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Hubbard's Point/Black Hall #6
Last Kiss
New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice returns to Hubbard’s Point, Connecticut, and to characters from her beloved Beach Girls , to tell the haunting story of a close-knit community grappling with a heartbreaking mystery, and of a woman rebuilding her world and reclaiming a love she believed lost a lifetime ago.
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….
Unfolding among the Hubbard’s Point people and places that fans have come to treasure, and replete with feeling and mystery, Last Kiss weighs the power of the past to heal as well as wound, in a captivating tale of love, loss, and redemption that no reader will ever forget.
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….
Unfolding among the Hubbard’s Point people and places that fans have come to treasure, and replete with feeling and mystery, Last Kiss weighs the power of the past to heal as well as wound, in a captivating tale of love, loss, and redemption that no reader will ever forget.
341 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
312 people are currently reading
2601 people want to read
About the author
Luanne Rice
109 books3,146 followersLuanne Rice is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-eight novels, translated into thirty languages. Rice often writes about love, family, nature, and the sea. Most recently she has written thrillers, including one based on a murder that affected her family. She received the 2014 Connecticut Governor’s Arts Award for excellence and lifetime achievement in the Literary Arts category.
Connecticut College awarded Rice an honorary degree and invited her to donate her papers to the College’s Special Collections Library. They are archived in the Luanne Rice Collection.
Rice has also received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from St. Joseph University in West Hartford, Conn.
Several of Rice's novels have been adapted for television. Her monologue for the play Motherhood Out Loud premiered at Hartford Stage and has been performed Off-Broadway in NYC and at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.
Rice is a Creative Affiliate of the Safina Center. She lives in southeastern Connecticut.
Connecticut College awarded Rice an honorary degree and invited her to donate her papers to the College’s Special Collections Library. They are archived in the Luanne Rice Collection.
Rice has also received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from St. Joseph University in West Hartford, Conn.
Several of Rice's novels have been adapted for television. Her monologue for the play Motherhood Out Loud premiered at Hartford Stage and has been performed Off-Broadway in NYC and at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.
Rice is a Creative Affiliate of the Safina Center. She lives in southeastern Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
November 28, 2015
This book was a great read. I couldn't put it down. The book is about how a small northern American town suffers at the loss of one of there own through murder. It shows how each family member, friend and detective grieve and finally come to terms with their loss and find a way to move on with their lives. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy and Be Blessed!
August 7, 2016
This one in the series takes up a little from Beach Girls my favourite in the series. Nell features in it, now grown into her late teens and dealing with the loss of Charlie her boyfriend. As is Sheridan his mother. What happened the night of his death? Nell is determined to find out. So well written, the details of setting are wonderful to read. Emotional and satisfying read.
March 3, 2014
I found this book to be slow in many parts, not one of my favorites. I did like the ending, but it took me a while to finish this one. :(
September 22, 2016
O que posso dizer de este livro....que adorei. Foi o segundo livro que li da autora, o outro foi a linguagem secreta das irmãs que também gostei muito.
Adorei as personagens, a história e as descrições. A autora faz descrições lindas neste livro. Apesar de uma história triste, também tem momentos de muito amor e de alegria. Aconselho é um livro mesmo bom!
Adorei as personagens, a história e as descrições. A autora faz descrições lindas neste livro. Apesar de uma história triste, também tem momentos de muito amor e de alegria. Aconselho é um livro mesmo bom!
July 11, 2013
It was all I could do to get through this book. Along with its prequel, "Beach Girls", it was filled lots of unnecessary details and dialogue. I found myself skimming and skipping chunks here and there.
Surprisingly, it finally picked up in Pt. 2, halfway through the book. I actually enjoyed the second half. If it weren't for the whole first half of the book, I could have rated it at 4 stars instead of 2.
Surprisingly, it finally picked up in Pt. 2, halfway through the book. I actually enjoyed the second half. If it weren't for the whole first half of the book, I could have rated it at 4 stars instead of 2.
September 13, 2008
I read it because I got it free as a ARC.
Compares to Practical Magic, but with way, way less humor.
Death, romance, feelings. Lots and lots of feelings. Very squishy book.
Needed more humor, more magic, and less feelings, but all in all not a bad read.
Compares to Practical Magic, but with way, way less humor.
Death, romance, feelings. Lots and lots of feelings. Very squishy book.
Needed more humor, more magic, and less feelings, but all in all not a bad read.
May 22, 2011
Este livro foi a minha estreia com a autora, e apesar da maioria das criticas a este livro ser positivas, as criticas á autora já não o são tanto o que me fez começar o livro com um pé atrás.
Faz-me uma certa confusão que os autores tenham livros tão dispares em termos de conteudo/criticas, mas ainda não posso falar mais porque ainda não li mais nada da autora.
