I was just given a brand new copy of her novel Sandcastles.  I'm really enjoying it so far, her writing is really nice.  I'm not normally into any sort of romance type novels, though I did enjoy the MacGregor series by Nora Roberts very much.

A PDF sample of Sandcastles for those interested.

Has anyone else read her work that can recommend another book of hers I might enjoy, or might be able to pass on to a friend?

Luanne Rice is ALWAYS a very pleasant read...I also don't really read "romance" novels, but that's not really what Luanne Rice is about -- much more about relationships, usually in families. I don't think you can go wrong with any of her books, but True Blue is a favourite of mine, along with Cloud Nine, Follow the Stars Home, Home Fires and Summer of Roses & Summer's Child. I can't think of one of her books that I haven't finished with a sigh of contentment. Try another of her books and I think you will enjoy that too.

I agree, she's very pleasant. What I like is she centers on one town, and kind of rotates who in the town she writes about so she's kind of going behind the doors.

I also agree that I usually don't do romance novels, but will break that exception for her stories.

Katherine, I have Luann Rice's Summer's Child and also Firefly Beach.  Both like new.  They aren't yet posted but if you are interested in both for 1 credit, PM me.

There is a sequel to Sandcastles called What Matter's Most which continues mainly with Sister Bernadette and Tom's storyline, but also keeps you updated on the rest of the family.

I finished Sandcastles and thought it was a nice, easy read as well.  I'm glad to know about the sequel.  I read an excerpt from Summer of Roses and thought I might try to find that one.  Thanks for some of the recommendations.

I have Summer of Roses on my shelf if you're interested. It is a hardcover, perfect condition.

I've read Summer's Child and Summer of Roses.  They go together and were both really good.  My grandma reads her stuff so I have a bunch of them (and some posted).

Do her books need to be read in any order?

Thank you for your info on Ms Rice I will give her a try.

I just finished Silver Bells (getting into the season of Christmas and all). It was a lovely story.

I've read a couple of her other books as well - Angels all over Town, and Firefly Beach. They are all pretty much feel good stories about love, family and forgiveness. (at least that's what I've seen in the three I've read so far).  I like em and will read them if they come my way.

The Aluminum Christmas Tree?  That sounds interesting;  I remember the aluminum Christmas trees when I was a child.......with the color wheels.  We'd always had a real tree but one year borrowed my aunts aluminum one;  I thought we were something with that tree.

Jenny, Most of Luanne Rice's books can be read in any order, although there are recurring characters since so many of her books take place in a small area of the CT shoreline but if you haven't read the book that one of those characters is from, they are not integral to the plot -- it is more like waving to a neighbor. Summer of Roses & Summer's Child are a duo as is Sandcastles & What Matters Most but even those can be read separately. For relaxing reading Luanne Rice is one of my faves.