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That, of course, is not the purpose of reincarnation. It is believed we reincarnate in order to perfect our human souls, that we may in time aspire to a higher level of existence. If you accept the Christ it seems quite obvious, for who among us can believe we might attain in a single lifetime that which God incarnate, in the persona of Jesus of Nazareth, attained in his single lifetime? I leave it to the reader to decide. Faith is a deeply personal matter, which is as it should be.

The simple premise of A Moment in Time hinges on those single moments in time when we make decisions, some important, some not so, which affect us for our entire lives. Its ending is admittedly a very different one for a Historical Romance novel, but I like to think it offers the reader the reassurance of better things to come. I hope you have enjoyed this book as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Next year Ballantine Books and I will bring you the sixth and final book in the O'Malley Saga. It is the tale of Yasaman Kama Begum, the lost daughter of Velvet de Marisco. It will, I promise, be a great deal of fun when Yasaman, rechristened Jasmine, arrives in England, and havoc ensues among the members of her loving, if somewhat surprised, family there. You'll meet several old friends, but don't assume anything, dear readers, because you know how very much I enjoy surprising you!

In the meantime I hope you will write to tell me how you enjoyed A Moment in Time. Until next year I remain your most faithful author,

Bertrice Small

P.O. Box 765

Southold. NY 11971

Bertrice Small

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