Contemporary
Mulberry Park
By Billie Jo
Apr 1, 2008 - 10:59:36 AM

Claire Harper is a wounded woman who has not been able to heal after the tragic loss of her son.  While sitting on a park bench, a “Dear God” letter falls into her lap.  Claire knows she should not reply to the letter but she can not help wanting to ease a little girl’s worries.  When she decides to go to the park to learn the identity of the little girl, Claire is stunned that she is the niece of the sexy attorney she hired to keep her son’s murderer in jail.  Will Claire open her heart and allow love to heal her wounded spirit?  Or will she keep her heart hidden so she will never have to experience pain again?

Sam Dawson is an attorney who has submerged himself into his work in order to keep his guilt at bay.  When a tragic accident ends his brother’s life, he finds himself the guardian to his energetic niece.  When Sam agrees to represent Claire at the upcoming parole hearing, he gets more than he bargained for.  He is stunned by the impact she has on him and is willing to do anything to erase the pain from her eyes.  Will Sam let his past regrets go and allow himself to trust and love once again?  Or will his guilt be too much to overcome?

Within the pages of MULBERRY PARK, Judy Duarte pens a heart wrenching tale of tragedy, faith and love.  The unwavering belief of a child’s faith brings a multitude of different people together in this charming tale.  I laughed at the repartee and sobbed in all the right places.  You will not be able to get through MULBERRY PARK without tissues because of the realistic emotions. 

My heart went out to Claire.  She is a strong character who is trying her best to get back to the living.  She is compassionate and unsure if she can ever love again.  I rooted for her to open her heart again and let love make her whole.

Sam captured my heart.  He is charming, passionate and guilt ridden.  I just wanted to hug him and tell him all would be well in his world again.  His biggest desire to give his niece the life he never had won me over. 

The secondary characters hold a special place in my heart because of their poignant tales.  Ms. Duarte does a wonderful job grouping an eclectic mix of people into this touching tale.