The Boy Who Loved Rain: They say that what you don't know can't hurt you. They're wrong.

I have read several of Gerard Kelly's books, but I believe this is the first fiction story he has written. Wow! I do hope he continues In this genre - such a talented writer! The story tells how teenager Colom's battles with repeated nightmares and suicidal thoughts; of his mother's desperate attempts to help him and cope with his erratic behaviour, whilst struggling herself with the guilty knowledge that she and her husband have lied to Colom all his life. So many secrets that need to be revealed before there can be any chance of healing. It is a brilliantly constructed tale, full of poetic and artistic description. Heartbreakingly tragic details come to light, but all eventually comes to a rewarding conclusion. One of the best books I've read in a long while - utterly compelling, couldn't put it down.

What can I say? I’ve had a sample of this book on my kindle for ages, was short of something to read and so started the sample. I was immediately hooked, bought the whole book, and couldn’t put it down. It’s a family story, a story of support, a story of trouble and commitment. It’s a must read. I can’t think why it took me so long to get round to trying it, and I’m so glad I have now read it. It’ll be a while before I start another fiction book. I need to think about the characters and their stories for a while before moving on. Some books do that to me . . . it’s special!

I felt that the writer took too long to set the scene but once Fiona took Colom to France I became gripped by the sense of anticipation,adventure & curiosity as to how it would pan out,I loved the detailed development of the relationships between Colom ,,Fiona & Miriam,a good read if on holiday!!(you need to stick with it as it's worth it in the end)

As a writer and therapist I am intrigued by how others portray life in fiction. I love the way he has shown how children process trauma and the skilful crafting of the story.

Wonderfully rich, engaging and inspiring book. Strong storyline with surprising twists and turns. Highly recommend it!

Thank you to Rhoda at Lion fiction for sending me an advance copy to review .I had abandoned 2books from the library that just weren’t hitting the spot so picked this up and was very pleased when this had me hooked instantly !This book covers a wide array of sensitive issues and its a layered book . What you think is happening isn’t and the story is unravelling the whole time .I could relate to this book both as a parent and as a child who was adopted .I really enjoyed the quotes from various literature at the top of each chapter ,im intrigued as to why the author did that ?This book is set in different locations which added to the mystery of what was really happening .The author made it very easy to invisage the settings which always adds to the enjoyment of a book .A really enjoyable deep and moving book with lots of secrets and revelations so you are kept hooked and eagerly turning the pages .I look forward to more from this author .Here are the details of the blog tour :)

This is not a light and fluffy novel, but sometimes I don't want that. I want a book that gives me depth, makes me feel, challenges me and tests me. This I got from The Boy Who Loved Rain.A book essentially about the damage that secrets can be done to a family, how toxic deception can make or break years of creating a life together. It's painful to read in places, it made me feel a lot of emotions ranging from happiness to anger.It's a book to sink into and lose yourself, but don't expect a marshmallow book, it's more like chewy toffee that gets stuck on your teeth and is hard to get off.Colom is the teenage son, and Fiona the wife, of David Dryden, pastor of a high profile church in London, who is admired for his emphasis on the Christian family. But all is not well. Colom’s erratic behaviour causes a great deal of family stress. When a commitment to die is discovered in Colom's room after the suicide of a school friend, David finds himself out of his depth - and Fiona, in panic, takes Colom and flees.Some reviewers have said that there is a LOT of Christian aspects to this book, I disagree. I mean one of the characters is the Pastor of a high profile church and this has had impact on the family and the entire story so it's got as much element of church and God in it as the book should to enhance the plot.Colom, ah Colom, when we meet him he is of grave concern to all, acting dangerously, acting out of character, depressed, angry, much more than your average teen angst. One of Colom's friends commits suicide and leave a note behind showing that he decided to die before his sixteenth birthday and was active on many suicide websites. Fiona, Colom's mother finds a similar commitment note in Colom's room and slowly for Fiona it feels like everything is unravelling.I have a son who is 15, like Colom and I was imagining how I would feel if I knew my son was planning to kill himself. Horrific and terrifying.She takes off with Colom to find some space to think and to find time to connect with Colom. The plot in this book is sublime, it has surprises and teases you along the way, just as you think you know what's happening it switches direction and you might have as many jaw opening moments as what I did.As Colom is encouraged to open up more, Fiona is thinking on her marriage, her husband David is back home, protesting he has to keep things going at the church and his image is critical. Needless to say, Fiona feels pretty much alone.I thought the book was great up to this point, then the secrets start to come through the cracks, the toxic lies are revealed and I began to totally love this book and raced to the end.Highly recommended for those that like some depth in their reading, enjoy tackling complexities in human relationships and dysfunctional family dynamics. Also recommended for those that like to dig deep to try to guess the secrets and love to be wrong. A unique and solid read.