Helpful Score: 4
This was actually the first Jude Deveraux that I read and it instantly had me hooked. It has all you need romance and intrigue.
Helpful Score: 3
Jude Deveraux at her best, a little mystery, a bit of romance, a good looking guy, a little wit. I truly enjoyed this book.
Helpful Score: 2
very good .. better than i expected..aromance with huemor, suspense, and grief..
Helpful Score: 2
Enjoyed this book. Good plot and well written. Kept my attention until the end and had a hard time putting it down.
Helpful Score: 2
More mysterious than most of Deveraux's books. Who and what are the Golden Six? How does their history affect the present. A nice love story, as usual, witty dialog, but more attention to the mystery.
Helpful Score: 2
This is toward the top of my faves by Deveraux. I love the main character and how she learned to be independent after the death of her high powered husband that she was used to hiding behind.
Helpful Score: 1
Different than her usual books. But it does deal with a person trying to find themselves and not who they are with other people.
Helpful Score: 1
Unpredictable, engaging mystery romance.
Helpful Score: 1
Lillian had been given everything. Then when her billionaire husband passes she finds he has left her nothing except a ramshackle home in Virginia. She must face that she is more than the quite beauty he made her and face the kind of man he trully was. Well written and intriguing.
Helpful Score: 1
Love the backdrop of the orchard and the magical setting, plot was rather strange
Helpful Score: 1
This was a wonderful book to get lost in. The story was so engaging and the characters well developed. You will find yourself hoping,laughing,teary and excited while reading this book.
Mystery, romance and good cooking make this a rich story.
One of the sweetest stories I've ever read.
My sister loved this book, I never got around to reading it.............I prefer a good hard boiled mystery. The story is about a young widow with a mystery concerning a past scandal and the lose of her husband.
I liked the mystery and love story rolled into one in this book.
Really good story--different. Good read.
Wonderful story with a few twists!
i really enjoyed thihttp://www.paperbackswap.com/images/ratings/y_l.gif
http://www.paperbackswap.com/images/ratings/y_l.gifs book ;)
http://www.paperbackswap.com/images/ratings/y_l.gifs book ;)
Quite a read! Excellent twist too! This one's a definite pageturner!
I love this book - I've read it twice now and I can't wait to send it to someone who will love it as much as I do. Very readable with plot twists that keep you turning the pages.
She had a perfect life, then she got a real one. Great read~
Okay book. I prefer Deveraux's straight romance books more.
Read this book a while ago and really loved it.
the best journeys of the heart are those that are least expected
One of Jude Deveraux's very best. Bailey (Lillian) and Matt's romance is so sweetly developed and the intrigue and suspense surrounding Bailey wraps around it all. Loved it.
This was so well written and very in depth sorry telling. SHe is a great author if you have never read her. A glimpse into the lonliness of the rich as well as the nature of samll towns.
I loved this book. Jude Deveraux is an amazing author. You begin this book thinking this is a story about a woman starting over,but as Lillian soon learns,sometimes you have to understand the past to see your future.
Lillian Manville must assume a new identity because of the notoriety after her billionaire husband's death. When she discovers that the only thing he left her was a run down farm in a dying community in Virginia, she is stunned. She has to find a way to start her life again, and to discover what really happened in that community that changed her husband's life. Very touching, and affecting story. Good characterization, and surprising plot. Excellent book.
I've read many Jude Deveraux books and have to this, this one was very different from the rest! Lots of romance the way we know from Jude D., but yet with a twist of mystery that kept me really interested in finding out exactly what happened. I didn't know until the very end! It was a very enjoyable read!
I love this book. After reading it, the first thing I started doing was looking for a mulberry tree of my very own (which I still haven't found). It touched my heart on a very special level and I recommend it strongly to anyone. Excellent author, one of my favorite books. I read it at least once a year.
I am not a fan of romance novels, and even though this one isn't exactly a romance novel, there is an element of it in the story. I really liked it and am sorry to hear that this is different from the author's usual style of writing. Definitely a page-turner; fun trying to piece together the twists and turns of the story. Not exactly a mystery, either, but kind of a nice blend of romance, mystery, and plain, old-fashioned storytelling.
I enjoyed watching the heroine come into her own. One of those books I didn't want to end, I felt as if the characters had become friends. I wanted to know what happens next in their lives...maybe there will be a sequel?
I enjoyed watching the heroine come into her own. One of those books I didn't want to end, I felt as if the characters had become friends. I wanted to know what happens next in their lives...maybe there will be a sequel?
If you like Jude Deveraux you will not be disappointed.
Mystery, romance and lots of twists and turns...I read this one in one sitting, very good!
Going from a jet set billionaire's wife to poverty and an unlivable house in Virginia - could Lillian survive this lifestyle change. Excellent book.
Good book with plot twists and an involved story.
Wonderful story of a woman who finds herself after the death of her husband. Loved it!
I thought the first 25 pages of the book were a little slow. But overall the story was so intriguing that I couldn't put it down.
Another Awesome, Awesome work of Judes!
great plot had a lot of twists & turns
for nearly twenty years those words dictated the life of lillian manville quiet unassuming and overweight lillian did anything and everything to please her husband the illustrious self made billionaire james manville since the tender age of seventeen she had obeyed this powerful older mans every command and in return she received a life beyond her wildest dreams elaborate mansions trips around the world the finest jewels and the most luxurious fashions.
The death of Lillian's rich husband sends her on a search for answers.
The biggest question of all is...why did he leave her penniless?!
The biggest question of all is...why did he leave her penniless?!
I loved this book! The story line was very intriguing to me and kept my attention from the beginning. I read this book in one weekend (could have read it even quicker but I have kids). This was one of few books I didn't want to put down...and didn't want to end!
Deveraux is always a great read.
I LOVED this book! Loss and heart break lead to discovery of what is true and true love.
One of my favs of all time. A must read for Deveraux fans!
greatread for a rainy day.
I really like it . I wish the author could not kill James . Him did deserve a change to redeemer himself . the history line was intrigue captive and make you guess . What will happen next .
This is a wonderful love story.
She had a perfect life. Then she got a real life...
For nearly twenty years, quiet, unassuming Lillian Manville has devoted herself to her self-made billionaire hubanand enjoyed a luxurious life of splendid homes, trips, jewels, and clothes. But when James Manville dies ina plane crash, Lillian's grief is compounded by a shocking mystery: Jimmie has left to her is an old farmhouse in tiny Calburn, Virginia. Now, Lillian's unexpected circumstances are leading her to a made-over life in Calburn, an exciting business.. and a sweet new love with a handsome local man. But will she have courage to unveil the truth surrounding a past scandal and the loss of her husband? The answers may be as close as the mulberry tree in her yard- and Lillian must dig deep within herself to fight the secrets and lies that threaten to uproot the past she cherished and the future she treasures...
For nearly twenty years, quiet, unassuming Lillian Manville has devoted herself to her self-made billionaire hubanand enjoyed a luxurious life of splendid homes, trips, jewels, and clothes. But when James Manville dies ina plane crash, Lillian's grief is compounded by a shocking mystery: Jimmie has left to her is an old farmhouse in tiny Calburn, Virginia. Now, Lillian's unexpected circumstances are leading her to a made-over life in Calburn, an exciting business.. and a sweet new love with a handsome local man. But will she have courage to unveil the truth surrounding a past scandal and the loss of her husband? The answers may be as close as the mulberry tree in her yard- and Lillian must dig deep within herself to fight the secrets and lies that threaten to uproot the past she cherished and the future she treasures...
If you are a Jude Deveraux fan, you will love this one. Very heartwarming story with a little mystery in to boot.
I really enjoyed this book it was a real cliff hanger plus it had a great story to go along with the mystery
I liked it - a wealthy, new widow finds out her husband only left her an old farmhouse in a small town that she has never visited. She moves in, uncovers the truth of his past life, makes friends and finds love.
I enjoyed this book more than most Devereaux books--modern setting, interesting characters, and a little mystery, too.
I rarely give a book a 10, but this one merits it! I really enjoyed this book. The character development is great, the mystery holds up. A great read!!!!
This is a book that I received as a 'bonus' for ordering 5 other books from a PBS member and it ended up being the best book in the whole bunch. Truly an outstanding read!!
This was a good read! I stayed up all night to finish it. A really, really good story.
I couldn't put this book down!! It has everything for the Deveraux fan.
