Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free to review. 

Before the Rain Falls. Have you ever read a book in one sitting? I have read many books in one sitting…books I was unable to put down because they were that good. Before the Rain Falls is that kind of book. Camille Di Maio has written a book that will take your breath away…and make you want a mango margarita! You’ll see what I mean when you read the book.

Before the Rain Falls

After serving seventy years in prison for the murder of her sister, Eula, Della Lee has finally returned home to the Texas town of Puerto Pesar. She’s free from confinement—and ready to tell her secrets before it’s too late.

She finds a willing audience in journalist Mick Anders, who is reeling after his suspension from a Boston newspaper and in town, reluctantly, to investigate a mysterious portrait of Eula that reportedly sheds tears. He crosses paths with Dr. Paloma Vega, who’s visiting Puerto Pesar with her own mission: to take care of her ailing grandmother and to rescue her rebellious younger sister before something terrible happens. Paloma and Mick have their reasons to be in the hot, parched border town whose name translates as “Port of Regret.” But they don’t anticipate how their lives will be changed forever.

Moving and engrossing, this dual story alternates between Della’s dark ordeals of the 1940s and Paloma and Mick’s present-day search for answers?about roots, family, love, and what is truly important in life.

My Review

I love Before the Rain Falls! In fact, I read this all in a matter of about 5 hours in the same day. I could not put it down. The way the author weaves the past and the present works so well in this book. Some books that do this feel so disjointed, but this one flows perfectly. I was completely drawn into this story and felt so many emotions while reading it. There are funny moments and heartbreaking moments.

I just wanted to jump into the book and jump from time period to time period to experience the story.

You will love the characters in Before the Rain Falls. Paloma’s relationship with her grandmother and her sister is so real. That’s the way these characters are. They are so well-written that you’ll begin to feel like they are real. The secondary characters are amazing as well. I especially love Arturo and his restaurant. He and his wife cook authentic Mexican food. I love how he pops up in the book at different times. Hazel, Della Lee’s prison roommate, is another of my favorite characters. She’s so mothering.

The way that the story plays out is perfect. I loved it and highly recommend it! I can’t wait for another book from Camille Di Maio.

Virgin Mango Margarita

I don’t drink alcohol because I hate the taste, but I will do virgin versions. That’s why I’m sharing this virgin mango margarita. This book made me crave one! I couldn’t find a recipe that sounded perfect, so I made up this version! I hope you like it! Just look at that tasty goodness…