Reader reviews

• jakohnen

  (4/5)

  Lisa's one of my favorite authors. This one holds a bit of fantasy magic. I listened to this one via audiobook (happy for a talented reader that didn't annoy me like some audios do). Enjoyed the banter between girlfriends and witty chats between hero and heroine. Not as fast-paced and adventurous as I like to read, but an enjoyable story while driving to and fro in my Prius between work and daily errands.
• blakelybennett-1

  (4/5)

  I enjoyed this story but at first had a hard time getting into it. Fell in love with Sam!
• mrsdanaalbasha

  (5/5)

  [November 10, 2011] I loved Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, I can't wait to read about Sam... the story line seems great. False love turns true!
  
  [Friday, July 06, 2012] Yay!! I got my copy today!!
  
  [Saturday, August 04, 2012] Yesterday I finished this book and all I could think was WOW... I LOVED it! The story and characters really were very real to me and very close to what I'm going through, not the events but more of how things are rolling... I loved Lucy and I related to her deeply. Sam is amazing, I just wish that when a girl loves a boy she doesn't have to go through hell for him to love her back. I mean love should be the sweetest, easiest thing to do in life.
• dawn772

  (5/5)

  I really liked this story about glass worker Lucy and vineyard owner Sam. The plot emotionally worked through Lucy's boyfriend betrayal rather then wallowing in it and Sam's commitment phobia panned out different than the norm. I did enjoy the growth of this relationship.
  
• kybunnies

  (4/5)

  This book was a goodreads.com first read contest win.
  
  I have not read the first book in this series but I have to say wow. I am going to have to get it to read so I can understand this book more. This was such a great read.
  
  Lucy and Kevin were such wonderful characters. I have to admit that I like the part where there was a little magic in the book. It gives it something different and make's it wonderful.
  
  This is the first modern book I have read by this author. I usually stick with her historical romance book. I will be looking at the other modern romance books by this great author.
• judithdcollins

  (4/5)

  "Awesome Author! Romantic! First novel in the Friday Harbor Trilogy - a story of love, loss, and the powerful possibility of magic! Looking forward to Lisa's new book "Dream Lake" coming August 2012! Will most definitely read more of her works - superior writer! "
• addictofromance

  (4/5)

  Summary Lucy, has a talent for creating beautiful glass, and currently resides in Friday Harbor in Washington. She lives with her boyfriend, Kevin, whom she has been with for over two years. Lucy is content with life, and feels as if everything has fallen into place for her; until Kevin lays a bombshell on her. He breaks up with her, at first Lucy doesn't understand why. It was the last thing that she ever expected Kevin to say to her. But then she finds out he has been cheating on her with her sister, of all people. Lucy has yet to find someone that can love her for who she really is. But then she stumbles across Sam Nolan, who is charismatic and kind and very handsome. Lucy, knowing that he may one day, break her heart, pursues a relationship with him. At first its very slow, and she tries to shield her heart, knowing he can't even sleep with her at night, he avoids any kind of commitment or love at any given time. But when she feels that she is starting to truly care for Sam, because she has connected with him on such a more intimate level than anyone before now; she knows that what they share can never last, but will Sam be able to live his life without Lucy?The Hero (Sam Nolan)Sam, grew up in a home where his parents had the worst marriage possible. They had no idea how to have a healthy relationship, and growing up in that environment made him very cynical and runs whenever a woman wants more than casual sex. Sam went to college, and now has a vineyard, and is working as hard as he can to make it a beautiful and productive. He also has his hands full with his niece, whom along with his brother, have become her new parents (in a way) after their sister dies. When he meets Lucy he is very resistant to starting any kind of relationship with her, because he knows deep down, he could very well lose his heart to her sweet spirit who calls to him.The Heroine (Lucy Marinn)Ever since Lucy was a little girl, she has had a fascination with glass. How it was made, and how it turns out so beautiful. She senses something pure and clean about it. She has dedicated her life to pursuing a career to be a glass artist. When Lucy was younger, her other sister got all the attention and was always spoiled and received everything she ever wanted. But Lucy, had to do things for herself, and her parents never came close to spoiling her like her sister. When she learns of the betrayal and that her own boyfriend chose her sister over her, she is devastated. But now desires a life free of the male species until Sam comes along and changes everything.My Thoughts After reading Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, I was very much looking forward to reading Sam's story. I always felt like he would be the perfect hero for one of Kleypas's stories. It started out within the first paragraph having me hooked into this story. I could hardly put it down, and read it within a day. I had no trouble staying with the plot and the characters, and I just fell in love with Sam and Lucy. I really liked Lucy, I found her to have some good qualities, but also to have a bit of a vulnerability, that I felt I could relate to. You never want the characters to be so perfect you never feel you can relate with them in any way. I felt like both had a carefree manner about them. Sam is just....HOT...that is all I have to say. I liked how resistant he is to love and commitment, and really liked seeing him proven wrong. Especially since he fights it so hard...you would think his life was in danger right? He can just make you melt. I also liked the bit of magical element that Kleypas's mixes in with the story...it added a bit more enchantment feel to the story, that just endeared me even more. I also loved the humor and the sense of playfulness that is shown all throughout the story. A Charming read that will just take you breath away and leave you breathless for more. A beautifully written story that is deeply satisfying that is rewarding!!! A Remarkable story of love, magic and commitment.
• bons_11