Falando de: "O Último Beijo".
Eu simplesmente adorei este livro, desde o inicio ao fim. Apesar de não estar inserido no meu género preferido, achei maravilhoso.
A história ainda que um pouco trágica, foi também muito bonita e emocionante. E o toque policial que lhe foi conferido resultou lindamente, dando um pouco de mais acção ao livro de modo a que este não fosse completamente parado.
Gostei bastante da escrita da autora, não se estende muito nas descrições e estas são feitas de maneira muito leve e bonita. Os sentimentos dos personagens são bem expressados transparecendo também para nós as suas emoções. E o livro não apresentou, realmente, partes baixas em que a consistência da história fosse perdida.
Quanto ás personagens:
A história baseia-se em antigos amores e também na trágica morte de Charlie Rosslare o filho da protagonista Sheridan Rosslare.
Sofri bastante com as partes em que lia o sofrimento de Sheridan e de Nell a namorada de Charlie, essas eram partes no livro em que o meu coração se apertava tanto... Dei comigo com as lágrimas a quererem brotar, mas fui-me contendo.
Apesar do seu grande sofrimento, Sheridan mostra-se, principalmente no fim, uma mulher de grande força e carácter. Nell é uma personagem que me fazia encolher constantemente com tanto sofrimento, penso que também tinha a sua força apesar de se mostrar bastante mais frágil em ralação aos outros, e o amor que tem por Charlie é comovente.
Nell como se encontra incoformada com o que a policia diz que aconteceu a Charlie decide contratar um detective, Gavin Dawson que é um antigo amor de Sheridan. Gavin é um personagem de que gostei muitissimo, principalmente quando a autora retornava ao passado e nos dava passagens da sua juventude com Sheridan, mostrando a intesidade com que Gavin viveu. Apesar do seu problema em controlar-se no que toca á violência, achei Gavin muito romântico, inteligente, prespicaz e determinado. A maneira como expressou o seu sentimento para com Sheridan em relação ao seu filho e tudo, foi muito emotiva e bonita.
Entretanto, o livro também vai falando um pouco de como era o romance de Nell e de Charlie, e vai ainda contado o romance de Jack, o pai de Nell e Stevie que não corre ás mil maravilhas.
Apesar de não ter participado activamente no presente da história, o que foi sendo dito de Charlie leva-me a querer que também posso dizer que gostei muito do seu personagem, um verdadeiro romântico e carinhoso apesar da sua imprevisibilidade, tanto como Gavin.
A história (secundária) de Jack e Stevie também foi bastante bonita e foram ambos personagens muito honestos e carinhosos um com o outro.
Ainda aparecem dois personagens, um deles que só participa mais para o final e o outro que não participa tão activamente que são, Randy o pai de Charlie e Jeff, filho também de Randy e meio-irmão de Charlie.
De Randy, nem quando este se tentava redimir perante os filhos por ter sido um pai ausente consegui gostar dele. Simplesmente não encaixei com toda a porcaria que fez anteriormente e por isso não gostei muito dele.
Já Jeff, apesar de tudo, foi outro personagem muito emotivo e do qual fui gostando, mesmo depois das descobertas feitas.
No geral, foi um livro que me deu um grande prazer ler, pela sua simplicidade na história. Não foi um livro em que tivesse de pensar muito em qualquer intriga ou mistério. Mas no entanto pela sua simplicidade e leveza deu-me um enorme gozo desfrutar dele.
Faz-me uma certa confusão que os autores tenham livros tão dispares em termos de conteudo/criticas, mas ainda não posso falar mais porque ainda não li mais nada da autora.
Falando de: "O Último Beijo".
Eu simplesmente adorei este livro, desde o inicio ao fim. Apesar de não estar inserido no meu género preferido, achei maravilhoso.
A história ainda que um pouco trágica, foi também muito bonita e emocionante. E o toque policial que lhe foi conferido resultou lindamente, dando um pouco de mais acção ao livro de modo a que este não fosse completamente parado.
Gostei bastante da escrita da autora, não se estende muito nas descrições e estas são feitas de maneira muito leve e bonita. Os sentimentos dos personagens são bem expressados transparecendo também para nós as suas emoções. E o livro não apresentou, realmente, partes baixas em que a consistência da história fosse perdida.
Quanto ás personagens:
A história baseia-se em antigos amores e também na trágica morte de Charlie Rosslare o filho da protagonista Sheridan Rosslare.
Sofri bastante com as partes em que lia o sofrimento de Sheridan e de Nell a namorada de Charlie, essas eram partes no livro em que o meu coração se apertava tanto... Dei comigo com as lágrimas a quererem brotar, mas fui-me contendo.
Apesar do seu grande sofrimento, Sheridan mostra-se, principalmente no fim, uma mulher de grande força e carácter. Nell é uma personagem que me fazia encolher constantemente com tanto sofrimento, penso que também tinha a sua força apesar de se mostrar bastante mais frágil em ralação aos outros, e o amor que tem por Charlie é comovente.
Nell como se encontra incoformada com o que a policia diz que aconteceu a Charlie decide contratar um detective, Gavin Dawson que é um antigo amor de Sheridan. Gavin é um personagem de que gostei muitissimo, principalmente quando a autora retornava ao passado e nos dava passagens da sua juventude com Sheridan, mostrando a intesidade com que Gavin viveu. Apesar do seu problema em controlar-se no que toca á violência, achei Gavin muito romântico, inteligente, prespicaz e determinado. A maneira como expressou o seu sentimento para com Sheridan em relação ao seu filho e tudo, foi muito emotiva e bonita.
Entretanto, o livro também vai falando um pouco de como era o romance de Nell e de Charlie, e vai ainda contado o romance de Jack, o pai de Nell e Stevie que não corre ás mil maravilhas.
Apesar de não ter participado activamente no presente da história, o que foi sendo dito de Charlie leva-me a querer que também posso dizer que gostei muito do seu personagem, um verdadeiro romântico e carinhoso apesar da sua imprevisibilidade, tanto como Gavin.
A história (secundária) de Jack e Stevie também foi bastante bonita e foram ambos personagens muito honestos e carinhosos um com o outro.
Ainda aparecem dois personagens, um deles que só participa mais para o final e o outro que não participa tão activamente que são, Randy o pai de Charlie e Jeff, filho também de Randy e meio-irmão de Charlie.
De Randy, nem quando este se tentava redimir perante os filhos por ter sido um pai ausente consegui gostar dele. Simplesmente não encaixei com toda a porcaria que fez anteriormente e por isso não gostei muito dele.
Já Jeff, apesar de tudo, foi outro personagem muito emotivo e do qual fui gostando, mesmo depois das descobertas feitas.
No geral, foi um livro que me deu um grande prazer ler, pela sua simplicidade na história. Não foi um livro em que tivesse de pensar muito em qualquer intriga ou mistério. Mas no entanto pela sua simplicidade e leveza deu-me um enorme gozo desfrutar dele.
February 5, 2011
O Último Beijo é um livro fantástico. Absolutamente fantástico.
Gostei imenso, devorei-o em pouco mais de um dia.
Tem uma história tão comovente, tão emocionante... É difícil não sentimos empatia pela situação e pelas personagens - e por toda a história.
O livro está muito bem construído e a escrita é tão simples que é impossível não nos sentirmos lá com as personagens a viver as mesmas coisas que eles, a sentir o que eles sentem.
O Charlie - que bela personagem, quase parece irreal. E a Nell é impossível não nos sentirmos tocadas pelo amor imenso que ela dedica ao Charlie - e ele a ela.
E a Sheridan é uma mulher forte e corajosa e cheia de carácter. Gostei muito dela. Fez-me pensar na minha própria mãe e pela admiração que lhe tenho. Apesar de tudo, a Sheridan reconstruiu-se e à sua vida. E o Gavin e ela fazem um casal lindo. Acho que o Gavin sempre foi o homem perfeito para ela - como vemos em todo o livro- mas eles têm uma ligação tão especial que para mim nem parece que eles alguma vez estiveram separados. Às vezes precisamos de explorar caminhos diferentes, antes de podermos apreciar verdadeiramente o único caminho que é certo para nós.
Gostei também muito do toque de mistério e de magia. Foram toques subtis, mas que no geral fizeram com o que livro ficasse delicioso.
A autora conseguiu surpreender-me bastante com o assassínio. E a magia apelou ao lado emotivo do livro, o que deu para dar força à qualidade do livro, também.
Gostei de todas as personagens - a Bunny e a Agatha (muito divertidas e dão vida e animação à história), a Stevie e o pai da Nell ( que casal tão querido ) e o Vincent ( deu também animação ao livro, com todas aquelas manias de se destacar).
É uma história triste, sem dúvida.
Mas não é deprimente. Leva-nos a pensar nos caminhos da vida e nas escolhas que temos de enfrentar em cada dia que nos passa pela frente.
Leva-nos a pensar sobre os erros que já cometemos e nas atrocidades, que infelizmente, podem acontecer a toda a gente.
Leva-nos a aceitar que a vida não é eterna e que o nosso tempo é finito, mas que podemos fazer com que ele valha a pena e leva-nos também a dar valor àquilo que temos.
