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The Time Locket #1
The Whirlpools of Time: Library Edition
He hoped for a wife. He found a companion through time and beyond.
It is 1715 and for Duncan Melville something fundamental is missing from his life. Despite a flourishing legal practice and several close friends, he is lonely, even more so after the recent death of his father. He needs a wife—a companion through life, someone to hold and be held by. What he wasn’t expecting was to be torn away from everything he knew and find said woman in 2016…
Erin Barnes has a lot of stuff going on in her life. She doesn’t need the additional twist of a stranger in weird outdated clothes, but when he risks his life to save hers, she feels obligated to return the favour. Besides, whoever Duncan may be, she can’t exactly deny the immediate attraction.
The complications in Erin’s life explode. Events are set in motion and to Erin’s horror she and Duncan are thrown back to 1715. Not only does Erin have to cope with a different and intimidating world, soon enough she and Duncan are embroiled in a dangerous quest for Duncan’s uncle, a quest that may very well cost them their lives as they travel through a Scotland poised on the brink of rebellion.
Will they find Duncan’s uncle in time? And is the door to the future permanently closed, or will Erin find a way back?
It is 1715 and for Duncan Melville something fundamental is missing from his life. Despite a flourishing legal practice and several close friends, he is lonely, even more so after the recent death of his father. He needs a wife—a companion through life, someone to hold and be held by. What he wasn’t expecting was to be torn away from everything he knew and find said woman in 2016…
Erin Barnes has a lot of stuff going on in her life. She doesn’t need the additional twist of a stranger in weird outdated clothes, but when he risks his life to save hers, she feels obligated to return the favour. Besides, whoever Duncan may be, she can’t exactly deny the immediate attraction.
The complications in Erin’s life explode. Events are set in motion and to Erin’s horror she and Duncan are thrown back to 1715. Not only does Erin have to cope with a different and intimidating world, soon enough she and Duncan are embroiled in a dangerous quest for Duncan’s uncle, a quest that may very well cost them their lives as they travel through a Scotland poised on the brink of rebellion.
Will they find Duncan’s uncle in time? And is the door to the future permanently closed, or will Erin find a way back?
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First published June 11, 2021
233 people are currently reading
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About the author
Anna Belfrage
37 books286 followersAnna was raised abroad, on a pungent mix of Latin American culture, English history and Swedish traditions. As a result she's multilingual and most of her reading is historical- both non-fiction and fiction. Possessed of a lively imagination, she has drawers full of potential stories, all of them set in the past. She was always going to be a writer - or a historian, preferably both. Ideally, Anna aspired to becoming a pioneer time traveller, but science has as yet not advanced to the point of making that possible. Instead she ended up with a degree in Business and Finance, with very little time to spare for her most favourite pursuit. Still, one does as one must, and in between juggling a challenging career Anna raised her four children on a potent combination of invented stories, historical debates and masses of good food and homemade cakes. They seem to thrive…
For years she combined a challenging career with four children and the odd snatched moment of writing. Nowadays Anna spends most of her spare time at her writing desk. The children are half grown, the house is at times eerily silent and she slips away into her imaginary world, with her imaginary characters. Every now and then the one and only man in her life pops his head in to ensure she's still there.
For additional information regarding Anna, her characters, extra scenes, and teasers for her next books, have a look at Anna's website at: www.annabelfrage.com
For years she combined a challenging career with four children and the odd snatched moment of writing. Nowadays Anna spends most of her spare time at her writing desk. The children are half grown, the house is at times eerily silent and she slips away into her imaginary world, with her imaginary characters. Every now and then the one and only man in her life pops his head in to ensure she's still there.
For additional information regarding Anna, her characters, extra scenes, and teasers for her next books, have a look at Anna's website at: www.annabelfrage.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 13, 2021
Anna Belfrage’s newest time slip novel hit the shelves just when I was looking for my first summer read, and what a fabulous way to plunge into vacation season. Without leaving my sun lounge I was transported into eighteenth-century Scotland with the gorgeous Duncan Melville, and although I didn’t want to share, I grudgingly accepted that Erin Barnes was the perfect match for him. Together, they sizzle, and I was soon swept away into a classic Belfrage historical fiction romance…gorgeous scenery, brilliant characters and a perfect amount of romance to raise the temperature but not overheat the plot. I really enjoyed both stories and settings equally, which in itself is a huge compliment to Ms. Belfrage’s deft story-telling abilities. I have not read her entire Graham saga series, so as I enjoyed reuniting with some of the characters, I welcomed others who were new, and some of the relationships, such as Duncan’s poignant interactions with his mother, really were compelling. The back and forth between time periods were seamless, and I have to commend Ms Belfrage on her sensitive and beautiful handling of race and attitude in both stories. Highly recommend…load up your kindle and head to the pool with Duncan and Erin now.
July 5, 2021
Even with some of the uneven writing, this was a fun read! 'Whirlpools' was full of action, adventure, and a great romance between the H/h - Duncan and Erin.
The time-traveling sequences were freaky, and I loved the author's detailed knowledge of history (Maryland and Great Britain in the year 1715).
There were two occasions when I wanted to strangle Erin for being TSTL, but she made up for her lack of brain power later on in the read. Duncan seemed a bit withdrawn at first - thanks in large part to his bitch of a mother - but he was also a badass. I loved the man! Especially when he was ready to throw down with anyone who insulted Erin, who was biracial... and from the future.
The story ended with the bad guy and his spawn making plans for revenge, so you guessed it... there are more books in this saga. I'm not sure if I'll read more, as I don't care for long, drawn-out series. I'm thinking about it though, as I really enjoyed this book.
3.75 stars.
The time-traveling sequences were freaky, and I loved the author's detailed knowledge of history (Maryland and Great Britain in the year 1715).
There were two occasions when I wanted to strangle Erin for being TSTL, but she made up for her lack of brain power later on in the read. Duncan seemed a bit withdrawn at first - thanks in large part to his bitch of a mother - but he was also a badass. I loved the man! Especially when he was ready to throw down with anyone who insulted Erin, who was biracial... and from the future.
The story ended with the bad guy and his spawn making plans for revenge, so you guessed it... there are more books in this saga. I'm not sure if I'll read more, as I don't care for long, drawn-out series. I'm thinking about it though, as I really enjoyed this book.
3.75 stars.
August 30, 2021
In 1715, Duncan Melville felt like he was missing something. As he is riding in a storm one night, Duncan approaches a crossroads where the forces align to bring him exactly where he needs to be. In 2016, Erin Barnes is running from a dangerous crime family that she is trying to expose. Erin believes that the Wilkes family is responsible for her grandmother's death after her grandmother refused to hand over a locket. As Duncan comes crashing into 2016, he saves Erin from the Wilkes' goons. Erin becomes attached to the mystery man who saved her with his sword as she cares for him. Duncan tells Erin his story and they fall fast for one another. Before long, the Wilkes family catches up to them. Erin and Duncan use the locket to fall back into 1715. In 1715, Duncan and Erin are in almost just as much trouble as they get on the wrong side of a man named Hamish Cruikshank, Duncan's uncle has gone missing and the Jacobites are rebelling to get James Stuart back on the throne.
