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Winds of Change #1
Shenandoah Nights
The last thing sixth-grade teacher Rebecca O'Neill wants to do during the final week of her summer break is chaperone twenty-five children on a six-night, seven-day trip aboard the schooner Shenandoah. But after a desperate phone call from the school principal, she doesn't have a choice. Worse, the ship is rumored to be "haunted." Five years ago, during the Holmes Hole student cruise, teacher Melissa Smith complained about hearing voices and seeing visions, then disappeared without a trace-from the very same cabin where Rebecca will be staying.
Everything seems normal on Sunday afternoon as Rebecca boards the impressive Shenandoah. But as she sits in Cabin 8, she hears hushed voices that don't sound like they're from this century. Mike, a crewmember, insists he believes the crazy Island story that Melissa time-traveled to Colonial Boston. His eerie interest and constant tracking of Rebecca's whereabouts rattles her nerves.
Her first night onboard, Rebecca drifts off to sleep...and wakes the following morning with memories of a secretive conversation about a battle with Britain. Monday night Rebecca crawls into her bunk after an adventurous day of sailing, swimming, and overseeing students. She's startled awake when a man grabs her and yells, "Stowaway!" Dragged in front of Captain Benjamin Reed, she looks up into the most gorgeous brown eyes she's ever seen....
Everything seems normal on Sunday afternoon as Rebecca boards the impressive Shenandoah. But as she sits in Cabin 8, she hears hushed voices that don't sound like they're from this century. Mike, a crewmember, insists he believes the crazy Island story that Melissa time-traveled to Colonial Boston. His eerie interest and constant tracking of Rebecca's whereabouts rattles her nerves.
Her first night onboard, Rebecca drifts off to sleep...and wakes the following morning with memories of a secretive conversation about a battle with Britain. Monday night Rebecca crawls into her bunk after an adventurous day of sailing, swimming, and overseeing students. She's startled awake when a man grabs her and yells, "Stowaway!" Dragged in front of Captain Benjamin Reed, she looks up into the most gorgeous brown eyes she's ever seen....
351 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
6 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Belcastro
7 books53 followersLisa Belcastro lives with her family on Martha's Vineyard. She was inspired to write Shenandoah Nights, the first book in the Winds of Change trilogy, while chaperoning two Tisbury School summer sails with her daughter, Kayla, aboard the schooner Shenandoah. The weeklong adventure, sans electricity, Game Boys, iPods and modern conveniences, kindled her imagination to dream of an altogether different voyage.
In addition to writing Shenandoah Nights and the soon-to-be-released Shenandoah Crossings, Lisa currently pens the cuisine column for Vineyard Style magazine. She has worked as a staff and freelance reporter and photographer for The Chronicle of the Horse and as assistant editor at The Blue Ridge Leader. She has written articles for USA Today, Dressage (London), USA WEEKEND Magazine, The Blue Ridge Leader and Sidelines.
When she's not at her desk working on Shenandoah Dreams, Lisa is living in paradise, volunteering at her daughter's school, serving in her church community, planting and weeding her numerous gardens, trying to run a marathon a month, or walking the beach looking for sea glass.
In addition to writing Shenandoah Nights and the soon-to-be-released Shenandoah Crossings, Lisa currently pens the cuisine column for Vineyard Style magazine. She has worked as a staff and freelance reporter and photographer for The Chronicle of the Horse and as assistant editor at The Blue Ridge Leader. She has written articles for USA Today, Dressage (London), USA WEEKEND Magazine, The Blue Ridge Leader and Sidelines.
When she's not at her desk working on Shenandoah Dreams, Lisa is living in paradise, volunteering at her daughter's school, serving in her church community, planting and weeding her numerous gardens, trying to run a marathon a month, or walking the beach looking for sea glass.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 9, 2014
I have discovered recently that I really enjoy time travel stories. And this one was excellent! I loved the author's writing style and how she really made me feel like I was on the deck of the Shenandoah by using the perfect amount of description and detail! I liked Rebecca but I don't know that I ever really fully connected with her. But I loved Ben, such a great hero and I just wish there had been a little bit more from his perspective. I loved every minute of this book, it was awesome how unique it was, firstly with time travel to and from a boat, and secondly with characters traveling from the present back to the 1770's. This book is definitely one in a million! The romance was SO great and I was amazed that in as a short a time span as this book is set, things never felt rushed to me!
There were so many scenes that I absolutely loved, especially Rebecca's plan to dissuade a British officer from coming aboard the Shenandoah!
On one hand I would have liked to have had a tad more action and conflict... But on second thought this book is perfect just the way it is!
Overall, I loved every minute of this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading Christian time travel romances.
I was honored to receive this book from the author as a gift. She did not ask for a review in return. But I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to read this book. And I hope this review in some way does this wonderful book justice!
I can't wait to read book two when I have a chance!
There were so many scenes that I absolutely loved, especially Rebecca's plan to dissuade a British officer from coming aboard the Shenandoah!
On one hand I would have liked to have had a tad more action and conflict... But on second thought this book is perfect just the way it is!
Overall, I loved every minute of this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading Christian time travel romances.
I was honored to receive this book from the author as a gift. She did not ask for a review in return. But I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to read this book. And I hope this review in some way does this wonderful book justice!
I can't wait to read book two when I have a chance!
