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When There Is Hope
Waking up after an accident, the last thing Susan Butler remembered was living in the 1990s, happily married and joyously expecting her first child. Now, suddenly, inexplicably, she is Margaret Johnsbury, the year is 1888, and she is about to find out she is detested not only by her handsome husband, Carter, but by the entire town of Newport.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1996
21 people are currently reading
1647 people want to read
About the author
Jane Goodger
24 books285 followersI grew up in western Massachusetts and have lived most my adult life in New England. Thanks to my adventurous husband, I've also done brief stints in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Naples, Italy. Although I've written four contemporary romances under the name Jane Blackwood, my first love is historical romances set in Victorian times. I've written 17 of those with more on the way.
I have three kids, one a college grad, one in college, and one still in high school (who's a fantastic writer). I love the Red Sox and the New England Patriots. I work full time, have an editing business, and in my free time write like a fanatic.
Above the desk in my office is this sign: "And They All Lived Happily Ever After." It may not be reality, but it's real nice to think about...
I have three kids, one a college grad, one in college, and one still in high school (who's a fantastic writer). I love the Red Sox and the New England Patriots. I work full time, have an editing business, and in my free time write like a fanatic.
Above the desk in my office is this sign: "And They All Lived Happily Ever After." It may not be reality, but it's real nice to think about...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 148 reviews
December 24, 2020
I don't like time-travel romances but I end up reading it, this happens because I don't look around to see the tags of the book properly; I rush to read because I like the blurb. Surprisingly I enjoyed this story if I rub the time-travel out of the mind. It's more like transmigration of soul than time-travel, a story of loss, gain, heart-break and forgiveness.
Susan's personality is completely different from her host's body. Before she time-travels/reincarnates into a different body she was married, pregnant and had a set future. Margaret (Susan's host body) is a whore and a bitch known to people around her. She has a husband who was in love with her but after managing to make him marry her she shows her true colours. Carter, Margaret's husband, hates her vehemently. He has been hurt and degraded by Margaret so much that he never believes her anymore. Susan wakes up in a different body hundred years behind and not a soul likes her at all.
This story is how Susan wins everyone to her side, she falls in love with her husband and has a HEA. The winning back was hard, Susan was pushed, insulted, taunted. Carter was very ignorant how his punishment harmed Susan. His mistrust was understood but his hatred was extreme that lively Susan wilted.
The funny thing was Susan trying to explain Carter including everyone that she is not Margaret and her modern language which became expressive when she is mad. In the end she managed to convince her husband that she is Susan in Margarets body but I think everyone still thinks that Margaret turned into a new leaf. What was saddening is Steve, Susan's husband from future, she just gave him up (I think the author should have written some scenes about Susan missing Steve).
Susan's personality is completely different from her host's body. Before she time-travels/reincarnates into a different body she was married, pregnant and had a set future. Margaret (Susan's host body) is a whore and a bitch known to people around her. She has a husband who was in love with her but after managing to make him marry her she shows her true colours. Carter, Margaret's husband, hates her vehemently. He has been hurt and degraded by Margaret so much that he never believes her anymore. Susan wakes up in a different body hundred years behind and not a soul likes her at all.
This story is how Susan wins everyone to her side, she falls in love with her husband and has a HEA. The winning back was hard, Susan was pushed, insulted, taunted. Carter was very ignorant how his punishment harmed Susan. His mistrust was understood but his hatred was extreme that lively Susan wilted.
The funny thing was Susan trying to explain Carter including everyone that she is not Margaret and her modern language which became expressive when she is mad. In the end she managed to convince her husband that she is Susan in Margarets body but I think everyone still thinks that Margaret turned into a new leaf. What was saddening is Steve, Susan's husband from future, she just gave him up (I think the author should have written some scenes about Susan missing Steve).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2014
This really isn't a book about time travel, but about reincarnation. Since I don't have a shelf for that, Time travel will have to suffice.
However now with that meaningless drivel behind me, let me tell you what I thought. I had such high expectations for this book, but it failed on several fronts. Mostly because the authors' timeline just didn't work for me. One minute I am witnessing the heroine's tragic death and the loss of a wonderful husband and unborn child. The next minute she is in another century, in the body of the woman from hell, facing a husband that hates her. Instead of feeling her gut wrenching sorrow for all that is lost, the author decides to wave the magic wand, suspend the pain and give me a pollyana, cheerful attitude of making this new husband love her. Because after all what else does she have to do, cable hasn't been invented.
Furthermore, I felt no real connection between the two of them. His hatred, his inability to trust her, the constant misunderstandings and betrayals just wore on me. Yet she was determined to win his love. Really, why?
There wasn't one redeeming character in the whole book. The servants were fickle, his family was worthless, and her grandfather needed a quick kick in the "arse".
The final disappointment was the ending. She isn't even "cold in the grave" and decides that her husband should receive a letter telling him not to worry, that she ended up with a terrific life and found the love of her life. How callous is that? "Hey sorry I died, but I found something better over here. So don't mourn for me. But just In case you are, here are a few shares of stock that will make you feel better."
Considering she got 50 years to recover, I would think the author could have given him at least 50 hours.
However now with that meaningless drivel behind me, let me tell you what I thought. I had such high expectations for this book, but it failed on several fronts. Mostly because the authors' timeline just didn't work for me. One minute I am witnessing the heroine's tragic death and the loss of a wonderful husband and unborn child. The next minute she is in another century, in the body of the woman from hell, facing a husband that hates her. Instead of feeling her gut wrenching sorrow for all that is lost, the author decides to wave the magic wand, suspend the pain and give me a pollyana, cheerful attitude of making this new husband love her. Because after all what else does she have to do, cable hasn't been invented.
Furthermore, I felt no real connection between the two of them. His hatred, his inability to trust her, the constant misunderstandings and betrayals just wore on me. Yet she was determined to win his love. Really, why?
There wasn't one redeeming character in the whole book. The servants were fickle, his family was worthless, and her grandfather needed a quick kick in the "arse".
The final disappointment was the ending. She isn't even "cold in the grave" and decides that her husband should receive a letter telling him not to worry, that she ended up with a terrific life and found the love of her life. How callous is that? "Hey sorry I died, but I found something better over here. So don't mourn for me. But just In case you are, here are a few shares of stock that will make you feel better."
Considering she got 50 years to recover, I would think the author could have given him at least 50 hours.
February 23, 2013
HEAVEN AND EARTH!!! THAT WAS SOUL-SHIFTING!
When i picked this book, i expected an intertaining read, instead, to my delight, i stumbled upon a treasure.
'This house was witness to one of the most remarkable stories imaginable and no one would ever know it.'
It all started with the strongest, most remarkeable heroine i have ever known; her simple beautiful life ended in an unfortunate accident, and in that tragic ending, began a bizzare, remarkeable, and heart-wrenching story of second chances.
How to begin describing this book? When there is Hope is a great book that needs more read, because frankly, i had my fair share of historical romances and this one, i tell you , this one is the best i have ever read.
In the most awesome way, this book made me think about life and the wonders it behold, wonders we may never discover in our short life, miraculous wonders that goes beyond our knowledge of reality.
You go to an old house, perhaps you live in one, you look on the portraits of old people living in the 18th or 19th century and you may never know, their story might be the most beautiful love story of all time.
This book made my heart ache. I hate being to attach to books specially if they're one of those unpredicteable reads that seeps into your skin and cut you in the gut with tragic endings or too-happy ones it makes you ache.
This one did. The prologue held me like magnet. The start was wow! I felt the sadness, the sorrow, the hope right away and in those few pages; i loved the heroine, i suffered when her husband found out she was dead and that's when the story began.
I think what made this story more emotional is the story of the husband our beautiful heroine left when she went back in time.
I ADORED the heroine. You ever encountered characters that makes you wanna be a better person? A more hopeful and happier one? Heroines that influences you because they are that damn strong? Well i think i just met one. The challenges she endured! The strong determination, the courage and will she showed inspite of all those challenges thrown in her way! I SALUTE HER!
The romance was beautifully created. I understood our hero, i understood he's hate and he's mistrust. Even if that is one of the major factor keeping them together- he's hate and mistrust, how closely he guarded he's heart- i completely understood! and im not a very understanding person...or atleast i think im not.
