In Times of Rain and War by Camron Wright is an excellent historical fiction novel that takes place primarily during WWII.

This book is so wonderful, heartwarming, heartbreaking, memorable, and unique.

There are several plots and subplots that take place throughout the book and I will leave it to the reader to check out the synopsis.

I loved how the book alternates between Wes and Audrey primarily, however we also get snippets into the thoughts of many of the secondary characters. It was truly wonderful and insightful to peek into the souls of so many characters and get their respective histories, memories, hopes, and dreams. It added so much perspective, appreciation, and complexity to the story.

I also loved learning so much about the Bomb disposal squads and the “Backroom” fellows that used these disarmed segments to help find out how to understand, learn, and outsmart the Nazis and their own bomb-making technology.
It was so sobering to see how so many risked (and lost) their lives during the war from yet another perspective. I do not think I have even read anything including these jobs. It was fascinating.

I loved the development of the full character cast. I honestly loved every character, but for some reason I truly connected with Colonel Moore. He was smart, daring, distinguished, a father figure, respected, but yet placed himself on the same level of his team. His advice, insights, personality, and faith truly made him an exceptional character. He could easily have his own story.

I loved the story of Wes and Audrey. Their respective pasts, traumas of past and current, their relationship, and the way it all tied up and ended.

Needless to say I teared up several times during this book. I won’t mention when as I do not want to spoil the surprises. Also, the discussion of PTSD from a multitude of sources was important.

I also loved the letter writing concept, that putting secrets, hopes, fears, and dreams onto paper could somehow make it to the intended despite if they were present or not was so wonderful. It really pulled at my heart.

I also really enjoyed the impressive Author’s Notes at the end. What was real, inspired, and added was important. Also reading Rachel’s story was fascinating. I have nothing but respect for what she has sacrificed.

Lastly, I am still thinking about the fundamental concepts brought up by the book. Light mingling with dark. Good mixed with evil. Sacrifice mixed with regret. One cannot feel the warmth of the sun unless they have not truly experienced the dark. Rain can add to misery, dampness, darkness, and flooding, however it is needed, essential, restorative and refreshing, and making things anew. That is how it is coming out of despair, loss, separation, sacrifice, and war and finding hope, life, second chances, a better life, repurpose, faith, love, and life anew. One does not truly appreciate the goodness and rewards in life unless they have experienced the valleys and depths. That is what this book, I feel, is also about.

All of this wrapped up into one wonderful novel. Truly breathtaking and one of my top reads this year. I will remember this for years to come.

5/5 stars enthusiastically

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, and Instagram accounts immediately (as of 10/31/20 a BB listing has not been created) and will post it to my Instagram, Amazon, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/6/21.