The Scent of Rain by Kristin Billerbeck

When deprived of her most prized sense, Daphne discovers a life she never expected, right under her nose.

Daphne Sweeten has left Paris – and a career she loves – in order to marry a man she loves even more. But when he stands her up on their wedding day, Daphne’s left reeling. Trained as a professional “nose” or perfume creator, Daphne soon realizes that her sense of smell has somehow disappeared too.

In the days following she moves to Dayton, Ohio, to take on a job creating fragrances for household products. Without her sense of smell, she must rely on her chemistry skills, and hope her handsome new boss, Jesse Lightner, doesn’t notice before she can figure out how to get it back.

Despite her desire to return to Paris, she can’t deny the way Jesse makes her feel. But when Daphne approaches former contacts, she learns her missing ex-fiancé has somehow snagged her old job.

As Daphne and Jesse work on a signature scent for their new line, she feels God at work in her life as never before. And the promise of what is possible is as fresh as the scent of rain.

One of the things I loved best about this book was Daphne's very interesting career of being a professional nose.  I honestly hadn't ever given much thought to such a career and it really interested me.  I loved being reminded how much scents influence our memories and feelings.  

Jesse was the knight in shining armor kind of guy.  The perfect guy to swoop in and save Daphne from herself (and her broken sniffer).

The book moved at a pretty slow pace.  In music I'd call it Andante.  Walking speed.  There wasn't anything hurried or exceptionally climactic.  The romance was slow but satisfying in the end.  It was a reminder that when something happens that we think is bad, it may just be God's way of moving us on to something better.  We just can't always see that when things are hard.

This is a Christian fiction book, light on the Christian and squeeky clean.

You can purchase The Scent of Rain at Amazon.