Summer of Roses: A Novel

This story had love, emotional abuse, women hiding from one man but ending up thriving. I really enjoyed reading it and the one before it. Oh and don’t forget there was also wildlife being exploited and bad guys put in jail!

When I want to read a feel-good book with a great story, strong women, some twists and turns...Luanne Rice is where I go to find one. This sequel to Summer's Child wraps up another satisfying series that warms the heart and strengthens the belief that there are still good. people in this crazy world. Love the women in both these books who will do anything to fiercely protect their own and fight for them to the finish. Luanne tells a tale with details of beautiful places that make you feel like you've traveled there and have a ringside seat.

This is one book that I practically breezed through. The plot was engaging and kept my interest so well that I read it in one sitting, only taking a short break to eat dinner. Each character was well developed and entirely believable. There was no lag of action and suspense throughout the book. While it addressed the topic of domestic violence, it was refreshing to have the women persevere and prosper.

I've become a real Luanne Rice fan and love all her writing. This novel is actually a sequel to Summer's Child which you should read first as Summer of Roses continues the story. Rice is able to weave many subplots together and then bring all the tapestry together in one grand finale, often with surprises. Her strong suit is empathy with those who are less fortunate or facing crises and difficulties in their lives, like the little girl who suffers from a heart defect, has an abusive father that is redeemed by a wonderful stepfather.. but should not say more so that you can enjoy the book with pristine anticipation. True in this book and in many of Rice's novels is her ability to showcase an animal - here a whale - and make that animal a vibrant and most meaningful part of the story. She is an animal-lover and fellow animal lovers will enjoy her writing. She celebrates strong family relationships, friendships and ties so that somehow the power of love wins out. Plus she has mastered characterization in a way that would do Charles Dickens proud. As readers we really get into the minds and consciousness of the cast of characters. In addition, her villains and abusers are those that we can say good riddance to; there's an element of old fashioned morality and the celebration of wholesome goodliness that is refreshing.

I enjoyed reading the book. Loved seeing some of the other Hubbard's Point people also. Looking forward to more of the shore

It's so nice to be reading a true love story for a change. I really needed a n inspiring group hug kind of book. Our world of late, hasn't been such a wonderful place to live in. Too much sad and horrific true stories.

A bit too romanticized for my taste but it was an easy summer read. It is a sequel to another book. I wanted to know what happened to the characters even though it isn't really my favorite style.

This series was a joy to read. Louanne Rice, has a way of highlighting universal struggles wrapped up in the mysticism of how love, courage and togetherness can see us through even the most painful and frightening of circumstances…leading us to keep believing in happiness and love.

Very fast shipping. The story line was a little different then the fist part of the serie. Overall great book. Can't wait to finish reading.