Unlike her husband, Alex, Tania Chalmers doesn’t care much for any art exhibition’s opening but she does enjoy seeing Alex in formal attire. The last time she saw him all dressed up was a year ago at their wedding and tonight brought back fond memories. At the exhibit, Tania finds some paintings that totally captivate her mind. In no time, she experiences herself in another time and place with someone other than Alex. Marc Wendell meets Tania at the art exhibit and stresses how he did the paintings. As she and Marc share conversation, Alex is uncomfortable when Marc takes an interest in his wife. Tania’s visions become stronger and she looks for a solution. Marc painted the scenes, so she turns to him for answers. Marc feels all the people in his head belong to past lives he lived before this one, like reincarnation. It’s uncanny but Tania very much resembles Lauren and Marc, Chris, whenever she has her moments of dreams that transport her to another time and love. No matter what Tania might see or feel, she is Tania and Alex is her husband. When she confides to Alex about her visions, he is shocked about the eternal lover in which she speaks, not to mention her kissing Marc. He needs to know where they stand as husband and wife, or if she plans to run back to Marc and the dreams. However, Tania is not sure about anything, and Alex can only hope she has not left him for good.

This story moved me and pulled me in as if I was standing with Tania admiring the paintings. Marc and Tania spark quite an interest with the visions and reincarnation. When Tania faces Alex and explains the situation, the fear is reflected in his emotions, allowing the reader to share in his sensations. In This Life Or The Next is a stunning read. Each page is like a magnet never releasing the hold that spellbinds the reader. Kallysten weaves a brilliant tale that appears so genuine in every way. She depicts characters that have great interaction with each other, and weaves imagery in the paintings that are truly vibrant. What an ending, it sort of gave me goose bumps. I love her work and this one is really remarkable.

Reviewed by: Linda L.