Breach of Promise

by James Scott Bell

How far will a father go to get back his only daughter? And how will he survive in a legal system that crushes those who can't afford to fight back?

Mark Gillen has the storybook life other men dream of, complete with a beautiful wife and an adoring five-year-old daughter.

Then his wife announces she’s leaving him. And taking their daughter with her.

The other man is a famous film director with unlimited funds and the keys to stardom and wealth for Paula. How can Mark begin to compete? But the most bitter blow comes when he is kept from seeing his daughter because of false charges . . . and a legal system ill-suited for finding the truth.

Forged in the darkest valley Mark has ever walked through, his faith in God may ultimately cost him everything in the eyes of the family law system. But it is the one thing that can keep him sane—and give him the strength to fight against all odds for what matters most.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Mystery, Legal Thriller, Romance, Thriller

352 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2004

About the author

Jim is a former trial lawyer who now writes and speaks full time. He is the bestselling author of Try Dying, No Legal Grounds, Presumed Guilty, Glimpses of Paradise, Breach of Promise and several other thrillers. He is a winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Inspirational Fiction, and was a fiction columnist for Writers Digest magazine. He has written two books in the Writers' Digest series, Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure and Revision & Self-Editing.

Jim has taught writing at Pepperdine University and numerous writers conferences. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver.

Series:
* Shannon Saga (with Tracie Peterson)
* The Trials of Kit Shannon
* Ty Buchanan

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Quickie Review

James Scott Bell has written a great legal thriller that is edgier than usual for Christian fiction. The themes are very adult, but the novel felt like a well-made telefilm, one that keeps you in your recliner the whole time. It was slightly slow at times, but still enjoyable.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Gillen loves his wife, Paula, and their five-year-old daughter.

When Paula gets an actress position in Europe, everything changes. She tells him she's leaving.

Had it not been for the hope sprinkled in this story, I'd shut the book, never to return.

This was a difficult book to read, in the sense of emotions, not style. Mark and the reader were plunged into the deepest valley, then slipped lower.

I found myself inner screaming to Mark, "Stop. Don't do that." Yet, a man with deep pain doesn't act with logic.

What a powerful message to anyone who's lost a spouse because of divorce or for any married couple to deter from divorce.

I'll be forever affected by this story - in a good sense.

[Gophergirl58 · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, I was expecting more out of this book: more hands-on Christian dialogue, more excitement, and more interesting reading. And after reading his book, "Final Witness," before I read another three, including this one, none came close to comparison.

What I really, really disliked about this book was the premise that the married couple were both actors. I absolutely despised the author writing the dream sequences whereas Mark is imagining he and his daughter and sometimes his wife as they would play a movie, or similar sequences. I just thought it was asinine. And the Christian theology was weak, in my opinion. Just not what I was expecting. The lawyer for Mark was well written as a character.

[Sharon Paavola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I could barely put it down. I got so involved with the main character. Bell does an excellent job in keeping the reader wanting more. I can't wait to read more of his books.

[Shelley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Breach of Promise has been sitting on my bookshelf since May 2022. It has 343 pages, but I got as far as page 150 before I gave up on it. I had two reasons and I will explain. It was engaging and interesting, but I had no idea it was a Christian book or else I wouldn't had bought it from whatever $1 book sale I go too. Maybe I got it from a Free Little Library? My other reason is below.

Mark and his wife, Paula are both struggling actors. They have a daughter, Jenna who is 5. Paula gets a break after a famous Italian film director sees her in the soap opera she stars in. She flies to Italy to star in a movie with him leaving Mark and Jenna at home in LA. It's not long before Mark hears Paula and Troncatti are having an affair. Paula informs Mark she wants a divorce and she also wants full custody of Jeanna. As any spouse, who is all of a sudden punched in the gut, didn't see this happening, and now his life as he knew it, is now no more. It's understandable how he can be angry, very angry, especially when she just springs this on him and she's decided they aren't going to talk about it and wants a divorce. He starts doing some really careless and stupid moves, thus hurting himself from possibility having any type of custody of his daughter. And if he hasn't learned from his mistake before, he then gets into his car and has road rage with another driver, and that's when I couldn't take it anymore. It was making me angry at his self destruction. I don't know what became of that outcome, but I was done.

I have no idea how the story ends, and I would prefer if someone just told me how it does, but I refuse to invest anymore of time into it.

[Linda Yezak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This heart-wrenching drama led me to despise my own gender for its devious nature. The events surrounding this Hollywood divorce went from bad to worse to horrible to heinous to outright demonic.

My heart was planted firmly in Mark Gillen's corner, so every twist of the knife felt personal. His search for God throughout seemed genuine and realistic. God doesn't give you the desires of your heart until your heart belongs to Him, and it took most of the novel for Mark to relinquish control.

Although excellently written (of course, considering the author), I did feel cheated with the ending. It was a touching conclusion, but after everything Mark had been through, I wanted more details of the healing process and not just a summation.

That being said, I can still recommend the novel. Just take a tip from me and don't read it during the Christmas holidays.

[Milla Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely well-written but, my goodness, the lead character goes through the grinder! Just when you think things can't get any worse for him, they do. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is my personal tolerance for reading about someone's emotional pain. What made it even harder was knowing there was a little girl who was also suffering due to the selfish and evil actions of the adults around her.

Anyone reading this needs to be prepared for a rough journey with a likeable but flawed character. Things get really, really bad for the hero before they start to get better.

The faith thread was excellent, though, because it showed that God gives hope even in the worst of situtations.

[Jenny Fratzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captured my attention. I couldn’t stop reading, wondering how the protagonist, Mark, would rise out of a dark moment and nightmare any father should not have to face.

One of my favorite attributes of this novel is the patient and loving dialogue between a daddy and his daughter, Maddie. The imaginative questions and answers between the two tickled me. I felt sad for the little girl and her father as the plot progressed. From the beginning to the end of the story, I was invested and horrified by how events turned out differently than ideal.

If you enjoy fast-paced books where characters complicate or destroy their lives through their decisions and actions, you may enjoy “The Brotherhood: A Precinct 11 Novel” by Jerry B. Jenkins or John Grisham’s “The Firm.”

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. A somewhat fast-paced read from author james Scott Bell. Mark and paula are married struggling actors. Paula gets a break and flies to Rome to shoot a movie with a top notch director. Mark stays home with their young daughter Maddie. Paula has fling with hotshot directer and decides she wants out of the marriage. Mark wants to stay married. Paula wants full custody of maddie. Mark is angry and feels betrayed and starts going to church. this is when the crap hits the fan. A real page turner about grappling with faith during life's struggles. I was disappointed on that end. I felt Bell could have dealt with that topic even more than he did. good read but not a keeper

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was all about what looked like the bad guys winning. And there were parts that just annoyed and frustrated me with the lead character. Then I remembered what a difference grace and forgiveness make in how we treat people. That moved the novel up from 3 1/2 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ in my mind because of the transformation the lead character went through.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

From the moment Mark Gillen's world began to crumble I was hooked. Would he get it together? Would his anger control him?
As a Christian who struggles with some of the same emotions (anger at a corrupt justice system, bitterness) I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it to anyone dealing with disappointment who needs an escape.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book about the relationship between a dad and his daughter. During a divorce Mark's relationship with his daughter is damaged. He has to lose everything to realize what's important. The resolution is a bit simple but the story is good.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story. Hard to put down!

[Rosanne Bartlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Page turner

[Iva Shanahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Kept my attention well. Really made me think about father’s side in a custody battle

[Martha Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the first that I ever read by this author. I must say that I really enjoyed it.

[Cynthia Royer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very unusual book on a husband's struggle

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 3 out of 5]

My opinion of Bell's writing continues to trend downwards. Back in 2006, this was the first book I read of his after being introduced to him through the Kit Shannon series. I remember really liking it.
Out of the three I've read recently, this is the best. That's not saying much.
While several things seem plausible (and I like the fact that Mark's lawyer is an Armenian woman) everything else is just too hyper-stereotyped and far-fetched. The fact that this story is set in Hollywood doesn't help on that front.
The nail in the coffin was the overt preaching that found its way into the story a little over two/thirds of the way through. There are do many better ways to get Bell's point (which I forget what it actually was) across without resorting to having the main character sit in a church service and listen to a pastor preach a sermon full of pithy, "appropriate" sayings.
Also, everything was resolved way too easily. Few things turn me off more than a near fairy tale ending.

[C.J. Darlington · Rating 5 out of 5]

With scenes that move, dialogue that cuts, and nostalgic references to classic movies and actors, expect to be drawn into the world of Mark Gillen from the first sentence. A struggling actor and father, here's a man who doesn't have it all together. He has doubts. He makes mistakes. He's even tempted to hit the bottle. A real-life guy, thrust into the fight of his life.

BREACH OF PROMISE features some of Bell's best writing. There's enough action in the nasty custody battle Mark faces to please Jim's legal thriller fans (several of the scene endings simply FORCE you to read on), while the sweet contemporary storyline of Mark's love for his five-year-old daughter will satisfy those who might have only read Jim's tamer Shannon Saga or Trials of Kit Shannon series.

Go ahead. Pick it up. BREACH OF PROMISE will keep you on the edge of your seat, even as it tugs at your heartstrings. It had me in its clutches right up to the touching ending.

[Juliekjewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I picked up this book, I couldn't put it down. It's the story of a struggling actor who loses everything due the lies and deceit of others but finally finds peace and hope in Christ. The trial lawyer author skillfully relates interviews and courtroom scenes. So seemingly hopeless was the plight of the main character, Mark, that I found myself praying for his life to come together and his halting prayers to be answered. The only thing not true to form about this book was Mark's plan to work as an assistant football coach in a state where I knew as a result of many years at a large high school in this state that a coaching requires a bachelor's degree, is after school work only and pays peanuts. Mark had not been to college and he planned for it to be his full-time job. Oh well. We can dream. All in all, this is one of the best books I've ever read.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of those books I am glad I picked up. I try to read Christian books due to the fact being a Christian, but so many fail to entertain me or speak to me. Sure, there are parts in every Christian book that will have a verse or line or two that hits me, but nothing that stays with me.
I love that the main character doesn't know much about Christ and becomes a Christian through his ordeal is such an example of real-life. When we have reached the end of our rope, and possibly think there is nothing else...one word of encouragement, hope, etc., spoken from someone who may or even may not be a Christian...that is when we know God is looking down at us. I am looking forward to reading more of Bell's work.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read that captures your interest immediately and holds you till the end which has a great message of God’s forgiveness and reconciliation. I felt myself going through a lot of emotions as the father, a striving Hollywood actor struggles to gain custody of his daughter and digs a himself a deeper hole at each turn of the page. The father is a very real guy with lots of anger issues who is his own worst enemy. You root for him and I found myself constantly trying to imagine what I’d do in his situation. If you are looking for a Grisham type book with a great Christian theme, this is the one.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I got this book in a "trade" at a laundromat at a Florida RV Park. It's my first (and accidental) foray into "Christian Literature". James Scott Bell constructs a fine tale with well developed characters and an interesting plot reminding us of the hellish fight many parents endure in seemingly senseless child custody battles, the shallow intrigue of Hollywood and the power of the spirit, faith and prayer. Being somewhat a cynic, it might surprise some who know me that I stayed with it and didn't toss it out at chapter 4.

[Charlene]

TERRIFIC INSIGHT INTO THE DIFFICULTIES OF MARRIAGE WHEN EACH PARENT HAS A CAREER, AND ONE GOES THEIR SEPARATE WAY WHILE THE OTHER CONTINUES BEING A LOVING PARENT TO A PRE-SCHOOLER. I LEARNED THE DIFFICULTIES FACING A FATHER TRYING TO RAISE A YOUNG DAUGHTER, INCLUDING HIS ANGER AGAINST SOCIETY, THE JUDICAL COURTS, IN-LAW ISSUES AND OTHER REAL-LIFE CALAMITIES THAT OCCUR BECAUSE OF UTTERLY SELFISH BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDES.

[Janette Mapes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what this book was about when I started reading. The story line sucked me in right away & I couldn't put it down. I kept waiting for the main character to come to faith & just when I thought the story line couldn't get worse for this guy it did and still he didn't quite turn to God!! I was just beginning to think he wasn't gonna get when he did. Of course by then it was almost the end. Made me realize no matter how bleak the situation looks God really can turn it around.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book, in audio format in Oregon's digital library, checked it out based on review rating of 4 stars, and I'm so glad I did. The narrator/voice talent, Patrick Lawlor, did an excellent job and brought the story to life. It was an engrossing story of a young couple with a little girl, their choices, so-called success, struggles, failures, heartbreak, change, and more. There were times that I laughed out loud and times when I shed some tears. I highly recommend!

[Kw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely worth the read. Whatever can go wrong, does, in this story, which paints a telling picture of courtroom shenanigans, shady deals, the envy and pride that typify Hollywood, and the life of a struggling actor. The most revealing and disappointing part, though, is the bias against fathers in custody battles and struggles for visitation rights. Of course Bell weaves it beautifully together. I always enjoy his books.

[Zachary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book and how it dealt with religion and also the issues of a man losing his marrige and family. So often you read about the woman not the man and this was a nice turn. I also like the first person way it was wrote. It makes you feel like it was a diary almost and you ar reading a real persons life. Because a lot of what goes on in the book may hit home to a lot of people.

[Linda Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

I Didn't Connect with the Characters

I have enjoyed every book by James Scott Bell that I have read...except this one. I kept reading expecting it to get better but it never did. I will still read JSB books-I just hope they are like the other books by him.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a must read! Gives you the inside view of a father fighting for his rights to his child. Gives you the view point of how the father must deal with someone who has power and connections and tries to take away his child. Very well written book with some Christian aspects thrown in.