Here with Me

George Tyler was a small-town sheriff in the late 1800s. When presented with a chance to take a friend's place in the future, he took it, certain that he'd return to his era and mission of vengeance. Melody Song is alone, grieving, and pregnant. When a mysterious drifter saves her from a rogue wave at the beach, she is inexplicably drawn to him. Aware of the madness of bringing a strange man into her life, she nevertheless convinces George to play the part of "Michael George Johnson," Melody's nonexistent husband, for the sake of her dying grandmother. Aside from time travel and marital lies, Melody and George soon learn something unusual is fermenting at the Sweet Song of Summer vineyards. Late night visits and too many close calls put George's lawman instincts on edge. What he discovers while nosing around may save the vineyard, and Melody's life. What he discovers while pretending to be Melody's husband may save his soul. This is the sequel to Beverly Long's STAY WITH ME, the time-travel romance featuring Melody's best friend Sarah, who met the love of her life after being thrown back into the year 1888. Long's easygoing narrative makes it difficult to step away from her novels, even after the last page is turned. Her characters are deep and well crafted, and the settings are as beautiful as they are detailed. Sometimes humorous--who needs a car when a good horse will see you through--sometime poignant, and always interesting, HERE WITH ME is an endearing romance that will connect with current and future readers' hearts. Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer 11/03/2006