This book teaches us life is beautiful and full of wonder just waiting to be uncovered. Our heroine teached us to be strong and NEVER break, NEVER give up because the prize will be worth it.
THe ending made me cry! I mean wow! Saddest ending ever! (even when it's all happy ending!) i mean, sometimes things are just TOO happy it makes you sad...make scense? probably not.
I finished this book in a day; i guess that tells a lot:
1. it is gripping
2. finishing the story is lot more important than the pile of clothes lying on the floor (:)
3. It's a remarkeable read
4. You should READ it too>..
When i picked this book, i expected an intertaining read, instead, to my delight, i stumbled upon a treasure.
'This house was witness to one of the most remarkable stories imaginable and no one would ever know it.'
It all started with the strongest, most remarkeable heroine i have ever known; her simple beautiful life ended in an unfortunate accident, and in that tragic ending, began a bizzare, remarkeable, and heart-wrenching story of second chances.
How to begin describing this book? When there is Hope is a great book that needs more read, because frankly, i had my fair share of historical romances and this one, i tell you , this one is the best i have ever read.
In the most awesome way, this book made me think about life and the wonders it behold, wonders we may never discover in our short life, miraculous wonders that goes beyond our knowledge of reality.
You go to an old house, perhaps you live in one, you look on the portraits of old people living in the 18th or 19th century and you may never know, their story might be the most beautiful love story of all time.
This book made my heart ache. I hate being to attach to books specially if they're one of those unpredicteable reads that seeps into your skin and cut you in the gut with tragic endings or too-happy ones it makes you ache.
This one did. The prologue held me like magnet. The start was wow! I felt the sadness, the sorrow, the hope right away and in those few pages; i loved the heroine, i suffered when her husband found out she was dead and that's when the story began.
I think what made this story more emotional is the story of the husband our beautiful heroine left when she went back in time.
I ADORED the heroine. You ever encountered characters that makes you wanna be a better person? A more hopeful and happier one? Heroines that influences you because they are that damn strong? Well i think i just met one. The challenges she endured! The strong determination, the courage and will she showed inspite of all those challenges thrown in her way! I SALUTE HER!
The romance was beautifully created. I understood our hero, i understood he's hate and he's mistrust. Even if that is one of the major factor keeping them together- he's hate and mistrust, how closely he guarded he's heart- i completely understood! and im not a very understanding person...or atleast i think im not.
This book teaches us life is beautiful and full of wonder just waiting to be uncovered. Our heroine teached us to be strong and NEVER break, NEVER give up because the prize will be worth it.
THe ending made me cry! I mean wow! Saddest ending ever! (even when it's all happy ending!) i mean, sometimes things are just TOO happy it makes you sad...make scense? probably not.
I finished this book in a day; i guess that tells a lot:
1. it is gripping
2. finishing the story is lot more important than the pile of clothes lying on the floor (:)
3. It's a remarkeable read
4. You should READ it too>..
March 8, 2021
3.75 Stars ...
A good enough read. I "had" to get the paperback as it is not available on kindle... not sure I will be buying many more paperbacks ... my eyes are not able for it!! Although I try to buy an actual copy of a favourite book, if I can (just so I can have a nice copy on my bookshelf)! Anyway, back to the book. I saw the reviews and was a bit intrigued ... it is a time travel book and I don't really like those type of books ... saying that I read all the Outlander books and loved them. I just feel the storyline is a bit implausible. Then again, if you told me a year ago that we would be all wearing masks and in lockdown (more or less) in March 2021, I would have probably laughed at you so there goes your "implausibility" for you - anything can happen!
Authors are definitely losing out by not having their back catalogues converted to e-book! But I guess, you don't know if it is worth doing it or not ... It was my first time reading this author.
It sort of finished off a bit abruptly. I would have liked a bit more of Steven's story ...
An enjoyable read but I am off to bathe my eyes now ... How did we manage long ago when we had no kindles??
A good enough read. I "had" to get the paperback as it is not available on kindle... not sure I will be buying many more paperbacks ... my eyes are not able for it!! Although I try to buy an actual copy of a favourite book, if I can (just so I can have a nice copy on my bookshelf)! Anyway, back to the book. I saw the reviews and was a bit intrigued ... it is a time travel book and I don't really like those type of books ... saying that I read all the Outlander books and loved them. I just feel the storyline is a bit implausible. Then again, if you told me a year ago that we would be all wearing masks and in lockdown (more or less) in March 2021, I would have probably laughed at you so there goes your "implausibility" for you - anything can happen!
Authors are definitely losing out by not having their back catalogues converted to e-book! But I guess, you don't know if it is worth doing it or not ... It was my first time reading this author.
It sort of finished off a bit abruptly. I would have liked a bit more of Steven's story ...
An enjoyable read but I am off to bathe my eyes now ... How did we manage long ago when we had no kindles??
April 30, 2025
A well done rebirth/time travel story. Most all tangles are sorted out satisfyingly in this potentially confounding premise. if only it had been shorter and with less push-pull turnabouts.
I liked the h a lot - she had a very very difficult time of it. Dying while pregnant with a precious pregnancy. Reincarnated as a lying, cheating and whoring wife of a man who hates her. And about 100 years in the past. Not just her husband but everyone else also hates her and shuns her - servants, neighbours, in-laws, society at large. For a happy, friendly person that was really devastating. But being that positive and cheerful person, she makes efforts to befriend only to be rebuffed quite cruelly. Led by her own husband.
Not that you can blame him or others for not trusting her as she’s done some pretty unforgivable things as the ow/actual wife. So the task is herculean if not impossible.
So I wasn’t judging the H much for doubting and cruelly rejecting her overtures again and again, till it happened for about the nth time! I was ready to climb walls by then.
But still it's good angst.
Also I couldn’t understand why, if the ‘first wife’ liked sex so much, didn’t her very handsome husband do it for her? She seemingly sleeps with almost everything in pants - looks, age, class notwithstanding. But has no hots for him.
I liked the h a lot - she had a very very difficult time of it. Dying while pregnant with a precious pregnancy. Reincarnated as a lying, cheating and whoring wife of a man who hates her. And about 100 years in the past. Not just her husband but everyone else also hates her and shuns her - servants, neighbours, in-laws, society at large. For a happy, friendly person that was really devastating. But being that positive and cheerful person, she makes efforts to befriend only to be rebuffed quite cruelly. Led by her own husband.
Not that you can blame him or others for not trusting her as she’s done some pretty unforgivable things as the ow/actual wife. So the task is herculean if not impossible.
So I wasn’t judging the H much for doubting and cruelly rejecting her overtures again and again, till it happened for about the nth time! I was ready to climb walls by then.
But still it's good angst.
Also I couldn’t understand why, if the ‘first wife’ liked sex so much, didn’t her very handsome husband do it for her? She seemingly sleeps with almost everything in pants - looks, age, class notwithstanding. But has no hots for him.
August 24, 2014
I seriously only intended to read a chapter or two of this before I went back to another book that I'd already started but I couldn't put it down. It was a pretty interesting read. The poor heroine was thrown back in time to the body of the absolutely worst evil woman ever. It was nice that it took such an effort for her to convince everyone that she had changed instead of them all being instantly won over. Lots of angst and a pretty believable love story with lots of ups and downs. Recommended.
November 19, 2025
One of the most deliciously burning angst scenes I've read in a long time
Found this on an angst list. I was not disappointed. I love it when my throat burns, but to actually have me crying is not that easy. Let's just say, I finished a tissue box.
That said, what was in between was less appealing.
───〃⟡ ⋅ The heroine
One of the reasons the angst works so well is because of how sunshiny, how bubbly, how hard to knock down the heroine is.
However, reading a characters that's so sweet and sparkly she could power a lollipop factory with her smile is a bit exhausting.
The post-angst heroine is less bubbly and more cautious and that one was more palatable, at least.
───〃⟡ ⋅ The hero
A bit bland, imo.
The plot of the book is the heroine dying in the 90's and being reincarnated/time travelled into the body of a horribly evil woman in 1888, Rhode Island.
She didn't have a single redeeming quality, so when the heroine is her blindly happy self, I can't blame the hero for being an asshole to her and refusing to believe anything good she did.
