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Chambers of the Heart #2
It Pours
***2016 Rainbow Award Winner in Contemporary General Fiction and Runner Up in Best Lesbian Book of 2016***Without two of the most influential people in her life, Memaw and Sam, Rayne acceptsthe path she had long ago set before her--graduate from medical school, marryGrant and return home to Louisiana. Yet with any well-laid plan there arealways surprises. Rayne's comes in the form of a larger than life DJ named Mo,a woman who reminds her of the feelingsshe had once felt with Sam. Surrounded by Mo and her new friends, Rayne can nolonger make the conscious choice to live as others would have her do. As anearly morning mist hovering over the surface of a bayou lifts, so does the fogover Rayne's choices when she realizes there is more to life than awell-designed plan. But not all will be in favor of Rayne's new foundhappiness. Will she be strong enough to accept the aftermath when she andCharlie Grace come face to face with her decisions?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2016
19 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
C.D. Cain
6 books71 followersCd Cain began her writing adventure a couple of years ago when a story she felt needed to be told awakened in her soul. She had always loved the beauty and culture of the Louisiana bayou which she once called home. So it was here that she began the Chambers of the Heart series. Her goal was to tell the realistic story of a woman accepting who she was among the strict traditions and beliefs of her southern home. She hopes readers will feel the emotions of a woman coming to terms with her own sexuality as well as the effect it will have on her relationship with those closest to her. Throughout the series her characters will face the trials of life…some successful, some not so much. At the end of each book, Cd hopes she has captured the feelings to such a degree that the reader is left with their own sense of accomplishment and strength in whatever trials they too faced and conquered. It’s important to her to convey through her writing that we each face struggles in being who we fundamentally are and that we are all the same when it comes to living life’s journey.
Cd is a transplant to South Georgia from Louisiana. Beyond writing, she enjoys spending time outdoors especially if this is on her porch with a nice smooth red. She always loves to hear from her readers and is available through: Twitter (@cdcain1019), Facebook (C.d. Cain), Goodreads (Cdcain), email (cdcain1019@yahoo.com) or on her webpage www.cdcainauthor.com.
Cd is a transplant to South Georgia from Louisiana. Beyond writing, she enjoys spending time outdoors especially if this is on her porch with a nice smooth red. She always loves to hear from her readers and is available through: Twitter (@cdcain1019), Facebook (C.d. Cain), Goodreads (Cdcain), email (cdcain1019@yahoo.com) or on her webpage www.cdcainauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 11, 2016
Full disclosure: I was one of the beta readers for this novel and happy to participate in the early read. I was impressed with the growth I see in Ms Cain’s writing in this second novel in the Chambers of the Heart series.
Choices made, Rayne struggles to come to terms with her new reality in It Pours. She has driven Sam out of her life but her feelings for the woman still linger. She resents the manipulations of her overbearing mother and now fiancé Grant yet fears losing all she holds dear in her home town and beloved bayou. Fortunate for Rayne, she meets Jazlyn and finds in her a friend, one she badly needs. She is introduced to free spirited Mo, a deejay and rolling stone and slowly begins to accept her attraction towards women. Along the way she begins to believe in herself and in her own judgement.
Like floating down a lazy river, reading one of CD Cain’s books forces you to slow down, lay back and let the author catch you up on Rayne’s life. The pace is Louisiana slow and easy. The dramatic events of When It Raynes are replaced with a more introspective Rayne beginning to think for herself. She is no longer satisfied with the life Grant and Charlie Grace have assumed she will accept. As impressed as I was with the growth I see in the author’s writing skills, I was equally impressed with Rayne’s growth. She still faces many challenges but there are two more books in this saga to hopefully bring her back to Sam. Thanks to the spine she grows in this satisfying read, I am confident that true love will (eventually) prevail.
