Thunder and Rain: A Novel

I have to say it was a two year wait... a very long two years... I don't want to say it was worth it as I don't want the author to think he can wait two years for the next book - but IT WAS!!!!!

LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!!! Move over Nicholas Sparks - Charles Martin is in the GAME!!!

This book is rife with real pain and emotions, gently woven into a story about hard luck and doing what's right. We can all identify with a few bad decisions along the way but also the hope that comes alive in the journal.

I absolutely loved this book. I liked how the elements of faith were subtle, not obvious or cheesy. The premise of the book is very sad and is hard to read, but moves forward in a beautiful way. I loved the Texas history aspect. Also, the ending is happy but not necessarily totally expected. Highly recommend!

I enjoyed this book just as I have all the other Charles Martin books. He is an excellent writer. There is a hero, suspense, action, mystery, romance, and a happy ending. (This book deals with the sensitive and disturbing situation of child molestation.)

I've read all of Charles Martin's books and highly recommend them 100%!! He writes in a way that you can actually see things happening and you don't want to put the books down. I'll be first in line when his next book is published. You won't be disappointed!

I've downloaded and read over 300 ebooks and this is my first review. What a wonderful book! It's got the tough guy cowboy parts and the parts that will rip your heart out and make you cry. Loved it! Signing out to buy another Charles Martin's book.

This is my first book review but this book moved me to do so. It has everything in a "Can't put it down book". Heroes, Villains, strong females and faith but best of all "Cowboy". One of the greatest book characters of all time.

If you have enjoyed Charles Martin's books in the past, you will most likely enjoy this one as well. Another strong male character of high morals and integrity who always knows the right things to say and do and shows great concern and compassion for others. Typically I have always been able to purchase Charles Martin books for my church library because they are clean and unoffensive (which I greatly appreciate!). This time, though, I was a little disappointed to discover that I cannot be comfortable putting this book in the church library. Charles Martin crosses a very fine line with his choice of words and innuendos at times. Don't misunderstand....this book is still much less offensive than most every other bestselling author out there, but I know his books are often categorized as inspirational fiction in bookstores, and I'm afraid some people may not appreciate everything they read in this book. Still a good story; I just couldn't give it five stars this time. Definitely still worth reading!

Wow,I couldn't put this book down. My wife and I were reading this together and she kept getting mad at me because I would read ahead every time she would get up to go to the bathroom!
I have read all of Martin's books and this one is my favorite. This book made me want to move to Texas, eat BarBQ and rope some cows. True to Martin's style there was a great story of love and redemption but with an intensity that grabs you early on and doesn't let go. Sources say that his last novel "Mountain Between Us" is going to be a motion picture...I would sure love to see this one on the big screen.

I am a HUGE fan of Charles Martin! I have bought his books for friends and family...this is my first disappointment. I figured out what I didn't like about the book as I was finishing it. The dialog from Hope was annoying. When she was young, her words were too "big" for her. I know Cowboy gave her a dictionary, but they were still not words a child would use. Some of the grammer/prose was written in double negatives...that bothered me. There was too much emphasis on Hope's letters to God. The characters were downtrodden and I didn't feel they grew or improved at all. Sorry, Charles!

I've read all of Charles Martin's books and Thunder and Rain left me surprisingly disappointed. I appreciated the integrity of Ty, the main character, but I felt his overall character development was quite weak. The sentence structures throughout the book were short and choppy, almost making it hard to read sometimes. I think Hope's (the young girl in the story) journal entries were the most thought-provoking and best written segments in the book!
I feel Martin's previous books have been deeper in terms of plot development, richer in overall substance, with more profound character development.
I've also come to anticipate Martin's thoughtful and heart-tugging twists in the end. This one was too predictable for me and just not as powerful as I expected.
Will I read his next book? Yep! I just hope it's more in line with his previous/earlier novels.

