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Rain Song Paperback – October 1, 2008

by Alice J. Wisler (Author)
4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 1,141 ratings
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Nicole Michelin avoids airplanes, motorcycles, and most of all, Japan, where her parents once were missionaries. Something happened in Japan...something that sent Nicole and her father back to America alone...something of which Nicole knows only bits and pieces. But she is content with life in little Mount Olive, North Carolina, with her quirky relatives, tank of lively fish, and plenty of homemade pineapple chutney. Through her online column for the Pretty Fishy Web site, she meets Harrison Michaels, who, much to her dismay, lives in Japan. She attempts to avoid him, but his e-mails tug at her heart. Then Harrison reveals that he knew her as a child in Japan. In fact, he knows more about her childhood than she does...
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Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 4
    Heart of Carolina
  2. Print length
    304 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    October 1, 2008
  5. Dimensions
    5.4 x 0.69 x 8.2 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0764204777
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0764204777
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In Wisler's likable debut, a young woman is offered a chance to find romance and make peace with her past. After her missionary mother dies under mysterious circumstances in Japan, young Nicole Michelin returns to North Carolina to live with her depressed father and loving grandmother. Now 31, and a middle school English teacher, Nicole bears the scars of a time she can't remember. She sleeps with her cloth kimono doll and nurses phobias ranging from anxiety about flying to a fear of commitment. But when she meets an intriguing man through a Web site column, her yearning for love encourages her to risk getting to know him even though he lives in Japan. Wisler's cast of Southern women is lightly sketched but no less charming for this, and her development of the relationship between Nicole and her three-year-old autistic cousin strikes poignant notes throughout. Faith fiction fans will appreciate the strong faith of Nicole's influential grandmother, Ducee Dubois, who helps Nicole face her fears. (Oct.) ""
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved."

Review

"Wisler's debut novel.... leaves one feeling good about God's limitless ability to provide strength, courage and answers to prayer." -- Susan Miura, FaithfulReader.com

"Alice Wisler tells this story of Rain Song in the slow, deliberate style of Southern tradition." -- Kim Ford, NovelReviews.blogspot.com

"...an astonishing debut ... Wisler writes with a tremendous amount of talent." -- Annabelle Robertson, Crosswalk.com

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers; Reprinted edition (October 1, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764204777
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764204777
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.4 x 0.69 x 8.2 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 1,141 ratings

About the author

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Alice J. Wisler

Alice J. Wisler

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Born and raised in Japan, I'm a missionary kid who loved riding commuter trains and eating sushi. I also enjoyed walks to the stationer's store to purchase notebooks, scented erasers and pencils when I was in elementary school. With each purchase, I was sure I was going to write a great book.

Now I write, blog, and enjoy crafting fun characters in Durham, NC. My first five novels are set in some part of my state. Rain Song (Christy Finalist 2009) takes place in the little town of Mount Olive, home to Mount Olive Pickles and strong family ties. How Sweet It Is, also a Christy Finalist in 2010, takes places in the Smoky Mountains. Hatteras Girl made her debut October 2010. Of course, it is set in the lovely Outer Banks. A Wedding Invitation, has flashbacks of settings in a refugee camp in the Philippines and also has scenes in Winston-Salem, NC. It arrived in October 2011. For me, this novel represents the need we all have to belong and be accepted, just like my Amerasian character feels. Still Life in Shadows, my fifth novel, takes place in a small mountain town I created called Twin Branches. This is also a story of belonging as Gideon Miller helps dissatisfied Amish youth relocate and find their places in modern society. Under the Silk Hibiscus is my first historical novel, set in a Japanese-American internment camp, during WWII.

In addition to speaking at conferences and retreats across the country, I teach online grief-writing classes---Writing the Heartache---and design and sell remembrance cards. Since my four-year-old son Daniel's death in 1997, I've written articles on coping with grief. Many of these can be read at the Open to Hope website at http://www.opentohope.com. Be sure to visit my website at http://www.alicewisler.com and my blogs: http://www.alicewisler.blogspot.com/ and http://www.writingtheheartache.blogspot.com/

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5
1,141 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Ana
5.0 out of 5 stars Homey and real, with a wonderful writing style
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2013
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Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler is a warm family story. Set in Mount Olive, North Carolina--think pickles--it's about the close McCormick family. It's complete with a lovely matriarch who sticks religiously to her traditions, her sister, a few complicated people and infidelities, and some typically Southern food and charm. Nicole lost her mother in a house fire when she was two, and she was reared by her grandmother and loved by her aunts and the whole family. Her father couldn't handle his wife's death and descended into drink and despondency. Nicole meets someone online while discussing fish, and the friendship grows. Soon, she is asking questions she never thought she'd ask and finding out some of the facts of her early childhood.

It wasn't the plot that was intriguing about this book. It's fairly straightforward with a few surprises. But the style . . . . All I can say is that I love Mrs. Wisler's style! It's folksy and fresh, first person. The motifs of pineapple chutney, cucumber sandwiches, Japan, a special doll, and fish are woven throughout the book so that it all has an extra meaning and cohesiveness. The child Monet, who has obvious physical issues and great artistic talent--how often the two go hand-in-hand--gives the reader a release from the intense emotions we feel from Nicole, her aunt Iva, and cousin Grable.

