Echoes in Time

Esterloch Book #2

by Stacey A. Purcell

Returning to Esterloch, NY, Green Beret Roark Foster finds Monica Peterson, a doctor whose fragile heart is just the thing to banish the ghosts of his past. AWAY FROM THE FRONT Roark Foster kills at work. Truly. As a sniper for the Green Berets, he’s snuffed everything ever asked of him, including all emotion. That last part was easy. After the tragedies of his youth with a Native American heritage, his heart had to go—which makes it all the more difficult to return to Esterloch, NY, to settle the estate of his recently deceased mother. And to deal with the desperate stranger he finds lurking in his yard. …AND INTO A MINEFIELD Dr. Monica Peterson’s first step was to hide. That’s why she came to this tiny upstate town, fleeing everyone and everything to stay safe. Next will come Plan B, when she thinks of it, but until then her secrets will stay her own. Yet one intractable soldier calls out to her with his hard eyes and harder body, promising both solace and ineffable danger. For the past is not a war you can escape, and every step with Roark will lead toward an of old enemies, of hidden pain, and of a love that can erase all want.

268 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2017

About the author

Texas girl by birth, child of the world by choice.
While I was born in Texas, it was a momentary lay-over on my family's way back to Venezuela. My father was in the oil industry which allowed me to have my backyard in countries like Norway, Malaysia, and Singapore. I never lived in the U.S. until my mother dropped me off for college in New Orleans!
In between raising kids, cooking, and painting, I can be found with a good book. Victoria Holt and Kathleen Woodiwiss were early author heroes for me.
I love writing and started when I was 15 on hotel stationary! I have been a member of RWA since 2009 and write contemporary and romantic suspense books.

Reviews

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roark is a Green Beret and he is home for the first time since his mother’s death and it will be a difficult time as not only does he have to handle his mom’s estate he must visit the mother of a fallen comrade.

Monica is on the run and is trying to stay under the radar however she knows it is only a matter of time before she is found and she must be ready to flee at a moments notice.

Roark is not happy that his unit has requested that he stay for a mission as he has never felt welcome in this town and he tries to avoid his feelings for Monica. He feels she deserves better but he is unable to resist and as they become close Monica tells him the reason why she is running and he will do whatever is necessary to keep her safe. Will Roark be able to keep his promise and is Monica willing to trust him?

This is a story of two people who have become stronger from the obstacles life has thrown their way and have finally find where they belong. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.

[Mary Getz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily ARC for honest review. This story take place in Esterloch NY. Army Green Berets sniper Roark Foster lost is partner /buddy Joshua Burninghouse in the Sandbox(Mideast), both are Iroquois Confederacy , one of League of Six Nation (Native American). He informed his mother Janie Foster passed away . He has return to NY , to settle of his estate. Dr. Cali Montgomery transplant from Texas , was taking care of his mother , while she lives in the cottage.
Dr. Monica Peterson fleeing Texas and the practice , she shared with Cali. She is running from Ray Boudreaux , she has something , that belongs to him.
Both Roark and Monica have their own baggage obstacles and hurdles and problems to overcome past and present while dealing with growing attractions and sexual tension. I fall in love with both Roark and Monica from the beginning. I love and recommend this book to everyone 😆 😙 The storyline and characters are brilliant exquisitely well written and story is drama rom-com adventure provocative animalistic hot streamy explosives sex captivating emotional rollar coaster hostilities and strong in subplot and well developed supporting characters .

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story about a Green Beret military man, Roark, with a past that has hurt him deeply and a woman, Monica, who is running away from her ex after he hurt her. When she comes to stay with her best friend, Cali, she ends up meeting Roark while she is all battered and bruised up. He knows she is lying to him when she states she was in a car accident but let's her stay. Roark is a gruff man not letting anyone get close after all the hurts he has experienced but she can see beyond the gruffness & sarcasm that he is a man that is loving, kind & feels deeply past his armour. She finally tells him the truth & he lets his guard down with her but is it enough...he has to learn to love & forgive himself before he can truly love another.
A great book with suspense & a love that grows slowly till it bursts and there is no going back. I would have liked an epilogue and also to know what the letter stated that he wrote to her.
*I receive a free copy of this book & voluntarily chose to review it*

[Nyx D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roark & Monica ♡
Emotional, real characters with flaws and darkness in their pasts...Roark & Monica work on their past issues and future, together. Lurve the echoes. Great read!
Received as an ARC, voluntarily reviewed.

[Raquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story about two people with very difficult pasts. Roark who for being multicultural suffered a lot in his youth and is now a green beret who's job is wearing on him. And Monica is running now after a horrible experience but thats not all these characters will have to face. When they meet they feel an attraction but due to there past their not sure it's a good idea. Roark never feels good enough so he pushes Monica but slowly he comes around. But there is more going on in their town and the danger is closer then they think. Will they figure it out in time? There is an HEA. This is a really great book that you won't want to put down. Definitely worth 5 starts or more can't wait to read the next one!

*I received this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Mary Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes in Time is the first book I've ever read by this author.

I was pleased that this was not a carbon copy story. It was truly an original story and was filled with real characters. I especially liked the way the author wrote the developing relationship. Both seemed totally incompatible and yet the author created this slow foreplay dance that was amazing. They sucked me into this story from the very beginning.

I was given a copy of this book by the author to review with my honest opinion -- which I am providing. If I could, I would give this story 10 stars because I felt it was exceptional. I really look forward to reading more of this author's work.

[Jeanne Kotsios · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received for honest review this truly was a great book I loved how she walked through the relations they were opposites and came together this was just a great read the characters were real and I love that when an author can do that great read

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes in Time by Stacey Purcell ARC: ***** A good read that drew me in
There's a lot going on in this story and it kept my interest throughout. The storyline evolves around Roark and Monica as they confront the danger and related extremes that people will go to for personal gain or a cause. Their love story is rocky, but they do get their HEA! This cast of characters is full of likable/lovable people, and the character development is very well done. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of this book.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab the Kleenex as this story is full of emotion and you'll feel every bit of it. Two people with troubled pasts that will tear at your heart. Well written with two great characters with lots of depth. You feel like you are right there with them as they endure their pain and overcome their challenges. I had not read the first book in this series, but will definitely go back and do so. I felt the pain of Roark and Monica and sure you will also. I received an arc copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Echoes in Time is the second book in the Esterloch series. While this is part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone. There is violence.

The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that all of that info here. The author does a good job with keeping the characters real and the struggle between those who live in town and those who live on the reservation believable. I got so caught up with the characters that I had a hard time putting the book down. I do want to read the next book in the series once it is written.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes in Time takes you heart and squeezes every emotion you have out of it. Monica may be battered but she's not broken and maybe Roark won't break her heart, maybe. But Roark doesn't think his heart is available or worthy. I loved the supporting cast also, especially Aunt Pookie and Aunt Willow. This story was suspenseful and hopeful and scary and so realistic, I couldn't put it down. Just have some hankies handy!

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Loved the story and was rooting for Monica and Roark.
I cried- in the beginning I cried for Roark and his pain. Both her and Monica faced death- one because of abuse and the other to save a town. Destiny pulled two damaged hearts together and healed them into one with the power of love, understanding, forgiveness

[Althie Juda · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the time I started reading this book I could not get it out of my head . I give it a 5 star because it draws you in the story. Which by the way is very well written. Thank you so much for writing it . can,t wait too read about Peter.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

There are times when the events happening within a story will grip you by the throat and not let go. Other times the characters will seem so real that you’ll feel as though you’re stepping into their lives and observing from just beyond their vision. When those two reading experiences combine you have one heck of a story – and that was my experience with Echoes in Time.

In many ways I ached for both Roark and Monica. Their pain, their separate issues and the journey they are on together is emotional at times, frightening at others – and in today’s world, so very possible. Falling in love wasn’t in either of their plans, but the heart knows when it’s found it’s mate.

Echoes in Time is intriguing, it’s also complicated in a way that we are the sum of our experiences and our culture – and that comes across very strongly. With twists and turns, danger, redemption and completely believable situations, this story will capture your attention. Sometimes we have to touch the ground at the bottom of the lake before we can swim back up to the safety of the surface. I felt Monica, as well as Roark were able to do that. Their safe surface was each other. The past is impossible to put behind you until it’s faced, dealt with and has closure of some sort. I really enjoyed this couple and the ways they faced not only the past but their future together.

It’s an emotional ride that I would strongly urge you to discover for yourself.

Of course, Esterloch, NY being a small town, we were bound to run into old friends. That is what makes a series connect for me, not only a new couple to get to know and engage with, but people from previous stories who have already captured our hearts. In all I found Echoes in Time to be a very enjoyable, satisfying journey – one I believe you’d enjoy as well.

[Kathryn Frazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved Stacey's first book "Echoes of the Heart" and couldn't wait for her second book to come out. "Echoes in Time," similar to her first book, is full of complex characters. I love the different layers her characters have and that we get to see them grow throughout the book. Not only are the characters complex, but so are the storylines. Stacey doesn't steer away from difficult issues, such as abuse and multi-cultural challenges, which makes her storylines interesting and different from other romance novels I have read. Beyond the complex characters and issues, my favorite part of the book is all of the twists and turns. While I may have had an idea of how things will end (or at least I hoped for a certain ending), the journey to get was full of surprises and mystery. I looked forward to reading the book everyday and had to find any second of time I could to squeeze it in. I'm already eager to read Stacey's next book!

[B Musgrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't wait to get my hands on the second installment of the Esterloch series! I enjoyed seeing how some of the characters from Echoes of The Heart were woven into the new story line. Although the characters were full of flaws, and dark at times, Ms. Purcell writes in a way that makes you cheer them on regardless of their baggage. She was able to combine different cultures, geography, and social backgrounds.Very well done! She certainly did her research.
I have enjoyed both of her books very much and can't wait to read the third one.She writes in a way that makes you want to read it from cover to end in a single sitting. Keep up the good work Ms. Purcell and keep them coming!

[Taz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that highlights the difficulties of overcoming the challenges of living in a multi-cultural world where traditions run deep. I don't normally read romance, but this book captivated me because of the strong story line about salvation, forgiveness and love. How these three human characteristics can change lives. Stacey's first book was awesome and this... well is equally or more awesome. Something that is hard to do when your palette is limited to a small town in New York. Her research of military and current geopolitical issues is clearly translated into the story line. Most importantly, her writing style had me feeling as if I were there with the characters.

A great read!

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy through Goodreads.
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I rather enjoyed reading this. It took the time to develop an actual storyline and it's characters, instead of just dumping the two together and hope no one notices the lack of background information or personalities.

Monica and Roark are as different as can be. But when circumstances put them together, their chemistry is off the charts. Monica is hiding out at Cali's, who had looked after Roark's mother, but Roark isn't all that welcoming of Monica, given that he has a lot to juggle in a place that he practically ran away from when he turned 18 due to his background (he is half native, to which neither side ever let him forget and made him and his loved ones suffer for).

This book actually takes the time to dive into and find ways to resolve both of the main characters' issues or at least find a way to work through them plausibly. All without taking away from the chemistry between the two.

It is pretty obvious who is on Native lands, recruiting the kids to be fighters somewhere else, after all it makes perfect sense. Someone who is always in the background, doesn't stand out, but everyone trusts. But still it is a heart pounding moment when things suddenly happen (during the climax) and people are forced to confront their fears and what they believe in.

Definitely an enjoyable read. Would read the previous book for sure and other ones following.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Self-discovery, romance, and a healthy dash of suspense!

What a refreshing step from the ordinary contemporary romance. This book is a journey of facing the pain of the past, the demons of the present, and the uncertainty of what could be. Stacey Purcell does an amazing job with complex characters weaving in topics of cultural boundaries, domestic abuse, and terrorism. So much packed in this page-turner, all wrapped up with a tidy HEA!

Roark, a Green Beret and part Native America, struggles with a sense of belonging, especially in his hometown of Esterloch where he never quite fit in. The only place he feels comfortable is on the battlefield, and even that has a steep price. Coming home had been just as hard as he imagined. He’s faced with guilt, sorrow, and prejudice. The last thing he needs is a beautiful woman trespassing on his property.

Monica is running from a pretty hefty secret, hoping to get lost in the small town. And the more her secrets are being peeled away by the soldier and the town’s judge, the more she becomes exposed both physically and in manners of the heart. And then her past catches up to her.

Strong from beginning to end!

[Mary Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! This is a wonderful story about two people who are trying to find their way through what seem to be insurmountable obstacles in their lives. Roark is a Green Beret who came home for the first time in 13 years after his mother’s death. He had left right after high school because of trauma he and his girlfriend went through and because he was trying to escape all the prejudice he encountered because of his heritage, half Iriquois Indian and half Caucasian. Monica fled Texas and her abusive boyfriend who was threatening to kill her. She came to stay with her former medical practice partner and best friend Cali who had been taking care of Roark’s mother until her death. This book deals with racial prejudice, domestic abuse, terrorist recruitment tactics among other things. I can’t recommend this book enough to find out how Roark and Monica with through everything and finally get their HEA. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily writing a review because I want to let others know just how good this book is.

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book I have read by this author, but I definitely don't regret my choice to give it a go. This is actually the second book in the Esterloch series and whilst it does include characters from book one, it definitely looks like they are secondary characters.

After losing one of his team mates, Roark Foster a Green Beret receives news of the death of his mother and returns home to Esterloch, New York to settle her affairs. Whilst there circumstances change which require him to spend more time in the one place he wants to get away from.

Monica Peterson is on the run from her crazy boyfriend and isn't expecting to come across the hard as stone Roark. Neither Monica or Roark expect to find each other as their paths collide.

