You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

One of the group reads for April is The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard. Please discuss the book in this thread.

Jayme will be leading the discussion.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. have read the book before or during April 2024.
2. discussed it in this thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favorite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread. Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.
3. Report that you have read AND discussed the book in the reporting thread (include a brief summary of what you thought of the book).

A note on discussion: Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favorite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc.

In addition to this, the group reads are meant to be a "read along" so it is preferable that you discuss the book as you read rather than wait until you've finished the book.

And finally, discussion is not about just listing your thoughts. Please interact with the other group members, comment on their thoughts, and if they comment on yours, respond to them. This is what makes a good book discussion!

You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread.

Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.

General Rules:
1. Please mark your spoilers with the spoiler tags along with mentioning what stage of the book you are at so other's don't get a nasty shock. Chapter numbers/titles are generally best as they are the same across all formats and editions. See our spoiler policy
2. The book may be combined with the Year Long Challenge, Topplers, and Monthly Challenges.

Happy reading!

I will be starting the book sometime this week. My niece had her twins early and I am frantically trying to finish knitting the baby blankets.

Congratulations Jayme and knit away!!!

I’m going to read and listen to this one.

I am going to read this too. My library seems to only have it in audiobook so I downloaded it.

Congrats on becoming a great aunt, Jayme. I hope you are able to finish the blankets soon. So nice of you to make those for them.

Twins! That is wonderful! Congratulations!

I have read the first four chapters. I am “recuperating” from hosting Easter yesterday for the whole family. So far, I am very much enjoying the story. It is a good day to read as I have no commitments and it is very overcast outside, even as the pine and pecan pollen flies about.

(view spoiler)[ The first thing that hit me was the first sentence or so: “Until she was twenty-six, Jody Linder felt suspicious of happiness” That struck me as such a hard way to live. I know and have known people with that outlook and they truly are never happy. Of course, we find out that this is because her parents were murdered by Billy Crosby and he is being released that very day, his sentence commuted. I was struck by her relationship with her uncles and how they cared for her.

The next couple of chapters are recapping what happened to Billy, Hugh Ray Jr. and why. It takes us back to those days. Chapter 4 with a blatant piece of foreshadowing. Is Annabelle a bit able to foresee the future? (hide spoiler)]As usual, knowing a bit about how things turn out sends off warning bells as you read.

I have listened to the first four chapters as well (12%)

I agree with your spoiler Sharon.

My initial reaction to the opening (view spoiler)[ was this would be a tough book to read. Nothing like animal abuse to set the mood. Then the scene with Billy’s wife and her selling the truck…it’s going to be intense. May have to read instead of listen to this one. (hide spoiler)]

Funny, both books that I am currently reading are in a heat wave and the weather is like an in-your-face character. We have had a week of nice sunny weather here but more rain is coming. Outside, this evening I could smell the change in the air. It will be raining again before Wednesday.

I have listened to 21% of the story and am in chapter eight. It is an okay listen.

Cherie wrote: "Funny, both books that I am currently reading are in a heat wave and the weather is like an in-your-face character. We have had a week of nice sunny weather here but more rain is coming. Outside, t..."

Cheri - what is making it just an ok listen? Is it the narrator (is that what they call the person who reads the book - I'm not a big audio reader/listener) or the story it self?

Glad to see everyone is diving into the book.
I am planning on starting it this afternoon - I need to give my hands a break lol
Completed Odin's blanket last night. I had finished Nico's blanket in February, but I am not happy with it, so I'm going to rip it out, tweak the pattern, and knit, knit, knit. This would be the perfect time to get into audio books!

I am through chapter 12 (30%)

Lots of symbolism going on (view spoiler)[ There is a storm brewing and it’s feels like all the drama is about to explode. You can definitely feel the tension on multiple fronts. (hide spoiler)]

Cherie wrote: "Funny, both books that I am currently reading are in a heat wave and the weather is like an in-your-face character. We have had a week of nice sunny weather here but more rain is coming. Outside, t..."

Weather here has been wobbly. Thought it was going to rain an hour ago and now the sun is shining. My daughter lives in the Nashville area where they have canceled school because they are expecting severe weather and possibly tornadoes later today. Imagine it’s a lot like our story.

Jayme wrote: "Cherie - what is making it just an ok listen? Is it the narrator (is that what they call the person who reads the book - I'm not a big audio reader/listener) or the story it self?..."

