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Witness to the Revolution
The first soldier I killed was a kid, and he haunted all my dreams after that.
The twenty-first century doesn’t prepare you for 1778.
Without warning, the roar of the traffic and the stink of funeral lilies fade away. Just as Savannah Moore notices that the world around her has changed, a man wraps her in his arms and presses a knife to her throat. Only after she escapes, with the help of Captain Jonathan Wythe, does she realize she has been inexplicably sucked into America’s Revolutionary War. Anything Savannah does could alter the course of history and threaten the family she left behind.
But Savannah is not the only one keeping secrets. Jonathan’s mission places him at odds with the other Continentals, marking Savannah as a potential spy herself. Haunting his steps is a mysterious dark entity, watching from the woods surrounding the camp and taking sadistic glee in the bloodshed.
Savannah must choose—brave the woods and the redcoats closing in to search for a pathway back to the twenty-first century on her own or follow Jonathan on his time-sensitive mission—because remaining a passive witness may not be an option for long.
The twenty-first century doesn’t prepare you for 1778.
Without warning, the roar of the traffic and the stink of funeral lilies fade away. Just as Savannah Moore notices that the world around her has changed, a man wraps her in his arms and presses a knife to her throat. Only after she escapes, with the help of Captain Jonathan Wythe, does she realize she has been inexplicably sucked into America’s Revolutionary War. Anything Savannah does could alter the course of history and threaten the family she left behind.
But Savannah is not the only one keeping secrets. Jonathan’s mission places him at odds with the other Continentals, marking Savannah as a potential spy herself. Haunting his steps is a mysterious dark entity, watching from the woods surrounding the camp and taking sadistic glee in the bloodshed.
Savannah must choose—brave the woods and the redcoats closing in to search for a pathway back to the twenty-first century on her own or follow Jonathan on his time-sensitive mission—because remaining a passive witness may not be an option for long.
329 pages, Paperback
Published February 12, 2023
4 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 27, 2022
This book had really well thought out historical details. I found it very fascinating to read about the Revolutionary War from the perspective of the main character, Savannah. The characters were all well written and I enjoyed each of them. There were several twists in the book that I didn’t see coming, and it kept me thinking about what would happen next each time I had to put it down. Overall a very lovely story with tons of detail and a great slow-burn romance. The cliff-hanger ending has me wishing the next book was available right now! I can’t wait to see where the story goes next after all of the twists at the end of this one. Definitely worth the read!
May 8, 2023
I enjoyed this novel all the way to the last couple of chapters, at which point I felt betrayed by the author. She took this narrative in a totally different and, for me, unacceptable direction. Time travel is one thing, but the abrupt introduction of witchcraft to wind up the story lost me. I will never read another book by this author.
August 30, 2023
Witness to the Revolution is great for readers who enjoy the history of the American Revolution. The author has clearly done her research, and the setting is filled with rich details. There is a juxtaposition between Savvy and Jonathon as Savvy struggles to adapt to living during such a different time (and in the midst of war), and plenty of mystery and magic is woven throughout, leaving the reader guessing. As other reviewers have mentioned, the story ends on a cliffhanger and will leave readers wanting to know what happens next and who exactly are the Enlightened.
February 18, 2025
Few books manage to blend historical accuracy, gripping action, and emotional depth quite as seamlessly as Witness to the Revolution by Kiersten Marcil. This time-travel historical fantasy throws its protagonist, Savannah Moore, into the chaos of the American Revolution, forcing her to navigate a world completely foreign to her modern sensibilities. With a well-researched historical backdrop, a compelling protagonist, and a narrative packed with tension, adventure, and romance, this novel delivers an immersive reading experience that will captivate both history lovers and fans of time-travel fiction.
At its core, Witness to the Revolution is about more than just time travel. It explores identity, fate, and the ripple effects of history. Savannah Moore is a modern-day prosecutor, someone who thrives on facts, logic, and control. But when she is suddenly transported to 1778, she’s stripped of everything familiar—her career, technology, and even the security of knowing the world she inhabits.
Marcil does an excellent job of showing Savannah’s struggle to adapt. She’s not instantly perfect at surviving in the past, and she doesn’t immediately become some kind of action hero. Instead, she stumbles, second-guesses herself, and makes mistakes. Her legal background makes her analytical, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into knowing how to live without modern conveniences. That realism is one of the novel’s greatest strengths.
Adding to the tension is Captain Jonathan Wythe, a man devoted to his cause and wary of anyone who seems out of place. He is a fascinating character—loyal to the Revolution but burdened with secrets. The dynamic between him and Savannah is layered, shifting from suspicion to grudging trust, and eventually something deeper. Their interactions are charged with tension, not just because of the era’s political stakes but because of Savannah’s unique predicament. Does she try to find a way back to her time, or does she embrace this new reality?