August 25, 2014
Shenandoah Nights by Lisa Belcastro is book number one in a series of three. Rebecca O'Neill definitely does not want to be the teacher chaperone for the 11-12 year olds on their annual weekly trip on the eighteenth century schooner, the Shenandoah. The disappearance of teacher Melissa Smith five years earlier and rumours of her ghost, unsettle Rebecca.
However the head teacher persuades her, and as Rebecca sleeps during her first night, she dreams of eighteenth century men. The dreams become a nightmare during her second night in the authentic cabin 8, as Rebecca finds herself being dragged by her hair, as a man in eighteenth century dress screams "traitor".
The year is 1775 and the Americans, led by General George Washington, are fighting the British. Rebecca cannot explain her presence on board, although Captain Benjamin Reed doesn't believe she is a spy.
Rebecca, alone in the world, for her parents and beloved grandmother are dead; falls in love with Benjamin Reed. However over two hundred years separate them, and Ben seems to alternate between the caring captain and the aloof man.
Rebecca knows what she wants for her future, and sets out to achieve it. But will she? Is her future life firmly anchored in the past? Or is she destined to remain a twenty first century woman? Rebecca must learn to trust God and rely on Him, for His plans for her, are so much greater than her own.
I am really enjoying this Shenandoah series, even though I have read the books out of order, as I read book three, Shenandoah Dreams first. The books have fitted together perfectly, as the heroine of book three, Melissa Smith is actually introduced to the reader in book one via references to her disappearance. I shall certainly be getting my hands on book two, Shenandoah Crossings to see how that fits in.
If you like romantic novels with a smattering of time travel thrown in, and a lot of relying on God...then this is the series for you. You won't however, want to do anything but read, once you start the book!
However the head teacher persuades her, and as Rebecca sleeps during her first night, she dreams of eighteenth century men. The dreams become a nightmare during her second night in the authentic cabin 8, as Rebecca finds herself being dragged by her hair, as a man in eighteenth century dress screams "traitor".
The year is 1775 and the Americans, led by General George Washington, are fighting the British. Rebecca cannot explain her presence on board, although Captain Benjamin Reed doesn't believe she is a spy.
Rebecca, alone in the world, for her parents and beloved grandmother are dead; falls in love with Benjamin Reed. However over two hundred years separate them, and Ben seems to alternate between the caring captain and the aloof man.
Rebecca knows what she wants for her future, and sets out to achieve it. But will she? Is her future life firmly anchored in the past? Or is she destined to remain a twenty first century woman? Rebecca must learn to trust God and rely on Him, for His plans for her, are so much greater than her own.
I am really enjoying this Shenandoah series, even though I have read the books out of order, as I read book three, Shenandoah Dreams first. The books have fitted together perfectly, as the heroine of book three, Melissa Smith is actually introduced to the reader in book one via references to her disappearance. I shall certainly be getting my hands on book two, Shenandoah Crossings to see how that fits in.
If you like romantic novels with a smattering of time travel thrown in, and a lot of relying on God...then this is the series for you. You won't however, want to do anything but read, once you start the book!
November 7, 2014
This is a fabulous historical romance with a time travel element. I have to admit that I was skeptical before starting this book, because of the time travel element. I don't read fantasy and the one other time travel book that I'd attempted to read never held my interest. But I'm glad I didn't let that dissuade me. I loved learning about Martha's Vineyard and the Shenandoah and wow, the author really had me believing the whole time travel thing is possible. The book kept me up until 4:15 am. Need I say more!
August 3, 2014
A time travel, Christian romance? Really? Yes…absolutely! This storyline was so well done, that it was completely believable! Shenandoah Nights is the first book in the Winds of Change trilogy.
I really liked the characters, not only Rebecca and Ben, but also Jonah, Adam, and Hawk. Rebecca and Ben had great chemistry together and I was instantly drawn to them and hoping for things to work out so that they could be together. The plot was very interesting, involving a very old ship and a mysterious disappearance that occurred five years earlier on that same ship.
The author did a great job of showing how Rebecca and Ben had to rely on their faith in God to bring them through the troubles ahead for them. There is a lot to recommend in this story, such as characters of strong faith, two people who discover they love each other regardless of the time they are originally from, great historical detail, and plenty of tense moments to keep the reader wondering what will happen. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the other two books in the series.
You can read this review on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
I really liked the characters, not only Rebecca and Ben, but also Jonah, Adam, and Hawk. Rebecca and Ben had great chemistry together and I was instantly drawn to them and hoping for things to work out so that they could be together. The plot was very interesting, involving a very old ship and a mysterious disappearance that occurred five years earlier on that same ship.
The author did a great job of showing how Rebecca and Ben had to rely on their faith in God to bring them through the troubles ahead for them. There is a lot to recommend in this story, such as characters of strong faith, two people who discover they love each other regardless of the time they are originally from, great historical detail, and plenty of tense moments to keep the reader wondering what will happen. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the other two books in the series.
You can read this review on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
October 21, 2013
Shenandoah Nights, Book 1 in the Winds of Change Series, by Lisa BelCastro, is a delightful and easy-to-read novel about a young teacher chaperoning 25 sixth graders on a seven-day sailing trip.
As a retired teacher, I can empathize with Ms Rebecca, as she gives in to the principal to help out. She puts her students first and sails away with them, on the "haunted" vessel called the Shenandoah.
On board, the students and chaperones maintain a strict work routine, while enjoying recreation and good food. But soon the story of the haunted episode creeps its way into the conversations; Ms O'Neill soon finds out that she is assigned to the mysterious Cabin 8!
