Painter Honor Sullivan has made a life for herself and her three daughters–Regis, Agnes, and Cecilia–at Star of the Sea Academy on the magical Connecticut shore. Here she teaches art at the convent school’s beautiful seaside campus, over which Honor’s sister-in-law, mother superior Bernadette Ignatius, keeps a benevolent and watchful eye. No one could have foreseen the day rebellious Regis would come home with the stunning news that she was getting married. Nor could anyone have guessed how that sudden announcement would soon change all their lives forever. Eleven years ago, Honor thought she had the perfect home, the perfect love, the perfect life. Then her husband, brilliant photographer and sculptor John Sullivan, broke her heart–and tore their little family apart. Now, hearing of Regis’s impending marriage, John has ended his self-imposed exile and returned to the family he’s always loved more than anything on earth. What he finds is one daughter still hurting over his abandonment, another who barely remembers him, and a third who may be in more trouble than anyone knows. And then there is Honor herself–and a passion that may have been interrupted but that has never waned. Some things, like sandcastles, don’t survive the changing tides. But love, family, and friendship–just as fragile–have a way of standing against anything. It will take nothing short of a miracle to heal the rift between father and daughter, husband and wife, the past and the present–but a miracle is exactly what is in the works at Star of the Sea Academy. The only question is: Do you believe?
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"Ms. Rice's novels are generally full of characters with spunk and this one was no different. The setting alternates between Ireland and the coast of Connetticut and that adds to the interest. The back story holds some clues as to an upcoming novel too." — Corky (4 out of 5 stars)
"Ms. Rice's novels are generally full of characters with spunk and this one was no different. The setting alternates between Ireland and the coast of Connetticut and that adds to the interest. The back story holds some clues as to an upcoming novel too."
“Rice is always an exceptional storyteller, but her latest novel transcends mere storytelling. You don’t just read about the characters, you feel their emotions alongside them. Rice will move readers from laughter to tears in this definite must-read.”
" Took me a while to get into but once I did I read the whole second half of the book in one day. "
" A wonderful read and it goes with "What Matters Most". These are two of my all-time favorites by Luanne Rice! "
" great book---i am starting to really like this author. "
" Tale of a family broken by a single event but eventually put back together after much heart ache and lost time. It made me think that often when we try to shield our children from harm, we end up doing more damage in the long run. "
" This was an okay book. It wasn't my favorite but it also wasn't the worst (ahem...Edgar Sawtell). It was an easy read and I enjoyed how the the story was woven around family history. Some parts dragged out but the storyline of Bernie & Tom was a nice twist. I felt the ending was a little hoakey - but then again love stories aren't really my thing. I was kind of hoping someone would get murdered at some point because that's my type of reading! I probably will not pick up the second book in this series. "
" Really enjoyed this - probably because I was familiar with the places in Ireland that were referenced, so that made it fun for me. "
" A story that takes place in Ireland and Connecticut. A family learns the truth about the past after the father does six years in prison. "
" Surprisingly better than I thought it would be. Hm... "
" I really liked this book. A little slow-moving, but very touching. "
" Love me some Luanne rice...this one is the first part of a 'biopic' that continues in her other book called what matters the most "
" I had a hard time getting into this one. "
" this was a great quick read...could not put it down "
" Great read, but not a light read. Luanne Rice's books are about very complicated family dynamics, but so far all of the books I've read I've enjoyed. I'm look forward to reading the sequal to this book. "
" This book was a little too slow for my taste. It failed to keep my attention. "
" I found that the story was too predictable and I don't like the happily ever after everything wrapped up in a nice little bow endings (unrealistic even for fiction). "
" This is a wonderful book. It talks about how we all try and protect the ones we love. No matter what the cost. "
" I just couldn't get into this book. Maybe I got caught up in the way the father, John Sullivan, torn the family a part. "
" The ending was hokey and predictable, BUT as a whole, I enjoyed the story. Tugged at my inner romantic, which says a lot. "
" This was a nice easy read. It was a little slow in places and predictable but still enjoyable. "
" I learned very early on that this book was not at all my cup of tea. In all fairness, I should mention that I didn't make it past page 17, but those few pages I did read were pretty painful. Moving on... "
" I knew figured out what had happened way early with John & Regis. I didn't really follow Honor's problems. There was an interesting parallel with the Irish immigration and the characters' visit back to Ireland. "
" A good story, a little predictable, but some good writing. I will be reading the sequel. "
" This was a good book - enjoyable reading. "
" Started out ok, but really fell flat at the end. Ok for chick-lit, but I wouldn't necessarily pick up any more of Rice's books... "
" i liked this book, even went to grab the next one What Matters Most. "
" This book was okay. At times I really liked it and at other times I could not get into the story at all. It took me a long time to finish which isn't like me at all. I really can't put my finger on what exactly didn't work for me in this book, but I would not recommend it. "
" Another really good Luanne Rice book. I always enjoy her books and I really like reading about Ireland. This book jumps back and forth from Ireland to Connecticut. I really liked it. "
" This was an average romantic fiction tale. I won't look for this author again, but i did enjoy it. "
" It was a very good book, but had I done more research, I would have known to read this one before I read What Matters Most (an excellent book) because I alredy knew what was going to happen. I enjoyed the journey though. "
" I really liked this novel. I don't remember all of the reasons, but I liked the characters and family development. I would love to reread this one. "
" Emotional, deeply touching, a story about family, deep, never ending love, passion, forgiveness. "
" Too full of angst, too predictable, little mystery solved too soon. "
" First book by this author and fell in love with it. "
" The story was a little drawn out and predictable. I think I would have enjoyed the story better if it had been told from the perspective of just one main character. "
" I almost gave up on this book. It took some time to get into it, but once I did, I had to find out about all of the subplots, twists and turns. You also learn about Ireland where the families involved have their roots. "
" Not the best Luanne Rice book i have read but it was good. It was about a family struggling to become a family again after tragedy strikes their family, i was suprised with how the book ended but in a good way. "
" This book was recommended to me - so I felt 'duty-bound' to finish it - it's slow moving for at least the 1st half - then picks up a bit - it's rather predictable. I did enjoy the book location of Connecticut - familiar towns, etc... I rated it as 'OK' and it is. "
" I really enjoyed it at the time I read it, but it isn't something I really plan on reading again. "
Luanne Rice is the author of more than thirty novels, including the New York Times bestseller Sandcastles. Many of her novels have been made into movies for television. Her short stories, essays, and articles have been widely published in magazines and newspapers. She received the 2014 Connecticut Governor’s Arts Award for excellence and lifetime achievement in the Literary Arts category.
Ann Marie Lee is a seven-time winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award for narration. She is a Los Angeles–based actress with television credits that include ER, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and Nip/Tuck. Her stage performances for Broadway National Tours and regional theater include Peter Pan, As You Like It, Heartbreak House, and The Cherry Orchard.
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