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A Gilded Age Getaway
Can one magical night of glamour in the past save their future?
When Fiona Robinson imagined her life with Tyler, she dreamed of a grand adventure. Together. But after a decade of marriage, suburban seclusion, and stress from his job, she’s let the strain of being a stay-at-home mom of two toddlers squeeze all the fun out of their relationship.
With pressure mounting at work and his homelife growing stale, Tyler’s fighting to recapture the joy in his marriage. But he can’t seem to do anything right, his job’s drained his energy, and his wife no longer resembles the fun-loving girl he married.
Then Fiona’s mother presents them with an anniversary weekend getaway at a seaside B&B, and they hope it can rekindle their romance. But they never could have imagined their room would transport them to the Gilded Age in New York! Now, can one night at the famed Vanderbilt ball reignite their spark, or will they be stuck in a future neither of them expected?
♥ The Back Inn Time series books are fun, faith-filled stories of what it might be like to suddenly experience life in a different time. These clean historical romances are packed with humor and adventure. Perfect for fans of dual timeline or time slip stories and Christian historical romance, these books answer the question every historical fiction fan wonders—what would it be like if I went back to that time? If you enjoy the wholesomeness of Amish, Western, or frontier fiction and adore romantic comedies, then a visit to a seaside Victorian inn where you can “step back inn time and leave your troubles behind!” is for you.
When Fiona Robinson imagined her life with Tyler, she dreamed of a grand adventure. Together. But after a decade of marriage, suburban seclusion, and stress from his job, she’s let the strain of being a stay-at-home mom of two toddlers squeeze all the fun out of their relationship.
With pressure mounting at work and his homelife growing stale, Tyler’s fighting to recapture the joy in his marriage. But he can’t seem to do anything right, his job’s drained his energy, and his wife no longer resembles the fun-loving girl he married.
Then Fiona’s mother presents them with an anniversary weekend getaway at a seaside B&B, and they hope it can rekindle their romance. But they never could have imagined their room would transport them to the Gilded Age in New York! Now, can one night at the famed Vanderbilt ball reignite their spark, or will they be stuck in a future neither of them expected?
♥ The Back Inn Time series books are fun, faith-filled stories of what it might be like to suddenly experience life in a different time. These clean historical romances are packed with humor and adventure. Perfect for fans of dual timeline or time slip stories and Christian historical romance, these books answer the question every historical fiction fan wonders—what would it be like if I went back to that time? If you enjoy the wholesomeness of Amish, Western, or frontier fiction and adore romantic comedies, then a visit to a seaside Victorian inn where you can “step back inn time and leave your troubles behind!” is for you.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2023
27 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Stephenia H. McGee
30 books801 followersStephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 11, 2023
Present Day Mississippi and 1883 New York
This is a cute series with a visit to an inn leading to time travel in the past. In this fifth of the series Tyler and Fiona's marriage has gone stale and their weekend getaway is a chance to reconnect. It's quite a surprise when they surface in New York and in the Gilded Age! I love how Fiona's fiction reading provides her with knowledge about the time. Score for historical fiction readers.
The epilogue sets readers up for another installment in the series. Glad it's not at the end.
Nice job by the narrator.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary Audible copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
This is a cute series with a visit to an inn leading to time travel in the past. In this fifth of the series Tyler and Fiona's marriage has gone stale and their weekend getaway is a chance to reconnect. It's quite a surprise when they surface in New York and in the Gilded Age! I love how Fiona's fiction reading provides her with knowledge about the time. Score for historical fiction readers.
The epilogue sets readers up for another installment in the series. Glad it's not at the end.
Nice job by the narrator.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary Audible copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
November 13, 2023
I really enjoy these little time slip stories.
July 14, 2023
A wonderful time travel adventure that is fun but meaningful. I loved Fiona and Tyler. They were so sweet. I think every couple can relate to this story if you’ve been married very long. We all get so busy with life that sometimes we forget our relationships. Transported to New York in the year 1883 to a grand ball, and to the Vanderbilt’s no less. I loved how they tried slipping into house and the troubles they were having. In the midst of all the adventures they talked things over about their marriage. Realizing how much it needed working on they did their best to get in tune with each other again.
If you like historical romance I think you would enjoy this one full of inspiration and hope.
I received a copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own
If you like historical romance I think you would enjoy this one full of inspiration and hope.