She starts to experience paranormal events within her cabin, as she is transported to another place and century.
The author does a good job of infusing early American history with a decent amount of fiction.
This novel was well-written; but I would add it probably would be enjoyed more by teens and young adults.
I received this free book for BookFun.org for my honest review.(4 stars)
This review is posted on DeeperShopping and Amazon.
As a retired teacher, I can empathize with Ms Rebecca, as she gives in to the principal to help out. She puts her students first and sails away with them, on the "haunted" vessel called the Shenandoah.
On board, the students and chaperones maintain a strict work routine, while enjoying recreation and good food. But soon the story of the haunted episode creeps its way into the conversations; Ms O'Neill soon finds out that she is assigned to the mysterious Cabin 8!
She starts to experience paranormal events within her cabin, as she is transported to another place and century.
The author does a good job of infusing early American history with a decent amount of fiction.
This novel was well-written; but I would add it probably would be enjoyed more by teens and young adults.
I received this free book for BookFun.org for my honest review.(4 stars)
This review is posted on DeeperShopping and Amazon.
July 24, 2013
Debut novel a delightful beach read!
Shenandoah Nights by Lisa Belcastro is a well-written, light, and enjoyable vacation read. A bit of revolutionary history off the coast of Massachusetts, tied in with a fascinating taste of boat life, a clever and entirely credible time travel scenario and a real-life schooner, which is used to this day to give youngsters an experience of sailing. Add to that mixture a handsome Benjamin Reed, Captain of the Shenandoah in 1775, and a beautiful Rebecca O’Neil, teacher in the 21st Century who has lost all her family, and you have a lovely spark in the midst of an ocean adventure.
I am not one to seek out Christian publishing, but this historical/time travel romance was written in a manner that is never preachy. In fact, the faith of the characters is simply an intrinsic part of their personalities. I recommend this book to people of all belief systems.
The feel-good ending is utterly satisfying and I look forward to book 2 of the trilogy!
Shenandoah Nights by Lisa Belcastro is a well-written, light, and enjoyable vacation read. A bit of revolutionary history off the coast of Massachusetts, tied in with a fascinating taste of boat life, a clever and entirely credible time travel scenario and a real-life schooner, which is used to this day to give youngsters an experience of sailing. Add to that mixture a handsome Benjamin Reed, Captain of the Shenandoah in 1775, and a beautiful Rebecca O’Neil, teacher in the 21st Century who has lost all her family, and you have a lovely spark in the midst of an ocean adventure.
I am not one to seek out Christian publishing, but this historical/time travel romance was written in a manner that is never preachy. In fact, the faith of the characters is simply an intrinsic part of their personalities. I recommend this book to people of all belief systems.
The feel-good ending is utterly satisfying and I look forward to book 2 of the trilogy!
October 31, 2014
Shenandoah Nights is a sweet historical time travel romance. Rebecca O’Neil finds herself in 1775 aboard a gunpowder-carrying ship in the middle of the Revolutionary War, and falls for the dashing Captain Benjamin Reed. I thought the story was very well written. You can tell the author has done her homework with researching. The details are peppered into the action and not just given in an info dump.
At first, Rebecca boards the ship as a reluctant teacher chaperone for a group of middle school students . She has misgivings because of a former teacher chaperone that went missing five years earlier. Her curiosity leads to tension between her and the ship’s staff when she presses them for information.
I loved how the time travel fit into the story. The transitions were smooth and believable, as was Rebecca’s initial confusion. There was also great added tension when Rebecca was caught in the past, considered a stowaway, and mistaken for a spy. The coolest part was when Rebecca got to meet George Washington.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next one.
At first, Rebecca boards the ship as a reluctant teacher chaperone for a group of middle school students . She has misgivings because of a former teacher chaperone that went missing five years earlier. Her curiosity leads to tension between her and the ship’s staff when she presses them for information.
I loved how the time travel fit into the story. The transitions were smooth and believable, as was Rebecca’s initial confusion. There was also great added tension when Rebecca was caught in the past, considered a stowaway, and mistaken for a spy. The coolest part was when Rebecca got to meet George Washington.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next one.
August 11, 2013
This book was so well researched and written! I sat down with the intent to cover two chapters a day, not that I am a slow reader, but finding something to hold my interest is nearly impossible. I was done with this book in less than two days! This author took me back to the 1700's and covered just enough detail to give me a visual, but not bore me. As she introduced each character, they came to life in a way that caused them to cross my mind even when the book wasn't in my hand! The transitioning of the character(s) between centuries was absolutely phenomenal. The author wrote it with such smoothness that it didn't even seem fictional. The author also portrayed a love between the two main characters that made me smile more than once. It was every bit as sweet as anyone could ever want, and so appropriately written that it could be read aloud to a group and not be embarrassing. I cannot wait to get my hands on book #2.........
November 26, 2013
Shenandoah Nights is one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read in a long while. Even when I didn’t have my nose buried in its pages, the book lingered in my mind. A brilliant combination of time-travel, romance, intrigue, and inspiration, this book had it all.
The teacher in me adored the aspect of Rebecca reluctantly chaperoning a group of sixth graders on a week-long school trip. A week with no shower in a tiny cabin on a sailing ship? No thanks! Not Rebecca’s idea of fun either—at least, not in the beginning
Then, when odd things began to happen at night—things like waking up in a different century, and meeting dashing, oh so handsome ship’s captains—her perception changes.
