Apple Orchard by Linda Barrett

Apple Orchardby Anonymous

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July 06, 2002: In THE APPLE ORCHARD Linda Barrett quickly draws the reader into the story of a strong family composed of compelling yet genuine people?the kind of people we all wish we knew?or are lucky to know. Jake Templeton is a successful cardiologist in Boston during the week and returns home to his daughter Stacey and his family?s apple orchard in the countryside on the weekends. Jake?s beloved wife died two years before in an accident that left his life shattered and his daughter emotionally scarred. More than anything, Jake wants to see Stacey happy again. He?s tried everything?including child psychologists?but no one seems able to help Stacey reach beyond her grief and puzzling wariness toward him, an attitude that tears at his heart. Abby Mackenzie?s life is perfect. She has a loving, supportive family and a career she adores as a psychologist helping Los Angeles?s unsung heroes?police officers, firefighters, and secret service agents. But her world comes crashing down when one of her clients commits suicide. Abby blames herself. Unable to cope with her guilt, Abby takes a sabbatical and finds herself in Massachusetts and Jake Templeton?s apple orchard. All Abby wants is to work hard picking apples so she can sleep at night, untroubled by dreams of the tragedy in LA. She does all she can to avoid the handsome Dr. Templeton, who?s made it clear he doesn?t trust psychologists and doesn?t want her near his daughter. But neither Jake nor Abby can deny their attraction to one another. When a family crisis occurs and Stacey?s tentative friendship with Abby seems to be healing the pain of her mother?s death, Jake and Abby must forget old wounds and rely on one another to help Stacey and the Templeton family. I recommend THE APPLE ORCHARD without reservation. Like Ms. Barrett?s other novels, THE APPLE ORCHARD is a treat to be savored and will leave you hungry for her next release.