One of the novel’s standout features is its meticulous attention to historical detail. The American Revolution is often romanticized in fiction, but Marcil presents a world that feels raw, unpredictable, and at times brutal. The struggles of soldiers, the divided loyalties among colonists, and the ever-present threat of betrayal make Savannah’s situation feel perilous from the moment she arrives.
Unlike some historical fiction that simply uses the past as a backdrop, Witness to the Revolution makes history an active force in the story. Savannah’s knowledge of the future doesn’t necessarily help her—if anything, it complicates matters. Should she try to prevent events she knows are coming? Will her presence alone alter history in ways she can’t predict? The book keeps these questions at the forefront, making the stakes feel immediate and urgent.
Marcil’s writing brings 18th-century America to life with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to a world of candlelit rooms, muddy battlefields, and hushed whispers of rebellion. The smells, the sounds, the sheer physicality of life in a time without modern medicine or conveniences—it’s all here, woven seamlessly into the story without feeling like a history lesson.
While the adventure and historical intrigue are enough to make Witness to the Revolution compelling, what truly sets it apart is its emotional depth. Savannah isn’t just a modern woman trapped in the past; she’s a daughter, a friend, and a person with unfinished business in her own time. Her journey is as much about personal growth as it is about survival.
She wrestles with guilt over what she left behind, and as she grows attached to the people around her, she faces an impossible question: Is she meant to stay? Is this where she was always supposed to be? Marcil doesn’t give easy answers, and that’s what makes the story so gripping.
Jonathan Wythe, too, is more than just a love interest or a historical figure. He has his own burdens, his own fears, and his own motivations beyond just fighting for independence. Watching him and Savannah challenge each other, learn from each other, and ultimately change because of each other is one of the most rewarding aspects of the book.
If you love historical fiction that feels real, with characters that grow and evolve rather than just react to events, Witness to the Revolution is for you. Fans of Outlander will appreciate the immersive world-building and romance, while readers of The Nightingale or The Alice Network will be drawn to its blend of history and personal stakes.
Even if you’re not typically drawn to time-travel stories, this one is worth picking up. The speculative elements are handled with care, never overwhelming the historical narrative but rather deepening it. It’s not about flashy sci-fi concepts; it’s about one woman grappling with the weight of history and her place in it.
Witness to the Revolution is an unforgettable journey into the past, filled with danger, intrigue, and heart-wrenching choices. Kiersten Marcil crafts a story that is both grand in its historical scope and deeply personal in its emotional stakes. Whether you come for the time travel, the romance, or the meticulously researched Revolutionary War setting, you’ll find yourself utterly absorbed from the first page to the last.
Highly recommended for readers who love intelligent, immersive historical fiction.
At its core, Witness to the Revolution is about more than just time travel. It explores identity, fate, and the ripple effects of history. Savannah Moore is a modern-day prosecutor, someone who thrives on facts, logic, and control. But when she is suddenly transported to 1778, she’s stripped of everything familiar—her career, technology, and even the security of knowing the world she inhabits.
Marcil does an excellent job of showing Savannah’s struggle to adapt. She’s not instantly perfect at surviving in the past, and she doesn’t immediately become some kind of action hero. Instead, she stumbles, second-guesses herself, and makes mistakes. Her legal background makes her analytical, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into knowing how to live without modern conveniences. That realism is one of the novel’s greatest strengths.
Adding to the tension is Captain Jonathan Wythe, a man devoted to his cause and wary of anyone who seems out of place. He is a fascinating character—loyal to the Revolution but burdened with secrets. The dynamic between him and Savannah is layered, shifting from suspicion to grudging trust, and eventually something deeper. Their interactions are charged with tension, not just because of the era’s political stakes but because of Savannah’s unique predicament. Does she try to find a way back to her time, or does she embrace this new reality?
One of the novel’s standout features is its meticulous attention to historical detail. The American Revolution is often romanticized in fiction, but Marcil presents a world that feels raw, unpredictable, and at times brutal. The struggles of soldiers, the divided loyalties among colonists, and the ever-present threat of betrayal make Savannah’s situation feel perilous from the moment she arrives.
Unlike some historical fiction that simply uses the past as a backdrop, Witness to the Revolution makes history an active force in the story. Savannah’s knowledge of the future doesn’t necessarily help her—if anything, it complicates matters. Should she try to prevent events she knows are coming? Will her presence alone alter history in ways she can’t predict? The book keeps these questions at the forefront, making the stakes feel immediate and urgent.
