Home Fires: A Novel

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.

Home Fires is the first Luanne Rice book I have read and I know that after finishing this wonderful book, I will now be seeking to devour all of her other books!!Ms. Rice writes from the heart concerning what matters most in a family - love, tenderness and caring. She writes of tragedy and loss that will have you weeping but by the end of this book, you are smiling with joy at the realization of love and hope in this family in the midst of all of the tragedy. I absolutely loved the tenderness, understanding, and compassion in the character of Thomas Devlin - (yes, Thomas, where are you? :-)). I admired the strength and courage in Anne Davis after the recent loss of her four-year-old daughter. She draws the reader completely into the depth of each character, from young to old, and you feel like you know them intimately and can relate to them all. You experience their pain, grief, and uncertainty and mourn their losses. Rice's ability to magically draw on the emotions and real life scenarios of family life is really amazing.This book's message is indeed one of hope, trust and love. Luanne Rice lets you know that amidst the chaos of tragedy, love can find roots, grow sprouts, and blossom gloriously again - one just has to trust and let love in.I love to see this book made into a movie! I highly recommend this wonderful book and eagerly look forward to reading more of her books!

Not for nothing is fire frequently referred to as cleansing; through the centuries it has frequently been used to cauterize wounds and prevent infection. Of course, it can also destroy.Fire is the catalyst that brings together Anne Davis, a young woman who is mourning the death of her four year old daughter, and Thomas Devlin, the firefighter whose wife died in the fire that has left horrible scars on his face and body. Anne has returned to the home on an island off the coast of Connecticut in which she and her sister Gabrielle were born and raised.Anne left the island, married well, and became a famous jet-setting artist and mother. Gabrielle, resentful of Anne's success, stayed on the island, married not-so-well, began a catering business and also became a mother. Gabrielle's daughter, Maggie, now a teenager, is drawn into a group of rebellious kids, doing things she doesn't want to do with people she doesn't even like very much. Anne's husband Mark, who had begun an affair shortly before the death of their daughter, has come to realize that he wants Anne back again. She however, has learned to love the damaged Thomas. Gabrielle, who has been jealous of Anne all their lives, is brought up sharply by a hard fact; the more you have, the more you have to lose.HOME FIRES is a sweeping story of love and loss, of life and acceptance of the hand we're dealt. The characters area convincing and believable, and the plot could easily be today's headlines or tomorrow's movie-of-the week.

I have read "Blue Moon" and "Stone Heart" by Luanne Rice and found "Home Fires" just as interesting. I loved following the relationship between Tom & Anne. I love how Luanne Rice writes about romance but also about family. Her books are interesting and hard to put down. I am currently reading "Cloud Nine" and look forward to finding some of her out-of-print titles. If you are looking for a good read on a cool night, on the beach or a rainy day I suggest "Home Fires" or any other Luanne Rice book.

Homefires is probably the best book I have read about the dynamics of family and death. The reader is able to feel the devestation of Anne Davis and examine the life of lonely Thomas Devlin. Rice draws these two, very complicated characters together in a rather unique relationship. It is at this point that Homefires delivers certain reality...Devlin's son, Ned, must deal with his feelings about Anne. Anne's sister must work through the issues of her own family...and the envy of her sister. Added to this mix of mourning, jealousy, pride, and anger is Anne's troubled niece Maggie. Only in reality would one see a story of this magnitude played out. LuAnne Rice does a lovely job showing how each character takes on his or her own personal demons. I recommend Homefires to any reader.