Thunder and Rain by Charles Martin

A fantastic story about redemption. This book is drama, mystery, suspense, and romance without the ooey gooey stuff. It has a little bit of everything, including a twist ending. A much different set of characters and situations than the Murphy Shepherd books I’ve read. I had no idea what to expect or what this was about, which is not usually the way I start a book. I loved it. Both the approach and the book.

Tyler Steele, who everyone knows as Cowboy, is a retired Texas Ranger. Though, apparently, one never really quits the Rangers. He bumps into Samatha and Hope, literally. She and her ten-year-old daughter are in dire straits. On the run, no money, in bad shape. Tyler takes them under his wing and thus starts an amazing story of relationship, trust, faith, and selflessness.

Mr. Martin’s writing is spectacular as it has been in every book I’ve read of his. This book has two points of view. First person point of view from Tyler Steele. And Hope writing letters to God. As the story goes on, these letters become more intriguing. This ten-year-old represents a relationship with God that many adults need to have. She’s brutally honest, but practical as well. She relies on God for everything.

I won’t characterize this as a Christian novel. It’s a dramatic novel about Cowboy, who is a Christian. His actions characterize how a Christian should live. It’s not preachy. It’s real. It is clean. No profanity, but Cowboy, not being perfect, does swear occasionally. There is romance and suggestiveness, but no on-page sex. Some violence that is necessary. There are some brutal and evil behaviors depicted. Cowboy faces a couple nasty foes.

This is the best book I’ve read this year. Seems every year, a Charles Martin book either starts at the top and stays there or jumps to the top and takes over. Regardless of your religion, this book is a must read. Cowboy and Samantha are damaged people who find a way to repair themselves together.

1. Thunder and Rain by Charles Martin
2. Love’s True Calling by Lori DeJong
3. Through Thorny Ways by Jennifer Q. Hunt
4. Book of Days by James L. Rubart
5. The Seven Day Resurrection by Chevron Ross
6. With Mercy’s Eyes by D.T. Powell
7. Justice by Jeff Hill
8. Already in the Kudzu by Hannah Hood Lucero
9. The Last Wife by Matt McGregor
10. Loving the Rodeo Queen by Rebecca Reed
11. The Misadventures of Itchy Izzy by N.Y. Dunlap
12. Ranch Showdown by Tina Wheeler
13. The Unhired Hand by R.O. Lane
14. The Shocking Truth by Steve Rush
15. Daughter of Darkness by Ed Gorman
16. Burning Angel by James Lee Burke
17. Death in the Kremlin by E.J. Simon
18. Irresistible Impulse by Robert K. Tanenbaum
19. Line of Fire by Taylor S. Newport
20. The Longest Day by Terry Toler
21. Left to Die by Lisa Jackson

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