All Things Book - Book Reviewers
Friday, January 17, 2014 Desert Son by Glenn Maynard - Review
5.5 Stars
WOW! This book is captivating. This book will hook you from the beginning. I was unable to put it down. The author has given a new perspective on reincarnation and life after death. The story is well written and the plot is exciting. This is one book I would highly recommend everyone take the time to read.
During an out-of-body experience, Carter begins to doubt that the parents who raised him are his true parents. After returning to his body, he follows signs to find out the truth.
Please check this amazing book out. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Maynard's work in the future.
Glenn, I wanted to thank you again, for allowing me to read this great book. Here is the link to the review I just posted on my blog page. ( If you will let me know when it is up on Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads I will post their also) http://allthingsbook-review.blogspot.com/2014/01/desert-son-by-glenn-maynard-review.html
~ Rebecca ~ All Things Book - Review
Rebecca
mlnlars7@aol.com http://allthingsbook-review.blogspot.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/All-Things-Book-Review/379124898889780
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Friday, January 17, 2014 Desert Son by Glenn Maynard - Review
5.5 Stars
WOW! This book is captivating. This book will hook you from the beginning. I was unable to put it down. The author has given a new perspective on reincarnation and life after death. The story is well written and the plot is exciting. This is one book I would highly recommend everyone take the time to read.
During an out-of-body experience, Carter begins to doubt that the parents who raised him are his true parents. After returning to his body, he follows signs to find out the truth.
Please check this amazing book out. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Maynard's work in the future.
Glenn, I wanted to thank you again, for allowing me to read this great book. Here is the link to the review I just posted on my blog page. ( If you will let me know when it is up on Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads I will post their also) http://allthingsbook-review.blogspot.com/2014/01/desert-son-by-glenn-maynard-review.html
~ Rebecca ~ All Things Book - Review
Rebecca
mlnlars7@aol.com http://allthingsbook-review.blogspot.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/All-Things-Book-Review/379124898889780
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Melanie Adkins's review Feb 05, 14
5 of 5 stars Read in January, 2014
Carter Spence was only twenty-six years old when his life was altered forever. An accident and out of body experience sends Carter on an adventure to find himself. He'd lost his parents in the accident or at least the people he believed to be his parents. Now, with something pulling him west, Carter met Brenda and again his life would change. Would he ever have all the answers?
Well written, with a tight plot and characters you can really relate to, this book will have you questioning your beliefs. Reincarnation and near a near death experience are just part of this gripping story. It's a romance that reaches out from the grave and grabs your heart. Love, devotion and friendship will make people do many things. I recommend this book to everyone.
I found only a minor issue. It seemed to drag in spots but quickly recovers and moves along again.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because love is truly eternal. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
5 of 5 stars Read in January, 2014
Carter Spence was only twenty-six years old when his life was altered forever. An accident and out of body experience sends Carter on an adventure to find himself. He'd lost his parents in the accident or at least the people he believed to be his parents. Now, with something pulling him west, Carter met Brenda and again his life would change. Would he ever have all the answers?
Well written, with a tight plot and characters you can really relate to, this book will have you questioning your beliefs. Reincarnation and near a near death experience are just part of this gripping story. It's a romance that reaches out from the grave and grabs your heart. Love, devotion and friendship will make people do many things. I recommend this book to everyone.
I found only a minor issue. It seemed to drag in spots but quickly recovers and moves along again.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because love is truly eternal. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
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Anne (Angel Anne Reviews) Nelson 's review Feb 05, 14
4 of 5 stars bookshelves: for-review, my-collection
Read from February 01 to 02, 2014
Thank you Author Glenn Maynard for the immense pleasure, and opportunity to read your newest novel "Desert Son".
This being my first read from Mr. Maynard I was eager to see what I'd find between the covers that held this novel, the words that were written awaited my eager mind!!!
I was blown away on and in the very intriguing journey as Carter (26) finds himself literally transported for a time in an out-of-body experience after the tragic car accident that claims the lives of his parents.
