Once in Every Life

Book excerpt: A poignant, profoundly emotional tale of a woman on a remarkable journey toward her own destiny, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Women “Hannah is superb at delving into her main characters’ psyches and delineating nuances of feeling.”—The Washington Post Book World She dares to love a man who doesn’t dare to love. . . . Tess Gregory’s brilliant career as a research scientist hides her longings for a husband and child. Though deaf, she is a free spirit—a woman full of life and love. She is struck down all too soon, but for Tess, a new life begins at death, in post-Civil War America. She is now Amarylis Rafferty, wife and mother of three—and she can hear. Shocked and disoriented by her new surroundings, she is drawn into the heartache burdening the family, especially her husband, Jack. Pioneer living is rough for a woman used to modern conveniences, but Tess flourishes, bringing happiness and hope to her daughters and her son—to all except her husband, a man haunted by angry, violent voices that give no rest to his bitter soul. A man who fears himself capable of anything. Through it all Tess’s faith remains unshakable. Sheer determination will drive her as their hearts become entwined in a fierce struggle that can be tamed only by love itself. . . .