LAST KISS

Author: Luanne Rice ISBN: 9780553805123 7/2008 FICTION Publisher: BANTAM

A face on a poster, a name in the news, an inexplicable tragedy. A promising young man goes out one warm summer evening and is found dead—murdered—less than twenty-four hours later. No motive. No clues. No answers. Most people reflect briefly on the disturbing headlines, perhaps say a silent prayer of safely removed sympathy, and go on with their lives. But what if the young man was your son? Or your true love? Nearly a year after the death of eighteen-year-old Charlie, singer-songwriter Sheridan Rosslare still hasn’t played a note of the music that was once her life’s passion. Tucked away in the beach house where she raised her only child, she lives with her memories of him and a grief too big to share even with her beloved sisters or her dear friend Stevie Moore. Nor can Stevie comfort Charlie’s heartbroken girlfriend, Nell Kilvert, whom she regards as a daughter. Nell won’t rest until she finds out what really happened to the boy she loved. Out of the past she summons a man she believes cares enough, and is tough enough, to uncover the truth—Sheridan’s long-ago soul mate, Gavin Dawson. Now Gavin’s boat, the Squire Toby, sits anchored in the harbor within sight of the window of the woman he once loved, still loves, and will always love. Sheridan,too, had once fervently believed in the miraculous power of love and healing, forgiveness, connection, and reconnection. But that faith died along with her son….

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

LAST KISS is a story of discovery. Love and loss, friendship and commitment and the lengths one would go to in order to uncover the truth. This story does more than skim the surface; it dives deep into the motives, actions and desires of its characters. It also pulled this reader in from the prologue, when I was lured onto Hubbard's Point and, like the first character I met, became a watcher.

I have to admit, I'm a Luanne Rice fan from way back. I think LAST KISS is one of her best books yet.

Why? Because the characters in this are so realistic, so ordinary, they could be anyone. I felt like I was in Hubbard's Point with Sheridan, the mother whose beloved son has been murdered. I feel her pain, her loss, as well as the compassion from those around her who want only to help—but aren't sure how to do that. Small touches, like the idea that hiding—living—in the attic isn't feasible, make this story pop, because the little things are items that would flit through anyone's mind. So understandable, all of them.

The victim's young girlfriend's heartbreak is so poignant and vivid she makes the reader feel—maybe more than any reader expects to feel. Nell's heartache is heartbreaking, but necessary. And Gavin, the man who has loved Sheridan forever and comes to her aid, has a measure of understanding that any woman in Sheridan's shoes would appreciate. Watching them delve into a young man's murder is both heart-wrenching and joyful. Heart-wrenching for obvious reasons, and joyful because, despite the pain, these people need to find the truth. Only then will they be able to move on, to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives and find happiness.

Luanne Rice's honest and flawless writing style makes LAST KISS truly one of the most memorable books I've read. Simply amazing.

Kay James