I love to hate asshole heroes (it's practically my reading default these days), but I really can't hate this one because his mistrust and hostility were justified. But I can't love him either.
He's not only a huge asshole, he's also sort of petulant. He resents the heroine not only for her supposed manipulations, but because she's interrupted his routine of being miserable all the time.
Half his anger at the heroine is because she's changing the status quo. Swim or sink, dude, but stop bitching about it.
───〃⟡ ⋅ The plot
The paranormal/religious aspect was a bit heavy for me. "The angels soothing her mind", "god having a bigger plan", etc. is not my cup of tea.
The body the heroine overtakes is yucky. She ate terrible food, was an alcoholic and slept around. The heroine even mentions 'her teeth having been neglected'. Uhggggg, I can't. No one ever even mentions the possibility of STDs (and yes, they were a thing by 1888) Just the idea of having to live in that body made me want to throw myself off a window.
But even ignoring that, 90% of the book is the heroine pursuing the hero and it got old. I understand the heroine trying and finally just giving up is what made the angst so delicious, but the post-angst is a lot of the same. Her thinking she should try 'just one more time' and him not believing her.
There was a side plot happening and it was interesting for a while, but the conclusion was very underwhelming
───〃⟡ ⋅ Final thoughts
I read it for the angst and angst I got, so even if the rest of the book wasn't that great, I'll give credit where credit is due.
3 'satisfying but not filling' ★
Found this on an angst list. I was not disappointed. I love it when my throat burns, but to actually have me crying is not that easy. Let's just say, I finished a tissue box.
That said, what was in between was less appealing.
───〃⟡ ⋅ The heroine
One of the reasons the angst works so well is because of how sunshiny, how bubbly, how hard to knock down the heroine is.
However, reading a characters that's so sweet and sparkly she could power a lollipop factory with her smile is a bit exhausting.
The post-angst heroine is less bubbly and more cautious and that one was more palatable, at least.
───〃⟡ ⋅ The hero
A bit bland, imo.
The plot of the book is the heroine dying in the 90's and being reincarnated/time travelled into the body of a horribly evil woman in 1888, Rhode Island.
She didn't have a single redeeming quality, so when the heroine is her blindly happy self, I can't blame the hero for being an asshole to her and refusing to believe anything good she did.
I love to hate asshole heroes (it's practically my reading default these days), but I really can't hate this one because his mistrust and hostility were justified. But I can't love him either.
He's not only a huge asshole, he's also sort of petulant. He resents the heroine not only for her supposed manipulations, but because she's interrupted his routine of being miserable all the time.
But damned if she knew why those angels had selected such a miserable life for her to enter. Was she here for her own good or for Carter’s? To her way of thinking, Carter was getting all the benefits out of this deal. He lost a bitching, manipulative, cheating, slovenly wife and was getting a cheerful, happy, agreeable wife. Maggie lost a wonderful, loving, and understanding husband, and instead ended up with a miserable, overbearing boor. It wasn’t fair.
Half his anger at the heroine is because she's changing the status quo. Swim or sink, dude, but stop bitching about it.
───〃⟡ ⋅ The plot
The paranormal/religious aspect was a bit heavy for me. "The angels soothing her mind", "god having a bigger plan", etc. is not my cup of tea.
The body the heroine overtakes is yucky. She ate terrible food, was an alcoholic and slept around. The heroine even mentions 'her teeth having been neglected'. Uhggggg, I can't. No one ever even mentions the possibility of STDs (and yes, they were a thing by 1888) Just the idea of having to live in that body made me want to throw myself off a window.
But even ignoring that, 90% of the book is the heroine pursuing the hero and it got old. I understand the heroine trying and finally just giving up is what made the angst so delicious, but the post-angst is a lot of the same. Her thinking she should try 'just one more time' and him not believing her.
There was a side plot happening and it was interesting for a while, but the conclusion was very underwhelming
───〃⟡ ⋅ Final thoughts
I read it for the angst and angst I got, so even if the rest of the book wasn't that great, I'll give credit where credit is due.
3 'satisfying but not filling' ★
September 29, 2023
So I’ve had this one in my TBR pile for a while and as it was not on Kindle at the time and was out of print I had to purchase a used paperback copy to read. It has since popped back up in Kindle if you'd like to read it though. Genre wise it’s a historical body swap romance with a heavy angsty enemies-to-lovers vibe and boy was this a turbulent one. Our heroine is Susan she’s happily married and heavily pregnant but when she’s in a fatal road accident that takes both her and her unborn child’s lives she finds herself transported by the powers that be straight into the body of Margaret Johnsbury.
Margaret is an awful person truly terrible she has a husband Carter who totally detests her and isn’t shy about sharing his feelings towards her. In fact, everyone who knows Margaret hates her and now Susan is the one standing in the firing line paying the price for all of her past behaviours.
After a blow to the head, Carter’s wife is now insisting everyone call her Maggie instead of Margaret and acting completely unlike her usual evil bitchy self. The doctor claims she’s suffering from amnesia but Carter just isn’t convinced, in fact, he’s pretty sure this is just another of her many schemes and constant manipulations and it won’t be long before she reverts to form.
As Maggie tries to win over Carter and convince him of the new and improved version of herself this then swings back and forth, but It is like one step forward and then two back and a lot of the time these two seem to be going around in circles so at times it could get a bit frustrating.
So my final impressions here were that I enjoyed this but it wasn’t without its problems. It’s definitely a little dated but I kind of liked that about it made me nostalgic for all my older romance novels that I used to devour. If you like angsty this one definitely has you covered and I really felt for poor Maggie throughout this. Despite her namesake's prior behaviour, she was totally innocent but now had to shoulder a massive amount of animosity from literally everyone.
I also thought a lot of the characters portrayed here were very fickle and willing to believe the absolute worst despite limited evidence to the contrary. The servants Carter's extended family and the worst of the lot Carter himself.
Look I get that Margaret was a literal nightmare but this took it to the extreme and some of the thoughtless behaviour from her husband was just downright cruel and he constantly swung back and forth in his attitude it was enough to give me whiplash.
Maggie was also far too lenient and forgiving she literally let Carter call all of the shots and just took it all without complaint she never stuck to her guns and followed through on her anger beyond the initial moment very quick to forgive and forget whenever she got an inkling of hope or any small act of kindness, it was slightly heartbreaking to witness.
There was also some added danger in the form of a spurned lover and then we have Maggie’s husband Steven who is currently living his life back in the 1990’s he does only play a small part but that also felt extremely bittersweet.
This was well written and i enjoyed it even with my above observations, it still had plenty of positives to recommend it and I do love a time travel or body swap romance so for that reason alone I’m glad I dived into this one.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
March 20, 2012
When I started this book I thought it was so original and outstanding and thought it was a perfect 5 star book. However, as I read on I found the trust issues repeating themselves between the couple with each new situation. Over and over again. Repeatedly. And yet again. While they were effective, it was just way too much. Either there should have been fewer situations or the book shorter. Either would have worked well. Because of this it took away some stars. But then toward the end the pacing picked up and the story got really exciting to its resolution.
While this is essentially a HEA, it was a bit of a bittersweet HEA for all involved and I found myself getting a little bit chocked up at the very end.
I would recommend this book but be prepared for the tug of war issues between the hero/heroine.
While this is essentially a HEA, it was a bit of a bittersweet HEA for all involved and I found myself getting a little bit chocked up at the very end.
I would recommend this book but be prepared for the tug of war issues between the hero/heroine.
July 18, 2021
Hero was fickle. He would be all smiles and kisses then the next minute he will get into Iamgoingto-hurt-you-idontcarewhy mood coz his elevated butler and pompous brother caution him. Hated her in laws. Could have been a 5 star if not for the inlaws and hero's irritating mood shifts.
March 14, 2016
Ooooh, this book ! It just stole my heart.
I had no idea what I was getting in to.
I am a new fan of reincarnation novels.
Or should I say, people that have a second chance in other peoples bodies?
A really fun idea, right?!
But I have not laughed and cried and been happy about a couple so much for a long, long, LONG time.
Nothing, not the setting or what they were called could have made me like them less. Their dynamics when it came to love and even hate made me clap my hands in joy and read deep in to the night.
