Together Again

Vicarage Bench #4

by Mimi Barbour

Traveling forward in time, Dani Howard's spirit becomes magically united with reporter, Troy Brennan. He's everything a girl could want in a man, and during their many days together, she falls deeply in love. Though she must return to her pregnant body in her own time, she gains his promise to come to her birthday party in a week where they will meet in person and continue their romance. Except that for her, those seven days are actually ten years. Instead of Troy finding his sixteen-year-old soul mate, she’ll be a twenty-six-year-old woman. Troy can't believe he's fallen for a sixteen-year-old spirit invader. He's so infatuated that when renowned author, beautiful Ellie Ward, comes on to him, as attractive as he finds her, he's honor bound to stay true to his young love—or is he? And why does she seem so darn familiar?

Genres: Romance, Time Travel, Fantasy, Paranormal, Contemporary, Ebooks, Amazon

258 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

Mimi is an incredibly busy NYT and USA Today award-winning, best-selling author who has nine series to her credit, as well as over 45 books and numerous multi-author box collections.

Mimi lives on the East coast of Vancouver Island with her pup, Charli, and writes her various romances with tongue in cheek and a mad glint in her eye.

She’s been known to say: “If I can steal a booklover’s attention away from their every-day grind, absorb them into a fantasy love story, and make them care about the ending, then I’ve done my job.”

**1st place prize of the 2015 - Chanticleer Reviews - Clue Awards. Special Agent Francesca
**A TOUCH OF PASSION, has just become the 2016 WINNER of The Romance Reviews Readers' Choice Awards.

Reviews

[The TBR Pile *Book review site* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani is nothing short of incredible. Aged beyond her years, the seventeen year old posses a witty intelligence I found enchanting. With a hard to please and extremely controlling mother, this adventure couldn’t have happened to a more perfect person, which really made you believe the way she reacted to events that unfolded.

http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...

[Shannon Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous story full of magic, love and laughter. By the end of it I was totally swept away into the lives of Dani and Troy, rooting for them to figure out how to be together, despite the obstacles that kept popping up. In particular their own emotional baggage which I felt was very well done and realistic to an actual couple.

Anyone looking for a great romance with a touch of magic, this is the book for you!

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A time-travel romantic delight, Together Again reminded me of Time Traveller's Wife but with a happier vibe. I loved the character Dani and the chemistry between her and Troy was magnificent. A bit slow in places, Together Again is a magical book.

My Rating: 4 stars

[Avry15 · Rating 4 out of 5]

originally appeared on:Bookshelf Confessions

Together again is the fourth installment in the Vicarage Bench Series by Mimi Barbour. It’s about a 17-year-old girl Dani who pricked her finger in the magical rose bush grown by her uncle Dr. Robert and then she’s transported into another time and in another’s body. She find herself in the body of Troy, a 29-year-old reporter who’s in England to scope for Ellie Ward, a best-selling author who happened to show courage in a bank rob in US.

The story goes on to Dani and Troy’s time together and on the other time. Dr’ Robert’s and his assistants’ effprt to keep the incident secret even from Dani’s mother.

How could Dani and Troy find true love when age and time comes in their way? How could Dr. Robert bring Dani back? And who is Ellie Ward?
This novella is an enchanting and compelling read filled with tales of time travel and body sharing. The elements of young love, erotic, adventure, family and human relations are all jammed up in this wonderful book.

I find the plot mesmerizing and incredible. The characters are remarkable that any reader could develop their liking.

Ms. Barbour writes convincingly and entertainingly the alternate chapters for the present and the past, which makes this wonderful to read because you know the present and you could get glimpses of the past. I enjoyed the dialogue too, humorous and real..!:)

[Lilly Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It pays to keep reading.
This book wasn't what I expected. It's set in the sixties from which 16...almost 17 year old Dani travels 10 years into the future. Her body doesn't go with her and her spirit spends a couple of weeks sharing the body of a grown man--a reporter. Not your typical romance. More sci fi. But, I read on...

Because Dani's comatose body was left in her own time, the author had to account for the time Dani's spirit was out of her body. So, much of the first half of the book is told from the uncle and housekeeper's POV. Again, not what I'm used to.

I have to admit, by this point, I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. I had expected a time-travel romance. This didn't seem like a romance at all. It was more of a melding of the minds--kind of Vulcan, if you're an old Star Trek fan. But, I read on...

The antics of Mrs. Dorn amused me. The uncle was endearing. And all the interaction between Troy and Dani was internal...mental. I felt a bit disappointed this wasn't a romance, but I was still intrigued. I read on...

And fell in love with Dani and Troy. Their early romance is based entirely on compatibility, beliefs, and personality. The two characters truly connect on a spiritual level.Despite her youth and the age difference, Troy understands Dani the way every woman wants to be understood. She can see him through his own eyes when he looks into the mirror. But he can't see her.