A fast-paced, time-slip romance, The Whirlpools of Time falls right into the action with Duncan's disappointment in his family and falling through time to Erin. I haven't read the previous series, so I did feel like I had missed something important about Duncan and his family. However, once Duncan fell to 2016, I was much more on track. Duncan and Erin had an instant connection and it was clear that they were meant to be. I was amazed that Duncan seemed to integrate into 2016 so well; however, soon he would be back in his time. The mystery of Erin's locket definitely intrigued me, even more so when it took them back to 1715 and a man with an identical locket. I would love to know the origins of the locket and how someone like Cruikshank got their hands on it. 1715 also offered a lot more drama and constant danger; although, none of this stopped Duncan and Erin from near constant lovemaking. The scenes were hot and steamy; however, I felt like I didn't need that many in the story. A constant theme throughout the story that I didn't like was Erin constantly putting herself in dangerous and stupid situations, especially when she was out of her element in 1715. I wish she could have used her intelligence and strength in a different way. I was very interested in the historic Jacobite rebellion of 1715 and the role Erin and Duncan played in it. With a huge cliffhanger, I am interested to see where Erin and Duncan will be brought next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
A fast-paced, time-slip romance, The Whirlpools of Time falls right into the action with Duncan's disappointment in his family and falling through time to Erin. I haven't read the previous series, so I did feel like I had missed something important about Duncan and his family. However, once Duncan fell to 2016, I was much more on track. Duncan and Erin had an instant connection and it was clear that they were meant to be. I was amazed that Duncan seemed to integrate into 2016 so well; however, soon he would be back in his time. The mystery of Erin's locket definitely intrigued me, even more so when it took them back to 1715 and a man with an identical locket. I would love to know the origins of the locket and how someone like Cruikshank got their hands on it. 1715 also offered a lot more drama and constant danger; although, none of this stopped Duncan and Erin from near constant lovemaking. The scenes were hot and steamy; however, I felt like I didn't need that many in the story. A constant theme throughout the story that I didn't like was Erin constantly putting herself in dangerous and stupid situations, especially when she was out of her element in 1715. I wish she could have used her intelligence and strength in a different way. I was very interested in the historic Jacobite rebellion of 1715 and the role Erin and Duncan played in it. With a huge cliffhanger, I am interested to see where Erin and Duncan will be brought next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
September 24, 2021
Author Anna Belfrage has knocked it out of the park again!
I was instantly sucked into The Whirlpools of Time from the start, especially excited to see Duncan again, who was in her Graham saga series, which is fabulous as well.
Duncan is returning from a visit to his family following the death of this father. He's a bit estranged from his family, especially his mother, through no fault of his own. Despite having a good career he feels restless and would like a wife and a family like his brothers.
It's a stormy night and when he reaches a crossroad on the path, lightning crashes down and when he awakens he finds himself in the year 2016. When Erin comes upon him she has no idea why he is dressed so strangely and in the middle of the road. She's on the run after trying to expose a local family that stole a family heirloom. Duncan saves her from them and she decides to help him in return.
There's mystery, adventure, danger, and of course, romance....this is Anna Belfrage we're talking about here! I just adore the way Anna writes, especially the romance/love/sexiness aspects. The connection between Erin and Duncan was unmistakable!
I cannot wait for the next book in the series! You should definitely pick this one up and I would also recommend checking out the Graham saga!
I was instantly sucked into The Whirlpools of Time from the start, especially excited to see Duncan again, who was in her Graham saga series, which is fabulous as well.
Duncan is returning from a visit to his family following the death of this father. He's a bit estranged from his family, especially his mother, through no fault of his own. Despite having a good career he feels restless and would like a wife and a family like his brothers.
It's a stormy night and when he reaches a crossroad on the path, lightning crashes down and when he awakens he finds himself in the year 2016. When Erin comes upon him she has no idea why he is dressed so strangely and in the middle of the road. She's on the run after trying to expose a local family that stole a family heirloom. Duncan saves her from them and she decides to help him in return.
There's mystery, adventure, danger, and of course, romance....this is Anna Belfrage we're talking about here! I just adore the way Anna writes, especially the romance/love/sexiness aspects. The connection between Erin and Duncan was unmistakable!
I cannot wait for the next book in the series! You should definitely pick this one up and I would also recommend checking out the Graham saga!
May 30, 2021
A new chapter in the Graham saga has begun with this story - and what an exciting beginning it is! Not only is there time travel, but there’s the added complication of a mixed-race relationship in an era when black people were routinely mistreated and looked down upon, two horrific villains, a quest to find a missing person, and enemies appearing right , left and centre. The main characters have to make it through one scrape after another in a breathtaking sequence of events. Through it all the hero shines - he’s not just handsome but intelligent and liberal before his time, and also open-minded, brave and honourable. I loved how he took to the 21st century like a duck to water, remaining mostly unruffled and calm throughout. The heroine struggled a bit more when it was her turn to be thrown out of her comfort zone, giving rise to some spirited discussions (to say the least), but the reader is always on her side, cheering her on. It was incredibly interesting to view the world of 1715 through the eyes of someone so different, and for that matter, learning a lot about this era which isn’t used often enough as a background for historical novels IMO. Throughout, the couple’s chemistry could not be denied and the romance is lovely. As this is the first in this new spinoff series, we don’t have to say goodbye to Duncan and Erin quite yet - instead we can look forward to more adventures with this couple soon. I can’t wait!
June 12, 2021
When you open an Anna Belfrage story, you know you are in for an exciting and intelligent read. The Whirlpools of Time is no different. There is time travel, plus a courageous heroine, endearing hero, quirky characters, family, a mystery, romance, dreadful villains, the eighteenth century – all deftly written.
The author is exceptionally good at portraying relationships in good times and bad. She goes beyond the expected stereotypes often found in ‘historic’ fiction and her characters become living people in the flesh. The adaptation (or not!) of each main character to the other’s time is witty and often poignant.
In previous books in the Graham saga, we often see the figure of ‘the outsider’ and here the author has portrayed her heroine as a modern American young woman of mixed race. Never obvious, Belfrage has shown us the subtle and not so subtle difficulties of a free woman of colour in the early eighteenth century. A clever and insightful study while keeping the story moving at a cracking pace.
Readers of previous Graham series books will not be disappointed in any respect with this new spinoff. New readers will be fascinated and will probably want to search for the original Graham Saga. Highly recommended.
The author is exceptionally good at portraying relationships in good times and bad. She goes beyond the expected stereotypes often found in ‘historic’ fiction and her characters become living people in the flesh. The adaptation (or not!) of each main character to the other’s time is witty and often poignant.
In previous books in the Graham saga, we often see the figure of ‘the outsider’ and here the author has portrayed her heroine as a modern American young woman of mixed race. Never obvious, Belfrage has shown us the subtle and not so subtle difficulties of a free woman of colour in the early eighteenth century. A clever and insightful study while keeping the story moving at a cracking pace.
Readers of previous Graham series books will not be disappointed in any respect with this new spinoff. New readers will be fascinated and will probably want to search for the original Graham Saga. Highly recommended.
August 14, 2021
Huge disappointment
I've read the Graham family books through 3 times. While I've liked some books more than others in that series they were all at least consistent on plot and characters. This plot felt like a shot gun blast with just as many holes. There is minimal world building and a very flimsy backstory for the FLC. The one thing I liked better in this book was Duncan Melville. He is a much better MLC than Mathew Graham. Duncan is loyal to Erin and much less condescending. It was also a kick to the gut to just casually announce in the first few paragraphs that Alex Graham died the year before. No I didn't expect her to live forever but it was still brutally done by the author.
I've read the Graham family books through 3 times. While I've liked some books more than others in that series they were all at least consistent on plot and characters. This plot felt like a shot gun blast with just as many holes. There is minimal world building and a very flimsy backstory for the FLC. The one thing I liked better in this book was Duncan Melville. He is a much better MLC than Mathew Graham. Duncan is loyal to Erin and much less condescending. It was also a kick to the gut to just casually announce in the first few paragraphs that Alex Graham died the year before. No I didn't expect her to live forever but it was still brutally done by the author.
July 6, 2021
Wow - Anna Belfrage is an amazing storyteller! I absolutely adore all of her books and this one did not disappoint. So glad to spend more time with the Graham clan but with an interesting twist. Can't wait to read the next book in this new series. If you have never read Anna before, you definitely should. Start with A Rip in the Veil and go from there. You will have many many hours of engrossing reading.
June 29, 2021
Excellent read
Another in the Graham saga, a double translation in time; just as gripping, rather more adult. An excellent read, not to be missed.
Another in the Graham saga, a double translation in time; just as gripping, rather more adult. An excellent read, not to be missed.
September 6, 2021
He hoped for a wife. He found a companion through time and beyond.
