Review of True Blue

   by Luanne Rice

Reviewed by Vicki Carver

 

Many female readers remember reading teen romance novels about the “boy next door”.  Of course he was always handsome, a star athlete, intelligent, sensitive, popular and in love with the “girl next door”.

 

Luanne Rice’s new book, titled True Blue, is based on the “boy next door” theme with an added twist.  The “boy next door” marries the “girl next door’s” older sister.

 

Rumer Larkin and Zebulon Mayhew had grown up together as next door neighbors on the island of Hubbard's Point, Connecticut, a summer resort area where they lived all year round.  What began as friendship between two inquisitive children evolved into love which both assumed would eventually lead to marriage.  However, due to unforeseen circumstances Zeb married Elizabeth, Rumer’s manipulative older sister.

 

Rumer’s anger about Zeb’s marriage shuts her off from forming any lasting emotional ties.  She becomes a successful veterinarian and lives a tranquil life with her elderly father Sextus.

 

Years pass.  Zeb and Elizabeth eventually divorce and Zeb pursues a successful career as an astronaut while Elizabeth becomes an actress. Finally the time comes when Zeb decides to spend a summer in Hubbard’s Point to resurrect his relationship with Rumer.  Zeb is also trying to establish a relationship with his and Elizabeth’s 18-year-old son Michael. Once the framework is in place the plot evolves at a leisurely pace.  At first Rumer us resentful and angry about Zeb’s presence at Hubbard’s Point but gradually the former neighbors begin talking and reconnecting as friends and eventually soul mates.  Michael becomes involved with Quinn Grayon, a troubled seventeen year-old who is coming to terms with her parents death in a sailing accident.  Rumer’s father, Sextus, plans a sailing adventure to Ireland to help him confront his loneliness since his wife’s death and the crippling arthritis which is signaling his advancing age.  Elizabeth’s negative influence is felt throughout the story as Zeb and Rumer struggle to come to terms with them relationship.  However, Elizabeth eventually becomes the heroine in the resolution of the overlapping conflicts in the story and gives Zeb and Rumer her blessing in their reclaimed love.

 

Rice has written several other books including Safe Harbor, Firefly Beach and Follow The Stars Home.  Her writing style includes a touch of fantasy as the characters struggle to pursue their dreams.  True Blue is a fairly long book, almost 500 pages, but enjoyable, light hearted reading.

 

Our Library Catalog | Library Home Page | Links About Books | Our Book Reviews

Highland County District Library
Highland County, OH