After The Rain By Rita Gerlach
Sept. 30, 2015
Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars~
(No Spoilers!)
Such An Alluring Fragrance 'Tis After The Rain...
In After the Rain, author Rita Gerlach pens an unforgettable Edwardian era novel that sweeps the reader from the opulent busyness of Chevy Chase, Maryland—where past and future intertwine with the invention of motorcars and telephones—to the vast, quiet beauty of the small hamlet of Chestnut Creek, Virginia, where one can hear the whispers of the winds through the pines and the water tumbling over the rocks in the creek.
Although Louisa Borden lives in a gorgeous mansion in Chevy Chase, she feels suffocated by her overbearing and ofttimes cruel grandmother, Beatrice, who insists upon her marrying Rupert Eastcott—a wealthy man she doesn't love. The stubborn Louisa definitely has no desire to marry the stuffy Rupert and live in a huge lonely mansion in England. When she is thrown from the saddle by her high spirited horse above the creek, she is rescued by Jackson O'Neil, a handsome stranger who carries her up the slippery bank—muddy and totally humiliated. Intrigued by this rugged country man, Louisa finds herself falling for him until Rupert reveals an unforgivable secret concerning the enigmatic Mr. O'Neil. Love-sick, crushed by another shocking revelation from Beatrice, and a terrible tragedy befalling her as well, Louisa pays a visit to her fun loving, widowed aunts in Chestnut Creek. After the rain, will the sweet fragrance of new blossoms spring forth with healing for her broken heart...and perhaps love?
One of the reigning queens of descriptive imagery and masterful storytelling, Rita Gerlach, has set the bar high with her newest release, After the Rain! The sights, sounds, and scents of this wonderful book permeate the readers' senses as this amazing tale of love and forgiveness unfolds. I instantly fell in love with the strong, yet vulnerable, Louisa, and the charming, compassionate man of her dreams as well. I cried along with them in their trials, and chuckled at her enthusiastic, wise aunts and their optimistic zest for life! With three romances for the price of one, After the Rain is a memorable novel and one I highly recommend!
Although Louisa Borden lives in a gorgeous mansion in Chevy Chase, she feels suffocated by her overbearing and ofttimes cruel grandmother, Beatrice, who insists upon her marrying Rupert Eastcott—a wealthy man she doesn't love. The stubborn Louisa definitely has no desire to marry the stuffy Rupert and live in a huge lonely mansion in England. When she is thrown from the saddle by her high spirited horse above the creek, she is rescued by Jackson O'Neil, a handsome stranger who carries her up the slippery bank—muddy and totally humiliated. Intrigued by this rugged country man, Louisa finds herself falling for him until Rupert reveals an unforgivable secret concerning the enigmatic Mr. O'Neil. Love-sick, crushed by another shocking revelation from Beatrice, and a terrible tragedy befalling her as well, Louisa pays a visit to her fun loving, widowed aunts in Chestnut Creek. After the rain, will the sweet fragrance of new blossoms spring forth with healing for her broken heart...and perhaps love?
One of the reigning queens of descriptive imagery and masterful storytelling, Rita Gerlach, has set the bar high with her newest release, After the Rain! The sights, sounds, and scents of this wonderful book permeate the readers' senses as this amazing tale of love and forgiveness unfolds. I instantly fell in love with the strong, yet vulnerable, Louisa, and the charming, compassionate man of her dreams as well. I cried along with them in their trials, and chuckled at her enthusiastic, wise aunts and their optimistic zest for life! With three romances for the price of one, After the Rain is a memorable novel and one I highly recommend!
~*~ Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. ~*~
Mark Twain
This book may be purchased through Amazon.
GIVEAWAY: Rita is generously giving away a copy of After the Rain in winner's choice of format -- ebook or paperback which will be releasing very soon! To be eligible, please leave an email addy written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.
DIANA, thank you for the exquisite review! Rita is a new-to-me author. AFTER THE RAIN sounds like a wonderful story that I would enjoy reading.