This book was so well written and edited, it was a joy to read. I didn’t want to turn the last page. I cannot recommend this marvelous romance highly enough.
And I can’t wait to start read Shenandoah Crossings . . . tonight!
The teacher in me adored the aspect of Rebecca reluctantly chaperoning a group of sixth graders on a week-long school trip. A week with no shower in a tiny cabin on a sailing ship? No thanks! Not Rebecca’s idea of fun either—at least, not in the beginning
Then, when odd things began to happen at night—things like waking up in a different century, and meeting dashing, oh so handsome ship’s captains—her perception changes.
This book was so well written and edited, it was a joy to read. I didn’t want to turn the last page. I cannot recommend this marvelous romance highly enough.
And I can’t wait to start read Shenandoah Crossings . . . tonight!
March 4, 2015
I really like time travel stories and know how hard it is to write one. Suspension of disbelief is a factor with each scenario imagined, since time travel has yet to be proven possible, even with the remotest possibility. With that said, it is fun to see how different people imagine it happening, and such was the case when I read Shenandoah Nights, Winds of Change. The things I really liked about the story were the way the author skillfully gave an interesting setting to her story (The Shenandoah) and the past of the Revolutionary War. I also enjoyed the bantering amongst characters, and fully expected a different ending than what was given, which kept me guessing to the end. Sweet romance, intrigue, and an unusual scenario kept me reading after bedtime. I would definitely read the next book. I think this book is well suited to teen/young adult readers in particular. If you enjoy a sweep you off your feet romance in an unusual setting, give this book a try.
August 25, 2013
*Good Reads Winner*
I am so excited to receive a copy of Shenandoah Nights! It sounds like my kind of book...I can't wait for it to arrive!"
In a time where it seems good stories and new ideas are hard to find, I found Shenandoah Nights delightfully refreshing. The minute I began the story, I didn't want to put it down (a definite page-turner). I have to also mention that it was so nice to come across a book that has prayer and faith intertwined with the story. It is rare to find that in books these days. Lisa Belcastro's writing is well written, her story very enchanting, and the characters respectable. I would love to read the next book in the series knowing it would be a book well read and well spent. Thanks for giving me the chance to check it out!
I am so excited to receive a copy of Shenandoah Nights! It sounds like my kind of book...I can't wait for it to arrive!"
In a time where it seems good stories and new ideas are hard to find, I found Shenandoah Nights delightfully refreshing. The minute I began the story, I didn't want to put it down (a definite page-turner). I have to also mention that it was so nice to come across a book that has prayer and faith intertwined with the story. It is rare to find that in books these days. Lisa Belcastro's writing is well written, her story very enchanting, and the characters respectable. I would love to read the next book in the series knowing it would be a book well read and well spent. Thanks for giving me the chance to check it out!
October 21, 2013
Shenandoah Nights is about Rebecca O'Neill, a sixth grade teacher, who agrees to chaperone a group of kids on a week trip on the Shenandoah. Before the trip, she hears all kinds of crazy stories about the ship. Rebecca's first night becomes eventful when she wakes up to two Colonists discussing a battle Britain. Oh my! Is Rebecca dreaming all this up or has she really traveled by in time?
I wasn't sure what I would think of this book when I first got my hands on it. Well, I loved it! Rebecca is really a strong character. The events evolving the story were believable and I felt that I was part of the story. I am excited to find out that this book 1 of a series. I look to reading the rest of the series. I would definitely highly recommend this book! 5 stars.
I wasn't sure what I would think of this book when I first got my hands on it. Well, I loved it! Rebecca is really a strong character. The events evolving the story were believable and I felt that I was part of the story. I am excited to find out that this book 1 of a series. I look to reading the rest of the series. I would definitely highly recommend this book! 5 stars.
February 6, 2016
Squuueeaaalllll!!! Time Travel!!! Suspend all logic, throw common sense out the window and be prepared to be swept away by a unique love story that spans centuries. I do love this genre and there aren't enough books written for the adult market, let alone in Christian Fiction. So I am happy dancing after reading Shenandoah Nights -- especially since it's the first in a series.
It's campy and fun and romantically delicious. Benjamin is the stuff heroes are made of and Rebecca is quickly out of her element and not just because she's time travelled back two hundred years. A tenuous romance, some toe-curling love scenes and the shipboard setting all mesh together to make this an unforgettable read.
It's campy and fun and romantically delicious. Benjamin is the stuff heroes are made of and Rebecca is quickly out of her element and not just because she's time travelled back two hundred years. A tenuous romance, some toe-curling love scenes and the shipboard setting all mesh together to make this an unforgettable read.
August 20, 2013
I've only had Shenandoah Nights for a week and I just finished reading it for the 2nd time. It was just as good as the 1st time, even though I knew what was going to happen. I have to admit that I'm not into sci-fi 'time travel' and 'haunted house' types of books, so I was skeptical at first, but this book was amazing. The transitions in the time travel were so smooth and it felt so realistic. I was captivated and just didn't want to put the book down - that's why I've read it twice already. So thankful for a good, clean, interesting read where God is a part of the characters lives and they trust Him.
August 12, 2013
I love this book! I wasn't sure what I was in for when I started, but once I started reading, I was hooked! The author takes you on a ride in the future right to the past. The time travel is seamless and very easy to follow. The characters bloom more and more with each page! I loved how easy it was to fully engage in the character's lives and feel for them. Can't wait to get my hands on book 2!
