"intriguing paranormal tale"

Her famous actress mother sends popular actor Lincoln Aimes to see her daughter Darci Montgomery. Linc explains to Darci that his son, whom he never met, is missing. He knows that Darci is the Hillbilly Honey, the most hated person in America, as people think she killed her wealthy husband Adam and his sister, both having vanished. Linc is skeptical that Darci can help and she refuses though she also knows evil is involved as the Mirror of Nostradamus is missing too. Darci says she is not sure where they are, but becomes angry when Linc makes a nasty comment. She stops herself before she kills him for trashing her powers. Linc realizes she killed in self-defense the witches who feared her potential power but she didn't murder her husband or mother as the media insisted.

Darci and Linc travel to 13 Elms, an Alabama spa that formerly housed slaves, as this is where the mother of his son last worked. Darci tells Linc there are ghosts of nineteenth century slaves who want to find their kin, but one particular essence is different. Devlin can fully manifest himself. He tells Darci and Linc that she will get closer to finding her husband Adam if she helps Linc and he must give the slave ghosts what they want if he is to succeed. Now the quest begins.

Though reading ALWAYS would help in understanding Darci, this remains an intriguing paranormal tale containing ghosts, healing, and other psychic powers. The story line alternates first person narration between Linc and Darci, and is loaded with action yet still feels like a middle book. FOREVER AND ALWAYS is a fine tale that will enhance Jude Deveraux's already lofty reputation.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 8, 2003