I Promise

June 3, 1996
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.

May 15, 1996
Called home from New York to Texas by her mother's heart attack, "hanging judge" Delia Carson is forced to confront a sordid past she has tried to put behind her-and ends up rediscovering the love she thought she had lost for good. A strong heroine who needs to forgive the past (and herself) and a determined, caring hero dominate the action. For all its darker elements and the fact that some of the problems are too conveniently solved, this is still a compelling, emotionally satisfying romance. Excellent characterizations and a realistic portrayal of the small-town environment add appeal. Johnston is a popular writer of historicals (Maverick Heart, Dell, 1995) and contemporary series romances and lives in Florida. This is her first mainstream contemporary romance.-KR

September 7, 2020
Dedicated to the families that James’s foundation, I Promise, serves in the NBA star’s Ohio hometown, this picture book delivers an uplifting message to children, emphasizing accountability and persistence. The text takes the form of a rhythmic first-person pledge: “I promise to ask questions/ and find answers,/ to believe in next time and second chances.” Disembarking from the school bus, the children attend class, have fun at recess, and partake in extracurricular activities. Lively digital art by Mata features expressive characters of color spending time at school, on basketball courts, and at the playground. The illustrations infuse the book with heart, reflecting a contemporary neighborhood that effectively represents the racial makeup of many U.S. cities. Back matter includes an author’s note about the I Promise school and a further distilled list of goals. Ages 4–8.