The Silver Boat

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Praise for Luanne Rice:

“Exciting, emotional, terrific.” —The New York Times Book Review

“In her hands families. . . seem worth cherishing.” —San Francisco Chronicle

An excerpt from The Silver Boat is now available here >

Hope you’ll click here to order

From the beloved New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice comes a heartwarming yet heart-wrenching portrait of three far-flung sisters who come home to Martha’s Vineyard one last time to say goodbye to the family beach house. Memories of their grandmother, mother, and their Irish father, who sailed away the year Dar, the oldest, turned twelve, rise up and expose the fine cracks in their family myth—especially when a cache of old letters reveals enough truth to send them back to their ancestral homeland.

Transplanted into the unfamiliar, each sister sees life, her heart, and her relationship to home in a new way. But how do they let go of a place that contains the complicated love of their imperfect family?

The novel is a season on Martha’s Vineyard; a mission to Ireland; a memorable cast of friends, including one wildly off-the-grid Zen genius; passionate love in the surf; and three very different sisters whose lives are filled with beauty, sorrow, and deep love they’d never been sure they could trust. The Silver Boat is Luanne Rice at her very best.

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  • Penny Van De Water

    When is The Silver Boat coming out or is it out aleady?
    I am a huge fan of yours and have read all your books.

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      The Silver Boat will be published April 19, 2011. Thank you for such kind words!

  • http://luannerice melissa

    The silver boat does not come out till 03/01/2011….

  • Lindsay

    April 2011 seems so far away! There hasn’t been a book I don’t like yet, I can’t wait for this one!

  • Margo

    Did I miss a new novel this year?…I LOVE your books Luanne…the last one I read was the phenomenal book
    THE DEEP BLUE SEA FOR BEGINNERS…can hardly wait for THE SILVER BOAT…your writing is magnificent. (-O:

  • Ralph Louis

    I’m quite a fan of yours, your work helped me “open up” – especially in ‘Last Kiss’ after seeing much of myself in Gavin. My thanks…

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      thank you, ralph.
      gavin is one of my favorite characters, so i’m intrigued that you’re so like him.

  • Ruthann Russo

    I am living in the desert and miss the smells, the sounds and the sands of POW. When I moved to Arizona almost ten years ago, I saw your books on the shelf in the local Borders. You cannot imagine how happy that made me. I could still get lost in your books and be home again. We are the family that converted Foley’s to a home. I have read all of your books and especially love the ones about Hubbards Point because it brings me back home. Any chance you will be writing another one? I enjoy all of your books and the beach ones are special to me.

  • Kris Ross

    I love your new site….its so beautiful .. and a new
    book! Tried to get on the newsletter list…dont know
    if I did it or not….please put me on……

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      hi kris,
      i’m just getting familiar with the newsletter list…i will check with my web guru to make sure you’re on! thank you for signing up.

  • Margo

    Luanne, I meant to tell you that reading the paragraph above from SILVER BOAT already has me hooked…I love how you bring everything to life with your words…and being an artist I have to tell you that I LOVE the cover! Can hardly wait for this book. (-O:

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      hi margo,
      i am thrilled to know you are looking forward to THE SILVER BOAT. i can’t wait for it to come out…

  • Joan MacKenzie

    I live in Scotland. In February this year I visited my sister in Kent, England and she had a book called Summer Light which I read and which gave me the most emotional experience I have ever had reading a book. Since then I have read 24 of your books and I have loved every one. Thank you, thank you ….. may you never stop writing.

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      dear joan,
      how wonderful to hear! thank you so much for telling me. i love scotland, one of the most beautiful places on earth. thank you again for such kindness.

  • Beth

    I am also VERY excited about The Silver Boat. Reading is like an “addiciton” for me, and Luanne is truly one of my favorite author’s! I have copies of all your books-to date, and even some first printings-which I cherish. My husband is a book manufacturer, so that adds to the love I have for readin! Can’t wait for the new book!!!

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      dear beth,
      you remind me of all the many, many people who go into the production of a book. once i was giving a reading in maine, and someone in line told me he had made the paper on which my novel was printed. that was a thrilling moment of connection. i know my editor, and everyone at the publishing house, but there are so many people involved whom i’ve never met. please thank your husband for what he does, bringing books to readers. i’m really glad you like my books and am delighted to know you have some first editions!

