Judy Duarte, The House On Sugar Plum Lane

The House On Sugar Plum Lane

Judy Duarte

Kensington, Apr 1 2010, $15.00

ISBN: 9780758238948

Amy Masteron's marriage to workaholic Brandon was already shaky when her mom died. Deciding to take over her mother's quest to find her birth family, a determined Amy begins a search that leads to a great-grandmother Eleanor Rucker, who surprisingly remains alive living with assistance in Fairbrook. While Brandon is confused by their marriage collapsing, Amy accompanied by her five years old daughter Callie moves to Fairbrook where she rents Ellie's Victorian, but conceals her ties to learn more about her maternal roots.

However, Amy realizes she is running out of time as Ellie's mind is failing with memories vanishing. Amy is heartbroken with this sad twist of fate, but like the townsfolk, she prays for a miracle re family. Brandon hopes for one too with his being the return of his two women back in his life.

This is an entertaining character study as Judy Duarte takes her fans back to Fairbrook (see Entertaining Angels and Mulberry Park) where miracles are known to happen, but not in the way the recipient asked. The key cast members (to include several townsfolk as well as the Masterson trio) learn lessons of faith and the importance of loved ones. The House on Sugar Plum Lane is a warm yet profound tale of allowing and accepting second chances at relationships.

Harriet Klausner