Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

In This Life (Past Life Series #1)

by Terri Herman-Poncé (Goodreads Author)

4.41 of 5 stars 4.41 · rating details · 49 ratings · 28 reviews

Psychologist Lottie Morgan knows something is wrong when she starts reliving memories of a lover she’s never had. At first, she attributes them to fever-induced dreams. But when the fever disappears and the visions don’t, Lottie thinks she may need therapy of her own.

Then she meets Galen. Their first encounter is as intense as it is eye-opening, and Lottie is unprepared fo...more

ebook

Published October 8th 2012 by Crimson Romance

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

New Authors to Read

12th out of 1,391 books — 1,675 voters

Reincarnation - fiction

1st out of 75 books — 112 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 376)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Oct 08, 2012 Stephanie Freeman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Captivating.... hauntingly beautiful... These are but a few words to describe Terri Herman-Ponce's novel In this Life.

From page one when we first meet Lottie and her handsome lover David, I was enthralled. The relationship between these two characters was rich and filled with the kind of maturity that comes from heartbreak and a love renewed.

The mystery that surrounds Lottie’s fugue states was masterfully written. I could smell the flowers and marveled over the emotions that washed through her...more

9 likes · like · see review

Nov 06, 2012 Erin Haft rated it 5 of 5 stars

In This Life is a captivating book and is definitely one of my favorites. It's a quick read because its so hard to put down, and when it ended I wished there was more. The language is beautiful and really pulls you in. The way everything tied together amazed me. I would recommend it to anyone.

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 25, 2012 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

'In this Life' is Terri Ponce's debut book. I for one certainly hope that this will not be her only novel.

I devoured this book, I could NOT put it down. I was recently doing some exams and I had put off reading this book until I had the exam done, and boy was I glad I did. I started this book on a Monday evening and finished it Tuesday morning. Thank goodness I didn't have to work, I think I would have 'accidentally' missed my stop just to finish this book.

The book falls into the category of Par...more

4 likes · like · see review

Nov 11, 2012 Sandy rated it 4 of 5 stars

IN THIS LIFE by Terri Herman-Ponce

IN THIS LIFE is the first novel and October 18, 2012 release from author Terri Herman-Ponce. Written in a combination of fantasy, mystery and contemporary suspense genre, In This Life will keep you attention until the very end.

Dr. Taletta (Lottie) Morgan is sick at home with the flu, but a mysterious call from a stranger has Lottie considering she has lost her mind. The previous evening she had dreamed about an ancient lover from a time long ago, and the man on...more IN THIS LIFE by Terri Herman-Ponce

IN THIS LIFE is the first novel and October 18, 2012 release from author Terri Herman-Ponce. Written in a combination of fantasy, mystery and contemporary suspense genre, In This Life will keep you attention until the very end.

Dr. Taletta (Lottie) Morgan is sick at home with the flu, but a mysterious call from a stranger has Lottie considering she has lost her mind. The previous evening she had dreamed about an ancient lover from a time long ago, and the man on the phone claimed to be the man in the dream. But a call from a counselor at the Amrose Counseling Center where she worked pushed all thoughts aside, when one of her clients is reported missing and possibly suicidal. Shortly after her arrival, the dream-like visions and music from the night before begin to invade once again, only to be interrupted by a knife held to her throat.

Throughout the morning, Lottie moved in and out of lucidity. The voice from the earlier phone call continues to intrude in her mind and she is having difficulty focusing on her client who claims that no one cares, when she suddenly finds herself facing three strangers that she have never met before. But a resurgence of awareness will bring her back to the present where her boyfriend David is sure that something has gone terribly wrong. She was losing moments and hours of time. She was blacking out and having visions, and each was preceded by an exotic scent or smell. As well, no one else is able to see or believes that her life is in danger.

David Bellotti was an ex-marine and a contract soldier for Professional Recruitment and Operations- a global military corporation. Three weeks earlier he lost his best friend and fellow soldier Eddie while on military manoeuvres in the Sahara and David was having difficulty with the death. When a replacement is brought in for Eddie, David became suspicious and asked Lottie to do an evaluation before he joins the team. But a dinner together with friends would find Lottie in the hospital with no memory of what had occurred. Hoping to analyze what has been happening Lottie sits downs with fellow counselor and one-time lover Paul to discuss what has been happening in her life. Everyone believes she is losing her mind.

