Reader Reviews & Comments

True Colors - Military Writers Society of America

"Historical fiction can be the ideal entree to the real stuff! But it has to be plausible as well as entertaining. And, it has to have sufficient hard facts and just enough blend of romance and intrigue, heros and villains, stage-setting and anecdotes to keep the reader involved. There must be just enough loose ends interwoven with the story line to keep the reader guessing. True Colors should satisfy on all counts.... The story line is perfectly obtuse while provovative. Moreover, it should tweak the interest and curiosity of any reader--especially young ones--to explore further the stories of Civil War nursing, espionage, shadowy figures like Lizzie Van Lew and the horrible medical history of the Civil War. No, this book is not the stuff from which James Bond arose. But, it is a fast read for summer and appropriately even introduces Abraham Lincoln to us once more before we leave his anniversary year of birth."

- B. Franklin Cooling, PhD, award-winning Civil War historian, Professor of Grand Strategy and Mobilization at the National Defense University

True Colors - Military Writers Society of America

"This isn't just a romance set against a Civil War backdrop. It's historical fiction in the most intriguing sense of the term... Every piece of this novel works to create a single impression - from the author's character naming technique to the clever way that she reveals information to the audience to the colorful cover and large font layout. The research behind the book is solid. The plot is multi-faceted and the characters are believable. For example, despite the deep philosophical divides, Cassie and Michael find much to admire in their complex Confederate adversaries. However, for the sake of the drama there are pure heroes and pure villains too... Ms. Rainwater has created a book that plays in reader's head like a rainy-day movie. She is a consummate artist and TRUE COLORS is highly recommended!"

- Joyce Faulkner, President of Military Writers Society of America

The Arrow that Flieth By Day - Amazon Review

"This book has non-stop action. And yet woven throughout is a wonderful love story, a strong faith message, and the reminder that where we place our hope is what will anchor us in the storms of life. The characters are three-dimensional, and Rainwater describes the setting in so much detail I could smell the smoke from the fires and feel the wind on my face. I caution the reader-there are several scenes that will bring tears to your eyes, and two in particular that made me sob-one for sadness, and one for joy. Rainwater is masterful at placing the reader in the moment and knows exactly when to end the story."

- Amazon Review

True Colors - Amazon Review

"If you're ever in the mood for a novel set during the Civil War, let me recommend 'True Colors.' There are no epic battle scenes, but through Cassie Golden, you'll learn what life was like for the men after the conflict, when they put down their rifles and fought infection from their wounds instead of men. An Army nurse during the Vietnam War, Ms. Rainwater peppers her novel with her experience treating wounds. It's quite fascinating, and of course, she uses the terminology and limited science known in the 1860's, the latter of which was quite scary, by the way. She uses a good balance of detail, leaving just enough for the imagination to do its gory work. The story develops well and the ending was not in the least predictable. I love to learn as I read, and 'True Colors' did not let me down. The plot was fast-paced and intriguing and held my attention."

- April Gardner, book reviewer

The Arrow that Flieth By Day - April Gardner

"Rainwater has taken character development to a new level in 'The Arrow that Flieth By Day'. Each one is deep and complex, and by the end of the book, you will feel you have made new friends. With enough twists and turns to satisfy even the most demanding reader, this book will keep you wondering until the last page is turned. Full of action, yet not lacking in depth of emotions, 'The Arrow that Flieth By Day' is an adventure to read."

- April Gardner, book reviewer

"I remember why I stopped reading books-I am now addicted, and since this morning I have read 230 pages of 'The Arrow That Flieth By Day.' Probably not a good thing as I have way too much work to do." (23 yr old female graduate engineering student at Colorado State University)

"I got so into the characters that at one point I felt like I should stop and pray for them. Then I realized how dumb that would be!" (Colorado grandma)

"These were among the best books I have ever read. When's the third one coming out?" (80+ yr old retired Air Force general)

"I have read all the way through 'The Arrow that Flieth By Day' and really enjoyed it. It was fantastic to read about love and romance from a Christian perspective, and I loved reading about historic Denver. I am about halfway through 'True Colors' and have really enjoyed it so far. You are a fantastic writer, and I really like the way you've captured the 19th century history." (20+ yr old male newspaper reporter in Kansas)

"A couple of days ago I finished reading your first book. It kept me hooked to the end. Great book! I'm looking forward to reading the other one." (50+ yr old male missionary in Japan)

"Just finished both of your books, and you are amazing. What a great job you did making those lives come alive on the pages of your books. They really touched my heart. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with all of us." (Texas grandma)

"I knew I had to get up at 5:30 a.m., but I stayed up until 1:30 so I could finish your book. It was wonderful!"

"Our library fiction book club gives a rating of each book we discuss to the library manager based on an A-F scale, A being the best book you ever read in your life. We gave both of yours a B+."

"I love how you treated the Native Americans in The Arrow That Flieth By Day. Not like the typical book or movie. They were real flesh and blood to me. I could feel along with them. That is rare in a novel."

"What Mandy went through after her loss was REAL. I went through something similar, and I thought I was reading my own story."

"I started [Arrow] 2 days ago and you have given me a real dilemma! As much as I need to be sitting down here fulfilling my [job duties]....I would MUCH rather be sitting in my reading chair upstairs enjoying the story of Mandy and Dakota!! You do have a real talent for allowing the reader to be able to put themselves right in the scene! I can just picture and sense everything that your characters are subject to at the time!! Great job!! I can't wait to fulfill my 4 hours of work today so I can go back upstairs and read some more."

"Finished reading your book two days ago. It's very engaging. I couldn't stop turning the pages. I think it's very well-researched. What's admirable about it is that you wrote about a past era and you made it so interesting and so full of details. Drama, adventure, compassion and love. The novel is simply captivating."