Across the Ages

Across the Ages #1

by RaShelle Workman

Ghosts are real. So is time travel.

Eighteen-year-old Lucy Channing discovers this reality after her dead grandmother gives her a beautiful locket. As soon as her fingers brush the cold copper, Lucy is swept out of the nineteenth century and into the twenty-first.

The first person she encounters is twenty-year-old William Godwin. He’s uber-rich, arrogant, exciting, and oh so handsome.

William agrees to help the strange girl find her way home. Or into the nearest mental institution.

But what the two uncover reveals more than ghosts and time travel. Lucy and William discover a love greater than time itself.


A love so strong it reaches...

Across the Ages.

Genres: Time Travel, Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction

366 pages, Paperback

First published December 21, 2014

About the author

RaShelle Workman is an international bestselling author of reimagined fairy tales, supernatural suspense, paranormal cozies, and more. Her novels have been listed on multiple bestseller lists, including her Blood and Snow series (now Seven Magics Academy), which has sold more than a million copies worldwide. In addition, three of her books have been translated into Turkish.

When RaShelle isn't writing, she enjoys baking, creating new taco recipes and hanging with family. She lives in Utah with her husband, three children, and their dogs.

Find her online by visiting her website at: www.rashelleworkman.org. And sign up for her newsletter to receive free books and get information on book release dates: http://eepurl.com/chMcej.

Books by RaShelle Workman:

BROOMSTICK BAY COZY MYSTERIES
Zucchini Cake & Zombies
Wedding Cake & Werewolves (coming 6/23)
Vanilla Cake & Vampires (coming 10/23)

EERIE VALLEY SUPERNATURALS
Undercover Reaper
Twice Reaped
Reapers Creepers
Deadly Reaper (coming 4/24)

FABLE TOWN MYSTERIES
Iced Raspberry Cookies and a Curse

FAIRY ACADEMY
Hidden Princess
Broken Curse
Stolen Magic

THE FAIRYTALE CHRONICLES
Royal Selection
Royal Contract
Royal Keeper (coming 12/23)
Royal Everlasting (coming 2024)

DEMONLAND SERIES
Alice in Demonland
Alice Fights Demonland
Alice Takes Demonland
Alice Ignites Demonland

BEASTLY SERIES
A Beauty so Beastly

WOLF BLOOD ACADEMY
Initiation
Inheritance
Induction

MAGIC BLOOD ACADEMY
Elemental Outcast Games: Fire
Elemental Outcast Games: Water
Elemental Outcast Games: Earth
Elemental Outcast Games: Air
Elemental Outcast Games: Shadow
Elemental Outcast Games: Monster

VAMPIRE BLOOD ACADEMY
Vampire in Training (coming 8/2023)
Monster Trials (coming 9/2023
End Times (coming 9/23)

SEVEN MAGICS ACADEMY
Blood and Snow
Fate and Magic
Queen of the Vampires
Deadly Witch
Royal Witch
Vampire Lies
Vampire Secrets
Vampires and Dragons
Vampires and Gargoyles
Vampire Magics

ETERNALLY ENTANGLED
Eternally Entangled
Thoroughly Tousled
Infinitely Intertwined

PARANORMAL INQUIRIES
Ghoulish Whisper

IMMORTAL ESSENCE
Exiled
Destined

ACROSS THE AGES
Goddess Curse
Mystical Gift

__________

Ann Hardy ~ Sizzling Sweet Romance
Most Eligible Cowboy
Happily Ever Summer
Rockstar Billionaire
Billionaire Best Man
Faking it With the Billionaire
Dating the Billionaire
The Betting Billionaire
The Country Singer's Billionaire
The Prideful Billionaire
Totally Scrooged


Reviews

[Sandee is Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was such an entertaining read. Although, there were some parts that made me roll my eyes. There were a lot of cliches that luckily worked for the book.

I was kind of a bit worried about how the author was going to pull the time travelling thing. It easn't thoroughly explained in my opinion. I was wanting to know more about the Egyptian Myth surrounding the locket that she has though. I feel that this book didn't explore on that too much. All the while I thought this book was a standalone, turns out it wasn't so imagine my confusion when this book ended on a cliffie. A bad freakin' cliffie that made me want to know what happens next.

