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The Hands of Time #5
Shattered Moments
A year has passed since the Sheridans fled the plague in England, but a new crisis tears Valerie and Louisa apart once again, with dire consequences. As the stranded Whitfields desperately try to return home to the seventeenth century, the Sheridans face a threat of a different nature. The past rarely stays in the past, and a shocking murder brings things to a head as Kit is accused of the crime, and shameful secrets are brought into the open.
Meanwhile, in the eighteenth century, the Revolutionary War is still raging, and Finn comes face to face with an old enemy who won’t be outwitted again. As Finn fights for his life, Sam must face his own demons, and figure out where his loyalties lie.
Long-buried secrets, blackmail, murder, and a tender new romance take center stage in this final installment of The Hands of Time Series.
Meanwhile, in the eighteenth century, the Revolutionary War is still raging, and Finn comes face to face with an old enemy who won’t be outwitted again. As Finn fights for his life, Sam must face his own demons, and figure out where his loyalties lie.
Long-buried secrets, blackmail, murder, and a tender new romance take center stage in this final installment of The Hands of Time Series.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2014
860 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Irina Shapiro
91 books1,164 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 29, 2016
This book was an amazing finale to an amazing series.
In this book the family saga comes to an end. Alec and Valerie go back to the future when a health concern is brought to light. While there the time travel watch is lost and they are trapped. Will they make it back home? While they are in the future, Louisa is faced with the horrible truth of Kits betrayal. When he is blackmailed and the man who blackmailed him is found murdered Kit is taken in for murder. Wille she be able to forget the wrongs and save her husband? In 1779 Diana comes to the Mallory farm with her young son in tow. The family has the idea that the boy is Sams. Will his new wife Susanna believe he has nothing for Diana any more or will her presence bring about trouble? Also during this time Finn is almost caught by the British. Will he make it home?
WOW! This series was great from beginning to end. This book was an adventure in itself. It was full of questions and thankfully all the lose ends were tied up. This series as a whole has been a great time travel adventure ride. It had love, family, war, and betrayal. It was written well and anyone who reads it WILL fall in love. Irina Shapiro has gained a new fan of this series has any say in it. From beginning to end this book and series was amazing....Stormi
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In this book the family saga comes to an end. Alec and Valerie go back to the future when a health concern is brought to light. While there the time travel watch is lost and they are trapped. Will they make it back home? While they are in the future, Louisa is faced with the horrible truth of Kits betrayal. When he is blackmailed and the man who blackmailed him is found murdered Kit is taken in for murder. Wille she be able to forget the wrongs and save her husband? In 1779 Diana comes to the Mallory farm with her young son in tow. The family has the idea that the boy is Sams. Will his new wife Susanna believe he has nothing for Diana any more or will her presence bring about trouble? Also during this time Finn is almost caught by the British. Will he make it home?
WOW! This series was great from beginning to end. This book was an adventure in itself. It was full of questions and thankfully all the lose ends were tied up. This series as a whole has been a great time travel adventure ride. It had love, family, war, and betrayal. It was written well and anyone who reads it WILL fall in love. Irina Shapiro has gained a new fan of this series has any say in it. From beginning to end this book and series was amazing....Stormi
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
January 16, 2014
An excellent conclusion to an excellent series. Ms. Shapiro did a great job of tying up all the loose ends, as well as introducing new characters, and several new twists that kept me guessing till the very end of the book how things would get resolved. I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a time-travel element.
October 25, 2015
Wraps up the series. There are tensions and challenges for all the core characters, and by now there are quite a few independent story threads, but all get settled. So many threads makes the storyline busy and, it could just be me but, I felt a bit flat as I read knowing this will be the end of the series.