  • Corinne

    Was on Facebook and seen the link to the new website. I still have your old site in my favs. The new one is awesome. Can’t WAIT for the new book!! I LOVE every book I have read of yours. I DON’T think I could pick a fav because it wouldn’t be fair to any of the others…..does that sound corny?? April seems so FAR away….pre-order, pre-order, pre-order!!!

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      hi corinne,
      thank you so much. many talented people contributed to my new website, and i’m really grateful to them. i’m glad you enjoy the site, and i really appreciate your enthusiasm about “the silver boat.” thanks for letting me know!

  • Patsy

    I am moved to tears by what I just read. I can’t wait for The Silver Boat to come out.
    I must say all you have to do is read a book, see a movie, go on the site or blog and you find love, happiness and a warm hug waiting for you.
    Your my Hero and your the best!!!!

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      dear patsy,
      i’m really touched to know my work affects you so positively.
      i feel the same way about connecting with readers…
      thank you for your kindness.

  • Dona

    I am so excited to get a little taste of whats to come. I have read every book written and can’t wait for another stellar novel by Ms Rice.

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      thank you, dona. i’m so happy you feel this way, and really appreciate your letting me know.

  • http://luannerice.net/2010/08/the-silver-boat/ Jana Watson

    Luanne-
    I have read every book of yours. As Ann of Green Gables would say, I feel like we are bosom friends, kindred spirits. I feel as if I know you from your novels and that we have experienced much of the same things in life. Thank you for your creativity and art. I look forward and can hardly wait until The Silver Boat comes out.

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      jan,
      music to my ears. i believe that all writers want to hear and feel that their readers are kindred spirits. i’m so glad you’re one of mine. i’m both happy and sad we have experienced some of the same things in life. sending you peace. thank you so much for your enthusiam about “the silver boat.”…

  • Judy

    I am so excited about your new website.It is beautiful.I love all your books and cannot wait for the new Silver Boat to come out.I am on your email list but I have not yet got an email.Please include me on the email list for new books.Your awesome and please keep writing such womderful books.

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      dear judy,
      thank you for your words of support! so glad you like the new website. i’m really happy you’ve signed up on the email list–i’ll be sending a message out soon. i’m just starting to learn how everything works here, so bear with me if i’m slow at first. in the meantime, i hope you’re enjoying the videos. there’ll be a new one coming out soon.

  • http://luannerice debbie musgrave

    i can’t wait for the silver boat to come out it sounds great. i have read every book luanne rice has written and I love them all. i especially love the hubbard point stories and hope that there will be another one soon. the new website is beautiful!

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      thank you, debbie…i really appreciate hearing it!

  • Lina

    Hi Luanne
    Your books are the best I have ever read. I have every one of your books. I even had to go on E-Bay to find Secrets of Paris. Like everyone else I can’t wait till Silver Boat comes out. Keep writing girl you’re the best. I have even gone on the internet to see the places you write about and that makes me feel like I have been there when I read your books. You are awesome!!!!! Keep it up!!

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      thanks, lina! so glad to know you’re enjoying the books…

  • Michele Vars Collard

    seaglass, driftwood, channeled whelks, i’ve touched all of these in my home just today, so your words have already got my heart pumping! “things” do matter, so much from nature i have gathered in my home, priceless pieces that didn’t cost anything but time and a connection with all things beautiful in nature! Your writing is an inspiration, thank you for always taking me home avec amour, Michéle xo

  • Donna

    I am so excited for your new book to come out!!!!! I have read MANY of your books and they are addicting, its sooo hard to put it down once i start.

  • Jessie

    Your writings and books are some of my favorites… I can always get lost reading them. I will start a few pages just thinking to read a few and then an hour or two has gone by without me realizing it so I thank you for that. I have not found many authors that can do that! Your books are amazing and just the way they surround a subject and the way you can get lost in them is always surprising. Can’t wait to read many more!

  • Allison

    Luanne,
    You’re book comes out the week I go on a 4 day camping trip with 175 6th graders! I am the teacher in charge of the trip! UGH, but so much fun too.
    How great will it be to come home on Friday, buy your book and relax with a glass (or two) of wine?! Thank you, thank you!
    Allison

  • Sherri Griffith

    I can’t wait to read your new book! I have read 21 others and currently have 3 waiting. Keep Wrighting you are the best……

  • Mary Dugan

    I just finished reading Beach Girls. What a great book. I didnt want it to end. I read most of your books. I am looking for stone Heart . Keep up the great books.I love reading stories set by the Ocean thats my favorite place to be.

