Gentle Is the Rain

Gentle Is the Rain takes place in the early years of our country and tells the tale of Christopher Shetler. Christopher Shetler is a ship’s captain, and over the years he and his wife Sarah have six lively children. Adam is their first child, and Clara, who is the second born, is the main character in this book. Clara keeps the Shetler household in constant turmoil. She has a natural gift for writing poetry and discovers that her father’s mysterious sister Gerta had that same gift. The discovery of a missing Aunt Gerta spurs Clara’s curiosity. While searching for answers to the family secret, she discovers the gift of “soul traveling.” She is a busy, curious child full of pent-up energy, creating much worry for her staid parents but exciting adventures for her brothers and sisters. Clara has the misfortune of meeting Ralph, the rag man, who takes away her innocence and leaves her a frightened, bitter woman child. Gerta, Clara’s long-dead aunt, comes back from the other world to save her niece’s soul.