Published: June 20, 2011
Words: 86,635 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781458192691

Short description

When Pace Kelly turns up pregnant three years after her husband’s vasectomy, Jason Kelly does the unthinkable. But the truth he discovers is a heavier burden to carry than the innuendo that was eating him alive. Now the tables are turned and he’s left holding a smoking gun. An innocent wife. A desperate husband. A no-win situation. When the smoke clears, will their marriage survive?

Extended description

MISCONCEPTION is the story of suburban Atlanta stay-at-home mom Pace Kelly and what happens when an unplanned pregnancy three years after her husband's vasectomy rocks her happy marriage. When her husband Jason turns up sterile, Pace tries to explain the unexplainable. Her patience wears thin while Jason struggles with his suspicions and her two young sons look at her as if she's to blame for their problems. As rumors of trouble with their marriage begin to circulate through the neighborhood and Pace begins to feel the sting of isolation from people she thought were her friends, her once perfect world begins to crumble. To top it all off, her overbearing mother's insistence on creating a Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving during the biggest crisis of Pace's life is making her crazy.

Despite Pace’s insistence that she hasn’t cheated, Jason Kelly is left to wonder if his blueblood wife has finally grown tired of his humble background and their middle class lifestyle. When he finds Pace.. (Read more) MISCONCEPTION is the story of suburban Atlanta stay-at-home mom Pace Kelly and what happens when an unplanned pregnancy three years after her husband's vasectomy rocks her happy marriage. When her husband Jason turns up sterile, Pace tries to explain the unexplainable. Her patience wears thin while Jason struggles with his suspicions and her two young sons look at her as if she's to blame for their problems. As rumors of trouble with their marriage begin to circulate through the neighborhood and Pace begins to feel the sting of isolation from people she thought were her friends, her once perfect world begins to crumble. To top it all off, her overbearing mother's insistence on creating a Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving during the biggest crisis of Pace's life is making her crazy.

Despite Pace’s insistence that she hasn’t cheated, Jason Kelly is left to wonder if his blueblood wife has finally grown tired of his humble background and their middle class lifestyle. When he finds Pace in a compromising position, he ignores the advice of his brother and the marriage therapist who have warned him about jumping to conclusions and makes arrangements to have Pace followed. But the truth he discovers is a heavier burden to carry than the innuendo that was eating him alive. Now the tables are turned and he’s left holding a smoking gun.

An innocent wife. A desperate husband. A no-win situation. When the smoke clears, will their marriage survive?
(Less)

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages. For more information, see the Support FAQ.

Tags

fiction, family drama, family saga, womens fiction, infidelity, commercial fiction, mother daughter relationships, marriage fiction, southern womens fiction, atlanta author, atlanta fiction, husband and wife relationships

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Reviews

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Review by: Shelleyrae on March 03, 2012 :
When Pace complained of feeling ill she was not expecting a blood test to show she was pregnant, especially when her husband had a vasectomy three years before. While Pace is convinced it is all a mistake, Jason's faith in his wife is shattered, especially when she lies about the doctor's report. In short order, their happy marriage begins to disintegrate into a morass of suspicion and resentment.
While Pace and Jason don't believe their relationship can survive without trust, Pace's mother is trying to ignore yet another of her husband's infidelities. Victoria has long ago lost trust in her husband but clung to the marriage for the security it offered her. His latest fling though is a 20 year old intern, the daughter of a friend, and when Colin's secret becomes public, Tori is finally forced to make a choice, but can she trust herself?
Misconception is an emotional domestic drama exploring the issues of trust, communication and fidelity in a marriage. Hayes contrasts the relationship between Pace and Jason with that of Pace's parents, examining the issues the couples face and the differences in how they choose to deal with them.
Pace and Jason are characters that are easy to relate to, married for a few years they are happy but under pressure with children and work and the intimacy of their relationship is a casualty. Realistically, I think Jason's reaction to Pace's unexpected pregnancy is understandable, even in the most ideal of marital circumstances and Hayes captures the doubts, fears and resentments caused by the situation perfectly.
The relationship between Victoria and Colin also has the ring of truth and I thought Hayes demonstrated Tori's conflict about the state of her marriage credibly. There is no mention of this plot in the blurb which is a bit odd since it does have quite a lot of significance. While the two plots intersect nicely, I think they could have perhaps been meshed a little more.
The writing is solid and Hayes demonstrates a good grasp of realistic dialogue. There were a few minor errors in the text but they are barely worth mentioning. The pace is good and I found it an easy and fairly quick read. I must mention that the title is an inspired choice with it's dual reference.
Overall, Misconception was a pleasant read with an interesting scenario that had me considering what my reaction would be in similar circumstances. Commitment is just a concept until it is truly tested.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Shelleyrae on March 03, 2012 :
When Pace complained of feeling ill she was not expecting a blood test to show she was pregnant, especially when her husband had a vasectomy three years before. While Pace is convinced it is all a mistake, Jason's faith in his wife is shattered, especially when she lies about the doctor's report. In short order, their happy marriage begins to disintegrate into a morass of suspicion and resentment.
While Pace and Jason don't believe their relationship can survive without trust, Pace's mother is trying to ignore yet another of her husband's infidelities. Victoria has long ago lost trust in her husband but clung to the marriage for the security it offered her. His latest fling though is a 20 year old intern, the daughter of a friend, and when Colin's secret becomes public, Tori is finally forced to make a choice, but can she trust herself?
Misconception is an emotional domestic drama exploring the issues of trust, communication and fidelity in a marriage. Hayes contrasts the relationship between Pace and Jason with that of Pace's parents, examining the issues the couples face and the differences in how they choose to deal with them.
Pace and Jason are characters that are easy to relate to, married for a few years they are happy but under pressure with children and work and the intimacy of their relationship is a casualty. Realistically, I think Jason's reaction to Pace's unexpected pregnancy is understandable, even in the most ideal of marital circumstances and Hayes captures the doubts, fears and resentments caused by the situation perfectly.
The relationship between Victoria and Colin also has the ring of truth and I thought Hayes demonstrated Tori's conflict about the state of her marriage credibly. There is no mention of this plot in the blurb which is a bit odd since it does have quite a lot of significance. While the two plots intersect nicely, I think they could have perhaps been meshed a little more.
The writing is solid and Hayes demonstrates a good grasp of realistic dialogue. There were a few minor errors in the text but they are barely worth mentioning. The pace is good and I found it an easy and fairly quick read. I must mention that the title is an inspired choice with it's dual reference.
Overall, Misconception was a pleasant read with an interesting scenario that had me considering what my reaction would be in similar circumstances. Commitment is just a concept until it is truly tested.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Sarah (Workaday Reads) on Nov. 02, 2011 :
When Christy sent me the book's blurb and cover back in July, I jumped at the chance to read and review it. I've only just got to it now, but I have thought about dropping everything, skipping my carefully prepared lists and reading it right away. I did just that last week and I'm so glad I did. I love this story.

When I made notes about what I wanted to say in my review, I started with just three words: wow, powerful, emotional. Now I will try to expand on them because that doesn't really say much.

I really felt for Pace, much more so than Jason. Yes, it was easy to feel sorry for a guy who is committed to his family and relationship, and who knows he couldn't have fathered another child with his wife, but his behaviour was not something I can condone.

Pace on the other hand really tore at my heartstrings. How do you prove that you didn't cheat on your husband? How do you cope with the fact that he thinks you did? How do you both move on and rebuild your relationship. These are the questions the book deals with.

There was a scene where Pace and Jason are talking to their kids and trying to explain why things are so tense between them. Their youngest son tells Pace to simply apologize to Daddy because she obviously did something to make him mad. It made me want to cry. It was so heartbreaking.

My review is making this book sound sad. But while there are some sad scenes, the overall feel of the book is not negative. The ending leaves you feeling happy and wishful for a good future. And yes, the pregnancy question is answered. I was so happy to actually get an answer. It seems to be rare to have all loose ends tied up, but this one was very satisfying.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book. It is a quick read, yet very powerful. It definitely met all the expectations that were building in my head every time I glanced at my TBR list.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: aobibliophile on Oct. 05, 2011 :
Love and pregnancy and riding on a camel cannot be hid. - Arabic Proverb


Pace Kelly did not expect nor want to believe that she could be pregnant again. after all, her husband Jason had a vasectomy three years ago but her recent medical record says otherwise. Jason submits to another examination and he turns up sterile. how did Pace end up pregnant then and who was the man responsible?
this novel is about a happy marriage gone sour because of an unanticipated pregnancy. it also examines further how this scenario affects relationships between couples, their children, their neighbors, friends and immediate family members.
Pace's predicament is complicated when Jason loses trust and feels betrayed despite her claims of innocence. as a counterpoint to their situation, readers will read about Pace's father who is having an affair and about her mother who carries on as if nothing has happened.
we have here two families facing their respective marriage's darkest hours and it was interesting to read how the story progressed from each family's perspective. the characters are well developed with personalities that are shaped by their social status, background and experiences.
drama and a bit of mystery added tension to the whole book and i found myself hoping for a peaceful resolution and closure for each of the protagonists. the revelations at the end, however, were totally unexpected. for me, these unforeseen disclosures were simply brilliant.
i commend author Christy Hayes for beginning her book with a conundrum that puzzled me, generating scenes and emotions that sustained my interest and giving it an ending that is worth discussing!
(reviewed long after purchase)

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