Ao ler o livro, não consegui resistir pensar na vida real - todos os dias, vemos nas notícias, assassinatos a jovens de idade do Charlie ou ainda mais novos - e fez-me pensar o que aconteceria se fosse a mim que isso acontecesse. Claro que nunca estamos à espera que nos aconteça a nós e este livro é uma lição de vida.
Faz-nos ver as coisas de outra perspectiva.
Também não consegui resistir a pensar sobre a minha própria família - e o quanto esta significa para mim. Fez-me recordar que o sentimento que une uma família tem de ser celebrado sempre e em qualquer ocasião e não só em datas importantes.
Aquele final do livro é sem dúvida adepto das lágrimas e o elemento mágico tornou tudo muito mais lindo.
Gostei mesmo muito.
Um livro a não perder. Um lição para aprender e para levarmos em conta nas nossas próprias vidas.
Gostei imenso, devorei-o em pouco mais de um dia.
Tem uma história tão comovente, tão emocionante... É difícil não sentimos empatia pela situação e pelas personagens - e por toda a história.
O livro está muito bem construído e a escrita é tão simples que é impossível não nos sentirmos lá com as personagens a viver as mesmas coisas que eles, a sentir o que eles sentem.
O Charlie - que bela personagem, quase parece irreal. E a Nell é impossível não nos sentirmos tocadas pelo amor imenso que ela dedica ao Charlie - e ele a ela.
E a Sheridan é uma mulher forte e corajosa e cheia de carácter. Gostei muito dela. Fez-me pensar na minha própria mãe e pela admiração que lhe tenho. Apesar de tudo, a Sheridan reconstruiu-se e à sua vida. E o Gavin e ela fazem um casal lindo. Acho que o Gavin sempre foi o homem perfeito para ela - como vemos em todo o livro- mas eles têm uma ligação tão especial que para mim nem parece que eles alguma vez estiveram separados. Às vezes precisamos de explorar caminhos diferentes, antes de podermos apreciar verdadeiramente o único caminho que é certo para nós.
Gostei também muito do toque de mistério e de magia. Foram toques subtis, mas que no geral fizeram com o que livro ficasse delicioso.
A autora conseguiu surpreender-me bastante com o assassínio. E a magia apelou ao lado emotivo do livro, o que deu para dar força à qualidade do livro, também.
Gostei de todas as personagens - a Bunny e a Agatha (muito divertidas e dão vida e animação à história), a Stevie e o pai da Nell ( que casal tão querido ) e o Vincent ( deu também animação ao livro, com todas aquelas manias de se destacar).
É uma história triste, sem dúvida.
Mas não é deprimente. Leva-nos a pensar nos caminhos da vida e nas escolhas que temos de enfrentar em cada dia que nos passa pela frente.
Leva-nos a pensar sobre os erros que já cometemos e nas atrocidades, que infelizmente, podem acontecer a toda a gente.
Leva-nos a aceitar que a vida não é eterna e que o nosso tempo é finito, mas que podemos fazer com que ele valha a pena e leva-nos também a dar valor àquilo que temos.
Ao ler o livro, não consegui resistir pensar na vida real - todos os dias, vemos nas notícias, assassinatos a jovens de idade do Charlie ou ainda mais novos - e fez-me pensar o que aconteceria se fosse a mim que isso acontecesse. Claro que nunca estamos à espera que nos aconteça a nós e este livro é uma lição de vida.
Faz-nos ver as coisas de outra perspectiva.
Também não consegui resistir a pensar sobre a minha própria família - e o quanto esta significa para mim. Fez-me recordar que o sentimento que une uma família tem de ser celebrado sempre e em qualquer ocasião e não só em datas importantes.
Aquele final do livro é sem dúvida adepto das lágrimas e o elemento mágico tornou tudo muito mais lindo.
Gostei mesmo muito.
Um livro a não perder. Um lição para aprender e para levarmos em conta nas nossas próprias vidas.
March 1, 2011
This book is beach reading, at best. Luanne Rice spins a good story, but she took way too much influence from Nora Roberts' elements trilogy and just missed the mark with the magic. She also should have stuck to one couple as soul mates, instead of having so many couples in the book who were just meant to be. The murder mystery was interesting, but by the time I got to the end of the book, I really didn't care why he did it. I thought she should have ended the book about 50 pages before I was finished. Definitely not a highly recommended book, as far as I'm concerned. I know she's done better.
August 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this! It was the perfect mixture of a romance and mystery. This is the first book in a while that has made me tear up with a heart warming ending 🥹
November 3, 2017
As I read stories around the United States, I find some enjoyable reading, and some so-so reading. This mystery set in Connecticut falls under the so-so reading. The story centers on young love and old love with a mushy ending. A young eighteen-year-old boy, Charlie, dies a brutal killing. Charlie's mother old boyfriend arrives to learn what happened. The discovery stuns the reader and the people involved. Luanne Rice weaves witch craft and music into the story, but each does not reach the ultimate goal of entertaining. Not a series that captured my longing for more books.
