THE DEEP BLUE SEA FOR BEGINNERS by Luanne Rice

Publisher: Bantam
Date published: September 2010
ISBN: 978-0553589788
Contemporary Women's Fiction
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via publisher


Pell and Lucy’s mother left them when they were just young children. Now Pell is sixteen and has traveled across the world to Capri to reunite with her mother, Lyra Davis, and convince her to return home. Pell is surprised to learn that her preconceived notions of her mother are far from the truth. Family secrets will soon rock Pell’s orderly world.

I loved, loved, loved THE DEEP BLUE SEA FOR BEGINNERS. I have not read such a good women’s fiction story in quite some time. Luanne Rice did a superb job in creating characters that readers can relate to at any age. My one complaint is that there are many times the teenagers seem much older, in both dialog and actions. But for this reader, this was only a minimal distraction from the tale.

The storyline in THE DEEP BLUE SEA FOR BEGINNERS caught my interest from the very first page. My heart went out to both the sisters and their mother. I wanted to dislike Lyra, after all what kind of mother abandons her children, especially at such a young age? But Ms. Rice penned Lyra in such a way that I soon found myself sympathizing with her and I couldn’t help but liking her. Kudos to Ms. Rice, for her fantastic ability to construct such compelling characters.

It was not until after I read this book that I learned that it is actually a sequel to Ms Rice’s book GEOMETRY SISTERS. I have not read the first book and while reading THE DEEP BLUE SEA FOR BEGINNERS I did not feel that there was any information missing. This is truly a stand-alone book. However I have heard from other readers that GEOMETRY SISTERS is a fantastic book and well worth reading.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

LAST KISS by Luanne Rice

Book 4 in series
Publisher: Bantam Books
Date published: June 2008
ISBN: 978-0-553-58976-4
Contemporary Romance/Thriller
Mass Market Paperback
Obtained by Publisher
Reviewed by Dawn
Reviewed by name


Tragedy has befallen singer/songwriter Sheridan Rosslare when her son Charlie died while away at NYU. Determined to find out what happened even after the police determine it was a random act of violence, Sheridan and teenager Nell Kilvert can not let go of the beautiful boy they knew and loved. One mother’s desire for closure and a young woman determined to hold onto the past, LAST KISS delves into heartache, mystery and forgiveness amid its pages as private investigator and Sheridan’s first love, Gavin Dawson, is hired to find out what really happened one year before. Can these three find faith and forgiveness one last time?

Return to Hubbard’s Point in Luanne Rice’s latest book, LAST KISS. This was an emotional and poignant story and I couldn’t put it down. LST KISS tells a tale of a family torn apart by tragedy a year before and consumed by grief. Nell is determined to find out the truth even as she knows it won’t bring back the boy she loved. With heartfelt emotions, beloved characters and a fast paced storyline, Ms. Rice delivers a stirring story that will keep you glued to the pages even as you find yourself swept away to Hubbard’s Point.

LAST KISS is the first book of Ms. Rice’s I have read and it had me looking up the others in this series to read. Some secondary characters that were in other Hubbard’s Point books are back, there is a touch of paranormal in here and the storyline flows fast to keep the reader highly entertained. Sheridan is a woman so deeply grieving, it was like she was overwhelming Gavin’s attempts for a second chance with her. This is an author who strikes the right balance between plot and characters, delving deep into the characters emotions and striping their soul bare. LAST KISS is a story of grief, truth and second chances as you finally move on in life though you still hold that person deep in your heart.

I highly enjoyed the dynamics between Sheridan, Nell and Gavin as they try to get to the bottom of Charlie’s death and the reader is taken on an emotional journey that will sear the readers’ heart. If you enjoy a story that is more character driven and has a ton of emotion, then pick up LAST KISS. I am eager to read some of the other Hubbard’s Point books now and hope Ms. Rice continues this series in the future.

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW.

THE GEOMETRY OF SISTERS by Luanne Rice

Publisher: Bantam
Date issued: April 2009
ISBN: 978-0553805130
Women’s fiction
Hardcover
Reviewed by Valerie



Maura Shaw’s husband disappeared while on a boat in a storm. The same day, her oldest daughter, Carrie walked out and never returned. Except for some cards and a few emails, she has no idea where her daughter is. Taking her remaining daughter and son, she heads back to Newport, Rhode Island, to hopefully begin anew. She has accepted a job teaching in the academy. Becky, her youngest daughter is devastated at the loss of her sister and only feels like half a person. Travis, Maura’s son has to cope with a long distance relationship and an attraction to a girl at the academy. Becky and Maura hold hopes that Carrie will return. Maura has her own problems, finding a way back to her estranged sister and a secret from the past. The family has a rocky road to travel before things are set right.

This is not usually the kind of book that I voluntarily pick up to read, but I was really pleased to have had the chance to read this book. This is a heartwarming story that had me gripped on the first page. I loved all the characters. Ms. Rice has Becky hiding behind her mathematical genius, and although all the talk about math went a bit over my head, it all sounded very impressive. Ms. Rice writes in a simple style that makes this easy reading. You can connect to the kids, feel Maura’s frustration and fears and all the while hope that this troubled family can find peace. Towards the end of the book, I found the plot sagging a little bit, but it didn’t stop me from reading or wanting to find out how it all ends. I put this book down with warm feelings around my heart and I would certainly read another book from this author.