  • Janis Makiah

    Can’t wait for the new book! I have all the others, and re-read them when I want to boost my faith in humanity a bit. Thank you, Ms. Rice, for characters who end up feeling like friends!

  • http://LuanneRice Phyllis

    You are my most favorite author of all time. I have read and own every single one of your books. I cannot wait for the The Silver Boat…..I am so excited….it has been a long time. I am a native New Englander and your books are home to me….the stories, the venues, everything!!!!

  • carol henry

    Luann I absolutely love your books! The first one I read was Sandcastles and everyone since!! I have searched and found almost all the others! I can t get enough. I feel like I kn ow the characters and the places! I am dying to visit Hubbards Point! I am looking forward to the Silver Boat. I am addicted – I love finding characters that I know from previous stories! I feel like they are old friends! I am only missing 2 books to have a whole collection!

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      how wonderful, carol–i’m really happy to know you like my books. i’m excited about “the silver boat” and can’t wait for it to come out.

  • DeniseArnold

    I get both lost and found in your writting. I worked on board a research vessel for years and live at the beach in Delaware.The sea and its beaches are a part of me. Thank you for many wonderful hours. I am having brain freeze, what was the first Viking novel?

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      hi denise, how wonderful that you spent time aboard a research vessel. i did too, long ago–aboard r/v westward, out of woods hole.
      my first viking novel was “crazy in love,” and now they are publishing “the silver boat”–in april 2011. thank you for your words about my writing. please take a walk on the beach for me!

  • CHARLENE

    I HAVE FELT LOST THIS PAST YEAR WAITING FOR A NEW BOOK FROM YOU. MY SISTER ( WHO LIVES IN PA ) AND I ARE HUGE FANS AND HAVE READ EVERY BOOK YOU HAVE WRITTEN. I LIVE IN R.I AND I LOVE THE FEELING OF CONNECTION TO YOUR NOVELS. 20011 CAN NOT COME FAST ENOUGH. THANKUOU.

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      thank you SO MUCH, charlene! it’s good to know that you and your sister feel this way. it makes me really happy.

  • Leora Cicco

    To a gifted writer
    Luanne..you are gifted with the words that bring us into ourselves and bring us out into many worlds of the heart..i can anticipate this april.. for this new world you have shared with us.
    i appreciate the title..as a poet.my description of the month of april (an appropriate birthday month for the emergence of your book) is:”April is the birthing month”..Leora

  • Jewel

    Luanne:
    I spend a week or two at POW each summer with friends and love seeing the landmarks that you write about. It seems that most of my photos end up having Stevie’s house in the background. I love all your books but I must say I love those set at Hubbard’s Point the most. Thank you for writing such moving lovely stories.

  • http://shelbiebill@comcast.net shelbie callis

    I taught elementary school for 35 years. only read children’s book and teacher’s manuals. retired and entered the world of adult books went to Goodwill looking for books I found True Blue and you. My life will never be the same. I have bought 14 of your books for winter reading. I can’t wait for the holidays to be over and I can start. Love you, Shelbie

  • Christine Padilla

    I can’t wait! Love your books!!

  • http://brackenhedge.wordpress.com Patsy

    I just noticed this book comes out on my Mom’s Birthday.Mom is gone now so at least buying the book will help me get thru the day.I miss her!
    Thank you again!

  • Beverly Vaughn

    Thank goodness you have a new book coming out soon! We’ve missed you. A friend and I went on a “Luanne Rice Tour” this past May. We flagged some of our favorite spots from your books and up the coast we went! We had such fun and were amazed at how many familiar places and things from the books we spotted. A week was not long enough so we are planning to do it again next May! We hope to get to Nova Scotia on that trip. Thanks for giving us the inspiration.

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      That makes me so happy, Beverly! Your tour sounds fun and creative–thank you for telling me about it. The fact you went with a friend makes it all the more special; I enjoy imagining that car ride. I’m glad you’re excited about “The Silver Boat.” So am I!

  • Haley Anderson

    It sound like a great book.. I cant wait until it comes out so I can read it.. I have read all of the other books By Luanne Rice.. I even own them all.. And i have read them a few times now…

  • http://LuanneRice Joan

    When will this book be published and available for purchase?

