SOUL DANCING

A woman gets another chance at life in Priest’s supernatural novel.

When 90-year-old Shirlene Foster is breathing her last breaths at a hospice facility in Philadelphia, she decides she’s not ready to go; her husband Stan has a failing heart, and she’s worried he still needs her to take care of him. Determined not to leave him behind, she resists death and wakes up in the body of 20-year-old Rain DeLuca, right as she’s giving birth. With a new daughter—and no idea who Rain is—Shirlene does her best to play along. But with Rain comes Cameron Michaels, the baby’s uncle. Cameron, who always wanted his own children, decided to help take care of the baby after his brother got Rain pregnant and abandoned her. He knows something is up with Rain when she suddenly starts acting nicer (he describes Rain as “unreliable, selfish, uncouth, unethical, and an energy vampire”). Shirlene, knowing she can’t keep lying, confesses who she really is and tells Cameron she needs to bring Stan home for his final days. This confession sets off a unique relationship between the pair, which only gets more complicated as Shirlene struggles to deal with her growing attraction to Cameron—and her feelings toward Stan after a secret is revealed. The use of dual narration alternating between Shirlene and Cameron provides an in-depth view of their backstories and emotions and makes them both feel well rounded and relatable. The story also features a colorful cast of supporting characters who each breathe life into the pages, making for a vibrant read. A whirlwind of a twist in the second half throws the plot into turmoil; it may be a divisive factor for some readers, but those who stick it out are in for a compelling journey filled with love and heartbreak.

A captivating look at motherhood and romance with a unique twist.