cover image Promise Not to Tell

Promise Not to Tell

Jane Futcher. Avon Books, $2.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-380-76037-4

When rebellious Simon is sent to live with his cousin in Maine, he soon discovers that his new regimen of hard work and clean living suits him well. Happier then he has been in years, Simon meets Laura, who is as beautiful as she is sensitive--and unhappy. Drama ensues when Simon defends Laura from the advances of her lecherous boss. Likable characters and an honest narrative voice nearly succeed in countering all that is hokey and contrived in the trendy plot. Although there are moments when pop psychology is heaped on (``You see, I think you associate horses with your mother. That's why you dislike their smell''), this goodhearted romance has considerable charm. Ages 12-up. (June)