Can someone tell about Luanne Rice's books? Not so much whether you like them, but a critique of her writing in general. Are her  stories dark and depressing, or spirit lifting? Romantic, or just with a lot of sex? Suspenseful? Common themes? Basically I'm wondering whether to begin reading her. What are your thoughts? Your top 3?

Thanks, Rose

I like her books because she focuses on a town, and kind of rotates the viewpoint.

They are pleasant fluff.

She focuses a lot of her stories on coastal towns, which is nice. 

My favorite three:

Summer of Roses,
Summer's Child
and The Perfect Summer

Here stories aren't dark - they are mostly fluff, with some romance and sometimes a little mystery and suspense thrown in.  The first book I read by her was The Perfect Summer and it made me want to read some of her other ones.

*Edit to add:  I definitely recommend this author

Luanne Rice's books have little, if any, sex.  I find them a bit sappy at times, though I do read a lot of her books.  They are a nice change from the thrillers and mysteries that I usually read.  My favorites are the Hubbard's Point series, Firefly Beach and True Blue being the best IMO.  You can check out her books here Luanne Rice and see the series and the order.  I do recommend her if you like feel-good romance with a little mystery added in.

Terri, Jennifer and Mimi,

Thanks  for the tips and the link. I see that she has been writing for over 20 years. How have her stories changed? For the better?

Rose

I have Cloud Nine on my shelf, it's the only book of hers that I've read. I started reading Follow the Stars Home but stopped, maybe I wasn't in the mood for that book at the time. Eventually I will pick it up but I did recently order another book of hers.

I found Cloud Nine to be inspiring/uplifting and emotional. It was great!

See what others have to say but I think that one would be worth giving a try.

There are some excellant reviews on PBS of Luanna Rice's books.   Yes - I think her books get better with time.   She's a particular favorite author of mine.  She's light and yet keeps you wanting to turn the page.

I can't say if her stories have gotten better since I haven't read her early books.  What I like best about her books is that she sometimes incorporates characters from other stories, even though the book may not be about the same family.  You will usually see someone familiar in each book. 

I posted several of her books today that my daughter in law gave me that I would be willing to do a deal on.  (I've already read them.)  If you're interested just send me a pm any time as long as I still have them.   Spoken for.

"Cloud Nine" was awesome.  Then I tried 2 others & they weren't like Cloud Nine at all)

I haven't read a Luanne Rice book that I didn't like but my favorites were Sand Castles and What Matters Most

I like the Hubbards Point books too.  Makes me want to move there!

My top three would be:  Summer Light, True Blue and Safe Harbor.

I've read a few of her books as well. I like them - they are sweet and make you cry a little.

I agree that The summer of Roses and Summers Child were two of my favorites as well. they are a set. I totally cried reading this these

I have quite a few of her books and have enjoyed them all.  One of her books was made into a TV series a couple of years ago, starring Rob Lowe ( I think, the same guy on Brothers and Sisters). I really enjoyed it also, but I can't remember the name of the book! :(  Perhaps someone else reading this can remember.