There are no words that are enough to describe this roller coaster ride of emotions but I feel I would degrade it if I just go on off and analize it bit by bit.
It was all special. I had a small problem with the Steve situation and the fact that the epilogue showed him and not how Susan's 1800 husband would have been happy to have a family.
But even with these minor bumps in the road I loved this book and I know it will be a re-read-many-times kind of book in the future.
Anybody who has not read it should for sure try!
I had no idea what I was getting in to.
I am a new fan of reincarnation novels.
Or should I say, people that have a second chance in other peoples bodies?
A really fun idea, right?!
But I have not laughed and cried and been happy about a couple so much for a long, long, LONG time.
Nothing, not the setting or what they were called could have made me like them less. Their dynamics when it came to love and even hate made me clap my hands in joy and read deep in to the night.
There are no words that are enough to describe this roller coaster ride of emotions but I feel I would degrade it if I just go on off and analize it bit by bit.
It was all special. I had a small problem with the Steve situation and the fact that the epilogue showed him and not how Susan's 1800 husband would have been happy to have a family.
But even with these minor bumps in the road I loved this book and I know it will be a re-read-many-times kind of book in the future.
Anybody who has not read it should for sure try!
July 6, 2023
This book was beautiful and heart-wrenching. Gosh I hurt for poor Susan, she remembers her previous life but she’s trapped in someone else’s body in the past. Her problems seem insurmountable and the suffering goes on and on. Though you can’t fault Carter for his disbelief! Not one bit!
The epilogue disappointed me. It needed to be longer and show some of Carter and Maggie’s hard-won HEA.
The epilogue disappointed me. It needed to be longer and show some of Carter and Maggie’s hard-won HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2020
This was a roller coaster of feelings. I wanted to punch the H so he would believe her already!
May 29, 2025
This is a time-traveling romance book in which I thought would be a touching tale of how a woman who time travelled to 1880s would be able to cope the lost of her husband, her unborn child, her life as she knows it and eventually will find herself and adapt to the era she was thrust in but instead what I got was a soulless shallow book.
Maggie (known as Susan before she time travelled) for one is a basic doormat. For someone who came from 1990s and was transported back to 1880s i was expecting more punk, more backbone and not just bend because the MMC smiled at her or apologized half heartedly.
What irked me was she didn’t even mourn her life.
When she was Susan, she had a husband who she loves and loves her, friends, her unborn child but after waking up and finding herself trapped in 1880s and took upon the body of Margaret who’s husband Carter(MMC) positively HATES her with a passion, she immediately decides to befriend, make him like her, eventually falls in love with him??? Like HOW?
He was a bully.
Carter will say cruel things, she will cry, he will apologize, they will have sexy times until he will be back to say demeaning things and the cycle repeats. This goes on for about 80% of the book.
He pushed Maggie to depression and thoughts of wanting to die with how cruel he was and those chapters were so sad to read I even teared up. But she got over it pretty fast when the douchebag apologized AGAIN.
And to be fair, the original Margaret might’ve deserved the treatment Carter was dishing out, but even when Susan continually shows that she’s not the original Margaret but a sort of reincarnation/time traveler from the future, he won’t budge.
Maggie (known as Susan before she time travelled) for one is a basic doormat. For someone who came from 1990s and was transported back to 1880s i was expecting more punk, more backbone and not just bend because the MMC smiled at her or apologized half heartedly.
What irked me was she didn’t even mourn her life.
When she was Susan, she had a husband who she loves and loves her, friends, her unborn child but after waking up and finding herself trapped in 1880s and took upon the body of Margaret who’s husband Carter(MMC) positively HATES her with a passion, she immediately decides to befriend, make him like her, eventually falls in love with him??? Like HOW?
He was a bully.
Carter will say cruel things, she will cry, he will apologize, they will have sexy times until he will be back to say demeaning things and the cycle repeats. This goes on for about 80% of the book.
He pushed Maggie to depression and thoughts of wanting to die with how cruel he was and those chapters were so sad to read I even teared up. But she got over it pretty fast when the douchebag apologized AGAIN.
And to be fair, the original Margaret might’ve deserved the treatment Carter was dishing out, but even when Susan continually shows that she’s not the original Margaret but a sort of reincarnation/time traveler from the future, he won’t budge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2016
I have nothing but good to say about this book and yet I have no words.
I want to so badly express to you how absolutely, truly, breathtaking and earth shattering this book was but I find no words will ever do it justice.
Some of you might be thinking,
"Oh psshaw! she's so obviously exaggerating"
To you my friend, I say this,
What a rollercoaster ride!
And oh! I loved every minute.
And so, I will give this book one of the greatest compliments I have ever given,
"You will ALWAYS be remembered."
September 21, 2015
im giving 2 stars among all of those 5stars reviewers. i felt like an outcast and someone would give a -are you out of mind? you heartless effing bitch??- Look at my face. LOL
when i read books, novels or even a chemistry textbook, i really READ it throughly. as in capital READ. im not simply can be satisfied by the MAJOR greatest romance-heart wrenchingly beautiful love story ever-plot and then felt content by the sweetness of it. no. any author from any romance books can throw the whole sweetness as equal as the whole candy in the world melt together and you died from it's taste. nope. doesnt work for me. im diggin deep and not seeing only the sweetness of it.
MAJOR SPOILER
a time traveling plot always has it's own risk if it not carried by a very clever plot. coz anything that related to "turn back time" can be devastatingly confusing as it will be like a never ending loop. This book even run a greater risk by adding the so called REINCARNATION in it. But from what i read and understand from this book, i tend to lean more to SOUL SWAPPING instead of "REINCARNATION". AND to make these Time traveling & soul swapping plot can flow "normaly", we need to have a strong character that can act emotionaly and physically convincing and BELIEVABLY GOOD to took us in it's flow. but it failed me. HARD. and MISSERABLE. and dont hide behind GOD's and the angels to make this failed soul swapping story look convincing and smooth, as what's in the book try to explained. coz it's not!
allright, let's get into what's my wrecked brain think about this book.
we Got Susan, presently live in year 1995, happily married (or so i thought) for 2 years, having a loving & understandable Husband (this i buy it, steve was great even though he appeared only in prolouge n epilog), and she was pregnant (i guess on her last 3 smesters seeing how big her belly was as described in the book) and she love her husband steve (this I DONT BUY IT, she just never convinced me she love steve, more like.. content companion).
Susan then died in an awefull car accident. Her body was crushed and even folded i believed. she and her unborn baby died instantly. when she died and goes to heaven, god and his angels kinda like having their meeting time and they were all(according to the novel) confused, seeing how she struggled to get into her body again and her action clasified as a "rare" case. yeah... like in the movie, when someone soul's parted from their body when they were in a "shocking" death-cause, they wouldnt try to get back to their body again. yeah fucking..right. and what's rare from her dead? it seems that susan thought (again, never explained explicitly by this book's god) her time wasnt up yet. but this reason soon changed drasticaly as the story goes. 1 angel then "suggested" that it would be good to choose susan's soul AMONG many candidates that they've been sreening (gosh.. what an awesome heaven! they did an audition!) to right the wrong that's been done by some bubling angel a 100 years ago. naw, i dont want to sounds crazy and overly picky, but if this was the reason of why things happened, why God even need to wait a 100 years ahead to changed what's been done in a 100 years back? and to make it crazier, why directly handpick someone who came from a 100 years ahead to do the -im here to make it right mission- from a 100 years back? and dont try to convinced me that this was susan's Fate that's been designed by God long before she was even born. nope, not buying it, coz the author already smashed it by making the ...She, of the thousands of candidates put before them, would be able to get the job done. With a questioning look to God, who gave a satisfied and pleased nod, the decision was made. Susan Butler could right the wrong a bumbling angel had made more than one hundred years before
and to be more even soo unprofessional was, God and his angels doesnt even "erased" all of her memory at all! the memory and knowledge that came from a 100 years ahead! does someone not read his manual book? too much chit-chat w/the angels? logically, by doing this consiously, susan's knowledge about the future would make things become Unstable! since we soo pressing about time traveling, many aspects will affected. First, from time traveling it will create a questionable PARALLEL UNIVERSE. the author shoul've think about this. Second, someone in heaven need to give a briefing to susan's soul. better be some angel that handled science AND history Department and told her since God forgot to give order to his angel to erased susan's memory, SHE SHOULD NOT BLURTED things, names, placed or "prediction" about what she's already know a 100 years ahead. coz many historian would get bloody mad at her if she accidentaly using her knowledge and then "changed" the supposed to be history. as we knw, she already blurted oprah's name and inventing a running-sport outfit and introduced the 1888 citizen to jogging time. it would be different though and more acceptable for her to blurted those things IF she was transported to the past by being SUCKED into some Black hole or other version of "an accident time slip". but this! the angels handpick her by GOD asignment and forgeting about the "the dangerous of a 100 years ahead knowledge that will/probably changing the past".
