Home Fires

Rating:
Summary: WHAT AN EMOTIONAL READ!!
Review: This must have been the beginning of the realization of the talent of Luanne Rice. Written 10 years ago, this book is a tiny bit dated already in that there are no use of cell phones, but overall the book is an emotional read that is hard to put down.

Anne Davis is still reeling from the death of her four-year-old daughter and the abandonment by her husband when she returns to the island home where she was raised. She hasn't been there very long when a fire breaks out. Anne escapes to safety but rushes back into the house to retrieve something. What is it that she would risk her life to save? Fireman Thomas Devlin risks his own life to save Anne who is uninjured. Somewhat of a recluse, Thomas has been living on the island after having been unable to safe his own wife in a fire in which he was terribly scarred.

Despite accusing looks from those who think she was responsible for her daughter's death, Anne settles into island life where she is close to her sister Gabrielle and her niece, Maggie, a teenager who is on her own downward spiral.

Soon both the woman who is scarred on the inside and the man who is scarred on the outside find themselves attracted to one another.

This is a short (312-page) book so it is hard to write more without including spoilers. But suffice to say, things do not always go smoothly for Thomas and Anne. In addition, Anne is mentoring her niece Maggie, who is constantly being tempted to continue a life that will take her right into the hands of danger.

Thomas is one of the most gentle, sweetest men ever. His love and consideration and respect for Anne is almost palpable. Anne's pain over losing her daughter is equally as palpable. One begins to wonder though if they will ever be able to find a future together, especially with Anne's contrite husband back in the picture.

Luanne Rice has written an unforgettable novel set on the New England coast which is sure to make my top 10 of the year; I can't believe I didn't read it earlier.


Rating:
Summary: What a wonderful discovery - Luanne Rice!
Review: This was my first book by her, but it won't be my last. Thank you Amazon, for recommending this author to me. She keeps you turning the pages. This story of a mom recovering from the loss of her only child and then slowly falling in love with the "wounded and scarred" firefighter who rescues her touched my heart. As the wife of a fire-fighter myself it has special meaning, but anyone would love this story. I can't wait to read another of her books. She doesn't drag things out, and go on frivolously as some women authors do, but gives you such an insight into the emotions and depths of her characters. I highly recommend this book. Since I finished this book I have read others by her and found that her early books "Angels All Over Town" and "Blue Moon" were not written as well as her newer books. She is a greatly improved writer and has 2 new books coming out in 2002 - which I can't wait to read. This one I actually went out and bought after reading it from the library. I originally read the hardcover, not the paperback as it says here.