Why This Story Feels Different
The First Rains of October is not interested in polished faith or easy answers. It explores how God works through imperfect people living within imperfect systems, and how redemption often unfolds slowly—a love story blooming through truth, endurance, and grace earned the hard way.
When I began writing The First Rains of October novel several years ago, I wanted to present an inspiring, realistic Christian novel set in a location I knew. In the early 2010’s, Christian novels were very safe. The language, the situations, and they were mostly gushy love stories. Upon release of The First Rains of October, my second novel, I received some wonderful reviews as well as some harsh criticisms. I thought, perhaps I’ll tone it down? Nope, I told a realistic story of love and redemption, and I’ll keep it that way.
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I appreciate Christian drama rooted in reality: People shaped by where they were born; lives bent by decisions and consequences, and hope. When deliverance comes, it is moving and profound, and it can shake you to the core.
Not About Perfect People
“It’s not about perfect people with perfect lives. But how potentially good people can be born into a messed-up situation — where things aren’t lined up for them to succeed — and the changes they go through to make a Godly impact still.
More often than not, the road to success is really twisted. This is a unique story of someone wrongly accused of a crime and the long road back.”
— Susan Edwards_Amazon Review
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This Novel Pulls No Punches
“I was taken by surprise. This Christian mystery thriller pulled no punches, telling both a love story of second chances and the redemption of an entire West Coast California hamlet.
From the cliffs of California at a graduation beach party to the Amazon jungle, I was swept away by the characters. Set in the 1970s in a dairy town where secrets are held for years, the story should excite anyone who believes in the chance for new beginnings.
I read it in a couple of days and lost some sleep along the way. So good!”
Carolyn Molica_Amazon Review
Can An Entire Town Be Changed Through the Faith of One?
If you choose to take the journey from a small California dairy town, ripe with secrets—then deep into the jungles of Ecuador—I hope it proves to be an exciting and meaningful story for you. One thing I’ve learned—both in writing and in life—is that God rarely works through people who have everything neatly tucked away and arranged. Faith most often takes root in broken places, among those navigating loss, accusation, regret, or circumstances they did not choose. I wanted this story to reflect that reality honestly.
“They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.”
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Not polished saints, but flawed people discovering that redemption often comes by the lips of truth spoken forth by those who love the Lord.
I’ve been touched!
“I can honestly say this is one of the most moving stories I have ever read! I will recommend it to everyone I know. I had no idea it would be so good. I will definitely get copies of it to give to some of the people who think about God and miracles… I thank you so much for this, and I look forward to more.”
Nina Smith_Good Reads
Gratitude,
Anthony Barbera