I received a copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own
July 7, 2023
Such a sweet story where a weekend getaway enhances this couples relationship and their future by taking them into the past. I so enjoy these stories! All of the Back Inn Time stories are time-travel, standalone, enchanting "what if" stories.
In A Gilded Age Getaway, Fiona and Tyler Robinson are a decade into their marriage and are in a bit of a rut with long hours of work and busy life with small children. "These days her biggest adventures were trying to make it through the grocery store without someone having a tantrum." Fiona and Tyler manage to get away for a weekend with the theme is the New York Vanderbilt Ball of 1883. "This couldn't be happening. New York? There had to be an explanation."
This adventure brings the couple all sorts of new experiences and reminds them of the love they share that has gotten buried in the everyday life of a young and busy family.
I highly recommend A Gilded Age Getaway and all of the stories in the Back Inn Time series!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
In A Gilded Age Getaway, Fiona and Tyler Robinson are a decade into their marriage and are in a bit of a rut with long hours of work and busy life with small children. "These days her biggest adventures were trying to make it through the grocery store without someone having a tantrum." Fiona and Tyler manage to get away for a weekend with the theme is the New York Vanderbilt Ball of 1883. "This couldn't be happening. New York? There had to be an explanation."
This adventure brings the couple all sorts of new experiences and reminds them of the love they share that has gotten buried in the everyday life of a young and busy family.
I highly recommend A Gilded Age Getaway and all of the stories in the Back Inn Time series!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
January 6, 2024
I absolutely love A Gilded Age Getaway! It was such a fun read! I couldn't put it down! I can't wait for the next book in the series!
June 28, 2023
A Gilded Age Getaway is another wonderful addition to the awesome, faith-filled Back Inn Time series! Each story immerses the reader in a different era and provides an amazing “what if...?” fictional, time travel adventure. I enjoy reading stories set in the Gilded Age, and this book realistically and interestingly portrays the opulence and pretension of high society in New York City in 1883. In this well-written story, I could feel and relate to Fiona and Tyler’s marital struggles. I love their “grand romantic adventure” with its unexpected twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it offered fun for my imagination and inspiration for my soul! I can’t wait to see what the eccentric Mrs. Easley and The Depot have in store for me next! I highly recommend this book and the series.
Note: Each book in the series is a standalone read and can be read in any order.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Note: Each book in the series is a standalone read and can be read in any order.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 10, 2023
“When had her life become so stale?” Fiona Robinson had wondered.
Hold on, Fiona, things are about to change! After being married for several years the pizazz has worn off and Fiona feels frazzled from taking care of little ones and overlooked by her workaholic husband. When she and Tyler have the opportunity for a short getaway, she snatches it and off they go to a unique inn where things are not what they seem.
When Fiona and Tyler have a once in a lifetime experience of adventure they must depend upon God and each other to help them out of a very difficult circumstance. They have no idea if they will be able to return to their own time or to their children. I admit that I was a bit nervous about how it was all going to work out.
I love that at first Fiona and Tyler were embarrassed by the their ballroom costumes, but they soon realize it doesn’t matter and they are there to enjoy what New York has to offer. Tyler’s pirate outfit was especially fun and I can see why people were curious. Wouldn’t you be too if you saw him walking down the street dressed that way?
Readers of all ages will be glad they joined Fiona and Tyler in New York. This standalone book in the Back Inn Time series was a lot of fun. I highly recommend this book and the other four. I have thoroughly enjoyed each story with interesting plots, a bit of humor, romance, and well researched historical facts that make them come alive.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Hold on, Fiona, things are about to change! After being married for several years the pizazz has worn off and Fiona feels frazzled from taking care of little ones and overlooked by her workaholic husband. When she and Tyler have the opportunity for a short getaway, she snatches it and off they go to a unique inn where things are not what they seem.
When Fiona and Tyler have a once in a lifetime experience of adventure they must depend upon God and each other to help them out of a very difficult circumstance. They have no idea if they will be able to return to their own time or to their children. I admit that I was a bit nervous about how it was all going to work out.
I love that at first Fiona and Tyler were embarrassed by the their ballroom costumes, but they soon realize it doesn’t matter and they are there to enjoy what New York has to offer. Tyler’s pirate outfit was especially fun and I can see why people were curious. Wouldn’t you be too if you saw him walking down the street dressed that way?
