Wow what a book!
I feel so lucky to have been given chance to read it. It was just beautiful and really quite captivating.
I haven't stopped thinking about it since I finished.
Definitely a 5 star read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Rising Sun, Falling Rain by Trish Devine is an absolute 5-star read for me. From the first page, I felt completely transported. The writing is so immersive, that I truly felt like I was right there alongside Mick, Emiko, Kazu, Karina, and the family. These characters felt alive, their emotions deeply authentic, their arcs beautifully believable.

Set in the post-war period, with the Kiwis working in Japan to help rebuild, the story brings to life a part of history I hadn’t known much about — and I learned so much without ever feeling like I was being taught. The historical details are rich and seamlessly woven into the narrative, making the world feel fully formed and lived in.

Trish Devine does an incredible job exploring themes of healing, generational trauma, and the quiet resilience of the human spirit. The romance is tender and genuine, the kind that feels earned and stays with you long after you finish the book. Nothing felt forced or unbelievable — the events and emotions unfolded so naturally, as though this story truly lived and breathed beyond the page.

Her writing is superb. I could easily imagine a follow-up focusing on the future — there’s so much depth in these characters that I would gladly return to their world.

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Olympia Publishers for allowing me to read this pre-release edition. Rising Sun, Falling Rain was released January 30, 2025, and I can’t recommend it enough.

I'm crying right now 😭😭

listen!.. at first It was difficult to read because of the writing but As I progressed and reached the middle of the book, I couldn't be more delighted....This story, set after the bombing of Hiroshima, speaks of love that crosses borders, forbidden love, something that wasn't meant to be, but fate brought it together...It is narrated from 4 different perspectives and is divided into 4 parts...Through various misfortunes, everyone's lives take a turn, there is crying, pain, little lies, and reunions that squeeze your heart. It's a great story and really, despite having a kind of slow start, it's completely worth it.

I loved this story! It really touched my heart and I felt the gamut of emotions while reading it.

Mick, a serviceman from New Zealand, is based in the Hiroshima area soon after the world war is over. He meets several Japanese locals while doing his job as a driver and one in particular catches his eye. He wishes to get to know Emiko better. She is the daughter of a very wealthy businessman.

Mick tries to make life easier for the people he drives to work at the hospital by fixing up his truck to make them more comfortable. Friendships are made along the way and the townspeople appreciate his care and thoughtfulness. I really enjoyed the stories of his experiences with the local residents. Mick manages to get to know Emiko secretly and their love blossoms. There is danger that follows the pair and gut-wrenching moments to come.

I highly recommend this if you like heartfelt historical fiction and reading about Japanese culture. I felt like I was inside the places described in Japan and I even learned some Japanese words! I also loved the beautiful proverbs chosen at the beginning of each chapter.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

😊 Rising Sun Falling Rain* is a beautifully written, emotional journey that blends history, love, and resilience. Trish Devine's debut novel captures the heartache and hope of post-war Japan through vivid storytelling and unforgettable characters. Mick and Emiko's love story feels raw and real, set against the powerful backdrop of cultural transformation and recovery. I was especially moved by Emiko’s fight for justice and her strength in challenging societal norms. The twists, heartbreak, and buried secrets kept me hooked from beginning to end. This novel isn’t just a love story—it’s a tribute to the courage it takes to chase change in a broken world.

Wow! This is unputdownable!

Rising sun Falling Rain is a historical fiction that set in Japan. It’s beautifully written one with the themes of romance and the tension between tradition and war. This also vividly portrays the struggles of not only the mc’s but also the whole Japanese people.
Therefore, Rising Sun Falling Rain is more than just a love story.

The author’s writing is so vivid it felt like I’m in the book and living it. Maybe I love this book this much because I LOVE Japan and their culture.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and Olympia Publishers for the opportunity to read this novel. Unfortunately, I couldn't get through it but due to my own issues just getting into the story. I will recommend it to others, and am sure other readers will enjoy but for some reason, I just couldn't immerse myself fully in the story and was unable to make it past the 25% mark.

The beautiful cover and title of this book caught my attention and I knew I had to read it. Rising Sun Falling Rain is a post-WWII historical novel. Serviceman Mick Mitchell leaves his home in New Zealand and heads to Japan to help in the recovery efforts of the bombing of Hiroshima. There doesn't seem to be much in the story about those efforts, it's mainly about the love story between Mick and Emiko. This was a slow-moving book for the first half, but the ending made up for that and made it hard to put down. This was an emotional read dealing with family drama and secrets. I enjoyed reading this book. Thanks to the author Trish Devine, Olympia Publishers, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I loved this story set in a small village in Japan near Hiroshima after the war, and then in New Zealand in the 1960’s. Mick joined the New Zealand military to help Japan rebuild, and as he drives a truck to ferry locals to volunteer at a hospital, he meets Emiko. Emiko is struggling with breaking traditional roles and finding her way in the Japan that emerges after the war, with women redefining their roles. As their relationship deepens, many roadblocks will form. I highly recommend this beautifully told work of historical fiction. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

A sweeping family saga taking in 3 generations: we have Mick & Emiko in 1947 then Mick's parents, siblings, wider family in 1965. There's a big twist mid-way through the book that I didn't see coming, and I'll say no more as I don't want to spoiler the story for anyone who's not read it. I cheered, I cried, I celebrated. The character I found hardest to empathise with was Emiko - she's clearly rich yet didn't seem to mind one iota that she'd given up her status, wealth, home and family for Mick. Nevertheless, an enjoyable read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Wow. What a debut! If you like Kristin Hannah, then add this to your TBR! This is a very similar historical fiction style of story telling, full of generational plots of romance and family, and finding a place to belong. With multiple POV, this book had me gasping aloud, wiping tears from my eyes, broke my heart and then pieced it back together again. My grandmother was Japanese, my mother half Japanese, and this story gave me a new window for reflecting on their lived experiences and what life coming to America may have been like for them. I felt as though I was back in Japan reading these descriptions of people and places - very well done!

