Wrapped in Rain

I like the way he brings his characters to life. I find myself grieving for some of them. This is the second book I have read by him. I have recommended them to others and they have liked the books themselves.

I was engrossed in this book from the moment I began reading it. Just when I would think Charles Main has finally dropped the ball in one of his books and screwed up the plot (not getting back to an introduced character, etc.), everything would come together again. I can't get over how much I love his writing style. It leaves me smiling and in a good mood even if the story is sad. I love that there is a wise character in this book like almost all his others. This is one of my favorites.

A "MUST READ" book! I am a fan of Charles Martin and have read every book he has ever written with this one being my very FAVORITE! Each reader will walk away a better person after reading this book! WOW!

Charles Martin has beautifully illustrated the journey to redemption and reconciliation we must all experience to become truly free and at peace in this life. As he shows us, love wins...it always does.

I like the way he brings his characters to life. I find myself grieving for some of them. This is the second book I have read by him. I have recommended them to others and they have liked the books themselves.

I was engrossed in this book from the moment I began reading it. Just when I would think Charles Main has finally dropped the ball in one of his books and screwed up the plot (not getting back to an introduced character, etc.), everything would come together again. I can't get over how much I love his writing style. It leaves me smiling and in a good mood even if the story is sad. I love that there is a wise character in this book like almost all his others. This is one of my favorites.

A "MUST READ" book! I am a fan of Charles Martin and have read every book he has ever written with this one being my very FAVORITE! Each reader will walk away a better person after reading this book! WOW!

Charles Martin has beautifully illustrated the journey to redemption and reconciliation we must all experience to become truly free and at peace in this life. As he shows us, love wins...it always does.

When you want to read a book that fills your heart, feeds your mind, and lingers in your thoughts, chose this book. The characters are fully dimensional and the plot sustains itself completely. A joy to read.

I note that there is only one other somewhat unfavorable review of this book. I'll say the one nice thing first -- Martin's writing is "pretty." When he describes something, I get a good picture of it in my head. Unfortunately, he uses lengthy descriptive passages of minor events that don't build the story line; it almost seems like filler and can be very boring. His characters are not to be believed. His story line is not believable. What happened to the mothers of these two boys? Why would the mothers give them up so easily? Where were the police when Miss Ella was beaten silly by Rex??? Where was social services when the boys were beaten silly by Rex??? Why didn't Mose beat the heck out of Rex??? Did the two boys stay in the house all the time by themselves, only visited by Miss Ella during the day? Come on. I've read several of Charles Martin's books. I'm beginning to think he had a horrible childhood because he either never mentions characters' parents in his books, or when he does, they are unbelievably abusive. Should have borrowed this one from the library. Wasn't worth the $$$$.

I rarely give out 5 stars for a book, but those that haunt me, change me, hit my emotions, they deserve and get 5 stars. This is one of those books. This is the first story by Charles Martin I've read and it was amazing, especially considering it was only the second book of his, I believe, that was published. I don't know how he tells such a magnificent story, where he comes up with so much to put into it. I wondered as I read: Where'd that idea come from? I guess you'd say, I'm a Charles Martin believer. Blessings on him as he continues to write in the name of the Lord.

I had WRAPPED IN RAIN by CHARLES MARTIN sitting in my pile of books to read for a couple of months. Once I finally made the decision to read it, I did so with uncertainty, which is often the case with authors I'm unfamiliar with.

If I'm honest, I was a bit confused in the beginning, and a little disappointed with the absence of a love interest for the main character. At page sixty-two, to my utter surprise and delight, Katie stepped into the pages.

I was hooked!

Tucker Rain is a famous photographer with a childhood story that would curl your toes. His father, an alcoholic and abusive man, showed no love for his two young sons. If it were not for Miss Ella, the woman Tucker's father hired to take care of their home and keep Tucker and his brother out of sight, things could have ended up quite differently.

WRAPPED IN RAIN is an amazing story about neglect, abuse, love, faith, forgiveness, and hope. As a writer I often pick apart the novels I read, so it's not very often I come across one that I wouldn't change a thing, and WRAPPED IN RAIN is one of them.

The storyline was amazing, the writing superb, and the characters three dimensional. The main characters as well as the secondary came to life with unique personalities, goals, trials and tribulations.

There were several lines that had me shaking my head, they were that good. I laughed, I cried. I wanted to reach through the pages and wrap my arms around the characters. Take a road trip for the opportunity to meet them. To reach out and let them know how sorry I am for all they've been through, and how proud I am of them for not giving up.

MR. MARTIN wasn't afraid to incorporated real life situations that we often don't speak of, adding flavor, uniqueness with gumption.

I like faith to be woven in naturally, not preachy. Never having heard of CHARLES MARTIN prior to reading WRAPPED IN RAIN, I had no idea what to expect. It was brilliantly written. The faith aspect was woven in naturally, and profoundly. It was all Miss Ella, none of the author...that's truly amazing.

My favorite quote is on page 250:

"Tucker, you won't understand this until you have a boy of your own, but listen close. The sins of the father are carried down to the son. There's nothing you can do to stop what's passed to you. You are going to wrestle with it until the day you die, whether you like it or not. The only choice is whether or not you pass them to your son. Stopping it is a choice you make."

WRAPPED IN RAIN is now on my list of all time favorite books. One that I'll recommend to others in the future. I look forward to reading more books by CHARLES MARTIN.

Do yourself a favor...wrap yourself in this book and get lost in the world of Rain.

"...faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." Children of abusive - whether physical, verbal, or both - parents may cling to the lifelines offered by this phrase. They must have faith that things will change, hope that they truly will, and - most importantly - the safety of some loving adult to whom they can turn when the situation threatens to overwhelm them. There are a fortunate few for whom that adult's protection and guidance make the difference between life and spiritual or physical death. Charles Mason's "Wrapped In Rain" is a novel which vividly portrays the difference one loving adult can make throughout a child's life and the power that one individual's exemplary life may have on the child.

Set in rural Alabama, "Wrapped In Rain" tells the story of two half-brothers Tucker "Tuck" and Matthew "Mutt" Mason. Miss Ella Rain, the boys' nanny and their father Rex' housekeeper, is the woman from the two receive love, guidance, and a sense of morality. Rex, an abusive alcoholic, has a talent for making money; he is in all other respects a despicable individual. As an adult and to honor her sacrifices, Tuck Rain - a highly successful photographer - has taken Miss Ella's last name to honor her and to distance himself from Rex. Mutt suffers from psychological disorders and is confined in a care facility; he eventually escapes and returns home. Although dead, Miss Ella continues to influence Tuck's actions; he "hears" her voice and words of wisdom throughout "Wrapped In Rain."

The major characters in "Wrapped In Rain" are vividly drawn; each one has a distinct personality, and is recognizable as product of their environment as well as their heredity. With the exception of Miss Ella, Mutt is the most complex of the characters and also the most interesting. Katie, Tuck's childhood friend and her son Jase, are necessary to Tuck's story and his resolution of the issues, but do not seem critical to the overall message of "Wrapped In Rain." Present only in spirit, Miss Ella is the novel's strongest and most influential character.

Charles Mason has written a beautifully crafted, highly moving story of love, forgiveness, and faith. Throughout "Wrapped In Rain," the message of the Gospel is evident; Miss Ella's faith is strong enough to protect her through Rex' abusive attacks on Tuck and Mutt, as well as on her. Her willingness to follow Christ's example as she takes the punishment for the brothers is hard to imagine. Mutt's prostrating himself at the foot of the cross exemplifies his way of seeking and finding forgiveness. Tuck's extending forgiveness to his abusive father follows Miss Ella's example of loving others and forgiving their sins just as Christ loved and forgave. These messages are conveyed without proselytizing or preaching; no reader should find Mason's presentation of them distracting.

"Wrapped In Rain" is a book to be savored and then shared. It is one that grabs the reader from the first page and never lets go - not even when the last word has been read and the novel shelved. This is truly a 5-star book.

Life is filled with things that some call coincidence.
Tucker Mason and his brother Matthew Mason were raised
by a loving and God fearing woman by the name of Miss Ella.She
was hired by their wealthy and abusive father to keep them out of his way.
Miss Ella did her best to do accomplish that task, as most interactions with
their father Rex had dire results.

Miss Ella'sbrother Moses also played an important part in the lives of the two boys.
Mose beat the odds and became a doctor. He then went back to the town where he
was raised to doctor the people there and to watch over his sister who was also a
victim of the boy's abusive father.

The boys lived by Miss Ella's rules and listened to her preaching and and they learned
about love and being respectable men from her. They had a good friend, Katie who lived nearby.
In time Tucker came to view her as more than a friend, but life and cruelty has a way of
intervening . As an adult, she too, suffered abuse. For Katie, it was at the hands of her
husband. When he turned on their son, she knew she had to leave, to run, for Jase.

A day came, when Miss Ella was years dead, her brother retired and
the three friends had grown into someone's mother, a photographer of
some renown and a recent escapee from an asylum, they find themselves
where they had spent the best day of their youth. Together.

The result of the excellent, or unfortunate timing is worth reading the book
to find out. The story is a good one. The characters realistic and of course flawed.
This book might also have you beginning to rethink the definition of the word
family. I spells out the meaning of the word love.

I didn't really know what to expect from this book especially since it sounded so depressing. Here's a novel that talks of a man who returns home from traveling the world as a photographer, only to deal with his brother's escape from the home for the mentally ill patients and a former girlfriend shows up with her son. It really didn't sound so promising.

And yet, this is one of my absolute favorite novels of this year. I cannot say how much I love this book because words fail me. I didn't think I would enjoy it so much since it was written by a man and sometimes, they tend to get rather colorful in their writing. This one felt like it was written from the heart, deeply from the heart, and with a Southern twang to it especially with all the descriptions of sweet tea and deep-fried foods that are served at the local restaurant, Clarks. This is a sweet novel of loyalty, brotherhood and friendship, of a man trying to get past his abusive father and trying to find the peace he has been seeking for all his life.

One could just see Miss Ella Rain loving those two motherless boys and taking the beatings of their abusive father. When asked by her brother, Mose, why she wouldn't leave and why she wouldn't report the abuse to the state, she stated that she just couldn't leave the boys to the fate of the state. For the sake of this story, which is a novel, I am glad that she never abandoned those two characters. One could tell just how strong of a character she is even though she was dead in the present times of the novel, she was still influencing Tucker in his daily life and still was guiding him in his every day matters.

This is a powerful novel of forgiveness, redemption and grace. It is not a prettified novel in any means that seems to be common these days ... this is more of a rough and gritty novel where it is hard for anyone to forgive the transgressions of those in one's life. This is a severely abused boy who wanted nothing more than his father's love and yet, his father denied it to him. It is a novel that answers why people stick it out in trying circumstances and why they forgive or not ... it is a novel that shows just how powerful love can be.

This is totally an unforgettable novel. It has been a week since I finished it and I am still haunted by the stories of Tucker, Mutt and Ella. This is one of my favorite reads of 2011.

11/11/11

About the Book: "Tucker, I want to tell you a secret," Miss Ella curled my hand into a fist and showed it to me. "Life is a battle, but you can't fight it with your fists. You got to fight it with your heart." In his second novel, Martin introduces Tucker Mason, the motherless son of a wealthy, abusive alcoholic in a small Alabama town. While Dad spends most of his time in an Atlanta high-rise, Tucker grows up in an enormous manse--complete with a "chandelier made from elk horns"--tutored by an African-American widow in common courtesy, love and the gospel. After a few years, an illegitimate son turns up at the Mason compound, Tucker's half-brother, Mutt. Although Tucker eventually overcomes his gothic childhood and becomes an acclaimed international photographer, he can't escape the home place. As a grown man, Tucker seems to have an eye for tragedy and pain. As celebrated, internationally famous photographer, he has traveled the world and seen both the serious and the strange. But when his brother escapes from a mental hospital and an old girlfriend appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face agony of his own tragic past. It is here that the true story begins....when Tucker returns to his childhood home and is pushed into making peace with this past, including his schizophrenic half-brother, Mutt, and an ex-girlfriend who, with her small son in tow, is on the run from a bad marriage. This group of Southern misfits manage to forge a kind of family. Martin spins a heart breaking and engaging story about healing and the triumph of love.
About the Author: Martin married his wife Christy in 1993. To quote Martin, "If you include dating, I've known and loved her for more than half my life. She is and always will be the home for my heart." The couple has three boys. Charlie, John T. and Rives. They range in age from 12 to 7. Martin tells that "folks often ask me, which of my books do I like the best. You might as well line up my sons and ask me who I love the most."
My Thoughts: I loved the Southern feel of the story, but it took me several pages to become invested in the tale itself. Once I was hooked I did not want to see it end. "Wrapped In Rain" definitely is a powerful book. It is extremely emotionally charged and a page turner. As a teacher it really saddened me to read about Tucker and Mutt's childhood. The reality of having a rich and alcoholic father broke my heart and made me wish they had no father at all. Miss Ella Rain was their salvation and a good woman who gave up her own life to raise the two boys, as best as she could. Martin is a master with word play. I would definitely give this book a 4 star rating.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing Co. as part of their Book Sneeze blogging review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Some books leave their mark on the reader and this one touched me. When I first started reading, Martin's imagery captivated me. The story, places and people came to life with each word I read. Wrapped in Rain focuses on the turbulent childhoods of Tucker and Mutt Mason. It is a poignant look at a childhood, steeped in violence, and the woman who helped them through it. Tucker's story is told in first person and Mutt's in third. Martin does a great job of breaking these into chapters, so that the reader is never lost. The novel reflects on the boys now and on key moments in their past. Martin takes the reader on an emotional, thought provoking ride while delivering a message of love, hope and man's ability to overcome.
Tucker and Mutt are the sons of Rex Mason, a man who can turn a dime into gold. He drinks excessively, and often turns to violence. Rex takes it out on his sons and their housekeeper/caretaker, a black woman named Miss Ella. While he spends most of his time in Atlanta, when he comes home (Waverly Hall) it is a time of great fear for the boys and Miss Ella.

