What a wonderful story. I haven't read this author before and upon looking at her other couple of books I probably would have found the subject matter a little depressing sounding but this book was good, and I will try her others. I literally sat and read this book on a rainy Sunday, I had gone to the library and it was on the staff favorites shelf. ( )

A special thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mae Summers and Gabriel Broadbent were childhood friends. They grew up together at the Summers' Inn which is owned by Mae's grandparents, Lilly and George. Mae and Gabriel were raised together—Mae was orphaned at a young age, and Gabriel needed protection from his abusive alcoholic father. Their relationship progressed into their first loves, and the young couple were torn apart when Gabe abruptly left Alexandria Bay.

Fast forward and Mae and Gabe are grown. Both end up back in Alexandria Bay—Mae after a romantic setback, and Gabe because of his father. Mae returns to her grandparents Inn and finds that her grandparents relationship is suffering because of past secrets that also impact her. Are these relationships worth salvaging and the past worth reclaiming?

Stapley's latest offering is a story about love, loss, forgiveness, and truth. Families are complicated, and this book doesn't shy away from family drama and complex relationships.

I enjoyed the character development, setting, and premise for this story. Sometimes when a narrative incorporates both the past and the present, it can be cumbersome for the reader particularly if they have connected with one storyline over the other. In this case, this type of narrative worked because of well-written characters with solid development. My only criticisms were that I wanted more of Gabe's present story, and that the ending felt rushed. Given the pace throughout the book, the ending should not have unfolded as abruptly as it did. ( )

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for providing me with an e-copy of Things to Do when it's Raining by Marissa Stapley in exchange for an honest review. This is the story of Mae and Gabe who grew up together in Alexandria Bay at Mae's grandparents' summer inn. Their childhood friendship, over time, morphed into first love for both. During their teenage years, they became separated due to events beyond their control. Many years later, fate brings them back to Alexandria Bay and you will want to read this novel to discover all the secrets and mysteries that could again keep Mae and Gabe apart. This is a love story with much drama and suspense. I very much enjoyed Things to Do when it's Raining. Highly recommended. Marissa Stapley is also the author of the critically acclaimed novel Mating for Life. ( )