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish and admit I found it hard to put it down. Both characters are quite different, but they are both stronger because of their pasts and I loved that about them both. I enjoyed the originality of the story and definitely look forward to getting my hands on the first book of the series and also continuing with the rest of the series.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had trouble putting this book down and stayed up until 1 am to finish! The two main characters hook you right away into their respective stories. I really enjoyed Echoes of the Heart but this book was a step above, both in wit and in the character developments. Perhaps I just liked Monica and Roark better than Cali and Jack. Perhaps I related more to their story and, for that reason, cheered on their triumphs.

And what was really great was seeing/hearing from the characters I grew to love in Echoes of the Heart; I missed Pookie. The only bad part...I received an ARC version and couldn't highlight some of the phrases like I'm used to doing with hardcopies and my Kindle. Oh well, I've solved that by purchasing a hardcopy. Now I just need to go back and find the quotes from Marley, Buddha, and Disney.

[Booker Hookers · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Big Fat Booker Hooker Stars!

A Booker Hooker Win!
We really enjoyed this one! Echoes in Time is chalk full of unconventional content for a romance, which we thoroughly enjoyed, and lots of interwoven, exciting plotlines, that the author kept clear and tied up well. It was a great love story with great, great characters and we can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes. And we cannot possibly leave this review without addressing the #1 thing we enjoyed the most...
ROARK!
Holy Hotness, Batman.
Broody and wounded in all the best ways, he's written to perfection as our heroine, Monica, peels back his layers to the hottie underneath and their love story blossoms. Perfection for all the true romance lovers out there. <3

[Sharon Mignerey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacey A. Purcell's second book, and the second to go on my keeper shelf.

Have you ever felt like you didn't belong? Most everyone has. Author Stacey Purcell perfectly captures that itchy feeling within this story. Roark and Monica are perfect for each other, and at the same time have all the baggage of not feeling as though they belong that pushes and pulls at their relationship. As they begin to trust each other, her past and his catch up with them. The stakes are literally life and death as these two compelling characters struggle for the hardest acceptance of all -- self acceptance and self-forfiveness. And, hooray! Aunt Pookie is back, as well.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense love story with vivid characters you’ll fall in love with and root for till the end. I was drawn in from the first heart-wrenching page. An emotional read I will remember for a long time. Love the way Roark and Monica’s relationship grows despite their inner and outer struggles. This story had it all. Love, redemption and forgiveness, with twists and turns and a bit of intrigue mixed in. Highly recommend this one!

[Carla Rossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacey A. Purcell has done it again. In my opinion, this second book in the Esterloch series is even better than the first. Multi-layered Roark is a fascinating hero who does not disappoint. I recommend this beautifully emotional and suspenseful ride.

[Sandra Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic plot and characters. I Volunteered to read an advance copy for an honest review.

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it time to stop running? Roark has come home for the first time in a long time as his mother has just passed and he is on a mission. He needs to get her affairs sorted and go see his best friend's mother as her son was killed fighting for his country. He knows that he has to do this but it is breaking his heart as he was there when it happened and the loss is still very raw. Monica is hoping that she will be safe in Esterloch for awhile, she has found a good job not her first love but she has to stay hidden or else this time she won't be able to escape. She was hoping that she could rely on her neighbor but he isn't very happy to have her around, she just can't understand why he is such an unhappy person.
Roark is finding it hard being back as all the past memories have returned and he still doesn't fit in so it is time to go back to his unit and do what he does best but he has been given a new mission so that means sticking around for longer. They are both finding it really hard to fight their feelings for each other so they give in and both realize that they want this time together but Roark knows that this can't happen as he isn't good enough and he isn't welcome here. Monica has had to be honest with him about why she is running and he will do anything to make sure that she is safe again but he knows that he is going give her that promise and she tries so hard to accept his decision but it is breaking her heart. Can he ever take that chance on her with his heart? A great read you will fall in love with the characters as they are all damaged in some way but they still carry on. The town folk all are so different yet they still add so much depth to the story. A great book to recommend for a lazy day. I was lucky enough to receive a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Vivian Chrisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

.you're like a porcupine and I'm tired of getting stuck."- Monica about Roark

Dr Monica Peterson is running for her life. Green Beret Roark Foster is running from his life. When these two run into each other it is a battle of wills. When Roark's mission and Monica's past both come calling these two must learn to trust each other. I started this book with the intention of reading a couple chapters before bed. Needless to say I didn't move until I had finished the book. This story was gripping and sucked me in. I need to go back and read the first story.

*I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*

[Darcy Speed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes in Time grabbed me from the first chapter and never let go. Fans of Suzanne Brockmann will enjoy this military romance, chock full of suspenseful scenes. The characters were relatable and very well developed, as well as extremely hot with chemistry to spare. I look forward to reading more books by Stacey A. Purcell.