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      The Silver Boat will be published April 5, 2011!

  • Tracy Stover

    I anticipate each of your books and this upcoming release sounds great. April is a long time to wait!!! I love the characters and their sensitivities for all things that are truly important in this materialistic world. Thank you for your writings.

  • Jane

    Looking forward to reading this. I love books about families. Love all your others too.

  • Laurie mielbye

    I am so looking forward to your release of The Silver Boat, especially since it comes out on my brthday! I have read all your books! Thank you for all the wonderful stories!

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  • marypat

    I can wait to read this book. It has been way to long since the last one. I love all of your books.

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  • DeniseArnold

    Silver Boat says, Return ti Viking, what was the 1st novel Viking was fratured in?

  • DeniseArnold

    Luanne, Another brain freeze. Forgot I posted in Oct. thanks for reply. Looking forward to the new book. About that walk on the beach, it will have to be in snow boots.. pretty cool. Just bought a new camera and can’t wait to hit the beach. happy new Year. Denise

  • http://yahoo julia vallati

    Can not wait,just in time for my birthday ,which is the 23Rd

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  • Debbie Ingram

    I look forward to your new book. Is it going to be released as an e-book?

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      Debbie, yes, The Silver Boat will be available as an e-book.

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  • katie

    I love the depictions of your characters emotional experiences as well as their phisical experiences of life at the beach. I can curl up on the sofa with these books and meld into the over all experience on a cold winter’s night…..

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  • cheryl

    can’t wit- it sounds wonderful- i always feel like i’m right there when i read your books. am reading the edge of winter right now.thanks for your gifts of books.

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  • Nancy

    Will this new one have a UK release date??? Please?! The postage from the US is killing me!

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  • Lori

    Can’t wait!

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  • Debbie Squier

    Looking forward to reading this book; love them all!

  • tin

    I love all your books..I’m a big fan..can’t wait for the release of “Silver Boat”..( =

  • Amber B.

    I love reading your books, just as I finish one, I have to read the next. Do you have a “guide”? Something that shows the character connections. I read one book before I knew there was a book before it. I can’t wait for The Silver Boat. Thanks for sharing your gift!

  • Rhonda

    One day I hope to visit the places I read about in your books. I think I have read most of your books. Thank you for giving me an escape!

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  • Brenda

    Wow…can hardly wait to get this newest book.

  • http://luannerice.net Lana

    Just listened to your trailer and I also have many many happy memories growing up with a beach house and sharing those memories with my family. My parents bought their beach house for the family to enjoy and be together and what great memories I have. I still see my Dad sitting in the porch waiting for us to arrive (even though he is now my angel in heaven) but cherish all the years we did have together. I can’t wait to read your newest book!!! I have read every book you wrote and look forward to this one also!!

  • Lisa

    I have read all of your books! I love them, I re-read them all the time. I am hoping to become a publisher when I am finished with school and hope to meet you some day. Can’t wait for the new book!

  • Kathy

    I really like your book trailer. The cottage looks very cosy and I like the shot of you with the wind blowing your hair as you are writing. I love the ocean and it calms me so much! I would love to win your book…

  • http://facebook gloria wilson

    Always am awaiting your next novel…xo gloria.

  • Glenda Alexander

    I have so looked forward to reading the Silver Boat, I love all your books but after watching the Silver Boat trailer this may become my favorite.

    Thanks Luanne!

  • Jana Harver

    Just read that at least part of the book is set in Martha’s Vineyard. I will always remember my one visit there in late summer of 1989. Walked all over and then took a bus tour that passed by Jackie O’s property and our college-boy tour guide gave us a delightful narrative of all the beautiful sights. I am from the west coast but would really love to get back to New England. I will definitely read your book.

  • virginia romaine

    Always eager for your next novel. I grew up on Black Point, spent much time on the CT shore, went to Williams in NL and then Conn College before going to school in NYC. Parents now live on Grassy Hill Rd in lyme. I live in Wisconsin and so treasure your locations as well as the characters. Brings me home. Thanks for great work.

  • Marlene Frazier

    I have always had a fascination for the New England shore…thanks for making it so real to me in your great novels….love them all!

  • Cathy King

    See you in Madison!

