The Only One

ISBN 1-57343-052-8 (Paperback)
ISBN 1-57343-053-6 (Ebook)

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No one would believe back in the 21st century that "The Second Coming" would be embodied by a scientist, a mother and a wife. Many still didn't even after 500 years of peace—but the Order of the Companions did, especially Vice Abbot Jack Dillon.

He has known for years who the only one is, and has been trying to secure the elusive woman's attention. But Marianna Lara de Rosas Rogers does not trust the Companions—she knows the evil they can do.

Book Reviews

MidWest Book Reviews
A thought provoking, extraordinary read about a not so far away future, about humanity and the power of love.

Romantic Times / Jen Exum
Anna Rogers is a descendant of Saint Lara, the "Mother Foundress," who was the leader of a 21st-century religious movement called the Restoration. Now, in a peaceful world, Anna must choose to accept or reject this heritage. Jack Dillon is a Companion, a monk and follower of the Mother; he's harbored a fascination with Anna for years.

Five centuries after the turn of the second millennium, the two must work together to find the truth. Was Lara the embodiment of the second coming? The Mother's sanctuary has been found, and as a Colorado archaeological dig turns dangerous, Anna and Jack find that peace and harmony isn't always all it's supposed to be.

Although the setting is futuristic, it's not so odd as to jar the reader out of the story. The romance is gentle but still sexy. Plausible details--such as the inability of most people to read handwriting in a time when the written word exists primarily on screen--add to the veracity of Woods' world-building. Strong characters and a fascinating approach to the timely topics of religion and politics combine to create an interesting and thought-provoking story

Love Romances / Melinda
The year is 2513, and there are "secrets" that have been hidden from St. Lara Remy de Rosas --- known at that time as the "second coming." There are things that no one should know and there are people who will stop at anything to make sure those secrets are not known. But, there is one person who can tell everything and yet understand what she went through, lived, and loved. She is named Marianna (Anna) Lara de Rosas Rogers and is a descendant of the Mother Foundress, the only one who holds all the secrets of her and her era.

Anna Rogers never thought that by going into Laras Hescyhate (sort of a secluded retreat home) would bring so much trouble and newfound awareness of her life. What she finds inside the home of Lara is nothing that she expected to see. In it she sees a whole different side of Lara that nobody has seen or heard of before. Journals that chronicled her life and everyday projects tells something of how her life and past was. Soon she starts to get a feeling that she and the foundress share a closeness that she hasn't known before. Coming to the Hescyhate has not only changed Anna's perception of the foundress, but has brought in a man that will change her life forever.

Jack Dillon is the last person that Anna wants to see. He is everything that she has tried to stay away from, a Vice Abbot in the Order of Companions. Though she tries to hide her attraction from him, Jack is the opposite. Even before he gives her a kiss he is sprouting I love you to her, which in a way is a big thing for Anna. As chemistry starts brewing between them Anna must do everything she can to protect Laras secrets and past in order to stay alive.

Before reading The Only One this reviewer was kind of suspicious about the story. First I thought, how can an author combine religion, future, and paranormal into one. But behold Karen Woods did. From the beginning you see Anna as a normal archeologist excited that she will be included in the century's biggest dig. Then you see Jack Dillon, a Vice Abbot to the Order of Companions, sort of like female and male nuns but with families and important decisions to make. These two were opposites from each other but sparks started flying when they were together. Inside they were like lost souls reacquainting with each other after being apart for so long. The Only One is everything religious, romantic and yet there are secrets and threats that will just make you wonder if Anna would ever survive this dig.

The Word On Romance / Robin Peek
Archaeologist Marianna Lara de Rosas Rogers receives a call from her friend, Sarah, to come to the Colorado Mountains. They have discovered the Hescyhate, "the place of stillness," where Marianna's ancestor, Lara, the Mother Foundress, resided after the great Devastation period. Anna is fascinated and excited that she might finally discover the answers to the mysteries not recorded in history. When she returns to camp, Marianna comes face to face with a gorgeous man; one of the Companions. Upon further investigation Marianna finds that he is Joseph John Dillon, the man with whom she has corresponded with for years.

Bishop Vice-Abbot of the Companions, John Joseph "Jack" Dillon, has been waiting for Marianna to arrive. For years he has watched her from afar, grow into a beautiful, intelligent woman. Now she is here in front of him and his heart swells to overflowing with love for her. He wonders at her defensiveness against the Companions and the Order. Who hurt her and why? There's also the fact that Jack harbors a secret. One that could destroy his chances of a relationship with Marianna.

