The Sound of Rain by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Judd Markley’s life has changed forever with the cave-in at the mine that took his younger brother’s life.  He decides to take up his brother Joe’s dream and go south where he plans to get a job in the timber business.  He finds a job in the thriving town of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Advancing through the ranks of the company, he finds the eye of the owner, Mr. Heyward, on him for more than one reason. Meanwhile Larkin Heyward, the boss’s daughter catches Judd’s interest.  She is so full of life that he realizes that he can dream again after his brother’s death.  But their dreams are pulling them in opposite directions.  Is their love strong enough to pull them through?

 Set in Appalachia and Myrtle Beach in 1954, the author gives interesting information about Hurricane Hazel and the impact it had on Myrtle Beach.

    

The characters were realistic and interesting, especially Granny Jane.  I did find it a bit implausible to think of Granny Jane, who had been on her death bed, making the trip for the wedding.

The book was a pleasant but not riveting read.  I have read most of Thomas’ other books and found them a bit harder to put down.  However, if the author decides to write a sequel, I would be curious to see what happens to Judd and Larkin.  I received a free copy from the publisher for this, my honest review.