September 1, 2019
Opinião no blogue: https://a-lilianaraquel.blogspot.com/...
June 12, 2013
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 might reflect briefly on the disturbing headlines, perhaps say a prayer of safely removed sympathy, but ultimately will move 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 still too fresh and pervasive to even share with her beloved sisters or her dear friend Stevie Moore. Nor can Stevie comfort Charlie's heart-broken girlfriend, Nell Kilvert, whom Stevie 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 her faith died along with her son...
New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice returns to Hubbard's Point, Connecticut, and to characters from her beloved Beach Girls, to tell the haunting story of a close-knit community grappling with a heart-breaking mystery, and of a woman rebuilding her world and reclaiming a love she believed lost a lifetime ago.
In my opinion, reading Last Kiss by Luanne Rice was just slightly annoying. The story itself was certainly alright - perhaps more attention was paid to the romantic entanglements of characters than I would have liked, but the story was otherwise intriguing to me. However, being the sixth book in a series, there was quite a bit of catching up for me to do in Last Kiss. To me, covering the plots of five previous books in only a few pages, is not really enough. Granted, I had read The Perfect Summer - which is the fourth book in this series - back in February of 2010, however, there were still large portions of this book's plot which didn't make sense to me.
Overall, I give Last Kiss by Luanne Rice a B+! I will certainly read more from this author in the future, but I think that I will stick to reading her standalone novels rather than books from her series from now on.
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 still too fresh and pervasive to even share with her beloved sisters or her dear friend Stevie Moore. Nor can Stevie comfort Charlie's heart-broken girlfriend, Nell Kilvert, whom Stevie 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 her faith died along with her son...
New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice returns to Hubbard's Point, Connecticut, and to characters from her beloved Beach Girls, to tell the haunting story of a close-knit community grappling with a heart-breaking mystery, and of a woman rebuilding her world and reclaiming a love she believed lost a lifetime ago.
In my opinion, reading Last Kiss by Luanne Rice was just slightly annoying. The story itself was certainly alright - perhaps more attention was paid to the romantic entanglements of characters than I would have liked, but the story was otherwise intriguing to me. However, being the sixth book in a series, there was quite a bit of catching up for me to do in Last Kiss. To me, covering the plots of five previous books in only a few pages, is not really enough. Granted, I had read The Perfect Summer - which is the fourth book in this series - back in February of 2010, however, there were still large portions of this book's plot which didn't make sense to me.
Overall, I give Last Kiss by Luanne Rice a B+! I will certainly read more from this author in the future, but I think that I will stick to reading her standalone novels rather than books from her series from now on.
May 24, 2009
Estava desejosa de ler este livro :))) e com razão.
A vida de Sheridan e Nell perde todo o sentido com a morte de Charlie.
A dor sem descrição de uma Mãe que perde o seu unico filho e de uma adolescente que perde o seu grande amor são os pontos fulcrais da história.
Mas há uma comunidade inteira para as apoiar, desde Stevie a madrasta de Nell que também ela vive num impasse com o seu Amor, às irmãs de Sheridan, que tentam a todo o custo ajudá-la recorrendo aos seus antepassados Irlandeses, às suas feitiçarias ensinadas pela sua avó Afrodite ;) e aos seus cozinhados.
A morte sem sentido de Charlie faz com que Nell recorra a Gavin, o grande amor de Sheridan na adolescencia, para investigar as circunstâncias em que tal morte ocorreu. Juntos conseguirão desvendar o grande mistério que envolve a morte de Charlie, com muitas surpresas, mas também redescobrir que o Amor ainda é possível.
Luanne Rice consegue com as suas palavras fazer-nos sonhar...
A vida de Sheridan e Nell perde todo o sentido com a morte de Charlie.
A dor sem descrição de uma Mãe que perde o seu unico filho e de uma adolescente que perde o seu grande amor são os pontos fulcrais da história.
Mas há uma comunidade inteira para as apoiar, desde Stevie a madrasta de Nell que também ela vive num impasse com o seu Amor, às irmãs de Sheridan, que tentam a todo o custo ajudá-la recorrendo aos seus antepassados Irlandeses, às suas feitiçarias ensinadas pela sua avó Afrodite ;) e aos seus cozinhados.
A morte sem sentido de Charlie faz com que Nell recorra a Gavin, o grande amor de Sheridan na adolescencia, para investigar as circunstâncias em que tal morte ocorreu. Juntos conseguirão desvendar o grande mistério que envolve a morte de Charlie, com muitas surpresas, mas também redescobrir que o Amor ainda é possível.
