Body & Soul

Lisa O'Connor has just about had it. The responsibilities of daily life have formed a deep rut she longs to climb out of. Her husband isn't much help, and on top of that, he has been distanced from her and avoids talking about anything that might lead to conflict. When did her life gain control of her instead of the other way around? On one bad day in particular, Lisa notices the carefree visage of a younger woman in line at the bank next to her. Envying the young woman's youthful vitality, she wistfully imagines changing places with her. And in less of a blink of an eye, her wish comes true. . . . Suddenly, Lisa has become Tory Beecham, an energetic, drop-dead gorgeous law student that turns the heads of many a man around her. But she only has eyes for one--and what luck it is that this Tory happens to be her husband's new employee! But Michael is intent on being faithful to his wife, which Lisa is thrilled to learn, of course, but also sees that he is fighting his feelings for Tory, who is, of course now Lisa. Through this bizarre, intriguing episode, can Lisa and Michael find each other again? In her debut novel, Ms. Archer weaves a humorous and touching tale that touches on issues that almost everyone experiences in a long-term relationship. Several times I found myself laughing out loud! By incorporating these issues, she allows the readers to identify with her characters, drawing them into the fantasy completely. The twist on Tory's side of it was something I didn't expect, however, and wanted to see her point of view in the story. I was thrilled with her observations when she first found herself in Lisa's body, and the way her character was handled was an integral part of the story. But as a reader, I still wanted to see her point of view. Luckily, we see more of Tory in Blame It On The Baby, Jennifer Archer's story in the New Year's Babies Anthology by Leisure (Nov.99 ISBN 0-505-52345-0 Rediscovering love is almost, if not more important sometimes, than finding it for the first time. This what we learn through great entertainment in Body and Soul. Way to go!

I really enjoyed Jennifer Archer book, it was a page turner, I could not put it down and every chance I could my nose was buried deep in it. I liked the strong three-dimensional characters. I just have to find the book with Tory and Dillion's story.

First time published author Jennifer Archer has written an incredibly witty and interesting story of body switching.When a tired and overworked housewife receives a fortune cookie stating that "today your wish will come true" she brushes it off, never realizing that it does and you don't always want what you wish for. Feeling unhappy with her life, housewife Lisa looks over at the car next to her at the bank, seeing the beautiful twenty-year old co-ed. Wishing that she could trade places with her Lisa is shocked to find that when she looks into the mirror she isn't herself anymore. She's Tory, the beautiful twenty year old. Panicing, Lisa looks over at the car next to her only to see herself and her two children. Believing the wish will only last for a short time, Lisa pretends to be Tory.With a beautiful face and body Lisa can now have any man she wants but the only man for her is Michael, her husband. Unable to figure out the change in his wife (who is now Tory in Lisa's body), Michael reaches out to Lisa, believing she is another woman. For the first time Lisa is able to take a step back and really look at her marriage from another point of view and realizes that her and Michael are meant to be. Only now how to get back with him.Jennifer Archer writes a wonderful story about falling in love with your husband all over again. I highly recommend it. I can't wait to read New Year's Babies, the continuation of Tory and Dillon's story, available in November.

I read Body and Soul this weekend and thouroughly enjoyed the book. I like the paranormal element of the body switch, and yet, the book was true to life in the circumstances the hero and heroine are faced with. Body and Soul offered me a pleasant escape into the what if world, but at the same time, gave me real issues that all women face to think about. I highly recommend Jennifer Archer's first novel. I think she has a wonderful future in the romance world.