Marcil’s writing brings 18th-century America to life with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to a world of candlelit rooms, muddy battlefields, and hushed whispers of rebellion. The smells, the sounds, the sheer physicality of life in a time without modern medicine or conveniences—it’s all here, woven seamlessly into the story without feeling like a history lesson.
While the adventure and historical intrigue are enough to make Witness to the Revolution compelling, what truly sets it apart is its emotional depth. Savannah isn’t just a modern woman trapped in the past; she’s a daughter, a friend, and a person with unfinished business in her own time. Her journey is as much about personal growth as it is about survival.
She wrestles with guilt over what she left behind, and as she grows attached to the people around her, she faces an impossible question: Is she meant to stay? Is this where she was always supposed to be? Marcil doesn’t give easy answers, and that’s what makes the story so gripping.
Jonathan Wythe, too, is more than just a love interest or a historical figure. He has his own burdens, his own fears, and his own motivations beyond just fighting for independence. Watching him and Savannah challenge each other, learn from each other, and ultimately change because of each other is one of the most rewarding aspects of the book.
If you love historical fiction that feels real, with characters that grow and evolve rather than just react to events, Witness to the Revolution is for you. Fans of Outlander will appreciate the immersive world-building and romance, while readers of The Nightingale or The Alice Network will be drawn to its blend of history and personal stakes.
Even if you’re not typically drawn to time-travel stories, this one is worth picking up. The speculative elements are handled with care, never overwhelming the historical narrative but rather deepening it. It’s not about flashy sci-fi concepts; it’s about one woman grappling with the weight of history and her place in it.
Witness to the Revolution is an unforgettable journey into the past, filled with danger, intrigue, and heart-wrenching choices. Kiersten Marcil crafts a story that is both grand in its historical scope and deeply personal in its emotional stakes. Whether you come for the time travel, the romance, or the meticulously researched Revolutionary War setting, you’ll find yourself utterly absorbed from the first page to the last.
Highly recommended for readers who love intelligent, immersive historical fiction.
February 10, 2023
Kiersten Marcil’s debut novel "Witness to the Revolution" transports readers – and twenty-first century prosecutor Savannah Moore – back in time to the American Revolution. After a day at court, Savannah inexplicably finds herself thrust into the middle of blistering bullets and military chaos. Captain Jonathan Wythe, a handsome Continental, rescues her, and a mysterious journey begins.
"The first soldier I killed was a kid, and he haunted all my dreams after that.
The twenty-first century doesn’t prepare you for 1778."
Savvy desperately desires to return home. Eighteenth-century life might be fun for a weekend reenactment, but not for permanent living. Even as he promises to help her, she accompanies Jonathan on a critical – and secret – mission that leads to eye-opening revelations about the captain, his charge, and their companions.
The pair do not journey alone through the battle-stricken Highlands of New York, however. Enter in the dark, sinister, watchful presence that stalks their steps. It revels in bloodshed, never seen, only sensed. Who knew the American Revolution came with a dose of the supernatural?
Ultimately, Savannah faces a difficult decision: search for a way back to her own time or assist Jonathan in his mission. Either way, our protagonist plays a bigger role in the story of the American Revolution than she knows.
"Witness to the Revolution" should be required reading of anyone interested in American history or historical fiction. From accurate and engaging descriptions of the Revolution to lovingly-drawn and fascinating characters, this book has it all.
Savannah’s character development shines in the narrative. From the first time she falls rear-first into American history, Savannah struggles with adapting to eighteenth-century life. While offering some comedic relief, these struggles also highlight her very real peril. Every day offers some new danger or situation, and Savannah faces them with courage, conviction, and unshakeable determination.
Additionally, Marcil tugs on readers’ emotional heartstrings as Savannah contends with her burgeoning friendship and relationship with Jonathan. Though their slow-born romance builds over the novel, the captain remains an enigma for our heroine. Something very mysterious simmers beneath his surface.
Finally, Savannah struggles with the very nature of history and reality itself. Does she remain an innocent bystander despite the battles raging around her? Or does she engage with the past, knowing full well the possible cost to her present and her family?
Overall, "Witness to the Revolution" satisfied the time-traveling reading itch I didn’t know I had. Marcil effortlessly balances historical research and realism with supernatural elements to craft a highly readable historical fantasy sure to please a wide swath of readers.
Thank you to Kiersten for offering me a copy of this book in exchange for a review!
"The first soldier I killed was a kid, and he haunted all my dreams after that.
The twenty-first century doesn’t prepare you for 1778."
Savvy desperately desires to return home. Eighteenth-century life might be fun for a weekend reenactment, but not for permanent living. Even as he promises to help her, she accompanies Jonathan on a critical – and secret – mission that leads to eye-opening revelations about the captain, his charge, and their companions.
