A time travel novel during WWII. A woman and her son were murdered. They were given a second chance at life.

I just finished reading an ARC of Alive, Shadows of a Forgotten Past by Marcia Armandi. While this book had so much potential, and all the makings to be a perfect book, historical romance, murder mystery, danger, thrills, and a second chance romance, I found myself struggling to remain engaged in the story.

Florence Sterling and her baby were murdered, but now she has been given a second chance in life and in love. While her husband Alex is called away on a WWII mission, she begins pursuing answers to what truly happened the day she and her son were murdered. As she seeks answers, she finds that she has placed herself in danger. She also uncovers evidence that her son may still be alive. Will Alex make it home safely to Florence? If he does not make it home, will she be able to move on, find love again and build a new family? Is her son still alive, and if so, will she be able to uncover the truth and find him?

Alive, Shadows of a Forgotten Past is book 2 in a duology. It is a second chance romance, with danger, mystery, murder and thrills, and other world experiences. While the concept of the story was intriguing, the story fell short and felt under-developed. There were holes in the story that left me with questions and confusion and struggling with a desire to continue reading. The ending came together with a sweet, heart-warming conclusion which provided most answers, but it felt as if the last few chapters were rushed and packed full of information. While I appreciate the author’s attempt to pull together the story, it felt a little forced, and a little too late, and would have been better received had more of the details been introduced earlier on in the story. While this story was not for me, that does not mean this story will not be enjoyed by someone else. If you like WWII history, murder mystery, second chance romances, then I recommend checking this book out.