The house-sitter and orchard keeper in this book may seem to have nothing in common at first glance, but once the story digs a bit deeper, the reader is able to see how two very different stories can twine together in similar ways.

Loss and love are two very powerful things. In The Lemon Orchard, a grieving mother is trying her best to cope with the loss of her daughter, but their bond ran deep, and some days life without her child seems to be unbearable. Meeting a tall, dark, and handsome stranger is an unexpected, but welcome diversion from her secluded life. When she discovers his dark sorrow, she is pulled by her heart to help him in a way that might change his life drastically.

Though this story is a sad one in the beginning, it ends on a much more positive note. Luanne Rice’s books are always a delight to read, with just the right amount of romance, good storytelling, and sometimes a bit of suspense thrown in. If you are looking for a satisfying, yet short read, why not pick this book up and give it a try? Chances are you won’t be disappointed.

Content Analysis:

Language/Profanity:  1 religious exclamation; 4 mild obscenities; 1 anatomical term; 5 F-Word derivatives.

Violence/Gore:  A young child is lost in the desert and her near death experience is described; child dies in a car accident, and it is described briefly; “femicide” is referred to once.

Sex/Nudity: Two adults kiss multiple times; a man and woman are implied to have had sex several times; a man and woman are very intimate, and there is a brief passage where undressing and sex is mentioned; prostitution is mentioned.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of a child; mourning; lost children

Alcohol / Drug Use:

An adult is mentioned to have died from alcoholism; adults drink alcohol.