Good Buddy, Paperback

What really makes a father? What kind of love resides in the heart of a man who takes on the raising of another man's child and all the responsibilities...but under the law, none of the rights? Jonathan "Buddy" Cordova is a small-time criminal defense lawyer living paycheck to paycheck and practicing law out of his house in Fayetteville. Viewing himself as a modern-day Atticus Finch, he represents the poor, the indigent, the "probably guilty"--the kinds of clients who usually end up in jail. He's shy, painfully awkward around pretty women, and carrying a dark secret, but can't help falling for Julie Saint, a kindergarten teacher and army widow with a small daughter.Consumed with love for his ready-made family, Buddy relishes his new role of husband and stepfather. Bonded over their mutual childhood losses, he and his stepdaughter become the best of friends. But when tragedy strikes, and the past returns for its reckoning, Buddy must find the strength to do what's right for his new family, even if it breaks his heart.

Dori Ann Dupre is the author of the two-time international award-winning novel Scout's Honor. She has published short stories and poems, serves as a contributing blogger to the Hope for Widows Foundation, and is the founder of the Grieve the Write Way grief writing workshops. She is the proud mother of two daughters, works full-time in the legal field, is a veteran of the United States Army, and currently resides in North Carolina. Good Buddy is her second novel.Find out more about her at www.DoriAnnDupre.com.