I Promise

Johnston exhibits her versatility with a venture into mainstream, contemporary romance genre. The quick-paced love story/ murder mystery evolves when New York City judge, Delia Carson, is notified by her sister that her mother, whom she hasn't seen in 20 years, is near death. Flooded by memories of her hidden past, Delia is forced to return to her Texas hometown, the scene of lost innocence, lost love and murder. The lost love is March North, the former town bad boy who has now returned as an award-winning journalist. Delia has no choice but to finally confront her past and Marsh, whom she had left behind to take the blame for her own dark deeds. The psychological repercussions of child molestation are movingly depicted in the sister's character, but the book lacks the same insight when dealing with its effects on Delia and Marsh. Johnston tackles a very tough subject but unfortunately, she misses the chance for a really hard-hitting story. (June)