  • Yvonne

    I am new to reading Luanne Rice books…this would be a grat start. I look forward to reading it :)

  • http://yahoo.com marjorie bass

    Every time I read one of your books, I hug it. They are all so wonderful that if I had to choose a favorite, I couldn’t as I love every one I’ve read. Am looking forward to The Silver Boat.

  • Barbara

    Looking forward to reading this on the beach in Old Lyme this Summer.

  • Ana Gonzalez

    Can’t wait for the release of this book. I have read and love all your books. Looking forward to meeting you at the booksigning in Madison, Ct.

  • Karen

    I am so looking forward to your new book. I think I have read most all of them and have enjoyed them all. Thanks for your beautiful writing . … And I love that it is all about family and family trips. We have done that with my children for a long time and now there children. Peace to you.

  • Shelley Zipp

    Sounds wonderful! Can’t wait to read it@ – love all your books!

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  • http://fromfacebook Judy

    Oh, I am haopy to have another chance to win a special book from you…..love the sound of this one. sisters and the beach, it’s a great combination….childhood memories are so special to us. As, I have two sisters….can’t wait. Thanks for all your great books,
    Judy

  • http://facebook Ann Marie DiAngelo

    I have just lost my Mom last week and I am going to read your new book, becasue it it about the love of family.

  • Jill taylor

    I can’t wait!!!!!

  • madalyn

    I’m lloking forward to your new book! It sounds especially appealing because it’s about three sisters, like my own family…plus, I love reading about Ireland!

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  • don hinkle

    Dear Ms. Rice: I just read THE SILVER BOAT to review for the Martha’s Vineyard TIMES. With so much about the Vineyard in your book, why aren’t you coming here on your tour?

  • Sheryl

    I love your books! One of the things I love most is when the characters continue in another book. Is there some type of guide that I can follow so that I can read the books in order? Thank you.

  • http://febookac Pamela Brezina

    I love your books they put me inside of them and its like I am there

  • Marjorie Carmony

    I loved The Silver Boat! Exploring the relationship of the three sisters was wonderful.
    One thing, hummingbirds are a western hemisphere bird, Page 132. If one was sighted in Ireland, there would be “Twitchers”, British birdwatchers, and travelers from miles away to add this bird to their life list. Just a note to keep things accurate.
    I look forward to the next story.
    Blessings,
    Marjorie

  • Rose

    Just finished reading “The Silver Boat” I loved the story, could not put the book down and read it in one day.

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  • Arlene

    I loved the Silver Boat and sincerely hope your next books will follow up on the other fascinating characters I met.
    THANKS!

  • Glenda Alexander

    Would love to win a Luanne Rice Book!

    Thanks for your giveaways!

  • Stephanie Simpson

    I just picked this up at the library and cant wait to get to the beach to read it.!!!..Ive been a fan of your books since 20002 and living on Cape Cod, close to where so many of your stories take place.

  • Maria Danaher

    Just finished “The Silver Boat”. I loved everything about it, but imagine my surprise when I read about Kanturk, Bluepool and the old castle. My mother grew up on Bluepool in Kanturk. At that time the castle was called the “Old Court”. I spent many a wonderful day there. Thank you for a great novel and the wonderful memories!

  • Bonnie Dozler

    I just finish reading this book…first one of your books I ever read. I could not put it down. So enjoy your way of expressing words, lives of these people. Is there going to be another book coming out with these same characters? How di I know what book to read next? Is there a way to understand which one to read,because I just check out Summer of Roses…because like the title and cover of that book..and read that it said “revisiting….” Should I start with your first book? What is that name?

  • Cal

    It was a great read and it was nice to read the references to AA and Al-Anon

  • Cal

    The silver boat was a great read and I appreciated the references to AA and Al-Anon.
    Cheers

  • Minda C.

    I just finished ready The Silver Boat and thoroughly enjoyed it. I actually read it in one day it was so good. Really liked the characters and the way their lives were interwoven with each other.

    • http://luannerice.net Luanne

      so happy to know you feel that way, minda! thank you all for posting here!

  • DONNA

    I LIVE YOUR BOOKS! FEELS LIKE YOU ARE RIGHT THERE WITH THEM.

  • Shirlee

    I just got through reading THE SILVER BOAT.    The book was very good, but I was totally disappointed in having to read the “F” word so many times.  Your books are so good, who do you have to lower their quality by using that word?     I cringe every time I  come across it.