I fully enjoyed this book, and will be ordering another book by this author once I have another credit :-)
She married young to a self-made billionaire. Whatever she wanted he provided. When he died, her pampered life ceased abruptly, and his massive fortune went to his siblings. She soon discovers a well of secrets connected to her late husband's past. Through desperate circumstances, Lillian struggles to transform her life. As she does, remaining secrets and lies threaten to uproot her again. She fights to protect what she has created.
Lillian Manville has enjoyed a life of luxury and ease for 20 years. When he dies in a plane crash, she finds herself with nothing but a run down farmhouse in tiny Calburn, VA.
Very interesting, good read.
Nice romantic story.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
She had a perfect life. Then she got a real life....
For nearly twenty years, quiet, unassuming Lillian Manville has devoted herself to her self-made billionaire husband -- and enjoyed a luxurious life of splendid homes, trips, jewels, and clothes. But when James Manville dies in a plane crash, Lillian's grief is compounded by a shocking mystery: all that Jimmie has left to her is an old farmhouse in tiny Calburn, Virginia. Now, Lillian's unexpected circumstances are leading her to a made-over life in Calburn, an exciting business--and a sweet new love with a handsome local man. But will she have the courage to unveil the truth surrounding a past scandal and the loss of her husband? The answers may be as close as the mulberry tree in her yard -- and Lillian must dig deep within herself to Wght the secrets and lies that threaten to uproot the past she cherished and the future she treasures....This lush bestseller shines with the passion, intrigue, and warmth that is Jude Deveraux at her best.
She had a perfect life. Then she got a real life....
For nearly twenty years, quiet, unassuming Lillian Manville has devoted herself to her self-made billionaire husband -- and enjoyed a luxurious life of splendid homes, trips, jewels, and clothes. But when James Manville dies in a plane crash, Lillian's grief is compounded by a shocking mystery: all that Jimmie has left to her is an old farmhouse in tiny Calburn, Virginia. Now, Lillian's unexpected circumstances are leading her to a made-over life in Calburn, an exciting business--and a sweet new love with a handsome local man. But will she have the courage to unveil the truth surrounding a past scandal and the loss of her husband? The answers may be as close as the mulberry tree in her yard -- and Lillian must dig deep within herself to Wght the secrets and lies that threaten to uproot the past she cherished and the future she treasures....This lush bestseller shines with the passion, intrigue, and warmth that is Jude Deveraux at her best.
Shocking revelations!
This is about a young woman who marries a man who is very mysterious about his background, but she marries him anyway. She is young and in love and he dotes on her, what more could she ask? Well, it ends up she should have asked, because he is murdered by influential people who also want her dead. His best friend gets her a new name and out of town with enough money to eat on and get various things needed. She is given a ramshackle , run down house that is covered in weeds and has a mulberry tree in the back. She has to live here, because his best friend ends up murdered and she can not ask more from him. She is a prolific cook and canner. She needs money, so she decides to market her sauces, preserves, and vegetables. She meets a handsome guy before long who becomes her boarder and helps her to fix up the place. Yes, they do fall in love, eventually, but she is a hold out for a long time. At the end she finds out the mystery behind her husband, his house, his family, and the town. It's a fabulous story.
Another great book by Jude Deveraux. I really enjoyed it.
Another great book by Jude Deveraux. I really enjoyed it.
A great story by one of my favorite authors.
Another good Jude Deveraux read. I haven't read a book of her's yet that I didn't like.
She had a perfect life. Then she got a real life....
