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.
About Alice Wisler
* Born in Osaka, Japan and lived in Japan for 18 years
* Went to Kyoto International School and Canadian Academy
* Majored in Social Work and graduated in 1983 from Eastern Mennonite University
* Worked at a group home for disadvantaged kids outside of Philadelphia
* Taught English and Culture Orientation at a refugee camp in the Philippines
* Taught English as a Second Language in Japan
* Speaks and teaches on Writing the Heartache
* Has three kids on earth, and one in Heaven
* Recently got married to Carl on 2/7/09
Alice J. Wisler is a public speaker, advocate, fundraiser, and the author of two contemporary novels, How Sweet It Is and Rain Song, a Christy Award finalist. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She has a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the world in jobs that minister to people. Alice and her family live in Durham, North Carolina.
My Impressions:
Rain Song is the first book I have read by Alice Wisler, but certainly not the last. Fresh, fun and filled with feeling, it is a great book for those who are fans of women’s fiction.
I really enjoyed the characters that populated Rain Song — wise Ducee, worrier Iva, and wild child Monet and of course, main character, Nicole. Nicole’s family is the best of the southern type — warm, loving and fiercely loyal. Nicole’s journey towards self-discover is slow and steady and above all realistic. And the ending was the best! So if you are looking for a contemporary novel with heart and soul, and a southern setting like no other, then pick up Rain Song.
Recommended.
(I purchased this book for my Kindle. All opinions are mine alone.)
A Taste of Rain Song — Ducee always said that Emma, Nicole’s mother, brought pineapple chutney and the gospel to Japan. The original McCormick family recipe can be found in the book, but here is another version you may enjoy — Pineapple Chutney.
To purchase Rain Song, click on the image below.
Tags: Alice Wisler, contemporary fiction, women's fiction
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