The Year of Luminous Love - by Lurlene McDaniel (Paperback)

About the Book

Eighteen-year-olds Ciana Beauchamp, Arie Winslow, and Eden McLauren of Tennessee rely on their close friendship as they face serious problems the summer before they start college, from parents' illnesses, to cancer, to loving the same cowboy.

Book Synopsis

For fans of John Green's The Fault in Our Stars, this inspirational novel is set in Tennessee horse country, as well as the historic cities and picturesque countryside of Italy. As the story unfolds, three girls, recently graduated from high school, plan the next phase of their lives while dealing with complicated issues. Author Lurlene McDaniel subtly explores the many types of love--including love for one's family and friends, and intimate love--and the sacrifices the girls face.

Review Quotes

Seventeen.com, April 10, 2013:
"The Year Of Luminous Love will definitely tug at your heart strings, and will make you so grateful for your friends....If you've ever wanted to start a book club with your friends, this is the read to go for! You'll love it if you're a fan of Eat, Pray, Love. You'll devour this pick!"

Romantic Times Book Review, April 2013:
"The Year of Luminous Love expertly pulls at readers' heartstrings and wrings emotion. Vintage McDaniel!"

Publishers Weekly, April 29, 2013:
"In Tuscany and Rome, the girls encounter worldly men, explore historical sights, and reassess their priorities...The story's themes of escape, freedom, horse riding, and finding love should have a strong pull for romance fans."

Booklist, May 1, 2013:
"McDaniel's breathless saga takes readers from picturesque Tennessee horse country to sun-washed Tuscan vineyards, all the while establishing characters worth caring about. McDaniel fans won't want to miss this age-appropriate Eat, Pray, Love--well, it has the eating and the love at least--and they'll eagerly await the follow-up, The Year of Chasing Dreams."

School Library Journal, May 2013:
"Will tempt teens seeking a dramatic summer read."

About the Author

LURLENE MCDANIEL began writing inspirational novels about teenagers facing life-altering situations when her son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Her novels are hard-hitting and realistic, but also leave readers with inspiration and hope. Her books have received acclaim from readers, teachers, parents, and reviewers. Her bestselling novels include Don't Die, My Love; Till Death Do Us Part; Hit and Run; Telling Christina Goodbye; True Love: Three Novels; and The End of Forever.