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The First Rains of October
The moment August St. Claire ran off that cliff, she dropped like a rock. True, she was running and her legs kept kicking in the air—but then gravity yanked on her ankles and she plunged into the dark, surging waters of the Pacific Ocean. No one at her high school graduation beach party noticed at first. After all, it was dark and foggy. Then they went berserk—kids scrambling, drunk, shrieking, and sobbing.
The Coast Guard never found the body.
What followed would change countless lives.
A Christian mystery with romance, suspense, and unexpected twists, The First Rains of October explores questions of guilt and innocence, justice and mercy, faith and forgiveness. As long-buried secrets rise to the surface, those caught in their wake must confront the past and discover whether redemption is still possible.
A compelling story of loss, hope, and second chances that readers won't soon forget.
The Coast Guard never found the body.
What followed would change countless lives.
A Christian mystery with romance, suspense, and unexpected twists, The First Rains of October explores questions of guilt and innocence, justice and mercy, faith and forgiveness. As long-buried secrets rise to the surface, those caught in their wake must confront the past and discover whether redemption is still possible.
A compelling story of loss, hope, and second chances that readers won't soon forget.
364 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2007
About the author
Anthony Barbera
14 books9 followersAnthony Barbera is a novelist whose work spans biblical and historical novels, suspense, science fiction, family stories, and the American West.
He is the author of the Mighty Men & Women of the Bible series, including Elijah: Fire from Heaven and Jonah: In the Time of the Kings. His other books include The First Rains of October, Catching Baby Moses, Assurity: A Space Thriller, and the family-friendly adventures of Izzy the Bernese Mountain Dog. He is currently writing Philip the Evangelist and developing a new Western novel.
Before becoming a novelist, Anthony worked as a professional composer for film and commercial projects. His concert music has been performed by the North Carolina Symphony. That musical background continues to shape the rhythm, atmosphere, and emotional depth of his storytelling.
Visit AnthonyBarbera.com to explore his books, biblical articles, and other writing.
He is the author of the Mighty Men & Women of the Bible series, including Elijah: Fire from Heaven and Jonah: In the Time of the Kings. His other books include The First Rains of October, Catching Baby Moses, Assurity: A Space Thriller, and the family-friendly adventures of Izzy the Bernese Mountain Dog. He is currently writing Philip the Evangelist and developing a new Western novel.
Before becoming a novelist, Anthony worked as a professional composer for film and commercial projects. His concert music has been performed by the North Carolina Symphony. That musical background continues to shape the rhythm, atmosphere, and emotional depth of his storytelling.
Visit AnthonyBarbera.com to explore his books, biblical articles, and other writing.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 30, 2022
Man Plans BUT God Orders
It was a very interesting story with a couple of twists that were twists but kind of suspected.
I related to the hard lives, the terrible incidents, the evil alive in some of the people, and the lack of faith in those who called themselves Christians. It is very much how life is today.
I was excited by the true miracles and things being done in the mission fields. I loved the parts where you could see that the horrible things that happened were not final. How the heartbreaking things were never the end but they were used by God.
It was a book that displayed what I would love to see more of in true Christianity where miracles were common and looked for expectantly.
God does not change nor does His love for us. He desires to forgive us, heal us, and use us to lead others to Him. It is a shame that it is easier to do that in the jungle than in our blessed United States.
It was a very interesting story with a couple of twists that were twists but kind of suspected.
I related to the hard lives, the terrible incidents, the evil alive in some of the people, and the lack of faith in those who called themselves Christians. It is very much how life is today.
I was excited by the true miracles and things being done in the mission fields. I loved the parts where you could see that the horrible things that happened were not final. How the heartbreaking things were never the end but they were used by God.
It was a book that displayed what I would love to see more of in true Christianity where miracles were common and looked for expectantly.
God does not change nor does His love for us. He desires to forgive us, heal us, and use us to lead others to Him. It is a shame that it is easier to do that in the jungle than in our blessed United States.
March 14, 2022
I've been touched !
I can honestly say this is one of the most moving stories I have ever read ! I will recommend it to everyone I know .I had no idea it would be so good .I will definitely get copies of it give to some of the people that don't think about god and miracles , they just don't take time give it faith to learn I thank you so much for this ,and look forward to more ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I can honestly say this is one of the most moving stories I have ever read ! I will recommend it to everyone I know .I had no idea it would be so good .I will definitely get copies of it give to some of the people that don't think about god and miracles , they just don't take time give it faith to learn I thank you so much for this ,and look forward to more ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 2, 2026
I can honestly say this is one of the most moving stories I have ever read ! I will recommend it to everyone I know .I had no idea it would be so good .I will definitely get copies of it give to some of the people that don't think about god and miracles , they just don't take time give it faith to learn I thank you so much for this ,and look forward to more
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews