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Barbara Metzger better known for her lively and romantic regency historical romances, brought in a new element in penning THE HOURGLASS. While still set in the Regency era this has an original and creative twist featuring a bit of time travel and paranormal to it. Sir Coryn of Ardsley, was a knight fighting during the Crusades. He was NOT a nice fellow and suffice it to say, didn’t make it to Heaven. Centuries after he was killed he is known as “Death”, a being that brings souls over to the other side; oftentimes to Satan’s domain. Hoping for an opportunity to atone for his misbegotten former life, Ardsley tricked Satan into granting him a chance to regain his mortality. Furious at losing, Satan dumps him into the battle at Waterloo with the stipulation that within six months, he must find his heart and a special hourglass or spend eternity by Satan’s side. Genie Macklin has also found herself in on the Waterloo battlefield. Widowed, pregnant, penniless, and disowned by her own family Genie was caring for the wounded and shunned by all as she could d not convince anyone that she had actually been married. Learning of her plight and more than a little interested Ardsley proposes a marriage of convenience primarily to help her out, not knowing that she may just hold the key to his mortality. More than a little frightened of the mysterious and wealthy Earl who appeared out nowhere giving aid to the wounded; Genie accepts his proposal. Definitely attracted and more than a little scared of her somewhat bizarre spouse and his pet crow, Genie’s distrust soon turns into love. Only adversaries from the past are not about to let either find the happiness they both deserve. This was one of those rare books one comes across that capture you from page one and never let you go until the very last page is turned. Genie had been betrayed, cast out of home, forced into a marriage she was not looking for, to a man who wanted to keep his bachelor life and never told anyone he was married. After he was killed in the bed of his latest paramour, Genie was ostracized by the military women who followed their husbands to war. All this added up to Genie’s lack of trust – especially when it came to men. Ardsley, was an enigma. He appeared out of nowhere with a pet crow in the middle of the most horrendous battle introducing himself as an Earl where he proceeded to help, care, and save the wounded horses, in addition to saving wounded common soldiers. Having been a berserker in his previous life, Ardsley had sworn to never harm another living using his accumulated wealth for the betterment of humanity. Genie was both frightened to death at some of her enigmatic husband’s more eccentric behaviors (a bit of magic he picked up in the other realm), yet couldn’t help falling in love with his caring and gentle side. Metzger must have had a ball coming up with this one and working the gremlin into the story that crossed over with Ar was a fabulous idea. The gremlin (very ugly and scary beings) was talked into becoming a crow (less obvious to scare people). The crow – called Olive – provided a lot of humorous dialogs and outrageously funny situations. But what was truly enjoyable was the way the author let the two leads take their time in letting themselves fall in like, respect, and then love. She also provides a mystery as to who is trying to kill both Ardsley and/or Genie, as well as providing a very emotional moment as Ardsley bargains with another “Death” being to save a child’s life. One thing for sure, there was not a boring moment in this book complete with engaging characters, witty and inspired dialogs, and a perfect plot – I highly recommend this book! Marilyn Rondeau – Reviewers International Organization (RIO) |
The Hourglass
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