3.5 stars
Choices made, Rayne struggles to come to terms with her new reality in It Pours. She has driven Sam out of her life but her feelings for the woman still linger. She resents the manipulations of her overbearing mother and now fiancé Grant yet fears losing all she holds dear in her home town and beloved bayou. Fortunate for Rayne, she meets Jazlyn and finds in her a friend, one she badly needs. She is introduced to free spirited Mo, a deejay and rolling stone and slowly begins to accept her attraction towards women. Along the way she begins to believe in herself and in her own judgement.
Like floating down a lazy river, reading one of CD Cain’s books forces you to slow down, lay back and let the author catch you up on Rayne’s life. The pace is Louisiana slow and easy. The dramatic events of When It Raynes are replaced with a more introspective Rayne beginning to think for herself. She is no longer satisfied with the life Grant and Charlie Grace have assumed she will accept. As impressed as I was with the growth I see in the author’s writing skills, I was equally impressed with Rayne’s growth. She still faces many challenges but there are two more books in this saga to hopefully bring her back to Sam. Thanks to the spine she grows in this satisfying read, I am confident that true love will (eventually) prevail.
3.5 stars
December 24, 2016
I really really liked When it Raynes. I really really disliked the ending. Then had to wait what felt like forever for the sequel. And dammit C.D.Cain did it to me again!!! I really enjoyed this book. In it, Rayne really grows depth and begins to find and understand herself in many ways. There are new characters introduced which help add dimension to the overall story. I found the writing to be even more verbose than the first book. I found myself skipping a lot of prose and for that reason only gave it 4 stars. I would suggest you read the first book When it Raynes before starting this one. They are both worth your time...even if neither ended the way I wanted!
June 24, 2017
Another stunning read!
March 23, 2020
An excellent follow up to the first novel. But C. D., I’m going to need you to fix this Rayne and Sam being apart business. Don’t let me down...😉
May 1, 2020
4,5 rounded up. Ms Cain did it again!
May 30, 2016
This book had me at “I felt a thousand electric shocks soar through my body with an intensity that took my breath.” Now, for those of you that read When It Raynes, please know that It Pours adds a lot of depth to Rayne’s character and story. Truthfully, I was totally pissed at Rayne at the end of WIR (cause I love me some Sam, like really) and was hesitant I could heal our differences in the sequel. I kinda sorta felt Rayne didn’t deserve my Sam, which is the opposite of how I feel now after reading It Pours.
The story I thought I wanted next was with Sam and Rayne. I won’t go into the storyline too much as other’s have already given enough hints, but gratefully I didn’t get my wish. Without giving too much away, Sam is back… well, this is a careful version of Sam cause she’s been burnt, but enough so that her influence changes Rayne forever. Changes that can’t be undone. So Rayne’s bravely off on this journey in a rudderless boat.
What I would like to know is where Ms. Cain gets her ideas about leading characters, because two more were introduced in this sequel and they were … just so great.
Mo was an interesting heroine to read. I use the word “heroine” purposely as she would be the last to describe herself that way. But she was. I really enjoyed her a lot. She's got this badass, devil-may-care sheen to her, but way underneath, she's totally soft and fuzzy and (secretly) desperate to connect. That amused me to no end. I loved all her antics, her “act” that she’d actually talked herself into believing, and how Rayne unraveled her. I thought what she did at the end of the book was a great way to go. It fit perfectly.
Jazlyn and Violet were a surprising, and at times, very sweet couple. I liked that their relationship had a different vibe to it. They were both complex and, in some ways, polar opposite. Jazlyn was the best friend we all wish we had, AND she owned a bar, fgs. The chemistry between her and Rayne in the beginning was priceless.
As much as I enjoyed WIR, I think I enjoyed this one a bit more. It delved a little deeper and firmed up the ‘inner workings’ side of things, which lead to better character development and showed off the growth in the writing. Did I mention the bayou? Yeah, that’s in there too, written from the heart of a local. I truly can't wait for #3 in the series! xo
The story I thought I wanted next was with Sam and Rayne. I won’t go into the storyline too much as other’s have already given enough hints, but gratefully I didn’t get my wish. Without giving too much away, Sam is back… well, this is a careful version of Sam cause she’s been burnt, but enough so that her influence changes Rayne forever. Changes that can’t be undone. So Rayne’s bravely off on this journey in a rudderless boat.