The pair do not journey alone through the battle-stricken Highlands of New York, however. Enter in the dark, sinister, watchful presence that stalks their steps. It revels in bloodshed, never seen, only sensed. Who knew the American Revolution came with a dose of the supernatural?
Ultimately, Savannah faces a difficult decision: search for a way back to her own time or assist Jonathan in his mission. Either way, our protagonist plays a bigger role in the story of the American Revolution than she knows.
"Witness to the Revolution" should be required reading of anyone interested in American history or historical fiction. From accurate and engaging descriptions of the Revolution to lovingly-drawn and fascinating characters, this book has it all.
Savannah’s character development shines in the narrative. From the first time she falls rear-first into American history, Savannah struggles with adapting to eighteenth-century life. While offering some comedic relief, these struggles also highlight her very real peril. Every day offers some new danger or situation, and Savannah faces them with courage, conviction, and unshakeable determination.
Additionally, Marcil tugs on readers’ emotional heartstrings as Savannah contends with her burgeoning friendship and relationship with Jonathan. Though their slow-born romance builds over the novel, the captain remains an enigma for our heroine. Something very mysterious simmers beneath his surface.
Finally, Savannah struggles with the very nature of history and reality itself. Does she remain an innocent bystander despite the battles raging around her? Or does she engage with the past, knowing full well the possible cost to her present and her family?
Overall, "Witness to the Revolution" satisfied the time-traveling reading itch I didn’t know I had. Marcil effortlessly balances historical research and realism with supernatural elements to craft a highly readable historical fantasy sure to please a wide swath of readers.
Thank you to Kiersten for offering me a copy of this book in exchange for a review!
August 28, 2023
In an interesting new twist, Kiersten Marcil has spliced traditional American Revolution historical fiction with time travel by the main protagonist to produce a captivating storyline. Her book Witness to the Revolution features a twenty-first-century lawyer who is inexplicably transported into a 1778 skirmish between Redcoats and Rebels in New York’s Hudson Valley. While creatively invoking fantasy and mystery, Marcil, a native New Englander and Mayflower descendent, presents cogent descriptions of military and civilian lives during this uncertain wartime period not found in standard non-fiction accounts.
Throughout the three-hundred-page book, the author describes ordinary life in a military camp and what it was like for civilians to live on the edge of combat. For example, readers learn that soldiers mixed vinegar into their canteens to make untreated water potable and that camp followers received half rations from the army cooks. Additionally, it took a lot of work to tell which side people supported, leading to mistrust among neighbors. While fantasy, the rich detail provides a strong sense that the story could be true if time travel could occur! In addition to mixing accurate historical information, the plot has many unsuspected twists and turns, which keep the reader guessing to the final page (and beyond).
Aiding the vivid dialogue, Marcil intersperses Latin quotes from the Vulgate, a fourth-century translation of the Bible. Additionally, to lend more authenticity, the author employs many eighteenth-century words that have fallen out of use today. For example, readers encounter the term snatch cly, which describes a thief who steals from a woman. Lastly, Marcil describes the heroine as in a “state of undress.” The Revolutionary Era meaning of this phrase is not what you think, and you will have to read her book to find out!
I strongly recommend Witness to the Revolution to those interested in learning more about eighteenth-century culture and what it was like to live in the uncertain, war-torn Revolutionary Era. The time travel thread interests all readers who wish to stretch their imaginations and contemplate alternative realities. I can’t wait for book two in the Enlightment Series!
Throughout the three-hundred-page book, the author describes ordinary life in a military camp and what it was like for civilians to live on the edge of combat. For example, readers learn that soldiers mixed vinegar into their canteens to make untreated water potable and that camp followers received half rations from the army cooks. Additionally, it took a lot of work to tell which side people supported, leading to mistrust among neighbors. While fantasy, the rich detail provides a strong sense that the story could be true if time travel could occur! In addition to mixing accurate historical information, the plot has many unsuspected twists and turns, which keep the reader guessing to the final page (and beyond).
Aiding the vivid dialogue, Marcil intersperses Latin quotes from the Vulgate, a fourth-century translation of the Bible. Additionally, to lend more authenticity, the author employs many eighteenth-century words that have fallen out of use today. For example, readers encounter the term snatch cly, which describes a thief who steals from a woman. Lastly, Marcil describes the heroine as in a “state of undress.” The Revolutionary Era meaning of this phrase is not what you think, and you will have to read her book to find out!
I strongly recommend Witness to the Revolution to those interested in learning more about eighteenth-century culture and what it was like to live in the uncertain, war-torn Revolutionary Era. The time travel thread interests all readers who wish to stretch their imaginations and contemplate alternative realities. I can’t wait for book two in the Enlightment Series!
