Christine Fedorka Tomalin

An Even Exchange Christine Fedorka Tomalin

Do you believe it is fate or good fortune that decides the direction our life takes? Or is it what we say or fail to say to those we love that paves the path of our future? This novel is told in two separate voices - that of Beri Baines and Colin Chapman. They speak to the reader independently throughout this story. American student Beri Baines is ready for a change. When this independent Trenton State College student is selected to study abroad in the early seventies she boards the plane to England without any idea that this experience is about to bring a true exchange of permanent, unpredictable consequences. Her plans to be a teacher are never realized when unforeseen events at home change her life. Colin Chapman, a conservative British student at Portsmouth City College of Education, is beginning his fourth year of study. When he meets his match with the new American exchange student, Beri Baines, he begins to question his plans for the traditional life he always planned. Although Beri feels a serious relationship will hamper her career goals, she cannot deny her attraction to Colin, who is already secretly plotting to win her heart. But just as the couple realizes they have a genuine connection, unforeseen events at home intervene and transform their future. Beri is forced to fly home and deal with a family emergency. She is seated next to Hal Spencer during the flight and his tempting offer leads to an expected outcome. In this unique tale of hopes, dreams and unanticipated endings, an ambitious young woman embarks on a coming-of-age journey that leads her from America to England and back again. Are both their lives impacted by how they choose to communicate their dreams or how they failed to communicate? Or does fate decide the outcome of our story? You get to decide in AN EVEN EXCHANGE.