The characters were okay. Nothing too special. I liked Lucy's relationship with her grandmother and also how she coped up with the things she found on modern New York city. Those were the pretty entertaining parts.Will, her love interest was a douche. I'm sorry, I do not like him at all. Would have preferred she ends up with thia guy named, Dashell, who she was arranged to be married.

Anyways, I guess that's all my thoughts for now.

Will I recommend it? I will. For those who are wanting a short entertaining read with a hint of romance, myth, and time travelling.

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this from Amazon's Kindle Unlimited. Thank goodness I didn't pay for it. The story had such potential and it wasn't half bad at the beginning. Then, Lucy sees a ghost and is sent to the future and everything falls apart. I think that if the author had taken more time to develop her characters and, I don't know, EXPLAIN the locket/time traveling further, I would have enjoyed it more. There's absolutely no time for the two characters to fall in love, but they suddenly are. The last few chapters just became ridiculous (trapped in a cave by lions and a random god. Seriously?) and had no explanation. It honestly seemed like the author was just trying to hurry and finish the story so she threw something together without an afterthought. The horrible editing job didn't help, either. Add some length to the story to further develop the plot and characters, give more background info and hire a decent editor, and perhaps the story could be saved. Alas, we'll never know.

[RaShelle Workman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to share this one with all of you.

[Julia Bell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sorry to give just one star for this story, since the first chapter was very good. It was well written and it was interesting to read about the conflict between the gods and how they resolved this conflict.
I really don’t know what happened next, as it seemed as though a different writer had taken over the narrative and my disappointment grew. Although the scientific facts seemed well researched the social inaccuracies were woeful and I had to stop at 30%, since I was starting to feel annoyed.
Lucy is the daughter of an earl so would be referred to as Lady Lucy by the servants, not miss. Her parents would be known as the Earl and Countess of Sothersby or Lord and Lady Sothersby, not Earl and Lady Sothersby. Lucy’s intended, Dashel, seems to be first a duke and then an earl and since his father is still alive, from where did he get his title? He would never have proposed marriage to Lucy in public. Lucy would never have come down to supper in her nightdress (what would the footmen have thought?) or gone outside in her nightdress (unless the house was on fire, of course).
I was dismayed to see the narrative suddenly move briefly from the third person to the first person. “Music, please,” my father commanded.
But I’m afraid it was the teabag episode that finally did it for me. Teabags in 1815? They didn’t become popular in the UK until the 1950’s. I did persevere with the story for a few chapters when Lucy travelled into the twenty-first century, but I disliked Will who seemed full of his own importance.
I felt it was such a shame as the premise of the story is very interesting and the author certainly has a lively imagination.

[Emmanuelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just fantastic! RaShelle creates a time travel story unlike any other I've read. It's filled with discovery, suspense and I absolutely can't wait to read future installments. Lucy struggles as an 1815's woman coming of age; her family needs her to marry for the benefit of the family and while Dashel is a great match, she doesn't love him. Her grandmother introduces her to a magical amulet that will bring her to her true love. Fast forward 200 years and she's completely lost in this new world of technology. But, she finds family and her true love. Can she overcome the differences and step forward in this world with a less rigid view of feminity? You won't want to miss RaShelle Workman's newest book because it'll take you on an amazing adventure.

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read anything written by this author. She weaves the most amazing stories. I normally am not a
fan of time travel type stories, but I sure did love this one. I loved how she interweaved the eqyption
stories in with everything else as well. I am a sucker for stories about gods or godesses, so I knew
I had to read this one. I fell in love with Lucy and Will and all the back characters as well. If you are
a fan of ghosts, gods, or time travel, you will love this book. I cant wait to read the next book to see
what happens.

[Chrystal Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice short book. A little too quick towards the end of it but gave you a taste of what's to come. I liken It to a time travelers wife but with a little bit of ancient Egyptian history / folk tale worked in. Will keep reading for sure. Easy to digest after reading a really long crime series before this

[Laura Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book I thoroughly enjoyed; I love how Rachelle writes for one. It's different, in a way that I can't pinpoint, but it's a good thing. I couldn't put it down!

The storyline and the mythology included is very interesting. I've never read a book or story that has included Egyptian Gods or myths, and I really liked how they were used in this story.
As a firm believer in true love and soulmates, I took to this story like a moth to a flame, and couldn't stop turning the pages.

