Constance O'Day-Flannery - Maggie Osborne
O'Day-Flannery, Constance - ANYWHERE YOU ARE (Avon - 1/99) (3+)
When Mairie Callahan strapped on a parachute and followed her brother Bryan out the door of that airplane, she knew she'd reached her tolerance for adventure; however, she had no idea that life, as she'd always known it, was about to change dramatically. Mairie had done a lot of crazy things over the
past few months as she'd followed her terminally ill brother around the globe, but those experiences paled in comparison to this one. Unfortunately for her, instead of landing near the glittering city of Las Vegas, Nevada as planned, Mairie literally "fell" into the ancient land of the Paiute Indians...and into Jack Delaney's arms. Her first problem was apparent. Jack seemed to be the only human around, and he didn't even want to talk, much less help her. As for the second problem—the year was now 1877.
Jack was stunned by the appearance of a woman "falling" from the sky, just as he was asking his adopted brother's Great Spirit for a sign to end his vision quest. The peyote buttons he'd ingested as part of the ritual had worn off, but how else could the apparition that floated down in front of him be explained? Could this really be his "gift" from the All-Knowing Ones? The woman most assuredly needed his help; but her strange words and way of dressing gave Jack cause to question whether she was a present from the Great Spirit, or a terrible joke being played on him by the irrepressible Coyote. Jack and Mairie finally come to realize that there is an unseen force at work bringing them together, but an ominous threat from the future might just end their lives...before they can fully appreciate the extent of the love they have for one another.
I think time travels must be very difficult to write. While it is possible for readers to "suspend disbelief" to some extent, most of the elements that deal with moving back and forth across the years have to at least sound plausible in order for a story to work. In my opinion, that's where Constance O'Day-Flannery's genius lies. In this book, her detailed way of presenting those elements was not only plausible, she almost had me convinced that time travel is a reality. I was also drawn into the story because of the strength of character she gave to Jack and Mairie. These two souls had a lot of emotional baggage to carry around, but at heart they were tender, loyal, and loving people who had a lot to give. Although I found the story a bit hard to get into initially, it picked up speed and became more enjoyable after the travelers were brought "back to the future." It may be of interest to note that the author also wove some facts into the story that touched on some very pertinent social, governmental and environmental issues affecting our world today; and while these facts were rather chilling to ponder, they added depth to the story. All in all, ANYWHERE YOU ARE provided me with a few hours of enjoyable reading, and I believe I learned a few things to carry along with me, as well. ~Connie Ramsdell for Bookbug on the Web
O'Day-Flannery, Constance - ONCE AND FOREVER (Avon - 11/99) (4+)
Just shy of her fortieth birthday and reeling from both a nasty divorce and the loss of her job, Maggie Whitaker decides to temporarily escape it all when she receives a plane ticket to England from her eccentric Aunt Edithe.
After her arrival, Maggie and her aunt attend a Renaissance festival dressed in authentic costume. While traipsing through a maze, Maggie becomes disoriented and dizzy and finds herself threatened by an unknown creature. She cowers in fear as she hears a curse, then raises her head to see a horse looming over her. On the ground next to the animal is a man who appears to be injured—the most attractive man she's ever seen. He talks strangely and claims to be Nicholas Layton, the third son of an Earl, commissioned to play music for her betrothal celebration!
As Maggie takes in her surrealistic surroundings, she notices the maze has disappeared—and so have all the people and the fair. Nicholas escorts Maggie to her cousin Elthea's manor home, but she is mistaken for Lady Margaret Gray, the future wife of Elthea's son, Lord Robert of Amesbury. When her true identity is ascertained, she promises to pose as Lord Robert's intended until the real Lady Margaret can be located. Nicholas is chosen to be her tutor in the social graces, and Maggie begins to fall hopelessly in love.
Nicholas is drawn to this remarkable, sexy woman, although she is rumored to be peculiar. Considering the strange language she uses, along with her ranting about a fair and some missing pearls, the rumor must be true. But she claims the year is 2000, when it's actually 1598. It's doesn't seem possible, but it appears she has traveled through time; and by doing so, she has placed them in a very dangerous court intrigue. How can he love this woman who is promised to a man who could destroy them both? A woman who will probably be returning soon to her own century.
Time-travel pioneer, Constance O'Day-Flannery, has written a sweet, humorous, and intriguing romance that will make you laugh, cry, and ponder. ONCE AND FOREVER is one of the most thought-provoking novels I've read in a long time. All of the characters in this story are lifelike and extremely enjoyable, especially Nicholas and Maggie. It's hilarious how these two people clash, owing to the fact that they are from different centuries and continents. The secondary characters add a great deal to the plot, especially Aunt Edithe (AKA Cousin Elthea), who almost steals the show. Also refreshing is this novel's setting, an uncommon one: Elizabethan/Shakespearean England. I highly recommend ONCE AND FOREVER to those who enjoy a "thinking" book and a time-travel romance that is both lighthearted and heartrending. ~Sharon Laird for Bookbug on the Web
Osborne, Maggie - STRANGER'S WIFE, A (Warner Historical - 3/99) (4+)
In the past five years, every aspect of Lily Dale's life has been defined by Warden Ephram Callihan and the Yuma Women's Prison. When a golden opportunity to gain her freedom suddenly presents itself, she wants it so badly that it's easy for her to overlook the reason the offer is being made. Lily, imprisoned because of her involvement in an attempted murder, will have to become someone else for the next seven months. Although she has learned that the good things in life always come with a price tag,
getting out of this Arizona hellhole is a very, very good
thing, indeed!
By all appearances, Quinn Westin has what it takes to be elected to the highest office in the recently formed State of Colorado. Money, connections and a bold vision aren't quite enough, however, to move him into the Governor's mansion. The "Kingmaker," Paul Kazinsky, convinces Quinn that he needs to show the voters a stable family man—a man with a wife prominently displayed at his side during pre-election political functions. The problem? Quinn has a wife, but for reasons that are shadowy and mostly unexplained, she's been absent from the scene for quite a while. One possible solution is to find a stand-in to fill the position until the election is over. That, of course, is where Lily comes into the picture. On the surface, and with some help, she could be the missing wife's twin. But can this rough talking ex-con be turned into a lady? And what about Quinn? Will he be able to let Lily go when the prize is won and her presence...and passion are no longer needed in his life?
This wonderful romance has some very intriguing elements that put me in mind of two of my favorite stories: JANE EYRE and PYGMALION. A STRANGER'S WIFE has a few delicious twists and turns of its own that make it unique, however. The story is both suspenseful and believable, and it has dashes of humor that make it immensely readable. I highly recommend it to those who are looking for an exciting romance that's just a little bit different. Maggie Osborne always spins a compelling tale, and A STRANGER'S WIFE joins the growing list of "must reads" from this very talented author. ~Connie Ramsdell for Bookbug on the Web
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