It is 1715 and for Duncan Melville something fundamental is missing from his life. Despite a flourishing legal practice and several close friends, he is lonely, even more so after the recent death of his father. He needs a wife—a companion through life, someone to hold and be held by. What he wasn’t expecting was to be torn away from everything he knew and find said woman in 2016…
Erin Barnes has a lot of stuff going on in her life. She doesn’t need the additional twist of a stranger in weird outdated clothes, but when he risks his life to save hers, she feels obligated to return the favour. Besides, whoever Duncan may be, she can’t exactly deny the immediate attraction.
The complications in Erin’s life explode. Events are set in motion and to Erin’s horror she and Duncan are thrown back to 1715. Not only does Erin have to cope with a different and intimidating world, soon enough she and Duncan are embroiled in a dangerous quest for Duncan’s uncle, a quest that may very well cost them their lives as they travel through a Scotland poised on the brink of rebellion.
Will they find Duncan’s uncle in time? And is the door to the future permanently closed, or will Erin find a way back?
“Grandma Alex had been right: crossroads were dangerous places indeed.”
Time travel stories are my weakness, and this one does not disappoint. Having read this book by Anna Belfrage, I am now adding the rest of her series books, the Graham series of books, to my to-be-read list. For anyone who loved Gabaldon’s Outlander series, this should be the next one on your list, as well, if you are looking for great historical time travel dealing with Scotland, handsome strangers with a sword and a horse, and a young modern woman tumbling through time – this adds more since not only is the lead woman character a time traveller, so is the lead man!! And their attraction from the get-go is palatable – two soulmates destined by fate and by a connection through time to be together.
Both stories, Erin’s story and Duncan’s story, are developed quite well, however I must admit a bit of confusion in the very beginning in grasping what was going on and who was who. That being said, Ms Belfrage does a good job in sorting things out quickly and immersing a reader into the thick of the action from the very beginning.
Duncan is an outsider, out of his time period, and thrown into the 21st century during a lightning storm.... at a crossroads. Erin, a journalist on a hot lead of what happened to her grandmother, and a mysterious locket passed down to her by her father, hits Duncan with her car. Crossroads is a good ‘theme’ for this book as the symbolic meaning resonates well for both characters, each reaching a moment when decisions plummet them forward into the future and into the past. Not only does Duncan have to Google himself into the modern world and protect Erin from some really bad guys, but Erin soon finds herself having to cope with her modern sensibilities in a time period when women (especially women of color) are not afforded the freedoms she is used to, as both she and Duncan travel back to 1715 Scotland at the brink of the Jacobite rebellion in order to find Duncan’s uncle, David Graham. This is a very satisfying read, a well-developed story-telling feat and I applaud Ms Belfrage for this time travelling journey... and, I suspect, more to come!! Highly recommended by The Hist Fic Chickie at The Historical Fiction Company!!
It is 1715 and for Duncan Melville something fundamental is missing from his life. Despite a flourishing legal practice and several close friends, he is lonely, even more so after the recent death of his father. He needs a wife—a companion through life, someone to hold and be held by. What he wasn’t expecting was to be torn away from everything he knew and find said woman in 2016…
Erin Barnes has a lot of stuff going on in her life. She doesn’t need the additional twist of a stranger in weird outdated clothes, but when he risks his life to save hers, she feels obligated to return the favour. Besides, whoever Duncan may be, she can’t exactly deny the immediate attraction.
The complications in Erin’s life explode. Events are set in motion and to Erin’s horror she and Duncan are thrown back to 1715. Not only does Erin have to cope with a different and intimidating world, soon enough she and Duncan are embroiled in a dangerous quest for Duncan’s uncle, a quest that may very well cost them their lives as they travel through a Scotland poised on the brink of rebellion.
Will they find Duncan’s uncle in time? And is the door to the future permanently closed, or will Erin find a way back?
“Grandma Alex had been right: crossroads were dangerous places indeed.”
Time travel stories are my weakness, and this one does not disappoint. Having read this book by Anna Belfrage, I am now adding the rest of her series books, the Graham series of books, to my to-be-read list. For anyone who loved Gabaldon’s Outlander series, this should be the next one on your list, as well, if you are looking for great historical time travel dealing with Scotland, handsome strangers with a sword and a horse, and a young modern woman tumbling through time – this adds more since not only is the lead woman character a time traveller, so is the lead man!! And their attraction from the get-go is palatable – two soulmates destined by fate and by a connection through time to be together.
Both stories, Erin’s story and Duncan’s story, are developed quite well, however I must admit a bit of confusion in the very beginning in grasping what was going on and who was who. That being said, Ms Belfrage does a good job in sorting things out quickly and immersing a reader into the thick of the action from the very beginning.
Duncan is an outsider, out of his time period, and thrown into the 21st century during a lightning storm.... at a crossroads. Erin, a journalist on a hot lead of what happened to her grandmother, and a mysterious locket passed down to her by her father, hits Duncan with her car. Crossroads is a good ‘theme’ for this book as the symbolic meaning resonates well for both characters, each reaching a moment when decisions plummet them forward into the future and into the past. Not only does Duncan have to Google himself into the modern world and protect Erin from some really bad guys, but Erin soon finds herself having to cope with her modern sensibilities in a time period when women (especially women of color) are not afforded the freedoms she is used to, as both she and Duncan travel back to 1715 Scotland at the brink of the Jacobite rebellion in order to find Duncan’s uncle, David Graham. This is a very satisfying read, a well-developed story-telling feat and I applaud Ms Belfrage for this time travelling journey... and, I suspect, more to come!! Highly recommended by The Hist Fic Chickie at The Historical Fiction Company!!
October 15, 2021
5+ stars!
I absolutely loved this book!
In this new series, we're introduced to Duncan Melville, a member of the Graham clan from the acclaimed Graham Saga series. Duncan has returned back to the family homestead to convey the news of his adoptive father's death to his grandfather, but it's too late. He arrives just as the family is burying his grandfather. For fans of the Graham Saga, this is a good opportunity to be a part of a bittersweet family reunion, but for new readers, there is enough information to whet interest in the series without being overwhelmed. On his way home, Duncan is caught at a crossroads during a lightning storm and finds himself hurtled to the future where he meets Erin Barnes and saves her from a sticky situation. While Duncan is attempting to come to grips with the modern world, he and Erin become involved, and there they would have stayed were it not for the sticky situation to return and wreak havoc. In desperation, they manage to hurtle back to Duncan's time in the 18th century. And then the real adventure begins. We have a quest to find Duncan's uncle and keep him from joining the Stuart cause in Scotland (pre-Culloden). We meet fabulous and colourful characters along the way (Constable Williams had to be one of my favourites!) and there is a mystery involving spies and double agents, with a hugely satisfying romance between Duncan and Erin.
Duncan is a wonderful character--principled, scarred, yet loving. Erin is an independent and courageous modern woman who is not only out of her element because of being in the past, where women had no agency, but also because of the colour of her skin. She doesn't always make the right decisions, but she is a believable, relatable character who tries to make the best of a difficult situation and I rooted for her from the first moment.
Perfect for Graham Saga fans, but also great for readers who have not yet discovered that series. Highly recommended!
I absolutely loved this book!
In this new series, we're introduced to Duncan Melville, a member of the Graham clan from the acclaimed Graham Saga series. Duncan has returned back to the family homestead to convey the news of his adoptive father's death to his grandfather, but it's too late. He arrives just as the family is burying his grandfather. For fans of the Graham Saga, this is a good opportunity to be a part of a bittersweet family reunion, but for new readers, there is enough information to whet interest in the series without being overwhelmed. On his way home, Duncan is caught at a crossroads during a lightning storm and finds himself hurtled to the future where he meets Erin Barnes and saves her from a sticky situation. While Duncan is attempting to come to grips with the modern world, he and Erin become involved, and there they would have stayed were it not for the sticky situation to return and wreak havoc. In desperation, they manage to hurtle back to Duncan's time in the 18th century. And then the real adventure begins. We have a quest to find Duncan's uncle and keep him from joining the Stuart cause in Scotland (pre-Culloden). We meet fabulous and colourful characters along the way (Constable Williams had to be one of my favourites!) and there is a mystery involving spies and double agents, with a hugely satisfying romance between Duncan and Erin.