I fell in love with each of the characters. Events in their childhood forever change them. I felt their pain, shared in their joy and just wanted to hug them.
Miss Ella is a wise woman, blessed by her love for the lord. She loves the boys as if they were her own. She tries to protect them, and empower them to become better men than their father. She deeply touches all those around her.
Tucker has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is such a good man, but lives in fear of becoming his father. Despite all of his success, the little boy inside him wants his Daddy's approval.
Mutt is a troubled soul. He has spent the last seven years in a mental institute dealing with the voices in his head. I truly loved him and found myself rooting for him every step of the way.
Katie, Mutt and Tucker's childhood friend returns to Waverly Hall, escaping a bad marriage. She arrives with Jase, her five year old son. Each has a profound effect on the boys. Katie, despite her own trials in life, is able to help the boys move forward. Through Jase, Tucker is able to see himself and what could have been.
Wrapped in Rain isn't the kind of book you read in a day. It's meant to be read slowly, digested, and savored. The wisdom of Miss Ella will stay with me forever. I love it when a book touches me and Wrapped in Rain did just that. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
A special thank you to Book Sneeze for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

Finally, finally, finally I get to review my most favorite of authors! For literally my whole life I have dreaded the question, "who is your favorite author?". As an avid reader I certainly should have a favorite, right? Wrong. I never had a favorite, that is until about two years ago when I picked up a book by Charles Martin. Honestly, amazing. Enough about me though, let's talk about Wrapped in Rain.

When Tucker and Matthew Mason were young, their father had two attitudes towards them. He either ignored them or beat them. Growing up motherless, they were raised in a small community in Alabama as the sons of a wealthy Rex Mason. The woman who raised them, Ella Rain, was their hired black maid. She put up with Mason only because of Tuck and Mutt (Matthew's nickname).

The story begins as the boys are grown and Miss Ella having died seven years before. Rex Mason has Alzheimer's and lives in a long term care facility. Mutt was admitted to a mental institution after Miss Ella's funeral. Tuck is a world renown photographer who spends little time at home.

Tuck returns home from a photography trip to the Caribbean to receive a phone call telling him Mutt has escaped from his institution. As he returns to his roots a person from his past collides with his current life. His former ex-girlfriend arrives on the scene with her son in tow. As the three make an unlikely trio they manage to make a home out of a mansion and meanwhile Miss Ella keeps counseling Tuck, even though he'd sometimes rather ignore her.

I won't even go into more details about the book because you need to read it to experience it. A beautifully written story that will captivate you from the beginning. Believe me when I tell you, nobody writes quite like Charles Martin. I save his books for weekends at the lake, for snowed in winter days, for special trips. Because once you start you won't want to finish and yet you can't help but keep reading. Wrapped in Rain is one of the best.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books (Thomas Nelson) book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

This is the story of Tucker Mason and how he overcame growing up in the home of an abusive, strict, alcoholic father. His half-brother, Matthew, who goes by Mutt, didn't fare so well. When the book opens, Mutt is in a mental hospital being treated for schizophrenia. Their father Rex left the boys for long periods of time with a caregiver. When he was home, he mistreated the boys.

In flashbacks we learn about Miss Ella Rain, the black woman hired to care for Tucker and Mutt. She was forty-five, a childless widow, and daughter of the son of a slave. She helped her younger brother Moses get through college. He serves in the military and become a doctor.

When the story begins, we learn that Miss Ella has died and Tucker has taken her last name. Tucker Rain is an internationally renowned photographer with cover photos on all the major magazines. He is on his way back to the family home in a small Alabama town even as his agent tries to get him to go on jobs. The family home, which Tucker now owns, is called Waverly Hall. Tucker's father was a mean person, but he had a knack for making money. He was worth more than $50 million by the time he was forty.

On the trip home, Tucker meets a woman, Katie Wither with a child, first at a food stop and later when her car breaks down. It turns out she was a neighbor of the Mason's and a close childhood friend. She was a talented musician, who played the piano as a child at the Mason's home with encouragement from Miss Ella. She left to study piano at Julliard, and later married an unfaithful and abusive man, Trevor. She divorced him, but ran away to protect her five-year old son, Jase.

After rescuing Katie and Jase, and learning of their situation, Tucker talks her into hiding out at the Mason home. When they get there, Tucker finds out his brother has left the hospital where Tucker had taken him seven years earlier.

Katie, Jase and Tucker find Mutt and the three adults recall childhood memories and get together to plan a super Christmas. Moses is at there, too.

The background information is introduced gradually, as needed, without distracting the reader from the main flow of the story.

I loved meeting these characters. Tucker was able to forgive his father and that is what made him special. Mutt tried to control himself, but he couldn't. He was a good man, but unable to be like others. Katie was a good mother who let herself get tricked into marrying an abusive man. She would survive. Moses, set good examples for the brothers when they were children and when they were adults. Along with Ella, he helped them survive.

It was a satisfying story with characters you'll not soon forget.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"Light doesn't have to announce its way into a room or ask the darkness to leave. It just is. It walks ahead of you, and the darkness rolls back like a tide." This profound quote is one of many, in the voice of Miss Ella Rain, taken from this story about making peace with your past.

Tucker is a world renowned photographer who has spent most of his adult life alone, in remote places, engaging with the world only through his camera lens. He never knew his mother, his wealthy father was abusive, and his brother is in a Florida mental institution. The brothers grew up in a mansion on a restored Plantation in rural Alabama, raised by their housekeeper Miss Ella Rain. She is a God fearing woman who lived her faith in action, and also spoke words of light into the dark places of their childhood. Tucker is on his way back to the plantation, from his latest photo shoot, when he runs into a childhood girlfriend and her five year old son. She is running from something dark and dangerous, and needs somewhere safe to stay. He brings them to the plantation only to find out that his brother has escaped from the mental institution. With Miss Ella's voice to guide him he sets out to find his brother and heal the hurts from the past.

Get ready for another fantastic story from Charles Martin; where the characters jump off the page and into your heart. I wept with them, felt their anguish and rejoiced in their victories. Every word of wisdom from Miss Ella's mouth reverberated with truth. 5 stars. I happily read this through the the store Vine program.

What an interesting story! Charles Martin writes a very intriguing "novel of coming home" filled with twists, surprises, and heartwarming moments. From the terror of growing up in significantly dysfunctional and abusive home to the beauty and wonderment of being raised by Miss Ella - a caring nanny - this story captures your imagination from the very first page.

Miss Ella - "a forty-five year old childless widow and the only daughter of the son of an Alabama slave" - was hired to raise Tucker shortly after his birth. Tucker's father - Rex - was an unmarried, absent, abusive, alcoholic who chased money, women, and booze. Matthew Mason is Tucker's half-brother who didn't fare well at the hand of the abusive father. He eventually resides as a resident at Spiraling Oaks. "Spiraling Oaks is where people go, or are sent, when their families don't know what else to do with them." Matthew's nickname - "Mutt" - gives you some idea of what his childhood was like.

Much of the story revolves around the whirlwind of Tucker and Matthew's childhood from the love and care given them by Miss Ella and the pain and disregard given them by their father. But the story also includes these two men as adults where they come to terms with brotherhood, faith, friendship, and forgiveness. These themes are introduced to them through the life and times of a little boy and her mother that step into their world.

I especially enjoyed the role that baseball plays in this story. For me it represents all that is good and and hopeful in childhood. Martin does an especially masterful job of weaving this theme throughout the story. While "Wrapped In Rain" is not a story about baseball, the author uses this All-American past-time as a bridge that connects Tucker's childhood to his adulthood.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy reading well-written fiction from time to time and want to be drawn into a moving story with rich characters and deep themes.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"Travelers have been delighted to see the footprint of man on a barren shore, and we love to see the marks of pilgrims while passing through the vale of tears."
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning By Morning, September 13

Wrapped In Rain by Charles Martin is a story of redemption and return, influenced by the loving life and prayers of the woman, Miss Ella Rain. The narrator is Tucker Mason Rain, one of two brothers raised by Miss Ella. Their father, Rex, is too busy making money to do more than hire Miss Ella to care for the boys, drink expensive liquor, and physically abuse the boys and Miss Ella on the rare occasions when he's home. The brothers Tucker and Matthew, called Mutt, and their childhood friend, Katie return home to face the ghosts of their childhood, and are redeemed by the Christ to whom Miss Ella prayed.

Wrapped In Rain's greatest strengths are a compelling story told in a beautifully lyrical way. The narrative style is simple and pure and believable. It makes possible a story that might be considered excessively spiritual or that suggests an unbelievably perfect life in Tucker Rain's career success. The way Moses Rain, Miss Ella's brother and town doctor is described illustrates not only his selfless dedication to others, but also small town culture:

"His practice policy was simple: come one, come all. And they did. From everywhere. Mose never made much money, but he never went hungry either. He never lacked anything. When his car didn't start, he found a grateful father underneath the hood, turning a torque wrench, who wouldn't take a penny for his services. When the weather turned 16 degrees Fahrenheit and his heater went out, he found a load of firewood stacked up next to his back door and a man downstairs working beneath his furnace. When his refrigerator quit, spoiling dinner and tomorrow morning's breakfast, he and Anna came home from work to find a house full of saran-wrapped plates piled high with roasted chicken, lima beans, scalloped potatoes, and meat loaf. Cooling off in place of the old one, they found a new refrigerator, filled with a few dozen eggs, bacon, milk, and a key lime pie. And when a storm blew in, toppling a sycamore tree that split his house in half, the Rains came home to find a crew of eight men cutting away the tree and stacking firewood. Five days later, they had repaired the damage, nailed an entirely new roof across the house, and begun a small addition off the back porch. And when Anna died at the tender age of fifty-seven, the funeral procession was three miles long and took an hour to congregate, and the funeral home wouldn't take a penny of his money" (page 101).

Because of the amount of back story necessary to understand the importance of events, the author mixes past and present such that it moves the story forward neither revealing too much detail nor too little. Chapter eleven and beyond are either be split-time (past and present) or very short, building a sense of urgency appropriate to Matthew Mason's mental condition and the changes Miss Ella Rain's prayers and the Holy Spirit are working in his brother, Tucker.
Anyone who has lived in the American South will be delighted with the humid, bug-ridden, and fried catfish accuracy of the author's geographic descriptions. It is impossible to understand a southern summer night without understanding the sweet-hot haze of stars in the faded blanket of blue overhead, the unseen bugs burrowing their way into your skin, and the soft sound of the river moving toward the sea.

This story will touch the heart of the lonely in spirit, who need something they cannot name but recognize it when they see it:

"I inched forward, pressed the tip of my nose against the back of Jase's head, and breathed a slow, deep, and silent breath. The feel of his soft hair on my top lip and nose reminded me of Miss Ella's warm, gentle lips on my cheek. When she got older, they grew prickly with fuzz and quivered when she reached up to kiss me. I never shied away from that. Not ever. Prickly or not, I wanted that woman's lips on my face" (page 236).

The book gently suggests the answers to the brutal reality of life and what comes after, with sincerity, honesty, and scriptural accuracy. There are some who would quibble with the dialogue that takes place between Tucker Rain and Miss Ella after she is in heaven, but this is a minor point, a bit of poetic license that helps the story and doesn't harm the scripture.

Wrapped In Rain is well worth the time spent to read and enjoy it.

This book was given to me by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for posting a review of the work.

Tucker Rain meets his childhood friend and her son one stormy night. The next day, Tucker discovers his schizophrenic brother has escaped the mental ward. So they set off together to find him and bring him home. Once found, Tucker brings his brother back to their home and they slowly discover their roots again.

With vivid, enduring characters and picturesque landscape descriptions, his second novel, Martin introduces Tucker Mason, the motherless son of a wealthy, abusive alcoholic in a small Alabama town. While Dad spends most of his time in an Atlanta high-rise, Tucker grows up in an enormous manse--complete with a "chandelier made from elk horns"--tutored by an African-American widow in common courtesy, love and the gospel. After a few years, an illegitimate son turns up at the Mason compound, Tucker's half-brother, Mutt. Although Tucker eventually overcomes his gothic childhood and becomes an acclaimed international photographer, he can't escape the home place. As a grown man, Tucker seems to have an eye for tragedy and pain. As celebrated, internationally famous photographer, he has traveled the world and seen both the serious and the strange. But when his brother escapes from a mental hospital and an old girlfriend appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face agony of his own tragic past. It is here that the true story begins....when Tucker returns to his childhood home and is pushed into making peace with this past, including his schizophrenic half-brother, Mutt, and an ex-girlfriend who, with her small son in tow, is on the run from a bad marriage. This group of Southern misfits manage to forge a kind of family. Martin spins a heart breaking and engaging story about healing and the triumph of love.

I am reviewing this book for BookSneeze. In exchange for a review on a consumer retail site, I received a free copy of the book; all I had to do was agree to read the book in its entirety and write a review regarding my thoughts about the book.

Tucker and Matthew (nicknamed Mutt) are two brothers that share a father, but different mothers who are not part of the story. For reasons unclear, both boys are raised by the father who is a brillant businessman but an abusive father, who often hits the boys for no reason at all. Their father hires a nanny/housekeeper to manage the house and the boys, Miss Ella, who the boys call Mama Ella when their father is not around.

The majority of the story takes place now that Tyler and Mason are adults and is written in the first person of Tucker. He is a photographer that has won many prized assignments on popular magazines. Mutt is haunted by a tragic event he saw in his teenage years when his father inflicted an abusive beating on someone he dearly loved and he has a lot of psychiatric issues. As the story begins, Mutt is in a psychiatric hospital and Tucker is returning home after being on another of his photography assignments. Tucker has a chance encounter with a young boy at a store where he stopped to get gas and then later is driving alongside the boy's mother car. It is a rainy night and she swerves off the road into a ditch. He goes to offer help, she shoots at him, but finally agrees to his help.

After they drive for a bit, he realizes she is Katie, an old childhood friend, who he finds out is running back to the area to escape her abusive marriage. He invites her to stay at his house with her young son. Meanwhile Mutt has escaped from the psychiatric hospital. Eventually Tucker will find him and bring him back to the family home.

