We move on to the year 1814, now Vernon's story and we are again on the grounds of the Rustead Abbey. Cassandra married into the family and became Lady Rustead six years before and since that moment has been accompanied by a male voice, always there to aid in her thoughts and actions. Her excuse for a husband is pushing himself into an early grave with his drink and loose women and her joy in life is to escape being near him when at all possible. Her only friend has been her ghostly male voiced companion. One day her joy is complete; her companion, one day a year, is able to solidify and the two become lovers. Soul mates, no less.

Now we have the year 2005 and Nathaniel's story. He and the monk Brother Anselm still roam Rustead Abbey, the past having worked out very well for his brother and the family line over the last century, but now Nathaniel is lonely. He and his brother hadn't ever figured out the purpose in the two (3 with Brother Monk) being caught in this limbo between now and the after life. Is it possibly the chance for love? Brother Monk has always said that this limbo was due to the need for each to atone for his sins. Four years before, as had happened to his brother centuries before, a wonderful woman had married into the family and Nathaniel lost his heart to her right then, at first sight. It turns out that Nathaniel will have the same opportunity to have his love.

I didn't want to give too much away of this story, you are just going to have to read it! This was so smooth, so special to have each experience something wonderful they missed out on in their earlier lives. I loved the ending; was that a perfect twist! Perfect for this story, but you do realize what it must lead to--

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Glenda K. Bauerle
April 8, 2006