  (4/5)

  Magical realism not overdone is a true art form that was mastered in this modern chick lit. Lucy works with glass. It has provided something special since her childhood. Lucy can't control it but she can learn from her special skill if she will. I'll go get the rest in the series now.
• cranberrytarts

  (4/5)

  This is a sweet, magical story. It took a small suspension of disbelief to buy into the paranormal element, but in the end I think Kleypas made it work.
  
  Speaking of the paranormal element - which is really more mystical than paranormal - I have to say it took me by surprise at first. after thinning about it, however, it shouldn't have. The theme of the first book was magic, and that carried over here. By adding a touch of whimsy, Kleypas have the story some much needed air. Otherwise I think it would have been bogged down by both Lucy and Sam's past disappointments.
  
  There was something very real about the characters. Though its fun to read about the uber-alpha hero, I enjoyed how *normal* Sam was. Here was a man who wanted sex without complications, but was willing to offer friendship as well. There was no dark brooding if he was denied her bed, no emo-like sulking of she didn't call or fall in line with what he wanted. There were only two mature adults dealing with life and learning each other.
  
  It was refreshing that they had interests outside each other. Lucy was passionate about her glass making and Sam about his wine making. Sam had his brothers and niece, and Lucy her friends. Too often in contemporary romance the hero and heroine find themselves wrapped up in each other, or meshing their lives completely. I'm glad that didn't happen here.
  
  The shadow comes from Lucy's sister Alice, and her relationship with her parents. While I understood the reason Lucy thought she needed to forgive her, I wasn't at all impressed with the way Kleypas handled that story-line. I was also annoyed at the POV hopping as sequel bait. I didn't need to read things from Alice's perspective, nor from Alex or Zoe (Sam's brother and one of Lucy's best friends, who will be featured in the next book).
  
  Overall this was an enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to the third book in August.
• scoutmomskf

  (5/5)

  Very good book. The beginning lays the groundwork of the strained relationship between Lucy and her sister Alice. Alice's childhood illness caused her to be catered to and spoiled and as an adult she can be manipulative. As a child Lucy became interested in glasswork and as an adult it offers her an escape from her troubles. I really loved seeing her creative process. The work she did on the window for Sam was amazing. I also liked the touch of magic that is involved with her glasswork and how it affects her stay with Sam. When Lucy's boyfriend dumps her for her sister she is bitter about what happened and vows to stay away from men. She meets Sam, who she is attracted to, but refuses to enter a relationship with since he is anti-commitment. When she gets hurt in an accident he offers her a place to stay where he can care for her. They are honest with each other about their feelings about relationships and find themselves in an unusual friendship. I loved the way that they were able to talk about anything with each other. This comfortable feeling Lucy feels with Sam starts to change and she realizes that she's on the way to getting her heart broken again. Sam and his siblings are the children of two alcoholics. The childhood that they had affected the way that they look at love and relationships. Sam doesn't feel that he is a good bet for anything long term so he keeps his relationships short, simple and light. The only people who get close to him are his family members, especially his niece. When he meets Lucy he is attracted to her but senses that she is not the type of woman he is usually involved with. I loved the way that he seemed to know just what she needed at any given time. He could be sweet, funny, or sarcastic at any given time. I loved the way that he took care of Lucy after her accident. That was the beginning of her getting under his skin and showing him that maybe he had more to give to a relationship than he thought he did. I loved seeing how close he is to the land of his vineyard and how his own bit of magic has affected his career choice. It also gave him another connection with Lucy.All the secondary characters were also well done. Alice was especially important in her role. I really didn't like her through most of the book. She had no clue and did not care about the consequences of any of her actions. It wasn't until the end that I started to see how the past had affected her also. Sam's niece Holly was a sweetheart and seeing Sam with her showed just how much love he had to give if he could just break free of his fears.
• jsamaha-1