I am a HUGE fan of Charles Martin! I have bought his books for friends and family...this is my first disappointment. I figured out what I didn't like about the book as I was finishing it. The dialog from Hope was annoying. When she was young, her words were too "big" for her. I know Cowboy gave her a dictionary, but they were still not words a child would use. Some of the grammer/prose was written in double negatives...that bothered me. There was too much emphasis on Hope's letters to God. The characters were downtrodden and I didn't feel they grew or improved at all. Sorry, Charles!

I've read all of Charles Martin's books and Thunder and Rain left me surprisingly disappointed. I appreciated the integrity of Ty, the main character, but I felt his overall character development was quite weak. The sentence structures throughout the book were short and choppy, almost making it hard to read sometimes. I think Hope's (the young girl in the story) journal entries were the most thought-provoking and best written segments in the book!
I feel Martin's previous books have been deeper in terms of plot development, richer in overall substance, with more profound character development.
I've also come to anticipate Martin's thoughtful and heart-tugging twists in the end. This one was too predictable for me and just not as powerful as I expected.
Will I read his next book? Yep! I just hope it's more in line with his previous/earlier novels.

As a "person," I like Tyler. As a genre (cowboy fiction) stereotype, I do not care for him, because I dislike that genre. Had I fully guessed this is what this book would be like, I would not have (a) purchased it and (b) read it. I also do not like Hope or Sam. Okay, so I have read 39% of it on my Kindle and I just cannot read another word.

I purchased this book after reading such good reviews on Martin's other books. I was so disappointed. The leading lady, I already forgot her name, is an unlikeable character. I hated the way she was so forward.

First novel I have read by Charles Martin. I was very impressed with the storey and his characters. The history of Cowboy and his friends in West Texas hold your attention completely. The time you spend on this book will be time well spent. I rate this work at four stars.

I read this same book last fall by another author, ok one very similar, but with a much more caring heroin, but I wouldn't recommend that one either, both of these books are a lot like a Harlequin Romance for my taste.

I just finished Thunder and Rain and I just don't see where you can ask any more from a book than what this one gives you. Thunder and Rain is amazing, it has great characters, an interesting plot and a heart that makes the reader very involved in the novel. Once I really got into the book (which was about 30 pages in) I found it very hard to put down. In fact I think I only put it down to hear my 6-year-old read his homework to me and when I finally conked myself in the head with my Kindle because I fell asleep (again I take a sleeping pill so the book did not put me to sleep).

So what impressed me the most? I would have to go with the characters. Tyler Steele is everything I want in a man yet he is flawed, mainly in the way he sees himself. I must admit here I am lucky, I have my own Tyler Steele (no he's not a rancher, cowboy or Texas Ranger, but he is chivalrous and wonderful). I love how Mr. Martin develops Tyler a little at a time before our eyes as we read. The book is mainly from Tyler's point-of-view, but through flashbacks and memories we find out what has happened in the past to make him into the man he is today. The other point-of-view in the story is Hope's journal which she writes to God. This is the only Christian element in the book and since it's written by a child it's brutally honest. She questions God when things are bad and then apologizes, then questions again. I love her for this. I think we are all afraid of doing this but truthfully God doesn't mind. Hope's journal is a wonderful addition to the book. Seeing everything from the eyes of a 10-year-old who's a little old for her years, but still has a certain innocence about her lends a very interesting perspective to the book. Then there is Brodie, Tyler's son. He's everything a tween dealing with divorce and loss should be yet more mature too. As I mentioned I loved him. He has a lot of his Dad in him and it shows in the story. Finally as far as main characters go, there is Sam. I wasn't sure what to think of Sam at first, but I grew to love her as well. She is very well-written and becomes a great character and just what Tyler needs. It's very interesting to watch the two of them together. Tight, buttoned-up Tyler with easy-going, slightly skittish Sam. Sparks are sure to fly, but will they know what to do with them?

Plot is equally important and while the characters are the main thing that move this novel along, there are several plot lines that also move the story along. I found them to be interesting and while they would fade in and out while the characters took center stage, they were always there and you as the reader knew something would happen with them. Those plot lines gave the novel the air of suspense and kept you guessing through the book. I found the book to be well-paced and as I mentioned before, it was very hard to put down.

