Rating: 
Summary: Almost a Great Read
Review: The book started out with all the earmarks of a great read. And it almost was. Loved the premise of the story, the murder mystery was well done and kept me guessing until the very end and some of the characters were exceptionally well developed. Loved Patsy and Janice.But the story was rather carelessly patched together in spots and in some places credibility was stretched so thin that it jolted me out of the story. Things always worked out just a little to well for Bailey and some of the characters motives were a little far fetched. Had to stop reading and roll my eyes several times. Ms. Devereaux could have spent a little more time thinking things through and might have come up with a real winner here. However if your not a nit picker like I am, and you like a good romantic suspense story, you will probably enjoy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Great writing & characters, but I prefer traditional Jude D.
Review: The writing is a 5, but I give it a 3 because I like the traditional Jude love story and The Mulberry Tree is an example of another good romance writer jumping on the romantic/suspense bandwagon. I'm disppointed because the book begins in a such a way that I thought I was reading a classic Jude Devereau story .... a story about a woman who overcomes obstacles, discovers her personal strengths, and finds love along the way. Instead it takes a turn into a mystery-suspense about "The Golden Six." If you like romantic suspense, you'll enjoy Jude's latest.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Story, but Nowhere Near Ms. Deveraux's older ones
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: powerful character-driven suspense
Review: Their sixteen-year marriage ends when Jimmie Manville dies in a plane crash. Shockingly, the very successful James leaves his millions to his two siblings who he detests and only a dilapidated farm in Calburn, Virginia to Lillian the wife he allegedly loved. When he signed the will, Jimmie's lawyer tried to talk him out of doing just that, but Jimmie insisted he was leaving her "what she needs". The media orchestrated by her vile in-laws rips Lillian as a Jezebel who got her hooks into Jimmie. Refusing to challenge the will out of respect for Jimmie, Lillian changes her name to Bailey James and quietly leaves for her farm. Though her new property is a disaster, she plans to fix it up while finding a way to earn money. Bailey hires the local sexy contractor to oversee the repairs while she learns why Jimmie who always took care of her wanted her to learn the truth. New York Times best selling author Jude Deveraux shows why she is very popular among readers with her powerful character-driven suspense novel THE MULBERRY TREE. The story line grips the audience who initially feels pity for the heroine, but sees why Jimmie thought the world of Lillian when he could have had any number of beautiful intelligent women instead. Lillian makes the tale work with her self-discovery and her efforts to detect James' darkest secrets hidden from her when he feared she would leave him. Though several homicides seem like overkill Ms. Deveraux has written a tremendous novel starring an unforgettable protagonist who may be the best female character of the year. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: An enjoyable puzzling story
Review: I listened to the book on CD on my way to and from work. I enjoyed the interplay between characters and getting to know them a little bit. Although not entirely unpredictible, it was an interesting story--a puzzle with feeling. I could picture the house, the tree and the town. I enjoyed the narration. At times, I would find myself sitting in my car at my destination to listen to a little bit more, trying to find a good point at which to interrupt the story.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful
Review: 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
Rating:
Summary: Page turner, but not so great overall
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Reading Jude Deveraux is like eating candy.
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Incomplete Storyline; Unresolved Issues
Review: The book seemed a little too far fetched for me. How is it that she was expected (by a husband who had no clue that his lawyer would help her as he did) to start from the ground up and restore such a piece of trash house being all alone and having no money. My big question and someone PLEASE answer this - why did her husband leave her penniless when he couldn't stand his so-called siblings. I know he wanted questions answered and he said he would leave her "what she needed," but how was she realistically supposed to do the job he wanted without a penny to her name? And why leave all of his money to two siblings he couldn't stand? I was hopeful these questions would be answered by the end of the book, but they never were. Someone please enlighten me. This book was the first one I have ever read by Jude Deveraux; it has put a bad taste in my mouth for her work. I would rate it as incomplete and would hope someone could help change my opinion of her work.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book!
Review: This story is centered around Lillian Manville the young widow of an excentric billionare who at his death leaves her nothing but a run down farm house in the middle of nowhere. Lillian was a child bride who's husband molded her into the woman that he wanted at his side. At his death she is left practically penniless and has to solve the mystery of a cryptic note left by her late husband. When Lillian moves into the farmhouse she begins to piece together her life and the mystery of why her husband left his billions to a sister and brother he hated. Jude Deveraux did an excellent job of making this story and the characters feel real. The characters though many, are well thought out and very intricate. The people in the book are flawed with real problems and issues like every other normal human. This book walks you through Lillians struggle to find out who she is and what she will make of herself. Just to spice it up, JD has added murder, mystery, cover-ups, shady pasts, lies and secrets, all centered around Lillians dead husband. You will find yourself entralled with the pampered life she led, the new life she is trying to build, the mystery she needs to solve and the people (and a new man) she grows to love in her new life. The story will keep you guessing and turning pages until the very end!!!
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