Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler

His words have unlocked a special place in her heart, but he lives in the one place she vowed she'd never return... Nicole Michelin avoids airplanes, motorcycles, and most of all, Japan, where her parents once were missionaries. Something happened in Japan. Something that sent Nicole and her father back to America alone. Something of which Nicole knows only bits and pieces. But she is content with life in little Mount Olive, North Carolina, with her quirky relatives, tank of lively fish, and plenty of homemade pineapple chutney.

Through her online column for the Pretty Fishy website, Nicole meets Harrison Michaels, who, much to her dismay, lives in Japan. She attempts to avoid him, but his e-mails tug at her heart.

Then Harrison reveals that he knew her as a child in Japan. In fact, he knows more about her childhood than she does! Will Nicole face her fears in order to discover her past and take a chance on love?

My Review:
Set in North Carolina, this first person account of Nichole, a motherless girl, who is raised by Ducee, her maternal grandmother, quickly grabs the reader's attention. Southern traditions abound--some are questionable--like "cucumber sandwiches cannot be eaten during the same meal with egg salad sandwiches." That's from Ducee's book of Southern Traditions, a never-seen, but often quoted text. A fish theme floats throughout the novel adding depth.

Though well-loved by her extended family, Nicole longs for answers about her roots, which happen to be in Japan. However, she does not travel. Her solution to this problem is one reason why the book is fun to read.

Included are a recipe for Pineapple Chutney along with discussion questions. The book can be purchased here.