It is a good book but not as good as other Renee Carlino’s books.

It was a sweet story about two people, Ava and Nate, who have both faced some tragedy in their lives and are looking for a second chance.

I did finish reading it within a few hours. In the beginning I did enjoy the story as well as the main characters, but as I reached the end, I was quite frustrated with Ava almost to the point of finding her annoying!

Overall, a good read but I felt that something was missing. ( )

After the Rain by Renee Carlino is an emotional and sometimes heartbreaking romance between two people deeply affected by very different life-altering events. For Avelina "Ava" McCrea, the devastating loss of her husband in a tragic turn of events leaves her paralyzed with grief. For Nathanial "Nate" Meyers, a medical error leads to a horrific loss that shakes the rising star's confidence and leads to a re-evualation of his life. A surprising connection to a Montana ranch brings these two unlikely people together, but will the tragedies of their pasts keep them apart?

After the Rain is written in first person and alternates back and forth from Ava and Nate's points of view. The story beings in 2003 from Ava's perspective, and provides background information about her family's history and details her first meeting with her soon to husband Jake McCrea. The novel then jumps forward to 2005 where it switches to Nate's perspective and his graduation from medical school. Staying in 2005, the story shifts back to Ava where it follows her marriage from the idyllic happy times through the devastating loss of her husband. The story then fast forwards five years where Ava and Nate's stories intertwine in the aftermath of Nate's medical misdiagnosis.

The son of a highly successful cardiac surgeon, Nate has always known his path in life. From his early graduation to earning a coveted residency at a prestigious hospital, Nate has single-mindedly devoted himself to pursuing his career. When he is forced to take time off, Nate returns to the ranch where he spent many happy vacations with his aunt and uncle where he begins re-evaluate his life. Pursuing a relationship with Ava is just the first step in achieving a more balanced lifestyle but it is his sudden decision to make a drastic move that provides him the opportunity to make permanent changes to his life.

Ava has been mired in anger, grief and guilt since her husband's death and although she has people who care about her, they have been unable to help her move past her loss. She is floundering in the wake of Jake's death and she has turned to alcohol to help cope with her memories. After meeting Nate, she begins to fully engage with the people around her, but this change is tenuous and it does not take much to make her retreat. Given the tragedies she has endured, it is sometimes easy to forget that Ava is in her early twenties and her reactions often reflect this lack of maturity. As much as she would like to fully commit to a relationship with Nate, Ava needs to recapture the person she used to be before she entered into her all consuming marriage and gave up her hopes and dreams in exchange for Jake's.

The relationship between Nate and Ava is on again/off again with Ava directing the course of their romance. Ava is sometimes frustrating as she clings tightly to her grief and self-loathing instead of accepting the opportunities to move forward. Just as they begin to make progress, Ava pulls away and Nate renews his pursuit. This is a vicious cycle that culminates in a unilateral decision by Ava that Nate has no choice but to accept. Their future together continues to hang in the balance and leads to a very dramatic and poignant outpouring of emotion that is quite touching.

After the Rain is a very compelling novel of self-forgiveness and healing that is fast paced with engaging protagonists. All of the characters are fully developed and three-dimensional with flaws and imperfections that are easy to relate to. The storyline is well-written and unique with real life issues that take time to overcome. Renee Carlino brings the novel to an outstanding conclusion that is guaranteed to melt the reader's heart. All in all, a lovely romance that I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend.
( )

I am sorry to say that I am quite disappointed with this book. The first book I read by Renee Carlino was 'Before We Were Strangers,' and I loved it. Unfortunately 'After the Rain' just didn't do much for me.
I don't know how else to explain other than it felt very much like a Hallmark movie. I know there are fans of this type of story, and that's awesome. But, I'm not a fan. It felt forced, and honestly quite cheesy at times. And don't get me wrong, sometimes cheesy is good; but for me, it wasn't this time around.
One thing that contributed to my disappointment, is the fact that I didn't feel much connection or chemistry between Nate and Ava. Like I said above, their story felt forced and at times the timeline felt rushed.
Disappointed :( ( )

Renee Carlino has done it again. Another touching romance that will forever remain on my all-time favorites list. It was emotional, captivating, intense, and utterly beautiful.

After the Rain isn't an insta love... It is slow burn romance that will capture your heart. The story shows how one thing can alter your whole perspective of life. That one thing can pull your soul out and leave you as an empty shell settling for what you believe you deserve. It is a story of finding hope and remembering that even though life seems really tough at times, you can always escape the darkness.

I fell in love with Ava and Jake’s love story first and when tragedy struck my heart ached for all Ava dealt with. Everyone understood why she kept them at arm’s distance, but no one truly could feel what she was feeling. When Nate showed up her whole outlook began to change. We got to see the broken layers peel away to reveal a more happy, confident Ava. She didn’t let him in immediately, but when she did, it was done in such a delicate way. Nate had his own demons he was facing as well, so each minute they shared played an important role in their healing process.

There were so many twists and turns that left me on the edge of my seat. I could feel my heart beating fast and at times I felt broken down emotionally. The way the Author made each scene thought provoking made it hard for me to put the book down. The real factor was a ten! I felt as though I was in Ava’s shoes and when it was Nate’s part…. I felt like I was in the surgery room with him.

I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. All I can say is go read it!! You will not be disappointed.

*There are sexual scenes, but they aren’t rushed and they are wrote in a classy fashion. Renee makes each one meaningful with just the right amount of deatails.*
( )

Review
 

After the Rain is a novel that shows you can overcome loss and heartbreak.

Avelina is someone who goes all in with her emotions. She doesn't take things slow, she's passionate with her love. Avelina knows what true love is. Hell, she practically glows with that new love feeling once she's married. She completely closes herself off after an accident, and doesn't really care to know anybody anymore. Nate has a big ego. He knows he's the best at what he does, and it takes something awful happening on the operating table to give him a dose of reality. Sometimes things happen, and there's nothing you can do about it.

I liked the tension between Avelina and Nate. They both have their own issues to overcome, but begin to see that there is more to life than loss. They are caught up in a whirlwind of each other, and both know that it can't possibly end well. Both characters need to grow up some. This definitely isn't a bad thing. They didn't really get a chance to live to the fullest. Avelina married young, and her world revolved around her husband. Nate puts all of his life into school and work.

I was in tears by the end of the book. After the Rain is beautifully written, and shows just how much people take for granted. ( )