Out of the Ashes by Lori Dillon

This is by far one of the most entertaining and romantic stories I've read in a long time. It also has humor.

You have four main players: An old couple that has been together centuries, Marsha and  Hershel. They're dead. They're guardian angels who apparently aren't doing a good job. They missed the natural disaster memo about the volcano eruption that covered Pompeii. And this time, they ask for a "teenie, weenie miracle," but are told they have to fix it and this time, Sera and David must get together!

Their parts were hilarious. Loved those two. David and Sera was the romance. Their love first starts in Pompeii before the eruption. David is a gladiator/slave. Sera is a well-cared for daughter of the upper-class. Just when they get together, they're covered in ashes.

Many, many years later, they have another chance to be together, but WWII, an evil archaeologist and ex-fiance, Nazi and Italian soldiers, and secrets threaten to keep David and Sera apart once again.

There's adventure, suspense, love, duty, differing of opinion, and tremendous attention to historical detail. The makings of the casts of holes where bodies were found is absolutely fascinating. David and Sera's love, doubts, and turmoil, just radiate off the page. And all along, Marsha and Hershel, on earth to see things through, provide the humor and lighten up the feeling of war and impending doom.

I thought it was a tad long and repetitive at times, but overall, I loved it. Highly recommended. Five bikes.

I was given a copy of this by the author in exchange for an honest review.

P.S. The author notes are just as fascinating. This story was inspired by a real plaster cast of a couple holding each other as Pompeii fell around them.