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138 at gmail dot com
She is wonderful, CARYL, and I hope you get the chance to read this one, and her other books as well. It has to be a God thing that the sun has finally come out here after days of rains and floods here in SC! After the rain I'm reviewing After the Rain! Yes! :)
DeleteIt does sound like it would be a good book to read .Thanks for the offer .Blessings ,DanaGirl
ReplyDeletejashbk{at}earthlink{dot}net
Good morning, DANAGIRL! It is! Good luck to you!
DeleteReal love can deal with any secret. ;-)
ReplyDeleteLuke
Hmm....you think? Some are just unforgivable, LUKE! At least to Louisa they are! Thx for commenting. :)
DeleteBeautiful and exquisite sounding... the book AND your review Diana! I would love the book fairy to deliver me this one so I'm adding it to my Wish List! Seriously, how can one possibly pass up three romances for the price of one anyways?
ReplyDeleteThank you for you sweet words, my lovely Aussie cohort! There aren't a lot of books written in this era and I can't say I have read many. What a delightful change, NOELA! I hope the book fairy flies all the way to Australia...I know she flies to Canada to see Kav. lol So maybe...
DeleteThis sounds like the kind of book I love. Your review made it sound perfectly delicious!
ReplyDeleteNancy kopp(at)networksplus(dot)net
The perfect word, NANCY! I love it! Delicious AND unpredictable! Thx for stopping by and good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteDear Diana. I cannot express in words my appreciation for the review. I'm also touched by the kind comments of your readers. If they'd like to read the first 4 chapters, they can on Amazon.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed writing this novel. It was a leap forward for me. As you know, I wrote mostly in the Georgian era. Suddenly I was drawn to the Edwardian, and it wasn't because of Downton Abby, although Downton gave me a lot of visual inspiration. Here is a story I posted on my old blog that fed my imagination. It is a true one, and something I'll never forget.
http://inspire-writer.blogspot.com/p/carries-bracelet-love-is-eternal.html
RITA, I am so blessed to have been able to read an ARC of this wonderful book! So you're very welcome!
DeleteThank you for the link and hope all of our viewers will hop on over there!
Wow! This books sounds pretty awesome! I would love to read this!! Thanks for the giveaway!!
ReplyDeletesydneyjames68[at]gmail[dot]com
Hi, Sydney! Really, really awesome! Here's hoping you'll get a chance to read it ASAP!
Deletean unforgettable Edwardian era novel? sounds like one I'd like to read :)
ReplyDeletedkstevensne AT outlook (DOT)com
Indeed I believe you would, DEANNA! Tossed your name in the hat! :)
DeleteWonderful review, Diana - I do believe I would very much enjoy this book. Please enter my name :)
ReplyDeletebettimace at gmail dot com
Thank you, BETTI! Gotcha entered!
DeleteAFTER THE RAIN sounds like a great book. I especially like the cover; it has an old fashioned, elegant feel to it. Thanks for letting us know about this book and the chance to win it.
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
I agree about the cover, PAM! I would love to have this book on display in my home -- it is elegant looking! You're so welcome!
DeleteI simply love the soft glow of the cover.....so easy on the eyes, yet really catches your attention. I would love to read this. Please put my name in the drawing. debsbunch777[at]gmail[dot]com
ReplyDeleteSo lovely...I quite agree, CHAPPY! And the story glows as well. Tossed your name in my cyberhat here. ;)
DeleteThank you, chappydebbie. I designed the cover from an old photograph, adding a blue hue to it. I don't know who the lady in the photo is, but she personified Louisa for me.
DeleteThis sounds marvellous. A beautiful cover.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I agree with you on both counts, MARY! Thank you for being such a loyal follower of OWG. We appreciate you!
