The Mulberry Tree

When I think of a Jude Deveraux novel I instantly think of a wonderful love story that sizzles. The Mulberry Tree had nowhere near the wonderful story of Ms. Deveraux's previous books like Eternity, the Princess, the Raider, etc.
While the story was nowhere near that of these previous books, it was still a better than average story. Lillian Manville was left a widow when her billionaire husband's plane crashed. Lillian had loved James with her whole heart, and even lived for him because he needed her. In the time after James' death Lillian had been left virtually penniless and the owner of a farmhouse in Calburn, Virginia. The natives of Calburn were all rather odd, and the history of Calburn was saturated by a group of men known as the Golden Six. The enigmatic history of Calburn, the Golden Six, and even Lillian's husband James Manville all revolve around the summer of 1968, and specifically the 30th of August. Lillian, as Bailey James, came to Calburn with the belief that she knew about James' past, but the reality emerges that she knew absolutely nothing about him. The people that we meet in Calburn are all rather eccentric. There are Patsy and Janice, the cousins that do not speak to each other and Violet the pot smoking 60ish woman are some of the more eccentric characters that we meet. The romantic story that is supposed to evolve here really never does. Matthew Longacre is the son of one of the Golden Six, and he becomes Bailey's housemate in a rather odd way. Matt eventually helps Bailey figure out some of the aspects of the history of the Golden Six, and even some of the history of James Manville.
Personally, I love Ms. Deveraux's works with my whole heart. However, this novel left me with some unanswered questions regarding the motivations that certain characters face. However, this was a fast and enjoyable read.

Jude
Stop and rest awhile, this was too busy and confusing a story to follow.
The dead husband was no charmer and had a "terrible secret".
The problem is by the time the book is over you do not care about the secret, you have lost all interest.
The love interest is boring, no sparks fly. She sure does cook for him but no passion in the kitchen. And as a canner I do not need the Bell book quoted, some action would have been better.
Too many characters, no one you really cared about and story lines that drop away and are forgotten by the author.
Avoid or better yet, just re-read one of her earlier gems.

The Mulberry Tree is somewhere between a page turner and a complete dud. As others have described, the "mystery" never gets tied up in a satisfactory way and the whole premise of "The Golden Six" is just, well, stupid. And, as others have mentioned, there are too many characters to make sense of, and you find yourself either flipping back to see who the author is talking about, or you just finding yourself slugging through and deciding you don't give a crap enough to backtrack. Mostly I did the latter.
However, Devereux somehow provides enough interest to compel the reader to read more. While others were bored by the detailed accounts of Bailey's cooking and canning skills, these were my favorite parts of the book. As a avid cook, I found myself dreaming of making the same dishes that Bailey fed to Matt. It was also interesting to see the progression of Bailey's personality as she gains some independence. I was disappointed that there was no great romance between the two main characters, and that Matt seemed to be more interested in Bailey's cooking than Bailey herself.
I've read worse and I've read better. This is good nighttime reading for when you just want to shut the world out, read a few chapters before bedtime and call it a day.

Bailey/Lillian is a very likeable character much like Jude's other characters, and boy can she cook. She is introverted and shy at first but comes into her own eventually. I myself would not have put up with some of the things she does but hey, I'm not a romance novel heroine either. If you want to do a little light reading go ahead and pick this up. ...
That said, I have noticed that Jude's books have not been as good as usual lately, seemingly hurried and thrown together to make a story to sell. Hope her next book is better.

I enjoyed reading this book about the character Bailey James and her mission to find out about her husband's past after he dies in a plane crash leaving her none of his billions. The book did have a few problems, but it was still a believable story. I liked the other characters in the story, also, Carol, Phillip, Matt, and Alex.

The novel, THE MULBERRY TREE, sends a widow down memory lane for she must find out the past of her dead husband in order to discover herself and to truly experience her own life. Lillian Manville, who had soon changed her name to Bailey James, changed her entire appearance to live some type of life. If Lillian didn't change her appearance she would be harassed by reporters, people, her face would be plastered on TV, but worst of all she would be tortured and taken advantage of by Atlanta and Ray. It was a horrible tragedy when Jimmie died for Lillian only knew and loved her husband. When Jimmie died in a plane crash, Lillian wasn't sure if there was a reason for her living. Jimmie left a letter behind for Lillian that which had caused her to look into his past. Little did she know it would lead her to discover a new romance, a new life, and a past that may alter her into a new, improved, and happier woman.

THE MULBERRY TREE is an outstanding novel. Never was there a dull moment when reading. I love how there are scenes when mystery isnt involved; yet there is a relationship building or a learning experience. Lillian Manville, also known as Bailey James, created an interesting life. When Bailey first moved into her new home, the excitement and mystery began. For example, the author didnt take anytime to allow a new man to inter Baileys life. No more then a few weeks did a man called Matt ask to rent out one of Baileys rooms. Neither did Bailey take her time when entering the town of Calburn, to ask the people of Calburn questions about its history. What's so great about the novel is Bailey learns that not only was Jimmie secretive about his past but it so happens so is Calburn. As the novel prospers and has you hanging by a thread, you think you may be able to grab on to the climax, however, something comes walking along to add more interest to the story. For example, a woman named Arleen walked right into Baileys new life reminding her of her past with Jimmie and what she loved and missed. However, Arleen also mentioned times of the past that Bailey never knew about which made her realize she lived behind a man that she truly didnt know.

If you enjoy mystery and discovery, I highly recommend you to read THE MULBERRY TREE. I would recommend this novel to any type of reader because there is never a dull moment and you are always wanting know more. People always want to read a new and exciting novel/book. This novel not only includes every exciting moment of Baileys life but also entwines the lives of many others, creating a new but different story around every corner. This novel takes you deep into the life of a woman who, now, isnt even sure her past years, with the one person she thought she truly knew and loved, are completely true. Now only depending on oneself, for the first time she shows great courage and bravery while driving on the most mysterious and dangerous, yet pleasant road to discovery

Either this book needs a good editing or should be expanded to clarify the casts of thousands-well it seemed like thousands.
The ending was contrived and confusing. None of it seemed plausible. The basic story line was solid. A young, formerly unattractive, widow transforms herself into a vibrant, modern woman. But then plots and subplots rear their ugly heads.
Some questions are never fully answered and some answers are pretty questionable. When I read I don't want to keep genealogy charts. Give me a knight in shining armour any day!

This was a fantastic story. The mystery keeps you turning pages. Starting over is never easy. Bailey changes her looks and identity after her multi billionaire husband dies. She inherits an old farmhouse in Virginia. Bailey thinks she can start over but the past won't let her.

Twists and turns in the plot always lead back to the Golden 6. What really happened? That's what kept me reading.

I love Jude Devereaux's writing. It was nice reading one of her old books. She is a talented author. You will enjoy this book.

Wow, I was fascinated with the "mystery" in this book. I thought Jimmie and Lillian were both very intriguing, and wanted to know what happened to Jimmie. I was actually quite excited about this mystery part of the book up until the last three chapters-- upon which the entire thing unravels in a confusing narration of a character barely introduced, followed by a hurried summary of important events that happen to Lillian-- like her marriage to Matt! Also, too many characters make the story a blunder.

About the romance... it was truthfully a bore to read. DO NOT read this book if you are looking for a love story. The protaganist lets a strange man move in with her after two weeks, and he falls in love with her because of her cooking. They have a drawn out, passionless relationship, which was once described as brother and sister, and seemed that way the entire time, except for the sex scene.

Also, the book overall puts a negative connotation on Lillian, which frustrated me. Why did Lillian have to lose massive weight and have a nose job before she was noticed? It's stereotypical.

Strangely, I liked this novel, despite the faults, but only because of the writing style and mystery that I thought all along would come out amazing, but didn't really. I guess I just enjoyed reading it, even if the end was a disappointment.

Like the heroine in the Mulberry Tree, Deveraux continues to go from fat to thin in her recent writings. Being a farm girl I've spent my life making preserves and canning. I really don't need a cooking education. Should I ever, I know that there are many books in the COOKING SECTION that should help me. Deveraux spent more time explaining how to can foods, (something that must have totally excited her when she researched this book), than she did developing a romance between Bailey and Matthew. Her books used to be so very good. What is happening with our girl? Please don't bother with this book, especially if you're an avid fan like me. This, as well as many recent novels, only serve to depress those of us who have followed her for years.

Jude Deveraux seems to understand that when we want to be entertained by a story it needs to have certain elements: 1)people in relationship to other people. 2) people in relationship to money and 3) ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. She's captured all of those elements once again in a very entertaining way. She combined a study of sociology, a tangled mystery and a riches-to-rags-to-riches theme all into one great read.

Unlike some previous reviewers, I did not "discover" Jude Deveraux until fairly recently, and it happens that I like her newer books somewhat better than her older titles. Maybe it's my age, but grooms who rape their brides on their wedding nights and then fall asleep (as the first few JD novels' heros seem to do), or a hero who openly admits to not being "monogamous" -- these stories just don't do it for me.

I am not going to say that this was the best novel I have ever read, if I was really rating it I would say about four, four and half stars, but I can tell you this much: from when I picked up this book, I had a hard time putting it down. Sure, many parts of the book are improbable, and there is very little actual romance - as in dream hero kind of romance - but this IS a very funny and interesting book with lots and lots of plot turns - and I found I simply enjoyed it very much.

Perhaps it's the main character - Lillian/Bailey - I thought she was a really nice person and a welcome change from Darcy and some other "full-of-themselves/snipe,snipe,snipe" heroines from her other books. Perhaps because I am a stay-at-home mom myself, I liked the way Bailey automatically took care of all the people in her life, and the way she is so not vindicative. I just really liked Bailey, she is just a sweet person. I also liked the way the story of her marriage to Jimmy developed, and as we get a deeper understanding of the dynamics behind their marriage, we understand why Bailey was acting the way she did.
I also enjoyed JD's portrayal of small town USA, and with a crack at husbands who manipulate their wives and wives who let themselves be manipulated, thrown in for good measure. (JD, I got that part and I enjoyed it).

Sure, some parts of the book were a little over-the-top - like Matt's reaction to Bailey's cooking (if my husband were to see pickled grapes I'm afraid his reaction would be very different, grilled hamburgers is another story), Lillian loses weight a little TOO fast - (twenty, thirty pounds in just three weeks? Wouldn't you wish), some of the car chases seem a little "movie" contrived, and the story of his lip - c'mon, they do surgery for kids in Africa "Operation Smile", but, really, this was a very good story, and worth reading even if there is not so much actual romance.

Look, Jude wrote how many books - forty? more? and I'm amazed at how many plots she managed to come up with, that's pretty good, and I don't think it's fair for people to say she's gotten worse - it's just a different style, that's all. How many authors can write the exact same story over and over and over, it would be so boring.

So this is my recommendation: If you like a good, funny story with alot of twists and turns; if you like a story with all kinds of eccentric and sinister characters with a little mystery thrown in - this book is for you. If you're looking for a hero that rapes his bride on his wedding night - re-read "The Velvet Promise".

P.S. Answer to Terry Benedict (spoilers follow):

a. Jimmy had taken care that even though Lillian would not get any money, his lawyer would take care of her, which actually did happen. Perhaps he also did trust her too much, had too much faith in her ability, but luckily this is a story so it all works out in the end.

b. Jimmy was killed by his so-called siblings because of his money. He suspected they were after him, which is why he set up the will the way he did. If Lillian were to inherit, they would just kill her, too. This way, if Lillian would find out
the truth, and bring it to the proper authorities, his so-called siblings would not benefit from the money, and Lillian WOULD actually get it in the end.

I agree with you, this is a little too contrived, why couldn't Jimmy just do this himself, or why couldn't he have left more hints for her (perhaps in a sealed envelope with his lawyer?). Maybe he figured that when the step-siblings get the money, they would not be suspicious of Lillian, and she could investigate further at her leisure, while he saw that he was running out of time? I also think she could have explained this better in her book. And why does Bailey renounce all that money? It seems to me that JD, having too much money, has lost the respect the rest of us have for a few million dollars - no way would Bailey in real life give up that kind of money.

What a disappointment...I've read all of Jude Deveraux's previous books and loved them. This book just seemed pointless, after the first couple of chapters your just trying to get through it.
I'm assuming that J. D. is attempting to do what it seems a lot of romance writers are now doing and that is, write outside of the genre. Well this was a lackluster effort.
Not worth your beach reading time.

I've loved (until now) everything that Jude Deveraux had written. This book [was bad]. Nothing seemed to be completely explained and the chemistry between the two main characters (Bailey & Matt) was nil. Their fire was so [bad], I thought midway through the story that it was going to be revealed that they were brother and sister! Not a book I would recommend.

This book is a really good love story entertwined with a really nail biting mystery. The characters are well written with the protagonist having just enough emotion and wit that you can truly sympathize or empathize with her.

I enjoyed reading this book, had a hard time putting it down. But after reading it there are a few loose ends that seem important at first and then are left out later in the story. The ending flies out of nowhere and you are left a little dazed.