In Another Time

by Jessie Winterspring

What if the future is predetermined and nothing you do can change it?

All he wanted was to go back to the future, but that also meant living in a world without her.

Leonardo

My world turned upside down when I broke a bottle containing a wish. I’m an easy-going person, and I hate anything brainy, but the damn bottle made me travel back in time, back to 1956 when Abuela was only nineteen. Younger than me!

I might need to use my brain to figure out how to get back to 2020, preferably before I alter my grandparents' history. Befriending them isn’t part of the plan, and falling for Celestina, my abuela's future best friend, is definitely not supposed to happen.

Celestina

All Celestina wanted was her mother's love, but because she’s a product of rape, she learned to accept that her dream would never come true. However, when Leonardo materialized out of her bottle in front of her, she thought that if magic was possible, her wishes may not be out of reach.

In Another Time is a time travel romance set in Beniardà, a small sun-drenched village in Francoist Spain, where time seemed to be standing still.

Genres: Romance

356 pages, ebook

First published October 17, 2024

About the author

Jessie Winterspring is a Filipina time travel romance writer living in Spain with her family. She likes spending her time reading and daydreaming. Her stories often revolve around ordinary people with extraordinary experiences. And since it’s still impossible for humans to travel through time, Jessie did the next best thing: write them.

In Another Time , her debut full-length time travel romance novel was released on October 17, 2024.

When she's not writing or reading, she’s chasing her son or baking cakes. Occasionally, she posts short stories and other chitchats on her blog, but she's most active on Instagram @jessiewinterspring.


Follow her in BookBub, Instagram, Facebook or Visit her website

Reviews

[Arianna Holmstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read!

This book was such a sweet surprise. Leonardo finds a mysterious bottle and gets sent back to 1956, right when his grandparents’ love story begins. While stuck in the past, he meets Celestina — the only one who believes him — and their connection feels genuine and heartfelt.
It’s not heavy sci-fi. It’s more about love, identity, and finding where you belong. The small village setting makes it feel cozy and emotional. By the end, it leaves you feeling warm and hopeful. Definitely a beautiful mix of romance and a little magic.

[Aisvarya (Semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for sending me this Arc in exchange for an honest review.

Such a beautiful and heart wrenching story!!

We follow Leonardo who has come to rural Spain to spend time with his grandparents. And when he stumbles upon a heart shaped bottle with a message inside it, he doesn't hesitate to pick it up to read. But as soon as he reads the note, he's transferred back in time to when his grandparents had just started to date. No one would believe he came from the future except Celestina, who was the person who wrote that note. You'd have to read to find out if Leo will return back to his time without losing his heart to Celest or if he changes a lot here that he ceases to exist at all.

The first half of the story was a lot slower as we were introduced to the characters and Leo was also taking his sweet time to accept the fact that he really is in the past. But once that got settled, the plot picked up pace and enjoyed it a lot. It was so good to see Leo's grandparents (Isabela and Alonso) fall in love cuz they were so adorable. And I loved seeing Leo find his soulmate in Celest too, but they definitely have a complicated relationship as there's a huge time gap between them!!!

I loved the way everything came together by the last few chapters, and was amazed at the author's ability to weave that beautiful timetravel story. Appreciated the exploration of parenthood in the novel too.

Highly recommend if you want an emotional yet beautiful love story, with wonderful supporting characters!!

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

It all began with a shattered bottle and a kiss that sent Leo from 2020 Spain to 1956 Spain. He was in another time—a time where he met his 19-year-old grandmother before she married his grandfather. This sounded like a classic plot of the “Back to the Future” movie.

In this time, Leo also meets a girl he admired from an old photograph named Celestina. So far, the premise was pretty alluring. Sometimes it was a little hard at first to figure out the chapter POV’s and who was talking in the narrative. After a while though, you kind of fall into when the story centers more on Leo. Leo’s grandmother knows he’s from the future and Leo needs to figure out how to get back to his own time without affecting the future too much.

