When There is Hope

From page one, Goodger's debut novel draws readers in, promises a terrific story and delivers in abundance. Sometime in the 1990s, the happily married, happily pregnant Susan Butler is killed in an auto accident, but something happens on the way to heaven and Susan's soul is rerouted into the plump, alcohol-abused body of Margaret Johnsbury of Newport, R.I., circa 1888. As Margaret, Susan quickly learns, she is a vile, manipulative creature despised by everyone, including her husband, Carter. Ever optimistic, Susan puts herself on a diet, then sets out to mend her marriage and reestablish herself in society. Repairing Margaret's damage is not easy: she is shunned at social functions, Carter's family avoids her and Carter believes she is playing him for a fool again. Despite a sometimes distracting ping-pong point of view, this is a riveting, delightful read, certain to launch the career of a very talented romance author. (June)