Book Review: “Just in Case the Raindrops Fall” by Marriel Harrison
“Just in Case the Raindrops Fall” by Marriel Harrison (2017)
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Page Length: (paperback edition)
Synopsis:
Five friends find themselves tangled in a web of deceit when a longtime infatuation grows into a forbidden mid-season romance. Cedric Johnson, the outspoken, sometimes arrogant member of a group of friends, oversteps the boundaries of friendship when he finally lives out his long-held obsession for Milana Carmichael, the wife of his college buddy David. Cedric and Milana agree to adopt the roles of good friend and wife while playing the game of secrecy and romance-until Milana’s feelings change after an unexpected night of lovemaking with David, rekindling the extinguished fire in their marriage.
Stricken with guilt, she tries to end the illicit romance-a simple fix, she thinks-but Cedric becomes angry and threatens to expose their secret. Marshall discovers the affair and warns Cedric of the dangers, but dares not go any further because of his own little secret. Cedric ignores the warning, posing a threat to Marshall and anyone who stands between him and Milana. In Just in Case the Raindrops Fall, the race to keep secrets hidden intensifies when the unexpected occurs, testing the fiber of friendship and exposing shocking truths… (description from Goodreads)
Review:
Just in Case the Raindrops Fall is a contemporary fiction novel surrounding a group of friends: Marshall, Cedric, Milana, and Ana. The trouble begins when Cedric is having an affair with Milana, the wife of David. Milana wants to break things off with Cedric since her and David have rekindled their relationship but Cedric refuses to let go. Cedric is so infatuated with Milana that it becomes a borderline obsession. What makes things more complicated is that a mutual friend of theirs knows their dark secret.
The novel is also a slice of life story about human emotions. It portrays how complicated emotions can be and how if a person’s person seems fine on the outside, there often can be inner turmoil is brewing on the inside. Each chapter switches the perspective of the four friends and everyone is harboring secrets from one another. Because the circle of friends are close the web of lies manages to become more entangled. Some are quick to judge others while also trying to erase their own mistakes.
At times the dialogue seemed a little stagnant and was not very fluid, but this issue was smoothed out later in the book. I also wished the chapters were longer and not so choppy. But the chapters were shorter due to the constant switch of POV. While the novel is a contemporary romance, it has very thrilling elements due to secrets that are uncovered and the situations that present itself during the course of the novel. It also poses the question of forgiveness and if someone does the unspeakable could you forgive them? On top of that, it speaks volumes about love and the key to a solid relationship.
I really enjoyed this novel, the characters felt realistic, the plot was engaging, and it was well-written.
Final Verdict:
FTC Disclosure: I received this book from the author & Outskirts Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