The Only One is a fascinating tale of the past and the future all rolled into one. Marianna doesn't understand what's happening to her, or the abilities that are cropping up. Jack falls deeper under Marianna's spell daily and professes his love to her, hoping desperately she loves him too. The story flows smoothly with its vividly described scenery and places. I could imagine walking the halls of Chapter House, and ice skating on the frozen pond in the cold mountain air. But, there is something else going on, something that no one wants to believe. An evil is haunting Marianna's dreams and trying to invade her thoughts. And why does her DNA match the Mother Foundress, Lara's perfectly? Is Jack hiding something from her? Can she truly love this man who has stolen her heart?

Author Karen Woods pens a romance that will tantalize readers with its intriguing characters and well-written plot. Jack and Marianna captured my attention from the very first, their attraction to one another simmering underneath the surface threatening to explode at any time. The Only One is engaging and definitely a very pleasant read. I highly recommend The Only One to romance readers everywhere.

Round Table Reviews / Tracy Farnsworth
Called to help her friend with a dig, Marianna “Anna” Lara de Rosas Rogers Ph.D. doesn’t hesitate to jump right in.  She arrives at Hescyhate, St. Lara’s private retreat; ready to run interference with the “Companions” who do not want archaeologists at this sacred ground.  Lara is the last surviving direct descendent of St. Lara, therefore her presence can make the difference.

John Joseph “Jack” Dillon, Bishop Vice Abbot of the Companions, believes he and Anna are destined to be together.  His intuition that they belong together is so strong, it has kept him from taking that final vow, the vow of chastity.  Now face to face with Anna, are they truly destined to live out their lives together?

The Only One does create an air of sudden and undeniable passion between the heroine and hero.  I am not a big fan of futuristic romances, but I found Karen Wood’s story to be compelling enough to capture your attention from the start.  The pace stays steady throughout the book.

I think The Only One will appeal to many romance readers, futuristic fans and the rest of us.  The futuristic aspect never overshadows the romance making this an enjoyable read.

What Readers Are Saying

"A gripping, nonstop, captivating story from start to finish. I could not put this down until the end. The characters were just so real and lovable." K. Simpson

"It's a pity Hitchcock is dead because he'd have loved this book!" Award winning author, Marilynn Byerly

"A rising star, Karen Woods is one of my favorites!" Bestselling author, Ronda Thompson

"A romance with a Sci-Fi twist. Ground breaking! Thought provoking! It will hold your attention until the very end. Karen Woods is fabulous!" Nan Doporto

Karen Woods

Twenty years ago, if anyone had told me that I would be making my living as a fiction writer, I would have told him that he had the wrong woman. Oh, I had stories and characters dancing in my head, clamoring to get out. Writing, however, was something I did strictly for my own amusement, as I had done since writing my first short story at the age of five. I simply had plans for my life other than writing. I was quite happy teaching undergraduates. Hey, I had to use my Master's degree in Mathematical Systems for something, didn't I? I do quite enjoy teaching. But, it dawned on me that I could and did write tales that were as good or better than the ones I read in my leisure time.

I've burned great bonfires of rejection letters from publishing houses. It's extremely difficult to break into publishing. I only recommend pursuing a career as a writer if one's Muse simply won't be silent. Writing is definitely not a career for anyone who has a fragile ego.

This particular novel, The Only One, was rejected by the science fiction houses because it was too Christian, by the Christian houses because it was too Catholic, by the Catholic houses because it was "heretical", and by romance houses because it was just "too weird for words." It's not a work of theology, although there is a substantial underpinning of classical Western theology found within these pages. This novel is simply a work of entertainment. After you read it, tell me what you think.

As for me at this stage of my life, I tease that I live a quiet life. Well, maybe it's quiet in comparison to a Category Four hurricane.

I'm a professed Franciscan tertiary. St. Francis of Assisi formed the third order for men and women who wished to live according to Franciscan ideals, but whose obligations in the world prevented them from entering either the Friary of the First Order or the Enclosure of the Poor Clares. My life centers on prayer, service, and study. I've done quite a bit of non-fiction writing in the area of catechesis, moral theology, Franciscan history, and religious formation. But don't make the mistake of thinking I'm one of the sour faced saints from whom St. Theresa of Avila begged the Lord to be delivered. I'm anything but that. You can usually find me with a smile on my face. God is good, and so is life.

I've been married to my best friend since 1979. Often, my house is filled with the sounds of young people, friends of my youngest child. I spend a good deal of my time being Mom's Taxi Service hauling the youngest to sports, scouts, 4-H, and other activities. My firstborn is a college student, no longer a child, and not quite an adult. I'm exceptionally proud of both of my children.

It's fun to make a living at what I'd do for amusement, anyway. For fun and sometimes profit, I do jewelry designs in silver and semi-precious stones. One of these days, I want to have time to dig out my oils and easel so I can paint seriously. But life is full right now.

Come visit me at www.karenwoods.com, or email me at karen@karenwoods.com.