This was a nice and simple read, but the story was generally long and slow. It was cute seeing Leo and Celesting awkwardly fumble around each other. For the first time, Leo wonders if it would be so bad if he were to stay in 1956. You undoubtedly feel for the characters especially Celestina on living with her cold mother and being the product of a sexual assault. Oh, and how sad to hear how Leo lost his parents. The read weas pretty good as it does get you involved with these emotionally complex characters, but it was very long to get through. I wish this would’ve been shorter to make for a quicker and easier read. A lot of the narrative seemed trivial and could’ve been lessened or omitted. I also didn’t like the way this kept jumping between POV’s and time zones. There’s definitely a sweet romance that develops between Leo and Celestina, but it develops and extends very slowly. This was a pretty good time-travel story. You do wonder how the future will change and how Celistina and Leo will make it through. In fact, I was almost going to give this 4 stars, but the most daunting part of it was the long length and this was what sent the rating down to 3 stars. I gave this book 3 stars for the good concept, the fair writing, and the potential for the author to improve on future books. A fairly nice read.

[Mindy Mather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Charming Journey Through Time and Love


This was such a fun and romantic time travel story that kept me entertained from beginning to end.

The mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and the complications of accidentally traveling to the past made for a really enjoyable read.

Leonardo is a great main character because he feels very relatable. He openly admits he is not the most analytical person, which makes it even more entertaining when he suddenly finds himself stuck in 1956 trying to figure out how to return to the future without accidentally ruining his own family history.

Watching him interact with his young grandparents added some funny and surprisingly touching moments.

The romance between Leonardo and Celestina is where the story really shines. Their connection builds slowly and feels genuine.

Celestina’s background and longing for love make her an especially sympathetic character, and it was easy to root for her happiness. Seeing her discover hope through this strange and magical encounter added emotional depth to the story.

The setting in a small Spanish village during the 1950s was also a highlight. It created a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that made the story feel vivid and immersive. The cultural details and slower pace of life in that era added a lot of charm to the journey.

What I enjoyed most was the balance between the time travel dilemma and the romance. There is always the question hanging over everything about whether

Leonardo will return to his own time and what that means for the relationship he builds in the past. That tension keeps the story interesting while still allowing the romance to develop naturally.

Overall, this was a delightful read with a creative premise, lovable characters, and a sweet slow burn romance. If you enjoy time travel stories with heart and a touch of humor, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Booksnliftsdiary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4⭐️/5

“I wish to have someone who understands me and will love me for me.”

Leonardo, visiting his grandparents in a small Spanish village, stumbles upon a mysterious bottle with a note inside. When he reads it, he’s suddenly transported back to 1956, where his grandparents are just beginning their love story. Lost in the past, Leonardo meets Celestina, the only person who believes his wild tale—and the one who could steal his heart. Now, he must figure out if he can return to his time without changing the future—or falling in love in the process.

This book blends romance and time travel in such a sweet and unique way. Leonardo and Celestina’s relationship is special, and the emotional and magical journey through time makes it even more interesting. It’s not focused on sci-fi, but on love, personal growth, and connection, all set in a small village with a cozy, feel-good vibe. Celestina also has her own struggles. Living in a town where everyone knows everyone, she’s forced to wear a mask, especially after a painful visit to her biological father, which left her feeling sick and confused about who she really is.

What makes this story even more meaningful is that the author is a fellow Filipina, living in Spain. Leonardo’s background adds another layer of richness to the story—being the grandson of a Frenchman and a Filipina, his character feels deeply connected to both cultures. By the end, everything comes together beautifully, leaving you with a warm, uplifting feeling. If you’re in the mood for a story that mixes time travel, romance, and a touch of magic, this one is a must-read!

A big thanks to Jessie Winterspring for sending me a digital ARC of this book!

Release date: 10/17/2024.

[Eclectic Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

It all starts with a message in a bottle which morphs into a love beyond time.

