Waiting for the Rain

M Jean Pike writes unusual stories, never quite what one expects from a romance. Her characters are always real, tender, often wounded and unhappy with sad pasts. But these add to their reality and humanity and it is the overcoming of these early life obstacles that gives the reader a sense of hope too. Something about her heroes always attracts, they feel just the man a woman would fall in love with. Jean knows how to wring out our emotions too and her stories never fail to make me cry. Her story conclusions while uplifting are not without hints of sacrifice and tragedy which makes them even more real and heart-rending. This is a beautiful, well crafted and well thought out story.

Waiting for the Rain, by M. Jean Pike is a tale of a young woman named Willow, Willy for short, who's been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and dumped by her husband for another woman. Willy is out trying to photograph eagles and comes across a cottage for rent in the boondocks. She I drawn to the cottage, and to the reclusive, eccentric owner. She feels that she belongs there and determines to spend the rest of her life there, no mater how short it may be. Billed as a paranormal romance novel, Waiting for the Rain will appeal to any reader looking for a well-written novel. The romance is just that, romance tastefully done. The paranormal aspect is well done as well. It is a fast read and very hard to put down. Jean Pike is a master storyteller who will hook you and pull you into the story with her believable characters and story. She made me laugh and even brought a tear or two to my eyes.

I've been grappling for a single word to encapsulate this book, and I simply can't find one. Original, moving, unexpected are probably the closest I'll get, though they don't do it a bit of justice. M. Jean Pike has created something truly unique on so many levels. Consequently I'll be living with Darby Sullivan and Willow Mackenzie for some time to come. Bravo, Jean!

It's not often that I find a movie or a book that touches me, makes me cry, but Jean Pike's work never fails. Short story or novel, normal or paranormal, she always weaves a story that draws me in and holds me to the very last word. Waiting for the Rain is a beautiful story, one I'll place it on my shelf along with my other favorites to read again and again. Brenda Hill

If you're looking for something fresh, unique and extremely well written, then don't hesitate to get your copy of "Waiting For The Rain". Not a typical genre romance, the characters are so real, you'll be sitting on the edge of your seat while you root for them to overcome the almost insurmountable obstacles in their path. I think I chewed everyone of my fingernails off while reading the last few chapters. Be sure to have your Kleenex handy, you'll need them. I experienced so many emotions while reading this beautiful love story.