After 32 novels, it's probably safe to say Old Lyme native and serial New York Times bestseller Luanne Rice sorta can't NOT write — and it's true she'd be appalled by the structure of this sentence.

Rick is also effortlessly kind and charming, so it's well worth your time to meet her when she appears Monday at R.J. Julia Booksellers in Madison on behalf of her second young adult title, "The Beautiful Lost." Rice will discuss and sign copies of the new book, which tells the story of Maia, a girl struggling with depression who takes off on a road trip in search of her mother. At her side is Billy, a troubled young man from a nearby group home who's committed to helping Maia as well as outrunning his own dark past.

Luanne Rice, 7 p.m. Monday, R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Road, Madison; free, registration requested; (203) 245-3959, rjjulia.com.