July 3, 2015
A delightful mix of genres! I really enjoyed the kids and the teachers of the here and now contrasted with time travel to meet a true love in the 1700's. It is refreshing to not have to worry about sketchy content and just get swept away in the story. The back drop of sailing ships was fun and worked well for the settings in two different centuries. I loved the characters and wanted to know more about them. A good read.
August 31, 2013
What a fun book!
Are you into romance? Or time travel? Then this is for you. I enjoy both, so this book was a fabulous read for me. Perfect summer novel, I can't wait to get the next one.
I won this copy from GoodReads First Reads, but the review is all my own. The book came with a signed note from the author that said "Amber, I hope you are swept away", and I'm happy to say I was.
Are you into romance? Or time travel? Then this is for you. I enjoy both, so this book was a fabulous read for me. Perfect summer novel, I can't wait to get the next one.
I won this copy from GoodReads First Reads, but the review is all my own. The book came with a signed note from the author that said "Amber, I hope you are swept away", and I'm happy to say I was.
September 1, 2014
Shenandoah Nights is mysterious, historical, and at time humorous, much to the full and varied cast of characters. I absolutely enjoyed connecting with Rebecca, our modern-day heroine, as she struggles to abide by life in the 18th Century. It was like traveling back in time myself.
I look forward to reading more of the Winds of Change Trilogy!
I look forward to reading more of the Winds of Change Trilogy!
August 23, 2013
This story was an amazing read! I was hooked from page one and couldn't put it down! Lisa Belcastro has a way of drawing you into the story and making you feel as though you are the main character! Awesome fast paced story! I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
July 11, 2014
Wonderful beach read-- finished this while listening to the sound of waves and with sand under my feet! A bit of fantasy, mystery and romance mixed with a little history makes for a fun read. Recommend!
August 9, 2013
Fabulous! Totally fun romance with a spunky sci-fi twist!
April 20, 2018
I won a copy of Shenandoah Nights in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. I was under no obligation to review the book and my opinion is freely given.
Having to give up her final week of summer vacation to chaperone a multiple day stay aboard the ship "Shenandoah", sixth-grade teacher Rebecca O'Neill has concerns about the ghostly rumors floating around. Ever since teacher Melissa Smith disappeared on a school trip five years previously, from the same cabin in which Rebecca will be staying, there are those in the community who feel the ship is haunted. When Rebecca starts to have vivid dreams about the past, will her sleep travel through time shake up her beliefs? Will the truth of Melissa's disappearance help Rebecca make a risky choice?
Shenandoah Nights suffers from too many ideas in a relatively short book. I liked the time traveling aspects of the book, especially in regards to the historical references. The problem is that the author also added elements from other genres, namely romance and Christian fiction. Falling back on religion to move the plot forward, the author sacrifices the development of the story itself. There were some good points along the way, but the book was a missed opportunity overall. Everything was just too easy, in both the present and the past. For these reasons, I would be hesitant to recommend Shenandoah Nights to other readers.
Having to give up her final week of summer vacation to chaperone a multiple day stay aboard the ship "Shenandoah", sixth-grade teacher Rebecca O'Neill has concerns about the ghostly rumors floating around. Ever since teacher Melissa Smith disappeared on a school trip five years previously, from the same cabin in which Rebecca will be staying, there are those in the community who feel the ship is haunted. When Rebecca starts to have vivid dreams about the past, will her sleep travel through time shake up her beliefs? Will the truth of Melissa's disappearance help Rebecca make a risky choice?
Shenandoah Nights suffers from too many ideas in a relatively short book. I liked the time traveling aspects of the book, especially in regards to the historical references. The problem is that the author also added elements from other genres, namely romance and Christian fiction. Falling back on religion to move the plot forward, the author sacrifices the development of the story itself. There were some good points along the way, but the book was a missed opportunity overall. Everything was just too easy, in both the present and the past. For these reasons, I would be hesitant to recommend Shenandoah Nights to other readers.
May 10, 2017
I usually don't read romance novels. Lisa changed my mind. Her historic novel keeps you riveted. A well-written page turner. Thank you, Lisa for teaching me New England history.
March 24, 2020
This was such a sweet romance that made for a great quick read! Looking forward to reading the other two books in the series!
December 18, 2014
Little did I know when I attended the New England Writers’ Conference in October, 2014, that I’d meet so many authors who had written so many excellent books. As a blogger, I’m always on the lookout for interesting books to review.
When Lisa Belcastro, who lives on Martha’s Vineyard, heard that I live in Plymouth, MA, and write reviews, she gave me all three novels in her Winds of Change series. After all, we are practically neighbors and both have a love for the ocean.
All three of the novels are set on the schooner, Shenandoah. So come aboard and let’s go sailing!
Shenandoah Nights:
Rebecca O’Neill is enjoying the last week of her summer vacation before her job as a sixth-grade teacher resumes. The last thing she wants to do is chaperone 25 kids on a sailing trip on the Shenandoah. But her principal is persuasive, and Rebecca finds herself on onboard despite all her objections. And to top of everything, the ship is rumored to be haunted.
Five years earlier, another teacher, Melissa Smith, had complained about hearing voices and seeing visions, and then disappeared from the very cabin where Rebecca will be bunked. However, the Sunday she boards everything seems normal. The kids are all excited and so, in spite of herself, is Rebecca.
