Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 24, 1993 TAG: 9307270022
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: B10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Reviewed by HARRIET LITTLE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Ravaged by drought and wildfires, the small California town of Valle Rosa faces disaster without rain. A mysterious stranger, Jeff Cabrio, turns up and offers his services as a "rainmaker" to temporary mayor Chris Garrett. Chris, to his own surprise, accepts Cabrio's offer.
Naturally the town is full of doubters, including Chris's former wife, once a leading television investigative reporter whose career has taken a decided downturn. Only a few people, among them Mia Tanner, an artist and Chris's office manager, show more than a passing interest in the enigmatic Cabrio and his highly secret procedures.
What raises "Fire and Rain" above the level of genre fiction is Chamberlain's revelations of her characters as the plot progresses. Each has secrets from the past as well as believable strengths and weaknesses. These finely developed characters keep the reader engrossed until the end, and each comes up with unexpected surprises.
Admirers of Chamberlain's previous novels, "Keeper of the Light" and "Secret Lives" will be delighted.
\ Harriet Little teaches at James River high school.
by CNB