Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Good writing and characters with a story based on love, loss and grief, it was a good read.

The main character in this book is Tara, she’s not had the easiest of starts in life and is now a councillor helping others.

Tara’s life isn’t easy this is an easy read though.
Enjoyable

Tara is a counsellor at a wellbeing centre but struggles with accepting her past. This is exacerbated when her estranged father, Keith, turns up with plans to rebuild a local community centre after damaging floods.

She also has to deal with an errant on-off boyfriend, her absent twin brother Toby, an unexpected new family member, and a colleague who claims to communicate with animals.

In the midst of sorting out her own life situation after her mother's death, Tara learns the truth about her parents' marriage and why it is better not to mix work with personal emotions.

I found this an easy story to read, although it took a little while to get into. Tara was a plausible lead character, although her naivety around the past (and the boyfriend) did stretch credibility at times.

Tara's colleague, David, is charming and insightful, often when Tara least needs it. Nevertheless, she has reason to be grateful to him later on.

This would be an ideal story for a holiday read and I would be happy to read more from Lucy Dillon.

I received an ARC of this book from Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, in return for an honest appraisal.

Another beautiful, warm read from Lucy Dillon.
Tara is a counsellor in Longhampton, her twin Toby lives in America and she has lost contact with her dad Keith.
Tara’s mum has recently passed away and Tara has moved into the house, her old childhood home.
The story follows Tara as she counsels people following the recent floods in Longhampton, the unexpected reappearance of her dad and the emotional struggles she encounters.
I really enjoyed this book, the story flowed beautifully and I really felt for Tara as she helped people while dealing with her own emotional issues.
Recommended.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily.
This is a well-written book, and the main character, Taransay, is clearly described. She has had a difficult childhood and her job as a counsellor is stressful, particularly at present as many people in the local area have suffered from the effects of flooding.
Unfortunately I struggled to feel any sympathy for her, she even hides in her room rather than mingling with her colleagues in the kitchen at break times, and finds it difficult to speak honestly to her brother. I couldn't get into the story, it just wasn't for me despite the comical moments and dialogue.

I love Lucy's books, they are perfect for easy reading and to get yourself lost for an afternoon or two, This one was no exception, it was the perfect book to get my reading mojo back after losing it for a bit when I had covid and couldn't concentrate on anything! There are some difficult subject matters in the storyline but they are woven into it naturally and dealt with very well.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to any fans of this genre.

I was initially drawn in by the bright cover and interesting title. I hadn’t previously read any of Lucy Dillon’s books so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’m so glad I said yes as I’ve had so much fun reading about Tara and witnessing her journey.

Overall I liked lead protagonist Tara but at times she frustrated me. Despite her ability to offer advice she certainly had trouble taking it and in turn sometimes became rigid in her beliefs and views. Although it was nice to see how generous she was in supporting the local community. I really enjoyed the pace of this book and liked the other characters. I had a slight problem with David but I just didn’t buy into his methods of therapy.

An uplifting read in dark times and I look forward to reading more from this author.

After the Rain comes the devastation of major flood damage, looking for loved animals. Once the damage and loss are realised comes the mental health problems. For many of us we are lucky not be traumatized personally by this, however there are thousands of people who do. Lucy Dillon has brought together all of these things with fantastic emotions, sensitivity and humour.

At the age of ten Tara’s father walks away from the family home and very rarely saw him until eventually there was no contact. She takes this really badly. Her twin brother Toby seems to take it more in his stride. Toby moves overseas and Tara remains in England near to her mum working as a trained counsellor, helping the community to work through their fears and problems. Upon her mother’s death life begins to take a different path. The will she had made puts Tara in a spin.

After the Rain Longhampton has been subjected to terrible flooding. The village hall needs restoring. Tara helps out seeing people during her free time. Her boyfriend Justin is virtually non existent so doesn’t take up much of her time. Out of the blue, her father Keith, turns up. Tara is desperate to talk to her brother but he never returns her calls. Out of the blue, her father Keith, turns up. There may well be a storm in Longhampton however there is also a storm erupting in Tara’s head.

This was a beautifully written book. Lucy Dillon has captured the emotions and feelings with such empathy that as you read you can imagine that you are there in the moment. Thank you Lucy Dillon for such a fantastic read.

