Editorial REviews
Antietam Affairs Reviews:
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
Antietam Affairs by Dennis Roumm melds the past and present, toggling between two timelines, revealing war’s profound impact on individuals and families across generations. In the summer of 1988, Sam Baker, a Chicago University computer science graduate, vacations near the Antietam battlefield and joins a grassroots effort to stop a developer from acquiring an old farm. The discovery of a Civil War soldier’s remains at the site leads him to suspect a connection to a past life. As Sam and Kelly Gracie, a talented secretary in the group, discover that their attorney works for the developer, they fear for their lives. Their vivid dreams reveal a tragic love story from the past, culminating in the cavalry captain’s untimely death and the young woman’s desperate search for him until a painful death from pneumonia. This time, will they let a second chance at love slip away?
Dennis Roumm introduces intriguing characters, including Dave Cooper, a family man whose bond with his son, Jeff, is beautifully explored, and his friendship with Sam is enlivening. Sam and Dave have shared war experiences in Vietnam, and the author does an impeccable job of painting a richly drawn portrait of the trauma. Other skillfully developed characters include Theodore “Sandie” Duncan and Katie Wheatly, whose budding romance is set against war. As Sandie navigates his burgeoning feelings for Katie, the historical narrative highlights soldiers’ experiences during decisive battles, reflecting the personal sacrifices made for love and honor. The intricate relationships emphasize the emotional toll that conflict imposes on individual connections. The novel’s dual narrative creates unique twists, particularly when flashbacks evoke memories of combat that resonate with the characters’ present-day lives, revealing a cycle of trauma and reminiscence. Antietam Affairs is a unique novel that explores friendship, love, and destiny against traumatic war experiences. The idea of being born into another time gives the book an inimitable angle. This well-plotted narrative features exquisite prose, sparkling dialogues, humor, and unforgettable characters.
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Antietam Affairs by Dennis Roumm begins in 1988 with Dave Cooper, a Vietnam War veteran, preparing for a camping trip to Antietam. Dave becomes embroiled in a conflict when a development project threatens the titular battlefield. Meanwhile, Sam investigates the developers’ illegal activities after meeting Kelly, a local teacher. Sam and his team, including Tom, an architect involved with the project, work to expose Marco Development Corporation’s plans, which involve bribery and the desecration of the historical land. The stakes rise when Sam uncovers troubling connections between the development project and an excavation site revealing Civil War-era remains. As Sam and Kelly’s bond grows, Kelly experiences vivid dreams about a soldier from the Civil War, which seem to draw her closer to Sam’s past, leading both to believe they are intrinsically linked to it.
In Antietam Affairs, Dennis Roumm does well in moving intermittently between the 1860s and the 1980s to explore the connections between Civil War history and modern land preservation activism, as well as the spiritual belief in reincarnation. The historic aspects are meticulously detailed and I enjoyed the short periods we spent with Sandie and Katie. Interestingly, the most fascinating character to me is the mystic Varina. Roumm’s writing is clean and engrossing, although the pacing is occasionally taken off track by unnecessary inclusions. Still, the excellent transitions between two time periods are a testament to Roumm’s skill as a multifaceted writer, and there’s an incredible twist with Sam toward the end that grabs us just as soon as we start to believe he’s ahead of the game. I am a huge fan of Past Life Regression and this book slides right in there, making it a great choice for readers on the lookout for historical and contemporary fiction with an edge. Recommended.
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Psalm of Grace Reviews
In Psalm of Grace by Dennis E. Roumm, some unexpected heroes appear from surprising places. The story begins with Grace Quinn, a bookstore owner in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, meeting two men who tell her about an interesting opportunity. She tells her boyfriend, Ben Marcus, a Jewish attorney, that she’ll meet him later that night. He starts to get worried when she doesn’t show up, so he goes searching for her. Meanwhile, Saint Patrick and Joan of Arc are sent to Earth to help. Once they connect with Ben, all three face challenges that test their faith and friendships. Will they bring Grace home safely? And are they prepared for what awaits them on the journey ahead?
Psalm of Grace by Dennis E. Roumm was a quick, interesting read. Saint Patrick and Joan of Arc as characters brought a unique aspect to the story. I also liked that Ben and Grace are an interfaith couple because that happens a lot nowadays. The writing is straightforward and easy to follow. There’s also a good mix of faith, history, and the supernatural. The heavier themes were balanced with some humorous ones. Patrick brought the fun and personality to this novel. As I read, I thought of this quote from St. Thomas Aquinas: “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” I think those words match the story’s message of belief. Anyone interested in religion, historical figures, and adventure should give this book a try.
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers’ Favorite
In the haunting words of Mortal Kombat’s Fallen Thunder God, Raiden: “There are fates worse than death.”
There have been variations of this quote throughout time immemorial. Unfortunately, humankind has done a magnificent job making such a foreboding threat a reality.
However, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, a humble, devout Christian bookstore owner will find her average day upended when two sinister figures trick her into entering a dimension filled with every devout Christian’s worst fear. What follows her abduction is a spiritual epic spanning supernatural realms, demonic encounters, and divine intervention as human faith is tested in the face of a fate worse than death in Dennis Roumm’s Psalm of Grace.
Writing effective religious fiction requires a delicate balance: delivering a compelling narrative without becoming heavy-handed or preachy. Roumm successfully threads this needle by seamlessly blending modern Christianity with romance, historical fantasy, and supernatural thriller elements.
He tackles heavy thematic concepts, such as free will, temptation, spiritual armor, prayer as a weapon, and redemption, without weighing down the pacing.
At the center of the story is Grace Quinn, a gentle yet steadfast woman whose faith is tested when she is abducted into Hell. In response, Ben Marcus, a pragmatic, battle-tested man of Jewish faith guided by divine figures like Saint Patrick and Joan of Arc, sets out to rescue her, facing temptation on the way and even confronting Satan himself, evoking shades of the legendary Greek story of Orpheus traveling to the Underworld and facing down Hades to save his wife, Eurydice.
The interplay between Grace’s internal spiritual resilience and Ben’s physical trial, alongside their interfaith dynamic, creates a compelling core to the narrative that Roumm succeeds in delivering due to his strong writing and knowledge of his characters.
For readers who enjoy Christian speculative fiction and supernatural thrillers, Psalm of Grace is a worthy addition to any shelf and earns a divine recommendation from me.