What I would like to know is where Ms. Cain gets her ideas about leading characters, because two more were introduced in this sequel and they were … just so great.
Mo was an interesting heroine to read. I use the word “heroine” purposely as she would be the last to describe herself that way. But she was. I really enjoyed her a lot. She's got this badass, devil-may-care sheen to her, but way underneath, she's totally soft and fuzzy and (secretly) desperate to connect. That amused me to no end. I loved all her antics, her “act” that she’d actually talked herself into believing, and how Rayne unraveled her. I thought what she did at the end of the book was a great way to go. It fit perfectly.
Jazlyn and Violet were a surprising, and at times, very sweet couple. I liked that their relationship had a different vibe to it. They were both complex and, in some ways, polar opposite. Jazlyn was the best friend we all wish we had, AND she owned a bar, fgs. The chemistry between her and Rayne in the beginning was priceless.
As much as I enjoyed WIR, I think I enjoyed this one a bit more. It delved a little deeper and firmed up the ‘inner workings’ side of things, which lead to better character development and showed off the growth in the writing. Did I mention the bayou? Yeah, that’s in there too, written from the heart of a local. I truly can't wait for #3 in the series! xo
February 15, 2017
Speechless
What can I say...I am speechless. I was really happy for Rayne meeting Monday, but I was really hoping for Sam to come back. Again the characters and storyline were awesome. I would definitely recommend this book.
What can I say...I am speechless. I was really happy for Rayne meeting Monday, but I was really hoping for Sam to come back. Again the characters and storyline were awesome. I would definitely recommend this book.
October 15, 2020
Loved it!!
Coming out especially in South, well it isn't easy. This book is amazing. I love the characters so much though. I can definitely feel what characterd feel. Just wonderful story!!
Coming out especially in South, well it isn't easy. This book is amazing. I love the characters so much though. I can definitely feel what characterd feel. Just wonderful story!!
October 2, 2016
<4.8>
Book 2 of Chambers of the Heart series begins exactly where "When It Raynes" left off. For those of you who expressed frustration about the lack of a complete arc in book 1, it is clearly a giant 4 part work, the size of "War and Peace", rather then a 4 part series.
This section focuses on Rayne, an interior monologue that follows her struggle to come to terms with her choices. Trained, expected and bullied into being the perfect southern belle, she accepts the life-plan her domineering mother and ‘take for granted’ boyfriend expect of her. But as the story unfolds we watch Rayne grow, challenge and even rebel against those expectations as she fights to be herself – despite what her choices will do to her dreams of going home.
Rayne is a powerful character. Frequently self absorbed and somewhat isolated she never the less resonates as a woman of strength and power. "It Pours" has new characters for us to meet and Mo is a particularly unusual heroine with her looks, lifestyle and passion creating a fascinating allure.
CD Cains writing brings the characters to life. We feel the stress and tension building in Rayne, her inner turmoil contrasting her apparent outward serenity. Sam is ever present in her mind, an anchor and a guilt. This becomes almost a psychological thriller as we wait for Rayne to chose, to grow into the woman we all want her to be.
CD Cain’s descriptive passages are superb. She brings to life the south, the bayou and the forest. From the dust of a motorcycle journey to the peace of a hammock, every scene is firmly anchored in a sense of place that gives an added dimension to the intensity of the storytelling.
I have to be honest and say I thought the prose was a little less tight than the first book. Maybe a little less edited and occasionally repetitive. But that did not detract from the essence of the story, the power and substance of the writing, and the pure joy of immersing yourself so wholly into a world exquisitely drawn.
Cannot wait for books 3 and 4 to see where they take Rayne and Sam. There is no doubt their story isn’t over.