January 13, 2023
Kiersten Marcil's debut Witness to the Revolution is a lovingly and painstakingly researched time-travel, historical fantasy set during the American Revolutionary War. The scenes, settings, clothing, etc are all period-authentic, with the addition of Savvy Moore, the falls-through-time heroine of the tale who finds herself ripped from 20th century America to 1778, and literally under the gun of a Redcoat soldier.
Savvy just wants to go home. She’s got a career, she’s got commitments, and she’s got a son who needs her. The 18th century is definitely not for her. Well, except that: a) it is fascinating to see all the things that her history-buff father obsessed over; and b) there’s Capt. Jonathan Wythe, a hunky enigma wrapped in a conundrum who rescued her, has promised to get her back to where she came from, and has a most mysterious mission that piques Savvy’s interest.
And then, there’s the dark whatsit that’s pursuing Jonathan (and by association, Savvy), and I have to say it is extremely ominous and downright scary, even though never seen. There’s also the confusing alliances and possible betrayals swirling all around her, along with the unexpected (for both Savvy and the reader) supernatural aspects of the American Revolution. Finally, there’s Savvy’s own confusion regarding her feelings for Jonathan, his loyalties, and how she’s ever going to make it back to the 20th century.
Ms. Marcil has penned an excellent debut outing which will appeal to both fans of Outlander and history buffs alike. The battle scenes are gripping, the character development is terrific, and the tension just builds and builds until that ending... There are four more books planned in this series, which I’m delighted to hear, because Witness to the Revolution left me on the edge of a cliff, dangling by one hand, and hoping someone would come along to rescue me (i.e. let me know where this is all going). I need more, and I need it quickly. Unfortunately, that’s not the way publishing works (as I well know), so I’ll possess my soul in patience as I eagerly await Savvy and Jonathan’s next adventure in Vol. 2.
Savvy just wants to go home. She’s got a career, she’s got commitments, and she’s got a son who needs her. The 18th century is definitely not for her. Well, except that: a) it is fascinating to see all the things that her history-buff father obsessed over; and b) there’s Capt. Jonathan Wythe, a hunky enigma wrapped in a conundrum who rescued her, has promised to get her back to where she came from, and has a most mysterious mission that piques Savvy’s interest.
And then, there’s the dark whatsit that’s pursuing Jonathan (and by association, Savvy), and I have to say it is extremely ominous and downright scary, even though never seen. There’s also the confusing alliances and possible betrayals swirling all around her, along with the unexpected (for both Savvy and the reader) supernatural aspects of the American Revolution. Finally, there’s Savvy’s own confusion regarding her feelings for Jonathan, his loyalties, and how she’s ever going to make it back to the 20th century.
Ms. Marcil has penned an excellent debut outing which will appeal to both fans of Outlander and history buffs alike. The battle scenes are gripping, the character development is terrific, and the tension just builds and builds until that ending... There are four more books planned in this series, which I’m delighted to hear, because Witness to the Revolution left me on the edge of a cliff, dangling by one hand, and hoping someone would come along to rescue me (i.e. let me know where this is all going). I need more, and I need it quickly. Unfortunately, that’s not the way publishing works (as I well know), so I’ll possess my soul in patience as I eagerly await Savvy and Jonathan’s next adventure in Vol. 2.
October 2, 2023
I am in complete shock after reading Witness to the Revolution by Kiersten Marcil….. I turned the page expecting there to be more but Marcil ended it with such a way readers won’t know what to do. You are so engrossed in the story that you don’t realize how close you are to the end.
In Witness to the Revolution Savannah Moore goes home after work and decicdes to take her dog, Goldie, out for a walk before her young son Evan gets home from school. Unfortunately while she is walking Goldie in the cemetery something life altering occurs …. Savannah somehow is whisked back to the time of the Revolutionary War right in the middle of a fight where she has to fight to save her life. She ends up fighting Captain Jonathan Wythe, kills another person, gets hurt herself and faints.
When she wakes up she is in a tent with Captain Wythe in his camp and all she wants to do is go home. Unfortunately she doesn’t know how to do that other than have Captain Wythe return her to the hillside where they first encountered each other. Captain Wythe cannot just drop things and take her there as he has a mission he must see to as well as it would not be safe to travel there at that time.
Savannah has to adjust to living in that time period until she can convince Wythe to take her to their meeting place. As much as Savannah misses her son and her life in the twenty-first century, something about Wythe pulls her to him and she fears his feelings and trust issues are holding him back from helping her.
