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Amber Schulman finds herself in Italy, terrified out of her mind and screaming her sister’s name. She has no idea how she arrived there. The last thing she remembers is visiting her sister in a cottage in Lancashire County, England. And to make things worse, she suddenly realizes that she’s in 1958 Italy—not 2007 Italy.
Amber meets Mark Lacey, a man who seems vaguely familiar, though she can’t quite grasp who he is. Even though he’s in the same situation as Amber, he seems calm and a bit bored with the whole mess. But then she finds out that he’s been there for seven years—and he’s from the year 1987. Mark has accepted the fact he may never return to his time, and, after meeting Amber, he’s not sure that he really wants to.
Months pass, and it soon becomes obvious that they may truly be stuck in Italy—but they keep hunting for a way back anyway. If they find a way back, great. If not, that’s okay, too. Thrown together with a common problem, Amber and Mark fall in love. Then Amber remembers who Mark is and realizes the truth—that he makes it back to his own time. How or when, they don’t know. They don’t even know if Amber will make it back, too, but one thing’s for certain: they can’t possibly be together in 1987. Where will that leave their newfound love?
Sundial won the “Through the Garden Gate” short story contest held by The Wild Rose Press, and I can see why. It’s a clever, spicy-sweet, and heart-breaking love story about two characters who know what the future holds—a future that can’t be changed.
The story reminded me a little of The Bridges of Madison County—only without the whole extramarital affair plotline. You have two people who are meant to be together—but, for all intents and purposes, it seems like an impossibility. You’ll even wonder how on Earth Ms. Lofty is going to work this problem out, and it’s a testament to her talent that she’s able to bring the story to a credible conclusion.
With its heated love scenes and a shattering, unexpected parting, Sundial will have you holding your breath, wondering how Amber and Mark can ever be together in their respective futures. If you’re a lover of romances and believe in the impossible made possible, you’ll enjoy Sundial as much as I did.
