INTO THE MIST – Elizabeth Sinclair
Medallion Press, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-93383-642-3
March 2008
Romantic Fantasy

Tarrytown, New York – Present Day

Near Tarrytown, New York lies a small village named Renaissance. It’s an idyllic place where a warm breeze perpetually blows, flowers bloom year round, and miracles can happen. Its inhabitants are few, and it can only be found by a select one or two who are entrusted with guiding visitors to Renaissance. When a mist forms, the residents of Renaissance know it’s time to welcome a new arrival to their village, a soul in desperate need of healing…

Carrie Henderson -- she has been told that's her name -- has no recollection of her life. The last thing she remembers is wandering the streets of Tarrytown during a blizzard, covered in blood. Fortunately, she stumbled into the local library where a kind woman took her home and eventually brought her to Renaissance, a strange but wonderful place. Here, Carrie feels safe and at peace, even though her returning memories are sometimes terrifying. At times, Carrie can see an angry man who, she is sure, wants to hurt her. It’s unclear who the man is and what their connection to each other is but Carrie must remember, for until she knows, she is not free to pursue a future with Frank Donovan, another visitor to Renaissance. In a short time, the two have formed a strong bond that could be so much more, if only Carrie can unlock the mysteries in her mind.

Tortured by the memories of his late wife and child, Frank Donovan allows his good friend to bring him to Renaissance. He’s not sure what good it will do, but his feelings of desperation are enough to lead him to try anything. And once Frank meets Carrie, he is able to focus on something other than his wife and his part in her death. Carrie is lovely, and he longs to help her recover her life. But Frank is also harboring a wounded soul and must battle his own demons before he can hope to slay Carrie’s.

INTO THE MIST is an emotionally charged tale about two people scarred by life and the journey they take to recovery, which, as noted above, begins in the mystical village of Renaissance. This is a place where the few inhabitants act a bit like psychologists, prodding Frank and Carrie to search within themselves, examine their feelings and try to come to terms with the tragedies that occurred that led the two to Renaissance. Frank and Carrie's visit in the village are like a perpetual therapy session, even their romance, for while the attraction between Frank and Carrie is physical on the one level, they both continually try to help each other with their emotional burdens as well. At times, this grows tiresome. And the supernatural element of the village is a bit distracting. Frank and Carrie are both well-developed, likable characters and their stories are interesting on their own without the mystical atmosphere surrounding them. The author does well to draw readers in, especially with the mystery surrounding Carrie and her amnesia. Each new memory she recovers is another tantalizing clue to who she is and the trauma she is suppressing. When Carrie finally recalls what happened to her, there’s an unexpected twist that is a nice surprise.

INTO THE MIST is the sequel to MIRACLE IN THE MIST, where two other desperate people found their way to Renaissance before Frank and Carrie, and this time they make appearances as guides to the magical village. It’s not necessary, however, to read MIRACLE IN THE MIST before INTO THE MIST. The story, about love’s incredible power to heal, stands on its own.

Sandra Bril