During his experience he travels through the tunnel of the after life, seeing some of his relatives that had passed away many years ago. (I would truly love to see mine again)
There's one surprising event though. Carter meets a women (he doesn't know her) who obviously knows him... she says "Welcome son". *shivers with chills* This part was mind blowing to me considering his parents had just been killed in the car accident!!! And this was NOT his mom, or at least the mom that raised him. How can this be? Why did/does she call him SON?
During the short conversation with this women she tells him something even more bizarre - she says that he needs to be aware of his TRUE identity. Carter should "follow the signs" that will lead him there... Mountains.
Ughhhh, Carter is abruptly snatched back into his living body before the women could tell him anymore.
With a captivating, interesting, suspenseful storyline we travel along with Carter as he goes west. Colorado mountain bound here we come. During his adventure Carter meets Brenda, a connection is formed and Carter finds himself drawn to her in so many ways.
To follow is a mirage of bizarre events/things as the plot thickens. Carter comes to a white house that belongs to an old man named Martin. Oh my goodness, it gets intense as Carter is exposed to hypnosis, past regression and some diaries. (what is held in the diaries?) There is a connection between all three, what can it be?
Truths are found out about his own true identity - but how? Carter must find out by searching for the answers to see if he is in fact his biological father - reincarnated. A love affair rekindled way beyond the grave!!! Eeeek, it's so eerie, but you as the reader fly like crazy through the pages to find out the answers as whats to happen next.
Jump on board this phenomenal ride, experience the heavenly visit into the after life so full of twists that will leave you spinning trying to bring to life the connections, relationships between all the different characters throughout the story created by the amazing mind of Author Glenn Maynard..... believe me you won't want to miss this one!!
I highly recommend "Desert Son" to any lover of the paranormal and suspense!!!
I just found out that there's a pre-order available for "Desert Son", so I wanted to include it here in my review.
http://www.blackrosewriting.com/roman...
Recommend: YA and up
Rating: 4.5/5 angel stars
Anne (Angel Anne Reviews) Nelson 's review Feb 05, 14
4 of 5 stars bookshelves: for-review, my-collection
Read from February 01 to 02, 2014
Thank you Author Glenn Maynard for the immense pleasure, and opportunity to read your newest novel "Desert Son".
This being my first read from Mr. Maynard I was eager to see what I'd find between the covers that held this novel, the words that were written awaited my eager mind!!!
I was blown away on and in the very intriguing journey as Carter (26) finds himself literally transported for a time in an out-of-body experience after the tragic car accident that claims the lives of his parents.
During his experience he travels through the tunnel of the after life, seeing some of his relatives that had passed away many years ago. (I would truly love to see mine again)
There's one surprising event though. Carter meets a women (he doesn't know her) who obviously knows him... she says "Welcome son". *shivers with chills* This part was mind blowing to me considering his parents had just been killed in the car accident!!! And this was NOT his mom, or at least the mom that raised him. How can this be? Why did/does she call him SON?
During the short conversation with this women she tells him something even more bizarre - she says that he needs to be aware of his TRUE identity. Carter should "follow the signs" that will lead him there... Mountains.
Ughhhh, Carter is abruptly snatched back into his living body before the women could tell him anymore.
With a captivating, interesting, suspenseful storyline we travel along with Carter as he goes west. Colorado mountain bound here we come. During his adventure Carter meets Brenda, a connection is formed and Carter finds himself drawn to her in so many ways.
To follow is a mirage of bizarre events/things as the plot thickens. Carter comes to a white house that belongs to an old man named Martin. Oh my goodness, it gets intense as Carter is exposed to hypnosis, past regression and some diaries. (what is held in the diaries?) There is a connection between all three, what can it be?
Truths are found out about his own true identity - but how? Carter must find out by searching for the answers to see if he is in fact his biological father - reincarnated. A love affair rekindled way beyond the grave!!! Eeeek, it's so eerie, but you as the reader fly like crazy through the pages to find out the answers as whats to happen next.
Jump on board this phenomenal ride, experience the heavenly visit into the after life so full of twists that will leave you spinning trying to bring to life the connections, relationships between all the different characters throughout the story created by the amazing mind of Author Glenn Maynard..... believe me you won't want to miss this one!!