The story unfolds from there as they deal with issues from their past as far as the abuse, trying to forgive their father who has aged and is in no condition to really recognize them any more. The story is told in past and present as well as in conversations Tucker has in his head with Mama Ella, who had died several years ago, but who is always quoting to him from the Bible as well as other wise words to help him deal with what he is feeling or going through, something she had done while raising the two young boys and teaching them about God. Through it all, she tells him "in the end love wins, always does, always will".

Through the story, forgiveness and change happens in Tucker's, Mutt's and Katie's life.

My thoughts about the book, I liked it. It was the first book from Charles Martin that I had read. I have to say the first 30-40 pages as the story was getting set up and begun to be told, it did not hold my interest and was a bit boring in the descriptions of areas around where Tucker lived as well as the psychiatric hospital where Mutt was. In looking back as I read more, I could see how writing like that helped tie things together but reading the first part of the book, it did not catch or hold my attention and if it was not a book that I was reviewing, I'm not sure I would have continued reading it.

However, once the connection between Katie and Tucker being long lost childhood friends began, the story became more interesting and began to hold my attention more and became very interesting as the events unfolded. There were some interesting twists in the story and an encouraging ending.

Mr. Martin did lay the story out well, capturing the sadness and pain of child abuse and neglect by a parent and the impact that has on a child not only in childhood but throughout their adulthood. Ater the first 30-40 pages when the story began to flow much better, all in all it was an enjoyable read. I would recommend it.

This book is about two young boys, Tucker and Mutt, who are raised by their nanny, Miss Ella, because their father, Rex, is an abusive drunk who would rather be making millions than be home with his boys. On the rare occasions that Rex is there, it's only to physically and emotional abuse the three of them. Now grown men, the story follows both Tucker and Mutt and the terrible struggles that they face because of the abuse they have suffered. It's been years since Miss Ella Rain has passed, yet Tucker can still hear her talking to him and urging him to forgive his father and release the hurt and resentment that threatens to prevent him from ever being happy. That is the point of the whole story, the power of forgiveness and how hard it can be to achieve it. The part that resonated with me the most is when Miss Ella is urging Tucker to let go of the anger towards his father, 'Every day that you get up, you got to lay that anger down. Lay it down and walk away. Then one day, you'll wake up and forget it's there. Only the remnant remains. An empty shell. If you don't, it'll eat you up and you'll rot like Rex. From the inside out.' She squeezed my hand and her eyes closed. 'Child', she whispered, 'love wins.'
I only have two criticisms, 1) we never know what has happened to the boy's mothers (they have two different moms) or why they weren't a part of the boys live's 2) the author's descriptions of locations, people and some conversations are overly detailed to the point where I would skip over them. I understand that he was trying to paint a picture, but sometimes he went overboard. Other than that, this is a great book. It is both heartbreaking and uplifting and I recommend it.

Wrapped In Rain
Charles Martin
Thomas Nelson Publisher
Christian Fiction
5 Stars

Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin is one of those books that is hard to put down. There are times in the book where he seem to stay on one subject for quite a lengthy time but I overlooked that and got into the deepness of the story. The story really revolves around two brothers and their housekeeper along with their alcoholic father. Tucker Mason now well known for his photography has a hard time forgiving his father. Growing up on a vast southern estate he had everything that most boysjust dream of ever having, a big house and acres to roam, but the one thing he was denied was the love of his father. The bottle meant more to him then his son and he grew up in the throngs of hell. With the housekeeper Miss Ella Rain, Tucker learns the meaning of love as she wraps him in her arms. With his younger brother Matthew(Mutt)they grew up going their separate ways,Tucker into Photography and Mutt into a mental hospital. Mutt escapes from the hospital and Tucker is forced to return back home. Here he comes to the point where he has to face his tragic past. Even though she has been gone for a long time he can still recall Miss Ella's words,and hear her prayers.The secret she whispered that he carried with him was; "Life is a battle, but you can't fight it with your fists". "You got to fight it with your heart".

This is the 3rd book that I have read of Charles Martins and I have to say I enjoyed it as well as the others. It teaches forgiveness, and love and the power that God can have in one's life. One thing I have found with Mr. Martins books is they seem to deal with real life. Even though the characters and novel are fiction.. The book is deep and some may have a hard time getting into it. I have found that novels like this if one read them slower than they usually read they will get a fuller detail of the story.

I received this complimentary copy from the Thomas Nelson and their Book Sneeze Bloggers program. A positive review was not required and the opinion of this book is based on my own thoughts of the book

This is a beautiful and complex novel about rising above a painful childhood. Tucker is a photographer on a brief leave between assignments. He has been using his job to run from his past, which included a violent and alcoholic father. He hears the voice of Miss Ella Rain, the black housekeeper who raised him and his brother, and protected them from their father- when she could.

On his way home, he happens upon an old girlfriend and her young son who need his help. Then he gets a call from a mental hospital- his brother has escaped. Tucker has been running from his past for 7 years and is forced to stop and face it, for his own as well as his brother's sake.

This novel is wonderful- written with humor and wisdom and sensitivity. The story is extremely well done and the setting is perfect (its less than 100 miles from here). I had no idea this was considered a Christian novel until after I read it, and to be honest, I think that classification is too narrow for this book. It is simply a rich and glowing novel that I can't wait to recommend to my friends. By the way, my husband grabbed this novel and took it on a business trip with him and he loved it too- and also didn't realize it was a Christian novel- he mostly reads spy-type thrillers. I can't recommend this book enough- now I'm going to get the author's first book.

Tucker Mason and his brother Matthew didn't have it easy. The sons of an alcoholic millionaire who sought total power, he fought back with both words and fists when life didn't go his way. Housekeeper and nanny Ella Rain softened the edges where she could, however, and tried to teach them about the One who really has control. By the time the boys were independent - Tucker an internationally known photographer, his brother in an institution for mental illness - their father had lost both his fortune and his mind and they had inherited only the ostentatious and unwanted mansion of their youth. When Matthew disappears from the institution and Tucker takes him home, can they find the root of Matthew's distress and Tucker's bitterness? Will they learn Miss Ella's most important life lesson - that only love and forgiveness can truly give them the home and future they crave?

The beginning of this book was not easy reading. Though interesting, the story picked up in present day and filled in the backstory through flashbacks and memories. Because the story was being told from different points of view, this meant bouncing around in time and viewpoint among at least four perspectives, which was difficult to sort out in the beginning. After settling in and getting the gist of the action, I began to enjoy this story much, much more. By the middle I couldn't put it down and I couldn't wait to find out how Martin would bring everyone's issues to resolution.

This story is not a lighthearted read, as the issues are deep: mental illness, child abuse, neglect, alcoholism, promiscuity, racial tensions; but Martin deals with each in a realistic and yet kind way. Tucker grabs your heart and makes you want to cheer him on to happiness as he reconciles with his difficult past.

With characters like Tucker, I'm definitely going to seek out Martin's other books.

I was given a free copy of this book by BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.

On a literary level, it's a great story, setting, and characters. On a spiritual level, it says much about love and forgiveness. On a psychological level, it says much about early-childhood attachment and trauma issues that follow us through life. The audio recording I listened to was read by two excellent narrators whose voices were perfect for the story.

Life is a battle, but you can't fight it with your fists. You got to fight it with your heart." An internationally famous photographer, Tucker has traveled the world and seen both the serious and the strange. But when his brother escapes from a mental hospital and an old girlfriend appears with her son and a black eye, he is forced to return home and face the agony of his own tragic past. Back in rural Alabama, Tucker comes to terms with the ghosts he left behind. Miss Ella Rain once loved Tuck and his brother like they were her very own. Hiring her to take care of Waverly Hall and to keep them out of sight was the only good thing their father ever did. And though Miss Ella has been gone for many years, Tuck can still hear her voice. And she keeps telling him, encouraging him, that by reaching out to this young boy he can redeem his father's tarnished legacy and pass on the good she brought into his life.

Wrapped in Rain is a story with very complex characters. The author shows insight into the characters by moving the story back and forth from past to present. By showing us the past so clearly, we know what created the situations that Mutt, Tucker, Katie, and even Rex are facing in the present. The transition is very defined so you know when you are in time. The title suits the story perfectly. Everyone should be so lucky to have an Ella Rain in their lives. Even though Wrapped in Rain is not a light and easy read, it tells a very powerful story of love, forgiveness, and second chances. It shows good and evil at work in the real world and like I always tell my children, in the end good will always win. Evil only comes out on top if we allow it. Keep a box of tissues close by, because you are going to need them. This story will touch your heart and leave a lasting impression on your life.

Tired of opening a book - and from the first paragraph - you know the ending, and you're just sticking around to see how it all gets there? Not so with this book! - A very different writing style. Gripping. Descriptive. Starts at a run right in the middle. So much so - that I couldn't keep up. We'd be neck deep in a place, a person, - and then flip. Even in the diving in of a beginning - he was slow to pull out the full story. I was intrigued but almost put the book down. He made me want to know. I wanted to meet Miss Ella Rain. I wanted to protect Mutt and Tuck. I wanted to swoop up the little girl and dress her in wings. He captured my heart with this one. With a husband that suffered child abuse - without reason - I was drawn in. Oh if everyone had a Miss Ella. My hubby did. He had a Mimi. If you need a book that will capture your attention, and demand to be read- one that you are a passenger - without knowing where it will go - you won't know or see any romantic theme - you won't know what Mutt will do - you won't know where Tuck's heart will go - you'll just ride. I definitely want to check out the other titles by Charles Martin - I am grateful to his amazingly clear writing voice!

I received an free download to my iPod to read in exchange for mentioning the book on my blog and writing a review on a book publisher site. I am allowed to give my free truthful opinion.

Tucker Mason is an internationally renowned photographer with an eye for beauty, but a past littered with violence and hate haunts him daily. His father was alcoholic, abusive, and neglectful. The only good thing he did for Tucker and his brother Mutt was hire Ella Rain to look after them.

Tucker is content to let the hate for his father simmer, but when Mutt escapes from a mental hospital and an ex-girlfriend shows up with her child and a black eye, events are set into motion that will change all of their lives forever. Tucker is forced to confront the rage that lies beneath everything he does, and the root of Mutt's mental instability are finally revealed.

Charles Martin weaves a tale of love, loss, sacrifice, and prayer in Wrapped In Rain. His characters are well-rounded, never caricatures or stock images of Southern people. He describes the atmosphere of Florida and Alabama perfectly, helping the reader to feel right at home. The plot is creative, but not over the top.

The center of this book is the love of Miss Ella Rain. Her steady determination to help the Mason boys escape their father's fate is admirable and compelling. Martin somehow creates a character that preaches but never sounds preachy. Ella Rain showers love on everyone in her world, through her actions as well as words.

Martin seems to be focusing on the power of love and prayer. If so, he has done a remarkable job, because this story will inspire you to love more fiercely and pray harder than you ever have before.

If there ever was a dysfunctional family, Tucker and Mutt were part of one. Illegitimate sons raised by a wealthy but extremely abusive father who made their lives a living hell, the two boys' only relief was that they were left with no one but Miss Ella to care for them most of the time. In fact, Miss Ella Rain had sacrificed most of her life making sure that the two boys knew that they were loved by both her and God.

After the death of Miss Ella, Tucker traveled the world as a successful photographer while Mutt's schizophrenia and OCD problems kept him institutionalized. On a brief trip home, Tucker rescued a young woman and her son only to discover that she was his childhood best friend Katie who had a multitude of problems of her own. Before they could get properly reacquainted, Tucker learned that Mutt had escaped from the mental health facility. Once Tucker had located Mutt, the three old friends were reunited and returned to the boy's childhood home.

"Wrapped in Rain" tells Tucker, Mutt, and Katie's stories both in present tense and through flashbacks to their childhood. Throughout, the voice of Miss Ella Rain plays a prominent part as they remember her instructions for life. A poignant tale, the story is beautifully written and contains scenes that are humorous, sad, and inspiring. With a strong emphasis on salvation and forgiveness, "Wrapped in Rain" demonstrates the healing power of love.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it, especially to those who love southern fiction.

Set in modern day Alabama, but with flashbacks to an abusive childhood, Charles Martin's Wrapped in Rain: A Novel of Coming Home sends a message of forgiveness. Although written in a realistic and engaging style, elements of the novel appear to drift from the focus. The basic concept of this story is excellent; it did not need overdone embellishment.
The plot is interesting. Noted photographer Tucker Rain returns to his decaying family estate to help his mentally ill brother and to face his own demons from a past filled with cruelty. A former high school girlfriend comes on the scene with a five year old son and her own story of domestic violence. Martin takes us into the seriously ill mind of Mutt who compulsively washes his hands and everything else around him. The spirit of deceased housekeeper, Miss Ella, the only kind figure the children had ever known, speaks to Tucker throughout the novel. Her Christian wisdom guides him in his interactions with his brother and with his aged father now suffering with dementia.
The author's description is compelling, if sometimes stretched. Baseball works very well as a symbol throughout the novel. However, certain incidents in the story do not seem to fit. Tucker's happening upon Katie's auto accident is just too convenient. Also, I could not discern the purpose of the clown and ice cream truck that came down the driveway on a Sunday morning.
This is a readable book about real problems (especially mental illness); just don't get bogged down in the Alabama swamp or in too many details.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Not having read the first book, The Dead Don't Dance, I wasn't sure how this book would "play out for me." I was captured by this story, though, from the first page. Getting to know Tucker, Rex, Mutt and Miss Ella Rain.
When I picked this book up to read it, the title is really what drew me in...Wrapped in Rain. It has a cozy sound like a lazy day by the fireplace with a great tasting cup of hot cocoa and a flannel blanket reading a well written novel.
As I started reading this story, though, I soon realized that "wrapped in rain" was actually referring to Miss Ella Rain.
Miss Ella is the only mama that Tucker and Mutt have or will ever know. A devote christian woman "Miss Ella was kneeling beside her bed. She was like that a lot. Head bowed and draped in a yellow plastic shower cap, hands folded and resting on top of her Bible." (Prologue; before chapter 1)
This is an incredible read. Mutt's story made me cry. I simply couldn't imagine that Rex, the father, is so ugly and uncaring.
Tucker is strong willed in the sense that he will survive. He wants to forget his abusive father and his half-brother Mutt's health issues.
Then there's Katie and her little son, Jase.
Charles Martin has a way with descriptive words! This story will draw you into a place where evil resides but where love, grace and faith preside!
Tucker must make a choice...to hate or not to hate!
A poignant read with thought provoking insights!
*This ebook was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishing/BookSneeze*

I have been interested in reading one of Charles Martin's books for a while now, so I was grateful that Wrapped in Rain was available for me to review. The prologue of this book pulled me into the story right away, but the first chapter started to lose me a bit. It seemed to take a little too long to get the story going. I appreciate Charles's care he takes in providing detailed descriptions, but it felt like a little too much describing all the patients in the psychiatric hospital. I was really wanting to love this story, so I didn't let that bit of slowness dull my enthusiasm for the story, which is good because the book did pick up in pace and interest. There were a few other slow spots because of the overdone descriptions, but I don't like to hold that against the entire book because this really was quite an amazing story. I liked the edginess and the setting. The characters were interesting and their stories intriguing.

Overall, I am rather impressed with Charles Martin's writing skills. I think he has some very strong writing abilities and a talent for creating stories. Wrapped in Rain had a feel to it all its own that is hard to describe and must be experienced to be appreciated. Any slow spots or minor flaws were quickly replaced by the terrific writing and interesting story. For my first experience with Charles Martin, I can say that I am quite pleased and that I will definitely be very eager to read more from him. I highly recommend Wrapped in Rain as a book to sit back, relax and enjoy as it unfolds.

Sometimes I just don't know. Like why have I spent money on at least four of Charles Martin's books, and up until now had yet to crack open the first page. I'd finish one book, trot over to the shelf, while my eyes would silently browse over the titles I had yet to read, I always acknowledged, but always passed up the titles by Charles Martin. And when I finally did pick one up, I realized what I've been missing all this time. I've missed books that put up a fight, yet they choose to fight with heart! And if you truly let them, they will touch you in a way you might not expect it to.

"Wrapped in Rain" wraps our hearts around Tucker Mason, and the crap he's been through. But it also digs a little deeper, into a woman who raised him and his brother, Mutt. That woman is Ella Rain. And although Miss Ella has been gone for quite sometime, her words still find their way to Tucker, and although he may not always agree, they manage to have some good conversations.

It also shoots an arrow directly into his past when he runs into another lady friend of the past. Her name is Katie, and her little boy, Jace, have experienced some of the bumps and bruises that Tucker knows all too well. And with his brother in tow as well, out of the psych ward, Tucker is set to take care of business.

I think Charles Martin can be easily compared to Nicholas Sparks...with an edge! And I loved that edge that he brings to the table. With the ease of a southern breeze, Martin lets his words do the talking, and lets the reader enjoy the story. The baseball in this made things interesting as well. And I guess if the brawler in you is itching for a fight, then you've got it. Because while there may be bumps and bruises here and there, Charles Martin makes sure this is fought with heart! And I'm hoping the heart of Martin continues to beat on for many stories to come.

Wrapped in Rain
by Charles Martin

This is a fanastic book about redemption and the power of unconditional love. It shows that one person can truly make a difference and that sometimes the prayers and love of that person outlast the person's life.

The story begins with a frightened child and chronicles the terror and abuse he lived through from his drunken, unloving father. But God sent a Nanny to the family who loved him and taught him that His Heavenly Father was tender and compassionate.

The child grows to manhood not really fully understanding or embracing God as His friend or savior. But the young man does believe in the love of "Mama Ella", who was hired by his father to be maid and child care provider for him.

The truly amazing thing about this story is that even though it is a novel the spiritual truths are so profound and real! God IS like this. He CAN do miracles beyond our imagination. And it inspired me because I work with children every day and I pray to be a light for children as "Mama Ella" was.

As the story continues there are many twists and turns and the words and love of "Mama Ella" save many lives from destruction and despair. It reminds us that our prayers for someone else may seem to be fruitless but we don't know the ways that God is reaching out to that person to draw them to Himself.

I received this book free from the publisher through booksneeze.com. I was not required to write a positive review.

"Child, Love always wins, always has - always will!"

Timeless words of instruction from the memories of `Miss Ella' float through "Wrapped in Rain" by Charles Martin and capture your heart, strike down your pride, and offer glimpses of the mystery of Grace.

This is a story of two abused boys, a self-absorbed money hungry father, a self sacrificing little black woman and how love wins over incomprehensible physical, mental, and emotional pain.

Tucker Rain providentially meets his childhood friend (Katy Withers) and her son one stormy night. The next day, Tucker discovers his schizophrenic brother (Mutt Mason) has escaped the mental ward. Tucker, Katy, and Jayce (Katy's five year son) set off to find him and bring him home.

Once found, Tucker brings Mutt back to their home and they slowly discover their roots again. Katy's son is a visual reminder to both Tucker and Mutt of their own childhood innocence they had lost somewhere long ago in an upstairs room of Waverly Hall.

With vivid, enduring characters and picturesque landscape descriptions, the reader discovers redemption and forgiveness, pride and hatred, innocence and wonder all set in a small town in Alabama.

The dialogue will capture your heart and linger through your mind long after you finish the book. Words such as: "If your knuckles are bloodier than your knees, you're fighting the wrong battle" and"His blood dripped onto my restraints and dissolved them."

Perhaps the most enduring dialogue was explaining an invisible God to a five year child by saying "The closer you get to the heat, the less you doubt the fire"

This is a must read book. In it you will learn what a `People Place' is, the real reason for beer, and the most complete description of the cultural south by a waitress named Dixie I have ever read.

If you have struggled with facing your own childhood demons, read this book and you may find yourself putting some of your own memories behind you.

Gina Hendrix
Vessel Project Book Reviewer
[...]

Wow, what a book! I started off a little bored and dreading such a long book, but after a few chapters I began enjoying it and actually stayed up way past my normal bedtime in order to finish it.

A quick summary. . .the story follows two brothers, both of who were terribly abused in their childhood by their father, yet survived through the love of their nanny/maid/substitute mama. One brother succeeded amazingly in life, the other succumbed to a psychological illness. Add to this a childhood sweetheart who is running from an abusive husband, and a little child. . .this story is full of strong characters. Their lives come together as they attempt to find family.

As I said previously, at the beginning of the book (the first several chapters!) there was SO much kind of superfluous detail and information that I couldn't catch the story line and began to lose interest. I had committed to reading the book, so I plowed through. Boy am I glad I did, as the story began to come together. There was a Christian theme throughout the book, along with a forgiveness theme. All in all, it was a very enjoyable read. I'd definitely recommend the book! And don't give up, it'll get better as you persevere!

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for my honest review; I was not required to write a positive review.

Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin was difficult to get into, to be honest. I picked it up about two years ago, but when about 60 pages into it, I knew more about a truck-stop prostitute (who was an oversized prop--and when I say oversized, I mean oversized) than I did the story itself, I put it back down. But on the encouragement of a friend, I tried again. I'm glad I did.

Wrapped in Rain is about Tucker Mason and his brother Matthew (a.k.a. Mutt) coming to terms with their messed-up past (namely, a father who's frequent absences was preferred to his abusive presence), forgiving daily, and learning to freely love. The only redeeming aspect of their childhood was Miss Ella Rain, their nanny/housekeeper, who loved them as if they were her own and who fought for them when they couldn't fight anymore.

The story begins when Mutt, who suffers from a personality disorder because of his past, escapes from the mental health facility. At the same time, Tucker runs into his childhood girlfriend, Katie, and her son, Jase, on the run from Katie's husband, who's been abusing them. Reunited, Tucker, Katie, Mutt, and now Jase, learn to live together, love each other, and work through their issues.

The prose is flawless and beautiful, although at times superfluous (i.e. the description of the truck-stop prostitute and other well-written but long descriptions of local color). Sometimes the story seems too convenient (i.e. how Tucker runs into Katie and the subplot of Katie running from her ex, which wraps up too neatly, I think), but the emotions and inner struggle encapsulates what it means to forgive every day. Because of the nature of the story, backstory is integral, but it's overwhelming. At times it felt a little like this: I walked through the field. It reminded me of the time when...backstory...On the other side, I met Katie...then Katie shares her backstory through one-sided dialogue...We walked back together like we did that day when we were...another backstory.

I'm exaggerating. Slightly.

All in all, I'm glad I gave the story another try, and I'll read more Charles Martin because I like the flow of his prose and the development of his main characters. The prologue in the beginning kept me going through the slow story development. If you're willing to persevere through the beginning, I recommend it.

Of the 30+ books I read so far this year, Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin outshone them all. This southern coming home novel is filled with compelling characters, bittersweet moments, and a lesson for all of us.

At the age of six, Tucker Mason's secluded life at Waverly Hall becomes a little more bearable. His father, Rex Mason, arrives one night with a boy in tow and offers eight words of introduction. "This is Matthew . . . Mason. Apparently, he's my son." The two boys are left in the care of Miss Ella Rain, a local woman hired by Rex to keep them out of sight.

As adults, Tucker and Mutt (Matthew) now struggle with the memories of a childhood at the hands of a father who didn't want them and memories of "Mama" Ella's death.

Tucker returns home from a photo shoot late at night to find a woman and child stranded on the side of the road. He offers them shelter for the night and puts them up in Miss Ella's house, only to discover the woman is Katie, a childhood friend now running from an abusive husband.

When Mutt escapes from the mental hospital, Tucker is faced with the decision to place Mutt in a more secure facility. Against medical advice, Tucker chooses instead to take Mutt back to Waverly Hall.

Can their former childhood home help ease the voices in Mutt's head, and can Miss Ella's soft promptings help Tucker reconcile his past and place a hope for a future in his heart?

Wrapped in Rain had me laughing out loud one minute, and crying the next. Charles Martin has a gift for bringing his characters to life and placing them firmly in the reader's heart. My heart broke many times for Mutt. His antics were both funny and poignant, and helped me understand the mind of someone battling a mental illness. From Miss Ella, I learned that strength resides in the meek. This woman of faith was strong under adversity, and her legacy to the boys was one of soft spoken words to guide them and endless hours on her knees in prayer. And then there was little Jase, the son of Tucker's old girlfriend, Katie. His sweet innocence was both refreshing and heartwarming.

If you only read one book this year, read Wrapped in Rain. Let it soothe your heart and bring you before the Throne Room.

Wrapped In Rain
Charles Martin
Thomas Nelson Publisher
Christian Fiction
5 Stars

Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin is one of those books that is hard to put down. There are times in the book where he seem to stay on one subject for quite a lengthy time but I overlooked that and got into the deepness of the story. The story really revolves around two brothers and their housekeeper along with their alcoholic father. Tucker Mason now well known for his photography has a hard time forgiving his father. Growing up on a vast southern estate he had everything that most boysjust dream of ever having, a big house and acres to roam, but the one thing he was denied was the love of his father. The bottle meant more to him then his son and he grew up in the throngs of hell. With the housekeeper Miss Ella Rain, Tucker learns the meaning of love as she wraps him in her arms. With his younger brother Matthew(Mutt)they grew up going their separate ways,Tucker into Photography and Mutt into a mental hospital. Mutt escapes from the hospital and Tucker is forced to return back home. Here he comes to the point where he has to face his tragic past. Even though she has been gone for a long time he can still recall Miss Ella's words,and hear her prayers.The secret she whispered that he carried with him was; "Life is a battle, but you can't fight it with your fists". "You got to fight it with your heart".

This is the 3rd book that I have read of Charles Martins and I have to say I enjoyed it as well as the others. It teaches forgiveness, and love and the power that God can have in one's life. One thing I have found with Mr. Martins books is they seem to deal with real life. Even though the characters and novel are fiction.. The book is deep and some may have a hard time getting into it. I have found that novels like this if one read them slower than they usually read they will get a fuller detail of the story.

I received this complimentary copy from the Thomas Nelson and their Book Sneeze Bloggers program. A positive review was not required and the opinion of this book is based on my own thoughts of the book

This is a beautiful and complex novel about rising above a painful childhood. Tucker is a photographer on a brief leave between assignments. He has been using his job to run from his past, which included a violent and alcoholic father. He hears the voice of Miss Ella Rain, the black housekeeper who raised him and his brother, and protected them from their father- when she could.

On his way home, he happens upon an old girlfriend and her young son who need his help. Then he gets a call from a mental hospital- his brother has escaped. Tucker has been running from his past for 7 years and is forced to stop and face it, for his own as well as his brother's sake.

This novel is wonderful- written with humor and wisdom and sensitivity. The story is extremely well done and the setting is perfect (its less than 100 miles from here). I had no idea this was considered a Christian novel until after I read it, and to be honest, I think that classification is too narrow for this book. It is simply a rich and glowing novel that I can't wait to recommend to my friends. By the way, my husband grabbed this novel and took it on a business trip with him and he loved it too- and also didn't realize it was a Christian novel- he mostly reads spy-type thrillers. I can't recommend this book enough- now I'm going to get the author's first book.

Tucker Mason and his brother Matthew didn't have it easy. The sons of an alcoholic millionaire who sought total power, he fought back with both words and fists when life didn't go his way. Housekeeper and nanny Ella Rain softened the edges where she could, however, and tried to teach them about the One who really has control. By the time the boys were independent - Tucker an internationally known photographer, his brother in an institution for mental illness - their father had lost both his fortune and his mind and they had inherited only the ostentatious and unwanted mansion of their youth. When Matthew disappears from the institution and Tucker takes him home, can they find the root of Matthew's distress and Tucker's bitterness? Will they learn Miss Ella's most important life lesson - that only love and forgiveness can truly give them the home and future they crave?

