SIGNS – the involuntary revelation of destiny that will ultimately transpire. Twice Marianne overlooked the sign’s meaning and both times the premonitions concerned her. The first sign foretold her brother’s death, while the second uncovered her husband’s affair.
Hoping a change will stem the frequency of her predictions and rid her of gloomy memories, Marianne Waters and her daughter move to St. Louis. The signs diminish, and while volunteering at St. Mary’s hospital Marianne befriends Dr. Jean Tate. Through Jean, Marianne meets a special group of women who receive the signs too. Except their signs predict deceit that which carry a quick verdict of death.
Absorbing and lively, Touch of Fate is a moving story filled with engaging characters submerged in an intense paranormal plot. Marianne and her sixteen year-old daughter, Gabrielle, possess the gift of prophecy. Both women long to stop the prophecies from occurring, but their efforts are always hampered by fate. Inevitably each sign always comes to pass. With Gabrielle mourning her best friend’s and the divorce final, Marianne decides a move to St. Louis will benefit them both.
In some respects the move is a blessing, but not in others. Trying to accept her best friend’s death Gabrielle’s sorrow is deep, while the move offers no comfort like she hoped. Masking her gifts behind a Gothic image, Gabrielle’s black attire and body piercings only emphasize her pain. Her confusion and struggle is clear as she openly divulges her prophecies to classmates and teachers.
Marianne finds the signs burdensome and isolating. Meeting other women like herself Marianne’s eager to meet Dr. Jean Tate’s friends; Suzanne, Ella, Helen, and Kate. Her hopes for comradery are quickly dashed as Marianne realizes these women conceal their prophetic life. In the meantime Dr. Tate’s murder draws Marianne into its mystery, luring a handsome detective into her troubled life.
A ten year veteran of the St. Louis County Police, Detective Derek Richards can spot a liar. Marianne’s not one, even though she admits to predicting the future. However, Derek can’t deny Marianne’s divinations that come about right before his eyes. As he unravels clues in Dr. Tate’s murder, and no closer to catching the murderer, Derek feels pressured. Adding more tension is Derek’s swelling attraction to Marianne.
While gazing upon Marianne’s voluptuous curves, Derek’s loyalty to his late wife stymies his raging hormone. Marianne senses his hesitation so holds back her feelings. But when Derek starts believing in her gift Marianne grasps her fate firmly and puts all her trust in Derek.
Touch by Fate is a mystery and paranormal lover’s delight. The book possesses a brisk and engaging plot plunging me into a world of murder, psychic phenomenon and love, all the while breathing life into Ms. Amsden’s characters. I read this story in one sitting and will enjoy reading it many times again.
PJ
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