Verdict Parenthood
by Jule McBride

Rated 4.0
ISBN# 0-373-16699-0
Copyright 10/97
Harlequin American # 699
$3.75
Reviewed 8/22/97 by Pam

Jule McBride writes a charming tale of parenthood with her story "Verdict Parenthood." One always admires the parents of twins and definitely triplets, but the "parents" in this story have their hands full with a total of six babies.

Grantham Hale finds himself suddenly the parent of a set of twins and a set of quadruplets. He wife died in an accident and Grantham decided to go ahead with the adoptions. The mother of the quads, Phoebe Rutherford, is presumed dead, but surprisingly appears in court claiming to be alive and well enough to care for her children. With a not-so-great sounding past, it isn't believed that Phoebe is capable of leading a life good enough for her children. After all, her ex-husband Nico was awarded custody of the quadruplets before he died.

Grantham and Phoebe argue over who should have custody of the quads. The courtroom is caos. To make matters worse, the judge, T. Winslow, just happens to be the great grandfather to Phoebe. He is aware of her reputation, past reputation that is, but to the shock of everyone present, he sentences them to be parents together for the next month and a half. Both Phoebe and Grantham are stunned at the judges decision. Grantham explodes loudly at this decision, angering Phoebe who stumbles and falls. As she falls, Grantham suddenly recognizes the blonde haired beauty. Only the last time he saw her she had red hair. Maybe this sentence won't be so bad afterall.

Onto an enjoyable story involving six babies, two people in love, a romantic and flirting Grantham and a scared, but wonderful Phoebe. Jule McBride is definitely an author to watch for in the future.