“Why does God keep taking away the people I love?”

This is the lamentation of widow CANDACE JOHNSON when her best friend is brutally murdered. Ensnared by a deep-rooted bitterness, seeping her faith day by day, Candace is determined to seek justice.

Detective Darnell Jackson is in need of clues fast. The police captain is coming down hard on him and his partner to find out who murdered Pamela Coleman, the daughter of a high profile judge. Darnell confers with Candace to get the inside track on events leading up to the murder. As the investigation heats up, his growing attraction for Candace plays havoc on Darnell’s judgment.

Little does she know, Candace’s quest to find the truth has led her straight to the killer. She’s already lost loved ones. Now Candace must choose to completely trust God with her own life.

Book Trailer

Read an Excerpt…

PROLOGUE

Bronx, New York, 1981

Twisting her torso around, the girl strained against the seatbelt to peek through the police car’s back window. Lights burned from several nearby houses, creating an eerie glow against the damp night sky. A number of sleepy-eyed neighbors lined the street, their attention focused toward a small white house, now decorated with yellow tape around the yard. 

The front door opened, spilling bright lights on to the tiny porch. Two police officers walked out with a man between them. The cops were tall, but not nearly as tall as the handcuffed man whose arms were muscular and huge. She tensed, her eyes drawn toward the man’s white tank top, which revealed more than his furry chest.  Bright and dark reds merged into a strange starburst pattern around his middle.

He turned his head in her direction, his narrowed eyes hunting for her. The flashing blue lights danced across his face, highlighting his light brown eyes. His lips parted showing off perfect white teeth. He’d found her. Like always his smile stopped at the curves of his mouth, never reaching his eyes. She never knew if he liked or hated her.  Sucking back air, she ducked below the window. A whimper escaped between her ragged breaths. She didn’t want him near her. Not ever again. 

A wave of warmth, then cold, rippled through her body causing her to tremble. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms, feeling tiny bumps on her skin through the thin pajama top. The cheeseburger and fries she’d eaten hours before gurgled in her stomach, threatening to be released. Without warning, one of the back doors opened. She screeched and pressed into the corner of the seat, expecting her worst nightmare had broken free.

Instead, a cop leaned into the car and asked, “Hey. Are you all right in here?” 

No, I’m not all right. Can’t you see I’m freaking out? But her mouth wouldn’t cooperate with her brain. 

The cop poked his head back out of the car. “Hey, where’s the social worker?” 

A man with a rough voice yelled back something, but she couldn’t understand what he said. Staring at the cop, she pulled her legs up to her chest, resting her chin on her bony knees. Wait, something didn’t feel right on her face. Lifting her right hand, she touched the side of her face. The skin felt ragged and sore. When she pulled her hand away, she saw dark stains on her fingers. Was that her blood or…?  She dug her nails into her palm, hiding her hand behind her back.

Outside the police car, someone walked up behind the cop and handed him a plastic grocery bag.  He didn’t pull out food. Instead, he pulled something gray and furry from the bag and extended it to her. The cop frowned, “Looks like you have an injury there? We’ll get someone to take a look at it. Right now, I think you could use a little buddy. I have a daughter. Got a room full of these things.”

Man, I’m not a baby. Having always been too small or too short, the cop must have thought she was a lot younger than her twelve years. She took the stuffed animal anyway, not really sure what to do with it. The cop shut the back door, and then jumped in the front seat. As the car engine cranked to life, she examined the fuzzy stuffed animal. With its round ears it could’ve been a bear or a mouse. She didn’t really care. 

Slowly, she opened her fist, almost expecting the stains to be gone. They weren’t.  Her face grew warmer as she wondered what would happen now. Turning to risk another look at the house, she sniffled. Two men walked inside rolling a stretcher between them. Tears clouded her vision.  

The cop said something from the front seat, but she wasn’t listening. Using the back of her sleeve, she wiped away the wetness crawling down her cheeks. She wanted to scream. Again. Bringing the stuffed bear-mouse closer to her face, she squeezed with both arms and hid her face in the soft fur. As the car pulled away from the house, her head throbbed. She could still hear the screaming and shouting. 

I’m sorry, Mama. I’m so sorry.

How to Order

March 2012
Urban Christian/Kensington
ISBN-10: 1601628226
ISBN-13: 978-1601628220

• Amazon.com
• BN.com

What People Are Saying …

“A good, and sad to say, rare entry in the Christian Black Crime Fiction genre. Come on, readers and publishers, support this and other bold novelists broadening the African-American Christian Market reading niches/experiences. Solid debut.”
– Cortez Law III

When Rain Falls is a delightful ‘whodunit’ that garners your interest on page one and keeps you guessing until the story ends.  Moody’s sprinkle of romance adds just the right spice to make her debut novel an enjoyable read.
~ Patricia Haley, Bestselling author of Broken and Anointed

A showering of faith, love, and mystery. When Rain Falls proves that when life is cloudy, God will soon bring his sunshine. Make room on your bookshelf for the entire Victory Gospel Series.
~ Tia McCollors, author of Steppin’ Into The Good Life

In her debut novel, When Rain Falls, Christian fiction author Tyora Moody,  has weaved an excellent, captivating tale of suspense, and mystery without dismantling the all-important Christian based elements. It is apparent that it will not take long for Moody to join the ranks of some of the best Christian fiction authors in the industry. Keep your literary eyes wide open for more great, fascinating and anointed stories in what Moody calls the Victory Gospel Series.
~ Shelia E. Lipsey, Award-winning author of the My Son’s Wife series

When Rain Falls is one of the best debut novels I’ve read in a long time. A page turner that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
~ Vanessa Miller, Bestselling author of the Rain and Forsaken Series

Job Well Done! In her debut novel, When Rain Falls, Author Tyora Moody skillfully weaves murder, grief and romance into an intriguing suspense story. Her characters are real and relatable. Ms. Moody engages the reader from beginning and leaves you anticipating the sequel.
~Wanda B. Campbell, Bestselling & Award-winning author of Right Package, Wrong Baggage and Silver Lining

In her debut novel, Tyora Moody dazzles with a story of profound loss…joyous gain. A must read for lovers of suspense, romance, and simply great storytelling!
~Patti Lacy, Author of An Irishwoman’s Tale and The Rhythm of Secrets

Tyora Moody breaks into Christian Fiction with her first debut novel “When Rain Falls”.  An ideal book and must read for those who love suspense with twist and turns through out the chapters. A “who” done it book for sure. I love how Tyora set up each chapter between the two major characters which allows the reader to be drawn into the story. Great job, Tyora. A highly recommended novel to add to your library of well- written books.
~Paulette Harper Johnson, Author of That Was Then, This is Now and Completely Whole

Moody’s gift for characterization allows the reader to become one with the story. She handles difficult subject matter like grief and revenge in a way that shows her strengths. Readers looking for encouragement and hope will find it between the pages of “When Rain Falls”.
~ Missy of Readers Paradise (READ FULL REVIEW)

Survivor’s guilt, legalism, adultery, flawed Christians, domestic violence, forgiveness – Tyora Moody deals with these issues and a bit more. She has penned an entertaining, suspenseful debut!!
~ Katrina Burchett, Author of Choices (READ FULL REVIEW)

Tyora Moody’s work has longevity and necessary written all over it. So glad her time has come.
~ Robin Caldwell, PR Consultant (former editor and book reviewer, Gospelcity.com)

Tyora Moody has crafted a suspense-filled mystery full of twists and turns punctuated with wit, wisdom and hope. The characters are well-developed and engaging and, at the end of the book, I found myself wanting more. This is one of those “hang on for the ride” kind of books, and all I can say is that I can’t wait for her next book! I want to go on another adventure!
~HumboldtCR, BarnesandNobles.com Reviewer