DeleteFirst of all, I have some serious cover love with this one!! It's like one of those old-timey pictures, beautiful! Second, Edwardian era fiction, thirdly three romances in one book....be still my beating heart! You couldn't have gotten my attention any faster Diana! This one belongs on my bookshelf...lol! Thank you for the chance to win "After the Rain"
ReplyDeleteteamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
TRIXI, I'm so thrilled to think I got your attention, but I would bet that lovely cover drew you in quicker than anything! Lol Isn't it so unique and elegant? I do believe this one belongs on your bookshelf, too! Here's hoping random number agrees! :)
DeleteI'm so glad it's got your heart beating, Trixi. I designed the cover myself, from an old photograph I found, and added the soft blue hue to it. I don't know who the lady in the photo is, but she personifies my heroine Louisa Borden. I hope you read the book and let me know your thoughts.
DeleteRita Gerlach
I agree with Trixi. Beautiful cover! Unfortunately, I can be a bit of a book cover snob. Even if I didn't like the cover, your review and what I have read on Amazon and Goodreads would draw me in. I actually had that romantic butterfly feeling in my tummy when I read the review. That's the true indication that I need to read this. :)
ReplyDeleteForgot my email: tlhcoupon (at) hotmail (dot) com
DeleteTERRILL, what a cool comment to wake up to this morning! I don't think anyone has ever told me that my reviews gave them romantic butterflies! How cute is that!? But I get them while reading so why not? lol This book has a little something for everyone and a joy to read! Lots of luck to you and thank you for your kind comment!
DeleteYou had me at Edwardian! I am liking books in this Era more and more! And then the review and more this is in my must read! Beautiful cover too! Nancycooks4u(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMe, too, NANCY! There isn't a whole lot of books written in that era and some just aren't that good. But not so with this one! The pages inside are as beautiful as the cover! Thank you!
DeleteOh Diana, this one sounds wonderful! And I love the cover! Thank you for sharing and the great giveaway!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
It is as wonderful as the lovely cover, MELANIE! You're so welcome!
DeleteSuch a wonderful review, mdh! And the cover is lovely - so elegant!
ReplyDeleteThank you, mdDutchie! Rita designed that herself with the help of her son if I'm not mistaken. He is very talented just like his mother! :)
DeleteDiana, this review has me intrigued. Sounds really good and I am thankful today for a chance to win and that the rain has stopped for you. Have a blessed and happy day.
ReplyDeleteThank you, LUCY! The rain has stopped but still a lot of road closures and damage to be dealt with. Please come back and leave an email address if you would like to be entered --- written (at) and (dot) to protect against spammers. Thank you, my friend! :)
DeleteSounds like a nice read. Love the cover.kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.
ReplyDeleteA fabulous read with an equally fabulous cover, KIM! Thx for stopping by!
DeleteThank you, Diana, for a wonderful review of Rita Gerlach's "After the Rain!" I am looking forward to reading Rita's book!
ReplyDeleteYou brought the characters to life and made me want to read Rita's book. She is definitely on my "want to read" list to check out her other work as well.
Joyce - Heartwings joyce1510(dot)jrg(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you so very much, Joyce! Rita's book are exciting but they are clean Christian fiction. Blessings!
DeleteDIANA, another wonderful review. It's so good to see Rita's name in print again; GOD is so good!! RITA, so thankful for GOD's Amazing Grace that saw you through, and helped you write this remarkable story! Love you, sweet lady!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, TERESA! God is so good and to know that Rita wrote this during her treatments shows me what a tenacious lady she is! I know God was with her as well b/c it's such a wonderfully anointed story!
DeleteHi Teresa,
DeleteYes, it was an still is an amazing journey. God has been so good to me. The whole time I went through breast cancer treatments, I saw him at work. I'd look for a blessing every day, and sure enough there always was one. I'll give you two examples that I'll never forget.
On my way out of my breast cancer doctor's office after discussing surgery, she handed me a package and in it was a pink prayer shawl, made by a Christian lady from one of the local churches. I sat in the car beside my hubby and hugged it and cried. How wonderful God was to give me such an amazing gift through a sister in Christ and my dedicated doctor.
We stopped after my first chemo treatment at a favorite restaurant, and the car beside us on my side had in the front windshield a small poster of III John 2. 'Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.' How cool was that!
Writing 'After the Rain' during treatments wasn't always easy due to not being able to focus. But God brought me through. I still have a little difficulty, but it is getting better.