Duncan is a wonderful character--principled, scarred, yet loving. Erin is an independent and courageous modern woman who is not only out of her element because of being in the past, where women had no agency, but also because of the colour of her skin. She doesn't always make the right decisions, but she is a believable, relatable character who tries to make the best of a difficult situation and I rooted for her from the first moment.
Perfect for Graham Saga fans, but also great for readers who have not yet discovered that series. Highly recommended!
August 14, 2021
Much later, she lay fast asleep beside him, her head pillowed on his chest. Above them, the sky was ablaze with falling stars, and for every one that fell, Duncan repeated the same wish: do not take her away from me—ever.
Duncan Melville had always felt like an outsider. The sins of the father were not so readily forgiven. The fact that he resembled his father had never helped either. But it wasn’t his fault. None of it had been his fault.
Erin Barnes’ life would never be the same again after the so-called ‘“suicides” of her father and grandmother. She was convinced that the Wilkes’ family had something to do with their deaths, after all, they had always been after the locket that her father had found. A locket that was now in Erin’s possession.
Duncan’s late grandmother had always warned her children and grandchildren about the dangers of crossroads, but Duncan had never heeded the warning. He had no time for such superstitious nonsense. If only he had taken the warning more seriously…
From the desperate bid to keep a loved one safe, to a journey to find and recover a missing person lost amidst the Jacobite uprising, The Whirlpools of Time by Anna Belfrage is a gripping account of two strangers who should have never met.
At the ill-fated crossroads, Duncan is thrown forward into a world where people travel in cars and frequently wash under the steady stream of a shower. He must quickly learn how to live in this new world. It just so happens that his first interaction with a car involved being hit by one. He proceeded to save the driver, Erin, from a group of men who had less than gentlemanly intentions. Erin takes in her saviour when it becomes clear that he has nowhere else to go and their friendship blossoms. Erin teaches Duncan about the 21st century and he is a quick study. He has to accept that everyone he knew was long dead and that the outcome of the unrest had ended in blood and death.
When a deadly situation traps Erin and Duncan together with the locket the Wilkes’ have been after for so many years, instead of succumbing to their certain death, the couple is whisked away, back to 1715, where a task is thrust upon them – Duncan’s uncle, David, has left for Scotland, leaving behind a pregnant wife who could not bear to lose her husband to the unrest among the Jacobites. Naming Erin as his wife, in a bid to protect her from the savage world that she is so unused to, the two set off to find David before the unimaginable could happen.
It is easier to adapt to progression rather than knowing about mechanics and technologies that have yet to be invented. As Erin learns about the world she has been trapped in, she quickly realises that women have little to none of the freedom they have in the 21st century, much less a woman of colour. Erin is an incredibly strong protagonist, but everyone has weaknesses and finding yourself 300 years in the past is enough to take a blow to one’s resolve. Erin has never been ashamed of the colour of her skin, but without Duncan constantly protecting her and threatening those who would dare to assume she is his slave and mistress, she would be even more lost than she feels. Duncan is her savour, showering her with the love that he has always desired, and her reciprocating as their story of marrying becomes a reality.
The relationship between Erin and Duncan is truly a wonder to behold. Duncan knows how difficult it is for Erin to adapt to the 18th century way of life, and, despite some altercations when her desire to do as she wishes directly conflicts with what he has told her to do, he does not, for the most part, treat Erin as the 18th century man would treat his wife. Their love shines through, and as they bathe in the knowledge that they have found the person they belong with, even if it took a journey through time, each find their home in the arms of the other.
With the rising unrest in Scotland, a journey to the centre of the unease to find one man is almost impossible to complete while maintaining the feeling of safety. Duncan and Erin travel with Ben, a trustworthy and eager manservant, and as they ride, they collect both company and amass danger. Saving a woman from being defiled brings both gratitude and an enemy, and when a man of influence, with easy access to money, sets his sights on you, it is difficult to assure the safety of those around you. The party grows with Constable Williams’ arrival, and Williams keeps his sights close to the group. His eye may be drawn towards the woman Duncan saved, but Williams is as interested in finding David Graham as Duncan is, although Williams has different plans for David than Duncan. Williams is the sort of character that you are unwilling to put your trust in, but with danger lurking around every corner, Duncan has no choice.
The historical background of this novel has to be commended. For Erin, she must live the history, while the reader can sit back and lose themselves in it, but for a character who is not used to the ways of life, certain things, such as why the country is in a midst of turmoil, are explained in such a way that one does not feel belittled or lost if they do not know the history, but it is not boring or oversimplified for someone who knows the time period inside out.
The narrative of this novel is rich with detail, bringing to life a time gone by, and it is almost as if the reader themselves has fallen through time, and has found themselves in a world so beautifully depicted that they do not want to leave. Danger runs rampant in the streets, and the lives of the characters that you cannot help but fall in love with are threatened chapter after chapter, but in those precious moments where Erin and Duncan can fall asleep in each other’s arms, or as you step foot inside Graham’s Garden, time seems to stand still and you can breathe a sigh of relief with the characters that they are loved and are, for now, safe.
The Whirlpools of Time by Anna Belfrage is a novel about the strong bond of love and that nothing, not arguments, the differences between two people, or the reality of time is enough to break the bond that binds those two souls so tightly together.
I Highly Recommend
Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
August 16, 2021
While this book is the first in a new series it expands on the lives of characters that were introduced in the author's very successful Graham Saga Series. If one chooses not to read that previous series first, one may find themselves confused at the opening chapters. This was indeed what my predicament was. I didn't find myself comfortable with the plot or pace until the main character Duncan Melville comes upon his unfortunate circumstance. Luckily this is pretty early on in the book.
The extremes of Erin's life are truly over the top. She has crossed paths with the most underhanded influential family in town. All they want is an heirloom passed down to her from her deceased father that they claim is rightfully theirs. In a late night escape from their grasps, Erin runs into Duncan; or one should rightly say runs OVER Duncan. As Duncan recovers from his experience he learns of the level of danger that Erin is in over the heirloom locket. The two form a predictable bond. In one fell swoop Duncan and Erin experience roll reversals. Their ability to get into trouble doesn't abate and they continually find themselves up against insurmountable odds. The new romance experiences plenty of challenges but despite that, or maybe because of it, the sex is always sizzling between the two.
From 1700s Maryland, to modern day Maryland, to the shores of 1700s Scotland, to the colonial city of Philadelphia, this book has a lot going on. Belfrage has created an intriguing plot based off of a family heirloom with a wealth of secrets. This series should only get better as it goes on.
I received a copy of this title via Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours.
The extremes of Erin's life are truly over the top. She has crossed paths with the most underhanded influential family in town. All they want is an heirloom passed down to her from her deceased father that they claim is rightfully theirs. In a late night escape from their grasps, Erin runs into Duncan; or one should rightly say runs OVER Duncan. As Duncan recovers from his experience he learns of the level of danger that Erin is in over the heirloom locket. The two form a predictable bond. In one fell swoop Duncan and Erin experience roll reversals. Their ability to get into trouble doesn't abate and they continually find themselves up against insurmountable odds. The new romance experiences plenty of challenges but despite that, or maybe because of it, the sex is always sizzling between the two.
From 1700s Maryland, to modern day Maryland, to the shores of 1700s Scotland, to the colonial city of Philadelphia, this book has a lot going on. Belfrage has created an intriguing plot based off of a family heirloom with a wealth of secrets. This series should only get better as it goes on.
I received a copy of this title via Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours.
August 27, 2021
I've read books by Ms Belfrage before, but not any of her time-slips. I had to suspend my disbelief a little regarding that whole premise, but once I had done so, it was easy to get involved in the story.
Sometimes, such stories show people falling through time, having a challenging period of adjustment, and then living in the new era as if born to it. Not so with this book, and I liked the way the time-slip elements played such a prominent part in the story. Erin forgets how hard it is to communicate in 1715 and it takes her a while to learn not to wander off, or get herself into situations where, unlike in her world, a phone call will not help her. But this is not the only way in which we are reminded that she, and Duncan, have fallen through time. Pertinently, Erin's own heritage puts her at a serious disadvantage in Duncan's world.