It’s been a while since I have read a time travel and I enjoyed Leonardo’s trip back in time from 2020 to 1956. It’s an impressive and dubious tale with many twists and turns giving growth to the characters and depth to their unwavering love. Leo’s character exhibits a rare combination of sweetness, humor, and unwavering devotion, drawing one into his remarkable journey. His deep connection to a girl he had only known through his grandparents’ stories and old photographs adds a layer of depth to the writing, setting the stage for an extraordinary love story to blossom.

Watching Celestina slowly fall for Leo’s kindness and respect is beautiful. She is an unfortunate product of a tragic assault who is treated abysmally by her mother and alienated by her village. Her unwavering fortitude and capacity for forgiveness make her an inspiring figure, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the story.

Ms. Winterspring’s writing is compelling and her characters give substance to the intriguing family dynamics.

I recommend this slow-burn, meaningful love story set in a beautiful Spanish village. The characters will touch your heart as they cross decades to be with their true loves.

Thank you to Ms. Winterspring for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Eraneh Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few books/ stories on time travel but never had a chance to read one on time travel romace. I guess I was meant to read one only by one of my oldest friends here on bookstagram Jessie. So glad that I got the chance to have the ARC copy of this book and that I read it even before it's release date i.e. 17th October, 2024. I did face a little bit of difficulty in the beginning when I saw Español dialogues in middle of conversations but as I had studied a bit of spanish in my college as an optional subject I started to get it, as the story progressed it became more easy as I started to feel the connection with the characters and their emotions. The story gets intense at times and is not focused solely on romance or time travel, it also explores the relationship between several characters and how it changes drastically with time, also the readers will find a bit of suspense and thrill while progressing with the story. Although the strongest part which I loved about this book was on time travel and the way the writer has studied and used it with the story and it's characters. Time travel as a topic itself is super interesting so when incorporated with a romantic story as this one it becomes engaging as hell so one cannot stop himself/herself from getting hooked with the book.
I would definitely recommend this book to all the readers who want to explore a new genre and read a feel good romantic novella!

[Sachin Karnik · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Another Time whisks readers away on a time-traveling adventure—a journey that defies the boundaries of past and present. Leonardo, an easy-going soul, accidentally breaks a bottle containing a wish, catapulting him back to 1956. Suddenly, he’s in a world where Abuela, his grandmother, is only nineteen—years younger than him! His mission: to find a way back to 2020 without altering his grandparents’ history. But fate has other plans. Befriending them becomes inevitable, and falling for Celestina, Abuela’s future best friend, is definitely not part of the plan.

Celestina, too, carries her own burdens. A product of rape, she yearns for her mother’s love. When Leonardo materializes out of a bottle, she wonders if magic can make her wishes come true.

What I Loved:
Time’s Veil: The interplay between eras is beautifully handled. Jessie Winterspring captures the essence of different decades, making the time-travel aspect both intriguing and poignant.
Character Dynamics: Leonardo and Celestina’s connection transcends time. Their friendship and budding romance are heartwarming.
Sun-Drenched Setting: Beniardà, the sun-kissed village in Francoist Spain, feels like a hidden gem. Its cobbled streets hold secrets, and its sunsets paint love stories.

In Another Time is a sunlit escape—a tale of courage, sacrifice, and love that transcends the ticking clock. If you seek a blend of magic and heart, step into Beniardà. Just beware—the echoes of time may linger in your dreams.

[Linda Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time travel romance can easily turn chaotic, but this story leans into something softer and more reflective. The small village setting in 1956 Spain gives it a warm, almost suspended feeling, like stepping into a postcard that hides real complexity underneath.

Leonardo’s fish out of water experience is both charming and unsettling. He is not a genius scientist trying to solve equations. He is just a regular guy who suddenly has to think about consequences, history, and the terrifying possibility of changing the future. That vulnerability makes him easy to root for. Watching him navigate his grandparents’ youth adds an emotional layer that feels tender rather than gimmicky.

Celestina’s backstory carries real weight. Her longing for love and belonging adds depth to the slow burn romance. This is not instant chemistry built on attraction alone. It unfolds gradually, with emotional connection at the center. The age gap and the historical backdrop give the relationship texture, and the tension between fate and free will lingers in the background throughout.

What I appreciated most is that the romance does not feel rushed. It respects the setting, the time period, and the emotional stakes. It feels more about healing and connection than about dramatic twists.

For readers who enjoy small-town atmosphere, thoughtful time travel, and love that grows quietly but steadily, this offers a gentle yet meaningful escape.

[Catarina Domingos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a time travel romance. I was really intrigued by this concept and in the beginning really captivated by it.
It’s a mixture between time travel and the concept of parallel lifetimes.
The book is not a fast-paced story, so if that is not your type of book this is not for you. I’ve found myself full of questions and the answers given were at a lower pace then the one I would like to have; I think I would have gotten a better experience with the book with a different pace.
I loved the characters – Leo and celestina – their personality, their growth, the journey that they had in the story, that was very well managed.
The wring is cleaver and compelling.
Overall: if you like a sweet slow burn, that also will unveil the answers slowly this book is for you. I think it’s a good winter book, if you are a mood reader this book gave reading in the cold by the fireplace vibes.
For me it was a 3 out of 5 stars because at some moments the book was not being able to hold me down, and I would have to force myself to read, because I knew that it would get probably get better and I was curious about what was going to happen.

ARC via NetGalley, thank you, and the author be allowing me to read and honestly review this book.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

In another time is a time travel romance set in Spain - 1955 and 2020. Our MMC leonardo is paralleled back in time when he breaks a bottle containing a wish. He reunites with his grandparents who are now younger than him and he also meets our FMC, Celestina.

From the description of this book it gave me Back To The Future vibes which was what originally drawn me in. I loved the concept of our MC being sent back in time only to then fall in love with his grandmothers best friend from the future.

For me this book read a little ‘he said, she said’ which made it difficult to stay fully engaged with the story along side it being a slower pace but the intrigue was still there.

Leonardo and Celestina were a wonderful couple and i enjoyed their personal journeys even though their stories had heavy topics.

Overall this was a nice, sweet and charming read.

This book will be published October 24th 2024

Arc via net galley
Thank you net galley and thank you to the author for approving me to read and honestly review this book.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Another Time started off a bit slow for me, and I almost stopped reading after the first few chapters. However, once the time traveling kicked in, I was hooked! The characters were intriguing, and the plot kept me curious. I especially enjoyed the bits of Spanish sprinkled throughout the story—it flowed naturally and added a nice layer of authenticity, though it might be harder for non-Spanish speakers to follow. The pacing picked up after the time travel element, and I found myself reading the entire book in one sitting.

The second half of the book did get a little confusing with all the time jumps, and I found myself lost at times. But overall, I appreciated how the ending tied everything back to the present day, wrapping up the story nicely. It felt a bit like a telenovela with all the twists and turns, which added to its charm. While I’m still processing some of the time travel elements, it was a quick and enjoyable read. I’d give it 3.5 stars!

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this ARC.

[fierce.shieldmaiden_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say other than this was good. A good story.
The characters are all deep and complex much like the themes and plot. While not entirely unique (elements of Back to the future vibes all the way) it was written in such a refreshing way, I found myself entirely engaged. I loved the culture in this story as well.
Overall I appreciated the romance, the story and characters and found myself tearing up!

Slowburn, time travel, and a gorgeous Spanish village. This story was definitely worth a read for a heartwarming feel good moment.

Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for providing this arc. This is my honest review.

[Charli West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time travel treasure

This is a first book by Winterspring that I’ve read and I enjoyed it immensely.

The plot seems simple enough…Leo traveled back in time so he just needs to travel forward again. NOT simple. He falls in love with a woman, meets his grandparents before they were even married, finds out that there are many different timelines..whew! That part was complicated! But not so complicated that you couldn’t keep track of who was with who and when.