Here's a virtual hug to say, The God of all comfort will bring you through too. Keep Revelation 21:4 in your heart. '
'And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.'
RITA, thank you so much for sharing this with me. GOD is so good, as one of the songs I love to sing says, HE'S AN ON-TIME GOD! He always shows up, just when we need Him; not that He is ever far from His children. The beautiful fact is, He is carrying us in the hardest part of our journey.
DeleteThank you for sharing that Scripture too, what joy it will be when we get to Heaven, and we never have to think about that horrible "C" word again!! I am so glad GOD has given us that hope to look forward to, I think I have shed a million tears since Carlton was diagnosed last year and since his promotion to Heaven in May; can't wait for the day when they will be a thing of the past! What a glorious day that will be!!
(((BIG HUGS))) to you my dear friend!
RITA, I first want to congratulate you on this fabulous cover you designed! You have so many talents as does my dear friend, TERESA. Thank you so much for sharing the story of the pink prayer shawl and the car with the scripture. Talk about words fitly spoken! We thank the Lord for giving the words to you for this wonderful story during such a dark time in your life. Thanks for letting Him use you for His glory, dear RITA.
DeleteSounds like a story that would capture me from the very beginning. Would love to win a copy! rmaney(at)firstarpchurch(dot)org.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, REBECCA! Capture you heart and soul til that very last sigh-worthy page is read!
DeleteSuch beauty in all of this, Diana - the storyline, your review, Rita's blessings while going through treatment, the cover. Thank you!! I love it all, and can't wait to read 'After The Rain'. I'm sure the emotions Rita experienced while writing this novel come through - making it even more beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThere are, indeed, blessings to be found every day - no matter how difficult our circumstances. I hope Rita has well recovered from her health issues, and am saying a prayer for her - from one breast cancer survivor to another!!
Oh, BONNIE! I'm tearing all up here. First Rita's lovely comment to TERESA, and now yours about the beauty in all of this! This whole post is really about overcoming with God, and that's what this blog is all about. The day after the terrible flood here in SC (when the rain finally stopped) is when my review of After the Rain posted. I knew that was a God thing. God is still in control and after the rain always comes beautiful sunshine...whether in the natural or in the Spirit. Thank you, Bonnie!
DeleteAmen, Diana!! Don't you love those little bits of encouragement God sends us?? Hugs!!
DeleteOh this sounds so good, I can't wait to read it!!
ReplyDeletealander87 at allcom dot net
I can't wait for you to read it, ABBY! Lotsa luck to you, my friend!
DeleteEnjoyed your review Diana.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new book Rita!
I absolutely love the book cover! I just finished reading After the Rain last night and all I can say is, WOW! What an awesome book. It had me laughing and crying.
Blessings, Tina
tfrice(at)comcast(dot)net
I have the e-book copy but would love a paperback copy.
I want a paperback copy, too, TINA! It's too pretty not to. I'm so glad you liked it! My emotions were all over the page (pardon my pun) as well!
DeleteThe cover is breathtaking. After reading your review I know that book needs a home. I have just the place for it to be treasured and read with care. What an amazing journey this book will take me on.
ReplyDeleteDeana
Jhdwayne(at)peoplepc(dot)com
DEANA, I hope this book makes its way to your bookshelf -- but if by chance you don't win it please do yourself a favor and buy it. You'll be so glad you did! :)
DeleteThis book sounds like one I would really enjoy.
ReplyDeleteGpk1946 (at) gmail dot com
PHYLLIS, keep your fingers crossed! Drawing a winner tomorrow and I'm so glad you stopped by!
DeleteGreat review Diana. I would love a chance to win Rita's book . Thanks for the chance. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThank you, MAXIE! How are you doing, our dear OWG friend? :)
DeleteSounds like Louisa has to go through quite a journey to find love !
ReplyDeletePattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Indeed PATTY! From here to yon and back! lol Thx for coming by!
DeleteCongrats to Kim Amundsen for winning a copy of After the Rain via random number.org! I'll be sending you an email, Kim!
ReplyDelete