I also liked the way everything tied in with the main theme, even the story elements which seemed like subplots. When Duncan and Erin find Arabella Stirling being attacked, the story seems to veer away from the time-slip element when it becomes clear that in coming to Arabella's aid, the pair have made a murderous enemy and, seemingly diverted from the quest to find Duncan's uncle, they are dragged into Arabella's problematic life. And yet... All is not as it seems, and neither are the people necessarily who they seem, and apparent tangents become neatly-closed circles. Ms Belfrage presents us with a tightly-plotted, action-packed drama which puts so many characters in danger, leads to chases, abductions, and grisly murders, and then seamlessly brings all the threads together to give the reader several satisfying 'aha' moments, reminding us all the while of the basic premise of the novel. (There will also, I'm sure, be plenty of 'aha' moments for any readers of Ms Belfrage's Graham Saga books).
This is, according to the author's notes, Book One of a planned new series, but it can very much be read as a standalone. Towards the final scenes, I had to put the book down to take a call, and found myself aggrieved that I couldn't continue reading at that moment - the sign of a definite 'page-turner'!
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
Sometimes, such stories show people falling through time, having a challenging period of adjustment, and then living in the new era as if born to it. Not so with this book, and I liked the way the time-slip elements played such a prominent part in the story. Erin forgets how hard it is to communicate in 1715 and it takes her a while to learn not to wander off, or get herself into situations where, unlike in her world, a phone call will not help her. But this is not the only way in which we are reminded that she, and Duncan, have fallen through time. Pertinently, Erin's own heritage puts her at a serious disadvantage in Duncan's world.
I also liked the way everything tied in with the main theme, even the story elements which seemed like subplots. When Duncan and Erin find Arabella Stirling being attacked, the story seems to veer away from the time-slip element when it becomes clear that in coming to Arabella's aid, the pair have made a murderous enemy and, seemingly diverted from the quest to find Duncan's uncle, they are dragged into Arabella's problematic life. And yet... All is not as it seems, and neither are the people necessarily who they seem, and apparent tangents become neatly-closed circles. Ms Belfrage presents us with a tightly-plotted, action-packed drama which puts so many characters in danger, leads to chases, abductions, and grisly murders, and then seamlessly brings all the threads together to give the reader several satisfying 'aha' moments, reminding us all the while of the basic premise of the novel. (There will also, I'm sure, be plenty of 'aha' moments for any readers of Ms Belfrage's Graham Saga books).
This is, according to the author's notes, Book One of a planned new series, but it can very much be read as a standalone. Towards the final scenes, I had to put the book down to take a call, and found myself aggrieved that I couldn't continue reading at that moment - the sign of a definite 'page-turner'!
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
September 29, 2021
Good time travel book, one in a long series. Set in Scotland before the Jacobite Rebellion. Lots of romance and fighting!
August 23, 2021
Duncan Melville spent his whole life feeling shunned by his family, wanting the love that they shared but never extended to him. A journey that lands him alone at a crossroads in the middle of a lightning storm may not be pleasant, but it might be the thing to lead him to what he most desires – love.
Erin Barnes is after revenge. She is sure her father and grandmother were killed by the Wilkes family because both refused to hand over the locket they had found on their own land, which the Wilkes immediately claimed belonged to them. When Erin’s investigating lands her in danger, the last thing she needs is to hit a man with her car at a crossroads in the middle of a storm. Even more so a man dressed in strange clothing who talks like someone from a reenactment group.
After he saves her from Steve Wilkes and his friends, who were pursuing her, Duncan finds himself in a strange world, waking up in a hospital. With nowhere to go, and knowing no one but Erin, Erin feels obligated to take Duncan in and help him. After all, he did save her. A relationship between the two starts to unfold as Erin teaches Duncan about the 21st century, but the danger isn’t over, and in a bid to protect themselves and the locket, Duncan and Erin find themselves transported back in time, back to the world Duncan knows. They find Duncan’s aunt beside herself with worry about his uncle, David Graham, who they can only assume has travelled to Scotland, amidst the unrest among the general populous.
And thus begins the journey of a lifetime. Duncan and Erin give each other what the other needs – Erin gives Duncan love, and a feeling of worth, and Duncan gives Erin the feeling of security. With Erin used to the luxuries of the 21st century, finding herself in 1715 is a shock that is difficult to swallow. As a woman, and a woman who had a black father at that, the freedom that Erin had in 2016 is gone, and the stares and assumptions of people cannot be stopped. Duncan protects Erin every step of the way, at least, as much as he can – she is of the opinion that she should be free to walk around by herself, and often does not quite comprehend the danger she is putting herself in until she is in it.
On their journey, Duncan, Erin and Ben, a manservant, rescue the widow Arabella Stirling from the assault by Hamish Cruikshank. With it being unsafe for Arabella to travel alone, she joins the group as they journey on, in the direction of Scotland. Unfortunately, humiliating Cruikshank was a mistake, despite how much more he deserved, and the group find themselves the object of pursuit. Taking on yet another riding companion, one Constable Nathaniel Williams, Duncan and Erin find themselves not only on a quest to find David and bring him home, but also to solve mysteries and rid the world of men worse than scum.
I absolutely adored both Erin and Duncan. Duncan is the perfect gentleman towards Erin, although their upbringings and beliefs get them into arguments more than once. Through Erin, you can almost learn the history better, as she does not know the ins and outs of living in the 16th century, and the reader learns alongside her. Certain things, such as the intricacies about the differences between the clothing Erin is used to and the clothing she must adapt to, are explained in a detail that may be skipped over in a book that does not contain a character from the 21st century, and her presence and opinions added a great deal of depth to the story.
I loved many of Duncan’s relatives, as well, although I was on the fence about some of them. They all have immediate reactions to Erin, although that is to be expected in the time period, but the way Duncan was treated growing up is what bothered me. He was an unwanted child born from unfortunate circumstances, and even though he was as much a victim as his mother, the blame was settled on him and he was outcast from the family. He did not even bear the same family name. The members of the family seem lovely, welcoming even, when we meet them, yet I couldn’t fully trust them because of the way they let Duncan grow up, feeling unloved and unwanted.
This book is full of tension and adventure, with the romance between Erin and Duncan running along the side. Murder and action are counteracted by tender moments and the feeling of hate is crushed by the feeling of love. This book is what you could call ‘perfectly balanced’, and is the kind of book that draws you in, the words themselves saying ‘look deep and fall’ and utterly captivating you until the closing of the covers snaps you out of the world in the pages.
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
Erin Barnes is after revenge. She is sure her father and grandmother were killed by the Wilkes family because both refused to hand over the locket they had found on their own land, which the Wilkes immediately claimed belonged to them. When Erin’s investigating lands her in danger, the last thing she needs is to hit a man with her car at a crossroads in the middle of a storm. Even more so a man dressed in strange clothing who talks like someone from a reenactment group.
After he saves her from Steve Wilkes and his friends, who were pursuing her, Duncan finds himself in a strange world, waking up in a hospital. With nowhere to go, and knowing no one but Erin, Erin feels obligated to take Duncan in and help him. After all, he did save her. A relationship between the two starts to unfold as Erin teaches Duncan about the 21st century, but the danger isn’t over, and in a bid to protect themselves and the locket, Duncan and Erin find themselves transported back in time, back to the world Duncan knows. They find Duncan’s aunt beside herself with worry about his uncle, David Graham, who they can only assume has travelled to Scotland, amidst the unrest among the general populous.
And thus begins the journey of a lifetime. Duncan and Erin give each other what the other needs – Erin gives Duncan love, and a feeling of worth, and Duncan gives Erin the feeling of security. With Erin used to the luxuries of the 21st century, finding herself in 1715 is a shock that is difficult to swallow. As a woman, and a woman who had a black father at that, the freedom that Erin had in 2016 is gone, and the stares and assumptions of people cannot be stopped. Duncan protects Erin every step of the way, at least, as much as he can – she is of the opinion that she should be free to walk around by herself, and often does not quite comprehend the danger she is putting herself in until she is in it.