LIGHT OF THE MOON by Luanne Rice

Publisher: Bantam
Date published: January 2009
ISBN: 978-0-553-58975-7
Women’s Fiction
Paperback
Reviewed by Pam




When anthropologist Susannah Connelly’s mother dies, she keeps a promise to fulfill a wish by traveling to the French Camargue. She finds a unique connection with the white horses, the people and the local gypsy’s saint, Sara-la-Kali. It all brings to life the stories her mother had told her as a child, that it was the reason she had been born. After meeting with the women who keep the saint’s church and altar clean and filled with candle light, she is even more bound to them all.
When Susannah meets Grey Dempsey, she is surprised at her reaction to him, and to his damaged daughter Sari. A bond develops between them, but outside forces and betrayals seem to keep them apart. When the connection to Grey becomes overwhelmingly strong, she seeks help for him and his Sari, from the women she has bonded with. With guidance from her mentor and a long gone saint, she tries to find a resolution for them all.


LIGHT OF THE MOON is an unusually haunting and emotional tale of love and betrayal of the worst kind.
The white horses are famous but combined with the secrets and dangers of the marsh lands and the wild bulls, it all keeps tourists coming to the region. This is a place of danger and beauty brought to life for the reader.
The author has the uncanny ability to weave the emotion throughout the book.
There are many twists and turns in the emotional turmoil the characters face, as old wounds have never healed. The mystery of the saint and the religious aspect of a saint, never intrude—but enhance the story in many ways. All the characters were cleverly brought to life, as their back story was cleverly woven into the fabric of the story. From the flamboyant gypsies, with their love of bright clothes and art, to the mastery of the horses, it is all explored and explained, leaving the reader with a great story and a very satisfying ending.

LIGHT OF THE MOON by Luanne Rice

Bantam
January 2009
ISBN: 978-0-553-58975-7
Women’s Fiction
Paperback
Reviewed by Pam




(4 heart)

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When anthropologist Susannah Connelly’s mother dies, she keeps a promise to fulfill a wish by traveling to the French Camargue. She finds a unique connection with the white horses, the people and the local gypsy’s saint, Sara-la-Kali. It all brings to life the stories her mother had told her as a child, that it was the reason she had been born. After meeting with the women who keep the saint’s church and altar clean and filled with candle light, she is even more bound to them all.
When Susannah meets Grey Dempsey, she is surprised at her reaction to him, and to his damaged daughter Sari. A bond develops between them, but outside forces and betrayals seem to keep them apart. When the connection to Grey becomes overwhelmingly strong, she seeks help for him and his Sari, from the women she has bonded with. With guidance from her mentor and a long gone saint, she tries to find a resolution for them all.


LIGHT OF THE MOON is an unusually haunting and emotional tale of love and betrayal of the worst kind.
The white horses are famous but combined with the secrets and dangers of the marsh lands and the wild bulls, it all keeps tourists coming to the region. This is a place of danger and beauty brought to life for the reader.
The author has the uncanny ability to weave the emotion throughout the book.
There are many twists and turns in the emotional turmoil the characters face, as old wounds have never healed. The mystery of the saint and the religious aspect of a saint, never intrude—but enhance the story in many ways. All the characters were cleverly brought to life, as their back story was cleverly woven into the fabric of the story. From the flamboyant gypsies, with their love of bright clothes and art, to the mastery of the horses, it is all explored and explained, leaving the reader with a great story and a very satisfying ending.


Pam@loveromancesandmore.com

THE LETTERS by Luanne Rice & Joseph Mannings

Publisher: Bantam Dell
Date published: October 2008
ISBN 978-0-553-80741-7
Women's Fiction
Hardcover
Reviewed by Pam


Sam and Hadley West separate as grief overcomes them after the death of their son. Paul West had been on the way to teach at a school in Alaska, when the plane crashed.
Hadley goes to live in a haunted cottage off the Maine coast, taking up art to bury her sadness.

Sam goes to Alaska, seeking answers and to try to make sense of his son’s death, as he goes by sled to the site of the wreck. The dogs and their owner brought some light relief into the story as did the travellers they met.

They write letters to each other, the contents stark and truthful, melting the ice of grief surrounding their hearts. Total separation makes the past memories of how good they once were together come back. They begin to discuss why they fell in love as Winter closes in on them both. Neither of them seemed to understand why the tragedy happened, but were unsure what to do now.

THE LETTERS is poignant story, as the characters explore what happens when a terrible loss happens in a family. How feelings ebb and flow, changing direction like the tides as they each pour out onto the paper how it really is for them. This reviewer found it sad and deeply depressing as they struggle with the right words.