For nearly twenty years, quiet, unassuming Lillian Manville has devoted herself to her self-made billionaire husband -- and enjoyed a luxurious life of splendid homes, trips, jewels, and clothes. But when James Manville dies in a plane crash, Lillian\'s grief is compounded by a shocking mystery: all that Jimmie has left to her is an old farmhouse in tiny Calburn, Virginia. Now, Lillian\'s unexpected circumstances are leading her to a made-over life in Calburn, an exciting business?and a sweet new love with a handsome local man. But will she have the courage to unveil the truth surrounding a past scandal and the loss of her husband? The answers may be as close as the mulberry tree in her yard -- and Lillian must dig deep within herself to Wght the secrets and lies that threaten to uproot the past she cherished and the future she treasures....This lush bestseller shines with the passion, intrigue, and warmth that is Jude Deveraux at her best
For nearly twenty years, quiet, unassuming Lillian Manville has devoted herself to her self-made billionaire husband -- and enjoyed a luxurious life of splendid homes, trips, jewels, and clothes. But when James Manville dies in a plane crash, Lillian\'s grief is compounded by a shocking mystery: all that Jimmie has left to her is an old farmhouse in tiny Calburn, Virginia. Now, Lillian\'s unexpected circumstances are leading her to a made-over life in Calburn, an exciting business?and a sweet new love with a handsome local man. But will she have the courage to unveil the truth surrounding a past scandal and the loss of her husband? The answers may be as close as the mulberry tree in her yard -- and Lillian must dig deep within herself to Wght the secrets and lies that threaten to uproot the past she cherished and the future she treasures....This lush bestseller shines with the passion, intrigue, and warmth that is Jude Deveraux at her best
excellent
Excellent Read!
Deveraux at her best.
she had the perfect life. then she got a real life.
From Publishers Weekly
Perennially bestselling romance writer Deveraux's newest (put out by Atria, S&S's new hardcover imprint) tells the story of a 33-year-old woman's successful remaking of her life and self-image after the sudden death of her beloved husband, Jimmie, who was a combination of business tycoon and Mafia honcho. Pampered Lillian Manville is bustled away in the middle of the night and informed that she was cut almost entirely from Jimmie's will. Rather than a portion of his billions, he bequeathed her an old farmhouse in Virginia and a cryptic note referring to "the truth about what happened." Retreating to lick her wounds, Lillian begins to carve out a new life for herself and investigate the mystery of Jimmy's past. As she uncovers the town's buried secrets, she also discovers that Jimmy deliberately created a role for her as his mousy wife and kept her trapped there. As she breaks out of her shell, she loses weight, restyles herself and starts a cooking business with the townswomen, who grudgingly begin to accept her presence. Bailey (as Lillian renames herself) is infectiously enthusiastic yet just insecure enough to make her pathbreaking corporate organization of her neighbors and her concerns about her involvement with Matt, the inevitable eligible bachelor, ring true. There is nothing particularly surprising in this novel, but Deveraux's touch is gold, and her protagonist combines innocent appeal with wry experience in a way that readers will surely find irresistible.
Perennially bestselling romance writer Deveraux's newest (put out by Atria, S&S's new hardcover imprint) tells the story of a 33-year-old woman's successful remaking of her life and self-image after the sudden death of her beloved husband, Jimmie, who was a combination of business tycoon and Mafia honcho. Pampered Lillian Manville is bustled away in the middle of the night and informed that she was cut almost entirely from Jimmie's will. Rather than a portion of his billions, he bequeathed her an old farmhouse in Virginia and a cryptic note referring to "the truth about what happened." Retreating to lick her wounds, Lillian begins to carve out a new life for herself and investigate the mystery of Jimmy's past. As she uncovers the town's buried secrets, she also discovers that Jimmy deliberately created a role for her as his mousy wife and kept her trapped there. As she breaks out of her shell, she loses weight, restyles herself and starts a cooking business with the townswomen, who grudgingly begin to accept her presence. Bailey (as Lillian renames herself) is infectiously enthusiastic yet just insecure enough to make her pathbreaking corporate organization of her neighbors and her concerns about her involvement with Matt, the inevitable eligible bachelor, ring true. There is nothing particularly surprising in this novel, but Deveraux's touch is gold, and her protagonist combines innocent appeal with wry experience in a way that readers will surely find irresistible.
A lot of family members to remember but once you get past that, this is a very good read.
For nearly twenty years, quiet, unassuming Lillian Manville has devoted herself to her self-made billionaire husband---and enjoyed a luxurious life of splendid homes, trips, jewels, and clothes. But when James Manville dies in a plane crash, Lillian's grief is compounded by a shocking mystery: all that Jimmie has left to her is an old farmhouse in tiny Calburn, Virginia. Now, Lillian's unexpected circumstances are leading her to a made-over life in Calburn, an exciting business...and a sweet new love with a handsome local man. But will she have the courage to unveil the truth surrounding a past scandal and the loss of her husband? The answers may be as close as the mulberry tree in her yard---and Lillian must dig deep within herself to fight the secrets and lies that threaten to uproot the past she cherished and the future she treasures...This lush bestseller shines with the passion, intrigue, and warmth that is Jude Deveraux at her best.
