Introduction

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!

Editorial Review

No Editorial Review Currently Available

Excerpt

PART ONE
The Past Comes Calling
***
I am confident that there truly is such a thing as living again,
that the living spring from the dead,
and that the souls of the dead are in existence.– Socrates

Chapter One
The Beltane Fires
May 1, 1556, Ulster, Ireland

His gaze pierced me through the blinding glitter of torches and the thick coils of woodsmoke. And without warning, hope glimmered—I might just have what could never be mine.
What foolishness! Aedan O’Neal never asked for my hand and never would. A son disowned by the King of Tyrone, with no title, land, nor cattle, he was no match for me, a chieftain’s daughter. But if the whispers of his impending tanistry proved true, then I, a mere daughter of his subject, would be no match for him. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

From the author:

1. Can you name any emerging parallels between the myth of Niamh and Oisín and the story of Neave and Aedan?

2. In what ways does Siena and Ryan’s relationship differ from Neave and Aedan’s? In what ways does it remain the same?

3. Throughout the story, Siena is confronted with numerous telltale signs: a recurring vortex dream, rape phobia, a winged shadow, past life visions, déjà vu with Ryan, terror of Worgen, the psychic’s appeal to the old Irish gods. Why does she choose to ignore them?

4. How does the modern woman, Siena, compare to the medieval noblewoman, Neave? Does she possess the same strengths and weaknesses?

5. In what ways are the FBI agent, Ryan, and the medieval chieftain, Aedan, similar? In what ways are they different?

6. Has the ruthless mercenary, Würger, been given a new lease on life? If so, by whom? Do you think Worgen could have avoided becoming a serial killer? If so, how?

7. What role does the waiting-woman, Aine, play in Neave’s life? Was her death necessary for Neave’s growth? Why or why not? How does it manifest in Siena and Emma’s friendship?

8. In the modern world, Neave’s sister, Isibeal, would be tried for kidnapping and attempted murder. Do you think Siena’s “friend,” Lindsey, is capable of similar atrocities?

9. Why does Neave struggle with revealing her pregnancy to Aedan when she had little trouble telling him about her sexual assault and torture?

10. In what ways is Aedan also a victim of the attack on Neave? Was “banishing the ghost” therapeutic for him as well? Why or why not?

11. How does Neave’s decision to keep her baby, as well as its consequences, resonate with modern-day women? Was her love for her newborn son a surprise for you?

12. Does goddess Mórrígan visit Neave in her near-death state, or is she a figment of her imagination? Does it matter? Why or why not?

13. When goddess Brigid comes to Neave in her sleep, she says, “The flame still burns. Tend to it.” Are there multiple connotations in this advice? What are they?

14. Facing fear is a central theme in both Siena and Neave’s lives. How does Neave face her fear to conquer it? How does Siena?

15. If taken out of context, some of what Worgen says to Siena could be construed as positive, e.g. “a spirited warrior,” “I’ve come to care for you,” “I love you.” In what ways is Würger an antithesis to Aedan? In what ways is Worgen an antithesis to Ryan?

16. At which point does Siena recognize her strength? How does summoning Mórrígan help her throughout her journey?

17. Why doesn’t Siena inflict further physical harm on Worgen when given a chance? Aside from legal consequences, why doesn’t Ryan kill him when he has been wanting to do it for centuries?

18. How does Christianity play a part in the story? How does Celtic paganism? Are there any parallels between the two?

19. The moon is a minor character in the novel. What role does it play in Neave and Siena’s story?

20. Two of the chapters are named “The Last Word.” In the first, Neave has her last word in restoring her relationship with Aedan. In the second, Siena has her last word with Worgen. How does one necessitate the other?

21. Neave takes a vow to “win the battle.” But is there more than one battle? Does she win them all? Can she win them alone?

Weblinks

»	Author's website
»	Follow the author on Facebook
»	Follow the author on Instagram
»	Follow the author on TikTok

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 0 of 0 members.

Member Reviews

There are no user reviews at this time.
Rate this book