  (4/5)

  I received this book as a winner of the First Reads contest and am so glad that I did!
  Rainshadow Road is a light romance novel and I really enjoyed it. The story line is interesting and the writing style was engaging. While the characters seemed a bit predictable, they were still likeable (or disagreeable as the case may be) and were well thought out by the author. The author was able to describe the surroundings in a way that made me feel like I was there in Friday Harbor living right along side the characters. Her use of color and light in her writing was especially nice.
  
  I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a nice uplifting story.
• sueincyprus

  (4/5)

  Chick-lit with a bit of a twist. Lucy, a talented glass artist, has been dumped by her boyfriend, then is knocked down by a car. Sam, a wine-maker, comes to the rescue - a nice guy, but commitment-phobic. Both of them have oddly mystical traits which don't really gel with the rest of the book, but on the whole I enjoyed it very much. Well-rounded people, interesting subplots, and a satisfactory (if predictable) ending. Recommended.
• cmlloyd67

  (3/5)

  A likable romance. Better written than 50 Shades, although that admittedly isn't hard to do, yet oddly not quite as entertaining. (Kleypas lacks James's dry wit.) This isn't erotica though, few sex scenes. Actually there's really just one or two. Most of the focus is on what the characters do for a living, a welcome change. And there's a hint of magical surrealism - Lucy has the ability to turn glass objects into living creatures, and Sam can make things grow. The writer does get a bit maudlin in places, and preachy - there's quite a few "quotable" lines about how one should live one's life and what true love is, which felt like overkill and unnecessary.
  
  While there are quite a few great lines here and there, nothing that standouts. A quick read. Likable characters. Learned quite a bit about glass making and winegrowing, actually made me want to go and take a course on stained glass. And a nice change of pace from the erotica kick that I'd been on. Here, the hero is down-to-earth, not a multimillionaire, and not controlling or possessive or jealous. It does fall into established formula, or cliche in places - but no more so than most of these books do.
  Similar in some respects to Jennifer Cruisie and Nora Roberts.
• mickyfine

  (3/5)

  Glass artist Lucy Marinn has always fallen in the shadow of her younger sister, Alice, ever since Alice had meningitis as a child. But when Lucy's boyfriend of two years announces that he's leaving Lucy for Alice, it's a whole new low. As Lucy considers swearing off men altogether, she meets handsome Sam Nolan who owns his own vineyard and is very up front about being the kind of guy who will never be in it for the long haul. Does Lucy need a fling like her girlfriends suggest? And will Lucy be the woman who makes Sam see that long-term relationships have their own rewards?A cute contemporary romance that I almost ditched early on due to some rocky writing. The first 30ish pages felt extraordinarily stilted, maybe just because Kleypas had so much groundwork to lay. Once that was done though, the dialogue and descriptive writing became much more smooth. Kleypas also makes the choice to include some magical realism and while it serves as a metaphor it feels a little oddly tacked on to the contemporary romance (especially as I don't remember any magical realism in the first book in the series). Those oddities aside, I really enjoyed the book and devoured it in less than a day. So mixed bag read and not a recommended starting point if you want to give Kleypas a try.
• mhanover10

  (3/5)

  Lighthearted romance novel that was fun to listen to. I think I snorted a few times and it made me smile. I really liked the Sam character a lot. Very well written and great characters throughout.
• mom2lnb

  (4/5)

  Rainshadow Road is a light, easy read that picks up where Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor left off, and Lisa Kleypas continues her experiment with writing in a slightly different style than she has in the past. I thought that the early part of the story had something of a chick-lit feel to it. I definitely wouldn't categorize the book in that genre though, because it doesn't really have the typical breezy, humorous quality that is common to chick-lit. However, it does move along at a fairly brisk pace, the dialog is snappy and more modern with plenty of interactions between Lucy and her two best girlfriends, and it has a little less sentimentality than most romance I read. During the first ½ or so of the book, the author doesn't go into as much depth with feelings and expressions that can often help set the tone for a romance. Much like it's predecessor in the series, Rainshadow Road has only one moderately descriptive love scene. Ms. Kleypas also introduces an element of magical realism with our hero and heroine each possessing a little magic. Lucy is very connected to her glass art to the point that she can literally bring it to life, and Sam has a special connection to plants. This bit of light fantasy takes the book slightly outside the realm of traditional contemporary romance, but it is woven seamlessly into the story so that it doesn't permeate the entire thing or seem all that strange. I admit I haven't read Sarah Addison Allen's books, but based on what I know of them, I think fans of her work would probably enjoy this series. Rainshadow Road may be a little outside the ordinary for longtime fans of Lisa Kleypas, but I think it showcases her versatility as an author.When the story opens, Lucy is being dumped by her longtime, live-in boyfriend who is now demanding that she move out so his new girlfriend who happens to be Lucy's younger sister can move in. He also reveals that he has been cheating on Lucy for months, trying to have his cake and eat it too. At this point, I felt really bad for Lucy, because it seems that, due to a childhood illness, her sister has always gotten whatever she wanted. She was spoiled and pampered while Lucy kind of faded into the background. Right now, what her spoiled sister wants is Lucy's boyfriend. Of course, she gets him, but Lucy is far better off without him. She finds a great catch in Sam, and after being hit by a car, she ends up recuperating at his house where they get to know each other intimately. Sam is still the charming nice guy. I admired him for his commitment to fixing up his old, broken-down Victorian house, his love of the land and making wine, and his love for and commitment to his niece, Holly. I was a little worried when I read in the cover blurb that Lucy's ex asks him to romance her, thinking that it might end in the dreaded big misunderstanding, but I couldn't have been more wrong. I ended up loving Sam's honesty. He has no sympathy for guys who cheat and is completely up front with Lucy about her ex's request. I adored Sam's geeky side. The way he's always wearing fun, nerdy t-shirts and throwing out little scientific tidbits is delightful. I don't think anyone has ever made the periodic table so sexy. I like that Sam has a conscience and tries to warn Lucy off from getting involved with a commitment-phobe like him. I thought it was very sweet that he not only nursed Lucy after she was injured but wanted to protect her heart as well.I did wonder how a girl who was insecure and still getting over a breakup with a boyfriend who cheated on her and a guy with commitment issues were going to create a forever bond and get their HEA. The romance moved a little slowly at first because there wasn't a great deal of interaction between Lucy and Sam until she's injured and he agrees to take care of her. Once she moves in, things get going between them fairly quickly, at least from a physical standpoint. Initially, I wasn't thrilled with the casual, sex-only nature of their relationship and the way that Sam refused to ever sleep in the same bed with Lucy. I thought it left a lot of distance between them, like they were together, but not really together. A more genuine emotional connection doesn't happen until the last ¼ of the book, but as their relationship progressed, I began to feel it more and more. The moment when they share their magic with each other was a particularly lovely one. Sam and Lucy's habit of saying, "I don't love you; I don't love you too," at first felt kind of cold while at the same time being rather amusing. Each time they say it again though, it seems to take on more meaning until it essentially becomes a safe way of saying the exact opposite. The ending was sweet and heartwarming, and I enjoyed how the "magic" of Lucy's love for Sam was what ultimately changed everything for him, and them as a couple.The secondary characters were great too. I loved seeing Mark and Maggie (Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor) get married and ride off into the sunset, so to speak, with little Holly and Renfield, the dog, in tow. We also get to meet Lucy's two best friends, Justine and Zoe who run their own bed and breakfast. Justine appears to be the more solid, practical one while Zoe seems a little more on the whimsical side. Since there isn't a synopsis posted yet for Cystal Cove, the third book of the series due for release in Feb. 2013, it took a little research, but I finally found an interview with Lisa Kleypas where she says that Justine will be the heroine of that book. Zoe will be paired with Sam's brother, Alex, in the next book, Dream Lake, which will be released next month (Aug. 2012). In the one short scene Alex and Zoe shared in Rainshadow Road, they really drew me in and had me feeling a connection between them that I hadn't even felt between Sam and Lucy at that point. Alex is an incredibly talented craftsman, but he's not dealing well with his divorce and appears to be heading down the road to alcoholism like his parents. Zoe is a divorcée who was hurt by a husband who cheated on her with another man. She is a very sweet, gentle person who loves cooking, and her food seems to be nourishing to Alex's soul as much as his body.Although I would have liked to see a stronger emotional bond between Sam and Lucy and a little more romance earlier in the book, Rainshadow Road was still a solid, satisfying story. It can be fun to see favorite authors branch out and and try something new. I think it can help to keep the creative juices flowing, and in this case, I'd say that, so far, Lisa Kleypas' experiment with the Friday Harbor series is a success. I'm very much looking forward to continuing the series and reading about Alex and Zoe when their story comes out.Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via GoodReads FirstReads in exchange for an honest review.
• lauren2013_1