Sorry, Jayme. When I posted, I could not think of anything I wanted to say, specifically. I have listened to enough to keep me wanting to listen to the story, is what I meant, although really, I do not care all that much for the narrator. It is not so much her voice, but the way she is narrating it. My Libby site does not indicate an ebook, or I would change over. I have not checked to see if my library has a paper copy yet. I am fine with the story. (view spoiler)[I thought the opening scenes with the Uncles arriving was funny. "Grandma's laws", etc. The actions of the Billie character are just awful, and I am in the chapter leading up to what is going to happen to the girl's father and mother. (hide spoiler)]

I've read through chapter eight and agree with the rest of you about the first 4 chapters. The story has caught my interest and the tension is starting to mount. (view spoiler)[I can't believe that someone would do that to a cow or any animal.
I think there is more going on with this family and that the story is going to be a slow rewind of the actual events of Jody's father's murder and her mom's disappearance. And what about her mom! I don't think her disappearance has anything to do with the murder. I think she left that night and never looked back. She seemed rather selfish and spoiled to me.. The way things are starting to set-up I'm beginning to wonder if Billy did kill Jody's father. (hide spoiler)]

I have read 18% and I agree that tension is mounting. (view spoiler)[ Well, isn’t Laurie Jo quite a bit of work? I don’t like her character at all! Hugh St. is playing with fire, I think. If Billy did kill that cow, he is more despicable than I thought. There is a LOT of tension. My support right now leans to Annabelle. (hide spoiler)]

I was listening as I was crocheting and just realized that I needed to stop and go to bed. I could not believe that the story was at chapter 19 already. That is 44% in the audiobook. WOW!!! (view spoiler)[I don’t think Billie did it. (hide spoiler)]

I am at the same place you are Cherie and agree with your spoiler.
(view spoiler)[ it is interesting to see how the “survivors “ of this murder are dealing with the aftermath. Especially the kids. (hide spoiler)]

I’m at 53%
(view spoiler)[ Billy’s sentence has been commuted. Guess we are going to solve this murder… (hide spoiler)]

I’m through chapter 32 (80%)

Daaaang (view spoiler)[ Val, who waited decades for convicted Billy, was just shot and killed. Billy is on the run. This might be setup number 2
Did Val keep his guns all those years when she could have sold them? Billy was too broke to buy beer so he couldn’t have bought one. Hmmmm (hide spoiler)]

I’ll finish this today.

Finished. I’m glad I read it but probably won’t stick with me. Thought the revelation made sense.
3.5 stars for me.

Wow, Marnie you flew through the book. I won't be able to get to it until after tonight. Can't wait to see what you thought!

I’m home waiting for a service person to show up. This was a good distraction.

I just started the book today and am just starting the first few chapters. I agree with the first few spoilers I read. I am intrigued to see what happened.

I am almost at the end of Chapter 6 and am enjoying the book so far. It feels like it is building up to something. I am curious to see if that same energy continues

(view spoiler)[I am wondering if Hugh Jr's wife is having an affair.
At first from him comments about Colorado I was thinking it related to someone out there and now I am concerned it is his brother. I feel like He is more the type she would go for. Also the am curious on what things Annabelle knows about and how they come into play. Also i felt really bad for the cow. (hide spoiler)]

Ammee wrote: "I am almost at the end of Chapter 6 and am enjoying the book so far. It feels like it is building up to something. I am curious to see if that same energy continues

f..."

I agree (view spoiler)[ I thin Annabelle knows more than what she is letting on. She doesn't seem to trust her son (hide spoiler)]

Cherie wrote: "I was listening as I was crocheting and just realized that I needed to stop and go to bed. I could not believe that the story was at chapter 19 already. That is 44% in the audiobook. WOW!!! [spoile..."

I know WOW!! (view spoiler)[I don't think he did either, but I hope it wasn't one of the brothers (hide spoiler)]

Finished through chapter 17 and can't put the book down. (view spoiler)[ Poor Annabelle - how horrible to find your son like that. I am not sure though that Billy did it. It is to convenient - especially with Hugh coming back that night and the implication that Chase and Laurie went upstairs together. I hope Chase didn't do it. (hide spoiler)]
Looks like it will be a long reading night!!

Marnie wrote: "I’m through chapter 32 (80%)

..."

I know! I so (view spoiler)[wasn't expecting Val to get shot. I agree that it's another set-up, but who would do that? I like all of the characters? (hide spoiler)]

I'm through chapter 32 and this book keeps surprising me. I may not go to my meeting at 10!