June 5, 2025
Lives and twists of fate
I loved this installment of the Whitfield and Sheridan‘s time traveling historical romance. Like the other books in the series, this story is told from multiple points of view. It does not focus on one couple but once again focuses on four couples - Valerie and Alec, Louisa and Kit, Finn and Abbie, and Sam and Susanna. There is a lot going on with these couples between the 17th and 18th centuries. This time, unexpected moments for these couples alter their paths in ways they never imagined. Interwoven with the couples story arcs there is once again social and religious commentary which adds interesting layers to the storyline. The story was well written and included three dimensional characters and an engaging storyline as shown through mystery, sweet moments, spice, laughs, messy families, painful pasts, surprises, danger, plot twists, fate, and love. I am looking forward to reading more in the series. 4.5 stars.
I loved this installment of the Whitfield and Sheridan‘s time traveling historical romance. Like the other books in the series, this story is told from multiple points of view. It does not focus on one couple but once again focuses on four couples - Valerie and Alec, Louisa and Kit, Finn and Abbie, and Sam and Susanna. There is a lot going on with these couples between the 17th and 18th centuries. This time, unexpected moments for these couples alter their paths in ways they never imagined. Interwoven with the couples story arcs there is once again social and religious commentary which adds interesting layers to the storyline. The story was well written and included three dimensional characters and an engaging storyline as shown through mystery, sweet moments, spice, laughs, messy families, painful pasts, surprises, danger, plot twists, fate, and love. I am looking forward to reading more in the series. 4.5 stars.
September 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book met me in a tender place. Shattered Moments is more than historical fiction; it’s a story of legacy, longing, and the quiet strength it takes to rebuild when everything familiar is gone. Valerie’s journey reminded me of the women I walk with daily: resilient, faith-rooted, and determined to protect what matters most.
Irina Shapiro writes with emotional clarity. I felt Valerie’s ache as she navigated time, loss, and the pull of home. The Virginia storyline, especially Louisa’s tragedy, was a powerful reminder that healing isn’t always gentle, but it is always sacred.
One line stayed with me: "Sometimes, the pieces don’t fit the way they used to. But they still belong to you."
That’s legacy work. That’s restoration. That’s what we do when we choose love, even when the timeline doesn’t make sense.
If you believe in divine timing, in family as a calling, and in the kind of love that spans centuries, this story will speak to you.
This book met me in a tender place. Shattered Moments is more than historical fiction; it’s a story of legacy, longing, and the quiet strength it takes to rebuild when everything familiar is gone. Valerie’s journey reminded me of the women I walk with daily: resilient, faith-rooted, and determined to protect what matters most.
Irina Shapiro writes with emotional clarity. I felt Valerie’s ache as she navigated time, loss, and the pull of home. The Virginia storyline, especially Louisa’s tragedy, was a powerful reminder that healing isn’t always gentle, but it is always sacred.
One line stayed with me: "Sometimes, the pieces don’t fit the way they used to. But they still belong to you."
That’s legacy work. That’s restoration. That’s what we do when we choose love, even when the timeline doesn’t make sense.
If you believe in divine timing, in family as a calling, and in the kind of love that spans centuries, this story will speak to you.
June 13, 2025
I like the characters except that the author makes the women do stupid things, like loose the watch. If I had a time travel watch I would make sure I kept it very safe. Now the other thing I've been thinking aobut is why didn't the travelers from the future try and change some primitive things in the past like no plumbing in the house. It bothered me that the future people did not use their knowledge to make things better in the past. I don't think I could tolerate living in the 1600's.
September 3, 2019
Really great set of books. I finished one and immediately picked up the next. I love the relationships between the players. The antagonists aren't over the top and everyone seems justified in their actions. When put in similar circumstances most anyone would resort to self-help. I love these books!!!!
March 19, 2023
Story that has you hooked
Every book of this series has had me mesmerized. Once I start reading, I cannot put it down. The plot is fanciful, but the plots and characters are totally fascinating and well thought out. This is the first review I've written and I heartily recommend it.
Every book of this series has had me mesmerized. Once I start reading, I cannot put it down. The plot is fanciful, but the plots and characters are totally fascinating and well thought out. This is the first review I've written and I heartily recommend it.
November 24, 2025
This book was very different to the last one in the series, it was much more slower paced, with a twist of the future in it when Alec and Valerie go to 2010 which I really enjoyed reading! I wish there was more detail of how Alec experienced modern world, but apart from that I enjoyed it, but I did miss the deeper plot that the previous books had.