The beginning of this book was not easy reading. Though interesting, the story picked up in present day and filled in the backstory through flashbacks and memories. Because the story was being told from different points of view, this meant bouncing around in time and viewpoint among at least four perspectives, which was difficult to sort out in the beginning. After settling in and getting the gist of the action, I began to enjoy this story much, much more. By the middle I couldn't put it down and I couldn't wait to find out how Martin would bring everyone's issues to resolution.

This story is not a lighthearted read, as the issues are deep: mental illness, child abuse, neglect, alcoholism, promiscuity, racial tensions; but Martin deals with each in a realistic and yet kind way. Tucker grabs your heart and makes you want to cheer him on to happiness as he reconciles with his difficult past.

With characters like Tucker, I'm definitely going to seek out Martin's other books.

I was given a free copy of this book by BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.

On a literary level, it's a great story, setting, and characters. On a spiritual level, it says much about love and forgiveness. On a psychological level, it says much about early-childhood attachment and trauma issues that follow us through life. The audio recording I listened to was read by two excellent narrators whose voices were perfect for the story.

Life is a battle, but you can't fight it with your fists. You got to fight it with your heart." An internationally famous photographer, Tucker has traveled the world and seen both the serious and the strange. But when his brother escapes from a mental hospital and an old girlfriend appears with her son and a black eye, he is forced to return home and face the agony of his own tragic past. Back in rural Alabama, Tucker comes to terms with the ghosts he left behind. Miss Ella Rain once loved Tuck and his brother like they were her very own. Hiring her to take care of Waverly Hall and to keep them out of sight was the only good thing their father ever did. And though Miss Ella has been gone for many years, Tuck can still hear her voice. And she keeps telling him, encouraging him, that by reaching out to this young boy he can redeem his father's tarnished legacy and pass on the good she brought into his life.

Wrapped in Rain is a story with very complex characters. The author shows insight into the characters by moving the story back and forth from past to present. By showing us the past so clearly, we know what created the situations that Mutt, Tucker, Katie, and even Rex are facing in the present. The transition is very defined so you know when you are in time. The title suits the story perfectly. Everyone should be so lucky to have an Ella Rain in their lives. Even though Wrapped in Rain is not a light and easy read, it tells a very powerful story of love, forgiveness, and second chances. It shows good and evil at work in the real world and like I always tell my children, in the end good will always win. Evil only comes out on top if we allow it. Keep a box of tissues close by, because you are going to need them. This story will touch your heart and leave a lasting impression on your life.

Tired of opening a book - and from the first paragraph - you know the ending, and you're just sticking around to see how it all gets there? Not so with this book! - A very different writing style. Gripping. Descriptive. Starts at a run right in the middle. So much so - that I couldn't keep up. We'd be neck deep in a place, a person, - and then flip. Even in the diving in of a beginning - he was slow to pull out the full story. I was intrigued but almost put the book down. He made me want to know. I wanted to meet Miss Ella Rain. I wanted to protect Mutt and Tuck. I wanted to swoop up the little girl and dress her in wings. He captured my heart with this one. With a husband that suffered child abuse - without reason - I was drawn in. Oh if everyone had a Miss Ella. My hubby did. He had a Mimi. If you need a book that will capture your attention, and demand to be read- one that you are a passenger - without knowing where it will go - you won't know or see any romantic theme - you won't know what Mutt will do - you won't know where Tuck's heart will go - you'll just ride. I definitely want to check out the other titles by Charles Martin - I am grateful to his amazingly clear writing voice!

I received an free download to my iPod to read in exchange for mentioning the book on my blog and writing a review on a book publisher site. I am allowed to give my free truthful opinion.

Tucker Mason is an internationally renowned photographer with an eye for beauty, but a past littered with violence and hate haunts him daily. His father was alcoholic, abusive, and neglectful. The only good thing he did for Tucker and his brother Mutt was hire Ella Rain to look after them.

Tucker is content to let the hate for his father simmer, but when Mutt escapes from a mental hospital and an ex-girlfriend shows up with her child and a black eye, events are set into motion that will change all of their lives forever. Tucker is forced to confront the rage that lies beneath everything he does, and the root of Mutt's mental instability are finally revealed.

Charles Martin weaves a tale of love, loss, sacrifice, and prayer in Wrapped In Rain. His characters are well-rounded, never caricatures or stock images of Southern people. He describes the atmosphere of Florida and Alabama perfectly, helping the reader to feel right at home. The plot is creative, but not over the top.

The center of this book is the love of Miss Ella Rain. Her steady determination to help the Mason boys escape their father's fate is admirable and compelling. Martin somehow creates a character that preaches but never sounds preachy. Ella Rain showers love on everyone in her world, through her actions as well as words.

Martin seems to be focusing on the power of love and prayer. If so, he has done a remarkable job, because this story will inspire you to love more fiercely and pray harder than you ever have before.

If there ever was a dysfunctional family, Tucker and Mutt were part of one. Illegitimate sons raised by a wealthy but extremely abusive father who made their lives a living hell, the two boys' only relief was that they were left with no one but Miss Ella to care for them most of the time. In fact, Miss Ella Rain had sacrificed most of her life making sure that the two boys knew that they were loved by both her and God.

After the death of Miss Ella, Tucker traveled the world as a successful photographer while Mutt's schizophrenia and OCD problems kept him institutionalized. On a brief trip home, Tucker rescued a young woman and her son only to discover that she was his childhood best friend Katie who had a multitude of problems of her own. Before they could get properly reacquainted, Tucker learned that Mutt had escaped from the mental health facility. Once Tucker had located Mutt, the three old friends were reunited and returned to the boy's childhood home.

"Wrapped in Rain" tells Tucker, Mutt, and Katie's stories both in present tense and through flashbacks to their childhood. Throughout, the voice of Miss Ella Rain plays a prominent part as they remember her instructions for life. A poignant tale, the story is beautifully written and contains scenes that are humorous, sad, and inspiring. With a strong emphasis on salvation and forgiveness, "Wrapped in Rain" demonstrates the healing power of love.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it, especially to those who love southern fiction.

Set in modern day Alabama, but with flashbacks to an abusive childhood, Charles Martin's Wrapped in Rain: A Novel of Coming Home sends a message of forgiveness. Although written in a realistic and engaging style, elements of the novel appear to drift from the focus. The basic concept of this story is excellent; it did not need overdone embellishment.
The plot is interesting. Noted photographer Tucker Rain returns to his decaying family estate to help his mentally ill brother and to face his own demons from a past filled with cruelty. A former high school girlfriend comes on the scene with a five year old son and her own story of domestic violence. Martin takes us into the seriously ill mind of Mutt who compulsively washes his hands and everything else around him. The spirit of deceased housekeeper, Miss Ella, the only kind figure the children had ever known, speaks to Tucker throughout the novel. Her Christian wisdom guides him in his interactions with his brother and with his aged father now suffering with dementia.
The author's description is compelling, if sometimes stretched. Baseball works very well as a symbol throughout the novel. However, certain incidents in the story do not seem to fit. Tucker's happening upon Katie's auto accident is just too convenient. Also, I could not discern the purpose of the clown and ice cream truck that came down the driveway on a Sunday morning.
This is a readable book about real problems (especially mental illness); just don't get bogged down in the Alabama swamp or in too many details.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Not having read the first book, The Dead Don't Dance, I wasn't sure how this book would "play out for me." I was captured by this story, though, from the first page. Getting to know Tucker, Rex, Mutt and Miss Ella Rain.
When I picked this book up to read it, the title is really what drew me in...Wrapped in Rain. It has a cozy sound like a lazy day by the fireplace with a great tasting cup of hot cocoa and a flannel blanket reading a well written novel.
As I started reading this story, though, I soon realized that "wrapped in rain" was actually referring to Miss Ella Rain.
Miss Ella is the only mama that Tucker and Mutt have or will ever know. A devote christian woman "Miss Ella was kneeling beside her bed. She was like that a lot. Head bowed and draped in a yellow plastic shower cap, hands folded and resting on top of her Bible." (Prologue; before chapter 1)
This is an incredible read. Mutt's story made me cry. I simply couldn't imagine that Rex, the father, is so ugly and uncaring.
Tucker is strong willed in the sense that he will survive. He wants to forget his abusive father and his half-brother Mutt's health issues.
Then there's Katie and her little son, Jase.
Charles Martin has a way with descriptive words! This story will draw you into a place where evil resides but where love, grace and faith preside!
Tucker must make a choice...to hate or not to hate!
A poignant read with thought provoking insights!
*This ebook was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishing/BookSneeze*

I have been interested in reading one of Charles Martin's books for a while now, so I was grateful that Wrapped in Rain was available for me to review. The prologue of this book pulled me into the story right away, but the first chapter started to lose me a bit. It seemed to take a little too long to get the story going. I appreciate Charles's care he takes in providing detailed descriptions, but it felt like a little too much describing all the patients in the psychiatric hospital. I was really wanting to love this story, so I didn't let that bit of slowness dull my enthusiasm for the story, which is good because the book did pick up in pace and interest. There were a few other slow spots because of the overdone descriptions, but I don't like to hold that against the entire book because this really was quite an amazing story. I liked the edginess and the setting. The characters were interesting and their stories intriguing.

Overall, I am rather impressed with Charles Martin's writing skills. I think he has some very strong writing abilities and a talent for creating stories. Wrapped in Rain had a feel to it all its own that is hard to describe and must be experienced to be appreciated. Any slow spots or minor flaws were quickly replaced by the terrific writing and interesting story. For my first experience with Charles Martin, I can say that I am quite pleased and that I will definitely be very eager to read more from him. I highly recommend Wrapped in Rain as a book to sit back, relax and enjoy as it unfolds.

Sometimes I just don't know. Like why have I spent money on at least four of Charles Martin's books, and up until now had yet to crack open the first page. I'd finish one book, trot over to the shelf, while my eyes would silently browse over the titles I had yet to read, I always acknowledged, but always passed up the titles by Charles Martin. And when I finally did pick one up, I realized what I've been missing all this time. I've missed books that put up a fight, yet they choose to fight with heart! And if you truly let them, they will touch you in a way you might not expect it to.

"Wrapped in Rain" wraps our hearts around Tucker Mason, and the crap he's been through. But it also digs a little deeper, into a woman who raised him and his brother, Mutt. That woman is Ella Rain. And although Miss Ella has been gone for quite sometime, her words still find their way to Tucker, and although he may not always agree, they manage to have some good conversations.

It also shoots an arrow directly into his past when he runs into another lady friend of the past. Her name is Katie, and her little boy, Jace, have experienced some of the bumps and bruises that Tucker knows all too well. And with his brother in tow as well, out of the psych ward, Tucker is set to take care of business.

I think Charles Martin can be easily compared to Nicholas Sparks...with an edge! And I loved that edge that he brings to the table. With the ease of a southern breeze, Martin lets his words do the talking, and lets the reader enjoy the story. The baseball in this made things interesting as well. And I guess if the brawler in you is itching for a fight, then you've got it. Because while there may be bumps and bruises here and there, Charles Martin makes sure this is fought with heart! And I'm hoping the heart of Martin continues to beat on for many stories to come.

Wrapped in Rain
by Charles Martin

This is a fanastic book about redemption and the power of unconditional love. It shows that one person can truly make a difference and that sometimes the prayers and love of that person outlast the person's life.

The story begins with a frightened child and chronicles the terror and abuse he lived through from his drunken, unloving father. But God sent a Nanny to the family who loved him and taught him that His Heavenly Father was tender and compassionate.

The child grows to manhood not really fully understanding or embracing God as His friend or savior. But the young man does believe in the love of "Mama Ella", who was hired by his father to be maid and child care provider for him.

The truly amazing thing about this story is that even though it is a novel the spiritual truths are so profound and real! God IS like this. He CAN do miracles beyond our imagination. And it inspired me because I work with children every day and I pray to be a light for children as "Mama Ella" was.

As the story continues there are many twists and turns and the words and love of "Mama Ella" save many lives from destruction and despair. It reminds us that our prayers for someone else may seem to be fruitless but we don't know the ways that God is reaching out to that person to draw them to Himself.

I received this book free from the publisher through booksneeze.com. I was not required to write a positive review.

"Child, Love always wins, always has - always will!"

Timeless words of instruction from the memories of `Miss Ella' float through "Wrapped in Rain" by Charles Martin and capture your heart, strike down your pride, and offer glimpses of the mystery of Grace.

This is a story of two abused boys, a self-absorbed money hungry father, a self sacrificing little black woman and how love wins over incomprehensible physical, mental, and emotional pain.

Tucker Rain providentially meets his childhood friend (Katy Withers) and her son one stormy night. The next day, Tucker discovers his schizophrenic brother (Mutt Mason) has escaped the mental ward. Tucker, Katy, and Jayce (Katy's five year son) set off to find him and bring him home.

Once found, Tucker brings Mutt back to their home and they slowly discover their roots again. Katy's son is a visual reminder to both Tucker and Mutt of their own childhood innocence they had lost somewhere long ago in an upstairs room of Waverly Hall.

With vivid, enduring characters and picturesque landscape descriptions, the reader discovers redemption and forgiveness, pride and hatred, innocence and wonder all set in a small town in Alabama.

The dialogue will capture your heart and linger through your mind long after you finish the book. Words such as: "If your knuckles are bloodier than your knees, you're fighting the wrong battle" and"His blood dripped onto my restraints and dissolved them."

Perhaps the most enduring dialogue was explaining an invisible God to a five year child by saying "The closer you get to the heat, the less you doubt the fire"

This is a must read book. In it you will learn what a `People Place' is, the real reason for beer, and the most complete description of the cultural south by a waitress named Dixie I have ever read.

If you have struggled with facing your own childhood demons, read this book and you may find yourself putting some of your own memories behind you.

Gina Hendrix
Vessel Project Book Reviewer
[...]

Wow, what a book! I started off a little bored and dreading such a long book, but after a few chapters I began enjoying it and actually stayed up way past my normal bedtime in order to finish it.

A quick summary. . .the story follows two brothers, both of who were terribly abused in their childhood by their father, yet survived through the love of their nanny/maid/substitute mama. One brother succeeded amazingly in life, the other succumbed to a psychological illness. Add to this a childhood sweetheart who is running from an abusive husband, and a little child. . .this story is full of strong characters. Their lives come together as they attempt to find family.