That night she drifts off to sleep, but awakens in the morning with memories of a hushed conversation about a battle with Britain. Monday night, after an exhausting day of sailing, swimming, crafts, and overseeing students, Rebecca crawls into her bunk and is instantly asleep. She’s startled awake when a man grabs her arm and yells, “Stowaway!” Nothing is familiar about the ship she’s now on—the people, the clothing, the language—as she’s dragged before Captain Benjamin Reed—and is lost!
You’ll read this adventure quickly and then dive into the next one. I was totally entranced by the story. I couldn’t wait to start reading…
Shenandoah Crossings:
Tess Roberts, daughter of the Shenandoah’s captain, wants nothing more than to be able to crew on the ship with her father. But father is cautious and not at all amenable to having a female crew member—besides he doesn’t want to be accused of nepotism. Tess is fed up with the rules, her life, lousy dates, a dead ex who was a liar and philanderer, and the Vineyard, idyllic place though the island might be.
But Tess knows the history of the ship—and knows that the Shenandoah has mystical powers. Her best friend, Rebecca O’Neill, had stayed in Cabin 8—the same cabin that Melissa Smith had disappeared from five years before—and discovered a time portal that took her back to 1775. Tess decides to see if she, too, can go back in time—she REALLY needs to talk with Rebecca. She wants to get away from Hawk, the first mate on the Shenandoah, whom she’d fallen for years before and who studiously avoids the Captain’s daughter.
Does she make the trip? Does she find Rebecca? Is Hawk as aloof as he seems? Will life take a better turn for Tess? Read on to find out—you’ll devour this book, too, and then sail on to…
Shenandoah Dreams:
Book Three in the Winds of Change series, Shenandoah Dreams recounts the story of Melissa Smith—the teacher who’d disappeared from the ship mysteriously five years ago. She knows, “It’s just a dream,” as she stares into the handsome eyes of a man dressed in Colonial clothes just like those worth by the actors at Plimoth Plantation. But she’s not at the Plantation—or the Boston Tea Party Museum—she’s onboard the schooner Shenandoah sailing the waters around Martha’s Vineyard. But this man claims to be Isaiah Reed, the first captain of the Shenandoah in the eighteenth century!
Can a dream last for weeks on end? How will she find her way home…to the 21st century? Can she bear to leave Isaiah with whom she has an almost electric connection? Romance, history, and adventure—the sweeping excitement of the Winds of Change series.
The Winds of Change series is published by OakTara Publishers. I am grateful to them for publishing these three books and to Lisa Belcastro for giving them to me for my candid review.
When Lisa Belcastro, who lives on Martha’s Vineyard, heard that I live in Plymouth, MA, and write reviews, she gave me all three novels in her Winds of Change series. After all, we are practically neighbors and both have a love for the ocean.
All three of the novels are set on the schooner, Shenandoah. So come aboard and let’s go sailing!
Shenandoah Nights:
Rebecca O’Neill is enjoying the last week of her summer vacation before her job as a sixth-grade teacher resumes. The last thing she wants to do is chaperone 25 kids on a sailing trip on the Shenandoah. But her principal is persuasive, and Rebecca finds herself on onboard despite all her objections. And to top of everything, the ship is rumored to be haunted.
Five years earlier, another teacher, Melissa Smith, had complained about hearing voices and seeing visions, and then disappeared from the very cabin where Rebecca will be bunked. However, the Sunday she boards everything seems normal. The kids are all excited and so, in spite of herself, is Rebecca.
That night she drifts off to sleep, but awakens in the morning with memories of a hushed conversation about a battle with Britain. Monday night, after an exhausting day of sailing, swimming, crafts, and overseeing students, Rebecca crawls into her bunk and is instantly asleep. She’s startled awake when a man grabs her arm and yells, “Stowaway!” Nothing is familiar about the ship she’s now on—the people, the clothing, the language—as she’s dragged before Captain Benjamin Reed—and is lost!
You’ll read this adventure quickly and then dive into the next one. I was totally entranced by the story. I couldn’t wait to start reading…
Shenandoah Crossings:
Tess Roberts, daughter of the Shenandoah’s captain, wants nothing more than to be able to crew on the ship with her father. But father is cautious and not at all amenable to having a female crew member—besides he doesn’t want to be accused of nepotism. Tess is fed up with the rules, her life, lousy dates, a dead ex who was a liar and philanderer, and the Vineyard, idyllic place though the island might be.
But Tess knows the history of the ship—and knows that the Shenandoah has mystical powers. Her best friend, Rebecca O’Neill, had stayed in Cabin 8—the same cabin that Melissa Smith had disappeared from five years before—and discovered a time portal that took her back to 1775. Tess decides to see if she, too, can go back in time—she REALLY needs to talk with Rebecca. She wants to get away from Hawk, the first mate on the Shenandoah, whom she’d fallen for years before and who studiously avoids the Captain’s daughter.
Does she make the trip? Does she find Rebecca? Is Hawk as aloof as he seems? Will life take a better turn for Tess? Read on to find out—you’ll devour this book, too, and then sail on to…
Shenandoah Dreams:
Book Three in the Winds of Change series, Shenandoah Dreams recounts the story of Melissa Smith—the teacher who’d disappeared from the ship mysteriously five years ago. She knows, “It’s just a dream,” as she stares into the handsome eyes of a man dressed in Colonial clothes just like those worth by the actors at Plimoth Plantation. But she’s not at the Plantation—or the Boston Tea Party Museum—she’s onboard the schooner Shenandoah sailing the waters around Martha’s Vineyard. But this man claims to be Isaiah Reed, the first captain of the Shenandoah in the eighteenth century!