Readers of all ages will be glad they joined Fiona and Tyler in New York. This standalone book in the Back Inn Time series was a lot of fun. I highly recommend this book and the other four. I have thoroughly enjoyed each story with interesting plots, a bit of humor, romance, and well researched historical facts that make them come alive.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
February 18, 2024
I've been enjoying Stephenia's Back Inn Time series in between longer books. I especially adored this one because it wasn't just a romance. It was a second-chance romance between a married couple who didn't quite realize how much their marriage needed saving. Fiona is a mom of young ones who often feels like she's going it alone. Tyler is a loving husband and dad who struggles to be present for his family has he manages his family's company and tries to support his wife and kids in the way they deserve. I think every family probably walks through this season of marriage, and it was such a breath of fresh air to not only enjoy and benefit from Stephenia's wise growth of the characters but get to do it set against the backdrop of the most extravagant ball ever thrown. Equal parts exciting and impactful, this is a story I recommend for those unmarried as well as those married. It's a realistic look at the hardships of marriage with children and the necessary fight for each other. It's so easy for the exhaustion of parenting and providing to chip away at our relationships, and this just brought an often quiet topic to the forefront. I adore Stephenia for doing this on a regular basis.
July 1, 2023
McGee never fails to bring a heart-warming story to her readers. In A Gilded Age Getaway, Book #5 of the Back Inn Time Series, the main characters are living a married life that could be anyone you know, including yourself.
For the first two chapters, I chuckled nearly continuously at the events unfolding for Fiona and Tyler trying to make a 10-year Anniversary weekend getaway. The way their children know how to manipulate their parents, and the result of their frustrations are definitely realistic.
Once away and starting to relax with each other, they are thrown into an adventure that will change their perspectives of themselves and of each other. There are unexpected twists and turns throughout, which makes this book one that is hard to put down.
Probably the best part of this is watching the couple learn to trust God and to lean on Him during their times of struggles. This is so hard for us as humans, since we always want to be in control of whatever we face. This lesson is one we all need to remember on a daily basis.
For the first two chapters, I chuckled nearly continuously at the events unfolding for Fiona and Tyler trying to make a 10-year Anniversary weekend getaway. The way their children know how to manipulate their parents, and the result of their frustrations are definitely realistic.
Once away and starting to relax with each other, they are thrown into an adventure that will change their perspectives of themselves and of each other. There are unexpected twists and turns throughout, which makes this book one that is hard to put down.
Probably the best part of this is watching the couple learn to trust God and to lean on Him during their times of struggles. This is so hard for us as humans, since we always want to be in control of whatever we face. This lesson is one we all need to remember on a daily basis.
July 28, 2023
A fun, what if story, author Stephenia McGee lets us see what could be if we went back in time. Yes, she acknowledges that is not possible, but what if?
We meet Fiona, who is an overworked stay at home mom who feels like she comes in a far second to her husband’s job and life. Tyler loves his family and works hard to prove it and provide things for them. Both need to reconnect or this marriage could be over. I appreciate how they care for each other, but not in the ways that matter to the other person. How often we do that.
It was fun to see a modern couple step back into the Gilded Age of the 1800s. Of course things were incredibly different, as we see through their eyes. What a grand adventure! And what an opportunity for time alone without phones etc. Such an enjoyable read. I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
We meet Fiona, who is an overworked stay at home mom who feels like she comes in a far second to her husband’s job and life. Tyler loves his family and works hard to prove it and provide things for them. Both need to reconnect or this marriage could be over. I appreciate how they care for each other, but not in the ways that matter to the other person. How often we do that.
It was fun to see a modern couple step back into the Gilded Age of the 1800s. Of course things were incredibly different, as we see through their eyes. What a grand adventure! And what an opportunity for time alone without phones etc. Such an enjoyable read. I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
September 13, 2023
Travel back in time to 1883 Vanderbilt Ball with Fiona and Tyler Robinson. Fiona feels overwhelmed with the kids and sometimes feels like her husband cares more about his job. Tyler has gotten preoccupied with his job but doesn’t understand why his wife seems so ungrateful. They both feel like they are just living together separately. They need time away, so they go to Bed & Breakfast and wake up in the Gilded Age. 1883 to be exact, and they have an invitation to the Vanderbilt Ball!
I really enjoyed this story! Very cute! I loved how the couple got to experience 1883 and rekindle their love. They have discussions and are very honest with each other. They also go on a few fun outings in 1883 which is fun! Overall a great read and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this story! Very cute! I loved how the couple got to experience 1883 and rekindle their love. They have discussions and are very honest with each other. They also go on a few fun outings in 1883 which is fun! Overall a great read and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
July 4, 2023
Help me, Lord, to learn to wash some feet.
This is a weekend away from the family for Fiona and Tyler Robinson. Fiona struggles with resentment - she is always home with the little children. Tyler is not attentive - he works long hours and when he is at home pays little attention to her or the children.
You are here because The Conductor knows you need to be. What on earth could they possibly learn by attending the Vanderbilt Ball in 1883? Well ~ read on and you will be surprised. With great detail the author takes us and the Robinsons into a world we know little about. There are many things that can be learned, not the least of which is to save yourself some stress by focusing on the oh-noes, not the what-ifs.
This copy of The Back Inn Time Series Book 5 was received through Vine Press and BookFunnel. These thoughts are mine and were in no way solicited.
This is a weekend away from the family for Fiona and Tyler Robinson. Fiona struggles with resentment - she is always home with the little children. Tyler is not attentive - he works long hours and when he is at home pays little attention to her or the children.
You are here because The Conductor knows you need to be. What on earth could they possibly learn by attending the Vanderbilt Ball in 1883? Well ~ read on and you will be surprised. With great detail the author takes us and the Robinsons into a world we know little about. There are many things that can be learned, not the least of which is to save yourself some stress by focusing on the oh-noes, not the what-ifs.
This copy of The Back Inn Time Series Book 5 was received through Vine Press and BookFunnel. These thoughts are mine and were in no way solicited.
August 6, 2023
I just finished listening to this book, and already have the rest of the series in my cart.
Fiona and Tyler are celebrating their 10th anniversary, but the spark-the connection-is gone. As one who's been married for 21 years, with job changes, deaths, births, adoptions, trauma, betrayal, and all the other "normal" life stressors, finding that spark again is something I can relate to. I got unexpectedly emotional several times during this story, and loved the way the couple reconnected.
Time travel is always a fun twist, and I enjoyed the way Stephenia incorporated that.
The narrator did a great job, and I thank Stephenia for this complimentary copy of the audiobook, with which she did not require a positive review.
Now, off to buy the rest of the series.
Fiona and Tyler are celebrating their 10th anniversary, but the spark-the connection-is gone. As one who's been married for 21 years, with job changes, deaths, births, adoptions, trauma, betrayal, and all the other "normal" life stressors, finding that spark again is something I can relate to. I got unexpectedly emotional several times during this story, and loved the way the couple reconnected.
Time travel is always a fun twist, and I enjoyed the way Stephenia incorporated that.
The narrator did a great job, and I thank Stephenia for this complimentary copy of the audiobook, with which she did not require a positive review.
Now, off to buy the rest of the series.
July 14, 2023
I enjoyed this story so much. Fiona and Tyler Robinson have what most young couples have. A nice home, two rambunctious kids, a busy life with Tyler working hard to provide for his family, and Fiona being a stay-at-home mom that feels neglected and tired. When her mom gives them a weekend getaway for their 10th anniversary they have no idea what an adventure this will be and how badly they needed this time to remember how truly blessed they are. Our couple are transported back in time to have an unforgettable adventure and to learn some lessons they have forgotten.
Great and fun story and I loved being transported back in time with them. I recommend this book.
Great and fun story and I loved being transported back in time with them. I recommend this book.
July 15, 2023
My favorite genre is historical fiction and when they add in time travel to that genre it makes it all the more exciting to read! Stephenia is a fairly new author to me and each book I read of hers is not a disappointment. I related to the characters in this book. Then I was so excited when they had their adventure in their time travel story. Excitement on every page. When I get a chance I would like to read all of her books. My goal in the next year. Do yourself a favor and check out this book and other books she has written. You will not be disappointed. I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review and promotion.
May 16, 2025
3.25 stars
This was my fifth book in the series. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the others. I like that the two main characters were married, as well as a few other changes in the usual time travel pattern (but no spoilers from me).
Contrary to how I usually feel about books in this series, I became a bit bored with the story and was ready for it to end sooner than it did. A minor irritation for me was the constant use of the same endearment from the husband - it just got old after a while.