The very end chapter seemed a little rushed but the rest of it wasn’t and I gave this book an easy 5 ⭐️.

I look forward to seeing what else this author writes.

I’ve become a fan of time travel romances.

[Gracie Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Another Time is a sweet and heartfelt time-travel romance set in a small Spanish village in 1956. When Leonardo accidentally travels back in time and meets his grandmother as a young woman, his plan is simply to get back home without changing history. Falling for Celestina, his grandmother’s future best friend, is definitely not part of the plan.

I really enjoyed the slow-burn romance and the warm small-town atmosphere. The story beautifully explores fate, family, and the risks of changing the future while letting the relationship grow naturally. A lovely, feel-good read for fans of time-travel romance.

[Sharla · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Another Time: A Small Town Time Travel is an incredible, unpredictable story with many twists and turns. It has a unique theory when it comes to the sci-fi components, mixing alternate realities with the traditional concept of time travel. And Jessie Winterspring’s writing is simply outstanding. There are so many intriguing, clever and compelling layers in the story. There are many incredible characters, along with Leonardo and Celestina, which have a lot of meaningful significance as well, and they all help to make it a perfect whirlwind romance novel.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that’ll make you swoon with its sincere lovers and their dedication to being together, even if it means permanently crossing decades. Every page is like an electrifying, lingering kiss—irresistible! In Another Time: A Small Town Time Travel by Jessie Winterspring comes highly recommended

[Diane Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the idea of time travel and thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, with the main character struggling with the concept of parallel lifetimes. This is also a romance novel, as seen through the 1950’s to present day. Don’t take my word for it, just read it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving an honest review voluntarily

[Alegna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love time travel stories very much. I love them even more when they are well-written and well-researched. This one is both! I also enjoyed the added twist of it being a man being tossed back in time versus a woman falling through time. All-in-all, a great read and I hope, someday, that there will be a part 2 to the story.

[Susie Wickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the author's effort to blend cultures/languages. I struggled with the bilingual elements because the untranslated word left me missing out. Time travel stories can be tricky. I found myself losing track of the timelines and characters. This wasn't a perfect fit for my reading preferences. I'm glad I gave it a try and I appreciate the creativity behind it.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

in another time

In Another Time is a sweet, slow-burn time-travel romance about love, fate, and family. I loved the cozy Spanish village setting and the emotional connection between Leonardo and Celestina. The story focuses more on heart than sci-fi, which makes it warm and character-driven. A charming read for anyone who enjoys romance with a touch of magic.

[Vanessa Benford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, adorable, and perfect setting. This is exactly as described: a time travel novel, with a love story and set in a lovely place. The characters are relatable, and the dialogue and plot are lively and well-paced.

[ReadingIsFun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional read.
I really felt empathy with Leonardo as he traveled back to the 1950s to meet Celestina. The slower pace enhanced emotional connections, making the story lovely for me. Although I found the bilingual part a bit challenging, the story was a very intriguing and emotional one.

[☆Laura☆]

Tiene potencial, pero no me encantó el estilo de escritura y le falta mucho trabajo de edición.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Skye · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5
This book is a slow burn romance. It was very slowed paced. If you are a moodreader, this is a perfect winter cozy romance.
The time traveling aspect confused me at times. However the storyline was quite intriguing.
Some dislikes for me were the fact that the characters were not acting their age at all! I found myself getting annoyed at how they were behaving at some points.
For the rest, it was cozy and cute! I would recommend it to my slow burn romance lovers!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! ✨

[K D · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is such a sweet romance with wierd age gap. Well you can imagine that on your own since it's time travel.

Anyways its a no sci-fi but is purely a romace novel with feel good vibes and countryside background.

Prefect read to cheer yoj up when you are feeling down.

It was a Rollercoaster ride the characters had massive growth and had to struggle a lot for love.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.