From Publishers Weekly
Newly divorced Winnie Sinclair finds herself in a rather sensitive situation when she agrees to decorate a houseboat that belongs to Paul Weathers, the gorgeous but unscrupulous lawyer whom her ex-husband had hired to minimize her property settlement. When the handsome attorney arrives unexpectedly at the houseboat in the middle of a freak storm, the sparks fly. The next morning, however, both are mysteriously pitched overboard and when they resurface they find themselves in Oklahoma Indian territory?100 years earlier. Stover is clever and delivers an original if somewhat contorted plot designed to fascinate her fans, and, for the most part, she succeeds. Although the time-travel gambit shows a lack of imagination, Stover makes up for it with thoughtful, quick-witted dialogue between the strong-willed Paul and an equally bull-headed rival for Winnie's affection?his great-great-grandfather, Sam.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Winnie Sinclair is newly divorced. She is going to decorate a clients houseboat and she was told that the client would not be there so she could work the whole weekend. While using the facilities the lake gets choppy and she tries to open the door to get out, but the doorknob comes off in her hand. Paul Weathers decides he needs some rest and relaxation so he goes to his houseboat for the weekend. After he changes his clothes he takes the boat out into the lake but the storm intensifies so Paul drops anchor and goes below. He hears someone in the bathroom and knowing how to spring the latch, he opens the door. Paul is immediately attracted to the beautiful woman and when she identifies herself, he can't believe it! He represented her ex-husband in their divorce. Neither one can deny their attraction and they spend a wild, intoxicating and erotic night together. Winnie later goes on deck, puts on a life jacket and before she knows it she goes overboard. Winnie swims ashore and two men who look like characters out of a western movie take her to the Hopsador ranch to be a governess to a girl named Amanda, and Winnie feels that something is wrong - the whole house is decorated with antiques. . . Paul goes above looking for Winnie and discovers a life jacket is missing. He puts one on and the boat capsizes and over he goes into the cold water. Paul washes ashore and hears men talking so he hides behind a tree. He watches while a redheaded man kills the other one with his knife. Paul waits until the killer is gone and he rushes to the man's side, but he's too late. The dead man looks exactly like Paul and then Paul sees a spectral being who looks just like the dead man. The ghost and Paul talk and Paul realizes this ghost is actually his ancestor, Marshal Sam Weathers. Sam wants to catch the killer but since he's dead, he needs a sound body, so he walks right into Paul's body and takes control, trapping Paul inside. Sam/Paul meet Winnie at the ranch and he calls her name. She thinks he's Paul except his eyes are gray, not blue, and he acts like a nineteenth century marshal. But every now and then, Winnie feels that Paul is really there, and she wonders if he is crazy. Sam agrees to leave Paul's body so Paul can make love to Winnie and tell her the truth, but she is convinced that he is mentally ill. Sam decides to forget about getting his killer and that makes Winnie happy for two reasons. But Paul believes he must get the killer for Sam so he rides out and right into their hideout. Amanda and Winnie come to the rescue and the situation in the nineteenth century is resolved. Paul and Winnie think they might be able to get back to the future, but if and when they do, what will happen to them? Deb Stover mixes genres in this fabulous story. A great mix that is wildly funny, romantic and totally ingenious! You're in for the time of your life! Sit back, hold on and enjoy the romance that will sweep you away! Ms. Stover writes with a wry wit that will keep you laughing! A very entertaining story to say the least! A Willing Spirit is delicious, titillating! Fine writing, a fantastic romantic tale that spans the centuries!Gloria Miller --
Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved --
From Literary Times
