IF IT RAINS by JENNIFER L WRIGHT is the heart wrenching story of the two Baile sisters, Kathryn and Melissa, and w what they go through during the Oklahoma Dust Bowl of 1935. It is a story of courage, as shown by Melissa as she follows the Lord's leading to help the poor, at great danger to herself, and in Kathryn's struggle to find her father, all on her own.
It is a book that gives one much food for thought. We see class distinction at its worst with the rich, namely the Mayfield family, taking advantage of the poor farmers who no longer have a livelihood due to the drought.
It is a story about being true to oneself and hanging on in spite of circumstances, and a person's journey towards faith in God.
Kathryn's nature is as twisted as the club foot she is born with. She has allowed her disability to define her as a hopeless cripple. She feels guilty of killing her mother who died in childbirth. She finds comfort in a book which was her mother's, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and relates to it in her travels. She is angry with everyone, even God, although she wishes she could have her sister's faith. She loves her sister who has looked after her from birth, and her father, although she feels he has given up on their land. Will her struggles lead to her redemption?
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers, the opinions in this review are completely my own.

If It Rains by Jennifer Wright was a difficult story to read. It was a reminder of how much work life is. for someone with a physical handicap. How often they are judged just by that one thing instead of who they are. Throw in the depression and this is not a light read.
Kathryn is prickly and difficult to get to know. She protects herself from people to save herself their pity and misunderstanding. which made her a hard character to warm up to. But I did over time. My heart broke for her in everything life kept handing her. But she continued to stand up after every fall. I came to admire her for her fierceness and her drive to win over any and all circumstances.
Wright does a great job penning a story that will hold your attention to the end. I am looking forward to what she has next planned for her readers.