She shares her secret and the reason she escaped her own body, but she never describes herself or tells Troy a startling truth she learns soon after binding her spirit to his....her spirit traveled 10 years into the future, and the woman--ten years older than her current self, whom Troy came to England to interview--is actually her future self.

Oh yeah, I was reading now.

Before Dani returns to her own body, she makes Troy promise not to attempt contacting her until the next week--when she turns 17. He thinks it's the age difference and agrees to come to her birthday party in one week. He's in love, but he can wait a week. But for Dani, it's a 10 year wait.

The second half of the book is about Dani & Troy reuniting--being together again. And it reads more like a romance with the conflict, angst, and passion any romance reader expects. I was totally blown away by how quickly I read the second half of this book, devouring every word, trying to get to the end so I could see how Ms. Barbour resolved the conflict.

Troy had fallen in love with Dani without ever seeing her. But Dani had seen Troy and in 10 years when her body reached the point in time where her spirit linked with his for those few weeks, he hasn't aged a day. But she's all grown up. Not only has he never seen her face, but his spirit doesn't recognize hers. And she's jealous of the love he still feels for her 17 year-old self.

Will true love find it's way? Or will the secrets Dani kept prevent them from finding their happily ever after?

It was only after I finished reading this intriguing tale that I realized why it struck a cord with me. The story reminded me of the story of Eros and Psyche in Greek mythology. Psyche fell in love with Eros without seeing his face. Despite her undying love, self-doubt and fear tore at her faith, nearly destroying their love.

Ms. Barbour employees many of these same elements to weave a fantastical story that truly surprises.

[LaVerne Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely read this was.

We're introduced to our heroine, Dani when she is a teenager, and as such, her happy, spirited nature shines through. I really enjoyed meeting her again as the older Dani to see the woman she becomes. Her approach to life is much more measured, but glimpses of the young girl she was reassures the reader she is still the same person we fell in love with, just a wiser version.
Troy is a wonderful hero. Strong, kind and sexy as anything!

Having the heroine's spirit time-travel was a very interesting take on a favourite idea - and one I thought the author pulled off cleverly. Reading this book, you get the idea that Ms. Barbour had a great time with her characters, and I think most people reading this will find the same.

Thanks for a most enjoyable read Mimi!

[Lorhainne Eckhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together Again is the fourth in The Vicarage Bench series by Mimi Barbour. And I got to tell you, I loved this book. The chemistry – the magic. I’ve never read anything like it. Dani travels through time and invades Troy’s body. Now Troy can’t see Dani, and Dani can only see Troy through his eyes. It’s hilarious after she invades his body how he tries to protect her virtue. But what develops between these two is a powerful spiritual connection – a deep love. And frankly, what this author pulled off truly amazes me.

Dani nurtures a love for Troy. And her antics And Troy even when tempted by a raving beauty remains faithful to his love for Dani. To go into any detail would spoil this wonderful read, which I won’t do. The Vicarage Bench is funny, romantic and filled with heartbreak and sexy tension. A must read, which I highly recommend – and you won’t be disappointed.

[Jerrie Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read the other books in this series and was pleased to find this book stood on it on quite well. I found it funny, endearing, full of imagination. I rooted for Troy and Dani, laughed with them and wondered how on earth love would survive. No spoilers from me, suffice it to say I really enjoyed this book.

[Jean Faganello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, loved the characters. Mimi's writing is wonderful and I can't wait for more books in the vicarage bench series. :)

[Barbara Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time travel romance sort of. . . . there's a twist. Enjoyable unique read with some parts of the storyline predictable and some unexpected turns which I didn't see coming and made it more enjoyable. Be forewarned, you have to suspend belief, if you don't like Fantasy, Paranormal or Science fiction this won't be for you. This book also won't stand up to hard Science fiction scrutiny. I enjoyed it very much.Mimi BarbourTogether Again

[Suez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

I was absolutely engrossed in this spellbinding tale of magic, love and time travel. The storyline and the characters captured my attention from the very beginning. I highly recommend this series.

[Rachel Bonner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting concept

A light escapist read. Predictable but still enjoyable and I grew to like the characters who were well developed. I'd have liked to see a little more made of the time travel element and the heroine being an author, but that's just me.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA

[Val Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever read a spirit traveling book until now and I must say I think this is a fascinating subject. What was most intriguing was how the author accounted for every question I could possibly have pertaining to this particular time travel. As much as I loved the plot line in the book, what I will forever remember about this book is it made me laugh. Not just a little bit, but with Mrs. Dorn's shenanigans I laughed out loud constantly.

Dani's character, although only 16 "going on 17" , is far too grown up for her own good. She is witty, intelligent and speaks from her heart. Having to put up with a mother that is hard to please and controlling, Dani finds refuge with her uncle. The one man in her life that brings sunshine to her rainy days. Troy is a handsome investigative reporter who has honed his ability to retrieve the information he needs from those who may be less than willing. He's charming, dedicated to his job and is a softy on the inside no matter what he might portray on the outside.