and whose the lucky body that will be the resident of susan's soul? well well well, it's a gift that's been given to god to someone as lovely as susan to put her in..... a mean, a whore that slept with any man, a heartless, cruel, immoral, alcoholic girl with a very beautiful face but kinda short and fat and has rotten teeth. ouwh.. dont be sad, the brighter side was, this mean girl has a very devilishly handsome guy w/dark wavy hair and grey eyes as her husband and even more enjoyed is, he's freaking rich! w/business going well, home full of servant and food that's never seems to end. the girl's name is, Margaret. this margaret was fell from her horse and knocked her head bad. she was supposed to be dead by the accident. But knowing how important her existent is, God needs to kept her alive but making it more special by making the real margaret died and susan's soul replacing hers. so here we got susan in margaret's body.
i was thrilled to read what's going on next when susan is in margaret's. i expect an emotional wrench rejecting reaction from susan about why her perfect 1995 life should've ended and why god keep her alive in someone else's body. But the first thing that came out from her mouth when susan was oppening her eyes in margaret's body after margaret's head knocked, is... calm. she's not even surprised, scream, confused or even yelling and calling steve's name. her freaking lovely husband that she's been married for 2 years and maybe even dated him longer before and having his child before she was in a car crash. coz THAT'S WHAT A NORMAL HUMAN WHOSE BEEN THROWN TO THE PAST AND WAKEUP AT SOMEONE ELSE'S BODY WILL ACTED. By screaming and yelling and calling her most closes person's name as a spontaneous reaction as in mentally comfort! like a child that will call their mom's name first whenever they had bad dream. while susan?? NOOOOOpeeeee...
she's like,..." oh, my head hurt. oh, there's many stranger surrounding me. oh, i heard many unfamiliar voices. oh, my hand is small.oh, so now i am in other body? ooooh.....okay.. hey, he's cute and tall! oh, wait. he's not. it's me that short... and fat!! geezz.. i need to exercised". *rolling eyes* That was the first reaction from someone who just barely been died 1-2 hours from car crashed? loosing her baby? loosing her lovingly perfect husband??? and all when she was not even forgoten about her 1995 memories at all?? gezzz, girl. i dont even know whose more heartless, you? or margaret? at least margaret was intentionaly and enjoying her bad manners. but you?? what a surprised turnout.
i dont have any critics to carter, his family, his staffs or even the people in the 1888 era with all their hatred to margaret that's now maggie w/susan's soul in it. coz it suit the story perfectly. and it inline very well with their emotion towards maggie as the after-effect caused for every wrench things what she did. but I DO MAJORLY HATE OF WHAT THE AUTHOR PLOTTING ABOUT MAGGIE'S FEELING, ACTION AND REACTION. it went... zig zag! first, she seems not to missed steve at all. missing him as in a wife missed her husband, lover and mate. no. the author choose to make a very odd path to maybe try to smooth the romantic development between Magie and carter her now husband by making the angels (again, using them as the easiest way out) put their spells in susan's/magie's heart by making the memory of steve to be fading away and not as strong as it should be. instead, magie doesnt even felt lost him, nor do missing him so bad as she was supposed to do. considering how happy their life together was. for me, it's worse! coz magie's feeling toward steve felt like she just treated steve as her friend. it doesnt really matter if he's here or not, just not meaningful presence at all. damn... that hurt. while at this moment a 100years ahead, steve is crying and sniffing her legendary letter for him and he still misse her. but susan? nooooopeee... she start to facinate about how life was in 1888. she loves her beach house, she loves how she now have many servant that providing her needs, she even enjoyed her jogging and evryday baths and normaly falling in love w/carter without a single emotional fighting or feeling that she kinda betrayed steve or mad to god or any emotional fighting. she just... accepting it all without complained. latter, she thought about why she needs to be back in someone else's body, and then she came up w/ conclusion that since susan was loosing her unborn child, maybe her reason now is having a kid from carter! yeay!! lucky her that carter is handsome. gosh.. how i want carter was bald, fat, short and stink! and lemme know how she felt about her mission there! maybe she will think her mission is to kill carter. so, she try to make the full of her life in 1888. why should she think about her before life? who steve? who my unborn baby? who my firend and life in 1995? i dont even care! oh, wait.. did she have parents? any family? heck, we dont even know, coz the author just concern about magie's way to make carter fall in love w/her and making her pregnant! and with further thought, magie now think the reason of why god made susan died but keeping margaret's body w/susan in it alive, was, that she came to conclusion that it was margaret's time that wasnt supposed to end yet. but somehow, she fell and died (how can this be? it seems like margaret's accident wasnt been in God's list to happened, since if it was listed and should have happened, why god only found the replacement of margaret's soul when susan was died? and it was like a sudden decision not the planning one). and susan thinking even more deep, whats the reason to keep margaret's alive? surprised surprised... the Son that should been born from margareth and carter!! and this son seems to hold a very heavy role in the future. and suddently, all came clear, maggie now even more accepting god's plan and more determined to make love and intimate w/carter that loathed margaret. if it was me, im going to asked god this : "dear God, then you mean my unborn baby, the child that's been made by me and steve wasnt important? who knows, maybe my kid will become the president of united state? or maybe he/she will discovered another planet? why? why you do this to susan but not to margaret? her son doesnt even been made yet, but my kid was one step away from being born".
toward the end, i was more interesting of the epilogue, since it will be from steve's perspective after he read magie's legendary letter. oh, and speaking about magie's letter, i dont knw about you guys, but it was the most cold blooded letter that's ever been made by a wife to her husband. "yo, steve, whad up? i knw you think im dead, but im not. im good, in someone else's body, having handsome husband, and i buy you some stocks! you will be rich rich rich! aint i nice?? btw, w/this letter, i also send you my bloody life journey that i put in a novel. i put evrything in it. including my crazines feeling towards carter, my kissing scenes, my bed scenes and how im fall madly, helplessly , pure consumed love toward him. oh, i also mentioned in my novels, several times about how i never felt like "this" before, how i never felt this "Raw" before, how i never experienced things like this before to any man. did i said anyman? oh, yes. i forget that i was married to you before. but sorry, i never felt anything that i ever felt to carter when i was with you. dont be sad. i made you rich, naw, lemme tell you again, aint i nice??"
hasta la vista baby....
oh, i forgot to mentioned about the important of the son from margaret n carter. he was going to b grown as the one that spotted the titanic distress signal when that ship sink, and by doing so, he saved many lifes. but still., doesnt justified that the unborn baby from susan - steve to be less important that margaret-carter. as i sadi bfore, who knws maybe steve-susan's kid will be bring peace to the world? or even greater can solve the mistery behin the jfk's, or maybe can prevent ww1 or ww2. right???
yes. thus, i gave this book 2 stars...
when i read books, novels or even a chemistry textbook, i really READ it throughly. as in capital READ. im not simply can be satisfied by the MAJOR greatest romance-heart wrenchingly beautiful love story ever-plot and then felt content by the sweetness of it. no. any author from any romance books can throw the whole sweetness as equal as the whole candy in the world melt together and you died from it's taste. nope. doesnt work for me. im diggin deep and not seeing only the sweetness of it.