Luanne Rice consegue com as suas palavras fazer-nos sonhar...
August 1, 2009
Agora sim! Tinha ficado um pouco desiludida com o "Espero por ti neste Inverno", que tinha ficado, na minha opinião, muito aquém do "A minha verdade é o amor", um livro fantástico!
Este novo livro da Luanne Rice volta a ser fantástico! Gostei mesmo muito!
Neste livro surge-nos o sofrimento de uma mãe que perde o seu filho de 18 anos e o da sua namorada que não consegue conceber a vida sem ele. Nell procura saber o que aconteceu, quem foi o responsável pela morte de Charlie, enquanto que a sua mãe, Sheridan, se fecha em sofrimento.
Tudo vai mudar quando Nell contrata os serviços do detective privado Gavin, namorado de juventude da mãe de Charlie, que vem trazer luz ao sucedido e reencontrar o amor entre fogo e cinzas.
A escrita desta autora traz-nos sempre palavras de grande amor e sensibilidade, que nos tocam e fazem viver e sofrer com as personagens dos seus livros.
Trata-se de um excelente romance!
Este novo livro da Luanne Rice volta a ser fantástico! Gostei mesmo muito!
Neste livro surge-nos o sofrimento de uma mãe que perde o seu filho de 18 anos e o da sua namorada que não consegue conceber a vida sem ele. Nell procura saber o que aconteceu, quem foi o responsável pela morte de Charlie, enquanto que a sua mãe, Sheridan, se fecha em sofrimento.
Tudo vai mudar quando Nell contrata os serviços do detective privado Gavin, namorado de juventude da mãe de Charlie, que vem trazer luz ao sucedido e reencontrar o amor entre fogo e cinzas.
A escrita desta autora traz-nos sempre palavras de grande amor e sensibilidade, que nos tocam e fazem viver e sofrer com as personagens dos seus livros.
Trata-se de um excelente romance!
June 7, 2015
A trip back to Hubbard's Point Ct. Nell Kilvert is now grown up and looking for answers. Her boy friend Charlie Rosslare went away to college in New York and was killed early one morning by the East River. She contacts Gavin Dawson a long ago friend and beach companion of her dad, Jack Kilvert and Stevie. Gavin is now an investigator for divorce attorney Vincent De Havilland and the lost love of Sheridan Rosslare, Charlie's mother. Gavin must face his feelings for Sheridan while trying to find out what happened to Charlie. Another trip to the beach filled with the love and heartache with the families of Hubbard Point.
August 25, 2017
Nunca tinha lido nada desta autora e como li pela sinopse e já tinha tido dissabores, decidi arriscar. E foi um bom investimento. Adorei a história de Sheridan que perde o filho e que após um ano encontra-se refugiada na casa da praia e viver com a dor da perda do filho. Acaba por encontrar o amor onde menos se espera. É um livro profundo e que nos leva a imaginar a perda de um filho e como recuperar a alegria de viver.
http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.pt/...
http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.pt/...
February 7, 2017
I listened to the audio of this book and it was passable. It's about a mother trying to figure out how her adult son died and it brings up many things from her own past. I enjoyed the narrator Blair Brown (actress) and listened to the 10 hours in just 4 days. Maybe I would've liked it more if I had read any of the previous books in the series, it could have been better. I'm glad I got this from the library and didn't use an Audible credit. Luanne Rice has other books that are more my speed.
[Audio: 10 hours, 8 minutes]
[Audio: 10 hours, 8 minutes]
June 3, 2016
Such a tragedy when someone you love is murdered. It's sad to see the pain that Charlie's death is causing everyone especially Sheraton. She had the world in her hands with being a famous Nashville singer a son starting college....until Charlie's death and Gavin has come back into her life to help solve Charlie's murder. Gavin had a very special spot in Sheridan's life until she let him go many years ago.
June 18, 2010
Beautiful story...I was touched by the characters and what happened to them. Thought I had made it without actually breaking down crying when I came to the Epilogue but right with the last two sentences totally lost it. Amazingly wonderful insight...magical, mysterious, revealing, and healing...(-: Thank you Luanne...you are extremely talented!!!!
January 7, 2012
Uma leitura agradável, mas que não me conseguiu cativar. Nunca me consegui emocionar com os acontecimentos nem criar laços com as personagens. Achei ainda que haviam demasiadas personagens "figurantes" que acabam por não ter nenhum contributo especial para o enredo.
November 11, 2008
As usual, Luanne has spun us a tale of love and forgiveness.