Nicole finds many answers about her mother, father, the lady who saved her life, and eventually, she moves on to trust and love.

Excellent! I look forward to reading more of Mrs. Wisler's books from this series, "Heart of Carolina."
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DSWMCZ
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Read
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2022
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This book is an easy, enjoyable read. I gave four stars because it feels slow, which made it a little challenging to stick with in the beginning. Then the last chapter or two seem rushed. I would have preferred a more even pace, but the story was enjoyable enough with its plot and detailed characters to get you through. Overall, an enjoyable read.
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becky cate
3.0 out of 5 stars Easy read.
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2024
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Rain Song is easy to read and a simple storyline. I enjoyed the plot and could relate to the characters. I prefer a bit more suspenseful read though.
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Sarah
5.0 out of 5 stars Heart warming
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2013
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I thought this book was absolutely beautiful. The storyline of a woman trying to reconnect her past through a man she e-mails is just tremendously intriguing. I really enjoyed going on the journey with Nicole and I loved that with the help of her lovely family and the man who knew her past she got over her fears and came out of hiding becoming the independent woman she really was. I think this story was based on reality, truth and epiphany. It was portrayed very nicely and thoughtfully I felt that the story took it's own toll and became a wonderful piece of art. Very nicely done!
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JVJ24601
4.0 out of 5 stars Good story
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2013
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I thought this story was very good - the characters are believable and fleshed out well as well as likeable. The plot grasped me and pulled me in and I wanted to know more about Nicole and her past - I loved how the author let you discover it at the same time as Nicole.
[WARNING: SPOILERS AFTER THIS!!]
I kind of wish that the author spent more time on Nicole being in Japan and the ending felt very loose - for a romance, it didn't seem like that part of it was solved - it was left very open. I also felt that the author was heavily hinting that Great Aunt Lucy, not the character Ducee was Nicole's actual grandmother (that maybe Nicole's mother was the child that was given away but to relatives so she would remain in the family) - this might just be my own headcanon but there were a few things thrown in that kind of made it seem like this might be the case but was never confirmed or denied. Noticed there were other Heart of Carolina books, but upon reading the descriptions none continue Nicole's story.
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Kim
5.0 out of 5 stars better than I expected
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2012
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This was my first Alice Wisler book & will not be my last. There is so much detail in her writing. I wasn't sure what to expect before I started, but, I can't wait to read the next one. As a reader, you really can identify with Nicole early on & I felt so sorry for her. But, you quickly become her cheerleader with Ducee and want so much for her to have success & happiness in her life. I could really see her life lived out daily. I wish she wasn't so negative about what could happen, but, based on her history, I guess she had a right to be worried some. Read the whole story, because the end has so much to offer. Loved the ending & was so happy for Nicole at the close of the book. I think we all want to have a happy ending like this in our lives. Loved the fact that it is set in NC since I am from here & recognized the places Alice mentions in the book. Very cool aspect. The only change I would make is to show her read hair on the cover. I bet it is really pretty. I can't wait to read "How Sweet It Is" next.
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Smartypants
3.0 out of 5 stars The Heroine's Personality Quirks Were Similar To My Own
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2013
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In the first chapters when we are introduced to the heroine I found it amusing that I shared some common traits with Nicole:

The heroine lives in the same town she grew up in. Me too.
The heroine lives close to family. Me too.
The heroine has never been married. Me either.
The heroine eats ice cream in her car with a plastic spoon she keeps in the glove compartment for that very purpose. Me too (well, not really but I could see myself doing this...).
The heroine likes to clean and will do laundry at weird hours of the night. Me too.
The heroine bites her nails. Me too (although not as much anymore).
The heroine has fish (aquarium). Me too (pond).
The heroine sleeps with a doll. I sleep with my cat.
The heroine hates roller coasters. Wait a minute, I LOVE roller coasters. OK, so this can't be about me.

Overall I found the book to be rather sweet and sometimes funny. The Christian themes were mild and seemed appropriate without being preachy. I didn't hate it but I don't think I would read it again and I'm not sure I would really recommend it to anyone I know. However for a light read it was OK. I would have liked it better if we could have spent more time in Japan getting to see Nicole interact more with Harrison and watching that relationship develop.
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Top reviews from other countries

Leics Liz
5.0 out of 5 stars Humourous, poignant and highly recommended!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 11, 2011
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I really liked this book. Nicole is a somewhat unusual heroine who lacks self confidence and is frightened of so many things. Nicole was born in Japan yet remembers little of her life there as a little girl. Her father will not speak of her past and it is through the internet that gradually a little of her personal history is revealed to her. I loved the slow build up to when Nicole begins to take control of her life and becomes more proactive.

I note that one reviewer commented negatively on the religious overtones within the book. I did not think that these detracted from the story at all, but showed another aspect of Nicole's character.