Book 2 of Chambers of the Heart series begins exactly where "When It Raynes" left off. For those of you who expressed frustration about the lack of a complete arc in book 1, it is clearly a giant 4 part work, the size of "War and Peace", rather then a 4 part series.
This section focuses on Rayne, an interior monologue that follows her struggle to come to terms with her choices. Trained, expected and bullied into being the perfect southern belle, she accepts the life-plan her domineering mother and ‘take for granted’ boyfriend expect of her. But as the story unfolds we watch Rayne grow, challenge and even rebel against those expectations as she fights to be herself – despite what her choices will do to her dreams of going home.
Rayne is a powerful character. Frequently self absorbed and somewhat isolated she never the less resonates as a woman of strength and power. "It Pours" has new characters for us to meet and Mo is a particularly unusual heroine with her looks, lifestyle and passion creating a fascinating allure.
CD Cains writing brings the characters to life. We feel the stress and tension building in Rayne, her inner turmoil contrasting her apparent outward serenity. Sam is ever present in her mind, an anchor and a guilt. This becomes almost a psychological thriller as we wait for Rayne to chose, to grow into the woman we all want her to be.
CD Cain’s descriptive passages are superb. She brings to life the south, the bayou and the forest. From the dust of a motorcycle journey to the peace of a hammock, every scene is firmly anchored in a sense of place that gives an added dimension to the intensity of the storytelling.
I have to be honest and say I thought the prose was a little less tight than the first book. Maybe a little less edited and occasionally repetitive. But that did not detract from the essence of the story, the power and substance of the writing, and the pure joy of immersing yourself so wholly into a world exquisitely drawn.
Cannot wait for books 3 and 4 to see where they take Rayne and Sam. There is no doubt their story isn’t over.
Read
May 29, 2016Wow
I have been waiting on pins and needles for the release of this book. I absolutely LOVED "When it Raynes" and this sequel definitely lived up to my expectations. C.D. Cain manages to write a story about real issues with love, friendship and family and I hope that the next book comes out soon. I can't wait to see what's in store for these characters.
I have been waiting on pins and needles for the release of this book. I absolutely LOVED "When it Raynes" and this sequel definitely lived up to my expectations. C.D. Cain manages to write a story about real issues with love, friendship and family and I hope that the next book comes out soon. I can't wait to see what's in store for these characters.
March 17, 2017
"Sometimes the answers are there for us all along. It's the acceptance of the answers that holds us back."
May 5, 2019
Excellent book looking forward to reading other books by this author. Hope there is another book coming for this series
December 28, 2019
Picking up the story where It Raynes ended, this book is a worthy sequel. Rayne is struggling with her sexuality, struggling with the weight of expectation of her mother and her assumed place in society, and struggling to breathe. She makes a new friend who helps her to navigate the turmoil. The landscape does not play as large a role in this book as the first, but when it does it is just as sumptuously written. As ever wonderful characterisation and strong writing. I can't wait to read the conclusion of this series.
November 30, 2020
This series just gets better with each book. I read Book 1 earlier in the year before my reading slump and wasn't sure if I would continue with the series, not because I didn't like the book but because it had me in tears I didn't think my heart could take it. Boy was that a mistake on my part.
I devoured this book. We meet some new characters that comes into Rayne's life. Jazlyn has to be my new favourite character. I fell in love with her. I loved the storyline and the characters (with the exception of Rayne's so called mother - Charlie Grace). I will admit I struggle a little with the slang used by Flossie but that is just me.
CD, you are an amazing author and I will be reading Book 3 straight away. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
I devoured this book. We meet some new characters that comes into Rayne's life. Jazlyn has to be my new favourite character. I fell in love with her. I loved the storyline and the characters (with the exception of Rayne's so called mother - Charlie Grace). I will admit I struggle a little with the slang used by Flossie but that is just me.
CD, you are an amazing author and I will be reading Book 3 straight away. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
October 2, 2016
2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: It Pours by C.D. Cain
1) Having not read the first book I was concerned that I would not be able to follow this one, however that wasn't the case. I really enjoyed this authors book especially liked the characters Mo, Jazlyn, and Stormy. The authors writing has a smooth even flow and makes reading her story very enjoyable.