On their journey, Duncan, Erin and Ben, a manservant, rescue the widow Arabella Stirling from the assault by Hamish Cruikshank. With it being unsafe for Arabella to travel alone, she joins the group as they journey on, in the direction of Scotland. Unfortunately, humiliating Cruikshank was a mistake, despite how much more he deserved, and the group find themselves the object of pursuit. Taking on yet another riding companion, one Constable Nathaniel Williams, Duncan and Erin find themselves not only on a quest to find David and bring him home, but also to solve mysteries and rid the world of men worse than scum.
I absolutely adored both Erin and Duncan. Duncan is the perfect gentleman towards Erin, although their upbringings and beliefs get them into arguments more than once. Through Erin, you can almost learn the history better, as she does not know the ins and outs of living in the 16th century, and the reader learns alongside her. Certain things, such as the intricacies about the differences between the clothing Erin is used to and the clothing she must adapt to, are explained in a detail that may be skipped over in a book that does not contain a character from the 21st century, and her presence and opinions added a great deal of depth to the story.
I loved many of Duncan’s relatives, as well, although I was on the fence about some of them. They all have immediate reactions to Erin, although that is to be expected in the time period, but the way Duncan was treated growing up is what bothered me. He was an unwanted child born from unfortunate circumstances, and even though he was as much a victim as his mother, the blame was settled on him and he was outcast from the family. He did not even bear the same family name. The members of the family seem lovely, welcoming even, when we meet them, yet I couldn’t fully trust them because of the way they let Duncan grow up, feeling unloved and unwanted.
This book is full of tension and adventure, with the romance between Erin and Duncan running along the side. Murder and action are counteracted by tender moments and the feeling of hate is crushed by the feeling of love. This book is what you could call ‘perfectly balanced’, and is the kind of book that draws you in, the words themselves saying ‘look deep and fall’ and utterly captivating you until the closing of the covers snaps you out of the world in the pages.
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
August 24, 2021
A whirlpool of adventure and romance!
It's 1715. Having just lost the man who raised him like the father he never had, Duncan Melville travels to his Graham relatives to convey the news for them, and arrives to yet another funeral. This is a highly emotional beginning to the story. During his visit, we learn about how his mother rejected him, and how he has always felt separate. Alone. Distanced from his extended family because of her. Because she could not get over the past.
So poor Duncan is lonely, craving a companion, someone who loves him. But he has to be at a particular crossroads, during a very nasty thunderstorm, when he is sent through time to future to meet the very woman who would turn into his life partner: Erin!
But Erin is in trouble. She dared stand up against a local crime clan she accuses of killing her beloved grandmother over a pendant. A pendant that's still in her possession.
When Duncan, freshly arrived from the past, saves her life near the crossroads, she takes pity on him and takes him in. Soon, their attraction to each other becomes evident.
But with the criminals on her heels, Erin and Duncan are forced into hiding. To their surrpise, the pendant takes them back to 1715, but to London where Duncan's Uncle David lives. Quickly making up an excuse for their unexpected arrival, they are drawn into a search for David, who is rumoured to have gone to Scotland to join a rebellion in support of James Stuart.
That's when The Whirlpools of Time really takes off. It turns from a modern thriller into a rollicking historical adventure as Duncan, Erin, and others they encounter along the way, follow David's trail. When a murderer strikes, they find their lives in danger again.
Full of twists and turns, The Whirlpools of Time is a fast-paced romantic adventure that takes you halfway around the world and back. The plot is full of hints of rebellion, of murder, and you get a real sense of time and attitudes when Duncan and Erin arrive back at his home. I found her experiences harrowing, and as a typical 21st century independent woman, Erin automatically reacted in ways I'd have reacted too. A truly realistic touch.
Ms Belfrage combined the different worlds very well in this adventure that leaves you breathlessly turning the pages. She doesn't shy away from describing early 18th century attitudes and doesn't gloss over them. Erin learns the hard way. I liked that. She's a great character, loyal and not afraid to take risks, even when that gets her into big trouble.
And just when you think they're safe, you'll find they're not. Oh, how Ms Belfrage tortured poor Duncan! I did feel sorry for him at times. As for the bad guy, well, he's a really dangerous man, a plotter. Ruthless. I thought he added a truly heightened sense of danger.
The relationship between Duncan and Erin takes off fast. He soon realised he found his soulmate, and they do grow into their relationship over time. The novel contains many love scenes, some of them explicit. They didn't bother me, although I was more into their adventure and the murders rather than their bedroom antics. But each to their own.
The Whirlpools of Time is a gripping read. However, early on, I found myself confused by the description of the rather large Graham clan, and whilst I know it's important we know Duncan's background, I thought there was a bit too much about it so early on. But it's not long until we're on his adventurous path, so it's no major issue.
If you're looking for a gripping time-travel adventure, meticulously researched and written, with three-dimensional characters, The Whirlpools of Time is for you. Add to it the passionate romance and the underlying threat to the characters’ lives, and you have an unmissable read.
I would highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: I received a free ebook copy as part of a review blog tour. All views expressed are my own.
It's 1715. Having just lost the man who raised him like the father he never had, Duncan Melville travels to his Graham relatives to convey the news for them, and arrives to yet another funeral. This is a highly emotional beginning to the story. During his visit, we learn about how his mother rejected him, and how he has always felt separate. Alone. Distanced from his extended family because of her. Because she could not get over the past.
So poor Duncan is lonely, craving a companion, someone who loves him. But he has to be at a particular crossroads, during a very nasty thunderstorm, when he is sent through time to future to meet the very woman who would turn into his life partner: Erin!
But Erin is in trouble. She dared stand up against a local crime clan she accuses of killing her beloved grandmother over a pendant. A pendant that's still in her possession.
When Duncan, freshly arrived from the past, saves her life near the crossroads, she takes pity on him and takes him in. Soon, their attraction to each other becomes evident.
But with the criminals on her heels, Erin and Duncan are forced into hiding. To their surrpise, the pendant takes them back to 1715, but to London where Duncan's Uncle David lives. Quickly making up an excuse for their unexpected arrival, they are drawn into a search for David, who is rumoured to have gone to Scotland to join a rebellion in support of James Stuart.
That's when The Whirlpools of Time really takes off. It turns from a modern thriller into a rollicking historical adventure as Duncan, Erin, and others they encounter along the way, follow David's trail. When a murderer strikes, they find their lives in danger again.
Full of twists and turns, The Whirlpools of Time is a fast-paced romantic adventure that takes you halfway around the world and back. The plot is full of hints of rebellion, of murder, and you get a real sense of time and attitudes when Duncan and Erin arrive back at his home. I found her experiences harrowing, and as a typical 21st century independent woman, Erin automatically reacted in ways I'd have reacted too. A truly realistic touch.
Ms Belfrage combined the different worlds very well in this adventure that leaves you breathlessly turning the pages. She doesn't shy away from describing early 18th century attitudes and doesn't gloss over them. Erin learns the hard way. I liked that. She's a great character, loyal and not afraid to take risks, even when that gets her into big trouble.
And just when you think they're safe, you'll find they're not. Oh, how Ms Belfrage tortured poor Duncan! I did feel sorry for him at times. As for the bad guy, well, he's a really dangerous man, a plotter. Ruthless. I thought he added a truly heightened sense of danger.
The relationship between Duncan and Erin takes off fast. He soon realised he found his soulmate, and they do grow into their relationship over time. The novel contains many love scenes, some of them explicit. They didn't bother me, although I was more into their adventure and the murders rather than their bedroom antics. But each to their own.
The Whirlpools of Time is a gripping read. However, early on, I found myself confused by the description of the rather large Graham clan, and whilst I know it's important we know Duncan's background, I thought there was a bit too much about it so early on. But it's not long until we're on his adventurous path, so it's no major issue.
