This isn't your typical international suspense novel. At the book's core is Kay Etom, a 40-year-old gun-toting, motorcycle riding, intuitive healer who happens to be a former State Department employee and is now a school counselor. Mote brings in crisp details of Rome that asks what beauty is and where humanity is going. Kay Etom follows not only her heart, but her convictions. She is an memorable character who wants to experience the richness of food, nature and travel, and most of all love. Read this book for its cultural references, suspense, and passion, and come away with a greater insight into why a life lived authentically matters. www.aliceosborn.com Russian Mob, smuggling rings, International love interests from Croatia to Boone, NC., you'll have a good time reading this book. It makes history entertaining. Kate Etom is a wild female character and the male characters are insightfully realistic. The bad guys are truly evil and the good guys are extremely lovable and vulnerable. The characters all have their internal flaws and conflicts which Mote brings to the forefront and weaves into her story with wonderful details. It is a book both sexes will enjoy and addresses the struggles men and women both have in finding love. If you've ever wanted to travel, or have been to Rome, you will enjoy the richness of her portrayal of an ancient city and the book will leave you wanting a sequel in another one. In contrast, it will also leave you wanting to go fly-fishing in Montana. It's a fun read and Mote's 'real life' travel and State Department experiences really shine through.