  (4/5)

  1 person found this helpful

  Rainshadow Road
  4 Stars
  
  The writing is smooth and seamless, the characters are well-developed and engaging, and the plot is sweet if lacking in any real conflict. Thankfully, Kleypas avoids falling into the silly misunderstanding trap even though she comes close with the idea that Sam goes out with Lucy as a favor to her ex.
  
  While the touch of magical realism contributes to the intimacy between Sam and Lucy as they feel a kinship because of their abilities, it does not really add anything to the story and feels out of place in a contemporary romance.
  
  Lucy is a likable heroine although she could have been more determined in standing up to her parents and sister. It seems that she did not want to rock the boat but boy did that boat need some serious rocking. Alice is a complete narcissistic bitch and I sincerely hope that Kleypas has no intention of redeeming her. I have no interest in reading a book with her as the heroine.
  
  Sam is sweet and sexy with an adorable touch of geekiness and the way in which his feelings for Lucy hit him like a sledgehammer is very entertaining. Nevertheless, it is Alex's character who really intrigues me and I look forward to reading his book soon.

  1 person found this helpful

• jak910717

  (4/5)

  First, full disclosure: I received a free copy of Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas. I was not obligated to write a review, but the hope was that I would do so, and that I would give my honest opinion. I have not previously read any of this author’s work, so cannot make any comparisons in that regard.
  
  The book begins in the childhood of the main character, Lucy Marinn. It explains the first of Lucy’s experiences with magic, and how she is inspired to her life’s passion of working with glass. It also explains the Marinns’ family dynamics; especially the relationship between Lucy and her sister, Alice.
  
  The current day story begins with Lucy being dumped by her boyfriend Kevin, for the self-centered sister. Although Lucy is well aware that Alice has always been hopelessly spoiled, the breakup causes Lucy to question everything about her romantic relationships. When she meets Sam Nolan, she is determined to just have fun because she believes it will sour if she thinks of it as a true relationship. Since Sam has his own relationship demons due to a different type of dysfunctional family, he is willing to proceed on Lucy’s terms. Neither is expecting to find love, to come to terms with their pasts, or to find that they have a common secret.
  
  I enjoyed this book very much. Lucy’s friends were wonderful. Her parents provided a pleasant surprise. I found Lucy and her work fascinating. If Kevin proved himself a rat at every turn, Sam proved to be equally a gentleman who did the right thing. If you like romance with a little magic, I suggest you read this book.
  
• fueledbycoffee

  (4/5)

  This is so overdue! I’ve been bad.
  
  ~hangs head in shame~
  
  This is my first ever book I won on a book social media site. I was sent this in lieu of an honest review in return. Did that happen? Nooo. I could say that that I was distracted with being so sick with the flu that the dog ate half of it in the car while I was late changing a flat tire on the way to my 4th cousin’s husband’s funeral.
  
  But you’d get the idea that I may have, perhaps, concocted such a crazy fabrication. You would be right. Always go with the truth, that’s what my 4th cousin’s husband always says.
  