As I said previously, at the beginning of the book (the first several chapters!) there was SO much kind of superfluous detail and information that I couldn't catch the story line and began to lose interest. I had committed to reading the book, so I plowed through. Boy am I glad I did, as the story began to come together. There was a Christian theme throughout the book, along with a forgiveness theme. All in all, it was a very enjoyable read. I'd definitely recommend the book! And don't give up, it'll get better as you persevere!

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for my honest review; I was not required to write a positive review.

Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin was difficult to get into, to be honest. I picked it up about two years ago, but when about 60 pages into it, I knew more about a truck-stop prostitute (who was an oversized prop--and when I say oversized, I mean oversized) than I did the story itself, I put it back down. But on the encouragement of a friend, I tried again. I'm glad I did.

Wrapped in Rain is about Tucker Mason and his brother Matthew (a.k.a. Mutt) coming to terms with their messed-up past (namely, a father who's frequent absences was preferred to his abusive presence), forgiving daily, and learning to freely love. The only redeeming aspect of their childhood was Miss Ella Rain, their nanny/housekeeper, who loved them as if they were her own and who fought for them when they couldn't fight anymore.

The story begins when Mutt, who suffers from a personality disorder because of his past, escapes from the mental health facility. At the same time, Tucker runs into his childhood girlfriend, Katie, and her son, Jase, on the run from Katie's husband, who's been abusing them. Reunited, Tucker, Katie, Mutt, and now Jase, learn to live together, love each other, and work through their issues.

The prose is flawless and beautiful, although at times superfluous (i.e. the description of the truck-stop prostitute and other well-written but long descriptions of local color). Sometimes the story seems too convenient (i.e. how Tucker runs into Katie and the subplot of Katie running from her ex, which wraps up too neatly, I think), but the emotions and inner struggle encapsulates what it means to forgive every day. Because of the nature of the story, backstory is integral, but it's overwhelming. At times it felt a little like this: I walked through the field. It reminded me of the time when...backstory...On the other side, I met Katie...then Katie shares her backstory through one-sided dialogue...We walked back together like we did that day when we were...another backstory.

I'm exaggerating. Slightly.

All in all, I'm glad I gave the story another try, and I'll read more Charles Martin because I like the flow of his prose and the development of his main characters. The prologue in the beginning kept me going through the slow story development. If you're willing to persevere through the beginning, I recommend it.

Of the 30+ books I read so far this year, Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin outshone them all. This southern coming home novel is filled with compelling characters, bittersweet moments, and a lesson for all of us.

At the age of six, Tucker Mason's secluded life at Waverly Hall becomes a little more bearable. His father, Rex Mason, arrives one night with a boy in tow and offers eight words of introduction. "This is Matthew . . . Mason. Apparently, he's my son." The two boys are left in the care of Miss Ella Rain, a local woman hired by Rex to keep them out of sight.

As adults, Tucker and Mutt (Matthew) now struggle with the memories of a childhood at the hands of a father who didn't want them and memories of "Mama" Ella's death.

Tucker returns home from a photo shoot late at night to find a woman and child stranded on the side of the road. He offers them shelter for the night and puts them up in Miss Ella's house, only to discover the woman is Katie, a childhood friend now running from an abusive husband.

When Mutt escapes from the mental hospital, Tucker is faced with the decision to place Mutt in a more secure facility. Against medical advice, Tucker chooses instead to take Mutt back to Waverly Hall.

Can their former childhood home help ease the voices in Mutt's head, and can Miss Ella's soft promptings help Tucker reconcile his past and place a hope for a future in his heart?

Wrapped in Rain had me laughing out loud one minute, and crying the next. Charles Martin has a gift for bringing his characters to life and placing them firmly in the reader's heart. My heart broke many times for Mutt. His antics were both funny and poignant, and helped me understand the mind of someone battling a mental illness. From Miss Ella, I learned that strength resides in the meek. This woman of faith was strong under adversity, and her legacy to the boys was one of soft spoken words to guide them and endless hours on her knees in prayer. And then there was little Jase, the son of Tucker's old girlfriend, Katie. His sweet innocence was both refreshing and heartwarming.

If you only read one book this year, read Wrapped in Rain. Let it soothe your heart and bring you before the Throne Room.

An almost achingly beautiful southern tale, told by a very talented author. In his second novel, Charles Mason has taken well drawn and interesting characters, and placed them in a story of love and forgiveness that is hard to forget. In prose lyrical and beautiful, we learn about the lives of Tucker, his brother Mutt and their dear friend Katie. The most moving character in this story is Tucker and Mutt's real caretaker, the housekeeper they grew up with, Miss Ella, the only real love and stability the boys ever knew. The father of the boys, Rex, is brutal, violent and unloving, leaving both his sons and their caretaker with marks both psychically and emotionally horrible.

After Tucker grows up, he becomes an internationally known and successful photographer. Still affected negatively by his violent past with his father, he needs to make a decision, to forgive, love and move on, or forever be scarred and damaged by the evil wrought by their father.

Beautifully written and haunting, this story will stay with the reader for a long time, giving us all reason to wonder what we can forgive and what forever will scar us.

Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin is the story of two brothers, Tuck and Mutt, who grow up in a home with an absent and abusive father. The abuse they suffer affects them to the core, but they ground themselves in the love of Miss Ella Rain. Ella Rain is the live-in help who loves those boys as her own. No matter the circumstance, she points them to Christ and forgiveness. She teaches them what a real man should be. Both boys struggle as adults to leave behind their past. One loses himself to mental illness and the other to work. This is the story of healing for two very broken boys as they find a way to put the pieces back together.

I love this book with my whole heart. If I could give it bonus stars, I would. The story is simply powerful and moving. The character development is so well done and the plot is completely engaging. You can't help but to live each moment with the characters. The unconditional love that Miss Ella has for those boys is beautiful to behold. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for providing me a free copy of this book to review in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a favorable review.

I feel like such a loser for my review of this book. Most people gave this a four or five star rating, but I just could not get into it. Not one bit. I couldn't connect with any of the characters (except the nanny) and I didn't really care what happened to them. I think mostly my problem was that the story seemed to take forever to unfold and I had no interest on waiting on it. I should admit that I skipped through a lot of this book...like chapters worth.

Maybe I'll try this again one day, because I loved The Mountain Between Us, which he wrote, so I know I enjoy his writing style.

This is a heartwarming story about learning to love and forgiveness. Intertwined with the local culture of the deep south, Tucker Rain, the main character, is forced to return to his childhood home and face the demons left by his unloving and abusive father. Throughout the book, the author uses flashbacks of Tucker's youth and life's lessons taught by the old, black woman who raised him as her own child to illustrate how Tucker became who he is. This backdrop is combined with him running into a childhood friend and her son, escaping their own demons, and Tucker's mentally-ill brother, which all make for some humorous and emotional scenes at the estate they grew up in.

I did wonder why the absence of Tucker's mom was not mentioned once in the story. But Overall I enjoyed this book, even if it all worked out too well, if not predictable, in the end.

Wrapped in Rain is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. It is a compelling, authentic story of humanity's good and evil. The southern setting is an almost cinematic backdrop, the characters so strong and authentic, that I will carry this story--and these people--with me for a long time to come.

Tucker Mason never received affection from his wealthy, abusive father. He does have a few happy memories of his childhood. Time spent with his half-brother Mutt and his childhood girlfriend Katie. And, of course, Miss Ella, the housekeeper who was like a mother to him and the only secure source of love Tucker ever knew.

Now Tucker is a world famous photographer and has done his best to leave his difficult, painful childhood behind him. But when Katie comes back into Tucker's life with her little boy, Jase, and Mutt escapes from the mental hospital where he has lived because of his schizophrenia, Tucker comes to realize that maybe there are some memories that can't, and shouldn't be, left behind. Through the ever-present voice of Miss Ella, Tucker realizes he has a choice. He can continue to let his hatred--the sins of his father--control his life and the decisions he makes; or he can lay it down and choose the harder path of love and forgiveness instead.

I listened to the unabridged audio version of this book narrated by Tom Stechschulte and it was riveting. Very highly recommended.

I'm not always a fan of religious fiction. That probably sounds like an odd thing for a pastor to say, but I have the same problem with contemporary Christian music, too--too preachy, too touchy-feely, too over-the-top.

I downloaded Wrapped in Rain with the intention of maybe reading a few chapters before I would put it down to take care of other things. The other things went by the wayside quickly. I couldn't stop reading--well, other than to feed the bottomless pits known as my children, of course. I finished the book in a single sitting. That's not unusual for me, but I certainly wasn't expecting it in this case.

What can I tell you without giving away the story? Two young boys have an abusive father, a man who gains enormous wealth with liquor distribution rights but then ends up falling prey to the temptation of the very thing he distributes. Wanting little to do with his sons, he hires help to clean the house and keep the boys. Miss Ella is a woman of faith, and she protects the boys as much as she can. The story develops as the boys become adults and have to deal with the aftermath of their tumultuous childhood. One escapes by traveling the world as a photographer; the other is lost inside his own mind. A reunion with a childhood friend brings all their issues to a head. All the while, Miss Ella's faithful influence guides the brothers in a godly way.

Vague enough? My summary doesn't do the book justice. Let me put it this way: this is the best piece of fiction, religious or otherwise, I've read this year. Give it a read. You won't be disappointed.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

This is my favorite Martin book so far. The guy is a character-creating genius. Tucker is a multi-faceted wounded hero--all man, all heart. Mutt is a star that shoots across the story, lighting it with humor and pathos. Miss Ella is the backbone, Tucker's foundation, his spiritual and moral compass. Martin plants these passionate people in a sterile mansion surrounded by the little-boy wonderland of rural Alabama. And Martin is no slouch at painting memorable scenes. I've remembered and chuckled over his depiction of a five-minute gas station-convenience store stop for years. To call Wrapped in Rain stunning would be a gross understatement. 5+ Stars, perhaps the best book I've read--ever.

It took me quite a few chapters to get into this book. I felt the character development was a little slow and then like always, I hit about the 50 page mark and I was completely pulled in. Sometimes the subject matter in the book regarding abuse and mental illness was pretty tough to read. Martin has such a beautiful way of writing that it pushes you and pulls you and makes you feel many different types of emotions all at once. I felt such love from Miss Ella Rain and at the same time I completely fell in love with her. I wish that everyone could have even just a little bit of the compassion and love that she has for people. She defiantly stole the show. What a great find this book was.

This was my first novel by Charles Martin and will for sure read some more. Overall I give this book a B+

Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin is the story of Tucker Mason. A man famously known for capturing unseen things with his lens. Unfortunately he needs to see things in his life in a new way and forgive those that have wronged him. The question is can he do that. Can he forgive? Whether it was good or bad certain events take place forcing Mason to return to the one place and time he has avoided all of his adult life.

Mason did have one special soul to help him and raise him but Miss Ella has died leaving him with only her words and prayers to guide him. Will this be enough for Mason to find peace and forgiveness? Well it will and does. This is an amazing story of a lifes journey from bad to good. Beautifully written to the point of distraction. This is a must read.

Each book that I have read by Charles Martin has been completely different from the others, yet all showcase his wonderful ability to turn a phrase from ordinary into the realm of amazing. This book was a warm rendition of the triumph of good over evil, but doesn't gloss over the scars that can occur. You will be so glad you read the book!

This is not my type of book but I seem to be picking out faith/religious books to read lately.

The storyline is okay which is basically it IS okay to go home again, but I wish the author would have written more on the background of the two boys. What happened to the mother? Why didn't anyone report the abuse? Lots of "whys" but not any answers. Again, this is not my type of book so I look for different things in a book and Mr. Martin seems to over describes relatively minor things that doesn't suit the purpose. Some issues he skims over and exponds on others. It didn't make much sense to me.

Hopefully I will start choosing books that are more to my liking.

WOW, just WOW...this is one of the best books I've ever read...after reading Chasing Fireflies, I fell in love with the author's way he told his story in such a warm, real, pure emotional way...I felt I had to read more of what he had to offer. I appreciate that he doesnt have to use vulgarities or sex in his stories. The two stories leave me wanting more. This particular novel covers a range of emotions that left me exhausted and feeling like the characters were truly a part of me and surely stuck in my mind and heart for the near future. Endearing, funny, tragic, precious and blessed by the words Mama Ella quotes, It was hard to say goodbye at the end. A must read for anyone reading for a "meaty" novel that leaves you wanting more! Keep writing Mr. Martin! You've been blessed with a gift!

This was such a unique book. It wasn't close to what I expected. Two boys, who live with their father in Alabama, are pretty much raised by their housekeeper, Ella Rain. Their father is very abusive and it impacts the boys life in drastic ways. Tucker, a photographer, is running from himself and the person he does not want to become. Mutt is in a mental hospital dealing with his demons and the voices inside his head. When Mutt escapes from the hospital and Katie, an old girlfriend, appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face his tragic past. This books brings faith and hope together with great character development and a very unique story line. One of those I whipped through and did not want to put down.

Charles Martin is a very talented author. Wrapped in Rain is the first book I have read by this author and his talent is clear throughout. Moving, filled with emotion, told in such a way that you feel as if you are watching a movie instead of reading a book. Absolutely amazing. Characters that are well developed and a story line that is believable, filled with faith and love. Through laughter and yes tears I finished reading the book after midnight, I couldn't put it down, and I still cannot find the words to describe how much I Loved Wrapped in Rain. Charles Martin fans will not be disappointed.

Another book enjoyed written by Charles Martin. The true southern old feel. Charles Martin created another book built on relationships, with good past scenes, and scenic views. Wanderers, Runners and those that are Confused collide, and a nannies voice from the past leads them along. Its not jaw dropping literature but a warming read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through there BookSneeze program. I really enjoyed the characters in this book. They were a little zany, and you never quite knew what to expect from them. I liked how the book dealt with forgiveness. The father may not have "deserved" forgiveness, but Tucker couldn't move on until he had given it. Some of the situations in the book seemed a little to contrived, but over all I quite enjoyed the book. Tucker and Mutt both had to come to terms with their feelings for their father before they could start healing.

