Saving Rain review
Book by Kelsey Kingsley
Book blurb:
“My name is Soldier, but I was never meant to be a hero.
From the moment I was born, I was looked at as a beacon of hope, a guiding light—a savior. But that type of pressure can drive a man to desperation, to do things he shouldn’t, and in my case, that’s exactly what happened.
All I ever wanted to be was a good person, someone my grandparents could be proud of, but for a long time, I couldn’t find the strength to be proud of myself.
I paid the price.
I did my time.
Yet … somehow, I got lucky.
I was given a second chance to do better, to be the man I always believed I could be. And after finding the love I never knew I deserved, I’m starting to wonder if there’s still room for me to be a hero after all …”
Review
When I first picked up Saving Rain, I wasn’t entirely sure what kind of story I was stepping into – however by the time I turned the final page, I knew that this story was incredibly powerful. Kelsey Kingsley has crafted an incredibly moving and emotionally rich novel that follows a man named Soldier through the many storms of his life, and I adored every page of it.
This book isn’t just a romance. It’s a story about survival, heartbreak, and the complicated bonds we form with the people who hurt us, and those who eventually show us what it means to be loved – truly and unconditionally. From the very first chapter, Kingsley immerses us in Soldier’s world, starting from the moment he’s born into a life overshadowed by his mother’s addiction, into his early years that are steeped in pain, neglect, and a desperate desire to save someone who never quite wanted to be saved.
However, Soldier’s story is not an easy one. And after a tragic and accidental crime, he finds himself in prison for nine years – years that shape him, harden him, and ultimately give him the time to reflect on what he’s lived through and who he wants to become. But it’s in the aftermath of his sentence that the true heart of the story unfolds, as he begins to rebuild his life and find connection again – most notably with Rain, a woman who carries her own emotional wounds, and with her son, Noah, whose presence adds warmth and hope to Soldier’s journey.
Kingsley’s writing shines in how effortlessly she builds layered and emotionally resonant characters. And I found myself incredibly invested in Soldier’s arc – rooting for him, grieving with him, and holding my breath to see whether he’d finally find the peace he deserved. His bond with Rain is tender, authentic, and at times painful, but their chemistry and emotional connection felt real and earned. And the developing relationship between Soldier and Noah? Absolutely heart-melting. Their growing bond added a softness to the story that beautifully balanced out the heaviness of it’s darker themes.
That being said, not all characters were easy to love, and I think that’s intentional. Diane, Soldier’s mother, was deeply frustrating at times. Her neglect, her choices, and the way she treated her son often made me want to scream. And Seth? Simply put he was irredeemable. But their presence in the story served the purpose of highlighting the resilience of those who rise above the pain others inflict.
It’s worth noting that Saving Rain isn’t a lighthearted read. Kingsley doesn’t shy away from heavy topics, and she handles them with care and realism. This book deals with addiction, abuse, and sexual assault, so I would encourage readers to check content warnings before diving in, as these themes are woven deeply into the characters’ experiences, shaping their choices and relationships throughout the novel.
Final Thoughts
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Steam level: 🌶️/5
Trigger warnings: Addiction, abuse (both physical and emotional), sexual assault, and neglect.
Would I recommend? Yes, Saving Rain is an emotionally griping story of survival, healing, and the beauty of chosen family. If you’re looking for a book that will break your heart and slowly stitch it back together, this one’s for you!
Some of my favorite quotes:
“And that was when I realized that it didn’t always matter what tree the apple fell from. Sometimes, it was just rotten.”
“She smiled, and my stomach stumbled over itself, mid-somersault.”
“If you need me, you know where to find me. Bang on my door, yell for me – whatever you have to do – and I will protect you.”
“I know what to do with pain, Ray.” I said, keeping my tone barley above a whisper. “Give yours to me. Let me carry it, so you don’t have to anymore.”
“I think love is when someone is more important in your heart than you are.”
You can get this book on amazon here: https://a.co/d/c9gX6IG
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