Summer of Roses: A Novel Mass Market Paperback – January 1, 2005

I had the first book wanted to read the follow up to the first novel.

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.

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.

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.

This was such a great book. I had to read it after reading the previous book with Lily, Liam, and Rose.

Wonderful book. Page turning. It was delightful and suspenseful.I love Luanne Rice’s ability to keep us engaged. Romance fills the holes in others hearts.

Provides insight into mental abuse and physical abuse. How three women dealt with it. Sad hat they had to give up their life and move to other locations to get away from abuse.

The characters were very believable and although there were three women who had suffered from one man each had stayed strong and endured and put their lives back together!