"A thought provoking story that makes you wonder if true love can stand the test of time."

Clare Morgan has to return to the small town she grew up in because she agreed to be godmother to her best friend's new baby, Emma. While she's there, she decides to do a book signing. The local book store is only too happy to accommodate a New York Times best-selling author. But, she's thrown for a loop when she discovers Emma's godfather is none other than Gil Harper, her first and only love.

Clare decides they can learn to tolerate one another for the short time they'll be together. But, that short time turns into a longer time, and Clare finds herself looking for answers. Answers to who murdered Rina Thomas seventeen- years ago. Like the female character in her book, she thought her boyfriend was cheating on her and also had no choice but to tell the police he was with the victim before she was murdered. As everyone in town suspects, her book has uncanny similarities to what really did happen to Rina Thomas.

Slowly, Gil comes to terms with the fact Clare had no choice but to tell police he was with Rina before she was murdered. But, he still wonders if she really believed him capable of doing such a deed.

Clare eventually learns Gil wasn't involved with Rina in the way she thought. She wonders if Gil can ever forgive her and can they have a future? Together, they try to solve the murder of Rina Thomas and discover an amazing story along the way and that some feelings run deep.

Janice Carter does a fabulous job of creating characters with real emotions... feelings. She brings to life the hero and heroine's insecurities, fears and dreams for a future together. I found this story to have great depth. The writer really delves into Gil and Clare's personalities making them seem so very real. If you're looking for a full, satisfying read about two people fighting an attraction with a lot of suspense thrown in, Past, Present and a Future is it. The plot is intricately connected throughout, and Carter makes it seem easy when, in fact, this type of book is difficult to create. And create she does. Carter takes you into a world of her making for a few short hours. You'll not want to put it down until you've read every last word.

Reviewed by Kelly McDonough
Posted January 28, 2004