I don't know whether to call this general fiction, romance, suspense or just a mixture of all of the above, but whatever you want to call it, it's a wonderful book. Mr. Martin put a lot of heart and soul into this book to make believable and likable characters that truly come alive before your eyes. I felt I was right alongside all of them in west Texas. Felt I knew what it was like to live with a Texas Ranger. I also remembered what it felt like to be a 10-year-old girl. Thunder and Rain is well-worth your reading time. It's heartfelt, it will get your heart-thumping at times and just plain amazing to read. I almost wish I could go back again and read it for the first time. But for now I will be happy remembering Tyler, Sam, Brodie and Hope over the coming months and I am sure when I think of them I will smile.

I absolutely loved this book. Parts of this book were told in the POV of a little girl named Hope who wrote letters to God in her journal. I loved this. She seemed to ask questions of Him that many people ask when bad things happen to good people. At times this book brought me to tears. Tyler seems to be a larger than life hero in his work, but not in his personal life.

Martin has shared a wonderful story of bad luck, true love and the realization of good trumping evil, with life changing consequences. Ty Steele is a Texas Ranger throwback, desperately holding on to the lost love of his drug addled wife. The protagonist examines himself, the world around him and then re-examines again. His journey continually moving the "target" of his broken life into a manageable flow that he can embrace and understand. A chance meeting at a truck stop in a pouring rain provides more trouble than reckoned, but at the same time opens the broken heart of a beaten lawman, trying to make sense of an out of control world.
Martin's dialogue is familiar and reassuring, painting the intimate thought process of a little damaged girl and her realization of a God that cares, eventually providing the freedom that all of the characters seek. Well worth the read, with ample action, the self actualization amid brutal, out of control men and the innocence of a heart trying to find the anchor that we all seek. 5 stars.

Not his best, but still a good read. Charles Martin is a great author. I love his style and the fact that he can write a soul-moving, page-turner without the need for profanity or graphic sex. I think I did not like this book as well as others because it dealt with the sexual abuse of a child. It was well-written, but I did not care for the subject matter.

I just finished Thunder & Rain (could not put it down, as picked it up this weekend, and had to get up early on Sunday to finish it before going to church)....it was AMAZING! I have read all Charles Martin's books and each time, not sure how they can get better; however, each one is as good as the last in a unique way.

Charles, you have a God-given talent and with your words speak to many - You fall in love with the characters, especially with Hope and her letters to God, Sam, Brodie, Dumps; however, my favorite is Cowboy! A little Clint Eastwood and John Wayne - I hope to see a movie based on this book and can see a sequel to continue the story of the next generation with Hope and Brodie's life. Thank you for your writing and bringing joy to your fans and readers. Now, I cannot wait for the next one!!!! Thunder & Rain is a must read for all ages - women or men! "

When you first read the book, you are easily drawn in by the unfortunate events. It will make you sick to your stomach too. The author does a good job of transitioning out of this, but some the character monologues are repetitive and drawn out. It almost makes the main character come across as arrogant. The Book seemed pretty predictable about half way through, and I almost didn't finish. I kept on, and am glad for some of the unexpected twists at the end. It is a good story, and is inspiring, but you may want to skim parts of it as I did.
I also really did not like some of the a "saucy" innuendo, I really don't think it had a place in this story, and seemed awkward.

This book started out with a bang and then just became like a romance novel. I wanted to really like it, and while it kept me reading I was not rushing to read it. The characters are interesting people especially the children. The little girl in the story writes letters to God and they are sometimes heart breaking. The young boy in the story is almost too perfect. Not a typical boy. If you love a story about a Cowboy saving a lady and her daughter this book is for you. You read it and think "haven't I read this before"? I really thought I was reading a Jodi Thomas novel. It was set in Texas good vs. evil, two people fall in love. The End.

Readers who have loved previous books by Charles Martin are going to absolutely love his latest book, "Thunder and Rain". And, readers who haven't enjoyed his previous books are also going to love this book - guaranteed!