Can a dream last for weeks on end? How will she find her way home…to the 21st century? Can she bear to leave Isaiah with whom she has an almost electric connection? Romance, history, and adventure—the sweeping excitement of the Winds of Change series.
The Winds of Change series is published by OakTara Publishers. I am grateful to them for publishing these three books and to Lisa Belcastro for giving them to me for my candid review.
October 27, 2013
Here is a lighthearted romance with a lot of imagination and even some history worked into the contemporary story. Rebecca O’Neill is talked into being the teacher chaperone on a field trip for the class that will start sixth grade in just a week. This field trip is aboard the Shenandoah, a reconstruction of its name sake that was a schooner used in the American Revolutionary war. In the rebuilding of the ship, Captain Roberts makes sure they use every piece of the original ship that was salvageable. They painstakingly numbered each board as they removed it so when they built the new ship they could put the old boards in the exact location they were originally in. Which creates one cabin made completely of the original materials. This cabin becomes the transport to the past, in 1776.
I loved the movies The Love Letter and Somewhere In Time that involve time travel and falling in love with a person in the past. Then there is the conundrum, can the person from the present, or future depending how you look at it, go to the past and stay in order to be with their true love. This novel falls under that same category. Lisa does a great job of bringing out the chemistry between Rebecca and Captain Reed.
It is fun to imagine such things. The story takes you from present day, to over 200 years ago and back. As a sixth grade teacher, and still in her twenties, some of Rebecca’s thoughts seem a little too “young” for me. I wasn’t sure if this book was written for young adults or adult women. Lisa has assured me it is for women, although there have been quite a few teenage girls who have read it and contacted her or left a review. Even one sixty-year-old man who read it after his wife did and enjoyed it.
The book was very hard to put down once the romance was established. The last half of the book didn’t seem near as geared to such a young audience as I first questioned. It is a fun read, and if you are looking for a short, light hearted romance novel, you will most likely enjoy it, as I did.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion.www.TMWoodsBooks.com/blog. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBooks, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/TMWoodsBooks.
I loved the movies The Love Letter and Somewhere In Time that involve time travel and falling in love with a person in the past. Then there is the conundrum, can the person from the present, or future depending how you look at it, go to the past and stay in order to be with their true love. This novel falls under that same category. Lisa does a great job of bringing out the chemistry between Rebecca and Captain Reed.
It is fun to imagine such things. The story takes you from present day, to over 200 years ago and back. As a sixth grade teacher, and still in her twenties, some of Rebecca’s thoughts seem a little too “young” for me. I wasn’t sure if this book was written for young adults or adult women. Lisa has assured me it is for women, although there have been quite a few teenage girls who have read it and contacted her or left a review. Even one sixty-year-old man who read it after his wife did and enjoyed it.
The book was very hard to put down once the romance was established. The last half of the book didn’t seem near as geared to such a young audience as I first questioned. It is a fun read, and if you are looking for a short, light hearted romance novel, you will most likely enjoy it, as I did.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion.www.TMWoodsBooks.com/blog. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBooks, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/TMWoodsBooks.
September 13, 2016
Rebecca becomes the last minute chaperone for a class trip on the Shenandoah, a refurbished ship from the Revolutionary War. She knows she was only asked because she is single with no family and it takes her a while to warm up to the idea that the trip might actually be fun. After all, she does like the ocean and she has already has a fascination with the Shenandoah. But what starts as weird dreams turns into being transported back to the Revolutionary War where she meets Ben. Of course she can't explain to the Captain how she got on his ship because it takes her a while to figure it out just like it takes a while for her to figure out she is in love with Ben. The question is what will he think when she finds the courage to tell him she's from the future and not a stowaway spy.
I was given this book for free in exchange for a review. This was a really sweet romance. Rebecca was easy to like and you get to know Ben by his qualities, not his looks. I really liked the pacing in this story which made it very readable. I also liked that there was a lot of kindness in the book from many of the characters. What I didn't like was there was a character named Missy who helps Rebecca figure out what is happening to her. You get bits and pieces about Missy until right before you actually meet her. Then you get a dump of information which seems more like gossip at the beauty shop then information and it seemed out of place with the rest of the book. I also didn't like the fact she had a boyfriend in the beginning who she was trying to dump. She totally forgets about him after the first chapter even though she goes out of her way for everyone else's feelings.
Normally I don't read a lot of modern romances but I found the time travel element of this story intriguing. More of this book is in the present then in the past but I didn't really notice it until I started writing this review because I was enjoying the story so much. If you are looking for a warm fuzzy, feel good story, this is a good book to choose.
I was given this book for free in exchange for a review. This was a really sweet romance. Rebecca was easy to like and you get to know Ben by his qualities, not his looks. I really liked the pacing in this story which made it very readable. I also liked that there was a lot of kindness in the book from many of the characters. What I didn't like was there was a character named Missy who helps Rebecca figure out what is happening to her. You get bits and pieces about Missy until right before you actually meet her. Then you get a dump of information which seems more like gossip at the beauty shop then information and it seemed out of place with the rest of the book. I also didn't like the fact she had a boyfriend in the beginning who she was trying to dump. She totally forgets about him after the first chapter even though she goes out of her way for everyone else's feelings.
Normally I don't read a lot of modern romances but I found the time travel element of this story intriguing. More of this book is in the present then in the past but I didn't really notice it until I started writing this review because I was enjoying the story so much. If you are looking for a warm fuzzy, feel good story, this is a good book to choose.