I enjoyed the 'American-ness' of this book - especially the descriptions of the family celebrations, the ritual of making pineapple chutney and the descriptions of Nicole's quirky grandmother and aunt. The book is a slow, gentle read which is to be savoured and not rushed - very well written and highly recommended.
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D. Jones
4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting book, best read slowly
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 2, 2011
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Until the age of two Nicole lived in Japan with her missionary parents. However, something happened which caused the death of her mother and the return of Nicole and her father back to their family in Mount Olive, North Carolina. Her great aunt Ducee takes over Nicole's upbringing because her father is emotionally unable to cope with both his loss and his young daughter. Ducee is a tower of strength for Nicole throughout her life and it is obvious that there is a very strong bond between them.

Nicole grows up knowing very little about her past life but she has been left with a number of fears that restrict her, namely aeroplanes, motorcycles and anything Japanese. On the other hand she leads a fairly successful, if not particularly fulfilling life as a schoolteacher. She would like to get married but her long time boyfriend has just dumped her and she is at a loss as to how to move forward with her life. One day she writes an article for one of her favourite websites, Pretty Fishy, and she quickly strikes up an online friendship with a fellow fish owner, Harrison, who contacts her through the site. As their friendship grows she realises he lives in Japan - a place she never thought she would return to. As they exchange details it emerges that Harrison knows a lot more information about her past than she herself does. Nicole is intrigued by Harrison and longs to meet him but that would mean overcoming her very real fear of travelling by air and of Japan itself.

The characters in the story are very well developed, especially Ducee who is an amazing lady; Alice Wisler has done a tremendous job at bringing her to life. The book is peppered with some very astute philosophical comments from Ducee, many of which made me sit back and think about the way I live my own life. Grable, Nicole's cousin, and her difficult special needs daughter, Monet, provide another dimension and challenge in Nicole's life.

Alice Wisler has created a poignant story about a young woman who has to deal with huge emotional barriers in order to live a fulfilled life. The story does progress slowly at times, don't expect it to be a page turner, but as you begin to identify more with the characters it becomes uplifting and emotional. To get the most from this book it is probably best read in small chunks to give yourself time to take on board Nicole's emotional journey in facing her deep rooted fears.

The book does have a Christian feel to it but the religious references don't dominate the story, instead they are used mainly to give us more insight into Nicole and who she really is.
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Kindle Junkie
3.0 out of 5 stars Steady as you go ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 14, 2012
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The reason I'm giving this book 3 stars is because this is the Kindle "It's OK" definition. And it is. The story didn't "grip me", but it didn't bore me either. I wanted to know the outcome, but if my Kindle had "gone down" half way through I could have lived without knowing. (Incidentally, this is a metaphor - I'd have finished reading it on my PC or mobile phone App. But you get my drift.)

As the blurb says, all her life Nicole has been kept in the dark about her mother's untimely death, only for a stranger to contact her out of the blue who's in the know. Emails then go back and forth between the two of them and slowly she learns the truth. And I mean slowly. Whilst he does eventually let Nicole in on the tragic events, Harrison certainly has drip-feeding down to a fine art.

Incidentally, I see some reviewers have mentioned that religion plays a big part in the story. I didn't find this at all. Yes, religion is mentioned, but mostly only in passing. It's more like an ad for internet dating than bible bashing.

It reminded me a lot of the Secret Life of Bees so if you enjoyed that, this is for you.

Spoiler: Don't hold your breath for a massive, blockbusting reveal - it turned out to be as expected.
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Kindle Customer gillyflower
5.0 out of 5 stars Very satisfying and pleasing read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 9, 2017
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Loved this book. Only chosen because I liked the title and picture on the front. Not the way I would normally choose a book at all. Nicole lives in Carolina with her loving and rather quirky family. Born in Japan to missionary parents, something bad must have happened to bring her and her father back to the USA, when she was a two year old, but what?? Does she really want to know! Life is fine without going anywhere but her small hometown. But, her tropical fish lead her down a path that she could never have expected. No great tension in this book, it is gentle, amusing in places and I thought a lovely read. I still have to try and make the pineapple chutney.
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Mole
4.0 out of 5 stars A journey of discovery
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 13, 2011
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Nicole knew very little about her mother. But someone that she has had contact with via the Internet reveals that he knew Nicole's family when she was younger; and that he knows a woman that was her mother's maid when they lived as missionaries in Japan.

Slowly, the story uncovers parts of Nicole's life she remembered nothing about. She is frightened of flying and to begin with, she cannot face the idea of travelling back to Japan. But gradually, as more information is revealed, she begins to understand a bit more about where she came from and the events that lead to the family returning to the USA.

The story is not fast paced, but that is deliberate; the revelations come in time and at their own speed when Nicole is ready to understand. Once she has all of the details, and with the help and guidance of her grandmother, she is then ready to face her ultimate fear.

A sweet gentle book, almost innocent in the way that it portrays the life of this family. The text is unhurried and allows the reader to take their time. Suitable for all ages.
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