MAJOR SPOILER
a time traveling plot always has it's own risk if it not carried by a very clever plot. coz anything that related to "turn back time" can be devastatingly confusing as it will be like a never ending loop. This book even run a greater risk by adding the so called REINCARNATION in it. But from what i read and understand from this book, i tend to lean more to SOUL SWAPPING instead of "REINCARNATION". AND to make these Time traveling & soul swapping plot can flow "normaly", we need to have a strong character that can act emotionaly and physically convincing and BELIEVABLY GOOD to took us in it's flow. but it failed me. HARD. and MISSERABLE. and dont hide behind GOD's and the angels to make this failed soul swapping story look convincing and smooth, as what's in the book try to explained. coz it's not!
allright, let's get into what's my wrecked brain think about this book.
we Got Susan, presently live in year 1995, happily married (or so i thought) for 2 years, having a loving & understandable Husband (this i buy it, steve was great even though he appeared only in prolouge n epilog), and she was pregnant (i guess on her last 3 smesters seeing how big her belly was as described in the book) and she love her husband steve (this I DONT BUY IT, she just never convinced me she love steve, more like.. content companion).
Susan then died in an awefull car accident. Her body was crushed and even folded i believed. she and her unborn baby died instantly. when she died and goes to heaven, god and his angels kinda like having their meeting time and they were all(according to the novel) confused, seeing how she struggled to get into her body again and her action clasified as a "rare" case. yeah... like in the movie, when someone soul's parted from their body when they were in a "shocking" death-cause, they wouldnt try to get back to their body again. yeah fucking..right. and what's rare from her dead? it seems that susan thought (again, never explained explicitly by this book's god) her time wasnt up yet. but this reason soon changed drasticaly as the story goes. 1 angel then "suggested" that it would be good to choose susan's soul AMONG many candidates that they've been sreening (gosh.. what an awesome heaven! they did an audition!) to right the wrong that's been done by some bubling angel a 100 years ago. naw, i dont want to sounds crazy and overly picky, but if this was the reason of why things happened, why God even need to wait a 100 years ahead to changed what's been done in a 100 years back? and to make it crazier, why directly handpick someone who came from a 100 years ahead to do the -im here to make it right mission- from a 100 years back? and dont try to convinced me that this was susan's Fate that's been designed by God long before she was even born. nope, not buying it, coz the author already smashed it by making the ...She, of the thousands of candidates put before them, would be able to get the job done. With a questioning look to God, who gave a satisfied and pleased nod, the decision was made. Susan Butler could right the wrong a bumbling angel had made more than one hundred years before
and to be more even soo unprofessional was, God and his angels doesnt even "erased" all of her memory at all! the memory and knowledge that came from a 100 years ahead! does someone not read his manual book? too much chit-chat w/the angels? logically, by doing this consiously, susan's knowledge about the future would make things become Unstable! since we soo pressing about time traveling, many aspects will affected. First, from time traveling it will create a questionable PARALLEL UNIVERSE. the author shoul've think about this. Second, someone in heaven need to give a briefing to susan's soul. better be some angel that handled science AND history Department and told her since God forgot to give order to his angel to erased susan's memory, SHE SHOULD NOT BLURTED things, names, placed or "prediction" about what she's already know a 100 years ahead. coz many historian would get bloody mad at her if she accidentaly using her knowledge and then "changed" the supposed to be history. as we knw, she already blurted oprah's name and inventing a running-sport outfit and introduced the 1888 citizen to jogging time. it would be different though and more acceptable for her to blurted those things IF she was transported to the past by being SUCKED into some Black hole or other version of "an accident time slip". but this! the angels handpick her by GOD asignment and forgeting about the "the dangerous of a 100 years ahead knowledge that will/probably changing the past".
and whose the lucky body that will be the resident of susan's soul? well well well, it's a gift that's been given to god to someone as lovely as susan to put her in..... a mean, a whore that slept with any man, a heartless, cruel, immoral, alcoholic girl with a very beautiful face but kinda short and fat and has rotten teeth. ouwh.. dont be sad, the brighter side was, this mean girl has a very devilishly handsome guy w/dark wavy hair and grey eyes as her husband and even more enjoyed is, he's freaking rich! w/business going well, home full of servant and food that's never seems to end. the girl's name is, Margaret. this margaret was fell from her horse and knocked her head bad. she was supposed to be dead by the accident. But knowing how important her existent is, God needs to kept her alive but making it more special by making the real margaret died and susan's soul replacing hers. so here we got susan in margaret's body.
i was thrilled to read what's going on next when susan is in margaret's. i expect an emotional wrench rejecting reaction from susan about why her perfect 1995 life should've ended and why god keep her alive in someone else's body. But the first thing that came out from her mouth when susan was oppening her eyes in margaret's body after margaret's head knocked, is... calm. she's not even surprised, scream, confused or even yelling and calling steve's name. her freaking lovely husband that she's been married for 2 years and maybe even dated him longer before and having his child before she was in a car crash. coz THAT'S WHAT A NORMAL HUMAN WHOSE BEEN THROWN TO THE PAST AND WAKEUP AT SOMEONE ELSE'S BODY WILL ACTED. By screaming and yelling and calling her most closes person's name as a spontaneous reaction as in mentally comfort! like a child that will call their mom's name first whenever they had bad dream. while susan?? NOOOOOpeeeee...
she's like,..." oh, my head hurt. oh, there's many stranger surrounding me. oh, i heard many unfamiliar voices. oh, my hand is small.oh, so now i am in other body? ooooh.....okay.. hey, he's cute and tall! oh, wait. he's not. it's me that short... and fat!! geezz.. i need to exercised". *rolling eyes* That was the first reaction from someone who just barely been died 1-2 hours from car crashed? loosing her baby? loosing her lovingly perfect husband??? and all when she was not even forgoten about her 1995 memories at all?? gezzz, girl. i dont even know whose more heartless, you? or margaret? at least margaret was intentionaly and enjoying her bad manners. but you?? what a surprised turnout.
i dont have any critics to carter, his family, his staffs or even the people in the 1888 era with all their hatred to margaret that's now maggie w/susan's soul in it. coz it suit the story perfectly. and it inline very well with their emotion towards maggie as the after-effect caused for every wrench things what she did. but I DO MAJORLY HATE OF WHAT THE AUTHOR PLOTTING ABOUT MAGGIE'S FEELING, ACTION AND REACTION. it went... zig zag! first, she seems not to missed steve at all. missing him as in a wife missed her husband, lover and mate. no. the author choose to make a very odd path to maybe try to smooth the romantic development between Magie and carter her now husband by making the angels (again, using them as the easiest way out) put their spells in susan's/magie's heart by making the memory of steve to be fading away and not as strong as it should be. instead, magie doesnt even felt lost him, nor do missing him so bad as she was supposed to do. considering how happy their life together was. for me, it's worse! coz magie's feeling toward steve felt like she just treated steve as her friend. it doesnt really matter if he's here or not, just not meaningful presence at all. damn... that hurt. while at this moment a 100years ahead, steve is crying and sniffing her legendary letter for him and he still misse her. but susan? nooooopeee... she start to facinate about how life was in 1888. she loves her beach house, she loves how she now have many servant that providing her needs, she even enjoyed her jogging and evryday baths and normaly falling in love w/carter without a single emotional fighting or feeling that she kinda betrayed steve or mad to god or any emotional fighting. she just... accepting it all without complained. latter, she thought about why she needs to be back in someone else's body, and then she came up w/ conclusion that since susan was loosing her unborn child, maybe her reason now is having a kid from carter! yeay!! lucky her that carter is handsome. gosh.. how i want carter was bald, fat, short and stink! and lemme know how she felt about her mission there! maybe she will think her mission is to kill carter. so, she try to make the full of her life in 1888. why should she think about her before life? who steve? who my unborn baby? who my firend and life in 1995? i dont even care! oh, wait.. did she have parents? any family? heck, we dont even know, coz the author just concern about magie's way to make carter fall in love w/her and making her pregnant! and with further thought, magie now think the reason of why god made susan died but keeping margaret's body w/susan in it alive, was, that she came to conclusion that it was margaret's time that wasnt supposed to end yet. but somehow, she fell and died (how can this be? it seems like margaret's accident wasnt been in God's list to happened, since if it was listed and should have happened, why god only found the replacement of margaret's soul when susan was died? and it was like a sudden decision not the planning one). and susan thinking even more deep, whats the reason to keep margaret's alive? surprised surprised... the Son that should been born from margareth and carter!! and this son seems to hold a very heavy role in the future. and suddently, all came clear, maggie now even more accepting god's plan and more determined to make love and intimate w/carter that loathed margaret. if it was me, im going to asked god this : "dear God, then you mean my unborn baby, the child that's been made by me and steve wasnt important? who knows, maybe my kid will become the president of united state? or maybe he/she will discovered another planet? why? why you do this to susan but not to margaret? her son doesnt even been made yet, but my kid was one step away from being born".