Her books are always so uplifting for me -- good story line - some suspense - humor - I look forward to another --
Her books are always so uplifting for me -- good story line - some suspense - humor - I look forward to another --
October 30, 2012
I liked this better than Beach Girls - Nell all grown up. I did begin to suspect who did what to whom, but still had some nagging doubts and was caught by surmise. I enjoyed this book
July 23, 2016
Nice finish to the series..
January 28, 2021
As strong as the previous novel were for me in this series, this novel was the complete opposite.
One of the first questions I asked was, OK, how old is Stevie? It seems like 7-10 years have past and she’s 8 months pregnant. That seemed very, very risky.
This novel felt a lot darker as it continued to talk about Charlie’s death. It was very depressing reading how negatively his death - as it’s should! - effected his mom and girlfriend with almost a sick obsession for a teenage girlfriend. I felt uncomfortable at times during part one of the novel with all the dark, depressing and death reference with the grieving of Charlie.
But then came the shock at the end of part one that hooks one. Yet, given all the heavy darkness about Charlie’s death, and brightness his life held, I’m not convinced it was him “back from the dead.” Also, wasn’t there a body reported from his murder? Who or what is in his coffin?! I think I read it was closed coffin. [You'll have to read to discover the outcome ;]
One detail I noticed was when Sheridan visits Stevie’s place and notes the “please go away sign.” I thought towards the end of the previous novel that sign was removed?
Gavin relived a memory where he visited Sheridan without her knowing at a concert in Nashville. But he saw her embrace a stage hand and left. Goes to the bar, fights, jail and discharged from the Navy. But I thought in the previous section - Part 1 - he saw her without her knowing, brought roses (left at the ticket counter) saw her embracing Randy (not a stage hand), left, bar, fight, discharged from the Navy. Slightly confused...
Almost too much information was shared in general from this novel. Some things seemed contradictory too. Part One was way too long, dark and deep regarding Charlie’s death. Part Two started off better because it kept moving forward, rather than constantly circling back around to the same feelings and context; it still circled back but in a better, moving forward manner.
If I wasn’t already upset over how long, drawn out, dark and depressing the rest of the novel was, I’d say the ending between Nell and Charlie was sweet. It tugged my heart and I wanted to cry.
1.5 out of 5 stars
One of the first questions I asked was, OK, how old is Stevie? It seems like 7-10 years have past and she’s 8 months pregnant. That seemed very, very risky.
This novel felt a lot darker as it continued to talk about Charlie’s death. It was very depressing reading how negatively his death - as it’s should! - effected his mom and girlfriend with almost a sick obsession for a teenage girlfriend. I felt uncomfortable at times during part one of the novel with all the dark, depressing and death reference with the grieving of Charlie.
But then came the shock at the end of part one that hooks one. Yet, given all the heavy darkness about Charlie’s death, and brightness his life held, I’m not convinced it was him “back from the dead.” Also, wasn’t there a body reported from his murder? Who or what is in his coffin?! I think I read it was closed coffin. [You'll have to read to discover the outcome ;]
One detail I noticed was when Sheridan visits Stevie’s place and notes the “please go away sign.” I thought towards the end of the previous novel that sign was removed?
Gavin relived a memory where he visited Sheridan without her knowing at a concert in Nashville. But he saw her embrace a stage hand and left. Goes to the bar, fights, jail and discharged from the Navy. But I thought in the previous section - Part 1 - he saw her without her knowing, brought roses (left at the ticket counter) saw her embracing Randy (not a stage hand), left, bar, fight, discharged from the Navy. Slightly confused...
Almost too much information was shared in general from this novel. Some things seemed contradictory too. Part One was way too long, dark and deep regarding Charlie’s death. Part Two started off better because it kept moving forward, rather than constantly circling back around to the same feelings and context; it still circled back but in a better, moving forward manner.
If I wasn’t already upset over how long, drawn out, dark and depressing the rest of the novel was, I’d say the ending between Nell and Charlie was sweet. It tugged my heart and I wanted to cry.
1.5 out of 5 stars
October 16, 2016
New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice returns to Hubbard's Point, Connecticut, and to characters from her beloved Beach Girls, to tell the haunting story of a close-knit community grappling with a heartbreaking mystery, and of a woman rebuilding her world and reclaiming a love she believed lost a lifetime ago.
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....
Unfolding among the Hubbard's Point people and places that fans have come to treasure, and replete with feeling and mystery, Last Kiss weighs the power of the past to heal as well as wound, in a captivating tale of love, loss, and redemption that no reader will ever forget.
What a story of love, devotion and torment. Love love loved this book. 5 stars.
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....
Unfolding among the Hubbard's Point people and places that fans have come to treasure, and replete with feeling and mystery, Last Kiss weighs the power of the past to heal as well as wound, in a captivating tale of love, loss, and redemption that no reader will ever forget.
