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A Walk in the Rain
Alison Barnard's A Walk in the Rain is the story of two women who meet when each is on the brink of world-wide fame and trying not to face her dissatisfaction with the life she has made for herself. It is a love story, but it is also about a journey to self-acceptance. By the end of it, both major characters have to challenge assumptions and prejudices in society and in themselves. Actress Shara travels and lives with Jessa while researching her new role - that of Jessa Hanson - in the film about the conductor's life, and they fall in love. Shara's boyfriend Derek intervenes, helped by Shara's belief that she has caught Jessa in a compromising position with a former lover. They separate. "Maestra" is filmed and Jessa records a musical poem that is a tribute to the love she has lost. When Shara hears that musical piece, goes to see her. They consummate their relationship, but is Shara ready for the kind of publicity a lesbian relationship will attract?
216 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 13, 2017
3.5*
I wanted to rate this higher but I just couldn't when all was said and done. First, let me say that I did enjoy this book and the topic of famous celebrties and toaster ovens and all that. Now...here's where I had issues
The way it was written did not flow well. The author tries to inject past memories and scenes to help the reader better understand the characters. This is a normal thing but I had trouble figuring out when I was in the past and when I was returned to the present. It seemed to happen whenever and there was not italics or border to indicate it. That ruined the flow. I'll be honest that was my main gripe.
I also felt that for as much communication and silent communication that the main characters had they actually had no communication which led to unnecessary miscommunication which at times felt...wrong to me. I love angst and I love miscommunication when it fits the characters.
Which leads me to lack of depth to a degree of Shara. I mean at one point the story really becomes about her...not Jessa.
And then...it kinda just ended. The book really breezed over the best part and just sorta ended the book. I mean come on...there needed to be more dang it.
Anyways...I enjoyed the read but I felt a bit cheated in the actual telling. A good 3.5* and I really wish I could put a half star cause its not quite a 4* to me.
I wanted to rate this higher but I just couldn't when all was said and done. First, let me say that I did enjoy this book and the topic of famous celebrties and toaster ovens and all that. Now...here's where I had issues
The way it was written did not flow well. The author tries to inject past memories and scenes to help the reader better understand the characters. This is a normal thing but I had trouble figuring out when I was in the past and when I was returned to the present. It seemed to happen whenever and there was not italics or border to indicate it. That ruined the flow. I'll be honest that was my main gripe.
I also felt that for as much communication and silent communication that the main characters had they actually had no communication which led to unnecessary miscommunication which at times felt...wrong to me. I love angst and I love miscommunication when it fits the characters.
Which leads me to lack of depth to a degree of Shara. I mean at one point the story really becomes about her...not Jessa.
And then...it kinda just ended. The book really breezed over the best part and just sorta ended the book. I mean come on...there needed to be more dang it.
Anyways...I enjoyed the read but I felt a bit cheated in the actual telling. A good 3.5* and I really wish I could put a half star cause its not quite a 4* to me.
December 11, 2014
Jessa has just been appointed as the first lady conductor of a major orchestra. Her life is a whirlwind of activity, made even more complicated by the fact that a movie is also being made of her life, and the actress who portrays her has decided to tag along everyday while she is on tour. Sparks ignite. Jessa is an out lesbian, but Shara didn't even know she was one until she fell in love with Jessa. Complications and angst guaranteed! :)
After reading the first few chapters of this book, something niggled at the back of my mind. The initial plot development was rather predictable and Jessa, the composer/conductor/virtuoso was a bit too Mary Sue-ish. Was this a fanfic in a previous life? a Xena uber perhaps? Doens't matter though. Things get way better once our characters find their spark. Jessa and Shara have incredible chemistry. The best scenes in the book are all about their encounters--the walk in the rain, the first kiss, the tender bathroom scene, the day after--are all very beautifully written.
Jessa may come off initially as a pushy, entitled, enfant-terrible who can't take rejection while Shara seemed just a little too acquiescent. But the author managed to dig deeper into their respective pasts and psyches and deliver to us a perfectly matched couple albeit a somewaht D/s one.
And the music! You can almost hear it while reading the book.
But the best thing of all is the thank-you speech. Loved it!
4.5 stars
After reading the first few chapters of this book, something niggled at the back of my mind. The initial plot development was rather predictable and Jessa, the composer/conductor/virtuoso was a bit too Mary Sue-ish. Was this a fanfic in a previous life? a Xena uber perhaps? Doens't matter though. Things get way better once our characters find their spark. Jessa and Shara have incredible chemistry. The best scenes in the book are all about their encounters--the walk in the rain, the first kiss, the tender bathroom scene, the day after--are all very beautifully written.
Jessa may come off initially as a pushy, entitled, enfant-terrible who can't take rejection while Shara seemed just a little too acquiescent. But the author managed to dig deeper into their respective pasts and psyches and deliver to us a perfectly matched couple albeit a somewaht D/s one.
And the music! You can almost hear it while reading the book.
But the best thing of all is the thank-you speech. Loved it!
4.5 stars
October 23, 2017
Everyone will have to take my four stars with a grain of salt because I have a special fondness for this story that makes me overlook some of the clunkier aspects of the writing.
Even after reading this story so many times that I've lost count, the last chunk always makes me smile and feel good.
***10/23/17 - it's been a few years since I've read this story but I had the urge. I still love it in all of its head hopping, insta-love gloriousness. FROM THE ROOFTOPS! Sigh - I miss my Helen and Nikki.
Even after reading this story so many times that I've lost count, the last chunk always makes me smile and feel good.
***10/23/17 - it's been a few years since I've read this story but I had the urge. I still love it in all of its head hopping, insta-love gloriousness. FROM THE ROOFTOPS! Sigh - I miss my Helen and Nikki.
March 27, 2015
I read this book in its original incarnation, and loved it. I am so happy to see that the author published it, as it is one of my favorite stories. I hope that she will publish the sequel as well!!
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June 10, 2012Great book about a conductor in love with music and with a young woman who stirs her passions with the music she composes. It is a wonderful and delicate love story about the how to trust ones true love after being burnt by a past love who didn't understand how you felt about the music and when the real love comes along how it seems too good to be true. Trust must be gained in this relationship and communication needs to be said. They are a good match. But who would guess a with a movie star!!
January 22, 2013
A lovable, well written romance full of music!! I like!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews