Life is what it's Called: After The Rain Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Series: Sequel to The Last Summer
Genre: Adult, Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Inspirational, Romance
Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas
Publication date: February 4, 2019

Debra Hart is moving on. Maybe. Hopefully. One day. As a radio show host, Debra spends her mornings as Miss Lonely Heart on air, empathizing with all the broken hearts in the Denver metro area. She spends her evenings watching old musicals and trying not to think about the guy who broke up with her and subsequently fell in love with one of her best friends. Alone in a new city, Debra questions where she belongs and who she is now. When she stumbles into the indie music scene, Debra meets singer Ben Price. Rock star appeal, with a day job as a worship pastor, Ben is everything Debra wants to avoid. But he’s determined to be her friend, and it so happens she could really use one. Because try as she might, nothing seems to erase the anger and betrayal she feels. It’s time for a new dream. But how does she start over when she doesn’t even know what she wants anymore?

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About the Author

Brandy Bruce is a mom to three kids, a wife, a writer, a book editor, and someone who really loves dessert. She and her family make their home in the beautiful state of Virginia.

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Review

I enjoyed reading Debra's story in After the Rain. Debra finds out how to move on from heartbreak and discover who she is. It's a little depressing at times and I was a little shocked at the "revenge" advice she gives as a radio host. I cheered when she was able to find peace with the past, with God and herself. The story isn't just a romance, but a story in developing and finding yourself as an individual. It was a fun and interesting read. I liked the music references in the book. I also liked how the author changed the character's outside appearance as she finally rediscovers herself and lets God into her life. This is a clean Christian romance.

Author Interview

1-What was your inspiration for the story?

Once I finished writing The Last Summer and it was in the hands of the editors, I had some time and felt inspired to write Debra’s story. I know some writers are really good at writing consistently, no matter what, but it’s not easy for me to write unless I’m inspired. And this time around I definitely felt inspired. I think it took about eight months to write After the Rain. Once I started Debra’s story, I didn’t want to stop writing until it was finished!

2-Will there be a sequel?

I’m not sure. I do think there’s room for one more story about these characters, and anyone who reads the first two books will probably know who’d I follow for the third! But I don’t have a story as of right now and I’d need inspiration to hit.

3-What playlist would you have for the book?

I’m so glad you asked! Music is a huge part of After the Rain and it helped me along during the writing. I put together a graphic of my favorites for After the Rain--my list on Spotify is too long to share! “Never Gonna Love Again” by Lykke Li was probably my anthem for this book. I came across it on Spotify and fell in love with it and couldn’t believe how closely the lyrics mirror the book! If you haven’t heard it, please look it up and listen to it!

Snippet

Deb, I miss you. I think about you. Just wanted to say it again. I read the text from Lillian—Lily—Spencer as the elevator doors opened. Then I tucked the phone into my small purse. I walked toward the exit of the condominium building I called home now, catching a glimpse of myself in one of the mirrors on the wall. This woman—with short hair, ringlets barely brushing my shoulders. Dark colors, chocolate-colored eyeliner—nervous about a simple thing like going to a coffee bar. I didn’t recognize her. I stopped mid-hallway and leaned against the wall, my heart hurting. I’m starting all over. No. I closed my eyes. I’d cried all the tears already. None were left. But the pain didn’t stop. A reminder of how much I’d loved Luke Andersen. How ready I’d been to link my story to his for forever. But he’d chosen my friend Sara. Quiet, lady-like, sophisticated, predictable Sara. “Debra?” My eyes opened. Cassidy and Jake, my neighbors, stood in the hallway, looking worried. I must have seemed ill. With one hand, Jake carried a baby car seat, inside it their five-month-old daughter, Gilly, slept soundly. I pushed myself off the wall. “I’m okay,” I said without eye contact. I walked straight out of the building, to my car, and drove downtown.