"Emotional and Touching"

FOLLOW THE STARS HOME begins in the present with an accident in New York City. Dianne and Amy are seriously hurt. Dianne's ex- husband Tim is on his way to her.

Flashback: Dianne knew that she had married the wrong brother even though it was difficult to admit it. She had gone out with Alan but when his brother Tim returned from a fishing trip, she knew that he needed her more and ended up loving and marrying him. How was she to know that he would walk out on their marriage when she had a medically challenged child? Only thirteen months of marriage until he was gone.

Now it is eleven years later and Dianne is building a new life for herself and her daughter, Julia. She couldn't love the beautiful child more! She has strong support from her mother. Alan, the small town's doctor, takes care of Julia like she was his own. She is terrified knowing that her daughter will not live much longer. Alan introduces her to Amy, another needy child. Amy's mother is incapable of caring for her even though she loves her.

When you pick up a Luanne Rice book, you know you need a box of Kleenex by your side. If you have read her previous book, Cloud Nine, you will know what I mean! It took a week for my eyes to return to normal after that book! FOLLOW THE STARS HOME is another book to pull at your heartstrings. It is very emotional and beautiful to read about the heroine's love for her sickly daughter. The supporting characters are just as real and fascinating as the main characters. This book was difficult to put down and was constantly in my thoughts until the last page.

You can't help but root for Dianne to get together with the good guy but with Luanne Rice, you never quite know how it will end. What you can expect (and get) is an excellent story, poignant and well written. It is a beautiful love story as well as a touching family love story of growth and acceptance. Follow the Stars Home is an experience not soon forgotten. I know that I am going out to find her whole backlist.

Reviewed by Marilyn Heyman
Posted July 25, 2001