Reincarnation. Some believe, some don’t. In Carol Parker’s debut novel, “The Fish Dress,” the influence of a past life, or lives, can explain a lot about what’s influencing us in our current lifetime.

Carol lived in Boothbay Harbor from 1988 to 2004. She taught remedial reading to students attending Boothbay and Wiscasset schools while raising her kids, Stephanie and Gregory. Having known Carol and how fond she was of this place, I wasn’t too surprised to find the novel is set in a thinly disguised version of Boothbay Harbor, called Rocky Harbor.

For readers who live here, have lived here, or who have visited the town, it’s fun to associate the fictional names of places with the actual ones. Boothbay Harbor’s annual events, including the Early Bird Sale & Pajama Party and references to others will bring a smile to your face.

But now to the story. Nora, the central character has a lot going on and has been walking a difficult road. She is brave. When we meet her she has survived both breast cancer and extricated herself from an abusive husband – sure both have left scars, but lots of things do when you’re living a life. Nora is committed to reconciling with her daughter Angelica, a former heroin addict currently doing time in prison on a drug-related charge, and who wants no further contact with her mother. Being pushed away by your child – true heartbreak. There’s also a complicated relationship with her own mother who has always made Nora feel she was to blame for the death of her younger brother.

But life goes on. Nora is a schoolteacher and in summer, a desk clerk at a local B&B. Nora has a sister in town and a few girlfriends who she goes out with from time to time – a regular life … and then ...

One day Nora finds a black, fish patterned dress in a bag of clothing headed for a donation bin that completely transforms her life. Female or male, we’ve all had a dress, pair of jeans, boots … some article of clothing that made us feel absolutely fabulous. Confident. Sexy.

This dress is all of those things … as well as magical. Each time Nora puts on the dress, whether it’s just to spin and twirl in her living room or for a night out, she feels more alive, more, well, everything than she has before. It’s as if the white fish skeletons, tribal symbols and runes are directing energy straight through to her soul.

And the more she wears the dress, and Nora just can’t seem to stop wanting to, the stronger the dress’ affect becomes. Not long after the dress has a home in her closet, Nora hears these words: “Fear not, my dear, I bring both shadow and light.” Was this the voice of a spirit guide … or something woven into the dress?

With her leanings toward the metaphysical, Nora seeks out the help of a psychic, Rosie, to discover why the dress seems to have such a powerful affect on her.

With Rosie’s guidance, Nora begins a series of past-regression sessions for answers only to discover that a past-life vow has been preventing her from standing in her own power in this lifetime; from realizing her true potential in this current life as a woman, mother, artist, lover; and letting go of hurt, pain and guilt.

The mystical elements of this book were a big draw for me as I sat down to read “The Fish Dress.” It’s an absorbing read, perfect for a weekend afternoon at home, or in downtown “Rocky” Harbor, perhaps.

Carol’s novel is available through her website, www.carolparkerauthor.com, on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. She is donating a portion of all book sales to a New England-based non-profit dedicated to reducing the shame of mental illness and addiction: www.todayimatter.org