Readers will fall in love with this story and the feelings between Savannah and Jonathan and as much as you will want Savannah to return home to Evan, you cannot help but wish to see her stay with Jonathan to see where that relationship will go …. if at all possible. And when you get to the end, you will be closing the book and shaking your head at the way that Marcil ends the story !!!
In Witness to the Revolution Savannah Moore goes home after work and decicdes to take her dog, Goldie, out for a walk before her young son Evan gets home from school. Unfortunately while she is walking Goldie in the cemetery something life altering occurs …. Savannah somehow is whisked back to the time of the Revolutionary War right in the middle of a fight where she has to fight to save her life. She ends up fighting Captain Jonathan Wythe, kills another person, gets hurt herself and faints.
When she wakes up she is in a tent with Captain Wythe in his camp and all she wants to do is go home. Unfortunately she doesn’t know how to do that other than have Captain Wythe return her to the hillside where they first encountered each other. Captain Wythe cannot just drop things and take her there as he has a mission he must see to as well as it would not be safe to travel there at that time.
Savannah has to adjust to living in that time period until she can convince Wythe to take her to their meeting place. As much as Savannah misses her son and her life in the twenty-first century, something about Wythe pulls her to him and she fears his feelings and trust issues are holding him back from helping her.
Readers will fall in love with this story and the feelings between Savannah and Jonathan and as much as you will want Savannah to return home to Evan, you cannot help but wish to see her stay with Jonathan to see where that relationship will go …. if at all possible. And when you get to the end, you will be closing the book and shaking your head at the way that Marcil ends the story !!!
February 19, 2025
ARC Review ✨️
♡Savannah & Jonathan♡
Savannah has been sucked into the revolutionary war. Now, anything she does will change the fate of history. With that in mind and the family she had left behind, Savannah must choose to either follow along with Jonathan, who's keeping secrets himself, or she can navigate the woods and try to find her way back to the 21st century on her own.
Everything about this story was so easy to love. The author created such a compelling read with some very detailed depictions on the historical aspect.
The characters were some of the most unique and incredibly enjoyable ones I've read in historical fiction before! Savannah especially was a really great character, and I can't believe the twists that took place specifically around her character.
Overall, this was a very nicely written story, and I highly recommend it to any fans of historical fiction, time travel, and fantasy!
Thank you so much to the author and Henry Roi PR for the ARC!
♡Savannah & Jonathan♡
Savannah has been sucked into the revolutionary war. Now, anything she does will change the fate of history. With that in mind and the family she had left behind, Savannah must choose to either follow along with Jonathan, who's keeping secrets himself, or she can navigate the woods and try to find her way back to the 21st century on her own.
Everything about this story was so easy to love. The author created such a compelling read with some very detailed depictions on the historical aspect.
The characters were some of the most unique and incredibly enjoyable ones I've read in historical fiction before! Savannah especially was a really great character, and I can't believe the twists that took place specifically around her character.
Overall, this was a very nicely written story, and I highly recommend it to any fans of historical fiction, time travel, and fantasy!
Thank you so much to the author and Henry Roi PR for the ARC!
October 4, 2024
A wild historical fantasy ride through the Revolutionary War in the Hudson Valley!
The protagonist, Savvy, is dropped from modern times right into the action and bloodiness of war. She allies herself with a soldier named Jonathan who offers her protection. An obvious attraction and slow-burn romance is kindled between Savvy and Jonathan. The first half of the novel is spent at a soldier encampment, while Savvy gets her bearings—a wonderful immersion into the period. Intrigue abounds with each clue Savvy learns about her situation.
Jonathan takes Savvy to a wealthy Dutch family's estate, where she'll be safe. But this is the point where everything is put into question and I was surprised at the magical turn that the novel takes! The cliffhanger ending has me moving right on to the 2nd in the series!
The protagonist, Savvy, is dropped from modern times right into the action and bloodiness of war. She allies herself with a soldier named Jonathan who offers her protection. An obvious attraction and slow-burn romance is kindled between Savvy and Jonathan. The first half of the novel is spent at a soldier encampment, while Savvy gets her bearings—a wonderful immersion into the period. Intrigue abounds with each clue Savvy learns about her situation.
Jonathan takes Savvy to a wealthy Dutch family's estate, where she'll be safe. But this is the point where everything is put into question and I was surprised at the magical turn that the novel takes! The cliffhanger ending has me moving right on to the 2nd in the series!
February 19, 2025
The cover of this book is so beautiful, I love the colours.
Witness to the Revolution is a time-travel adventure novel, set mainly at the time of the American Revolution. This isn't a period I much about, other than the events in Hamilton, which take place couple of weeks before this book is set. However, it certainly feels like the historical elements are realistic, the descriptions of clothing, food and so on certainly matched with what I do know.