What a story of love, devotion and torment. Love love loved this book. 5 stars.
January 16, 2017
Let me just say that if it weren't for the ending of this book, I'd probably give it 5 stars. I loved it!
It is the story of a community reeling from the death of a young man named Charlie. He was a freshman at NYU and was killed one night; supposedly mugged and killed in the city. The book follows his mom, Sheridan, and his girlfriend, Nell, as they try to adapt to life without Charlie and put the pieces together of what happened to him. Charlie's father had been MIA his whole life and his mom turns to drinking and just numbs herself, but Nell hires a detective to try to get to the bottom of it. The book is set in the oceanside town of Hubbard's Point, CT where Charlie was from and I just love books set on the east coast in those quaint little places. He was killed at the end of August in one of his first weekends at school and things just don't seem to add up. There is a twist in the middle of the book that changed my direction of thought and was very interesting. The reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because the end wraps up a little too neatly for me. All of a sudden, the people involved in the murder just have a sudden attack of guilt (even though its almost a year after the murder) and confess everything. All the relationships that were complicated throughout the story are suddenly happily ever after. I do like when things feel resolved, it just feels like this was a little unrealistic. I would definitely recommend this book though!
It is the story of a community reeling from the death of a young man named Charlie. He was a freshman at NYU and was killed one night; supposedly mugged and killed in the city. The book follows his mom, Sheridan, and his girlfriend, Nell, as they try to adapt to life without Charlie and put the pieces together of what happened to him. Charlie's father had been MIA his whole life and his mom turns to drinking and just numbs herself, but Nell hires a detective to try to get to the bottom of it. The book is set in the oceanside town of Hubbard's Point, CT where Charlie was from and I just love books set on the east coast in those quaint little places. He was killed at the end of August in one of his first weekends at school and things just don't seem to add up. There is a twist in the middle of the book that changed my direction of thought and was very interesting. The reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because the end wraps up a little too neatly for me. All of a sudden, the people involved in the murder just have a sudden attack of guilt (even though its almost a year after the murder) and confess everything. All the relationships that were complicated throughout the story are suddenly happily ever after. I do like when things feel resolved, it just feels like this was a little unrealistic. I would definitely recommend this book though!
November 11, 2021
Hubbard’s Point has been my home away from home for the past few weeks, reading this series back to back all the way through till the Last Kiss… goodbye. And what a joy it has been. I’ve fallen in love over and over, wept over losses with my character friends and thrilled in the sun and sky, the birds and animal and community of the beautiful beach world Luanne Rice created. Even now I can almost hear the waves crashing on the shore and taste salt air on my tongue.
The character are so rich and complicated and deeply explored and articulated, it truly feels the reader gets to live there with them, all the while being invited to the mystery of life and the magic of love that is woven throughout and weaves itself into the heart of the reader.
Thank you.
The character are so rich and complicated and deeply explored and articulated, it truly feels the reader gets to live there with them, all the while being invited to the mystery of life and the magic of love that is woven throughout and weaves itself into the heart of the reader.
Thank you.
June 9, 2025
3 stars
PG-13ish
This was my 1st time reading a Luanne Rice novel. It was set in a cozy little NY harbor beach community, and is part of a series. The storyline was good, but I felt that her writing style did not flow at times, and the fantasy element was not as cohesive as it could have been. I loved Sheridan and Gavin’s deep, everlasting love for each other. There were three love stories in this book (Sheridan and Gavin, Nell and Charlie, and Stevie and Jack), but Sheridan and Gavin’s story was the most heartbreaking and beautiful.
Favorite part:
“I’ve got you, kid,” he said, his arms coming around her as she sobbed quietly into his shoulder….” Believe it or not, I’ve got you.”
PG-13ish
This was my 1st time reading a Luanne Rice novel. It was set in a cozy little NY harbor beach community, and is part of a series. The storyline was good, but I felt that her writing style did not flow at times, and the fantasy element was not as cohesive as it could have been. I loved Sheridan and Gavin’s deep, everlasting love for each other. There were three love stories in this book (Sheridan and Gavin, Nell and Charlie, and Stevie and Jack), but Sheridan and Gavin’s story was the most heartbreaking and beautiful.
Favorite part:
“I’ve got you, kid,” he said, his arms coming around her as she sobbed quietly into his shoulder….” Believe it or not, I’ve got you.”
May 18, 2017
The are some good parts but a lot of eye rolling moments. I listened to the audio and with all the characters point of view and all their flashbacks; I felt that could have been better executed in distinguishing the change. This was definitely corny novel. It's also hit on how one life impacts some many and how that person was valued. I definitely see the importance of both parents being involved in a child's life being the message, although it was overdone. How about more of it takes a village.....
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