Lucy is a brilliant character, and I loved reading how she transitioned between the ages. It was humorous, humble and relatable to see how she took to situations.
The smartphone scene, with the text. Good lord, I practically high fived the book. Lucy had sass without even realising it!

As for Will, I actually really like him as a character. He's not as in your face as typical 'insufferable'-as Lucy would say-character is; he's very down to earth, kind and protective to Lucy.

I'm looking forward to the next book so badly, I want to see what is going to happen. What happens to Kincaid? What happens with Dashel, now Will is on the scene? What will happen to Lucy when her parents find out?
So many questions!!

[Paige Jennings · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beautiful cover and that was the best thing about the book.

[Michael Thal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eighteen-year-old Lucy Channing has the responsibility of marrying Dashel Rothchild, the Earl of Westington, so her soon to be impoverished father can maintain his position in 1815 London society. Unfortunately, Lucy doesn’t love Dashel, a young man she’s known most of her life, even though he is a nice enough chap.

Lucy’s grandmother, Agatha, the Countess of Polenska, had married for love, a goal Lucy aspires to achieve, but how would that be possible? Shortly after Agatha’s death the impossible happens. Grandmother’s ghost appears to Lucy offering a locket that when opened and the amulet inside caressed, will lead Lucy to her one true love, no matter where or when he lives.

The instant Lucy touches the amulet’s cold copper surface her life changes forever. In a blink of an eye she is transported through time and space to Twenty-First Century Central Park in New York City. There she meets the dashing William Godwin, an arrogant boy two years her senior who is also very exciting and oh so handsome.

Author RaShelle Workman does an excellent job of showing Lucy’s relationship with William, her education in 2015 America, and the main protagonists’ personalities. Setting descriptions and plot are excellent, however the ending was a let down and the few editorial glitches this reader uncovered were a bit annoying.

With that said, Across the Ages is an entertaining book for YA readers to enjoy who especially like love stories and time travel. Across the Ages is the first installment in Workman’s Across the Ages Time Travel Series.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

1815 was so bad - the author should have done more research on customs and mores. Tea bags? Trousers? Ladies shaking hands? Bright red lipstick on her grandmother? I could swear that ladies did not attend funerals at that time, as well. And their family church had a dirt floor - what the hell was that about? A dirt floor. In church with stained glass, oak pews, and candelabras.

And then when Lucy was in 2015, she automagically knew how to straighten her hair with a dryer and brush after never even combing her own hair. Right. I still can't do that and I've been doing my hair all of my life.

The worst part part is that this was not a standalone story. I slogged through the plot (which had unrealized potential), the anchronistic heroine and the arrogant hero to find a pause at the end of the book instead of a stop.

[Kay Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

It was different than I thought it was going to be, but the story drew me in all the same. I didn’t want to put it down, and stayed up until the early morning hours reading to find out what happened next. It lost my interest a bit when the main character Lucy and her true love Will were captured by supernatural lions that were controlled by a “god.” I like science fiction and Mythological creatures, but that part of the story seemed a little stretched. Overall it was a good, easy read.

[Arorra Lamph · Rating 5 out of 5]

The WORST book I’ve read this far. I absolutely loved everything about this book. I didn’t think only having the first book in this series would be a problem, especially on my kindle... until I finished and am unable to find the second one anywhere to purchase. To leave in such a cliffhanger should be illegal. Ugh!

[Diane Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

Great work by R. Workman, love this book. I really needed a beautiful, fun, love story, spiced with some time travel to lift my spirits.. and this new author I've just discovered has hit the spot. Already bought bk 2.. Enjoy :)

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this. Lucy was strong and knew what she wanted. There was enough mystery to keep my interest, but enough information to move the story along.
I loved the grandparents and hope to learn more about their romance in the second book.

[Cassandra Cridland · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read that could have been improved by more development of the romance between the lead characters. The premise based on Egyptian mythology intrigued but it also needed much more depth.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

a true love story for the ages!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a fun book this is. This is my first time travel book. I've always wanted to read one and this one was fun, simple, easy to read. On to book 2.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cheesy, had a few errors that needed to be edited. But a cheesy time travel mythical teenage romance.

[Debbie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written

Loved the history, and the sci-fi of time travel definitely can't wait till book two.
Will be waiting for it.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting time travel romance with twists & turns. A different story.

[Sydney (sydneysshelves) West · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was going well but then suddenly it was like author bit off more than they could chew.

[Ashley Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review and more can be found at The A P Book Club!

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

I've thoroughly enjoyed RaShelle's Fractured Fairy Tales series (including Blood & Snow, Vampire Lies, Vampire Secrets, and A Beauty so Beastly), so I was really excited when I found out she was writing something completely different from them. Across the Ages is very different - there's no fairy tale references or fantasy creatures, and about the only thing that remains the same is a little bit of magic. But this book was really excellent, and I'm so glad RaShelle decided to take a chance on it!

From the very beginning, Lucy was an incredibly likeable character. She's not afraid to do whatever she wants, and she's always inventing and tinkering with things. She'd rather capture and release the mice and snakes in her home than kill them, and she's kind to everyone. Her situation is rather unfortunate though, since she's being forced into a marriage with a man she doesn't love. Luckily, she doesn't hate him either and he's a very nice young man, but Lucy has always wanted more. And I wanted more for her.

I really enjoyed the magical elements in this story, especially since they're based on Egyptian mythology. I love when mythological elements are present in a story, especially when I'm unfamiliar with the exact story or deities. I enjoyed learning about them almost as much as I enjoyed watching Lucy time travel and find her true love (who is totally swoon-worthy despite his arrogance, or maybe partly because of it), and I though RaShelle did an excellent job of transplanting Lucy into the future. Lucy is confused about all of the things she should be, but she's smart enough to figure out things that should have seemed impossible. It was fun to watch her interact with Will and the technology of 2015.

This was a really sweet story about the power of love and how it transcends time, and I'm really interested to see what happens next. Especially after that ADORABLE ending! I'm sure there will be more problems for Lucy and Will as the series progresses, but I really want them to work things out and be like Lucy's grandparents. I would definitely recommend this if you're looking for a romance that's partly historical and partly contemporary, with some magic and mythology thrown in. A 4/5 for Across the Ages!

[Kirsty Bicknell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Across the Ages is RaShelle Workman’s first time-travel romance, although she retains the atmosphere of a retelling with the references she makes to Egyptian mythology and folklore. It is also the first of the authors books I have read and rated less than 5 stars.
Across the Ages is a story about the power of love and it’s lasting effect, no matter the time or distance. RaShelle Workman begins with a prologue which gives the reader the story’s foundation; the love between two Egyptian deities, Apep and Hathor. Yet the story proper begins in England in 1812 where Lucy is turning 18 and become engaged to Dashel Rothchild. Lucy is a firm believer in the idea of love and though she has known Dashel since they were children, she knows nothing but admiration exists between them.
As a birthday present, Lucy’s grandmother gives her a locket but, unfortunately dies before she can explain its history to Lucy. As Lucy discovers this trinket is the key to her one true love and portal to present day New York.
I found the strong elements of fantasy in Across the Ages questionable. Even though Lucy is presented as a capricious young lady she shows no fear at the sudden appearance of ghosts and sitting for hours in a strange city, in her nightgown and slippers! She adjusts a little too easily to her new life, which is obviously convenient to the development of the story, but happens too quickly for me to completely connect to events.
The relationship Will and Lucy share is fun and though at times I felt there could be more ‘heat’ between them, Lucy is more than a match for his arrogance! This gives us a great contrast to the dutiful role expected of her in 19th century England and the way she adapts to expressing her needs and wants in 2015.
In the latter chapters of the book, RaShelle Workman takes her reader deeper into a fantastical world, as Lucy and Will journey to Egypt. Across the Ages leaves us with plenty of questions to be answered by its sequel and it will be great to meet up with these characters again. Across the Ages has a beautiful cover and would be a great choice for anyone who believes in love!

[Rae Sontheyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traveling Across Time and Space . . .

RaShelle Workman wrote another wonderful book, her writing is only getting better and better as she continues to release novel after novel and series after series! This book entails a multitude of facets time and love being the top two as it sets up the stage for the next book in the series.

Lady Lucy Channing dreamed of nothing but a dashing, loving and adoring husband while growing up, but upon coming of age she was promised to her childhood best friend and heir to the dukedom Dashel. The reality that her marriage will be of convenience and respect rather than love is a crushing thought but Lucy would take that over a rotten marriage like her parents. It's not until Lucy's grandmother offers her an opportunity at finding her true with the help of a magical locket that she reaches out to take a chance to find her true love. Enter Mr. William Godwin, he helps Lucy acclimate into the current world of 2015 since its a whole lot different from 1815 from where she lived.

Overall liked the story and can't wait for the second novel to come out. This was definitely a first book in the story where the characters are setup and readers are able to get a feel for them and the series. Personally I was really hoping Dashel would win out but knew there was someone else for Lucy. Either way this was a cute story with a contemporary twist that kinda of read like an Austin novel at times just because of the Victorian language and decorum Lucy used and behaved. Like I said can't wait for the next book especially with the way things left off. Let's just say if you read it you'll want more too.

------Read more of my reviews at: http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/------

[Rachel Barnard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lucy Channing lives in 1815 in England. She is supposed to marry her childhood best friend… Whom she does not love romantically. Holding out that something will change her fate, Lucy’s grandmother comes through with a locket to transport Lucy to her true love. Traveling to 2015 is quite a shock to Lucy, especially when the first person she meets is the arrogant, egotistical William Godwin.

The first chapter was completely unnecessary and was only mildly related to the story told in the rest of the novel. I skimmed it so I could get to the actual story being told.

Lucy lives a typical life in the 1800’s in her class, but she has atypical feelings for a woman in her time. She thinks she can marry for love and passion and is not satisfied with her soon to be betrothed because she is not in love with him. Because she still loved him as a friend, it wasn’t that big a deal for her to find her ‘true love’ because the match was a good one! She could have learned to love Dashel and had a good life.

I absolutely enjoyed every minute and thought Lucy had when she was spirited 200 years into the future. I understood so well what she was going through because it was described in great detail and her thoughts were spot on. She was a traveler in a new land and new time and new world.

I didn’t believe in the romance between Lucy and her ‘true love’ William. It felt forced and rushed.

The pacing was very uneven and the ending was incredibly rushed and then abruptly left off. I will not be reading further.

[Racheal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to give this book 4 (maybe even 5) stars because of how enjoyable it was but what prevented me from doing so was the ending. The book itself reminded me a lot of "A Kiss in Time" by Alex Flinn. The elements where a girl from an olden time period meeting a boy from the new age were very similar. I felt that Workman did a really great job of keeping Lucy stick to some of her olden morals and also did a great job developing her as a character.

The one and only flaw to this story and my biggest complaint was the ending. It almost ruined the whole book for me because of how abrupt it was. I mean, it wasn't even a cliff-hanger, it just stopped right in the middle of dialogue/a scene. I'm assuming from the ending that there's going to be another book picking up from the middle of that scene or something. I just feel so cheated right now. I feel like the author rushed to fit things into the climax and then didn't know how to end it. The author really should have taken the time to think the climax/falling action/ending through. Like I said, I could have easily given this book 4 or 5 stars if it had a better conclusion as everything aside from the ending was perfect.

[Davidandkelley Crandall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and entertaining read that will leave you excited for Book Two. Shorter read than expected, with fun and relateable characters who bring you across the ages with them. Will is arrogant and Lucy selflessly humble and independent, with attraction that is endearing in the classic opposites who inevitably attract.

Workman has written an engaging story that will keep you enthralled with anticipation for the next in this series. I found myself disappointed that there was only one gripping climax that left me wanting at the end and a little unsatisfied due to its abruptness. Workman has created a light-hearted read that brings the classical era into the modern times and back again flawlessly, with an enjoyable mix of action, romance, mystery and just plain fun!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy someone who is being forced to marry Dashel who she has known from childhood but does not love . but her Grandmother Agatha gave her a necklace amulet . that if she takes it is will take her to her true love .. but will her true love be Dashel or will it be someone else ..
Will someone who finds artifacts as well as many other things who knows Lucy's true grandfather .. will Lucy want Will or Dashel if she takes her Grandmothers advice or stay with Dashel and accept that she don't love him in the way he needs her to .. anyways probably last book before christmas lol but not the last book of the year ..