Ive read books by Lucy Dillon before and loved everyone, this book is no exception, it was a fantastic read!!!
Brilliant story, with brilliant writing and characters that you can fall in love with.

What a gorgeous book! This is a must read and stays with you long after you’ve read the last page.

After the Rain is a story more than anything else about the child inside us as adults.

Tara, though a therapist herself, cannot take her own advice and is slowly unravelling. David, her new colleague, is a welcome key to her slow recovery. The book explores on grief, family and love in a touching way. This is a thoughtful read that humanises imperfect people. A beautiful story.

I related with this book more than I should or should I say was scarily close to real life for me, Lucy gives the main character my name , Tara and she spends more time on others problems than her own. Tara (not me) is full of good intentions, got a huge heart and is so loving. This is full of deep and meaningful discussions and many sensitive subjects which are so well done and sensitively handled by the author. This is a tale of hope, family, community and second chances, it’s uplifting and ultimately a warm tale that will leave you wanting more

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

This was a smashing read, it was easy to get into and I loved every page. I have read Lucy Coleman’s books before and have a,ways enjoyed them. This was her best yet. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

When the village where Tara lives is flooded, with devastating consequences for the community, she steps in to help by offering her services as a counsellor. Her involvement in the recovery of the village has unintended consequences in terms of her relationships with her Mum who recently died, her Dad who she is estranged from, her twin brother Toby, her boyfriend Phil and colleague David.

Tara was at times frustrating but always relatable. I really enjoyed her journey and her progress throughout the story and the message of hope that felt threaded throughout it. There are some great humorous moments, especially involving colleagues at the Wellness Centre, and some touching times.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

After the Rain by Lucy Dillon

When the village where Tara lives is flooded, with devastating consequences for the community, she steps in to help by offering her services as a counsellor. Her involvement in the recovery of the village has unintended consequences in terms of her relationships with her Mum who recently died, her Dad who she is estranged from, her twin brother Toby, her boyfriend Phil and colleague David.

I really enjoyed this book - fabulous characters and a lovely story. I particularly enjoyed Molly's part of the story which was really touching, and the funny descriptions of the chasm between the psychologists and the alternative therapists at the Wellness Centre!!! Bit dubious about David's special talent but still loved those parts of the story. Highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I enjoyed this and I liked the writing. The main character was interesting as were a lot of the secondary characters.

The writing was inviting and the pacing was good. I liked the plot and I enjoyed Tara getting to know her Dad again.

I had to suspend my belief a little at parts - could have lost the bit about the talking animals

I have read other books by This author, and enjoyed them. I just couldn’t get into this book, sadly. I did try, but I wasn’t keen to pick it up again, having put it down for whatever reason. The character of Tara was just so whiney and miserable, she was depressing. And the counsellor who could ‘ hear’ what animals were thinking, and allowed them in his consulting rooms - come on! The romance aspect was unconvincing, and there was simply no joy or escapism in reading this book, so it was a DNF for me.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy.

This is the first book I have read by Lucy Dillon. Excellent writing and storyline with relatable characters.

Tara is there to help everyone affected by the floods in Longhampton. She is good at giving advice but not so good at receiving it. When her absent father returns the family drama begins. Very likeable characters.

This is a amazing book I loved. Great story brilliant writing I loved the characters how they stuck by and cared for each other. I loved the community sprit this story told. Couldn’t stop reading this book it was such a joy to read. Loved every page. Hope to read more by this author in the future. Im so happy I bought the paperback version to when it came out for my collection. This author a new favourite of mine.

I’ve enjoyed reading many of Lucy’s books before and I was thrilled to have an early opportunity to read this one.

Tara has been busy helping her local community deal with a devastating flood, just a few months after her own mother died. Tara spends her days (and evenings) helping others but needs to make some major decisions about her future career and living arrangements.

Added into the mix, there is a new counsellor at the Wellness Centre. How is David able to help families no one else can? I loved this idea but as this is a non spoiler review, I won’t share anymore now.

Life becomes more complicated when Tara’s dad reappears, her ‘boyfriend’ disappears and she meets a new member of her family (and a four legged friend). I loved how the story evolved, as Tara helped families whilst starting to unravel the truth about why her parents split up and to make plans for her future. Happy to recommend to readers looking for an uplifting read.