Rain Song

Wisler's first novel is a success! A beautiful read, which makes you want to curl up with a cup of ginger tea. Great for book clubs, with discussion questions already at the back! The characters are believable and well developed. The story has a great balance of sorrow and humor which rings true to life. What I appreciated most is how Nicole grew to overcome her fears - a lesson we can all benefit from. Looking forward to Wisler's next novel!

Absolutely delightful! This book brims with interesting characters set in a small Southern town, some of whom you may recognize from your own family experience. I enjoyed following Nicole through her major decision to return to Japan, something she had firmly avoided. Her family trials were believable and heartwarming. Her visit to Japan answers questions and allows her to experience a bit of her past which had been lost to her. An excellent first novel from this author and I eagerly await the next one!

Rain Song is a delightful read! The characters are interesting, and well-described! Nicole is caring and intelligent; she would make a wonderful friend!! The other characters all have their individual personalities, which make them sound like a fun group to hang around!! I can just picture sitting in Ducee's kitchen, with all the yummy smells, the donkey braying outside. And I can hear Ducee and her sister, Iva, discussing food for the reunion, in a very Southern way! 'Yes, that's it, yes!' I enjoyed how the plot unravelled, with surprising secrets being learned along the way to eventually tie Nicole's story together. I was sad when the book ended, as I was really 'into' Nicole's life! The book was sprinkled with humor, and after living in the South, I enjoyed the mentions of various North Carolina landmarks. I am ready for the sequel, and anxious to read more stories by Alice Wisler! Bravo on a wonderful new book!! Keep them coming!!!

Rain Song was an absolute pleasure to read and absorb. Alice Wisler does a marvelous job taking the reader to Nicole's world in N. Carolina. I couldn't wait for each new chapter to see what would happen next. It was a refreshing change from so many Christian novels that are, let's be honest, full of nothingness. Each character came alive for me while I read. It reminded me a lot of my own family. I believe that everyone has an Aunt Iva in their family, a Monet, and if we're lucky enough, a Harrison. As a middle school English teacher in N. Carolina, I appreciated every facet of the book. I am actually going to see about having it read by my eighth graders in the spring. With the discussion questions at the end of the book, it's perfect! The questions are initially posed with regard to the book, afterwhich, they tie into the reader's personal life. An opportunity for personal growth are at hand if one is wise enough to respond with an open and honest heart. I only have one thing that I didn't really like about the book ... when it ended. I am ready for the sequel, Ms. Wisler! Thank you for sharing this part of you with the world. We await the next, impatiently!

Rain Song captures all the elements of an entertaining novel. Set in a small town in NC, there is plenty of family tradition and charming characters. Nicole, the main character, has tried to hide from her past, a place she wants nothing to do with. But when she starts to correspond with Harrison, who lives in Japan, things can't help but change her heart and mind. Alice Wisler does a wonderful job creating a novel that keeps the pages turning. Her writing style is fresh, poignant, and threaded with humor. Having lived overseas, I particularly enjoyed the Japan references. There is a recipe for the McCormick family pineapple chutney at the end of the book. After all, traditions are what unite us, according to Nicole's grandmother Ducee. I hope this is just the first of many more novels by this talented author.