January 28, 2021
Good
I enjoyed this book. I love the characters and the loyalty to family. The women are strong and independent. The relationships and love are so realistic. I feel like one of the family. This is a gifted author in my opinion. I enjoy her storytelling.
I enjoyed this book. I love the characters and the loyalty to family. The women are strong and independent. The relationships and love are so realistic. I feel like one of the family. This is a gifted author in my opinion. I enjoy her storytelling.
May 15, 2021
Fantastic
Once again a fantastic story.. This family continues to have so many downs and so few ups, but still persevere. The author does an excellent job of bringing the story and characters to life.
Once again a fantastic story.. This family continues to have so many downs and so few ups, but still persevere. The author does an excellent job of bringing the story and characters to life.
February 22, 2023
Don’t lose your watch!!!
From 17th century Virginia, and Scotland to 21st century New York City, sisters Valerie and Louisa fight to keep their families together. An excellent saga.
From 17th century Virginia, and Scotland to 21st century New York City, sisters Valerie and Louisa fight to keep their families together. An excellent saga.
February 5, 2024
Shattered Moments
With a time travel watch much can be accomplished. Alec has pain on his right side. Valerie took him to the 21st century for medical help that can’t be in 1626. The watch lost with hope a professor could help to get them home.
With a time travel watch much can be accomplished. Alec has pain on his right side. Valerie took him to the 21st century for medical help that can’t be in 1626. The watch lost with hope a professor could help to get them home.
June 16, 2017
Shattered Moments
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat as you go through time with Alex, Valerie and their family. Nothing binds a family tighter than family tie.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat as you go through time with Alex, Valerie and their family. Nothing binds a family tighter than family tie.
March 30, 2018
Love it! Lots of characters, different ending w/ new people introduced. And more of the series to read! yea.
March 2, 2020
Loved this series!
Great plot, character development & events kept me devouring one book after another. If you like time travel books, this is one of the best!
Great plot, character development & events kept me devouring one book after another. If you like time travel books, this is one of the best!
March 22, 2020
Good book
Another good book in the series. Some love, action, mixed in with several twists and turns making it a good read.
Another good book in the series. Some love, action, mixed in with several twists and turns making it a good read.
April 16, 2021
Another amazing ‘chapter’ in this wondrous journey!
Can’t wait to start the next one!!!
Can’t wait to start the next one!!!
September 13, 2023
Proofreading needed.
June 27, 2024
Audible.
January 27, 2025
Good story. Needs a better edit
February 14, 2025
I wasn't crazy about Kit's storyline. I also feel as if there were some holes in the story but I would spoil the book if I said.
September 9, 2025
Book number 5 in The Hands of Time series. Best one so far!
October 21, 2025
hooked
After each book, I am still hooked in and can need to read the next book in the series. Irina Shapiro is a great storyteller
After each book, I am still hooked in and can need to read the next book in the series. Irina Shapiro is a great storyteller
August 25, 2024
This series has had me riveted. On Book 6 of the series on only a few weeks. Love this series and the ithers by Irina Shapiro
June 17, 2015
Excellent
Again I didn't want it to end. Love the story and all of the characters. The adventure the love of family and the lost. I held my breath at times. I really think you will enjoy this series as much as I did.
Again I didn't want it to end. Love the story and all of the characters. The adventure the love of family and the lost. I held my breath at times. I really think you will enjoy this series as much as I did.
January 17, 2014
Loved this book. Glad all the loose ends are tied up. Going to miss all the characters though. Now what do I read????
June 14, 2015
I'm giving this book a three rather than a four because of the grammar mistakes in the book. Also, I thought there was too much explicit sex. Overall, a fun read.
July 18, 2015
Hooked on these time travel tales.
Wish the editor knew grammar better, specifically the proper use of pronouns. But very enjoyable books all told. Waiting eagerly for next one.
Wish the editor knew grammar better, specifically the proper use of pronouns. But very enjoyable books all told. Waiting eagerly for next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews