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Flying Solo #4
The Apple Orchard
THE APPLE ORCHARD is the 4th and last book of the Flying Solo series.
Abby Mackenzie, a psychologist treating first responders, needs an R & R after a patient’s suicide. Her solution is hard physical work during the day so she can sleep at night. Picking apples in the fresh air of New England—far away from her home in L.A.—may be just what the doctor ordered. Her aunt’s friends own a thriving orchard and hire her.
The large Templeton family greets her warmly as both a worker and a guest. All except Dr. Jake Templeton, who doesn’t want Abby befriending his unhappy young daughter. He’s suspicious of the mental health profession in general, as well as Abby’s need for what she calls her ‘sabbatical.’ So far, four therapists have failed to help his child deal with her mom’s death two years earlier.
As the apple season progresses, however, the little girl seeks Abby out. Jake watches, worries and tries to protect Stacy. And finds himself falling for the sensitive and lovely woman hiding from her past.
Will these two shattered hearts complete a journey from sorrow to joy and reclaim their faith in the future?
Abby Mackenzie, a psychologist treating first responders, needs an R & R after a patient’s suicide. Her solution is hard physical work during the day so she can sleep at night. Picking apples in the fresh air of New England—far away from her home in L.A.—may be just what the doctor ordered. Her aunt’s friends own a thriving orchard and hire her.
The large Templeton family greets her warmly as both a worker and a guest. All except Dr. Jake Templeton, who doesn’t want Abby befriending his unhappy young daughter. He’s suspicious of the mental health profession in general, as well as Abby’s need for what she calls her ‘sabbatical.’ So far, four therapists have failed to help his child deal with her mom’s death two years earlier.
As the apple season progresses, however, the little girl seeks Abby out. Jake watches, worries and tries to protect Stacy. And finds himself falling for the sensitive and lovely woman hiding from her past.
Will these two shattered hearts complete a journey from sorrow to joy and reclaim their faith in the future?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2002
About the author
Linda Barrett
57 books143 followersLinda's emotional stories of contemporary romance have earned many industry awards through Romance Writers of America chapter contests. In 2011, Quarterback Daddy took first place in the Write touch Reader's contest while in 2010, Summer at the Lake did the same. Previously, she's garnered the Holt Medallion and The Award of Excellence among others. With laughter and tears, she touches the hearts of her readers by writing stories they'll remember long after the book is finished.
This year, Linda is publishing her first women's fiction novel. Family Interrupted will be available in the spring of 2013.
This year, Linda is publishing her first women's fiction novel. Family Interrupted will be available in the spring of 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 23, 2017
I have loved the previous stories in this series, and this one does not disappoint. Once again, Ms Barrett, gives us a touching story about how love and patience, can help heal not only the body, but also the mind and the spirit.
This story centers around Abigail ( Abby), Jake, and his daughter, Stacey.
All have suffered individual tragedies, some longer than others. The death of a wife, and mother for Jake and Stacey, and the violent death of a patient , for Abby. All feeling responsible for those losses.
But with love from the family, by opening their hearts, and with hope and love between themselves, they are able to recovery and come out stronger.
Thanks to the author for another heartwarming and touching story.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
July 22, 2019
Linda Barrett has recently become one of my favorite romance writers. Every book in her “Flying Solo” series is full of heart and genuine emotion.
In each story there is loss, love, children and family, intermingled with challenges to overcome—rape, suicide, injury and broken trust.
In “Summer at the Lake” and “The Apple Orchard” the protagonists must find a way to overcome trauma and risk taking a chance at love.
In “House Full of Strangers” and “Quarterback Daddy” strangers must overcome their doubts, learn to trust and form family bonds that can’t be broken.
Every book is skillfully written and once I started reading, I didn’t want to put them down. I will caution that there are sex scenes that were well written but unnecessary to the story. I still recommend this series.
In each story there is loss, love, children and family, intermingled with challenges to overcome—rape, suicide, injury and broken trust.
In “Summer at the Lake” and “The Apple Orchard” the protagonists must find a way to overcome trauma and risk taking a chance at love.
In “House Full of Strangers” and “Quarterback Daddy” strangers must overcome their doubts, learn to trust and form family bonds that can’t be broken.
Every book is skillfully written and once I started reading, I didn’t want to put them down. I will caution that there are sex scenes that were well written but unnecessary to the story. I still recommend this series.
June 30, 2017
A very lovely story. Good book!!
May 8, 2020
(Flying Solo) 4. The Apple Orchard
It’s weird how the brain works, it can protect you, confuse you, but most of all, it can help heal your broken heart.
It’s weird how the brain works, it can protect you, confuse you, but most of all, it can help heal your broken heart.
June 26, 2026
I'm not much of a romance fan but it's a sweet overcoming the odds story.
March 13, 2014
A very sweet story, but once again I felt the ending was rushed. There was no real closure for the heroine. The father was too fast to give in to his attraction. The only part I really felt was well spaced and timed was the little girl's recovery.
September 6, 2011
Couldn't finish this book. The people aren't drawn with any imagination.
July 20, 2018
I mostly like these books, but they end rather abruptly for my tastes. I prefer a decent epilogue that lets you enjoy the happy ever after, at least for a little while.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews