Shattered Trust

Shattered Trust by Jacqueline Baird Harlequin Presents # 1359 - May 1991 Four years before, Abby's life had been destroyed when she and her unborn son had been cruelly rejected by her husband. Now divorced, she's finding success running her own art gallery in a small town. Only Nick seems to be back in her life, and when he takes one look at three year-old Jonathan he sees that there can be no doubt that the child is his son, something he had not believed for one second years before. He wants his son. Knowing Abby's loyal heart, he threatens to financially ruin her friends and community, unless she remarry him. Abby knows that Nick needs an heir as his grandfather is ailing and instead of turning control of the family empire rightfully to Nick, he would turn it over to Nick's sister and her children. So she agrees to the marriage making it clear that when the old man dies, she will be free to take her son and move on. Nick spells it out clearly that their marriage, however long it is, will be a full and normal one. Ms. Baird grabs your attention and quickly your heart right from the beginning pages. This is a very powerful story of a deep love that should never have been broken. Nick's behaviour to Abby is quite ruthless, but we get very real glimpses of the immense pain he feels. Abby is a woman to admire, and through her reflections of their fairytale marriage and it's sudden demise, we can see how strong Abby has become. Both are incredibly passionate people who feel so deeply, yet allow their pride to keep those deep feelings from the other. Nick's regret and guilt for the years before, and Abby's fear that she will this time not be able to survive, make this a very intense and powerful story. Bravo to Ms. Baird! This one will be read over and over again!

This was the first book I had read by Jacqueline Baird, and I have to say it was an absolute pleasure. I have to disagree with the other reviewer, I didn't find anything melodramatic about the couple's past. Nick is an Alpha male who gets what he wants. He wants his son and his exwife Abby back, and will stop at nothing to get them back. This book is a wonderful way to spend a lazy Sunday!

Nick divorced Abby and disowned her child believing that he is sterile and that the child is not his. Now he knows differently and blakmails her into marraige. How they resolve their differences is rest of the story. It is an interesting book with storng chemistry between lead characters. But the hero seemed callous in his attempt to distance the heroine. And the reason for the earlier divorce seemed too melodramatic. However it was an overall good read.