her life in the strongest way.
I dearly would love to win this book, like everyone else here, me more than others!
November 5th, 2009 on 12:37 pm
Thanks Sandra for the great oppt. I love reading your books cant wait to read this one. Actually my mom got started on reading your books, she loves your books too.
November 5th, 2009 on 12:36 pm
Love reading your books. You have given me many hours of wonderful reading. Thank you.
Anna
November 5th, 2009 on 12:36 pm
I haven’t yet read “Rainwater;” it’s on my list. I am glad to see you’ll be bringing Dodge back for another story. He was such a great character in “Smash Cut.”
November 5th, 2009 on 3:44 pm
GSM,
When Smash Cut was over I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Dodge. It’s been challenging, but fun, to give him his own story.
Sandra
November 5th, 2009 on 12:27 pm
Love Sandra Browns work. Can’t wait to read this one.
Thanks for the hours worth of good reading.
November 5th, 2009 on 12:17 pm
I LOVE Sandra Brown! Can’t wait to read this. Dorothy Garlock has a Dust Bowl series I’ve enjoyed. I really love that time period and wish more authors would go there.
Thanks Sandra. Wonderful story. Hugs!
November 5th, 2009 on 4:21 pm
Jill,
It’s always fabulous to hear from a writing colleague. And thanks for being a fan! Hopefully the Great Depression/Dust Bowl are now considered “old enough” we’ll start seeing more books set during that period.
Sandra
November 5th, 2009 on 12:02 pm
Armenia,
I know Autism has come under much scrutiny in the last few years. I had no idea Solly was even Autistic until an incident early in the book, and I don’t think I bring anything new to light. Even though I realize we still have a long way to go where Autism is concerned, I hope that, in Rainwater, I was able to demonstrate how far we’ve *come* since 1934 when the options were to lock a child in the attic or institutionalize them.
Sandra
November 5th, 2009 on 11:59 am
Love the story about your grandfather.
November 5th, 2009 on 11:57 am
I always look forward to your newest book! Can’t wait for this one!
November 5th, 2009 on 11:55 am
Amanda,
That scene is also one of my favorites.
Sandra
November 5th, 2009 on 11:54 am
Stacy & Shiloh,
I’m thanking my grandfather myself for even inspiring the story!
Sandra
November 5th, 2009 on 11:52 am
Sue…thank you so much for inviting me! FYI, I’m currently in NYC but I’ll be checking in all day thanks to my trusty iPhone!
Right now, I have no plans in place to write more historical fiction, *but* Simon & Schuster liked Rainwater so much, and the response has been so good, that they’ve asked me to consider doing something similar every couple of years. I love the idea, and probably will as long as I can find a story I feel as strongly about as I do the one that inspired Rainwater.
November 5th, 2009 on 11:32 am
Sandra,
You introduced me to the romance genre eight years ago with Words Of Silk. Since then I have gone back to catch-up on your work. Do you have anything brewing for a romance in paperback?
November 5th, 2009 on 4:27 pm
Tia,
At this time I don’t have any plans to write a single title romance but each story I write does have a romance in it. I never say never but right now, I’m really enjoying writing thrillers.
November 5th, 2009 on 11:30 am
This looks like an intriguing story! Pick me, please!
November 5th, 2009 on 11:02 am
I have enjoyed so many of your books I know this one will be just as great as the others. I can’t wait to read it.
November 5th, 2009 on 10:43 am
This book sounds awesome and Sandra is definitely a favorite author. Love the time period!
November 5th, 2009 on 10:39 am
So excited to see you here Sandra! Ever since I read The Witness you’ve been one of my favorite authors. I look forward to your new books!
November 5th, 2009 on 10:38 am
Hi Sandra, thanks so much for being here! Congratulations on another Best Seller! I’m excited that you’re writing something different & can’t wait to read my copy as well. I love how your past became the basis for the story which will be fun for readers to know as they’re reading RAINWATER.
Any plans for writing more historical fiction? Sounds like you may have some other stories in your ancestry
November 5th, 2009 on 10:33 am
This book sounds so good. My son is autistic and there is not enough feel good books about this subject.
November 5th, 2009 on 10:17 am
I love the story about your grandfather and how it is the basis of this book, I can’t wait to read it!
November 5th, 2009 on 9:32 am
Oh, I love the story about your grandfather. That is so awesome.
November 5th, 2009 on 9:11 am
Thanks for the giveaway! I love historical fiction and the dust bowl seems like such an interesting topic to pick. I love that he gives her a copy of A Farewell to Arms.
November 5th, 2009 on 8:35 am
I just started my Christmas list and RAINWATER is at the top, but I doubt I can wait until then. I devour every word Sandra Brown writes and this will be no different. What a wonderful video and blog post. I’m a mad SB fan and have been for years, so I’ve no doubt that this emotionally compelling story will be amazing in her deft hands. Thanks for having one of my idols here today, Borders!
November 5th, 2009 on 12:15 pm
(Oh look a reply button. I’ll get the hang of his eventually!)
Roxanne,
Thank you so much! Coming from a fellow author… well, I’m blushing!
I truly appreciate your kind words and sincerely hope Rainwater lives up to your expectations.
Sandra
November 5th, 2009 on 7:34 am
This book looks great. Would love to win it!!!!
Sandra, you are the lady that first starting me reading romance. My friend recommended Exclusive to me and I was hooked! Had to get my hands on every book you read and when I read the last one was so sad, said to myself, now what do I do? LOL. Well I continue to read you and have found many, many, many other great authors - what is a girl to do? Girl, who am I kidding - older woman. LOL.
Pat L.
November 5th, 2009 on 12:03 pm
Pat L.
Please thank your friend for me!!
Sandra
November 5th, 2009 on 6:06 am
It’s hard to comment on the last two questions since the book isn’t out yet, but after seeing the video and reading Sandra’s answers to the questions, I’m really looking forward to this book. It sounds amazing.
As far as scenes that have made me cry, I’m the kind of person who cries at Hallmark commercials, so it doesn’t take much.
I tear up a lot, but my most recent memory of actually sobbing from a book was when I read Marley & Me.