Wishes

Provocative prose, an irresistible plot and finely crafted characters make up Jackson's latest contemporary sizzler. The story begins in 1980 when Kate Summers is presented with an offer she can't refuse--a newborn baby. For Kate, it's a second chance at happiness after losing her husband and infant daughter to a drunk driver. But, as in all things too good to be true, there are conditions. She must ask no questions, leave Boston immediately and claim the baby as her natural child. Fifteen years later, Kate's world is tilted when the child's father, Deagan O'Roarke, enters her life. Deagan is the bastard son of Frank Sullivan, a member of one of Boston's wealthiest families. Unbeknownst to all except Deagan, the child--a boy Kate has named Jon--is the product of Deagan's drunken one-night-stand with his sultry cousin Bibi. When Bibi's father, Robert, gives up hope for his dysfunctional family, he begins the search for his grandson, Jon. And so the race is on to see who can get to Jon first--Deagan or Robert. The remaining Sullivans are in a panic. As Frank says, ``if Robert finds his grandson, we may as well kiss the family fortune goodbye.'' Readers looking for fluff romance will want to skip this one. Others, wallow and enjoy. (Dec.)