JDCMustReadBooks

By Luanne Rice 

ISBN: 0143125567

ISBN13: 9780143125563

Publisher:  Penguin Books

Publication Date:  May 27, 2014 

Paperback, 304 pages

Format:  Other

My Rating:  5 Stars 

A beautifully written story of two people finding their way and healing. An emotional story of Julia, set in breathtaking Santa Monica Mountains at her aunt and uncle’s lemon orchard –house sitting with her dog Bonnie while they are away in Ireland.

Julie is still mourning the loss of her daughter in a car accident and seeks solace and peace to deal with her grief and guilt. Her marriage was in trouble at the time of the accident, and compounded with the death of her husband and her daughter. 

While at the orchard she meets Roberto, a migrant worker from Mexico who is in charge of the orchard operations. As they say, some people are in your life for a season or a reason. I am a true believer of this. 

In this case Julia sees Roberto as a kindred spirit who has also experienced loss in his life, as his daughter went missing five years ago. This couple become close and fall in love; however, they still have their loss. Julia becomes obsessed solving the mystery of the journey of Roberto and his missing daughter.

Julia decides to help find her and the tale that unfolds is breathtakingly beautiful, suspenseful, romantic and completely captivating. Roberto has a heartbreaking story and a pain Julia knows too well. 

Rice is at the top of her game with the well-written The Lemon Orchard-the intimate details, plot, and finely developed characters. This is a must read and highly recommend!