Joan Kilby When Love is True

When Love is True

Joan Kilby

Harlequin Everlasting, Jun 2007, $5.25

ISBN: 037365412X

She was making it with two lovers, carpenter Daniel Bennett and Dr. Evan Cutler, when ballet dancer Chloe Bennett learns she is pregnant. She is not sure who the father of her child is, but refuses to push DNA testing on either potential dad. Instead she decides to marry Daniel.

Evan is not pleased with being the rejected one. He rejects disappearing and instead is always around Chloe, which angers Daniel even if he and Evan are "friends" too. Although tempted over the years she remains faithful to her spouse, but he assumes she is cheating and questions whether their child is from his seed. Although ready to call its quits on her marriage, Chloe takes one last step to save it; DNA testing that she prays proves Daniel is the father of her beloved Brianna.

This is an interesting contemporary tale in which the audience will wonder why it took nineteen years before the adult triangle decided to use DNA testing to learn the truth as to who sired Brianna even if explanations abound throughout the plot. The key is that the lead trio seems genuine with flaws that enhance their relationship conflicts leading to a fascinating character study that will have readers wondering just who Chloe will select the second time around.

Harriet Klausner