cover image FORGET ME NOT

FORGET ME NOT

Marliss Melton, . . Warner Forever, $5.99 (370pp) ISBN 978-0-446-61482-5

In a departure from her customary historical and inspirational romance fiction, Melton, who also writes as Marliss Moon (By Starlight , etc.), offers a refreshing contemporary tale of love and memory. Helen Renault, a Navy SEAL wife, has come to terms with the loss of her husband, Gabe, who disappeared a year earlier while on a mission in North Korea. When Helen learns that he's alive but has no recollection of their two-year marriage or his dangerous mission, Helen should be happy; instead, she's stunned and disappointed. She'd been wildly attracted to Gabe when they first wed, before he'd grown into a moody, career-driven, emotionally distant man. Now all she wants is her freedom. Sharing a home once again, Helen slowly comes to realize the "new" Gabe is nothing like the man she remembers, and she begins to fall in love with him all over again. So what happens when he regains his memory and becomes the man he used to be? While the story focuses largely on Helen and Gabe's relationship, Melton adds a dash of suspense in the form of a traitorous member of his SEAL squad, who will go to any lengths to make sure Gabe remains silent. Fine writing, likable characters (one being their teenage daughter Mallory) and realistic emotions make this a satisfying read. Agent, Pamela Ahearn. (Dec.)