Martin has penned a story that will grab you from the first page, engage your mind and your heart, and have you devouring the book as fast as you can read, because it's just that good. The plot is outstanding, with carefully crafted scenes, moving dialogue, and descriptions that paint the setting to perfection. Ty is a character that I wish existed in real life - courageous, strong, learning to admit his weaknesses, a good father, embodying what it means to be a man as God created men to be. The scenes he shares with Samantha are humerous and touching, and the development of their relationship is simply a pleasure to behold. One of my favourite aspects of this book are the letters written by young Hope, which are incredibly moving and poignant, and her story is one that will long haunt me and yet encapsulates the blessings of God at the same time. The conclusion was powerful and deeply satisfying, providing oustanding closure to the story of Ty and Sam, Brodie and Hope, while leaving me craving more.

I have to admit that I have a found a couple of Martin's previous books to be on the slower side - but that is not the case here. The pacing is swift and the story was action-packed and yet equisitely emotional, blending to create a fanstastic story.

Well done, Charles Martin. I award this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher for the purposes of this unbiased review.

"Thunder and Rain" is an enjoyable read by Charles Martin. Sometimes it seemed a little sappy and unrealistic but I thoroughly enjoyed the characters; their morals, integrity and relate ability. I loved the letters to God, written by Hope. What a great way to tell her side of the story! I also loved the way Mr. Martin told the story without hitting you over the head with religion but with a great dose of faith.

If you are looking for a nice read, one that will make you cry, laugh and delivers some suspense, you just found your next book. This is an old fashioned love story and one you will enjoy.

Sit in a comfortable chair and read this book s-l-o-w-l-y. Even though interest will compel you to read quickly to see where Charles Martin will take you in his latest novel, Thunder and Rain, it is important to use self-control and savor each word on the page. I have been a huge fan of Charles Martin's storytelling since I read When Crickets Cry some years ago. In his newest novel, he takes us to Texas and a character named Tyler Steele, a third-generation Texas Ranger. Going through challenges of his own, Tyler steps in to assist a mother and daughter on the run from an abusive situation. I do not want to tell too much of the story plot; however, I do say you will not regret reading this book. Filled with beautiful words, Thunder and Rain did my soul good. I predict Charles Martin's fan base will continue to grow, possibly overtaking Sparks, especially when the movie of his book, The Mountain Between Us, is released. Thanks for the hope in your stories, Charles.

Charles Martin's latest novel is a phenomenal book. The thing I appreciate the most about his writing are the atmospheres he creates. You'll read this novel and feel like you're standing in the middle of a cattle ranch in Texas, breathing the air, kicking the rocks under your feet, and seeing the landscape all around. But in reality you'll be reading the pages laying in bed; all the while trying not to make eye contact with the alarm clock, lest you find yourself calculating the amount of sleep you're sacrificing for the sake of staying awake "just a bit longer" to see where the author takes you. Charles has a problem with keeping people awake. I'm thinking of organizing a class action suit against his publisher for those of us who've read his catalogue and developed sleep deprivation problems. He just won't turn you loose. Every single one of his previous 7 novels have landed me at work, MANY a morning, exhausted because I couldn't put the book down the night before.

And this one is no exception. The pacing of the story is spot on. There are no lulls, no filler, no long rabbit trails to fill the pages. Every word of this book serves a purpose, and he has help me to set my own personal landspeed record for reading books quickly. You won't be able to put Thunder and Rain down. I highly recommend it to anyone. I also recommend his entire catalogue. He's a great artist, and I feel like he's nearing the tipping point where the world catches on, and nudges him to the top of the New York Times best sellers list. This book just may put him a few leaps and bounds up the ladder. Pick it up. Tell people about it. That is, if you want the credibility of saying you knew about him before everyone else caught on. :)

An interesting, readable book. I loved the main character of Ty, who was moral, strong and caring. However, I absolutely loathed Samantha, who he decided to take under his wing. She went from man to man because, "he looked good in a uniform", or "he was clean and neat" or some such ridiculous reasoning. She offered herself to a complete stranger at a truck stop, presumably to get money. She lied to her rescuer (Ty), even though he could have been seriously harmed by it, snooped through his house/things, tried to seduce him time after time. Need I go on? Yet, at the end we're supposed to have a warm and fuzzy feeling when Ty decides she's the one for him? Uh - no.