toward the end, i was more interesting of the epilogue, since it will be from steve's perspective after he read magie's legendary letter. oh, and speaking about magie's letter, i dont knw about you guys, but it was the most cold blooded letter that's ever been made by a wife to her husband. "yo, steve, whad up? i knw you think im dead, but im not. im good, in someone else's body, having handsome husband, and i buy you some stocks! you will be rich rich rich! aint i nice?? btw, w/this letter, i also send you my bloody life journey that i put in a novel. i put evrything in it. including my crazines feeling towards carter, my kissing scenes, my bed scenes and how im fall madly, helplessly , pure consumed love toward him. oh, i also mentioned in my novels, several times about how i never felt like "this" before, how i never felt this "Raw" before, how i never experienced things like this before to any man. did i said anyman? oh, yes. i forget that i was married to you before. but sorry, i never felt anything that i ever felt to carter when i was with you. dont be sad. i made you rich, naw, lemme tell you again, aint i nice??"
hasta la vista baby....
oh, i forgot to mentioned about the important of the son from margaret n carter. he was going to b grown as the one that spotted the titanic distress signal when that ship sink, and by doing so, he saved many lifes. but still., doesnt justified that the unborn baby from susan - steve to be less important that margaret-carter. as i sadi bfore, who knws maybe steve-susan's kid will be bring peace to the world? or even greater can solve the mistery behin the jfk's, or maybe can prevent ww1 or ww2. right???
yes. thus, i gave this book 2 stars...
October 25, 2019
I really want to continue reading this book but the double standards are really annoying me. I also okay with double standards if they are condemned but this book seems to be supporting it too much even for an historical romance. Its too much even for a HR, I have read many HR that don't blatantly slut shame while completely glorying players. Not to mention that he is extremely cruel to the heroine. I get way he is such an asshole- she has been reincarnated in his evil wife's body so he thinks heroine is his wife and hates her for everything his wife has done. But one of his reasons for hating his wife pisses me off. And there is only so many times I can read the hero pushing h away and making her life hell when she has done nothing to deserve it! The whole town hates her, her trying to win their love, only to shunned constantly.
Carter was no right to be angry that Magaret wasn't a virgin in their wedding night because he himself said he was VERY experienced himself. What a hypocrite- I can't stand men who think it's okay for then to sleep around in the past yet expect a virginal, chaste wife. How sexist!
I completely agree with him being mad at Magaret for cheating on him- having sex with other people while married is obviously extremely wrong and disgusting but there is nothing wrong with casual sex between single, consenting adults who are not hurting anyone. But the worst thing is that Carter is judging and shaming her, calling her a tramp for sleeping around (when she was single, before she even knew him) when he himself has slept with many women before marriage! I don't know how I am supposed to like him as romantic love interest when it makes me sick. Men who hold such double standards would be condemned and educated instead of being romanticized.
"Margaret had been nothing more than a little tramp, spreading her legs for just about any man who would have her. Her parents died when she was just fifteen, leaving her in the care of a negligent governess who spent more time gossiping with the household staff than teaching her ward proper behavior"
Lol, a lot of men are always willing to have sex with any women who offers yet no one calls them a tramp or whore. From what it sounds like, Carter himself probably "spread his legs" for many women who were willing to have him, before he was married. At least acknowledge the double standards.
Carter was no right to be angry that Magaret wasn't a virgin in their wedding night because he himself said he was VERY experienced himself. What a hypocrite- I can't stand men who think it's okay for then to sleep around in the past yet expect a virginal, chaste wife. How sexist!
I completely agree with him being mad at Magaret for cheating on him- having sex with other people while married is obviously extremely wrong and disgusting but there is nothing wrong with casual sex between single, consenting adults who are not hurting anyone. But the worst thing is that Carter is judging and shaming her, calling her a tramp for sleeping around (when she was single, before she even knew him) when he himself has slept with many women before marriage! I don't know how I am supposed to like him as romantic love interest when it makes me sick. Men who hold such double standards would be condemned and educated instead of being romanticized.
"Margaret had been nothing more than a little tramp, spreading her legs for just about any man who would have her. Her parents died when she was just fifteen, leaving her in the care of a negligent governess who spent more time gossiping with the household staff than teaching her ward proper behavior"
Lol, a lot of men are always willing to have sex with any women who offers yet no one calls them a tramp or whore. From what it sounds like, Carter himself probably "spread his legs" for many women who were willing to have him, before he was married. At least acknowledge the double standards.
September 26, 2010
4.5 stars. It's touching, lovely, sad and happy. I couldn't put it down.
I didn't want to stop reading it. 1990s Susan Butler is in a fatal car crash. Her guardian angels give her a second chance to live by whisking her back into the body of Margaret Johnsbury who died falling from a horse. Margaret had been mean, vicious and hurt many people. All of a sudden Margaret's body has the soul of Susan, who is loving and good. Maggie refers to Margaret's body with Susan's soul.
My heart went out to Maggie who had to find the strength and courage to face social ostracism and hatred. All people snubbed her and shunned her. Yet, she withstood it while she continued her quest to get her husband to see the real her and hopefully to love her. I was awed when Maggie would fight back the tears and try to smile while suffering the punishment that was so well deserved by her predecessor but not at all deserved by her. I loved her personality. It was fun seeing her make some jogging clothes to wear back then. She had no shoes, so she would jog barefoot in the sand.
Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: two. Setting: 1990s and 1888 Newport, Rhode Island. Genre: time-travel historical romance.
To date, I’ve read one other book by Jane Goodger. My 2 star review of “Marry Christmas,” Copyright 2008, was posted 10/10/08.
I didn't want to stop reading it. 1990s Susan Butler is in a fatal car crash. Her guardian angels give her a second chance to live by whisking her back into the body of Margaret Johnsbury who died falling from a horse. Margaret had been mean, vicious and hurt many people. All of a sudden Margaret's body has the soul of Susan, who is loving and good. Maggie refers to Margaret's body with Susan's soul.
My heart went out to Maggie who had to find the strength and courage to face social ostracism and hatred. All people snubbed her and shunned her. Yet, she withstood it while she continued her quest to get her husband to see the real her and hopefully to love her. I was awed when Maggie would fight back the tears and try to smile while suffering the punishment that was so well deserved by her predecessor but not at all deserved by her. I loved her personality. It was fun seeing her make some jogging clothes to wear back then. She had no shoes, so she would jog barefoot in the sand.
Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: two. Setting: 1990s and 1888 Newport, Rhode Island. Genre: time-travel historical romance.
To date, I’ve read one other book by Jane Goodger. My 2 star review of “Marry Christmas,” Copyright 2008, was posted 10/10/08.
October 15, 2014
wow!!so beautiful! made me cry like crazy! (but good tears;p)
I have gotta say...one of the best time travel romances ever or even better, one of the best historical romances...
perfect character development and plot (though the book seemed a bit long...I felt that every sentence was important and necessary!)
overall, 5++++++ stars (this deserves like a 10/5 stars!!--that's how perfect it is!)
Definitely will be reading more by this author (and I don't often say that very easily)
I have gotta say...one of the best time travel romances ever or even better, one of the best historical romances...
perfect character development and plot (though the book seemed a bit long...I felt that every sentence was important and necessary!)
overall, 5++++++ stars (this deserves like a 10/5 stars!!--that's how perfect it is!)
Definitely will be reading more by this author (and I don't often say that very easily)
October 15, 2025
What a beautiful, wistful piece of time-slip fantasy. When There Is Hope begins with a jolt—Susan Butler wakes after an accident to find herself not in her familiar 1990s life, but in 1888, inhabiting the body of a woman everyone seems to despise. From that moment on, the story unfolds like a second chance wrapped in mystery and emotion.
