This is the first time I have read a paranormal novel, believe it or not. I HIGHLY, repeat, HIGHLY recommend this wonderful novel in which Ivey invites the reader to a Civil War Re-Enactment. That may sound relatively boring, but this re-enactment is like no other for the scene of this tourist attraction turns from harmless to deadly within several pages of its beginning.

Noone's here to replay history just as it happened. Jared Beaudry, notorious Union coward, passes from death to life, that is life without a head, arm and leg, to restore his tarnished reputation and wreak revenge on the responsible leader, Bloody Zachariah Harris. Taylor Brannon, dressed as a Confederate soldier, seeks to participate in deadly battles to soothe her guilt-ridden heart of the anger heaped on her brother's head before his departure and ultimate death as a Navy Seal.

Everyone's fascinated by near-death experiences, but what about those who return from death to life? How is it done? Does one assume one's own previous body or can one inhabit another living person's? After one's temporary residence in life again, must one return to the land of spirits? What's it like to eat, drink, bleed and yes, passionately love as a returned ghost? How far will Jared's almost demonic rage go when confronting the enemy in the real, peaceful twentieth century?

I read this book in two sittings and wasn't ever bored, ever. This is a writer to watch, for she definitely deserves the Prism 2000 Paranormal category, Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers Choice Ebook, Frankfurt International Ebook, Inscriptions 1999 Best Books of the Year and EBookConnections 1999 Best Books Awards she has received for Baudry's Ghost.

Crisp and fierce arguments, orders, marching and battle scenes are constantly interwoven with exquisite sensitivity, restraint, and yes slowly budding, passionate love connections. Fake ammunition becomes real bullets and the reader is enthralled at how history appears to be changing before one's very eyes. Taylor learns to cope with her "gift" (?) of seeing into the spirit world through touch of human clothing and bodies. It will change her life forever along with numerous other lives.

Enjoy this wonderful tale of life dominating death, hate threatening tender love, and spirit enveloping flesh. What a wonderful movie this would make!

Carolan Ivey, more please!