I am in chapter 22. I am really enjoying the book so far I barely wanted to put it down last night. I am excited to work as i get to listen to it while working.

spoiler: (view spoiler)[I was a bit sad at how the people in the town treated both Collin and his mom. Even if Billy did commit the murder, which I don't think he did, they were just as much victims of who he was. Also other than being reminders to each other about what happened, I don't know that I feel the town should have been so adamant about keeping Collin and Jody apart.

I did appreciate Annabelle stepping in and realizing that she needed to talk to Valentine to make the town start treating them better. I can imagine that took a lot for her.

Also I am kind of hoping Collin and Jody may fall in love. (hide spoiler)]

I'm finished and all I can say is Wow! (view spoiler)[ I was wondering how they were going to wrap it up after we learned who killed Hugh and how Laurie died. It was rather amazing that Belle is the one who figured it out by the bolo tie. Finally, there was closure, and it realistically left everyone with broken hearts that will take a lifetime to mend. (hide spoiler)]
Really enjoyed this fast read.

Ammee wrote: "I am in chapter 22. I am really enjoying the book so far I barely wanted to put it down last night. I am excited to work as i get to listen to it while working.
."

I also liked(view spoiler)[how Annabelle stepped up for Val. I also thought it was touching when the neighbor mowed Val's yard. Kind of a
way to say I'm sorry for how I/we treated you. (hide spoiler)]

I just finished chapter 33. This book has a lot going on which makes it fast. I also what to know what happened so bad that I am real tempted to read spoilers. I won't because I don't want to ruin it but I am tempted lol.

(view spoiler)[I can't believe Val was shot. My first thought was like theirs that Billy did it. But when i read other thoughts I am not so sure. If Jody knew about the back alley I am sure everyone did.
But killing Val at point blank range seems personal or twisted. I am just glad that we know Jody or Collin didn't do it.

I had the theory that her mother may have killed her father and disappeared. However if Billy was set up again I don't think that makes sense anymore.

I know this book is not a romance but i was excited when Collin admitted he loved Jody from a far. I would be really happy if they still ended up being together

I am also curious about red as in the beginning of chapter 33 they said his garage was closed (hide spoiler)]

Back to reading. Can't wait

I stopped at chapter twenty-four last night and went to bed. (view spoiler)[I thought it was interesting how the two children grew up, surrounded by friends who “protected” them from each other. The revelation that Red had kept in touch with Billie and that Liam had gone to law school were the things that stuck with me over night. (hide spoiler)]
I haven’t read the spoilers since my last post yet but I’m finally done with work for the day and can’t decide which book I want to crack open first. I just picked up my yearly challenge book and downloaded my monthly challenge book yesterday. I am almost at the end of the second Cal Hooper book, though, so I think I will finish it first before I get back into thin group read.

I am just finishing Chapter 35.

(view spoiler)[I now feel guilty that I thought Red might somehow be involved with the Val murder. Then when she said his car was still outside I figured he was also dead. (hide spoiler)]

I finished the book. It was so good!

(view spoiler)[The one person I never thought might be the killer was Meryl. I also really respected him at the beginning because I thought he truly loved Belle for herself. I was immediately sad when we found out that wasn't true.

I feel like it was truly and accident but his own greed made him guiltier than he would have been by the act alone. It because creepy how he could easily rationalize the death of Val as a means to and end. Also him convincing himself he was friends with the family and loved them when he was only using them.

I actually like the last moment they gave Laurie before she died. It showed that she actually loved Jody when I wasn't sure she did.

I cried a bit when it was Belle was the one who put all the pieces together.

Also, I am really excited about Jody and Collin. I also laughed at Chase's joke that they needed another lawyer in the family. (hide spoiler)]

I also didn't realize that they made a movie about the book. I haven't watched it but it seems from pictures it is not exactly like the book.

I am 50% finished. I should finish tomorrow morning. (view spoiler)[ I am really hoping that Chase had nothing to do with HughJay’s death. I could see how he might, but I think it is a red herring. I loved how he handle Jodie’s fear of storms and was so understanding with her. My heart breaks for Annabelle. How hard it must be for her! She is such a lovely person and I loved how she helped Val and Collin. The kids seem to be suffering the most. I hate the position that they are both in. They are hyperaware of their enforced relationship,with each other. Children are so perceptive. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out. (hide spoiler)]