Helping her get a good clean start in life was admirable. Marrying her was beyond the pale. He must be trying out for sainthood.

Charles Martin is uniquely gifted with the ability to thread several important storylines together, layering each at the most appropriate time, so the reader turns each page until the last, re-reading several passages because they're just that good. He mixes important messages with doses of humor, makes the hero human and real, keeps you guessing on the romance right to the very end. I believe the author is one of the best writers of my generation. Another excellent read by Charles Martin. Buy this book!

I love the higher ground of moral justice and 3 generations of self-less Rangers in the family. Wow! what an inspiring view point of humanity to consider! Hold your breath drama, some taboo social issues tackled, a good old punch up and genuine lol beauty salon gossip.
The use of the Dear God journal is truly heartbreaking and inspiring. A well worth read.

I have read all of Martin's novels and this is his best. Ty Steele is my kind of guy: law and order, black and white, defender of the weak, old fashioned values and a true gentleman. He could be a character in The Lonesome Dove series - just no booze, women or cussing. Martin really develops his characters and this time, he tells the story both through the eyes of Ty and the prayer journal of a little girl. The combination adds depth but also a touching, moving dimension that I loved. I finished it on the beach this afternoon with tears running down my face (and I'm a 53-year old man). There aren't many novels I would re-read but this is definitely one.

Thunder and Rain is an engrossing story with believable characters and interesting plot. I fell in love, a little, with all the main characters (well, almost all). Tyler Steele is a Texas Ranger whose heroes are cowboys like John Wayne. He comes across Samantha, a woman who is at the lowest point in her life and needs more than just a helping hand, and her young daughter Hope. Charles Martin is a fine writer. His characters are so real that you can hear their hearts beating, and soaring, and breaking. All in all, a satisfying read.

This was a nice average story, but it was not up to Charles Martin's previous books. His other books are stories that are quite unexpected, with twists and turns that I enjoyed. However, this one was not up to the quality of Charles Martin, but it was definitely a readible story with good characters.

I Just finished Thunder and Rain, my first Charles Martin, and I am hooked. I am 77 yr old. and a native Texan, I have been looking for a good book for a long time. I found it. I love this book I laughed and cried, I have not done that in many a year. So I will go but all of charles Martin books I can get my hands on.

Well Charles has done it again. Thunder and Rain is a story filled with fabulous multilayered characters, lots of action, suspense, several battles between Good and evil. Most of all it is a story of one mans journey to do what is right. I didn't want to put it down. thanks Charles for sharing your gift

what a wonderful story that grabs you from the first few pages. It was a quick read in the usual suspenseful setting that Charles Martin is known for. Lots of twists & turns that keep you hooked. you wont be disappointed!

Amazing...best story I've read in a long time. I love all of his books and this one tops the list. It's almost 5 am...I couldn't put it down, had to finish it tosee how it ended...I read the whole book--over 50 chapters--in 4 nights..I couldn't stop reading!!!! It's a must read, you won't regret it!

Generally, Mr. Martin is able to verbalize the words that our hearts murmur. This book does not fall into that category. I have a hard time believing that he actually wrote this one himself. Especially at the part where the little girl writes in her journal about how her mommy's lingerie is so skimpy that her butt cheeks hang out the bottom. Come on, Charles - you can do better than that! This book was a grave disappointment. I am hoping that you are not going to follow down the same path as Nicholas Sparks - starting out great, but winding up writing novels that are one step away from trashy romance.

Charles Martin has done it again! Ty Steele is a throwback lawman that still believes in loyalty, honor and respect the way that he cares for people of all walks of life or a rarity ! Love this book and have started passing it around. At least an author that is not afraid to write a great book without e filth of some of the other big selling authors!