I loved this novel for what it is: pure, heartfelt escapism. The premise feels almost like a gentle whisper from beyond—you died too soon, let’s give you another try—and Jane Goodger makes it work with grace and compassion. The contrast between Susan’s modern sensibilities and Margaret’s rigid Victorian world is both entertaining and poignant, and watching her search for understanding, forgiveness, and love kept me completely engaged.
It’s the kind of story that makes you sigh when you finish, wishing you could linger in its world just a little longer. Romantic, redemptive, and quietly moving, When There Is Hope is escapism personified.
I loved this novel for what it is: pure, heartfelt escapism. The premise feels almost like a gentle whisper from beyond—you died too soon, let’s give you another try—and Jane Goodger makes it work with grace and compassion. The contrast between Susan’s modern sensibilities and Margaret’s rigid Victorian world is both entertaining and poignant, and watching her search for understanding, forgiveness, and love kept me completely engaged.
It’s the kind of story that makes you sigh when you finish, wishing you could linger in its world just a little longer. Romantic, redemptive, and quietly moving, When There Is Hope is escapism personified.
August 31, 2015
4.5 I-WANT-MORE stars
Definitely one of my all-time fav romances. Though the hero isn't exactly my type...
Definitely one of my all-time fav romances. Though the hero isn't exactly my type...
July 22, 2020
This book. I have no words.
When I picked it up, I had no idea what I was getting into.
A heart touching, beautifully written rebirth/time travel story.
Pregnant and happily married, the h dies in a car crash in 1990’s and is reincarnated in the body of an evil woman in 1880’s. Not just her husband but almost everyone hates her (or the body she is in), including neighbors, in-laws, society, even the servants. The lovely, cheerful, friendly and down to earth h is stuck in a body and time where she does not belong, but she refuses to give up under any circumstances.
The romance in this book is a tough journey. Lots of angst and ups and downs in this story.
Highly recommend!
When I picked it up, I had no idea what I was getting into.
A heart touching, beautifully written rebirth/time travel story.
Pregnant and happily married, the h dies in a car crash in 1990’s and is reincarnated in the body of an evil woman in 1880’s. Not just her husband but almost everyone hates her (or the body she is in), including neighbors, in-laws, society, even the servants. The lovely, cheerful, friendly and down to earth h is stuck in a body and time where she does not belong, but she refuses to give up under any circumstances.
The romance in this book is a tough journey. Lots of angst and ups and downs in this story.
Highly recommend!
July 26, 2012
This is one of the best romance books I've ever read. I think other romance authors should read it and maybe then they finally understand that it's possible to write a very enjoyable book without the heroine being a wimpy, silly crybaby and the hero being a dim-witted, cynical scoundrel.
I was incredibly happy to find this book did not include:
- blushing virgins
- the oh-so-wicked rakes suddenly becoming angels in flesh
- the helpless, supposedly charmingly feminine creatures unable to articulate their thoughts clearly (if they even have them)
- stupid misunderstandings that characters could have prevented by simply talking to each other
- illogical, totally implausible and annoying twists of plot needed only to make the book lengthier
Instead of that, the book featured a lovely, self-sufficient, down-to-earth heroine with huge reserves of optimism who refused to give up in any circumstances, however bad those might be. A refreshing change from all the damsels in distress I normally read about :)
Other than that, there is everything I like in an entertaining book: it's easy to read, it's moving, the characters are likeable, the plot is fast-paced and - cherry on the cake - there's time travel. A real treat!
I was incredibly happy to find this book did not include:
- blushing virgins
- the oh-so-wicked rakes suddenly becoming angels in flesh
- the helpless, supposedly charmingly feminine creatures unable to articulate their thoughts clearly (if they even have them)
- stupid misunderstandings that characters could have prevented by simply talking to each other
- illogical, totally implausible and annoying twists of plot needed only to make the book lengthier
Instead of that, the book featured a lovely, self-sufficient, down-to-earth heroine with huge reserves of optimism who refused to give up in any circumstances, however bad those might be. A refreshing change from all the damsels in distress I normally read about :)
Other than that, there is everything I like in an entertaining book: it's easy to read, it's moving, the characters are likeable, the plot is fast-paced and - cherry on the cake - there's time travel. A real treat!
July 13, 2011
What a touching, charming & romatic book. I really was swept away by it. Read it straight into the night. I cried alot, I even had to wait until the pages dried before I continued.
The story had a few small issues 1)Maggie forgets about Steve too quickly and 2) how can Maggie send Steve the letter only three days after the funeral. That seemed cruel. He was still grieving. (These really aren't spoilers, they occur within the first two chapters).
Other than the above-mentioned issues, the book made me laugh, cry, and hope that Maggie could convince Carter that she wasn't that evil woman that he originally married!
4 out of 5 stars.
The story had a few small issues 1)Maggie forgets about Steve too quickly and 2) how can Maggie send Steve the letter only three days after the funeral. That seemed cruel. He was still grieving. (These really aren't spoilers, they occur within the first two chapters).
Other than the above-mentioned issues, the book made me laugh, cry, and hope that Maggie could convince Carter that she wasn't that evil woman that he originally married!
4 out of 5 stars.
February 3, 2016
First of all the cover is horrible but you know I don't judge a book by its cover. The plot was creative and interesting in the beginning. I was really enjoying the story. The story got very repetitive and lacked some plot. The twist was so weird. I just couldn't stop laughing. The ending was not a satisfying one. And if you think there will be a lot of sexy times in this book you are wrong (sorry).
April 29, 2023
Still 5 stars on a re-read. And now I'm out of Kleenex.
July 14, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
It’s really hard to explain my thoughts on this one without showing my bias towards reincarnation stories.
I usually read them as manhwas or mangas, and while I enjoy those wholeheartedly, there’s nothing like reading an actual book on them. I really wish we’d see more English speaking authors embracing this trope. A lot of the Korean and Japanese translations are really hard to get through 😭
Anyways, Susan now known as Maggie was a character that was realistic in a lot of ways, but unrealistic in so many other ways. A majority of the time I had to fight my urge to dnf this just because I hated her actions. She was just so annoying. From the toxic dieting (seriously what the fuck was that), the unrelenting optimism, and the unrealistic expectations. I had a hard time relating to her character, especially every time she would do yet another thing that would set back her progress.
Tbh with you as much as I found her annoying I have to say I admired her relentless determination. I would have bailed 1 hour in if everyone was treating me the way they treated her. Kudos to her for that.
Carter is a mmc that you want to be angry with because of his actions toward the fmc, but the reality is that they were completely justified. He should have been MORE angry imo. I would hate Maggie too if I thought she was the OG Margaret.
All in all, I’m extremely grateful that I was able to finish this book considering how bad of a slump I’m in. A big shoutout to my local goodwill for having it stocked. You the real MVP.
It’s really hard to explain my thoughts on this one without showing my bias towards reincarnation stories.
I usually read them as manhwas or mangas, and while I enjoy those wholeheartedly, there’s nothing like reading an actual book on them. I really wish we’d see more English speaking authors embracing this trope. A lot of the Korean and Japanese translations are really hard to get through 😭
Anyways, Susan now known as Maggie was a character that was realistic in a lot of ways, but unrealistic in so many other ways. A majority of the time I had to fight my urge to dnf this just because I hated her actions. She was just so annoying. From the toxic dieting (seriously what the fuck was that), the unrelenting optimism, and the unrealistic expectations. I had a hard time relating to her character, especially every time she would do yet another thing that would set back her progress.
Tbh with you as much as I found her annoying I have to say I admired her relentless determination. I would have bailed 1 hour in if everyone was treating me the way they treated her. Kudos to her for that.
Carter is a mmc that you want to be angry with because of his actions toward the fmc, but the reality is that they were completely justified. He should have been MORE angry imo. I would hate Maggie too if I thought she was the OG Margaret.
All in all, I’m extremely grateful that I was able to finish this book considering how bad of a slump I’m in. A big shoutout to my local goodwill for having it stocked. You the real MVP.
October 29, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this book but I definitely loved it.
March 27, 2022
4.5 stars! This book really sucked me in. I don't understand how Margaret could've been such a terrible person but I'm glad Maggie came into Carter's life and finally gave him some happiness. Although I understand why he and everyone else was so hesitant to just accept her, I felt so bad for her especially when Carter kept going back and forth about whether or not he hated her.
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