I finished The Hunter and I am going to start listening to this group read again while I stuff my crochet project. Billie’s hat: (view spoiler)[I can’t remember who picked up Billie’s hat? Was it the wife/missing mother? (hide spoiler)]
What I suspect: don’t read this unless you are done with chapter twenty-three.
(view spoiler)[I think the father/husband came home, found Billie’s hat (on the table?), lost it and accosted his wife. I think the brother who joined the service, came in to see his brother with his wife, and shot his brother. I think he took the wife with him, alive or dead, I’m not sure and left with her. (hide spoiler)]

WOW! I just finished listening to the book.
(view spoiler)[I’m too dumbfounded to say anything really. I was shocked to find out that it was Merle. I can’t believe that he killed Val, Collin’s mother. I could not believe that Billie killed Red! How awful for Belle that she was the one to identify Merle’s bolo tie charm and be led to look into the box that Merle had stored in her storage room. What a well written story! (hide spoiler)]

Ammee wrote: "I finished the book. It was so good!

...."

I didn't know that they had made a movie, so I just watched the 2107 trailer for it and I agree with you - it feels like a very completely different story - very dark and menacing.

Cherie wrote: "WOW! I just finished listening to the book.
[spoilers removed]"

I know right - I haven't been (view spoiler)[ surprised by and ending in awhile. It was so much better than I thought it would be. I'm glad you gave it 5 stars! (hide spoiler)]

I have finished the book and have given it four stars. If you like twists and turns and surprise endings, here you go!

(view spoiler)[ Merle? I did not see that coming at all. I mean it seemed to me that he is sociopathic as he was able to claim it was all a tragedy thereby explaining his behavior. I didn’t like Laurie but at least she came to understand a bit more of what’s important at the end. She had a hard death and an eerie one. I felt so sorry for Val. She waited on Billy all those years. He certainly wasn’t worth that. What a senseless death that Merle killed her too. I hated that belle had to find the sheets wrapped up in the box in the museum basement. I have to admit that this seemed weak planning on Merle’s part. I didn’t much care for Belle, but she sure got the short end of that stick. And Red…Billy’s true colors showed thrill. What a shame and waste his death was. All in all I was satisfied with the ending although I would think it a huge challenge for Collin and Jo to find peace together. But hopefully… (hide spoiler)]

I was able to get this one from my library. I am planning to start it in about another week. I am going to be traveling for a wedding next weekend and will start it when I get back home. Looking forward to it.

Sharon wrote: "I have finished the book and have given it four stars. If you like twists and turns and surprise endings, here you go!

[spoilers removed]"

I totally agree (view spoiler)[ I can't imagine having a peaceful relationship after all that they have been through. I mean they get closure, but still. How do you not look at each other and feel the sadness of what they've been through. (hide spoiler)]

Sorry, I did not mean to drop my input, but I have been crazy busy at home and at work.

Sharon: message 42 - I totally agree with you!

I was SO wrong in my spoiler in message 38.

Jayme - this was a great pick for a group read!
Note: Early on, I said that I did not care for the narrator, but I guess I got used to listening to her, and she did not bother me for the last half of the book. If the ebook had become available, I would have switched though.

I read this one in 2015 and I remember liking it so much! I can't remember enough to discuss it, though, not even reading your comments. That's a bummer.

Cherie wrote: "Sorry, I did not mean to drop my input, but I have been crazy busy at home and at work.
..."
Cherie - I'm glad you liked it. I really enjoyed it too.

I just started this one, only about 7% in so far. I'm happy to see that pretty much everyone has enjoyed this one. I like the way it started and I'm curious to see where it goes. (view spoiler)[ I feel bad for Jody always believing that something bad is about to happen and waiting for it. She doesn't seem able to enjoy any of the good in her life. That is a very sad way to live.

I'm assuming we'll find out how it is that she lives in her parents house since she was just a baby when her father died and her mother disappeared. Curious where she grew up and when she moved back there or who moved in there to raise her.

Also, we've been introduced to Billy Crosby. I assumed there wouldn't be witnesses based on the blurb, but the story seems to be headed in a different direction. The way he's been described so far, it doesn't make sense that his son has been trying to get him out of prison for years. I feel like he may be being misrepresented. I'm interested to find out. (hide spoiler)]

Ok, I think the story jumped a little further back in time than I originally thought it did. So, I may have been a little confused on the timeline, but I think I've got it now.

Kristie wrote: "Ok, I think the story jumped a little further back in time than I originally thought it did. So, I may have been a little confused on the timeline, but I think I've got it now."

Glad to see you've joined the party, Kristie. Billy Crosby is a piece of work.