It’s a wee bit maudlin in parts, but will be ideal for those who prefer raw human feelings in their books, and don’t mind feeling the sadness emanating from the pages. The writers have obviously put their hearts and souls into the book, but it is something not many could pull off successfully. The main characters are well drawn and by the end you know more about them and their feelings, than you will your own. The other characters were an eclectic mixture of monks, artists and the intriguing Martha with the dog sleds, as she mushed with Sam into the frozen wilderness.

LAST KISS by Luanne Rice

Publisher Bantam
Date published August 2008
ISBN 978-0553805123
Contemporary Romance
Hardcover
Reviewed by Susan





It has been a year since Sheridan Rosslare’s life was shattered when her son, Charlie was killed. A gifted musician, she has not been able to play or compose her music. Nell Kilvert, Charlie’s girlfriend is unable to let him go. She hires Gavin Dawson to find out the truth about his death. Gavin is the man who loved Sheridan and lost her years ago. Can he solve the mystery of how, why and who killed Charlie?

LAST KISS is a heartbreaking tale that will have you reaching for a Kleenex. Any parent can empathize with what Sheridan is undergoing and it is something that is unimaginable, the death of a child. Sheridan, Nell, Gavin are wonderful characters. They are very well-developed and readers will find them very likable. The complexities of relationships are explored as we have Sheridan, Nell and Gavin all interacting together with a common goal to find out the truth. The love they feel for Charlie as well as each other is apparent and shines through. Sheridan and Gavin’s second chance at love is brought about by a tragedy, this is a couple that has matured over time and they are fabulous together. Gavin knows how to deal with Sheridan and it is if they had never been apart. I enjoyed Nell and Sheridan as the two women who loved Charlie the most; they share an unspeakable lost as they both are dealing with their grief in their own way. The scene where Nell is at his graveside is haunting.

Woven into the story is the romance between Stevie and Jack. It was a lovely addition to the storyline. We have Stevie who has been down the aisle many times unwilling to undergo it again. Jack, Nell’s father wants to get married especially with Stevie pregnant with his child. How they resolve this issue is nicely solved and so very logical.

LAST KISS is a first class tear-jerker. The author blends all her characters seamlessly into her story. They are memorable and readers won’t be able to forget them easily. The storyline is filled with pain and joy as we find out what truly happened to Charlie. LAST KISS is a must read for all of Ms. Rice’s fans.

WHAT MATTERS MOST by Luanne Rice

Publisher Bantam
Date published July 2008
ISBN 978-0-553-58970-2
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Susan




Sister Bernadette and Tom Kelly returns to Ireland to search for their son. A child that Bernie gave up for adoption, disregarding Tom’s wish to raise the child himself. James and Kathleen grew up in an orphanage. They have a bond that is unbreakable but it is put to the test when Kathleen is adopted and taken away to America. WHAT MATTERS MOST features the stories of these two couples, their heartbreaks and triumphs.

Bernadette and Tom appeared in Sandcastles but not having read it, I had no preconceived ideas of their characters. Bernadette and Tom makes for an interesting couple. Tom has loved Bernie for all these years and this reader felt that Bernie still loved him. However her calling to serve God or what she perceived to be her calling trumped her feelings for him. It is heart-wrenching to watch these two search for their child and then attaining the goal. Tom comes across as a likable man who has stayed close to the love of his life. Bernie is a much tougher cookie. At times, she is likable but sometimes not so much. This reader felt she was very selfish especially her reasoning to not allow her son to be with his father. James and Kathleen is the other couple in the story. This is a couple to cheer for and celebrate. They are terrific together and they mature as their story progresses. This reader enjoyed them whenever they appeared in the book.

WHAT MATTERS MOST will tug at your heart and bring tears to your eyes. It is a roller coaster ride for the reader as Ms. Rice takes you on a journey of love lost and love found. At times, the pacing is a little slow but it doesn’t distract from the story. Ms. Rice’s fans will certainly enjoy her latest book.

LIGHT OF THE MOON by Luanne Rice

Publisher Bantam
Date published February 2008
ISBN 978-0-553-80511-6
Contemporary Romance
Hard Cover
Reviewed by Susan



Susannah Connolly, an anthropologist is traveling to the French Camargue after the death of her mother. It is a place that her mother wanted her to go to thus she is fulfilling her mother’s wish. Grey Dempsey made his way there when he was younger; he fell in love and married a Romany woman. Unfortunately, his wife left him for another man and his daughter was hurt in the process. The meeting of Susannah and Grey is accidental but it sets them off on a new journey together.

Susannah is a woman who is searching for something. After the death of her mother, she ended a long-standing relationship with her boyfriend and her work is her driving force. Susannah comes across as a mature and level-headed woman. She is cognizant of others and their feelings. Susannah is extremely likable and yes, you would want her as a friend. Grey is a man who has problems especially with his daughter, Sari. He is a man who deeply loves his daughter but is unable to help her. Grey and Susannah are lovely together. They act like adults as there is more to consider than just their feelings.

Not only do we have a lead couple to enjoy but the secondary characters are just as interesting. Sari, Laurent, Rosalie as well as Maria add depth to the story. All these characters are wonderful additions.

LIGHT OF THE MOON is a wonderfully written story. It is filled with heart-felt emotions by all the characters and the reader will be swept away by their story.