Search - Forgotten Promises

This is the first novel I've read by Ms. Denise Skelton, and I found it to be a very entertaining read with a nice mix of drama, romance, mystery, action and comedy. She has created an engaging cast of characters, main and secondary, with some clever dialogue throughout, even from the "little people". This story takes you on an intense roller coaster ride from start to finish. The story opens with Tyler Green, whose wife, Felicia is at deaths door, with him still in denial. On her deathbed she makes him promise to be happy, find love and maybe have the children that she could never give him. Shortly after that Detective Holly Lawson James comes into the story, she happens to be married to Detective Edmond James and they have a 22-month old daughter named Abby and from all accounts they seem to be living the "happily-ever-after". That is, until her husband is shot in the line of duty and dies before Holly can make it to the hospital.~~~~~~~As the years go by Holly and Tyler go through the motions of trying to live their lives after losing their soul mates, but neither believes they'll ever find anyone that will make them risk their hearts to love AGAIN. Tyler seems to make more of an effort to move on with his life, WELL, at least he attempts to date, however he still hasn't found that person that makes him want to COMPLETELY commit to a lasting relationship. And Holly, WELL, she just throws herself into her work and raising her daughter, Abby, who is 7-years old now.~~~~~~~Tyler moves into the house next door to Holly and he becomes friends with Abby and many of the other neighborhood children, not to mention the many single women that make it their duty to welcome him to the neighborhood. When Holly and Tyler finally meet the attraction is DEFINITELY mutual. While Tyler is willing to put his heart on the line to build a relationship with Holly, she's not so eager to risk her heart again. Not to mention she also feels guilty for moving forward with her life and being happy, even though she knows it's what Edmond would have wanted for her and Abby. So, will Holly FINALLY let go of her fears and open her heart to Tyler and start loving and living, AGAIN?!!~~~~~~~This is a very refreshing novel because I was actually able to indulge in a "TRUE" romance, which is often missing in some today's novels. Tyler and Holly actually get to know one another first and share their daily routines with each other before taking their relationship to the next level. Ms. Skelton allows us to witness some good "old-fashion" courting. Don't get me wrong "AIN'T" NOTHING wrong with some HOT & STEAMY lovin', BUT it was nice to see a couple take it slow and actually do some dating. He not only builds a relationship with Holly he includes Abby and he even tolerates the many interferences/interruptions from her "CRAZY" but well meaning friends.~~~~~~~Even though this is an interracial romance the author never allows the characters to get caught up in any racial issues. She didn't hide the fact that they were of different racial backgrounds, but she didn't bombard the reader with it, which makes the story that much more pleasing. Besides, Ms. Skelton has other intriguing twists and turns throughout, which makes this an enticing page-turner.