2) I have liked a lot this book. The story is believable and realistic. The protagonist is likable with all her flaws, because she is simply a human being that try to find herself in a chaotic and demanding setting. It is a book that left me wanting to know what happen next, and this in my experience is always a good thing when a book is part of a series. Good job!
3) Slow-paced, a little drawn out at times, but the plot is wholly focused on Rayne and her development as a character. Good exploration. A little wordy at times, but the character is *thinking* about things, so I find it reasonable. The author is not just talking to talk, but revealing questions and deep concerns about the character. I like that some elements didn't resolve cleanly (Sam, Charlie Grace) but that there was overall support. Helped lend a real feeling to the story. Areas were developed as much as they needed to be. I did find the overuse of rainstorms to be somewhat overdone. Setting wasn't the principal focus, but when it was called for, it was reasonable. Overall character development was well-done. Rayne feels like a real character caught up in circular logic due to trying to reconcile everything amidst fear. Mo, Jazzlyn, and Violet are also believeable, and all of the character scenarios are believeable. There is a tendency to have some shared voicing between all the characters, as if they are different aspects of each other, but otherwise they each have their own little things that make them different and feel like different people. Nice use of regional dialect. Dialogue is good overall, feels organic. As mentioned before, a little wordy, but not without reason. Still, some paragraphs were easily skipped over and might be distilled down to their core meaning rather than rambling. Some typos, some usage problems (bass, which is the low sounds between a specific range of frequencies, and base, the flat part of an object which contacts another surface, are not the same) that need to be resolved in the final copies.
1) Having not read the first book I was concerned that I would not be able to follow this one, however that wasn't the case. I really enjoyed this authors book especially liked the characters Mo, Jazlyn, and Stormy. The authors writing has a smooth even flow and makes reading her story very enjoyable.
2) I have liked a lot this book. The story is believable and realistic. The protagonist is likable with all her flaws, because she is simply a human being that try to find herself in a chaotic and demanding setting. It is a book that left me wanting to know what happen next, and this in my experience is always a good thing when a book is part of a series. Good job!
3) Slow-paced, a little drawn out at times, but the plot is wholly focused on Rayne and her development as a character. Good exploration. A little wordy at times, but the character is *thinking* about things, so I find it reasonable. The author is not just talking to talk, but revealing questions and deep concerns about the character. I like that some elements didn't resolve cleanly (Sam, Charlie Grace) but that there was overall support. Helped lend a real feeling to the story. Areas were developed as much as they needed to be. I did find the overuse of rainstorms to be somewhat overdone. Setting wasn't the principal focus, but when it was called for, it was reasonable. Overall character development was well-done. Rayne feels like a real character caught up in circular logic due to trying to reconcile everything amidst fear. Mo, Jazzlyn, and Violet are also believeable, and all of the character scenarios are believeable. There is a tendency to have some shared voicing between all the characters, as if they are different aspects of each other, but otherwise they each have their own little things that make them different and feel like different people. Nice use of regional dialect. Dialogue is good overall, feels organic. As mentioned before, a little wordy, but not without reason. Still, some paragraphs were easily skipped over and might be distilled down to their core meaning rather than rambling. Some typos, some usage problems (bass, which is the low sounds between a specific range of frequencies, and base, the flat part of an object which contacts another surface, are not the same) that need to be resolved in the final copies.
June 18, 2025
First and foremost, there are no spoilers here. This isn't a recap of the book, rather a review of C.D. Cain's writing and how the Rayne series has affected me. I hope this review convinces you to give this series a chance. You won't be disappointed.
I consider myself a pretty heavy reader. I probably average 4 books a month. More if I'm travelling a lot for work. I'm not a real tough book critic. I can find something I like about most every book I read.