There is no doubt as to the chemistry between Dani and Troy. However, the one thing that impressed me the most was these two were able to nurture a spiritual bond (since Troy was not able to physically see Dani) rather than the physical "love at first sight" element that is often found in romance books. As their affection for one another increased, so did the humor of their situation. Dani was that voice inside Troy's head that just would not shut up. I often wondered if he slipped from time to time and argued with Dani out loud while there were people around. It was often that Troy was left at a loss for words because Dani was not like any other woman he had ever had the pleasure of keeping company with.

So much happens throughout the story that I just can't touch on for the simple fact that it would spoil it for you. Humor, heartbreak, silliness and sensual tension made this a book that will most certainly be staying on my "to be read again" shelf. Together Again is part of a series but having not read any of the previous books, this book can certainly stand on it's own. Ms. Barbour gives just a hint of the books before (and a possible book in the future) which was enough to tantalize me into reading the entire series. I am a series kind of girl, so this book is just the beginning for me. I would like to take this moment to congratulate Ms. Barbour on a job well done. I look forward to reading the other books in the series. This is definitely a book that I highly recommend.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love time traavel books and this one didn't disappoint. It was a little strange because a reporter foalls for a girl in her teens and he finds out he'll be meeting her again in a few days which for her will be ten years. The book was interesting and I enjoyed it.
Here is the info from Good Reads: Traveling forward in time, Dani Howard's sixteen-year-old spirit becomes magically united with reporter, Troy Brennan. He's everything a girl could want in a man. During their time together, they fall deeply in love. Though she must return to her own pregnant body, she gains his promise to come to her birthday party in seven days where they will meet in person and continue their romance. Unbeknownst to him, the interval for her will be 10 long, lonely years.

Troy can't believe he's fallen for a teenage spirit invader. Because of her shenanigans, he loses sight of the person he followed all the way to England, gets stranded with a homeless puppy and ends up falling in love. He's so infatuated that when renowned author, beautiful Ellie Ward, enters his world and tries to seduce him, as attractive as he finds her, he's honor bound to stay true to his young love—or is he? And why does this gorgeous, desirable woman seem so darn familiar?

[Helena Korin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dani, an impulsive sixteen year old, finds herself in serious trouble, and decides to run away from it - for a little while anyway. No one is more surprised than she is to find herself sharing the body of an attractive man, almost twice her age. Troy is not pleased. Dani is delighted. The spirit travel worked!
So begins the story of two people coping with a very unusual set of circumstances as they begin to fall in love. Their solutions are imaginative, witty and sensual. I am not going to spoil the ending for you by hinting at them. Needless to say, getting Dani and Troy to end up in the same place and the same time period, but in separate bodies takes some doing. Definitely a 'good read'.

Helena Korin

[SirenBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a magical, funny and touching story! Very unique and enjoyable. Together Again delivers a delightful tale of intrigue. The plot is original and keeps the reader totally in tune. I didn't want to turn away from this story for anything! With a hint of magic and time travel, I devoured the novel from start to finish. I had to know how Dani could travel and become a part of someone else's body and mind. There are scenes that made me laugh because of the situations, and there are some very touching moments throughout as well.

If you're looking for something very different, I don't hesitate to recommend this book. Together Again, to put it simply, should not be missed! It's got a bit of everything for romantics to fall in love with. Mimi Barbour, I give you much kudos for having such an imagination to write a story of this type. It's beautiful. I need more!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

Fabulous

To be honest, when I started reading this book I wasn't sure if I would finish it. The story seemed like it wouldn't be as interesting as it turned out to be. It started a little slow but that ended up being background info that was important to the story. I didn't know if the author could pull off them falling in love, but she did even as far fetched as it seemed. I really enjoyed it's craziness. A very interesting read.

[Mary Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect when reading. Only plan to read a couple of chapters then call it a night. Lol. Finally went to bed at 3 in the morning after reading the book. Couldn't put it down! Troy and Dani together as one, Dani's spirit into Troy's body and to hear him bicker with the 16 yr old girl within him. It was a good read.

[Laura Wollam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great spirit travel book by Mimi Barbour. This story is about how two people can fall in love solely by knowing a person’s soul — how they think, feel, act, and handle all kinds of situations. A good read with a sweet HEA.

[Katy Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this someitme ago and have had another cosy and enjoyable read since.

[Vickey 0590 clark]

what a great book Mimi Barbour had me loving her books.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read with sweet love story. I usually don't care for time travel books but Mimi did an excellent job of telling the story without creating confusion for the reader. Very enjoyable.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is #4 in the Vicarage Bench traveling in time series. It is a lite romance with humor.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good story. I felt it was a little long. But the outcome was very good.