  I found this book buried in my bookshelf behind shelved books. (how lame is that?). This is what happens when you remodel/redecorate and move your bookshelf around and then go to college leaving your thorough dusting of bookshelves till the end of the quarter…or year. College is haaaard and I dust the book tops, so put away the white gloves.
  
  I do have a point, bear with me, no snoring.
  
  I felt it was important to finish my review and keep my word despite book-eating dogs and dusty shelves. I am still utterly thankful to St. Martin’s Press for sending this to me garble-farble months ago.
  
  I had not read a contemporary story by this author before now. I enjoy her writing and read this in one afternoon. There’s plenty in this book: heartbreak, betrayal, regaining trust, love, siblings, and some magical business thrown in. I didn’t feel that magical aspects contributed or took away from the story. I just wish there was more of it and more in depth (al la, Sarah Addision Allen) but still, this made for a decent beach read. The author writes compelling characters and I was happy that she avoids writing this as a typical boy meets girl and they fall in love, marry and follow it up with 2.4 kids, white picket fence, and proverbial dog
  
  …blah, blah, blah ~glaze over~…and that’s how to make a proper souffle.
  
  In a nutshell, Lucy is a glass artist who is dumped by her boyfriend, Kevin. Even worse, Kevin left Lucy for her cow of a sister, Alice. Lucy is bitter, so yeah, we hate Alice and Kevin already. I wanted to strangle them both. Kevin is a toad, of course and we hope that Lucy will hurdle the bitterness and move on. She was a likeable character, although it took me a bit to warm up to her.
  
  Enter geeky, hot albeit, commitment-phobe, vineyard owner.
  
  He’s easy going and everything perfect but has also sworn off marriage and commitment. Sparks start…teeny tiny sparks…slow and steady until they can no longer deny they have something together. And something magical and I'm not just talking about feelers. There is lots more to this but I’m not going to spoiler it for you.
  
  I will add that I even though this is book 2 in the Friday Harbor series, I haven’t read any of the others. Maybe I would be a bit more vested in the characters if I read them in order? Regardless, I’m certain I'll read more of her stories.
  
  And again, thank you St. Martin’s Press for generously providing this copy in exchange for an honest review...from the bottom of my newly painted bookshelves.
  
• darkand27

  (5/5)

  This is the first book I have read by this author and I can tell you, it will not be my last! The imagery that this author conjures up is breathtaking. If I could only use one word to describe this book, I would have to break out one of my ten dollar words and use "mellifluous". Lucy's story just seemed to flow and her descriptions gave life to Lucy's relationships as well as giving her surroundings an almost lyrical quality. (Lucy's sister? Wow, what a piece of work!) I especially enjoyed the tiny pinch of paranormal abilities the author gave to Lucy and Sam. It was just the right touch for this lovestory. I can't wait to see what happens next in Friday Harbor!FTC Advisory: I received a copy of this book through the GoodReads First Reads program.
• akmargie

  (3/5)

  Oh hey, forgot I read this. Anywho it was good. I just started reading Kleypas last year and I really like her stuff. Decent main characters, fleshed-out, trope-free, not annoying which I appreciate. Also the romance isn't too contrived. And I liked the modern setting. I didn't read the first one but now I think I'll go back. The only nitpick is the magic element felt somewhat unnecessary to me. I didn't mind it but I almost felt it would have been a stronger story without it. Just me though.
• kcoleman428

  (5/5)

  This was a great book! The story is about Lucy, who goes through a TON of emotional upheaval both in the book and as she was growing up, and Sam, who dealt with similar upheaval. They are wonderful characters with their insecurities and their beautiful gifts. This book was honest and funny and heart wrenching, and a little Magical! Great book! I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
  
  I was impressed that the author didn't create drama in the typical way: woman gets hurt, finds new man, ex talks to new man, the new man doesn't tell woman, woman freaks out. I just hate stories that follow that script! This book created it's drama in a completely different way that was refreshing and interesting. All the while taking you deeper into Lucy's life. I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends.
• caj828

  (5/5)

  Lisa Kleypas is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint me. I fell in love with the characters. I found Lucy very relatable. Just when I thought this book was going to take a predictable path, Lisa would take that possibility away or go in a completely different direction. I read this book in one sitting. Enjoyed very much
• jyl22075

  (5/5)

  *I won this book in the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway*
  
  I love, love, LOVED this book! I have to say going in to it that I was a little unsure because of the role of magic in the book, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked for me. The author used a light touch with it that I appreciated.
  
  Lucy was extremely likable. She gets dumped for her sister, and she's hurt and upset, but she doesn't wallow in self-pity. As for Sam, I liked him from the moment he and his dog showed up. Then I grew to love him when I discovered what a geek he is. The dynamic between Lucy and Sam was delightful and their banter kept me grinning.
  
  The plot was uncomplicated and lovely. Basically it was about two people learning how to love each other. Watching them come together and realize their feelings (Sam, in particular) was a real treat.
  
  5 big stars and I will definitely be reading more about the Nolan family in the future.
• sable677

  (5/5)

  Rainshadow Road is the first book that I have read by Kleypas so I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. What I got was a heartwarming tale of finding love when you least expected it. Lucy had just had her heart broken by having her boyfriend of two years dump her for her own sister. Sam was as commitment shy as you can get because of his family's past. Somehow these two found in each other their soulmate. I loved how Kleypas slowly built this relationship between two strangers thrust together by circumstance and built a strong friendship that healed them both. Rainshadow Road was a moving story that has humor, romance, a strong sense of family, drama, and magic. I also really enjoyed the secondary characters who only added to the story. Overall this was an amazing read that proved hard to put down. I am definitely looking forward to reading another book by Kleypas.
• boipayn

  (1/5)

  I thought this book was a romance book about a woman with a broken heart whos going to find herself and regain her own personal strength. Well, in a way it kind of is... but it's alot more.. and its the more that just didnt sit well with me. Sadly, i didnt finish this book. **I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review, only an honest one.**
• erinhill01

  (4/5)

  Another heartwarming read from Lisa Kleypas. After Lucy’s boyfriend breaks up with her for her sister she is injured in a bicycling accident and forced to accept the help of Sam. Their relationship starts out a little rocky but eventually turns into something beautiful. This book had just the right amount of friendship, family, sensual romance, and even a small bit of magic. I loved how well-developed and likable the characters were, especially Sam and Lucy. Their background and family situations really played into who they have become and how they handled situation throughout the novel. Great read, great chick-lit, thanks goodread’s first-reads!
• conkie_1

  (3/5)

  I have to admit to being disappointed with this 2nd in Ms. Kleypas' "Friday Harbor" series. The story is bland; NOTHING like her earlier contemporary romances revolving around Texas.
• delphimo_1

  (2/5)

  I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, set in the state of Washington. This latest book utilizes some of the past characters, but the story is not as dynamic. This became a book that I struggled to complete. The story was very predictable and sugar coated.
• blueshelled

  (4/5)

  What do you do when the two people you thought you could trust both turn on you at the same time in the same act? If you are Lucy Marinn, you discard both of them and move on. In Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas, which was a free offering from Goodreads for me to review, I was given the chance to see how one author thought a person might respond in this situation. Lucy and Kevin are the ideal couple. They might even be too ideal and fall into the realm of boring; Kevin is almost too perfect for Lucy. As this thought becomes overwhelming to her, Kevin tells her it’s over and, not only that, but he’s in love with the sister with which she’s always had difficulty connecting. Lucy feels that she can’t even count on her parents, who baby her sister, to be on her side. It is when this happens that an automobile hits her while she is bicycling and she is literally thrown off her feet.Lucy’s not having a great time lately.Kevin attempts to do damage control and asks his friend Sam to woo Lucy so that the family can have peace because he is serious about being with Lucy’s sister. What he doesn’t realize is that Sam already knows Lucy, likes Lucy and, though he’s a confirmed bachelor, is having some interesting thoughts about Lucy.In this tale of romance, there are some mystical elements that enhance the story as well as enough humor to make it move quickly. I never had any doubt as to how it might end, but there were enough twists to make me wonder how it might get there. It is a wonderful beach read and I am excited that it is a series. The men in the story are handsome and solid and the women are delightful and people I might like to have for friends. Kleypas knows how to write for women.