I liked the writing style of this book. It was easy to follow and the level of description was perfect. The speech felt real and genuine and there were some real moments of humour at times due to how language has changed over time.
I found the plot to be engaging and exciting, although a little slow to start, as well as interesting and vaguely educational. I look forward to reading the next installment.
Witness to the Revolution is a time-travel adventure novel, set mainly at the time of the American Revolution. This isn't a period I much about, other than the events in Hamilton, which take place couple of weeks before this book is set. However, it certainly feels like the historical elements are realistic, the descriptions of clothing, food and so on certainly matched with what I do know.
I liked the writing style of this book. It was easy to follow and the level of description was perfect. The speech felt real and genuine and there were some real moments of humour at times due to how language has changed over time.
I found the plot to be engaging and exciting, although a little slow to start, as well as interesting and vaguely educational. I look forward to reading the next installment.
Read
March 11, 2023
"I seem to be missing some time." Not so much a lie as an artful truth.
When attorney Savannah "Savvy" Moore is unexpectedly drawn into the midst of the American Revolution, she wants to not change history and to get back to her son in the present. But as she starts to interact with the people around her (and particularly Captain Jonathan Wythe) and learns more about what's inside her, her priorities start to shift...
I enjoyed seeing Savvy try to navigate Colonial America, and I loved learning bits about life in Colonial times along the way. I had honestly never pictured the soldiers' camps, and I always love visiting other worlds. I wanted to visit Anna's house!
From the blurb, I assumed the book would be largely standard time-travel fantasy, with a hint of the supernatural. But even though , I was rather surprised at the turns the story took.
Early on, I really enjoyed when Savvy's lawyer-self shone through. Later, I found Anna to be an especially interesting character who I'd like to hear more about. Overall, it was a book that wasn't at all what I expected, and like nothing I've read before.
Recommended for fans of portal fiction with a heavy dose of the historical and the supernatural, as well as a bit of romance (which I assume will deepen as the series goes on).
When attorney Savannah "Savvy" Moore is unexpectedly drawn into the midst of the American Revolution, she wants to not change history and to get back to her son in the present. But as she starts to interact with the people around her (and particularly Captain Jonathan Wythe) and learns more about what's inside her, her priorities start to shift...
I enjoyed seeing Savvy try to navigate Colonial America, and I loved learning bits about life in Colonial times along the way. I had honestly never pictured the soldiers' camps, and I always love visiting other worlds. I wanted to visit Anna's house!
From the blurb, I assumed the book would be largely standard time-travel fantasy, with a hint of the supernatural. But even though , I was rather surprised at the turns the story took.
Early on, I really enjoyed when Savvy's lawyer-self shone through. Later, I found Anna to be an especially interesting character who I'd like to hear more about. Overall, it was a book that wasn't at all what I expected, and like nothing I've read before.
Recommended for fans of portal fiction with a heavy dose of the historical and the supernatural, as well as a bit of romance (which I assume will deepen as the series goes on).
April 3, 2024
OMG! What a great ride back in time! I don't often wander into the genre of historical time travel, but when I do I want a story that is entertaining and a sense that the time traveler's journey is feasible. In 'Witness to the Revolution', Marcil delivers both. Modern day District Attorney Savannah Moore suddenly and inexplicably finds herself in a skirmish in the American Revolutionary War and finds herself thinking "How the hell did I get to 1778? More importantly, how was I going to get back?" The author does a superb job of taking DA Moore - and us, her readers - from that point on. It's a great ride ... and a great read.
February 18, 2025
What a trip through history! Witness to the Revolution takes a unique approach to time travel, dropping Savannah Moore right into the heart of the American Revolution. Kiersten Marcil doesn’t just brush over the historical details—she brings them to life, from the tension between Loyalists and Patriots to the daily struggles of the era.
The way Savannah has to balance survival with her modern instincts is thought-provoking. If you love well-researched historical fiction with a fresh twist, this book is for you.
The way Savannah has to balance survival with her modern instincts is thought-provoking. If you love well-researched historical fiction with a fresh twist, this book is for you.
July 16, 2025
Kiersten Marcel loves the historical setting and details of the American Revolution. That appreciation shines through in WITNESS TO THE REVOLUTION. This time travel novel takes the reader back to 1778 and a time of war. Her attention to detail is admirable.
This is Book 1 of the Enlightened Series. The ending clearly leads to Book 2, since there are still questions to be answered, like how does Savvy get back to her son. Readers who like time travel series will enjoy the historical details in this one.
This is Book 1 of the Enlightened Series. The ending clearly leads to Book 2, since there are still questions to be answered, like how does Savvy get back to her son. Readers who like time travel series will enjoy the historical details in this one.
September 25, 2023
I found much of the story to be too descriptively historically detailed and not enough action for my taste. But the last .part of the book took off in a new 2direc.tion and I was challenged to put the rest of the book in line with the sudden change of pace-frenetic and introduction of mystical/magical elements and not a clear picture of what happened to Savannah. But it was a drop off of plot line that makes the reader wart to follow up on what's happening.
February 17, 2025
I went into this thinking, “Oh great, another time travel story with questionable logic.” But I’ll admit—Marcil pulled it off. The way Savannah experiences the past felt natural, not forced, and the historical accuracy was on point. The characters had depth, and the plot didn’t rely on clichés. I respect a well-researched, thought-provoking book, and this one delivered. Not my usual genre, but well worth the read.
February 18, 2025
Witness to the Revolution got action, romance, and a main character who actually reacts like a real person when she finds herself in the past (which is refreshing). The Revolutionary War setting was really well done, and I felt like I was learning history without even trying. The tension between Savannah and Jonathan was great, and I couldn’t stop reading to see what would happen next. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good adventure!
April 2, 2023
Although the lead character Savannah frustrates me sometimes (which I think is how Jonathan probably feels) I felt myself really rooting for her strength. I think Kiersten's genius is its not just her main characters that I love... but some of her supporting characters I love just as much (Dr. Cole and Anna Cloet) and are rooting for their return and success in future additions to Savvy's story.
March 12, 2025
This is a time travel based historical fantasy that has the fmc Savannah Moore thrown back to the 17th century. Once there, she very quickly realizes where she is or precisely when she is, considering her father was a history buff. Now amidst the American Revolution is the handsome captain Jonathan who doesn't know her full story but comes to her rescue many times. And promises to take her back home, without even knowing what that means.
Jonathan has secrets, Savannah doesn't know who to trust. People helping her seem to be good enough people but are they? Will they really help her get back home in her own time? Or will she get sucked in by the war in this century? Is there really going to be a love angle between Jonathan and Savvy? We know she is single back home
The book is a little slow paced, but enriched with details. The historic setup is so well described. The world building for the war and what the people were doing and living at the time was really nice to read.
The book ends on a cliffhanger but the ending wasn't very great for me. The author has tried to add the element of witchcraft by the end of it. But may be it takes a better turn in the next book. So here's to hoping There's also hints that may be she met her ancestors, which was quite interesting to me.
This was an okay read for me. And I am not sure if I will read the second one, because of the slow pace. But we never know. also, I thought there would be more of the war than the people. It felt more character driven that plot driven to me. But the book kept giving Outlander vibes throughout, so may be I will pick up the second one anyway.
Jonathan has secrets, Savannah doesn't know who to trust. People helping her seem to be good enough people but are they? Will they really help her get back home in her own time? Or will she get sucked in by the war in this century? Is there really going to be a love angle between Jonathan and Savvy? We know she is single back home
The book is a little slow paced, but enriched with details. The historic setup is so well described. The world building for the war and what the people were doing and living at the time was really nice to read.
The book ends on a cliffhanger but the ending wasn't very great for me. The author has tried to add the element of witchcraft by the end of it. But may be it takes a better turn in the next book. So here's to hoping There's also hints that may be she met her ancestors, which was quite interesting to me.
This was an okay read for me. And I am not sure if I will read the second one, because of the slow pace. But we never know. also, I thought there would be more of the war than the people. It felt more character driven that plot driven to me. But the book kept giving Outlander vibes throughout, so may be I will pick up the second one anyway.
November 4, 2024
Loved this book! Living in Upstate NY I enjoy reading about the time period of the Revolutionary War. Mixing Historical Fiction And Fantasy is just my cup of tea! I was pulled into the characters Savannah and Jonathan and I can’t wait to continue reading their story in the next book.
February 17, 2025
I picked up "Witness to the Revolution" on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. The story is engaging, with well-developed characters and a plot that moves at a steady pace. Even without a deep interest in history, I found myself drawn into Savannah's world and eager to see where the story leads.
October 13, 2025
For fans of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon!! This story gripped me from the start and transported me as promised! The characters were most enjoyable and the writing was eloquent and sophisticated. I can’t say enough. Highly recommend this incredible historical fantasy!
December 29, 2022
4.5 stars
May 1, 2024
Enjoyable time travel histfic with great period details. Ending takes the book in a much different direction...curious where this goes.
February 17, 2025
OMG dis book is lit! Savannah goes bak in time 2 da Rev War n its wild. She meets dis hot soldier n theres so much action. Sum parts were confusin but overall totes amazin. Cant w8 4 da nxt 1!
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