Throughout the storyline Lottie continues to travel what can only be called ‘back in time’ in her dreams, but the visions are no longer locked into her dreams, but through her waking hours. The people in her dreams are strangers yet she knows each and everyone intimately as though they have known each other for a very long time. Meanwhile the strange phone calls continue and several mysterious packages arrive-all perceived as a threat against her life. When her fiancé begs her to get help, Lottie is too consumed with the visions and knows with whom she has to speak only she is risking her relationship and her life. All too soon she will discover that her visions, the threats, her clients and a one-time friend are all connected.

IN THIS LIFE is a fast paced, well-written and an amazing read. I found myself on edge in a few spots especially when she was willing to risk everything to find the answers, but she was also irritating when she kept so many secrets to herself, but then again, no one would have believed a word she said. In This Life is a fascinating tale of lost love, lost souls and finding the one person with whom you were always meant to be-in this life or the next.

Copy supplied by the author.

see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 08, 2012 Shalini rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars...This is a fast-paced, intense read. The plot is different to the other paranormal romance books that I have read because it isn't about your typical witches, weres, vamps or any other other worldly creatures. The major theme is about past lives and second chances and the author did a good job of telling the story because she had me wondering what the heck was going on. Actually, to me, this book fell more in the mystery genre than it did romance. I found myself feeling just as frustr...more

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 15, 2012 David rated it 4 of 5 stars

First and foremost, I want to say that the base concept of the whole story is excellent. I'm not a big fan of romances as a rule, but I think that the author's execution of the effects of having a fore-life come rushing back into your current one made me, and will make most who read this, spend a good deal of time imagining coping with such emotions so strong that they permeate lifetimes. The convergence of the characters, (with some reservation with regard to Galen, who fell a little too neatly...more

First and foremost, I want to say that the base concept of the whole story is excellent. I'm not a big fan of romances as a rule, but I think that the author's execution of the effects of having a fore-life come rushing back into your current one made me, and will make most who read this, spend a good deal of time imagining coping with such emotions so strong that they permeate lifetimes. The convergence of the characters, (with some reservation with regard to Galen, who fell a little too neatly into place) also drove the plot well; the author definitely dodged many of the cliches of the genre, and I felt it was a fresh angle. Detailed and relatable character portrayals, particularly of Lottie and David, and how they interacted, were possibly my favorite aspect of the book though, as it's hard not to feel the effort that went into weaving a living, breathing person into their names on the page. The little quirks, from the stolen bottles of wines to the style and flow of Lottie's internal dialogue, made it feel as if the author was intimate friends with the protagonists. Last, but not least in the major areas deserving praise, I loved the tense dialogue triangles with Lottie, David and either Paul or Galen. I honestly felt gyped when they were let off the hook without a painstaking untangling of miscommunication and fierce instinctual emotions; I'm not normally fond of this form of tension, but I throughly enjoyed it here.

Now for the constructive critiques. Most of my issues for the book rely in a single aspect, which, if addressed, would leave precious little else to fix; almost the entire storyline felt highly compressed and abridged. I'm sure that there was a major reduction of scenes sometime during the editing process, but I personally want them put the back in! There are gaps in scenes (and to a lesser extent, in the plot and in characters), and several 'rushed' buildup and release transitions, especially with Galen; these instances drove me insane, because I could almost taste extras layers that didn't make the final cut. The author has such a solid hold on the story otherwise, they stick out like sore thumbs.

My other two comments are small. First, I feel like, as a junkie for details, particularly in fantasy, I wanted more detail in the description of the scenery, life and mindset of the ancient Egypt sphere. I know that Lottie was experiencing her past life indirectly, and that would naturally blur the resolution of her perceptions. Yet I'm a sucker for technical detailing, and would have loved some more history too. Second, I felt that some of the scenes regarding Mr's Reynolds and Logan were a little confusing; with Lottie's constant descent into her dream-like past life memories, I was initially led to believe that some or all of her interactions with them was tied into her blurring of realities, and was half convinced initially that they didn't exist in the 'present'. Even in the 'David chasing after Logan' scene, I felt half sure that David would be come back not finding a trace of him.

Ms. Ponce is a strong, polished writer, and I definitely want to hear more of David and Lottie. 143 pages was not enough, and I would love to see the 'director's cut' from her notes! Or a sequel :^). (less)

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 06, 2012 Becky Lower rated it 4 of 5 stars

A Mix of Old (Really Old!) and New

Lottie Morgan is a psychologist, dealing with other people’s problems, when she has a boatload of her own. She begins to have ‘episodes’, in which she recalls past lives and past memories. And she decides to face her confusing memories head-on and to right previous wrongs in the hope of creating a forever future with the man she loves in this lifetime.