July 11, 2014
This book was a winner for several reasons. I've mentioned in previous reviews how much I enjoy historical time travel books, especially when they involve a romance. The added bonus for me with this particular story is the fact that the time travel setting is during the Revolutionary War period. I taught this period to my students for years and still find it to be fascinating. The time travel scenes where Rebecca goes back to 1775 flowed easily and much of the story was told in the past. The Shenandoah, which is the ship and the main setting, is running gunpowder to the Continental Army and George Washington even makes a brief appearance toward the end of the book.
Cabin 8 is the only cabin that is completely original, with every board it the exact place it was on the ship before it was renovated. This is given as the reason for the time travel. I liked that when Rebecca went back in time, she was in her 21st century clothes. I have read many a book where the clothing magically changes to match the time period and always found it to be a flaw. She only goes back when she goes to sleep at night and she has to be in that specific cabin or she won't travel. Everything made sense and it was easy to understand. There were no complicated explanations that took away from the main story.
The book has both mystery and romance. The slow growing romance between Ben and Rebecca in 1775 is portrayed perfectly, not overdone in any way and I found myself wanting her to somehow get stuck in the past. There is the mystery of what happened to Melissa, who disappeared on the ship five years before and a bit of intrigue and suspense in both time periods as the story begins to present some possible paths for the ending. As usual, I won't give away any spoilers but I was very satisfied when I put the book down and was delighted when I realized there was a second story that focuses on a few of the minor characters in this book.
Cabin 8 is the only cabin that is completely original, with every board it the exact place it was on the ship before it was renovated. This is given as the reason for the time travel. I liked that when Rebecca went back in time, she was in her 21st century clothes. I have read many a book where the clothing magically changes to match the time period and always found it to be a flaw. She only goes back when she goes to sleep at night and she has to be in that specific cabin or she won't travel. Everything made sense and it was easy to understand. There were no complicated explanations that took away from the main story.
The book has both mystery and romance. The slow growing romance between Ben and Rebecca in 1775 is portrayed perfectly, not overdone in any way and I found myself wanting her to somehow get stuck in the past. There is the mystery of what happened to Melissa, who disappeared on the ship five years before and a bit of intrigue and suspense in both time periods as the story begins to present some possible paths for the ending. As usual, I won't give away any spoilers but I was very satisfied when I put the book down and was delighted when I realized there was a second story that focuses on a few of the minor characters in this book.
October 29, 2013
I couldn’t put this down! I actually did carry it with me around the house in case I got 5 spare minutes to read. I wanted to know how it all would end! You have Rebecca, a teacher, who gets roped into being a chaperone for a bunch of kids on the ship Shenandoah. She is very intrigued with the story of the disappearance of Melissa, 5 years ago on the same ship. Well, when things start happening to her – vivid dreams that end up NOT being dreams after all, you get a very good story that sucks you in. I sat on the edge of my seat the whole time wondering what was going to happen next – would she go back in time again, would she be stuck there, would she be stuck in current time, would she be arrested? There were many well thought out characters that make you feel you are there, on the ship, with them all. The history surrounding it all was very interesting and I loved learning it. Can you imagine meeting THE George Washington? I probably would have reacted the same as Rebecca!
The author also did the time travel storyline superbly. Nothing felt rushed or forced or unnatural. I had wondered how you could intertwine Christianity with time travel and make it come out intelligent, but Lisa did it. This is a book of fiction, meaning you don’t have to believe it is possible, just more of one author’s sensible take on “what if” in a fun story.
I honestly loved this book and am so excited this is the first in a series – bring on more, please!
I received this book from bookfun.org for an honest review.
The author also did the time travel storyline superbly. Nothing felt rushed or forced or unnatural. I had wondered how you could intertwine Christianity with time travel and make it come out intelligent, but Lisa did it. This is a book of fiction, meaning you don’t have to believe it is possible, just more of one author’s sensible take on “what if” in a fun story.
I honestly loved this book and am so excited this is the first in a series – bring on more, please!
I received this book from bookfun.org for an honest review.
November 10, 2013
"Shenandoah Nights" is a lighthearted romance that takes place in modern and historical times. The main character, Rebecca, gets to be a chaperone on a field trip for a class trip of twenty-five sixth graders. But, this is no ordinary field trip, it is a week spent aboard the Shenandoah, a reconstructed schooner used in the Revolutionary war. The ship was rebuilt using as many pieces of the original ship as possible. One cabin in the ship even uses the exact same boards, placed in the exact same order, as the original cabin. This cabin becomes a "time machine" transporting Rebecca to 1776! Rebecca is terrified when she wakes up on the same ship, yet with men she has never met before, and worst of all, they think she is a spy. You will have to read this book to discover if Rebecca stays in the past, or is able to return to the present!
Lisa Belcastro did an excellent job of portraying both the historical events in this book, and the contemporary ones. Her changes in time were easy to understand, smooth in transition and fun to read. The cast of characters were very likeable! The faith of each character is a natural part of their personalities.
"Shenandoah Nights" is romantic, mysterious, and occasionally humorous. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next one!
I received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
Lisa Belcastro did an excellent job of portraying both the historical events in this book, and the contemporary ones. Her changes in time were easy to understand, smooth in transition and fun to read. The cast of characters were very likeable! The faith of each character is a natural part of their personalities.
"Shenandoah Nights" is romantic, mysterious, and occasionally humorous. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next one!
I received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
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