This beautiful novel brought me to tears many times during the course of reading it. Unlike many novels today, it actually has likable characters that I enjoyed spending time with and will miss now that I've finished it. Martin's descriptions are powerful and full of depth. The title has several meanings that come gradually through reading. This isn't a book with lots of action or suspense. It's a book about true life with real people where sometimes the most dramatic things are the truest. I wish I knew a Mama Ella. Mutt's dream is possibly the most beautiful thing I've ever read. Read this book and pass it on to your friends.

Wrapped in Rain is one of the best books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Parts of the book made me laugh out loud and others made me cry. The characters were well developed and real. Mr. Martin used a variety of techniques such as flashbacks that allowed me to better understand and relate to Mutt, Katie, Miss Ella, and Tucker. Mr. Martin has a way with words; his descriptions of the characters, various situations, and setting allowed the reader to get more involved in the book. The book was crafted in such a way that I quickly got lost in the story and was deeply moved by all the emotion the book possessed. The book's messages of love, forgiveness, and healing were touching.

Each of Charles Martin's books have been books that I could not read all at once. Some of his words and sentences would explode the thoughts in my mind so much that I had to put the book down to absorb all the directions that opened up. I don't want to get into describing these stories - each one is such a surprise, I don't want to take anything away from anyone who decides to read one. I celebrate this new author, and I hope he has many more stories waiting to be written. What a pleasure this has been. And like another review said - I wish there were more than 5 stars. The characters, the stories - all amazing.

This is an excellent book - well written with a plot that flows out from the opening pages like the mysterious yet familiar unfolding of a piece of silk. Moments of levity break up an otherwise sombre book on the repercussions of family violence. The author approaches the subject from a uniquely Southern perspective, bringing to it the warm, slow-moving and introspective flavor of the best of writers from the South. I am rarely so engrossed in a book for the Christian market, but this one was lovely AND gave proper honor to the God we all love and serve without being prosaic or contrived. Kudos to Charles Martin.

Very unexpectedly good read. Very deep. This is not my usual type of reading material, but it was very good. The characters were very well developed. The story was very unusual, dealing with mental disorders, salvation, love, parenting, and many other topics.

Tuck and Mutt are raised by their loving nanny while their father abuses and neglects them. Mutt is incapacitated by mental illness and Tuck by anger. When Mutt escapes from the mental hospital that he was confined to and Tuck's childhood sweetheart relies on him to protect her from her abusive husband, Tuck has to put his life on hold to help those he loves.

This is a somewhat predictable but still enjoyable story about love, loss, forgiveness and hope. I really liked and highly recommend it.

This is a heartwarming story about learning to love and forgiveness. Intertwined with the local culture of the deep south, Tucker Rain, the main character, is forced to return to his childhood home and face the demons left by his unloving and abusive father. Throughout the book, the author uses flashbacks of Tucker's youth and life's lessons taught by the old, black woman who raised him as her own child to illustrate how Tucker became who he is. This backdrop is combined with him running into a childhood friend and her son, escaping their own demons, and Tucker's mentally-ill brother, which all make for some humorous and emotional scenes at the estate they grew up in.

I did wonder why the absence of Tucker's mom was not mentioned once in the story. But Overall I enjoyed this book, even if it all worked out too well, if not predictable, in the end.

Wrapped in Rain is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. It is a compelling, authentic story of humanity's good and evil. The southern setting is an almost cinematic backdrop, the characters so strong and authentic, that I will carry this story--and these people--with me for a long time to come.

Tucker Mason never received affection from his wealthy, abusive father. He does have a few happy memories of his childhood. Time spent with his half-brother Mutt and his childhood girlfriend Katie. And, of course, Miss Ella, the housekeeper who was like a mother to him and the only secure source of love Tucker ever knew.

Now Tucker is a world famous photographer and has done his best to leave his difficult, painful childhood behind him. But when Katie comes back into Tucker's life with her little boy, Jase, and Mutt escapes from the mental hospital where he has lived because of his schizophrenia, Tucker comes to realize that maybe there are some memories that can't, and shouldn't be, left behind. Through the ever-present voice of Miss Ella, Tucker realizes he has a choice. He can continue to let his hatred--the sins of his father--control his life and the decisions he makes; or he can lay it down and choose the harder path of love and forgiveness instead.

I listened to the unabridged audio version of this book narrated by Tom Stechschulte and it was riveting. Very highly recommended.

I'm not always a fan of religious fiction. That probably sounds like an odd thing for a pastor to say, but I have the same problem with contemporary Christian music, too--too preachy, too touchy-feely, too over-the-top.

I downloaded Wrapped in Rain with the intention of maybe reading a few chapters before I would put it down to take care of other things. The other things went by the wayside quickly. I couldn't stop reading--well, other than to feed the bottomless pits known as my children, of course. I finished the book in a single sitting. That's not unusual for me, but I certainly wasn't expecting it in this case.

What can I tell you without giving away the story? Two young boys have an abusive father, a man who gains enormous wealth with liquor distribution rights but then ends up falling prey to the temptation of the very thing he distributes. Wanting little to do with his sons, he hires help to clean the house and keep the boys. Miss Ella is a woman of faith, and she protects the boys as much as she can. The story develops as the boys become adults and have to deal with the aftermath of their tumultuous childhood. One escapes by traveling the world as a photographer; the other is lost inside his own mind. A reunion with a childhood friend brings all their issues to a head. All the while, Miss Ella's faithful influence guides the brothers in a godly way.

Vague enough? My summary doesn't do the book justice. Let me put it this way: this is the best piece of fiction, religious or otherwise, I've read this year. Give it a read. You won't be disappointed.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Charles Martin is an excellent author. Once again it was a riveting story with excitement and lure through to the end. The book is an excellent read! This is a good story about forgiveness and love for the very hardest to love. Sometimes the descriptions and narrative are too lengthy. I have an extensive library, and I don't know how this guy has not been discovered yet. Wrapped in Rain is a great story of family. The dynamics between son and father and house keeper who steps in as Mom is so real. I loved this book. Powerful and filled with emotional scenes that did their job and had me reaching for the tissue box more than once. Characters are relatable and a tragic past, trying to make it through to tomorrow - just my kind of read! I'm not a huge fan of walloping the reader with a faith message, and I have to admit a couple of scenes toward the end of the story seemed a bit heavy-handed for me, (I am a Christian so I didn't care) and I wondered what a person who did not share the author's faith would think. I loved Miss Ella, Mutt, the Judge, would have liked a little more development of Katie. I couldn't quite figure her out. Even felt a little sorry for Tucker's deadbeat dad at the end. This was my first Charles Martin novel, but it won't be my last!

This is my favorite Martin book so far. The guy is a character-creating genius. Tucker is a multi-faceted wounded hero--all man, all heart. Mutt is a star that shoots across the story, lighting it with humor and pathos. Miss Ella is the backbone, Tucker's foundation, his spiritual and moral compass. Martin plants these passionate people in a sterile mansion surrounded by the little-boy wonderland of rural Alabama. And Martin is no slouch at painting memorable scenes. I've remembered and chuckled over his depiction of a five-minute gas station-convenience store stop for years. To call Wrapped in Rain stunning would be a gross understatement. 5+ Stars, perhaps the best book I've read--ever.

It took me quite a few chapters to get into this book. I felt the character development was a little slow and then like always, I hit about the 50 page mark and I was completely pulled in. Sometimes the subject matter in the book regarding abuse and mental illness was pretty tough to read. Martin has such a beautiful way of writing that it pushes you and pulls you and makes you feel many different types of emotions all at once. I felt such love from Miss Ella Rain and at the same time I completely fell in love with her. I wish that everyone could have even just a little bit of the compassion and love that she has for people. She defiantly stole the show. What a great find this book was.

This was my first novel by Charles Martin and will for sure read some more. Overall I give this book a B+

Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin is the story of Tucker Mason. A man famously known for capturing unseen things with his lens. Unfortunately he needs to see things in his life in a new way and forgive those that have wronged him. The question is can he do that. Can he forgive? Whether it was good or bad certain events take place forcing Mason to return to the one place and time he has avoided all of his adult life.

Mason did have one special soul to help him and raise him but Miss Ella has died leaving him with only her words and prayers to guide him. Will this be enough for Mason to find peace and forgiveness? Well it will and does. This is an amazing story of a lifes journey from bad to good. Beautifully written to the point of distraction. This is a must read.

Each book that I have read by Charles Martin has been completely different from the others, yet all showcase his wonderful ability to turn a phrase from ordinary into the realm of amazing. This book was a warm rendition of the triumph of good over evil, but doesn't gloss over the scars that can occur. You will be so glad you read the book!

This is not my type of book but I seem to be picking out faith/religious books to read lately.

The storyline is okay which is basically it IS okay to go home again, but I wish the author would have written more on the background of the two boys. What happened to the mother? Why didn't anyone report the abuse? Lots of "whys" but not any answers. Again, this is not my type of book so I look for different things in a book and Mr. Martin seems to over describes relatively minor things that doesn't suit the purpose. Some issues he skims over and exponds on others. It didn't make much sense to me.

Hopefully I will start choosing books that are more to my liking.

WOW, just WOW...this is one of the best books I've ever read...after reading Chasing Fireflies, I fell in love with the author's way he told his story in such a warm, real, pure emotional way...I felt I had to read more of what he had to offer. I appreciate that he doesnt have to use vulgarities or sex in his stories. The two stories leave me wanting more. This particular novel covers a range of emotions that left me exhausted and feeling like the characters were truly a part of me and surely stuck in my mind and heart for the near future. Endearing, funny, tragic, precious and blessed by the words Mama Ella quotes, It was hard to say goodbye at the end. A must read for anyone reading for a "meaty" novel that leaves you wanting more! Keep writing Mr. Martin! You've been blessed with a gift!

This was such a unique book. It wasn't close to what I expected. Two boys, who live with their father in Alabama, are pretty much raised by their housekeeper, Ella Rain. Their father is very abusive and it impacts the boys life in drastic ways. Tucker, a photographer, is running from himself and the person he does not want to become. Mutt is in a mental hospital dealing with his demons and the voices inside his head. When Mutt escapes from the hospital and Katie, an old girlfriend, appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face his tragic past. This books brings faith and hope together with great character development and a very unique story line. One of those I whipped through and did not want to put down.

Charles Martin is a very talented author. Wrapped in Rain is the first book I have read by this author and his talent is clear throughout. Moving, filled with emotion, told in such a way that you feel as if you are watching a movie instead of reading a book. Absolutely amazing. Characters that are well developed and a story line that is believable, filled with faith and love. Through laughter and yes tears I finished reading the book after midnight, I couldn't put it down, and I still cannot find the words to describe how much I Loved Wrapped in Rain. Charles Martin fans will not be disappointed.

Another book enjoyed written by Charles Martin. The true southern old feel. Charles Martin created another book built on relationships, with good past scenes, and scenic views. Wanderers, Runners and those that are Confused collide, and a nannies voice from the past leads them along. Its not jaw dropping literature but a warming read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through there BookSneeze program. I really enjoyed the characters in this book. They were a little zany, and you never quite knew what to expect from them. I liked how the book dealt with forgiveness. The father may not have "deserved" forgiveness, but Tucker couldn't move on until he had given it. Some of the situations in the book seemed a little to contrived, but over all I quite enjoyed the book. Tucker and Mutt both had to come to terms with their feelings for their father before they could start healing.

This beautiful novel brought me to tears many times during the course of reading it. Unlike many novels today, it actually has likable characters that I enjoyed spending time with and will miss now that I've finished it. Martin's descriptions are powerful and full of depth. The title has several meanings that come gradually through reading. This isn't a book with lots of action or suspense. It's a book about true life with real people where sometimes the most dramatic things are the truest. I wish I knew a Mama Ella. Mutt's dream is possibly the most beautiful thing I've ever read. Read this book and pass it on to your friends.

Wrapped in Rain is one of the best books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Parts of the book made me laugh out loud and others made me cry. The characters were well developed and real. Mr. Martin used a variety of techniques such as flashbacks that allowed me to better understand and relate to Mutt, Katie, Miss Ella, and Tucker. Mr. Martin has a way with words; his descriptions of the characters, various situations, and setting allowed the reader to get more involved in the book. The book was crafted in such a way that I quickly got lost in the story and was deeply moved by all the emotion the book possessed. The book's messages of love, forgiveness, and healing were touching.

Each of Charles Martin's books have been books that I could not read all at once. Some of his words and sentences would explode the thoughts in my mind so much that I had to put the book down to absorb all the directions that opened up. I don't want to get into describing these stories - each one is such a surprise, I don't want to take anything away from anyone who decides to read one. I celebrate this new author, and I hope he has many more stories waiting to be written. What a pleasure this has been. And like another review said - I wish there were more than 5 stars. The characters, the stories - all amazing.

This is an excellent book - well written with a plot that flows out from the opening pages like the mysterious yet familiar unfolding of a piece of silk. Moments of levity break up an otherwise sombre book on the repercussions of family violence. The author approaches the subject from a uniquely Southern perspective, bringing to it the warm, slow-moving and introspective flavor of the best of writers from the South. I am rarely so engrossed in a book for the Christian market, but this one was lovely AND gave proper honor to the God we all love and serve without being prosaic or contrived. Kudos to Charles Martin.

Very unexpectedly good read. Very deep. This is not my usual type of reading material, but it was very good. The characters were very well developed. The story was very unusual, dealing with mental disorders, salvation, love, parenting, and many other topics.

It's true, the author uses a variety of descriptive techniques and at times I enjoyed this. However, there were times that he simply went on and on describing a situation or event that did nothing to add to the story line.
Also, some of the characters were very stereotyped which really irritated me. For example: The entire Dixie, Missy, Rocco account.....what was that? It was 9 pages of rambling about these people that did not add anything to the storyline. And it took 11 pages to tell us about his stop at Bessies gas station.
While the spiritual aspect was weaved throughout the book, the concept of Ms.Ella speaking to them from heaven is not Biblically sound and quite often, bordered on blasphemy.

Wrapped in Rain is the story of internationally celebrated photographer Tucker Mason. He returns home to Alabama from his work and is reunited with his ex-girlfriend(Katie) and her son who are seeking refuge from a violent ex husband. Soon they are out looking for Tuck's brother Mutt who has escaped from a mental hospital. But it turns out Tucker's brother is not the only one who hears voices. Tucker communicates with his dead Nanny Miss Ella from beyond the grave as he deals with his anger towards his abusive alcoholic father Rex. Will Tuck give in and choose the life of self centeredness, greed, anger, and alcohol he learned from his father? Or will Miss Ella's no nonsense paternal voice be able to get Tuck, Mutt, and Katie on the straight and narrow ?

The author of the book, Charles Martin, maintains interesting tension till the very end and what creates that tension varies. But there are very little loose ends left after the novels 300 or so pages. Some points in the story felt less than plausible top me but these developments created interesting conflict and I was willing to drop my skepticism in the name of story. Wrapped in Rain finds its structure and strength less in a series of linked events and more in the transformation of its central character Tucker.

One complaint I had was with the character development of Rex, Tucker's father. He felt a bit flat. All through the book there's basically nothing to like about him or make the reader sympathetic. This is something that might stem from the difference between storytelling and theology. From a theological standpoint you don't have to understand someone to forgive the way they treat you, but it helps. And it is a requisite for believable characters that play as important a role in this story as Rex does that they have likeable qualities as well as flaws or some exploration into how those flaws developed. Rex is both a father and a son and I think shedding light a little on what his childhood was like may have made him a more interesting character.

Tuckers nanny Miss Ella is flat in very different way. She is the closest thing to a real mother that Tucker has but at times it feels like she is less of a person and more a vehicle for the application of Bible verses to situations in the story. Charles Martin develops Tucker well on the other hand. We're in his head for most of the book and see him as a conflicting paradox of a man that hides from the messy reality of relationships behind his camera and busy travel schedule at times and in other times comes through as an emotionally available friend tested and proven through adversity.

I feel like Charles explored dialogue more than any other literary device in this book with mixed results. I had to read the dialogue between Tuck and the voice of his dead nanny several times before I got it on a few occasions. Then at other times, particularly near the end, Tucker's dialogue with other characters sounded contrived and didn't match his personality. He sounded like he had a degree in Christian counseling or was reading aloud from the pages of Wild at Heart. Hearing Tucker talk about boys and baseball earlier in the novel seems to flow a little more naturally and is rooted more in who he is as a character.

The story is mostly told from the point of view of Tucker and Miss Ella who speaks to Tucker from beyond the grave. This may be off-putting or confusing to some not familiar with the Bible. About a boy or Big Fish might speak to you better. Wrapped in Rain explores the sometimes conflicting co existence of the current medical health profession and the Biblical narrative which reflects a time when medicinal practices were more mystical than scientific and "demons" was a far more widely accepted explanation for some behaviors. But by the same token the cursing and sexual content in About a boy or the lack of religious discussion in both it and Big Fish may frustrate others. Wrapped in Rain will speak to you better. There is very little sexual content or language in the book. It is however far more violent than Big Fish or About a boy, though in its defense, the story is an exploration of "turning the other cheek" as Jesus would say it.

Wrapped in Rain beautifully illustrates the saying, "No pit is so deep that God's love is not deeper still." Wonderful book. I don't have enough adjectives to do it justice. Charles Martin's stories embody all the best in Southern fiction: lyrical prose, quirky characters, a sense of child-like wonder. I pray the Lord allows him to continue writing for years to come.

My first exposure to Charles Martin...I will come back for more. The characters blend and are very real and the power and promise of Scripture breathes throughout the story just as it does throughout life. Thank you Charles and GOD bless.

An inspiring story of the power of love, struggle and, ultimately, redemption. As the author of eight novels, myself, I understand the complexities of capturing such a powerful, quiet story. And one of the things I admired most about Martin is that his writing technique, always critical but so often underdeveloped in many, has been honed to a high degree worthy of respect. It's a skill that takes great dedication, work, and not a little natural talent. I admired Martin's style almost as much as the story because he has cultivated the art of saying so much of a story with so few words - one of the most difficult tasks for any writer. Congrats, Mr. Martin, you've done a man's job, sir .... REVIEW by JAMES BYRON HUGGINS, author of "NIGHTBRINGER ..."

This was my first Charles Martin book and I really liked it! It was well written and the message was powerful. The characters were well developed and the story moved well along. Thank you for writing this book, Mr. Martin. I will read more of your books.

Here's the bottom line:
Martin's writing ability is skilled and, I might say, gifted.
However--
The intention of the novel isn't primarily to tell a good story, but rather to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of love and forgiveness (and preach and preach and preach--including a sermon and an altar call of sorts). Readers should know this up front, I believe, before choosing to make a purchase.
The character of Tucker is angelic, if not downright messianic--except for the scene in which he suddenly slaps his brother after appearing to be the epitome of patience and gentleness for 200+ pages. Miss Ella is Mother Theresa translated to rural America. Matthew ("Mutt"), Tucker's brother, is diagnosed with several psychological disorders, including schizophrenia, but later Tucker is told by a psychiatrist, "If you can find the root of his torment, you can begin a process of healing." Ah, if only healing the mentally wounded could be so easy.
Martin's approach is simplistic and naive, and at times, so melodramatic, the book reads like the script of a bad made-for-TV movie.
All that aside, his particular audience will no doubt find this book riveting.

A couple editing issues, but nothing drastic. I loved this book, it was all about family and coming to terms with the past. Learning to forgive a person, not for their sake, bout for your own sake. Love this author.

I've only read one other Charles Martin book, "When Crickets Cry" which I enjoyed very much. Therefore, I decided to read another by this author and our local library had a copy of "Wrapped in Rain". I can now rate this book a two because I didn't purchase it but instead checked it out from the library. Mr. Martin's writing can be very good, however, in this book he simply wallows in words - using every adjective he's ever used, wanted to use, read, seen, looked up in a dictionary, heard,(perhaps you can get the point from my overuse of verbs). I wanted to like this book, but I didn't. And because a friend and I read it out loud to each other the weakness in the writing, the character development, and the plot shone through easily. If I had it to do over again I'd have read another book. Do yourself a favor and read something else, like "When Crickets Cry".

Our local library offered this book on CD, and since I drive 4x a week 1 hr. 15 min. one way, I thought I'd give this book a try. I was a bit hesitant at first because of of the description of the book, but once I started to listen to it, I could not stop. I would sit in the parking lot at my school and wait until the last minute before turning off my car, or I'd sit in our garage for the longest time because I just couldn't turn the car off. I LOVED this book so much!! I even talked my husband into listening to it. (He's on the road a lot). He also enjoyed it a lot. I would recomment this book to anyone. I LOVED IT!!!!!

This book wrapped me in tears, laughter and healing. Although I have read and been blessed by both non-fiction and fiction books about abuse and recovery, very few have spoken to my heart with the depth and power of this one. Martin writes so vividly that reading it was like watching a really good movie. My eldest daughter is also an avid reader, so when I finished it, I went and handed it to her. With tears dripping off my chin, I hiccuped and said, "You GOTTA read this!" She cocked an eyebrow and said, "Happy tears?" I nodded and sniffed, "Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhh."

It's true, the author uses a variety of descriptive techniques and at times I enjoyed this. However, there were times that he simply went on and on describing a situation or event that did nothing to add to the story line.
Also, some of the characters were very stereotyped which really irritated me. For example: The entire Dixie, Missy, Rocco account.....what was that? It was 9 pages of rambling about these people that did not add anything to the storyline. And it took 11 pages to tell us about his stop at Bessies gas station.
While the spiritual aspect was weaved throughout the book, the concept of Ms.Ella speaking to them from heaven is not Biblically sound and quite often, bordered on blasphemy.

Wrapped in Rain is the story of internationally celebrated photographer Tucker Mason. He returns home to Alabama from his work and is reunited with his ex-girlfriend(Katie) and her son who are seeking refuge from a violent ex husband. Soon they are out looking for Tuck's brother Mutt who has escaped from a mental hospital. But it turns out Tucker's brother is not the only one who hears voices. Tucker communicates with his dead Nanny Miss Ella from beyond the grave as he deals with his anger towards his abusive alcoholic father Rex. Will Tuck give in and choose the life of self centeredness, greed, anger, and alcohol he learned from his father? Or will Miss Ella's no nonsense paternal voice be able to get Tuck, Mutt, and Katie on the straight and narrow ?

The author of the book, Charles Martin, maintains interesting tension till the very end and what creates that tension varies. But there are very little loose ends left after the novels 300 or so pages. Some points in the story felt less than plausible top me but these developments created interesting conflict and I was willing to drop my skepticism in the name of story. Wrapped in Rain finds its structure and strength less in a series of linked events and more in the transformation of its central character Tucker.

One complaint I had was with the character development of Rex, Tucker's father. He felt a bit flat. All through the book there's basically nothing to like about him or make the reader sympathetic. This is something that might stem from the difference between storytelling and theology. From a theological standpoint you don't have to understand someone to forgive the way they treat you, but it helps. And it is a requisite for believable characters that play as important a role in this story as Rex does that they have likeable qualities as well as flaws or some exploration into how those flaws developed. Rex is both a father and a son and I think shedding light a little on what his childhood was like may have made him a more interesting character.

Tuckers nanny Miss Ella is flat in very different way. She is the closest thing to a real mother that Tucker has but at times it feels like she is less of a person and more a vehicle for the application of Bible verses to situations in the story. Charles Martin develops Tucker well on the other hand. We're in his head for most of the book and see him as a conflicting paradox of a man that hides from the messy reality of relationships behind his camera and busy travel schedule at times and in other times comes through as an emotionally available friend tested and proven through adversity.

I feel like Charles explored dialogue more than any other literary device in this book with mixed results. I had to read the dialogue between Tuck and the voice of his dead nanny several times before I got it on a few occasions. Then at other times, particularly near the end, Tucker's dialogue with other characters sounded contrived and didn't match his personality. He sounded like he had a degree in Christian counseling or was reading aloud from the pages of Wild at Heart. Hearing Tucker talk about boys and baseball earlier in the novel seems to flow a little more naturally and is rooted more in who he is as a character.

The story is mostly told from the point of view of Tucker and Miss Ella who speaks to Tucker from beyond the grave. This may be off-putting or confusing to some not familiar with the Bible. About a boy or Big Fish might speak to you better. Wrapped in Rain explores the sometimes conflicting co existence of the current medical health profession and the Biblical narrative which reflects a time when medicinal practices were more mystical than scientific and "demons" was a far more widely accepted explanation for some behaviors. But by the same token the cursing and sexual content in About a boy or the lack of religious discussion in both it and Big Fish may frustrate others. Wrapped in Rain will speak to you better. There is very little sexual content or language in the book. It is however far more violent than Big Fish or About a boy, though in its defense, the story is an exploration of "turning the other cheek" as Jesus would say it.

Wrapped in Rain beautifully illustrates the saying, "No pit is so deep that God's love is not deeper still." Wonderful book. I don't have enough adjectives to do it justice. Charles Martin's stories embody all the best in Southern fiction: lyrical prose, quirky characters, a sense of child-like wonder. I pray the Lord allows him to continue writing for years to come.

My first exposure to Charles Martin...I will come back for more. The characters blend and are very real and the power and promise of Scripture breathes throughout the story just as it does throughout life. Thank you Charles and GOD bless.

An inspiring story of the power of love, struggle and, ultimately, redemption. As the author of eight novels, myself, I understand the complexities of capturing such a powerful, quiet story. And one of the things I admired most about Martin is that his writing technique, always critical but so often underdeveloped in many, has been honed to a high degree worthy of respect. It's a skill that takes great dedication, work, and not a little natural talent. I admired Martin's style almost as much as the story because he has cultivated the art of saying so much of a story with so few words - one of the most difficult tasks for any writer. Congrats, Mr. Martin, you've done a man's job, sir .... REVIEW by JAMES BYRON HUGGINS, author of "NIGHTBRINGER ..."

This was my first Charles Martin book and I really liked it! It was well written and the message was powerful. The characters were well developed and the story moved well along. Thank you for writing this book, Mr. Martin. I will read more of your books.

Here's the bottom line:
Martin's writing ability is skilled and, I might say, gifted.
However--
The intention of the novel isn't primarily to tell a good story, but rather to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of love and forgiveness (and preach and preach and preach--including a sermon and an altar call of sorts). Readers should know this up front, I believe, before choosing to make a purchase.
The character of Tucker is angelic, if not downright messianic--except for the scene in which he suddenly slaps his brother after appearing to be the epitome of patience and gentleness for 200+ pages. Miss Ella is Mother Theresa translated to rural America. Matthew ("Mutt"), Tucker's brother, is diagnosed with several psychological disorders, including schizophrenia, but later Tucker is told by a psychiatrist, "If you can find the root of his torment, you can begin a process of healing." Ah, if only healing the mentally wounded could be so easy.
Martin's approach is simplistic and naive, and at times, so melodramatic, the book reads like the script of a bad made-for-TV movie.
All that aside, his particular audience will no doubt find this book riveting.

A couple editing issues, but nothing drastic. I loved this book, it was all about family and coming to terms with the past. Learning to forgive a person, not for their sake, bout for your own sake. Love this author.

I've only read one other Charles Martin book, "When Crickets Cry" which I enjoyed very much. Therefore, I decided to read another by this author and our local library had a copy of "Wrapped in Rain". I can now rate this book a two because I didn't purchase it but instead checked it out from the library. Mr. Martin's writing can be very good, however, in this book he simply wallows in words - using every adjective he's ever used, wanted to use, read, seen, looked up in a dictionary, heard,(perhaps you can get the point from my overuse of verbs). I wanted to like this book, but I didn't. And because a friend and I read it out loud to each other the weakness in the writing, the character development, and the plot shone through easily. If I had it to do over again I'd have read another book. Do yourself a favor and read something else, like "When Crickets Cry".