For fans of Diana Gabaldon and Susanna Kearsley comes a riveting new tale of time travel and romantic suspense: A haunted painter's past life visions are not the creative inspiration they seemed. They're a harbinger of her ancient revenge vow, and her FBI husband won't find the serial killer until she fulfills it. But it may already be too late.
1559, ULSTER, IRELAND. When a young noblewoman Neave McConway weds the newly elected King of Tyrone, Aedan O'Neal, the couple's rare union of love and passion becomes the talk of the region. But Aedan's bold rule and fierce defiance of the English crown threaten his powerful enemies, and they'll stop at nothing to crush his growing influence. After Aedan rides off to fight against the English occupiers, Neave suffers a shocking attack that will forever alter both their lives — as well as the lives they have not yet lived.
2009, WASHINGTON, D.C. While mural artist Siena Forte battles a creative block, her FBI husband Ryan Casey struggles with a serial killer case. When research leads Siena to the practice of Past Life Regression, she stumbles upon irresistible inspiration. But after her art exposes her to a vicious ancient adversary, she discovers the true reason for her past life visions. They're a harbinger of her centuries-old revenge vow, and the serial killer can't be stopped until she fulfills it. But there is another person from the past with unfinished business—her husband.
Will Siena and Ryan settle their long-overdue score, or will the past repeat itself in a chilling parallel?
If you love time travel romance with elements of suspense, mystery, fantasy, and a touch of magic, don't miss this thrilling read!
"A true masterpiece. It is a book that once read is impossible to forget."
— Highly Recommended Award of Excellence from The Historical Fiction Company
"The intricate and creative plot is one you will not want to miss. Anxiously awaiting book two."
— Five Star Review from Reader Views
"Vera Bell's novel successfully combines historical fiction, romance, and a contemporary thriller."
— Historical Novel Society
"Past and present lives collide in Vera Bell's hauntingly beautiful debut. A sexy, sensuous tale."
— Julie McElwain, national award-winning journalist and author of A Murder in Time
"Bell mixes romance, mystery, and history to take the reader on an adventure across centuries."
— BookLife Prize by Publishers Weekly
"Against the backdrop of love, hate, and a killer’s threat lies the attraction of a thriller’s fast pace and heated twists."
— D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Bell mixes romance, mystery, and history to take the reader on an adventure across centuries. With a mix of dreams and time travel Bell keeps the reader on track using rich language and well-established characters. Good pacing and an unsolved mystery are the heart of this novel, while time travel is smooth and understandable.
Prose: Bell writes with eloquence and sophistication, alternating between present day and the past with ease. Bell alters the language she uses for each time period to firmly establish the setting and circumstances.
Originality: While borrowing some elements from time travel romances, Bell creates an alluring set of circumstances for her heroine both in the present day and the past.
Character/Execution: Bell successfully strikes a balance between the novel's two time settings, though the protagonist appears better suited to her past life (and somewhat more appealing to readers there). Bell writes from a place of familiarity with Past Life Regression. She successfully works her experience into a story and possibly introduces many readers to a new concept.
Date Submitted: April 29, 2024
- The Historical Fiction Company: Bronze Category Winner in Time Travel/Dual Timeline
- The Historical Fiction Company: Highly Recommended Award of Excellence
- American Book Fest: Best Book Finalist Award in Romance
- American Writing Awards: Finalist Award in Romance
- Reader Views: Five Star Review
- Author Shout Reader Ready Award: Top Pick for 2024
- American Book Fest: 2024 American Legacy Finalist Award in Romance