On 16 June 1957, a shoot-out in a village church in northern Lebanon leaves two dozen people dead. In the aftermath of the massacre, the town is rent in two: the Al-Ramis in the north and their rivals the Al-Samaeenis in the south. But lives once so closely intertwined cannot easily be divided. Neighbours turn into enemies and husbands and wives are forced to choose between loyalty to each other and loyalty to their clan. Drawing on an actual killing that took place in his home town, Douaihy reconstructs that June day from the viewpoints of people who witnessed the killing or whose lives were forever altered by it. A young girl overhears her father lending his gun to his cousins, but refusing to accompany them to the church. A school boy walks past the dead bodies, laid out in the town square on beds brought out from the houses. A baker whose shop is trapped on the wrong side of the line hopes the women who buy his bread will protect him. At the center of the portrait is Eliyya, who, twenty years after emigrating to the US, returns to the village to learn about the father who was shot through the heart in the massacre, the father he never knew. With a masterful eye for detail, Douaihy reconstructs that fateful June Sunday when rain poured from the sky and the traditions and affections of village life were consumed by violence and revenge.

Reproduction of the original: A Rainy June and Other Stories by Louise de la Ramée

Ouida's 'A Rainy June, and Other Stories' is a collection of captivating short stories that explore the themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Written in a lyrical and poetic style, Ouida's prose transports the reader to the romantic and often tragic worlds she creates. The stories are rich in descriptive language and vivid imagery, showcasing Ouida's talent for painting emotional landscapes with words. Set in the late 19th century, the book reflects the Romanticism of the Victorian era, with a focus on emotional depth and moral dilemmas. Each story delves into the innermost thoughts and feelings of the characters, revealing their desires and struggles in a poignant manner. Ouida's intricate storytelling and insightful character portrayals make 'A Rainy June, and Other Stories' a compelling read for anyone interested in classic literature and human emotions.

Ouida's novel 'A House-Party, Don Gesualdo, and A Rainy June' is a compelling compilation of three interconnected tales that explore themes of love, decadence, and societal norms. Written in a fluid and lyrical prose, the book showcases Ouida's ability to delve deep into the complexities of human relationships and emotions. Set in the late 19th century, the stories provide a vivid glimpse into the aristocratic world of England and Italy, highlighting the contrast between appearances and underlying passions. Ouida, known for her lavish lifestyle and extravagant writing style, drew inspiration from her own experiences as a well-traveled and socially observant woman. Her keen eye for detail and nuanced characterizations bring depth to the narratives, making them resonate with readers across generations. Through 'A House-Party, Don Gesualdo, and A Rainy June,' Ouida invites readers to reflect on the nature of love, ambition, and societal conventions, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and moral dilemmas. I recommend 'A House-Party, Don Gesualdo, and A Rainy June' to readers who enjoy immersive and thought-provoking literature that delves into the complexities of human nature and society. Ouida's masterful storytelling and evocative prose make this novel a timeless classic worth exploring.

Dark, Southern gothic tale of homicide detective Raven Burns, with a complicated past and a desperate case to solve. Black Girls Lit recommends the first book, A Killing Fire "to crime fiction and mystery lovers and fans of Ruth Ware and Gillian Flynn.” “Full-bodied and dynamic characters carry this one along a mystery, tying a brutal past with a bloody present that will keep you guessing right up to the finale.” — Unnerving Magazine on Book 1 in the series. After former homicide Raven Burns returns to Byrd’s Landing, Louisiana to begin a new life, she soon finds herself trapped by the old one when her nephew is kidnapped by a ruthless serial killer, and her foster brother becomes the main suspect. To make matters worse, she is being pursued by two men— one who wants to redeem her soul for the murder Raven felt she had no choice but to commit, and another who wants to lock her away forever. FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePress