Child of Their Vows: 9 Months Later (Harlequin Superromance No. 1114)

On the day of his thirteenth wedding anniversary Max Walker receives a stunning reminder of the past. He and Kelly had been dating for two years, but his parents discouraged their plans to marry after her graduation from high school. During a forced summer apart, Max became temporarily involved with another girl with unexpectedly permanent results. An unplanned pregnancy ended in adoption, without Max ever seeing his child or telling Kelly. Now he holds a letter from his twelve-year-old son Randall Tipton, who would like to meet his biological father. After four children, all girls, Kelly finds unexpected fulfillment in her new career. While she and Max had planned five children, Kelly struggles to keep up with her demanding career and family and cannot imagine taking on responsibility for another infant at this point in her life. She and Max are going through a rough time with not enough time and too many responsibilities already. So when she learns of a child by anther woman, Kelly moves out, supposedly to care for her grandmother who has an injured ankle. Rediscovering love and finding forgiveness seems nearly impossible for these wounded hearts.Author Joan Kilby pens an impressive story that tackles the challenges of love, career and change in CHILD OF THEIR VOWS. Max and Kelly's story does not follow the usual format of ending at the altar; instead, it begins thirteen years later when these high school sweethearts confront secrets and challenges that shake the very foundation of their commitment. Kelly proves herself to be a vulnerable and flawed heroine, finding forgiveness difficult if not impossible. Max is a typical man, unwilling or unable to discuss his emotions and ignoring problems until they bite him in the [butt]. Yet their shared history, their children, and their love lures them back again and again, as they struggle to redefine their roles and their family. Their daughters sparkle, revealing the wit, angst and joy appropriate to their ages. But it is Max's son Randall who really captures readers' hearts with his need to connect to family and eagerness to please. A powerful, emotional drama, CHILD OF THEIR VOWS comes highly recommended.