Ellie Hilliard, mother of one year old, Pia, was widowed a year ago when her husband Tom was killed in action with the Navy Seals. The secret that taunts her is that Pia's biological father is in fact Tom's best friend, Deacon Murphy, a criminally handsome Seal. Guilt finally winning, Ellie is forced to reveal the truth to Deacon that their one night stand prior to her meeting Tom resulted in a daughter.

Guilt ridden, Deacon strives to keep his promise to Tom to care for his wife and daughter. Little did Tom perceive what this secret would cost him in hiding the truth. Ellie bulks at openly revealing the situation as it may cost her the love and support of Tom's parents, who have been Like real parents to her. Her own mother is a less than desirable influence. Deacon's over enthusiasm to reveal his parentage causes Ellie distress and creates friction with Tom's parents. When Deacon is finally faced with new understanding, it may be too late to receive Ellie's forgiveness in possessing the family and love that he so desires.

I found A SEAL'S SECRET BABY to be an absolutely delightful read. A young woman struggling with the loss of her beloved husband is rendered with guilt at her attraction to her dead husband's closest friend. The story is well written and peaks the interest with all the ups and downs between the main characters. I would definitely recommend Laura Marie Altom's work.

Book Summary

Navy SEAL Deacon Murphy's tryst with Ellie Hilliard was white-hot, but quickly forgotten when she met her husband, his best friend, Tom. That was fine by Deacon. As a rule, he avoided making commitments, at least to anything other than the navy.

But when Tom died, Deacon promised that he'd watch over Ellie and her daughter, Pia—not knowing that Pia was actually his, and never expecting that he'd fall for them both in the process.

Ellie is terrified of getting too close to Deacon, and not just because of his high-risk career. Losing Tom was hard enough. If Tom's parents knew the truth about Pia, she could lose them, too—and they're the only family she has left.