Dinah Taylor has an orderly life that is just how she likes it. A perfectly furnished luxury apartment, a satisfying career as a scientist and CEO of her own company, and an uncomplicated personal life. But all of that changes when she meets seven-year-old Jonah.
The boy shows up one day, a scruffy dog by his side, in front of her office building.
Dinah knows nothing about kids and even less about animals, but after she buys him breakfast, he shows up the next day...and the next. She tries to learn more about him, to help him, but he's remarkably skilled at evading her questions. And then, late one night, he calls her in a panic-his dog has been badly injured. Dinah rushes them to a local animal clinic, where she meets Garret, a veterinarian with a thriving practice and a passion for drawing.
Though Jonah takes to Garret right away, for some reason neither understands, Dinah and Garret just don't mesh. But for Jonah's sake, their lives continue to collide, and slowly the relationship between these three strangers begins to change.
My Review
A special thank you to FaithWords/Center Street, and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy, in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by award-winning author, Lauraine Snelling, and was very impressed. I so look forward to reading more from this talented author.When I first had an interest in reading this book, was drawn to the high resolution imagery of the front cover, and second the summary seemed something I would enjoy reading. However, was afraid it would be a regular story of a powerful woman meeting a small town veterinarian. “Heaven Sent Rain” was so much more! Snelling drew me in from the beginning with her storytelling, depth, setting the mood with strong rich character development, and carefully unfolding piece by piece with honest emotion and genuine feelings.Here is a single professional woman, smart, and CEO of her own company and a small little boy and his dog crosses her path. What is his story and is he homeless? The obstacles and challenges begin in her personal and professional life which seem to pile up daily, as she questions her ability, her past, and her future. Instead of ignoring them, she begins to show compassion, as she helps this seven year old little boy and his dog named Mutt. However, she may get more than she bargained for. Even though throughout the novel the author chooses not to disclose why Dinah is so cold-hearted about certain things, and why she has lost her faith in God and people – until towards the end. Once you know the real reason behind her past, the story comes together as she slowly allows people, including Garrett, to come into her life, and realizes God has been there all along in everything she has done throughout her career as she helps people with her company and talents.As we all are aware, God has a way of turning our lives upside down and taking us on a path we had not anticipated. We all are guilty of negative first impressions due to someone or something from our past which has hurt us previously. (Great dynamics between Dinah and Garrett).This Christian book is about losing faith when the going gets tough, and how God uses someone to help us through it. They may be in our lives for a reason, or just a season. It would be an ideal book for a young mother, or professional single career woman. What an inspirational and beautiful bittersweet story of love, family, friends, healing, and faith-highly recommend! As the story reiterates – God sees a bigger picture than we see, and He has a perfect plan for each of us. (even though sometimes it is disguised through another person, or ways we cannot comprehend until later). This is the real meaning behind Heaven Sent Rain when fate crosses the path of these three strangers. We all lose our way sometime, no matter how strong we are – it is nice to know someone is there to help guide, love and support us. My favorite character was Jonah, as he would make you smile and laugh; a little boy who had to grow up before his time, a rough childhood, with a heart of gold melting hearts with his love for his dog. You will also love the vet, Garrett -- sounds like my kind of guy and quite the hero!