I highly recommend "Desert Son" to any lover of the paranormal and suspense!!!
I just found out that there's a pre-order available for "Desert Son", so I wanted to include it here in my review.
http://www.blackrosewriting.com/roman...
Recommend: YA and up
Rating: 4.5/5 angel stars
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Stacie's review Feb 03, 14
4 of 5 stars bookshelves: reviews
Desert Son is an intriguing paranormal romance that explores the out of body experience that forever changes the life of Carter Spence.
Carter and his parents are in a fatal car accident and Carter is the lone survivor. As rescue workers fight the save him Carter observes the mayhem from above. Realizing what is happening Carter has a sense of peace, he then begins meeting friends and relatives that have previously passed on. His life flashes before him, but there is one person whom Carter doesn't remember and she calls him "son." As Carter is pulled back to his body on earth the woman tells him to search for the truth. Eventually, Carter meets a woman named Brenda and the two set out for Colorado. Will Carter discover what he's looking for?
Desert Son is a riveting story that piques a reader's interest from beginning to end. The author goes into great depth creating his main character, Carter Spence and the details that surround his life and possible reincarnation. The author does a great job drawing his readers into the world he created.
I enjoyed Desert Son. It's a story that is sure to captivate any paranormal romance fan. I recommend picking up a copy.
Stacie's review Feb 03, 14
4 of 5 stars bookshelves: reviews
Desert Son is an intriguing paranormal romance that explores the out of body experience that forever changes the life of Carter Spence.
Carter and his parents are in a fatal car accident and Carter is the lone survivor. As rescue workers fight the save him Carter observes the mayhem from above. Realizing what is happening Carter has a sense of peace, he then begins meeting friends and relatives that have previously passed on. His life flashes before him, but there is one person whom Carter doesn't remember and she calls him "son." As Carter is pulled back to his body on earth the woman tells him to search for the truth. Eventually, Carter meets a woman named Brenda and the two set out for Colorado. Will Carter discover what he's looking for?
Desert Son is a riveting story that piques a reader's interest from beginning to end. The author goes into great depth creating his main character, Carter Spence and the details that surround his life and possible reincarnation. The author does a great job drawing his readers into the world he created.
I enjoyed Desert Son. It's a story that is sure to captivate any paranormal romance fan. I recommend picking up a copy.
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Colleen Hill's review Feb 05, 14
4 of 5 stars Read in February, 2014
Desert Son is a remarkable story that caught me by surprise, with interesting turn-of-events and an enlightening perspective about receiving second chances. This book follows the story of Carter Spence, a 26 year-old from Boston MA, who is coping with the loss of his parents after experiencing a fatal car accident. As a result, Carter momentarily enters into a spiritual state of being where he is shown his life so far; in addition he is told his life on earth has not been fufilled and he must return. He set's out on a pilgrimage to the West; but not without a few pit stops in between. He finds himself in many spontaneous situations that test his boundaries and overall persona as a human being, but also finds a deeper understanding and connection to his spiritual beliefs. I believe that readers will be very delighted to flip through the pages of Desert Son, as I was very intrigued by the dialogue and natural flow and progression of the characters. I would definately put this on your TBR list!
Colleen Hill's review Feb 05, 14
4 of 5 stars Read in February, 2014
Desert Son is a remarkable story that caught me by surprise, with interesting turn-of-events and an enlightening perspective about receiving second chances. This book follows the story of Carter Spence, a 26 year-old from Boston MA, who is coping with the loss of his parents after experiencing a fatal car accident. As a result, Carter momentarily enters into a spiritual state of being where he is shown his life so far; in addition he is told his life on earth has not been fufilled and he must return. He set's out on a pilgrimage to the West; but not without a few pit stops in between. He finds himself in many spontaneous situations that test his boundaries and overall persona as a human being, but also finds a deeper understanding and connection to his spiritual beliefs. I believe that readers will be very delighted to flip through the pages of Desert Son, as I was very intrigued by the dialogue and natural flow and progression of the characters. I would definately put this on your TBR list!
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wrecked_life's review Feb 06, 14
4 of 5 stars Read from January 26 to February 06, 2014
This is a life or rather after-near-death life story of Carter. The story begins with an out of body experience he had following a tragic accident. Both his parents die in that accident and he miraculously survives. But everything changes for him. He can't stand to be in his house and now that he has a destiny to fulfil he must follow his heart. It seems right to him to leave and go west. So he does that. Then we see different experiences he has along the way. How he feels, what he thinks. His life might be never be the same once he finds out the truth about himself. It scares him and also encourages him to seek the truth about himself. Then he meets Brenda and a whole new chapter of his life begins.
The first few chapters are somewhat boring as the story develops slowly and there is much repetition about Carter's feelings and thoughts. Although some might enjoy minute details about his accident and the way he comes back to life.
Once he is on his journey to seek the truth and fulfil his destiny, whatever that might be, story becomes more and more interesting. There is a sense of mystery which will keep you on edge. Finally ending in a most epic way. In the beginning I never thought It'd end like that. But I am happy that I read it. It was refreshingly different from books I mostly read. It was entertaining and a fun read. Not quite a 5-star but definitely a 4-star book.
P.S. I want to thank the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed reading this not-quite-ordinary book.
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wrecked_life's review Feb 06, 14
4 of 5 stars Read from January 26 to February 06, 2014
This is a life or rather after-near-death life story of Carter. The story begins with an out of body experience he had following a tragic accident. Both his parents die in that accident and he miraculously survives. But everything changes for him. He can't stand to be in his house and now that he has a destiny to fulfil he must follow his heart. It seems right to him to leave and go west. So he does that. Then we see different experiences he has along the way. How he feels, what he thinks. His life might be never be the same once he finds out the truth about himself. It scares him and also encourages him to seek the truth about himself. Then he meets Brenda and a whole new chapter of his life begins.
The first few chapters are somewhat boring as the story develops slowly and there is much repetition about Carter's feelings and thoughts. Although some might enjoy minute details about his accident and the way he comes back to life.
Once he is on his journey to seek the truth and fulfil his destiny, whatever that might be, story becomes more and more interesting. There is a sense of mystery which will keep you on edge. Finally ending in a most epic way. In the beginning I never thought It'd end like that. But I am happy that I read it. It was refreshingly different from books I mostly read. It was entertaining and a fun read. Not quite a 5-star but definitely a 4-star book.
P.S. I want to thank the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed reading this not-quite-ordinary book.
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Novareylin's review Feb 11, 14
4 of 5 stars Read in February, 2014
The beginning of this reminds me of What Dreams May Come. There's a small portion about heaven and I just kept seeing Carter and thinking he would see Robin Williams any time! I loved the imagination that this took especially since everyone has their own ideas about where we go when we die, and it didn't take away from the story but added to it. In fact Carter is given a mission to go back to the world, something that he wants to fight against after seeing how wonderful the afterlife really is!
Carter’s situation is pretty intense and would catch anyone off guard and I enjoyed seeing his ascent to heaven, however, the beginning of the book was actually really slow. The beginning 30 or so percent was really long and it took everything in me not to put this down. I think a lot of this could have been revised. Some of the information is needed though and it's all from Carter's perspective.
The actual plot itself is quite interesting and different. I did really enjoy Glenn’s scope of imagination and the characters surrounding Carter. Once the plot picks up it’s a brilliant read and becomes much more understandable when the pieces start to fit together.
All in all, if you enjoy paranormal romance and want to pick this one up and find yourself slowing at the beginning, skim a bit and get to the good stuff, you’ll be glad you didn’t put it down!
4 of 5 stars Read in February, 2014
The beginning of this reminds me of What Dreams May Come. There's a small portion about heaven and I just kept seeing Carter and thinking he would see Robin Williams any time! I loved the imagination that this took especially since everyone has their own ideas about where we go when we die, and it didn't take away from the story but added to it. In fact Carter is given a mission to go back to the world, something that he wants to fight against after seeing how wonderful the afterlife really is!
Carter’s situation is pretty intense and would catch anyone off guard and I enjoyed seeing his ascent to heaven, however, the beginning of the book was actually really slow. The beginning 30 or so percent was really long and it took everything in me not to put this down. I think a lot of this could have been revised. Some of the information is needed though and it's all from Carter's perspective.
The actual plot itself is quite interesting and different. I did really enjoy Glenn’s scope of imagination and the characters surrounding Carter. Once the plot picks up it’s a brilliant read and becomes much more understandable when the pieces start to fit together.
All in all, if you enjoy paranormal romance and want to pick this one up and find yourself slowing at the beginning, skim a bit and get to the good stuff, you’ll be glad you didn’t put it down!
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Tonya's review Feb 05, 14
4 of 5 stars Recommended to Tonya by: Glen Maynard Read in February, 2014
3.5 Stars (Rounded up to 4)
This is a first person story about a young man Carter who is in a horrible car accident and watches everything going on as his entire life flashes before him. The so called “out of body” experience. He describes everything he is seeing and is able to flash back and forth from place to place.
Just when he thinks the end is near he is sent back with a message to head west and find himself. I have always had a very hard time with first person stories as I really like interaction and perspectives from multiple sides. So the beginning was very slow for me to get into as it really is all Carter describing everything going on, everything he see’s and does. There is minimal interaction with people in the hospital and at the funeral afterwards so I really did have to push through these parts.
Carter has several "adventures" I guess you could call them, or moments that one may not normally have in the course of their life so that did add to the book as it kept me wondering if it would eventually catch up to him. At times I wondered just how in the world did he get away with that. Was there some “force” that was driving him, keeping him on a path and from detection?
Carter winds up in Boulder, Colorado after giving Brenda a ride. A girl he met when he stopped on his travels. Something about Boulder pulled to him. Made him want to stay and figure out just what it was about the place. This is when the story picked up, there was finally some interaction, dialogue and story build up. And I finally got to where I wanted to see just what happens, what it is about this place that not only caused Carter pain but pulled him to stay as well.
Carter and Brenda seem to be on a collision with the past and the more they dig the more it is unraveled. I will say the ending is not what I expected. It was actually a much better ending than the start of the book. Slow start great finish.
Tonya's review Feb 05, 14
4 of 5 stars Recommended to Tonya by: Glen Maynard Read in February, 2014
3.5 Stars (Rounded up to 4)
This is a first person story about a young man Carter who is in a horrible car accident and watches everything going on as his entire life flashes before him. The so called “out of body” experience. He describes everything he is seeing and is able to flash back and forth from place to place.
Just when he thinks the end is near he is sent back with a message to head west and find himself. I have always had a very hard time with first person stories as I really like interaction and perspectives from multiple sides. So the beginning was very slow for me to get into as it really is all Carter describing everything going on, everything he see’s and does. There is minimal interaction with people in the hospital and at the funeral afterwards so I really did have to push through these parts.
Carter has several "adventures" I guess you could call them, or moments that one may not normally have in the course of their life so that did add to the book as it kept me wondering if it would eventually catch up to him. At times I wondered just how in the world did he get away with that. Was there some “force” that was driving him, keeping him on a path and from detection?
Carter winds up in Boulder, Colorado after giving Brenda a ride. A girl he met when he stopped on his travels. Something about Boulder pulled to him. Made him want to stay and figure out just what it was about the place. This is when the story picked up, there was finally some interaction, dialogue and story build up. And I finally got to where I wanted to see just what happens, what it is about this place that not only caused Carter pain but pulled him to stay as well.
Carter and Brenda seem to be on a collision with the past and the more they dig the more it is unraveled. I will say the ending is not what I expected. It was actually a much better ending than the start of the book. Slow start great finish.
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Hemantkumar Jain's review Jan 30, 14
3 of 5 stars Read from January 21 to 29, 2014
The book starts out with an out-of-body experience and ends with the revelations of reincarnation of people revealing the past and present connections. The build-up of suspense is interesting.
The book kind of gets a slow start - a significant portion in the beginning describes the out-of-body experience of our 'dead' protagonist experiencing heaven and then returning for unfinished business with a message to discover his true identify from a lady who he does not recognize though she refers to him as her son - some readers may indeed enjoy the descriptive heavenly journey though.