Terri Herman-Poncé really is telling three stories in one with In This Life, and does so masterfully. But, just...more

5 likes · like · see review

Oct 01, 2012 Sharon Clare rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved In This Life! This is a love story I didn’t want to end. I read it slowly, soaking up the worlds Terri Herman-Ponce created. Yes, worlds. Spun together in skillfully crafted transitions that send the reader from present time to ancient Egypt as we travel into richly developed past lives. This author has done her research and seamlessly delivers the reader through space and time with vivid, descriptive, sensory details. I could smell the lotus blossoms and feel the heat of an Egyptian sun...more

5 likes · like · see review

Oct 02, 2012 Patricia Munoz rated it 5 of 5 stars

I’m not a huge reader, but this book captured my attention from the first page and I read it through in two days. I firmly believe in second chances and this story is about how David and Lottie struggle for their own second chance as lovers and as best friends. Lottie’s determination to find happiness shows throughout her story, from the first chapter all the way to the end, and especially as she tries to understand the unexplainable events happening to her. Memories of another man, and another...more

3 likes · like · see review

Sep 26, 2012 Kristina rated it 4 of 5 stars

If given the choice, would you choose the security of a love in this world and time or the unknown of a love that comes from eons ago? That is the question asked in Terri Herman-Ponce's In This Life. I'm a fan of second chances books, and the twist of a love from another lifetime left me eager to read more.

The chemistry between Lottie and Galen was palpable throughout the book, as was her loyalty to current-love David. I felt her pain and tumult in choose between the two men. The author does a...more

4 likes · like · see review

Oct 11, 2012 Hdp rated it 5 of 5 stars

In This Life was a really good read. I started it at night and finished it the next day and had a hard time putting it down but had to only because I had to get sleep! But when I picked up the book the next day I got pulled right back into the story until the very end. The characters were so well written, and you felt as if you were right there with them, especially Lottie, feeling how torn she was in making a decision between two men. Usually love triangles are predictable but this one wasn't....more

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 21, 2012 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was soooo good. It kept me thinking and trying to figure out how everything tied together throughout the whole novel. I'm not good at rehashing plots in my reviews so I won't even try to do that here. Instead, I can tell you how wonderful the writing was. How developed the characters were. This book was on my mind all day at work and I couldn't wait to put my twin boys to bed so I could go back to reading it. It's one of those novels you gobble up quickly and then you are disappointed...more

6 likes · like · see review

Oct 03, 2012 Penn rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is a love story, but so much more - it's a present love triangle intermixed with and blurred by tempestuous love affairs in past lives from ancient Egypt. Lottie is a professional modern woman loving and loved by David, a man who pushes all the right buttons. She encounters Galen who inexplicably fascinates her and who knows more about Lottie in this life and her past life than she realises, evoking erotic images and forbidden passions she cannot explain nor control. These feelings won...more

5 likes · like · see review

Sep 24, 2012 Carrie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, own, reviewed

I really enjoyed this book. It had tons of twists and turns that will keeping you turning page after page until the very end. This book is about second chance and how it brings a past life to the present in a unique way with a mystery stalker on the side. How do you right a wrong or maybe it wasn’t? Only your heart can tell you. I loved the roller coaster ride however as I was coming toward the end of my ride I didn’t know if it was going end how I wanted. I will be waiting for the next book. Ga...more

6 likes · like · see review

Sep 03, 2012 Monique rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews-all, fiction, fiction-romance, fiction-romance-paranormal, booktype-novel, fiction-romance-suspense, year-2012-read, bookmedium-ebook-pdf, reviews-done

You can see my full review at My Book Addiction Reviews.

1 like · like · see review

Oct 08, 2012 Lauren rated it 5 of 5 stars

This story takes you from past to present without even realizing it's happening! One minute
you're with Lottie in the present, entranced by her dedication to her work and her determination
to find answers to questions in her personal life. Then, suddenly you're in ancient Egypt,
smelling the lotus flowers and visualizing the rich scenery the author describes to help the
reader immerse themselves in another place and time.

It was impossible to put this book down until I was able to reach the end....more

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 13, 2012 Erik rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book a lot. The two main characters, David and Lottie, were believable and the writing was very engaging. For a first book, this was a win and it's not a romance in the traditional sense so I think a lot of people will like it. The book had a lot of suspense and even some mystery set in a past life background that really works and I wasn't sure if the author could pull it off, but she did and really well. I'm wondering if there will be another book to follow because the story seem...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 12, 2012 Jeannemarie Warren rated it 5 of 5 stars

I couldn't put this book down! I was desperate to know what happened to all the characters, past and present. Very evocative! I particularly liked how fluidly the heroine's "memories" flowed in and out of her present life. The sensory detail, particularly that of scent, really brought the story to life. I'm already starting a second read-through, because I devoured it so quickly the first time in my attempt to find out what happens. I want to know more!!

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 01, 2012 WiLoveBooks rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy, read-2012

This is an emotional story about relationships, choices, and second chances. Lottie's past-life memories start to intertwine with events and decisions in her current life. I was riveted and had trouble putting the book down. There is some mystery and suspense as well as the love story. It was a satisfying, emotional read.

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 12, 2012 Sheila rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what a great book. I gobbled it up from beginning to end. I could not wait to finish and then was sad when I did. The book moved very quickly, the flow from present to past and back again was amazingly seamless. I loved the characters and felt their feeling - got emotional right along with them. It left me intrigued about ancient Egypt as well and wanting to learn more about their customs and beliefs. Can't wait for the next book!

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 20, 2012 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars

I liked this book - it was confusing at the beginning - I kept wishing the past life writing was in italics or delineated someway, because it just flowed from present life to past with no separation. But the middle was very tightly written and completely engaging. I loved the characters and how the author involved her readers in their decisions and had them work through their reasonings for their actions - it was like seeing them grow and mature and understanding why.

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 13, 2012 Arielle rated it 5 of 5 stars

"In This Life" is a beautiful and creative look at timeless love and trust... past, and present. It has tons of great mystery and twists that just draws you in. I couldn't put it down! I'd recommend this book to anyone!

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 20, 2012 Margaret rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. I could not put is down once I started reading. The story flowed seamlessly. It's obvious the author has a passion for writing. I can't wait for the next book.

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 12, 2012 Terri Herman-Poncé rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

I hit the stars by accident and decided to just keep it. It's not like I meant to review myself.

Oh well. LOL

like · see review

Oct 03, 2012 Terri Herman-Poncé rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

I hit the stars by accident and decided to just keep it. It's not like I meant to review myself.

Oh well. LOL

1 like · like · see review

May 19, 2013 Alex Sharrock rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-chick-city-reads, 2013

Reviewed for Book Chick City

Click here for full review

VERDICT:

Overall this was a great read. If it wasn’t for the first half and the initial problems I had with characters this would have been more of a 4.5 than a 3.5. It is a shame. However, I would still recommend this as there is a fabulous balance between paranormal and mystery and all of the second half was very well written.

like · see review

Mar 04, 2013 Bruce Schneider rated it 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely excellent!

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 18, 2013 Jodie rated it 3 of 5 stars

It was different and hard to wrap your head around it. Somehow, though your connection for her lies more with the past than the present.

like · see review

May 20, 2013 Amelia marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 11, 2013 Winter marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: crimson-romance-books, paranormal-reads, romantic-suspense, thriller

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 12 13 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Book Promotions: Debut: Paranormal Suspese - In This Life	4	4	Oct 12, 2012 09:51am

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Fantasy > Paranormal

2 users

See top shelves...

About Terri Herman-Poncé

Terri Herman–Poncé looks for any opportunity to make stuff up. Born on Long Island, New York, she thinks anything that can’t so easily be explained is worth an extra look and often makes a great story. She loves red wine, sunrises, Ancient Egypt, and the New York Yankees. The youngest of five children, Terri lives with her husband and son on Long Island. In her next life, if she hasn’t moved on to...more

More about Terri Herman-Poncé...

Books by Terri Herman-Poncé

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About In This Life

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from In This Life

“We do not remember days, Shemei, we remember moments, and the richness of life lies in memories we have forgotten.” — 4 people liked it

“From childhood you have been everything to me,” he whispered. “Only now, more so. For all of eternity, you will be here, Shemei. ” — 2 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: In This Life
avg rating	preview: In This Life Goodreads rating: 4.41 (49 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15853291-in-this-life?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347743124l/15853291.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15853291-in-this-life?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]In This Life by Terri Herman-Poncé[/url]

In This Life (Past Life Series #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website