Monday, June 9, 2014

Spotlight/Interview/Giveaway: The Lemon Orchard by Luanne Rice



Author Interview


I’m very excited to have bestselling author Luanne Rice visit Socrates’ Book Review Blog today. Luanne has written thirty one books and has been a huge favorite of mine for years. Welcome, Luanne.

Thank you very much! It’s a pleasure to be here.

1) What or who inspires your ideas for your books?

I follow my heart into the story. Often a character will captivate me. I’ll dream about her and see her everywhere, but it’s not until she tells me her name that I start writing the story.

2) Did you always want to be a writer?

Yes. My first poem was published when I was eleven. I never seriously considered doing anything else.

3) How did it feel when you learned your first book would be published?

Possibly the happiest I had ever been until that moment. My agent Andrea Cirillo—the same agent I have now—called me and I danced barefoot on the back porch till the moon rose.

4) Who are your favorite authors?

Joseph Monninger, Alice Hoffman, Amelia Onorato, and Laurie Colwin are a few.

5) What kinds of experiences have you had with your fans – whether it’s at conferences, book signings or even through correspondence?

I love my fans. Lately I have been reflecting on how social media has changed everything—there is a one-on-one friendship possible with some readers and a general book-club cafĂ© experience that comes with spending time on Facebook and Twitter frequently.

6) Any sneak peeks at what readers have to look forward from you?

I just released an e- short story, free to all readers: The Night Before. http://luannerice.net/night/

Thank you for visiting us and taking the time to answer our questions, Luanne!


About the Book
A captivating novel of enduring and unexpected love
from New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice



THE LEMON ORCHARD
by Luanne Rice


“Entrancing.”
—People Magazine (3 out of 4 stars)

“Lovely and compelling, with quiet yet brave social commentary.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“An intensely touching book.”
—BookReporter.com

New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice returns this summer with an enchanting new novel, THE LEMON ORCHARD, which tells the unexpected love story of two people from different worlds who share an incredible bond (Penguin Books; On-sale: May 27, 2014; ISBN: 978-0-14-312556-3; $16.00).

It has been five years since Julia visited her aunt and uncle’s lemon orchard in Malibu and in that time Julia’s world has been turned upside down by her daughter’s death. When Julia arrives to housesit, she finds their home and the grove are just as breathtaking as she remembered. A virtual hermit, Julia expects to pass her time in Malibu quietly, with her dog Bonnie as her sole companion, but before long, she finds herself powerfully drawn to the handsome man who oversees the lemon orchard.

Roberto appreciates his job at the grove—it is good, steady work that allows him to support his father in California, as well as his extended family back in Mexico. He expertly tends the orchard but his obsession for his daughter who was lost during their crossing from Mexico preys upon his mind. Consumed by the weight of a terrible secret, Roberto finds a confidant in Julia—this small, pale woman with silver hair and arresting blue eyes—haunted by her own heartbreaking past.

Set in the sea-and-citrus-scented air of the breathtaking Santa Monica mountains, THE LEMON ORCHARD is an engrossing story about loss, rupture, and the fragility of our lives, but even more it is a tale about picking up the pieces, and the strength of love when we are most vulnerable.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


LUANNE RICE is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-one novels that have been translated into twenty-four languages. The author of Little Night, The Silver Boat and Beach Girls, Rice’s books often center on love, family, nature and the sea. Rice is an avid naturalist and bird-watcher and is involved with Georgetown University Law Center’s Domestic Violence Clinic. Born in New Britain, Connecticut, Rice divides her time between New York City and Southern California.


THE LEMON ORCHARD ▪ Luanne Rice ▪ Penguin Books
On-Sale: May 27, 2014 ▪ $16.00 ▪ 978-0-14-312556-3 ▪ Also available as an e-book


Visit Luanne Rice online at www.luannerice.com

Visit Penguin online at us.penguingroup.com


BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!!

Now it's your chance to win a paperback copy of The Lemon Orchard by Luanne Rice. Thanks to the publisher, I have one paperback to giveaway to one lucky winner.

Just a few simple rules...

1) You must fill out the rafflecopter form below.

2) Contest is open to anyone over 18 years old

3) US/Canada Residents Only

4) For one extra entry: Tweet about this giveaway.

5) For one extra entry: Leave a comment for the author.

6) For one extra entry:  Follow this blog...old followers, too!  Just let us know how you follow and under what name.

No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited.

The giveaway begins on June 9th (midnight est) and ends on June 16th (midnight est).

The winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter. The winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner here on my blog.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

19 comments:

  1. I need to go check that short story :)

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  2. sounds exactly like my kind of book. I'm a sucker for a good love story. Thanks for chance to enter.
    carol fragale brill
    www.4broadminds.blogspot.com/

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  3. Love LuAnn's books. I can't wait to read this.

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  4. This book would be wonderful. Luanne's novels are memorable. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  5. Sounds like a good book. I can't wait to read it.

    Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

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  6. I appreciate stories about "survivors" rather than "victims". Plus the sent of citrus---sounds like an interesting and important book to read!! Ronnalord(at)msn(dot)com

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  7. This sounds like a wonderful, touching book. I will add it to my blog's sidebar.

    suko95(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. The only one of your favorite authors I know is Alice Hoffman. I'll have to go check the other authors out!

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  9. I have had this title on my wishlist for quite a while. Not only do I love Ms. Rice's works, but I recently moved to California and would really enjoy reading about the setting of the book. Thanks for the chance.
    duffygal777(@)gmail.com

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  10. I read this book last week and really enjoyed it. Very moving!

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  11. I love all Luanne Rices novels !

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  12. absolutely intrigued by the storyline and the beauty of the setting - ty for the giveaway and Luanne for writing...

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  13. Thank you Yvonne for doing this... Have read many Luanne Rice books over the years.

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  14. I love Luanne's books, and this one sounds so good. It is a very touching novel, and I love that Roberto is hiding a secret. Thanks for having the giveaway.

    ayancey1974(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. This sounds like a love story that I could enjoy reading. Thanks for the giveaway.
    suefasrrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  16. Huge fan.book sounds perfect for me.lomazowr@gmail.com

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  17. Sounds like a book I would love. jtretin at aol dot com

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  18. As a nearly lifelong Golden State resident, I'm always interested to read stories set in the wonderful place where I've made my home. I could certainly relate to Julia's hermit-like ways and am curious to learn Roberto's secret.

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Thank you for stopping by and visiting my blog! I always love reading comments and getting to know my readers!

After some careful consideration, I've decided to become an award-free blog. Although I appreciate and am honored by each and every award I've received, your comments and friendship are enough award for me. Thank you all so much for your thoughtfulness.

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