If you're looking for a gripping time-travel adventure, meticulously researched and written, with three-dimensional characters, The Whirlpools of Time is for you. Add to it the passionate romance and the underlying threat to the characters’ lives, and you have an unmissable read.
I would highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: I received a free ebook copy as part of a review blog tour. All views expressed are my own.
August 24, 2021
I am a very big fan of time travel books, mainly because I know I could never ever go back in time and deal with the lack of chocolate, tea, Netflix, and my washing machine, not forgetting my washing machine. But I absolutely love reading novels that make the impossibility of time travel, possible. It is even better knowing that I can just pop a piece of chocolate in my mouth whenever I want and let the washing machine do its thing!
This is a busy book, so much happens. Duncan Melville is whisked forward in time to 2016, where he is immediately hit by Erin Barnes’ car (he wasn't having a good day). Erin looks after Duncan and romance and steamy scenes ensue. Then, since Erin is the kind of person to poke her nose into dangerous situations, they end up being transported back to 1715, the only alternative to getting roasted to death. Duncan may be comfortable in the time he is back in, but for Erin, everything is new. When Duncan’s aunt Flora asks him to find his uncle David, Duncan and Erin set off for Scotland, collecting somewhat of a motley crew along the way.
There is a lot of story in this story. The whole background setting of this novel deals with the rise of the Jacobite Revolution, and as Duncan, back in 2016, had become something of a dab hand at scrolling through Wikipedia, he knows that the uprising is doomed to fail. However, even with the knowledge that he has, he can’t directly interfere by telling people ‘don’t join them, you’ll die, I know it for sure,' because how on earth can he explain how he had come by this knowledge?!
The thing with time travel books is that the person who ends up in the time they do not belong in always gets in more trouble than they probably should. Erin still retains the view that she should be able to walk around wherever, and whenever, she likes, and she doesn’t quite understand that there is no easy way to find a missing person. Duncan may treat her with the respect that she deserves, but sometimes it would’ve just been easier to listen to him and stay in their rooms rather than put herself in danger without even telling anyone what she was doing or where she was going.
As I said before, there are quite a few steamy scenes in this book. Erin and Duncan, being the main characters, are destined to end up together. They are soulmates, clearly, and even time could not part them - think Jamie and Clare from Outlander and you will get the idea. They really are quite a lovely couple, and I loved reading about them.
I absolutely loved reading this book, and after finding out that there is a massive series about the Graham family (David is a Graham, as is Duncan’s mother) I think I might just have to get some more books! (The problem is, there are nine books, as far as I can see, and my to-read list is massive and my book buying savings are empty!)
*I recieved a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
This is a busy book, so much happens. Duncan Melville is whisked forward in time to 2016, where he is immediately hit by Erin Barnes’ car (he wasn't having a good day). Erin looks after Duncan and romance and steamy scenes ensue. Then, since Erin is the kind of person to poke her nose into dangerous situations, they end up being transported back to 1715, the only alternative to getting roasted to death. Duncan may be comfortable in the time he is back in, but for Erin, everything is new. When Duncan’s aunt Flora asks him to find his uncle David, Duncan and Erin set off for Scotland, collecting somewhat of a motley crew along the way.
There is a lot of story in this story. The whole background setting of this novel deals with the rise of the Jacobite Revolution, and as Duncan, back in 2016, had become something of a dab hand at scrolling through Wikipedia, he knows that the uprising is doomed to fail. However, even with the knowledge that he has, he can’t directly interfere by telling people ‘don’t join them, you’ll die, I know it for sure,' because how on earth can he explain how he had come by this knowledge?!
The thing with time travel books is that the person who ends up in the time they do not belong in always gets in more trouble than they probably should. Erin still retains the view that she should be able to walk around wherever, and whenever, she likes, and she doesn’t quite understand that there is no easy way to find a missing person. Duncan may treat her with the respect that she deserves, but sometimes it would’ve just been easier to listen to him and stay in their rooms rather than put herself in danger without even telling anyone what she was doing or where she was going.
As I said before, there are quite a few steamy scenes in this book. Erin and Duncan, being the main characters, are destined to end up together. They are soulmates, clearly, and even time could not part them - think Jamie and Clare from Outlander and you will get the idea. They really are quite a lovely couple, and I loved reading about them.
I absolutely loved reading this book, and after finding out that there is a massive series about the Graham family (David is a Graham, as is Duncan’s mother) I think I might just have to get some more books! (The problem is, there are nine books, as far as I can see, and my to-read list is massive and my book buying savings are empty!)
*I recieved a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
November 1, 2021
The Whirlpools of Time is a spinoff of the author’s Graham Family series and continues its time-travel traditions. It is set in 1715 and 2016, in America and Scotland. The protagonist this time is Duncan Melville. He is a member of the Graham family who is rejected by his mother and is an outsider due to the nature of his birth. When a fierce thunderstorm inexplicably transports him to 2016, he meets Erin, who is dealing with troubles of her own.
I enjoyed the beginning of the story, and the author does a good job of showing Duncan’s isolation from the rest of the Graham family. The means of time travel is always important, and the mesmerizing bands of light that transport Duncan and Erin in time are intriguing. However, Duncan accepts arriving in the 21st century too easily, and his transition is too smooth. His quick assimilation into a world of cars, cell phones, internet, and airplanes is not believable. His speech also fits too well into the modern world. Erin’s arrival in 1715 is much more difficult and realistic.
There are many explicit sex scenes, so readers who avoid this should be aware. The relationship between Duncan and Erin also progresses much too quickly, as they go from strangers to kisses to sex very early in the book. The continued use of graphic sex feels like filler to me and keeps the author from really exploring the characters and the times in which they find themselves. The history of the Jacobite rebellion of 1715 in Scotland is explored, but I would have liked to have learned more. However, those who enjoy highly sensual romances with a bit of time travel and history will enjoy this book.
I received a free copy from the publishers via Historical Novels Review Magazine. My review is voluntary.
I enjoyed the beginning of the story, and the author does a good job of showing Duncan’s isolation from the rest of the Graham family. The means of time travel is always important, and the mesmerizing bands of light that transport Duncan and Erin in time are intriguing. However, Duncan accepts arriving in the 21st century too easily, and his transition is too smooth. His quick assimilation into a world of cars, cell phones, internet, and airplanes is not believable. His speech also fits too well into the modern world. Erin’s arrival in 1715 is much more difficult and realistic.
There are many explicit sex scenes, so readers who avoid this should be aware. The relationship between Duncan and Erin also progresses much too quickly, as they go from strangers to kisses to sex very early in the book. The continued use of graphic sex feels like filler to me and keeps the author from really exploring the characters and the times in which they find themselves. The history of the Jacobite rebellion of 1715 in Scotland is explored, but I would have liked to have learned more. However, those who enjoy highly sensual romances with a bit of time travel and history will enjoy this book.
I received a free copy from the publishers via Historical Novels Review Magazine. My review is voluntary.
July 2, 2021
The Whirlpools of Time
This is an exciting time travel book by Anna Belfrage, and the continuing Graham saga series. It immediately jogs your memory of the other Graham books, and how enjoyable they were.
This is a superbly written, about a twenty first century woman Erin, and the man she falls in love with, an eighteenth century man, Duncan Melville. It is fascinating to see how Anna works out the time travel, and how they fall in love. The differences in the times makes it stimulating, and it definitely gets the imagination going. The author gives great detail about the heroine who is of mixed race who travels back in time to the 18th Century, and the trials she faces in Scotland , England and in Annapolis before 1745.
This book is a page turner, one better than the next. There is always a villain who is the most detested character in both of the times, and The Authors description hits our imagination with a magnificent bolt.
The research on the history during the 18th century makes the story truly fascinating. Definitely a book worth reading. The suspense and nefarious characters will make you want to read more!
This is an exciting time travel book by Anna Belfrage, and the continuing Graham saga series. It immediately jogs your memory of the other Graham books, and how enjoyable they were.
