Penance — J.L. Wilson

What would you do if you caused the death of the woman you loved?

In 1876, James Benteen caused the death of Penelope Albright. He was given the chance for reincarnation and chose to serve penance. In 2168 he returns to life as Jim, a shapeshifting Companion to Penelope, a Guide with the History Patrol.

Penelope doesn't know about her past connection to Jim. He's simply a soul she's learned to love through their dozens of trips through time.

They're sent to 1876 America to observe history and assist in the capture of Franz Mueller, a 22nd-century murderer who escaped through God's Portal. It's here that Penelope meets James Benteen, a cowboy with a dark past.

If history repeats itself, Penelope and James will fall in love before James betrays her, causing her death. But this time Jim is there. If he can save Penelope, he can attain forgiveness and his penance will be served.

Jim will have to battle his former self, the Jesse James gang and God to accomplish his purpose. But in the end, it's Penelope who must intervene with a higher authority to find happiness with the man she's come to love across time…