Finding Lancelot

by Tamara Palmer

Fed up with a career path that is leading nowhere, less-than-happy relationships with family and friends, and topped off by a sudden and painful breakup with her long-time boyfriend, Amanda finds a flyer advertising past-life regressions on a Starbucks bulletin board. Feeling an instant pull to follow a path she never knew existed, something tells her it will reveal her true love and life purpose. In a desperate effort to push forward, Amanda decides to dare a dive into her past in the hopes it will generate the answers she so urgently seeks. From the skyscrapers of Chicago to the rolling hills of 15th century Western England to a present-day Renaissance Faire in Colorado, Amanda’s adventure takes her around the world and into another life experience as she relives its relationships and loves as a way to build better ones today. Anyone who has ever yearned to find their soul mate will identify with Amanda’s journey. Is any distance -- or time -- too far to travel for love?

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2020

About the author

Tamara Palmer is a career and life coach, retreat leader, and at her core, a storyteller. Tamara has been guiding clients to make intentional career decisions while she’s been pursuing her life path as a writer. Tamara is the author of The Greyzone: Insights on Leading Your Career with Intention. Her fiction titles include Missing Tyler, Finding Lancelot and a short-story collection, Truncated. She lives just outside Chicago with her husband, daughter, and an assortment of pets.

Reviews

[bethanyangharad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Tamara Palmer for sending me her 'Finding Lancelot' in exchange for a review. Please know that the gifting of this novel does not change or alter my opinions, an I am as honest as ever :)

Let me start by saying that I really enjoyed this novel's concept. We follow Amanda's journey from living in Chicago, discovering a soul coach, going on a mission to find her soul mate, and ending up working for a Colorado Renaissance Faire. The idea of soulmates particularly speaks to my, well, soul as I am a bit of a romantic and soulmates as a trope has always intrigued me. There are also 'soul walks' which is an interesting concept, where you (kinda) meditate and visit your past selves. On a spiritual level, I was hooked.

There were times where the dialogue and character actions felt somewhat two dimensional, which would break the Arthurian magic a bit. I'm also not sure I'm a fan of Amanda's love interest. So while I am a fan of Amanda's journey to love and growth, I think the writing style and myself weren't a perfect match.

[David Bontumasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do we find love? How do we really discover ourselves? Some of us get lucky when fate stumbles upon them, and others have to travel a thousand years to find those answers.

This novel is lovely, in form and function and in traveling those miles. Ms. Palmer writes beautifully, simply and with a sure-handedness that guides the reader along from Chicago to Colorado, from a Renaissance Fair to the rolling hills of medieval England. I’ve never read a book that dealt with past lives and regressions, so while that was a very interesting part of the story, it was only one of many facets that Ms. Palmer guides us through. The plot lines, the characters development and the revelations come naturally and easily and the book is very enjoyable, an easy and quick read.

I admire Ms. Palmer’s ability to tell a story simply and effortlessly, dipping her toes in different genres and time periods, but ultimately moving beyond each, telling a story that captivates and entertains. This novel is for everyone - female or male or not, young or old(er), in love or in search.

[RJ Teich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book since I am not a huge fan of 1500s England, knights or hobbits (I read Tamara Palmer's first "Missing Tyler" and loved it from the start. The Tyler name ; very personal to me) but since I took up Ms. Palmer's invitation to read "Finding Lancelot" pre launch, with only a review in return; as unconventional as the subject in the book is, I decided to read "Finding Lancelot" to the end. It draws you in and when you stop, putting the book down and picking it up again, you just can't wait to see what will happen next. That is the type of book I most love to read! I have never heard of past life regression therapy, but I Googled past life regression to find it is a method that uses hypnosis to recover what practitioners believe are memories of past lives or incarnations. I most DEFINITELY could recover some past life memories! So this book did speak to me after all. My hesitation was unfounded! I would recommend "Finding Lancelot" for the reader who is into "Harry Potter" type books, but also those that want an intriguing fast fun read. I honestly believe you'll enjoy "Finding Lancelot". And since this is an escapism type subject, this book is perfect for the turbulent forgettable year 2020 has been.

[Gail Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming escape

It is always fun to switch gears from heavier reading or business books to something light and fun. But this charming novel provides more than just a distraction. It gives the reader a unique perspective on how to see life as a modern woman longing for simpler days and grand loves. With contemporary characters living in today’s real world searching for a vision of some things simpler or deeper. It is easy to get lost in this book while trying to find yourself. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read and recommend it to anyone looking for a way to find their own happily ever after.

[Laura A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read, I could not put it down! The main character takes you with her on her own journey of self-discovery while exploring the concept of past-life regressions. I have no idea if this is a legit exercise but it sure made for a thrilling story! The characters are so relatable, the imagery of the locations and circumstances provides the reader with a joyful experience to help us escape the drudgery and stress of 2020! Highly recommend for a mood-lifting, adventure!

[Jessica Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so fun! It is easy to read and adventuresome! Past lives intersect with coming of age in a fun journey through the past and into the present. Who are we connected to and why? And can we re-discover our past loves..... Its a journey of exploration, self-discovery and good story telling. I great escacpe during trying times. I LOVED it. And will re-read this one.....

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read!
A Moderne day romance with a vintage twist! Tamara Palmer writes a fun read that moves quicklyFrom start to finish.

I highly recommend this as an escape on the beach or wrapped up on the couch with a mug of tea- Perfect For an season!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I read the first half in just one day. It was a fun read and a break from the everyday world. The writing reminded me of Jennifer Weiner but with a very different context. I loved the ending and all of the Chicago references.

[Alina Rubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read full of interesting twists. I especially liked the details of the Colorado Faire, and the dialog of the characters there. Very enjoyable book by Tamara Palmer, and a great cover as well.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this down from the first chapter! I finished in 2 days. I am always a sucker for Arthurian legend and have read so many books on the topic, although you don't need to be well versed in the characters and storyline to enjoy Finding Lancelot. This is a beautiful combination of present day and historical fiction and I loved it!