Echoes in the Rain

"Echoes in the Rain" is a factual story of love and devotion that was altered through deceit and derailed by the heartless actions of misguided Parents for over three and a half decades. Ryan and Leah's love began in a far off land and is unveiled through reflections of Vietnam and how, in the beginning, a single letter that had traveled over seventeen thousand miles from a young southern girl changed the course of their lives. Her "Leah's" letters gave Ryan the strength and courage to endure the harsh realities of war and sparked a vision of love they would never be able to ignore, deny or share with any one else. Following Ryan's return home from Viet Nam in late 1971, the now 20 Year old Vietnam Veteran had but one thought; find his love Leah! His attempts to contact her however were throated by Leah's Mother who had plotted, behind their backs, a new course for her Daughters life; blocking every attempt Ryan made to contact her. Eventually lying to Ryan that Leah had eloped with another and to never call again! Following two months of constant worry and concern Leah became depressed and filled with anxiety, her Mother no longer able to handle her bouts of crying and despair led Leah back into her bedroom and, in an attempt to bury Ryan in the past, told her daughter; "Honey, Ryan was killed in Viet Nam". Three and a half decades later and through another tragic death "Ryan's Father" a truth would be unveiled that would alter the lives of all around them and give re-birth to a love that had lain dormant yet refusing to die! Leah and Ryan now aware of the deceit that held them apart discover the true meaning of destiny and God's design for all of us. Their story is filled with paradoxical twists of fate and as the reader follows Ryan and Leah's journey back to each other they will know how the hand of God shaped the pathways they needed to walk on and how to fend off the turmoil's and strife that would be hiding beyond every turn. There is an underlying and essential meaning behind our story and one we hope will touch everyone who reads this book. We have lived through it and now understand that true love if held in reverence, once found will never die, and with patience and unwavering faith, even though obstructed and altered by man, will always find its designed place even if it takes thirty five Years; we call it fate! As a flag waving American Veteran and being born on Veteran's Day, Memorial Day has always been a special yet solemn day of reflection. I am calling on all by brother Veteran's to pick up a copy of Echoes in the Rain over the Memorial Day weekend as I will be donating a good portion of the proceeds to the "Puppies Behind Bars" program over the four days. I chose this charity due to its amazing work to rehabilitate the in-mates, and train dogs to become companions and assist our returning disabled hero's.