Macomber's name sells books, and her newest title doesn't let readers down. Sometimes the best things come in small packages. Such is the case here, as Macomber returns readers to Promise, Tex., a small ranching town filled with loving, friendly people and down-home Texas charm. Cal and Jane Patterson had planned simply to relax, but lately Cal has been yearning for his reckless days riding bulls in the rodeo, and Jane (known as Dr. Texas to Promise's townsfolk) has her hands full caring for their two children and working at the medical clinic part time. When Jane's dad becomes ill, she packs up the kids and flies home to Southern California, leaving Cal to fend for himself. Jane's absence is the opening that beautiful, restless (and clich‚d) vixen Nicole Nelson has been waiting for; she's been attracted to Cal for years and has returned to PromiseÄafter an absence of many yearsÄwith the single-minded aim to destroy Cal's marriage and snag Cal for herself. Cal isn't buying into Nicole's scheme, but a couple of innocent encounters with Nicole has tongues wagging and stirs up plenty of unrest between Jane and Cal. Although the extent of those problems strains credulity, Macomber touches on incidences of insecurity and poor communication that nearly every couple faces at one time or another. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Returning to Promise, TX, Macomber spins a pointedly cautionary tale of two people who almost lose their marriage through neglect and misunderstanding but finally manage to save itÄjust in time for Christmas. Overflowing with small-town atmosphere, a warm sense of family, and engaging secondary characters, this story will resonate with many Americana fans. Unfortunately, the irritating immaturity of the hero and heroine and the overtly predatory behavior of the scheming "other woman" detracts from the book's overall appeal. Nevertheless, the story does bring fans up to date on the doings of the people of Promise. Macomber (Dakota Born) is a respected, best-selling author of sweet contemporary romances and lives in Port Angeles, WA. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.