This is where the comparison to other books ends. I can think of 4 times in my life when a book has touched my soul. Two of those books were written by C.D. Cain. C.D. has such a beautiful way of writing, I swear sometimes I think she can see right into my mind. The feelings she invokes as she takes the reader through Rayne's journey is so real, and so vividly expressed, I can't think of any other possible explanation for how C.D. could write such truth.
It Pours dives into the next phase of Rayne's journey to discovering, and I hope ultimately accepting, who she is. C.D.'s character development of Rayne and those on the journey with her is so descriptive and life like, I've found myself feeling like I've been to the places she's visited (the clubs, the cabin, etc.) and wondering how Rayne, Sam, Mo and everyone else is doing in between books. :) I care about these characters and see bits of me in each of them. I think that's it. C.D.'s writing is so honest, Rayne's journey somehow has pieces of my journey in it.
It Pours was awesome. A highly anticipated sequel to When It Rayne's and well worth the wait. I highly recommend it and canNOT wait for Book 3.
I consider myself a pretty heavy reader. I probably average 4 books a month. More if I'm travelling a lot for work. I'm not a real tough book critic. I can find something I like about most every book I read.
This is where the comparison to other books ends. I can think of 4 times in my life when a book has touched my soul. Two of those books were written by C.D. Cain. C.D. has such a beautiful way of writing, I swear sometimes I think she can see right into my mind. The feelings she invokes as she takes the reader through Rayne's journey is so real, and so vividly expressed, I can't think of any other possible explanation for how C.D. could write such truth.
It Pours dives into the next phase of Rayne's journey to discovering, and I hope ultimately accepting, who she is. C.D.'s character development of Rayne and those on the journey with her is so descriptive and life like, I've found myself feeling like I've been to the places she's visited (the clubs, the cabin, etc.) and wondering how Rayne, Sam, Mo and everyone else is doing in between books. :) I care about these characters and see bits of me in each of them. I think that's it. C.D.'s writing is so honest, Rayne's journey somehow has pieces of my journey in it.
It Pours was awesome. A highly anticipated sequel to When It Rayne's and well worth the wait. I highly recommend it and canNOT wait for Book 3.
May 31, 2016
As someone in the medical profession, I had anxiously awaited this book! The first was one of the only books to explore this age group, or to tackle the difficulties with discovering this within yourself later in life, and during a graduate program. This of course resonated with me, as well as the exquisite writing and detail by C.D. Cain. My only trouble with the first book was not really knowing what the main character looked like until later in. This is remedied in this book and was definitely a great read. I give 5/5! I myself also tackled with loving a man but not being in love with him, and I feel not enough books give this side of the story. It was perfect and heartfelt in following Rayne's story throughout this transition and discovering herself, while dealing with her family and relationships. My one qualm (spoiler alert), was her ending up at the end with Mo. To go through all of that with Sam, because of not being able to accept herself or be out, only to do so with Mo was quite disheartening. My hope is that in book 3 she finds her way back to Sam! Granted, I respect the choice of having her discover herself and other people before likely settling down with the one she's meant to be with. As always, excellent writing, descriptions, imagery, and fantastic book C.D. Cain! Can't wait for the next chambers of the Heart! I'll mark my calendar with the release date to buy!
May 31, 2016
Nice read
First one was PHENOMENAL..second did NOT disappoint. I just wish I wouldn't read her stuff so quickly!!!
I try to slow down but I get anxious to see what's happening next!!!
Waiting IMpatiently for number 3!
First one was PHENOMENAL..second did NOT disappoint. I just wish I wouldn't read her stuff so quickly!!!
I try to slow down but I get anxious to see what's happening next!!!
Waiting IMpatiently for number 3!
August 6, 2016
I liked this book better than the 1st one because it didn't make me as frustrated with Rayne... I mean, I get what she was going through in the 1st one... but I felt like she didn't make much progress. That improved here, so... yay! :D
March 2, 2020
Continuing with the difficult coming out process to all the socially acceptable people in ones life. Mistakes continue. Much easier to do younger.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews