"Time Is The Oven" follows the story of the boy in Richard Sharp's previous novel, "Jacob's Cellar". The American Civil War is over and William Ebhardt, who now calls himself William McDaniel, has grown up. He falls in love with Nora Lee Waycroft or Leonore, a not so respectable lady, who eventually leaves him. William meets the American outlaw Jesse James in Gallatin and develops a mentor relationship with Frank James, the American outlaw's elder brother. He eventually goes back to the rural life of his boyhood and marries Alma Pitchard in a rush. The marriage falters following a family tragedy and William goes on a journey to Panama. This is the time of the failed French Panama Canal project and many young men are lured to the country. He ultimately returns to Missouri where he is confronted by his past.

"Time Is the Oven" is a love story with enough twists and turns that could rival a Shakespearean drama. Although one of its historical characters is Jesse James, Richard Sharp managed to stick to his Shakespearean theme. Like his previous novel, "Jacob's Cellar", this is a historical fiction interspersed with drama invented by the author's imagination. It is the story of the coming of age of William who started as a farm boy and ended up as an entrepreneur. Using the social and historical reference of Missouri after the American Civil War, it gives the reader a glimpse of what seems like real people at that time. Whereas we were treated to a multi-generational saga in "Jacob's Cellar", "Time Is The Oven" is the story of one man's odyssey as he struggles to make a meaningful life for himself. In the final analysis, this fictitious but vivid life story may have happened during that time, and that love and emotion can indeed play its tricks on all of us.

"Time is the Oven" by Richard Sharp follows the life and times of William McDaniel. Struggling with his own identity, William explores life through different jobs and adventures that come his way in his youth. Going back home and settling down with a wife and children after having his heart broken by Nora Lee, he has no idea that his life is soon going to take a twist. With his association and chance meeting with the legendary Frank James, he meets Nora Lee again. But, is this what he wants? With him moving on to Panama, he has lost all ties to all things familiar. Will he be able to rebuild his life? Will life come a full circle and William finally return from the dead and reunite with the one he truly loves? Is there anything that will make his life complete and all his struggles worth it?

"Time is the Oven" by Richard Sharp opens in post civil war Missouri and traverses over different times and places with the characters getting enriched by their own experiences and travails. Nora Lee is a fascinating character and she comes across as a strong woman who knows her mind. William evokes a lot of empathy from the reader because of his complicated life and relationships. Nothing can be more heart touching than a saga of love lost and found again. The Shakespeare-loving character of a legendary bandit is another highlight of the novel that makes "Time is the Oven" by Richard Sharp a book worth spending time with.