Sylvia Rochester has crafted one of those time travel books that blends romance, suspense, and history into a powerful story. Olivia seems to find her niche in life even amidst the devastation of war. The people who surround her are the epitome of the old south and a way of life that few practice or remember.

The author challenges her in many ways but helps her thrive as a friend and compatriot to the people of the times. Her biggest frustration comes from Claude Jarreau a classic riverboat captain who can¢t seem to understand she doesn¢t want him as a lover. Ms. Rochester helps her walk a fine line between the need for him as a friend who can help them get supplies and the need to avoid letting him think he has any chance to win her heart. His path takes him from being a colorful Cajun with many stories to tell to the plight of a gifted man sinking into obsession as the story progresses.

Ms. Rochester does an excellent job conveying the characters, dialogue and realistic scenarios of the Civil War. There is a sense of sadness as medical practices of the time are too antiquated to save some of the sweet secondary characters. There¢s also a sense of completion as the author finds a way to explain how the travel through time helps complete life in both eras. The story is so well told it was hard to see it end.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Dee Dailey
March 26, 2009