I still recommend the book, but recommend the others more highly.
This was my fifth book in the series. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the others. I like that the two main characters were married, as well as a few other changes in the usual time travel pattern (but no spoilers from me).
Contrary to how I usually feel about books in this series, I became a bit bored with the story and was ready for it to end sooner than it did. A minor irritation for me was the constant use of the same endearment from the husband - it just got old after a while.
I still recommend the book, but recommend the others more highly.
July 19, 2023
What a whirlwind! I instantly fell in love with Fiona and understood her husband, Tyler. They were experiencing real problems that I related to. Mrs. Easley gave them an opportunity to really talk to one another, resulting in hilarious mishaps and beautiful deep conversations. Dancing at the Vanderbilt ball was every bit as glamorous as I’d hoped—the book captured the gilded age. I cannot wait for the next “Back Inn Time” book!
June 20, 2024
Stephenia has done it again!!
Stephenia has a way of writing that just captures my attention. This story is fill with adventure. While I don't have kiddos I found myself and likely glimpses into my husband that I know I sometimes feel. The use of imaginary time travel weaved in with Biblical truth really brings the story to life! I can't wait for the next adventure coming soon!!!
Stephenia has a way of writing that just captures my attention. This story is fill with adventure. While I don't have kiddos I found myself and likely glimpses into my husband that I know I sometimes feel. The use of imaginary time travel weaved in with Biblical truth really brings the story to life! I can't wait for the next adventure coming soon!!!
September 26, 2024
Mrs. Easley and the Depot are back to send an unsuspecting couple on an adventure in time. Tyler and Fiona Robinson are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, and their marriage needs some spicing up. Thanks to the Conductor, they wake up in 1883 New York on the day of the Vanderbilt's famous ball. Will attending the ball save the marriage, or is it history? I enjoyed reading this book very much, particularly the descriptions of the costumes that the ball attendees wore.
July 31, 2023
This was a very fun time travel story. First of all an inn that sends you back in time, I loved the idea. The couple Fiona and Tyler were very relatable. The author did a great job writing a story about a couple who is stuck in a rut in their marriage and goes back in time to learn where things went wrong and how to fix them. I haven’t read the other books in this series yet but after reading this book I look forward to the others.
August 1, 2023
This was a fun, quick read! I enjoyed Fiona and Tyler's adventure. I love how Stephenia McGee writes very enjoyable stories that have a great message to them! I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it. The narrator was a good fit for the story.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
May 20, 2025
In book 5 we travel to the infamous Vanderbilt Ball with Tyler and Fiona. This tale is filled with interesting twists, as well as a relationship in desperate need of some TLC. While not my favorite in the series, I still enjoyed it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I purchased this eBook series directly from the author for a wonderfully discounted price. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I purchased this eBook series directly from the author for a wonderfully discounted price. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
July 13, 2023
Excellent character development and a plot that kept me guessing.
The author certainly did her homework on the Vanderbilt ball. Her description of Kate Feering Strong, the Cat in the Hat lady, was en pointe.
The author certainly did her homework on the Vanderbilt ball. Her description of Kate Feering Strong, the Cat in the Hat lady, was en pointe.
July 26, 2023
By far my favorite of the series! Fiona and Tyler have an amazing story or faith and love, perfect for a weekend read! Great addition to the Back Inn Time series, leaves you wanting more and more with every page turn!
November 8, 2023
This is a great Christian time travel romance tale where the couple is sent to another time to work out their issues. The author has a great awareness of relationship issues which she imparts in every story.
November 18, 2023
another good one.
As always I really enjoyed your writing. I truly love how you brought God into all of your books. It always makes me think how the lessons the people in the book learned can be applied to myself.
As always I really enjoyed your writing. I truly love how you brought God into all of your books. It always makes me think how the lessons the people in the book learned can be applied to myself.
October 27, 2023
God chuckled
I love these Time Travel books of Stephenia’s! The Vanderbilt Ball!! This book was well written and fun to read!
I love these Time Travel books of Stephenia’s! The Vanderbilt Ball!! This book was well written and fun to read!
October 26, 2024
Great book. I would have been even more out of place with the rich snobs of this era. Thankfully they learn the lessons needed.
November 10, 2024
Christian time travel.
January 12, 2025
Still just a 3, but interesting for the time period.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews