About Time
*About Time* by James Kepner is a fascinating and deeply imaginative account that blends past-life experiences with themes of mentorship, personal growth, and spiritual discovery. The story follows Kepner’s recollection of a previous life as Étienne, a nine-year-old orphan whose life is transformed when he is taken in by Édouard, a gifted master alchemist. Under Édouard’s guidance, Étienne evolves from a vulnerable child into his mentor’s most accomplished student. I read this book in one weekend.
Whether readers interpret the story as a literal account of past-life memories or as a profound spiritual allegory, the narrative is compelling. The relationship between Étienne, Édouard, and the blue rose is the heart of the book, beautifully illustrating the transformative power of compassion, wisdom, and dedicated mentorship. Their bond brings warmth and emotional depth to a story that is as much about inner growth as it is about extraordinary experiences.
Kepner’s storytelling is vivid and immersive, transporting readers into another era while exploring timeless questions about purpose, learning, and the continuity of the soul. The book encourages reflection on how our experiences—past and present—may shape who we become.
*About Time* is an engaging read for anyone interested in reincarnation, spiritual exploration, historical fiction, or the enduring connection between teacher and student. It offers a unique perspective that lingers long after the final page and invites readers to contemplate life’s mysteries with an open mind.
Well done, Mr. Kepner
Pamela- Amazon Review
Past the Past
This book continues where Book 1 left off … and it reaches into very different psychological regions! I’m not sure why that is, but it seems that the time and interactions spent with the Old Man in the second half of Book 1 have brought Étienne into a level of maturity and of emotional and physical manhood that he is ready for, and somehow draws, new adventures and new challenges.
It seems like this book covers three main challenges: The first is the situation at the Chateau when Étienne returns to it, which needs adjusting to and dealing with. The second and third adventures involve two new major characters — one female, and one male — who successively impact Étienne’s life in deep ways.
As in Book 1, the same group of regulars are there as supporting cast: Édouard, François, and les garçons, each of whom guides Étienne when he is emotionally or mentally lost or at sea. And, as in Book 1, the Abbess steps in at one point to save the day when Étienne is teetering on the edge of personal chaos or self-destruction.
Also as in Book 1, the narrative includes some 21st-century scenes as enjoyable background and curious tie-ins. All of the above said, however, this Book 2 is quite different from Book 1, and in quite unexpected ways.
My only complaint is that it seems to end too soon! The narrative is so compelling that it’s pretty much a page-turner — and so it seems to come to an end only to leave the reader wishing for a Book 3 (even though the Amazon title calls this “Book 2 of 2”)!
Aanel Victoria
Amazon review