RITA Award-winning author Kearsley (The Firebird) pens a captivating tale of a Long Island family caught up in the tumultuous events of the French and Indian War (1754–63) that culminated in the fall of French Canada to the British. The narrative is told from the point of view of three individuals: Lydia and Jean-Philippe, a captured French Canadian soldier billeted with Lydia's family, and present-day curator Charley, who is establishing Lydia's home as a museum. Kearsley skillfully creates an atmosphere of parallel times between past and present by connecting a random object from the end of each of Charley's present-day chapters to a like object at the start of the succeeding chapter belonging to Lydia or Jean-Philippe. This magical feeling is enhanced by the ghostly presence that Charley encounters at the museum site and the legends she learns about the ill-fated lovers. VERDICT Rich characterizations and vivid historical flavor will keep readers enthralled in both past and present story lines. Highly recommended for Kearsley's many admirers and fans of romantic dual-time historical fiction.—Crystal Renfro, Kennesaw State Univ., Marietta, GA

In the aftermath of her brother's untimely death, 30-year-old Charley Van Hoek moves to Millbank, NY, a quaint seaside town on the North Shore of Long Island, to help care for her teenage niece. She takes over as curator of the Wilde House Museum, where the historical events she studies become entrenched in her present-day world. Hundreds of years earlier, Lydia Wilde lived with her father, her brothers, and two captured French soldiers, including a lieutenant, in the house. According to local stories, Lydia and the lieutenant began a relationship that ended tragically. When Charley uncovers artifacts, she realizes that some of the former inhabitants of the Wilde house may not be entirely gone. As she puts together the intricacies of the Wildes' lives, she makes sense of complex issues within her own family. Kearsley's comprehensive research is evident in the book's close attention to the details of the 18th century. Told from three viewpoints—Lydia; the French lieutenant, Jean-Phillipe; and Charley—the plot seamlessly weaves together the past and present. Though the topics are fascinating and the characters well developed, the action is slow to build, especially in the beginning. The author occasionally reverts to clichés and predictable formulas. VERDICT Recommend this romance for collections where historical fiction is in high demand.—Karin Greenberg, Manhasset High School, NY