Charles Martin is one of my favorite authors. I hate that he only comes out with a new book once every two years, but you can tell that he puts a lot of thought into each book he writes.
Thunder and Rain is his latest, and I’d say, one of his best. This is the first of his books that I’ve read on my Kindle. I heard him speak a few years ago and took all of my books to be signed. Makes me wonder what will happen to book signings once e-readers become the norm?
Thunder and Rain is set in Texas. Martin’s books have been set in different parts of the country, which I find very refreshing. The narrator is Ty Steele, a third generation retired Texas Ranger. This book takes the reader through all of the emotions from sorrow to joy, and touches on many controversial issues.
Ty Steele is highly respected in his community, and cares deeply for his family, friends, and random people he meets on the side of the road. He goes out of his way to help out those who are down on their luck. His selflessness and service to others shapes the direction of the book as a whole. Chivalry is not dead!
Now, I will admit that Martin can get a bit sappy at times, but the depth of the story and the easy going nature of his writing help make it more real. I always feel like I’m right there with the characters because his writing is so conversational.
Charles Martin’s most recent book prior to Thunder and Rain, The Mountain Between Us, didn’t capture my attention as much as some of his other books, but it was still a good book. It is currently in the process of being made into a movie.
Reviews of Thunder and Rain are overwhelmingly positive. Many reviewers are with me on the writing style observation. So, if you’re looking for books to stock your Kindle with for the summer, I recommend adding this one to the pile.