I truly enjoyed this book! It’s beautifuly written the first half was a little slow than the second half really is when it started to pick up! I love historical fiction I’m not big into romance but I thought the romance of forbidden love was pretty cute 🥰 the cover is stunning! I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy!

Thanks to NetGalley and Olympia Publishers for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

In a historical romance set in post-WWII Japan, a soldier from New Zealand meets a young Japanese woman. Their love is mutual and passionate, but not all those around them are supportive and many decisions are made that will have consequences for decades.

I struggled with this one, and it almost became my first "do not finish" of 2025. However, I am glad that I stuck with it because the second half of the book's plot was good. It wasn't enough to make me fall in love with the story.







#risingsunfallingrain #NetGalley.
Publication Date 30/01/25
Goodreads Review 22/02/25

A very enjoyable book about a young man from New Zealand who ends up in Japan , in the military, directly after the war. He comes to love the place and a beautiful young woman there. We follow their story.
I enjoyed the characters and the descriptions of Japan and its people. The pace really picked up as the story progressed. A very heartwarming story!

This story captivated me from start to finish. The depth and emotion in the writing are unlike anything I've read before. It explores the profound effects of the nuclear bomb on Japan, delving into the complex realities of time, memory, and human resilience. I learned so much about this era that I hadn't known before, especially the lasting impacts on culture, relationships, and the hearts of the people. The narrative is both heartbreaking and beautiful, with moments of raw vulnerability, yet also a sense of hope and strength. The friendships forged amidst such tragedy highlight the power of cultural diversity and the human spirit. It’s a truly moving experience that I won't soon forget.

The author's love of story-telling is apparent. She grew up in Japan, was fascinated with the culture and traditions and witnessed first hand the strength of its people.
Set in post-war Japan this is a compelling saga of forbidden love, buried secrets and unrelenting hope. New Zealand serviceman Mick Mitchell aids in the recovery of Hiroshima when he meets 18 yr old Emiko Tanazawa who is determined to break free from the pressure of her traditional upbringing and become a driving force for social reform.
Drawn together Mick and Emiko fall in love yet their plans for a better life are undone by the controlling influences of others and unforeseen circumstances.
A wonderful debut novel!

Thank you to NetGalley and Olympia Publishers for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Rising Sun Falling Rain is set in Japan in 1947, after the bombing of Hiroshima. Australia and New Zealand sent into teams of men to help restore and support the Japanese people who were facing severe hardship and devastation at every turn.
New Zealand Serviceman Mike Mitchell volunteered to be part of J Force, arriving to take over as a driver, ferrying the local villagers helping out at the Hospital, to and from each day. He is young, naïve and horrified at what he is seeing, as he takes his first trip with Buster, on the hospital run.
One of the volunteers is a beautiful, young girl who is gracious and respected by the other people on the truck. Mick is captivated at first sight but told emphatically- no fraternising!
Trish Devine has gently woven the culture of Japan, their strict traditions and the diversity of social standing into a captivating story as Mick and Emiko fall in love, both for the first time, the issues that arise from this and the decisions they both must make if they wish to have a life together.
Sensitively written, she captures the sentiment prevalent during the post war years towards the Japanese in New Zealand and Australia, the conflict that comes from keeping secrets and the heartbreak when those secrets are discovered.
Rising Sun Falling Rain wraps around many of the profound aspects of life; new beginnings forged from devastation, hope, love, friendship, acceptance and family. A most enjoyable, deeply immersive, heart wrenching debut novel from Trish Devine.

I like the cover the designer did a great job it's very pretty and I liked the description of the book but I'm having trouble getting into the story.

NPR used to promote its programming as "driveway radio" with the idea being that the content was so captivating that you would arrive at your destination but not want to get out of your car (and sit in your driveway) because you wanted to hear the end of the story. That is exactly how I felt while reading Rising Sun Falling Rain. I simply could not put it down and read it over the course of 24 hours. Trish Devine expertly crafts and develops a host of diverse, likable characters so that you end up with an equal affinity to main characters as well as those with minor roles. Devine educates the reader with an obvious love and appreciation of the Japanese people and culture, and their ethos of hospitality, and collectiveness . I was lucky enough to live in a Tokyo neighborhood with our own version of Tatami-san and the description of his craft, as well as his wife and mother brought tears to my eyes. After the first few pages I was ready to settle in to a nice little story about rural Hiroshima during Occupation and boy, was I wrong. The twists and turns taken in the plot left me surprised, devastated, and delighted. Thank you to Trish Devine for a truly wonderful book.