What Matters Most

A very powerful novel

Such a powerful second installment from Luanne Rice's Sandcastles. It picks up where the book left off. Sister Bernadette Igantious and Thomas Kelly travel back to Ireland to find the son they placed for adoption 23 years ago. The son, whom they thought, had an amazingly wonderful life with an adoptive family. What they come to find is that their son grew up in a Children's Home and was never adopted, he sometimes lived on the street on his own and although he went through such pain, trials and tribulations, he still become such an amazing man. There in Ireland, the love that was always between Sister Bernadette and Tom were ignited and the gravity of what they did 23 years ago is now in front of them. They find love, forgiveness and family.

LUANNE RICE'S BEST BOOK YET

I have read a lot of LuAnne Rice's books and loved them all except The Edge of Winter. This one, though, simply put, is THE BEST one I have read to date. I couldn't put it down. I didn't want it to end, and it stayed with me even after I had finished reading it. One of my all-time favorite books has been The Thorn Birds and this, though different, reminded me of it. I have passed the word on to my friends--it's a must read! I have to just break my habit of reading ahead. It does tend to ruin the climax of the book. Keep the tissues handy.

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Total Page Turner

One of the best books I¿ve read in a long time. Took me only 2 days to read it, I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed how the author described everything down to the very detail, Made me have a very clear picture in my mind about where and what the characters were all doing. This is my first Luanne Rice book that I have just finished up and can't wait to read more of her books. Amazing Book!

Another Cloud Nine Disappointment

Why, through the ages, is it considered romantic for a couple to be parted by death? Anyone want to define 'romance novel' for me? It was bad enough Tom and Bernie were separated by her visions, but this story was a complete and utter disappointment. I kept waiting for Bernie to see the light and realize that nothing much mattered if it couldn't be shared with a soul mate. Her angst just made me angry. Luanne, get a clue. You are a wonderful author, but I keep on wanting to rewrite the ending of this story just about as much as I did the ending of Cloud Nine.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A page turner

I agree with the prior reviewer who said to read Sandcastles first. Tom and Bernie are wonderful characters and their story of committment, faith, love and doubt is wonderful. There was an easy 'cop out' ending that the author could have taken. I'm glad she didn't. The ending was sad, but appropriate.

Disappointed

I have read all of Rice's novels to date. Very disappointed in this one. Have not paid much attention to Catholic church policy, but now understand the grand problem with their priests. Am now very hesitant to read another of her novels.

This story touched me deeply

This is a story about Bernie and Tom, former lovers, with a subplot involving James (their young adult son) and Kathleen. It is a story of love and yearning. It is also a story of faith and overcoming obstacles. I found each of the main characters, humanly flawed, yet so likeable. Imagining these characters in Dublin, in Newport RI and in Ct just added to the enjoyment of reading a great story.

Wonderful book

This book was one of the best books I have ever read. It pulls you in from the moment you start reading it. I would suggest reading Sandcastles first since this book is somewhat of a continutation of it. This would make a great movie !

Loved this story

I really enjoyed this book.I love Bernie and Tom.It was nice to read about other characters from the last, also wonderful, book sand castles.A defenit must read

WHAT A GREAT STORY

This was a great book. I had a lump in my throat for most of it. It was beautiful but sad all at he same time. I've been reading luanne's books and am becomng a big fan! i'd like to see this book as a movie.

a reviewer

Over two decades Bernadette Ignatius and Tom Kelly were lovers. She became pregnant and gave birth to his son. However, Bernadette decided to join the church to become a nun. Unable to raise the lad by himself, Tom agreed to place the newborn in a Dublin orphanage. To be near her, he became the caretaker at the convent where she took her vows. --- Now twenty-three years later, Tom and Sister Bernie search for their offspring angry Seamus Sullivan, who loathes his biological parents for deserting him. When Tom learns that Seamus loves a former orphanage resident Kathleen, whose parents came for her a decade ago, he encourages him to go out and get her. However, to find love, Seamus must move past his hate to forgive his parents while Kathleen is across the ocean in Newport knowing the only boy she loves will one day come for her. --- WHAT MATTERS MOST is filled with memorable characters whose faith is tested as each of the prime four players struggle to do what they feel is right they each learn a Plato-like lesson that to have a miracle first one must suffer in their cases heartbreak. The story line is enhanced by visions and ghosts, but uses to many expedient scenarios that enable the prime cast to run into each other at critical times though some might insist serendipitously miracles are in their corner. Still the lead four protagonists make for a powerful inspirational tale as they learn WHAT MATTERS MOST in life. --- Harriet Klausner

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