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The Pulse of My Heart (Taken Series #3)
The Pulse of My Heart by E.C. Roderick is a captivating sequel in the Taken series, blending historical fantasy, romance, and time travel. The story follows Sylvie, who has returned to modern-day Los Angeles after being trapped in Colonial Era New England. Although she has reunited with her twin children, Leif and Leila, her heart remains tethered to the past, where she left behind the love of her life, Leif, who is also the father of her children. As she tries to move on, destiny pulls her back when a visitor from the past reignites the possibility of a future with Leif.
Roderick sets the stage for an emotional and engaging narrative as Leif unexpectedly follows Sylvie into the present. The novel explores their efforts to rekindle their romance, despite the time that has passed and the challenges of integrating their lives. Now a mother of two, Sylvie must navigate the complexities of introducing her children to a father they have never known, while Leif faces the disorienting task of adapting to life in the modern world. Much of the story revolves around family dynamics and Leif’s bewilderment as he acclimates to a future far removed from his own time. The chemistry between Sylvie and Leif remains electric, with their intimate moments becoming even more intense than in the previous book, Taken. Roderick shines in crafting the evolving dynamics between these characters, allowing readers to dive deeper into their relationship and their role as parents. The relatively low-stakes plot lets the focus rest on the emotional connections, which brings depth to both the romance and the family storyline. A few minor proofreading errors are noticeable, and at times the dialogue feels overly formal, making certain scenes, especially the more intimate ones, feel stilted or overly technical. Additionally, Roderick’s use of Scottish words and phrases, while adding authenticity to the characters, may leave some readers confused, and a pronunciation or meaning guide could be beneficial.
The Pulse of My Heart is an enjoyable and heartfelt sequel. Roderick’s writing shines in the emotional depth she brings to Sylvie and Leif’s relationship, making this book a treat for fans of romance and historical fantasy. Readers will find themselves fully immersed in this story of love, family, and second chances.
Pages: 480 | ASIN : B0CTPSBZKW
She Discovers A New Life
Taken follows a widow from the twenty-first century who is transported back in time to 1756 and held hostage while falling in love with a British soldier. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for my story began well over two decades ago when my sister and I had newly graduated from college. She and I had always had a strong affinity for history. While she loved British history, I loved American history, and we both fantasized about being time travelers to experience those histories because we loved learning about all that had taken place within those particular eras.
As children, our parents loved traveling with us throughout the country visiting historic locations, which inspired our imaginations growing up. And, while growing up loving period dramas depicted on TV and in movies, we read many classics written by authors from the American Transcendental Period and British Romantic Period. During the same time, she and I were also introduced to historical romance novels as teenagers, which I loved and devoured.
Being fond of the romance genre, it wasn’t until a few years later after college when I became inspired to write about a young widow who was transformed from her sorrowful experience after traveling through time, where she discovers a new life and embarks on a journey of new found love. I also chose New England as the setting for my story, because I’m familiar with the area and have a deep affection for it after having gone to school in western Massachusetts.
Was the character’s backstory something you always had, or did it develop as you were writing?
Although I outlined my story, my story also began developing organically as I was writing the character and scenes. As a result, the character’s backstory emerged like many other scenes in the story which took on a life of their own.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One theme that I felt was important to explore was the idea of overcoming loss in life and discovering new hope in choosing to experience what life has to offer after all. Another theme that I felt equally important to explore was that love heals and when it’s mutually found and accepted, love cannot be broken and transcends all that was ever known as it brings forth the true sense of happiness.
Can you tell us more about where the story and characters go after book one?
This is a fun question! And, while I hope not to spoil what comes next after book one, I will start by saying that book one establishes the foundation of the characters’ relationship as they encounter each other under trying circumstances. After book one, the characters continue to grow as they learn more deeply about each other. They continue to experience trying circumstances which will threaten their security and the love that they share for each other as the French and Indian War progresses within their midst. Their new trials will determine the strength of their bond to each other as they also confront their differences as it relates to their unique life experiences. As it is a romance, despite their tribulations, the love they share for each other triumphs against all odds as the saga continues.
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Matt was my husband. I was supposed to be with him for the rest of my life when the accident happened and took him away from me. I wouldn’t love anyone else. I believed.
Until, I meet Leif. He tells me to trust him and to take my chance with him.
Except, I’m his hostage. Not only am I his hostage, but time is holding me captive too, and I’m suddenly trapped in a world that is not mine. The year is 1756, and I am strangely in Massachusetts Bay Colony. War between Great Britain and France explodes across New England, and terrorizes the territory.
I don’t know how I got here, and all I want to do is find a way home. But, the more time I’m stranded here, the more I spend time with Leif, and I am compelled toward him.
Our lives are becoming inextricably entwined, and I’m afraid of losing everything that I once knew and loved.
I begin questioning where I truly belong as I think of the life I left behind.
I wonder if I’m going to withstand this, because all I know for certain is he is bound to my survival… and to the truth of why I’m here.
*If you enjoyed the suspense and mystery in books like Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, you will love this thrilling historical romance!
*The first book in the Taken series by E. C. Roderick featuring a rich, romantic adventure of a strange twist of fate that binds a British soldier fighting in the French and Indian War and a young American woman from the twenty-first century.
Taken
Newly widowed Sylvina embarks on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and resilience in the face of loss in E.C. Roderick’s captivating fantasy romance, Taken. When fate intervenes and leaves her stranded in Colonial Era New England during the French and Indian War, Sylvie finds herself entangled with a group of courageous Scottish men fighting for the British.
Roderick skillfully weaves together themes of love and loss, using the time jump as a powerful metaphor for Sylvie’s emotional journey. Amidst the challenges of survival, Sylvie encounters the charming Leif, whose magnetic chemistry with her adds an enchanting layer to the narrative. The supporting characters, including Leif’s family, contribute depth and nuance to the story, while the dynamics of social relationships during that era are portrayed with intriguing authenticity. One of the book’s strengths is how effectively it transports readers back to the historical setting, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in Sylvie’s adventures. The exploration of Sylvie’s rediscovery of love after her husband’s passing is heartwarming and inspiring, making for a truly engaging read.
While Taken does share some plot points with the popular Outlander, it also diverges in unique ways, making it a distinct and compelling tale in its own right. I also feel the dialogue between some of the characters was stiff and unnatural; these minor flaws, however, don’t diminish the overall charm of the story.
Taken holds the promise of becoming an exceptional and unforgettable tale. The captivating romance, well-developed characters, and evocative historical backdrop combine to make this book an absolute delight and an enchanting read for all fantasy romance enthusiasts.
Pages: 522 | ASIN : B09GRJ4PG3
LITERARY TITAN 