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Antietam Affairs
When the door of death closes on a friend or loved one, the living are left to contemplate the mystery; to fascinate over the abstraction. But, if time is a portal, as many believe, and the spirit can walk again on this earth in a new form, it bridges the gap between the dark abyss and reality. Such considerings, then, excite the mind for who we were; how we lived; and, more curiously, were we loved by someone. Though time may wash clean all memories, the passions that lie buried in the subconscious can so securely tether us to a past life that the soul is unquiet, searching for the intangible like that will bring it contentment.
In the summer of 1988, while on vacation, handsome computer whiz Sam Baker becomes drawn into involvement with a group of citizens trying to halt a developer from acquiring an old farm that adjoins the Antietam Battlefield. When a bulldozer unearths the forgotten remains of a Civil War soldier at the site, Sam learns that the grave may be his from a past life. When he and Kelly Gracie, the lovely talented secretary for the citizens’ group, learn that their attorney is really in the employ of the developer, Sam fears the grave may only portend their own demise. Since the unscrupulous developer seems willing to murder to gain ownership of the ground, fate may doom the two to that dark portal once again.
Revealed in vivid, mystical dreams that have been haunting both Sam and Kelly since arriving at Antietam, the story unfolds of a handsome cavalry captain and his affair with the beautiful young lady. He meets an untimely death at Antietam and is buried in an unmarked grave. She, then, dies of pneumonia, her body fatigued from her futile search for his remains.
ANTIETAM AFFAIRS touches the spark of hope for immortality that exists deep in the soul. It offers compassionate justification for lives untimely ended, and why rewards, though often deserved, are not always forthcoming.
Antietam Affairs by Dennis Roumm weaves an intricate tapestry of love across time, connecting present-day drama with Civil War-era romance. Set in 1988, the story follows Sam Baker, a computer specialist who becomes embroiled in efforts to protect historic farmland near the Antietam battlefield from aggressive development. When he and his companion Kelly Gracie discover a Civil War soldier’s grave, they begin experiencing vivid dreams that reveal a tragic love story from the past; one that may be their own previous lives. As they work to preserve the battlefield’s heritage, they find themselves drawn deeper into the mysterious connection between their present-day relationship and the haunting romance that unfolded during one of America’s bloodiest battles. Through parallel narratives, Roumm explores the enduring nature of love and the possibility that some connections transcend time itself.
Author Dennis Roumm navigates between past and present timelines, creating a rich narrative tapestry that kept me thoroughly engrossed from cover to cover. I was particularly moved by his poetic descriptions of the dreamlike sequences that bridge the two time periods, making the historical elements feel immediate and personally relevant with well-researched details and emotive atmospheres. This attention to historical detail also brings the Civil War era to life with energy, while the contemporary story lines up nicely with modern environmental and preservation concerns. Roumm’s exploration of reincarnation and eternal love avoids clichés through careful character development and thoughtful consideration of how past lives might influence present choices. The way he interweaves themes of preservation, both of historical sites and timeless love, creates a deeper meaning that elevates the story beyond simple romance. His ability to maintain suspense in both timelines while building meaningful connections between them showcases remarkable storytelling skills, making the eventual resolution both satisfying and thought-provoking. Overall, Antietam Affairs is a captivating read for anyone who believes in the power of love to transcend time and circumstance, and I’d recommend it to all historical romance fans.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
About The Author
Dennis Roumm
Dennis Roumm is an Army reserve veteran, historian, and former business owner who now dedicates his time to writing, gardening, and preserving Civil War history.