THE SECRET WAS OUTThe towheaded son of stunning socialite Kristin Reynolds had to be his child. Because once upon a time fireman Joe Davenport and Kristin had been lovers, pulled apart by her prestigious family. He hadn't wanted to give her up then, and he refused to give up his son now. Of course, this time, he and Kristin were both adults. They could handle the intimacies of parenthood, without wanting more. And though the heat of her gaze, of her touch, was almost more than he could bear, he'd be damned if he'd reignite their old flame–even if Kristin was the one woman who tempted him to want the family, and the wife, he could never have.
HELP!Footloose cowboy Jake Meredith was perfect at rabble-rousing and rodeo riding. But when instant parenthood befell him, he was scared spitless of failing as a father for his tiny orphaned niece and nephew. Where to turn for help?YOU'VE GOT A FRIENDWhere else but to Maggie Templeton, the gangly, freckled best friend of his youth? Now a city pediatrician, his long-distance pal came to his temporary rescue, working wonders with his little wards. Unfortunately, Maggie's unexpected womanliness stoked Jake's senses, jeopardizing their precious friendship. Still, Jake ached to make Maggie a permanent part of his family–to touch her, to taste her…to turn her every which way but loose.
In her unforgettable Fairbrook novels, Judy Duarte has created a town that's as warm and as welcoming as home. In The House on Sugar Plum Lane, old friends and new characters mingle in a poignant story of second chances, new beginnings, faith, and family.The beautiful Victorian house that Amy Masterson decides to rent, fully furnished, is more than just a place to start over with her young daughter. When Amy learns that the three-story house on Sugar Plum Lane belonged to her great-grandmother, Eleanor Rucker, who Amy's mother had been searching for until her recent death, she hopes she can find a window into the past her mother never found.As Amy settles into Fairbrook, she's stunned to learn that Ellie Rucker still lives on Sugar Plum Lane, cared for by Amy's neighbor, Maria. But Ellie's mind is failing rapidly, her memories fading with each passing day. She shows no hint of recognition when her great-granddaughter introduces herself, and Amy is heartbroken at the chance they've both missed. But it's never too late to hope–or to trust in bonds of love that, though they cannot be seen, can never be broken. . . Praise For Mulberry Park "Tender and touching. . .this novel will stay with you long after you have read the last page."–Dorothy Garlock, New York Times bestselling author"Such a happy book. . .I didn't want it to end." –Drusilla Campbell, author of Blood Orange "An uplifting story about one little girl's unflinching faith and how she extends an open and loving hand to the broken people around her, bring them close to each other and back into God's gentle embrace."–Cathy Lamb, author of Henry's Sisters
In the San Diego suburb of Fairbrook, past Applewood Drive and up First Street, lies Mulberry Park, a peaceful haven for locals from all walks of life. And at the center of its lush green lawn grows a massive mulberry tree–tall enough to take a most precious wish as high as it can go, and to open a few hearts along the way. . .Each day after work, Claire Harper drives to Mulberry Park and jogs for miles, hoping to find a respite from her sadness. It's futile, until the evening a letter falls from its hiding place in a nearby tree. Inside the bright pink envelope emblazoned with the words «To God From Analisa,» is a note written by a seven-year-old girl, urging God to look after her parents in Heaven and help those she loves on Earth. On impulse, Claire writes back, hoping to preserve Analisa's innocent belief in answered prayers–even if Claire lost her own faith. . .Gradually, Analisa's letters draw Claire out of her cocoon and into the companionship of other Mulberry Park regulars–all, in their own way, in need of comfort. As friendships grow, each will discover just how far one simple letter can reach. . ."An uplifting story about one little girl's unflinching faith and how she extends an open and loving hand to the broken people around her, bringing them close to each other and back into God's gentle embrace." –Cathy Lamb, author of Henry's Sisters