The story soon catches pace and a few more characters are introduced. In the end the secrets are revealed and the dots are connected for the reader's.
The plot is interesting and the author attempts to captivate the reader with the out-of-body experience as well as the reincarnation plot twists and the inter-connected relationships between the different characters.
There were times in the first half when I I found it too slow but once you hold on to it and read further, you are rewarded with an interesting climax.
Although a pretty interesting read ... I would still wish the first half was squeezed into just fewer pages and the book was no more than 125-150 pages long.
Hemantkumar Jain's review Jan 30, 14
3 of 5 stars Read from January 21 to 29, 2014
The book starts out with an out-of-body experience and ends with the revelations of reincarnation of people revealing the past and present connections. The build-up of suspense is interesting.
The book kind of gets a slow start - a significant portion in the beginning describes the out-of-body experience of our 'dead' protagonist experiencing heaven and then returning for unfinished business with a message to discover his true identify from a lady who he does not recognize though she refers to him as her son - some readers may indeed enjoy the descriptive heavenly journey though.
The story soon catches pace and a few more characters are introduced. In the end the secrets are revealed and the dots are connected for the reader's.
The plot is interesting and the author attempts to captivate the reader with the out-of-body experience as well as the reincarnation plot twists and the inter-connected relationships between the different characters.
There were times in the first half when I I found it too slow but once you hold on to it and read further, you are rewarded with an interesting climax.
Although a pretty interesting read ... I would still wish the first half was squeezed into just fewer pages and the book was no more than 125-150 pages long.
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Rita's Reviews
Desert Son by Glenn Maynard
Genres: Romance
Format: eBook
Source: the author
Carter Spence is a 26 year-old accountant out of Boston who has an out-of-body experience following a car accident that kills his parents. He views the chaos from above the scene of the accident, then passes through the tunnel and reunites with relatives who have long been dead. A woman he does not recognize approaches him and says, “Welcome, son.” Her message to him is that he needs to be aware of his true identity and should follow signs that will lead him there. She mentions mountains, but Carter is jolted back into his physical body before she can finish. After burying his parents, Carter heads west and meets a free-spirit named Brenda, whom he is drawn to on many levels. She becomes his travelling companion and leads him to Boulder, Colorado, and to an old white house of an old man named Martin. Diaries, hypnosis, and past-life regression reveal a bizarre connection between these three. Carter discovers that the truth to his identity can only be found by pursuing the answer to whether he is the reincarnation of his biological father in what is shaping up to be a love affair rekindled beyond the grave. Purchase from the Publisher • I haven’t read many romance books in a while but I must say that this is one that I enjoyed. It is a different sort of romance and I must say that while reading out of body experience really isn’t my thing Mr. Maynard has done an excellent job of this one. The whole book you want to know is Carter the reincarnation of his father and what happens next?
Rita's Reviews
Desert Son by Glenn Maynard
Genres: Romance
Format: eBook
Source: the author
Carter Spence is a 26 year-old accountant out of Boston who has an out-of-body experience following a car accident that kills his parents. He views the chaos from above the scene of the accident, then passes through the tunnel and reunites with relatives who have long been dead. A woman he does not recognize approaches him and says, “Welcome, son.” Her message to him is that he needs to be aware of his true identity and should follow signs that will lead him there. She mentions mountains, but Carter is jolted back into his physical body before she can finish. After burying his parents, Carter heads west and meets a free-spirit named Brenda, whom he is drawn to on many levels. She becomes his travelling companion and leads him to Boulder, Colorado, and to an old white house of an old man named Martin. Diaries, hypnosis, and past-life regression reveal a bizarre connection between these three. Carter discovers that the truth to his identity can only be found by pursuing the answer to whether he is the reincarnation of his biological father in what is shaping up to be a love affair rekindled beyond the grave. Purchase from the Publisher • I haven’t read many romance books in a while but I must say that this is one that I enjoyed. It is a different sort of romance and I must say that while reading out of body experience really isn’t my thing Mr. Maynard has done an excellent job of this one. The whole book you want to know is Carter the reincarnation of his father and what happens next?
