Review: Rain by Kathryn Hewitt





Title: Rain
Author: Kathryn Hewitt

Publisher: Createspace

Publication Date: October 28th, 2013
Pages: 224

Genre: Young Adult
Source: Paperback from Author

Summary (from the Author):  For every decision made there is a consequence that is certain to follow. Whether the consequence is beneficial or distressing, it must exist. 

Rain continues the story of Ruth three and a half years after the miraculous event that changed her life forever. Now a mother of a toddler, Ruth is found moving herself back in to the college dormitory for the second year. 

Feeling as though she isn’t worth the love of a good man, Ruth sabotages her relationship with James; the man she believes is her one true soul mate. Unable to accept his love and grace, she sends him away believing it is the right thing to do. But Ruth has much to learn about love and grace. Like she felt with James, so she feels about her faith; undeserved and unworthy.

Lost in a state of depression and feeling the effects of a raging storm, Ruth is desperate to find something of solidity to grasp ahold. After a traumatic sexual assault, she finds herself in a depression much deeper than she’d ever imagine. Feeling as though only bad things happen to bad people, she sets course a path of self destruction, determined to drown herself in the shame she believes she deserves. 

It’s been said, When it rains, it pours. And for Ruth, that statement couldn’t ring more true. When storm after storm brings pelting rain and raging winds into Ruth’s life, she gives up on ever regaining the innocence she’d once had. Blinded by depression and desperation Ruth can’t see the shelters continuously being provided for her. Though she turned her back on her faith, the One who extends mercy, gives Ruth the grace she desperately needs. Now, Ruth must find her way back and cling to the faith that saved her once before.  

 

Kathryn Hewitt was born and raised in the small town of Camden, South Carolina. Breaking away from becoming a stereotype, she was an Honors Graduate and went on to study British Literature and Sociology at Charleston Southern University, inspiring to be a High School English teacher. 

Kathryn has a passion for teaching teenagers and reaching out to those who seem as though the world has closed the door. 

Because of her own experiences, including becoming a teenage mother at fifteen, Kathryn knows the value of life and the blessings it contains. Understanding the importance of making wise decisions, Kathryn passionately seeks to instill that wisdom into the minds of every young lady she encounters. The inspiration for Kathryn's writings comes from her own experiences, and she is never afraid to speak the truth that others refuse to acknowledge.

Kathryn married in 2005 and is a stay at home mom with her four sons. She and her family currently live in the same town she grew up.

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Like in her book Snow, Kathryn captures the essence of life through the pages of Rain. Even her credits touched my heart and I felt such deep compassion for her experiences, as well as those who have and will face similar circumstances and decisions. I stand by what I said about the previous book, this is a great read for teenage girls. It will break your heart and cause you rethink judging peoples' dispositions in life. I can totally relate to the feeling of knowing people are judging you, because from the outside things look differently than what they are.

I loved seeing how Ruth progressed through the story and how she was able to find God. In her darkest moments, she was able to develop courage and perseverance...even when she didn't know it. I also loved the ending, but I won't give that part away. ;) It made me smile.

This is such a beautiful story, and I hope we see much more from Kathryn Hewitt in the future. I think the only thing I would complain about is the font for the book. For some reason by eyes felt strained while reading it. I can't tell if it's too small or too light, but something about it was difficult. Other than that, this is a great book!