After the Rain by Rita Gerlach - Review by Tina Rice

After the Rain by Rita Gerlach

After The Rain
Five Stars ***** 

by Rita Gerlach

Review by Tina Rice

Louisa Borden is from a wealthy family who make their home in 1908's Chevy Chase, Maryland. Her grandmother, Beatrice—who is not only domineering, even cruel at times—insists she marry Rupert Eastcott and live far away in a lonely castle in England. Louisa has no intentions in marrying Rupert—a man she does not love and barely tolerates. One day as she is riding she is thrown from her horse and lands along the bank of Rock Creek. Laying on the cold, wet, muddy bank Jackson O'Neil—a handsome stranger—comes along, picks her up and carries her to safety thereby changing her life in a way she never would have dreamed. Even though she finds him fascinating and charming, he is not of her class....but it doesn't seem to matter to her heart. Jackson was smitten from the moment he laid eyes on Louisa. Can there really be a future for them?

Rupert soon informs her of a shocking secret about Jackson that crushes her tender heart. Adding to her broken heart, her grandmother gives her another shock when she shares a long held secret that shatters her even more. On top of these revealed secrets, a terrible tragedy strikes—one that could forever change her life. With nowhere else to turn, she takes the train to Chestnut Creek, Virginia to visit her loving and fun-loving widowed aunts. 

After the Rain is an unforgettable story set in the Edwardian era that takes the reader back to a time where the past meets the future. The real-to-life characters experience struggles, heartaches, joys and love just as we do. I loved Louisa's strength and giving heart and Jackson's integrity, faith and compassion. Maude and Mildred, the two widowed aunts, are full of wisdom and fun—I loved their enthusiasm for life. There are humorous moments, one scene involving a mule and motorcar had me laughing out loud—I still chuckle whenever I think about it. I also cried—some sad tears and some happy tears—along with the characters and was on the edge of my seat during some suspenseful situations. There are more unexpected surprises that take the story-line in directions I had not anticipated. The descriptions of the country side, town and Edwardian era are so well written I could envision it all as I read along. I enjoyed the historical aspects in the story and how they were woven throughout the story seamlessly. Instead of one romance there are actually four. Rita Gerlach has written a remarkable story that will stay with me for a long time.

CFP: Thanks so much for coming on board with CQ as a Reader/Reviewer, Tina!!!