For nearly twenty years, quiet, unassuming Lillian Manville has devoted herself to her self-made billionaire husband---and enjoyed a luxurious life of splendid homes, trips, jewels, and clothes. But when James Manville dies in a plane crash, Lillian's grief is compounded by a shocking mystery: all that Jimmie has left to her is an old farmhouse in tiny Calburn, Virginia. Now, Lillian's unexpected circumstances are leading her to a made-over life in Calburn, an exciting business...and a sweet new love with a handsome local man. But will she have the courage to unveil the truth surrounding a past scandal and the loss of her husband? The answers may be as close as the mulberry tree in her yard---and Lillian must dig deep within herself to fight the secrets and lies that threaten to uproot the past she cherished and the future she treasures...This lush bestseller shines with the passion, intrigue, and warmth that is Jude Deveraux at her best.
For nearly twenty years, quiet unassuming Lillian Manville has devoted herself to her self-made billionaire husband-and enjoyed a luxurious life of splendid homes, trips, jewels and clothes. But when James Manville dies in a plane crash, Lillian's grief is compounded by a shocking mystery: all James has left to her is an old farmhouse in tiny Calburn, Virginia. Now Lillian's unexpected circumstances are leading her to a made-over life in Calburn, an exiting business...and a sweet new love with a handsome local man. But will she have the courage to unveil the the truth surrounding a past scandal and the loss of her husband? The answers may be as close as the mulberry tree in her yard-and Lillian must dig deep within herself to fight the secretsw and lies that threaten to uproot the past she cherished and the future she treasures.
For nearly twenty yeara,quiet,unassuming Lillian Manville has devoted herself to her self-made billionaire husband-and enjoyed a luxurious life of splendid homes,trips and jewels,and clothes. But when James Manville dies in a plane crash,Lillian's grief is compounded by a shocking mystery:all that Jimmie has left to her is an old farmhouse in timy Calburn Virginia. Now Lillian unexpected circumstances are leading her to a made-over life in Calburn,an exciting business...and a sweer new love with a handsome local man. But will she have the courage to unveil the truth surrounding a past scandal and the loss of her husband? The answers may be as close as a mulberry tree in her yard-and Lillian must dig deep within herself to fight the secrets and lies that threaten to uproot the past she cherished and the furture she treasures..
She had a perfect life. Then she got a real life....
For nearly twenty years, quiet, unassuming Lillian Manville has devoted herself to her self-made billionaire husband -- and enjoyed a luxurious life of splendid homes, trips, jewels, and clothes. But when James Manville dies in a plane crash, Lillian's grief is compounded by a shocking mystery: all that Jimmie has left to her is an old farmhouse in tiny Calburn, Virginia. Now, Lillian's unexpected circumstances are leading her to a made-over life in Calburn, an exciting business?and a sweet new love with a handsome local man. But will she have the courage to unveil the truth surrounding a past scandal and the loss of her husband? The answers may be as close as the mulberry tree in her yard -- and Lillian must dig deep within herself to Wght the secrets and lies that threaten to uproot the past she cherished and the future she treasures....This lush bestseller shines with the passion, intrigue, and warmth that is Jude Deveraux at her best.
For nearly twenty years, quiet, unassuming Lillian Manville has devoted herself to her self-made billionaire husband -- and enjoyed a luxurious life of splendid homes, trips, jewels, and clothes. But when James Manville dies in a plane crash, Lillian's grief is compounded by a shocking mystery: all that Jimmie has left to her is an old farmhouse in tiny Calburn, Virginia. Now, Lillian's unexpected circumstances are leading her to a made-over life in Calburn, an exciting business?and a sweet new love with a handsome local man. But will she have the courage to unveil the truth surrounding a past scandal and the loss of her husband? The answers may be as close as the mulberry tree in her yard -- and Lillian must dig deep within herself to Wght the secrets and lies that threaten to uproot the past she cherished and the future she treasures....This lush bestseller shines with the passion, intrigue, and warmth that is Jude Deveraux at her best.
A bit worn, but certainly readable!