I wanted to love this book like I have loved many other Charles Martin books, but I didn't. This book had the h word in it several times and I did not enjoy reading that. More importantly, there would be no reason why this book should be considered Christian fiction. Neither of the main characters had any type of relationship with the Lord. Why was this book considered christian fiction?? I did enjoy the story line but the absence of anything spiritual really turned me off. It could have been wonderfully enhanced if the main characters had a relationship with the Lord.

I have read every other book by Charles Martin and have to say that this one doesn't compare.
I loved the fact that his other books are inspirational with a Christian perspective, but this really doesn't have that. I think I was most disappointed in the child rape as well as a down on her luck woman prostituting herself at a truck stop.
My advice:
If you're looking for a fiction novel that includes some very real-world problems, you might like this book.
If you would read this book because you enjoyed reading other books by Charles Martin, be hesitant about reading it.
Had I known everything that would have been included in the first 2 chapters, I wouldn't have bought it. Really, very disappointing.

I've downloaded and read over 300 ebooks and this is my first review. What a wonderful book! It's got the tough guy cowboy parts and the parts that will rip your heart out and make you cry. Loved it! Signing out to buy another Charles Martin's book.

Have read all his previous 7 books. This was my least favorite. I emailed him immediately after completion. Also, the child rape handling was illegal and in appropriately handled. ANY law enforcement personnel would have been fired. Mandatory reporting is in effect, very much so in Texas as some of the best trainers are from there!

How can a New York Times Best Selling Author write a novel like this?

The beginning was good and then the next two hundred pages were a snooze-fest. Action was in very short supply. I kept waiting for the action to pickup, but it never did. The main plot did not build to the expected action sequence that should of been at the end but wasn't there.

There was no villain subplot to build tension with a final confrontation of a satisfactory resolution.

It was written in first person by two different characters. The narration was by the protagonist and a journal by one of the main characters. This was quite annoying.

The dialog would run on and I would often lose track of who was talking.

There was very little use of the five senses and too much telling and very little showing.

The book was well edited for grammar, but the plot was very weak. It also lacked a powerful emotional punch.

This plot had a lot of potential but was not developed adequately.

Life is not perfect and the author tried to communicate this in his story, but I believe that it is our job as believers in Messiah Jesus to bring hope and light to the dark world. God is in the business of putting lives back together and writers can create hero's that win all the time and reflect the healing power of God. This story had the chance to really communicate the power of reconciliation with God and marriages, but it failed and to that I am sorry that the author would choose to follow the path he did.

Christian writers don't have to write like the world to be good writers or have a popular book. We need hero's and we need stories that make us feel good inside. We don't need another train-wreck-of-a-story. There are enough of them out there.
Christian writers need to hold to the convictions outlined in the word and by being true to those, it will provide light and hope to a dying world through the stories they write.

Well-written, but not my favorite Charles Martin book. I was hoping it would end differently, but that's just me. Martin always does a good job at bringing his characters to life and making you root for them. Texas Rangers figure prominently in this one.

My husband & I fought over who would get to read it each night! Wish that Charles would write more books - quicker... but then they may not be so EXCELLENT!!! He is my husband's favorite author!

Another excellent book by Charles Martin, telling a classic tale of the legendary Texas Ranger. They are all legendary, but Tyler Steele may just be the alter-ego of Superman. Through background stories and current day encounters, Steele is thoroughly ventilated, so much that he shouldnt still be walking around. But he is and we the readers are glad.

As a relatively new reader of books written by Charles Martin I found Thunder and Rain to be in keeping with the storytelling skills he so aptly displays in all his books. It is difficult to choose one over the others as a favorite so choose any one to read and enjoy.

This was my 6th Charles Martin novel. It was much simpler in character and plot, more predictable than his others.

I found it to be much like the old Westerns of t.he 50's: man in white saves the day. Doesn't say much.

The story was readable, but not as complex as his others. Not nearly as much lush description of the area.

I enjoyed this story! Thunder and Rain is a thought provoking look at the issue of why the Lord allows bad things to happen. I highly recommend this book.

I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library. All views expressed are my honest opinion.