This is a superbly written, about a twenty first century woman Erin, and the man she falls in love with, an eighteenth century man, Duncan Melville. It is fascinating to see how Anna works out the time travel, and how they fall in love. The differences in the times makes it stimulating, and it definitely gets the imagination going. The author gives great detail about the heroine who is of mixed race who travels back in time to the 18th Century, and the trials she faces in Scotland , England and in Annapolis before 1745.
This book is a page turner, one better than the next. There is always a villain who is the most detested character in both of the times, and The Authors description hits our imagination with a magnificent bolt.
The research on the history during the 18th century makes the story truly fascinating. Definitely a book worth reading. The suspense and nefarious characters will make you want to read more!
August 27, 2021
Duncan Melville has grown up on the outskirts of his family, never quite fitting in, and Erin Barnes is in the possession of a locket that another family would literally kill for. The only thing separating these two characters is that Duncan lives in 1715, and Erin in 2016.
One fateful journey, Duncan finds himself at a crossroads during a storm and, with his Grandma Alex’s warning about the dangers of crossroads in the back of his head, Duncan is transported through time.
This book is quite literally a whirlwind. After meeting each other, it quickly becomes clear that Duncan and Erin would, and do, pass through time for each other, and that nothing as fickle as a couple of centuries could keep them apart. They each have their own dangers, and while travelling back to a different century provides temporary safety, it seems that they must always turn back and face their enemies.
There are some truly horrible characters that I absolutely loathed, in this book, and you can’t help but want Duncan to run them through with a sword, or for Erin to pick up a pistol and shoot them. I know that sounds truly awful but that is how awful they are.
The relationship between Erin and Duncan is very strong, even though they have not known each other for very long. Their bond seems unbreakable, even though they sometimes get into arguments, having grown up in different times and having different expectations for what they should be able to have, and do.
Of course, this book is not purely a time travel romance, there is so much more depth to it than that. There is danger and intrigue, murders to solve and people to find. Duncan joins forces, although somewhat unwillingly, with a constable as the story starts to run deeper and the Jacobites grow more and more restless. There is certainly a rebellion brewing on the horizon.
The differences between the time periods that Erin and Duncan know are stark, and Erin’s fears and astonishments at having to adjust to eighteenth-century clothing and ideologies have been written wonderfully. I could sympathise with what Erin was going through, and her reactions to events were completely believable.
I loved reading this book, and I recommend it to anyone who wants a romance with action, adventure, danger, rebellion and mystery, all rolled into one.
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
One fateful journey, Duncan finds himself at a crossroads during a storm and, with his Grandma Alex’s warning about the dangers of crossroads in the back of his head, Duncan is transported through time.
This book is quite literally a whirlwind. After meeting each other, it quickly becomes clear that Duncan and Erin would, and do, pass through time for each other, and that nothing as fickle as a couple of centuries could keep them apart. They each have their own dangers, and while travelling back to a different century provides temporary safety, it seems that they must always turn back and face their enemies.
There are some truly horrible characters that I absolutely loathed, in this book, and you can’t help but want Duncan to run them through with a sword, or for Erin to pick up a pistol and shoot them. I know that sounds truly awful but that is how awful they are.
The relationship between Erin and Duncan is very strong, even though they have not known each other for very long. Their bond seems unbreakable, even though they sometimes get into arguments, having grown up in different times and having different expectations for what they should be able to have, and do.
Of course, this book is not purely a time travel romance, there is so much more depth to it than that. There is danger and intrigue, murders to solve and people to find. Duncan joins forces, although somewhat unwillingly, with a constable as the story starts to run deeper and the Jacobites grow more and more restless. There is certainly a rebellion brewing on the horizon.
The differences between the time periods that Erin and Duncan know are stark, and Erin’s fears and astonishments at having to adjust to eighteenth-century clothing and ideologies have been written wonderfully. I could sympathise with what Erin was going through, and her reactions to events were completely believable.
I loved reading this book, and I recommend it to anyone who wants a romance with action, adventure, danger, rebellion and mystery, all rolled into one.
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
September 11, 2021
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I have not read any of the author’s previous books of the “Graham saga” series, but that did not stop me from enjoying the story. It’s been a while since I read a good time travel story, and the author does an excellent job adapting to this charming historical romance.
The author adds a touch of everything from action and adventure to steamy romance and drama. Right from the beginning, I enjoyed the chemistry between Duncan and Erin. On a side note, I also liked the references to the King George timeline and felt the author made the backdrop as authentic as possible. The author also wrote the villains nicely in the story, like the dastardly Cruikshank. I also enjoyed Arabella and Williams as the supporting cast as the group goes on their journey.
Duncan was my favorite character, and I loved how the author added various layers to him. Duncan tries to do his best, even if he messes up at times. Some of the memorable moments are when Duncan experiences the new world, like being in a car or finding out that women can work. I also loved how Erin adapts to her new surroundings. The author spins the story in such a manner that you cannot predict what would happen.
Moreover, the author does not disappoint in the romance department. Considering that this is a historical romance, the author steams up the pages when we see Erin and Duncan get together. The author also ends the story in a cliffhanger that makes you look forward to reading the next installment.
Overall, I enjoyed reading “The Whirlpools of Time” and am excited to see how the story continues.
August 19, 2021
There is something about time travel that not only takes the characters to different times with different lifestyles and different dangers lurking around the corners, but it also takes the reader along for the ride —with no way of turning back, the reader is trapped in the time the characters end up in until the book is over (and then, the reader may still go back to the beginning to relive it all over again).
The world that the characters end up in is 1715, where a revolution brews due to the unrest because a foreign king sits on the English throne. Duncan Melville may belong in this time, but Erin Barnes calls 2016 her home and is in for a rude awakening when she and Duncan must make their way in a world that she is unprepared to live in, with a man she cannot help but love.
Despite the threat of the Jacobites, Duncan and Erin find themselves in Scotland, searching for Duncan’s uncle, David Graham. I must say, out of the many Grahams in this book, David was one of the only ones I could easily place, due to his extended involvement in the story. The Graham family is a rather large one, but, thankfully, a clear knowledge of the family was not a necessity, and the story of rogues, scoundrels and close encounters unfolded into a wonderful book that I found very difficult to put down.
While I expected fighting for honour and, indeed, fighting for one’s life, I did not quite expect the relationship between Erin and Duncan to be quite so intense. They have not known each other for very long when they take big steps ahead in their romance, but I suppose when you’ve found your soulmate, there is no need to be patient.
This book is the kind of book that draws you in, begging you to turn the pages and start yet another chapter, and you willingly listen, devouring the story and feeling disappointed when you have to put it down to carry out basic human functions such as eating and sleeping. If this book is not on your to-read list, you should definitely add it, and maybe also bump it up a couple of spaces!
*I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club. I was under no obligation to leave a review.
The world that the characters end up in is 1715, where a revolution brews due to the unrest because a foreign king sits on the English throne. Duncan Melville may belong in this time, but Erin Barnes calls 2016 her home and is in for a rude awakening when she and Duncan must make their way in a world that she is unprepared to live in, with a man she cannot help but love.
Despite the threat of the Jacobites, Duncan and Erin find themselves in Scotland, searching for Duncan’s uncle, David Graham. I must say, out of the many Grahams in this book, David was one of the only ones I could easily place, due to his extended involvement in the story. The Graham family is a rather large one, but, thankfully, a clear knowledge of the family was not a necessity, and the story of rogues, scoundrels and close encounters unfolded into a wonderful book that I found very difficult to put down.
While I expected fighting for honour and, indeed, fighting for one’s life, I did not quite expect the relationship between Erin and Duncan to be quite so intense. They have not known each other for very long when they take big steps ahead in their romance, but I suppose when you’ve found your soulmate, there is no need to be patient.
This book is the kind of book that draws you in, begging you to turn the pages and start yet another chapter, and you willingly listen, devouring the story and feeling disappointed when you have to put it down to carry out basic human functions such as eating and sleeping. If this book is not on your to-read list, you should definitely add it, and maybe also bump it up a couple of spaces!
*I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club. I was under no obligation to leave a review.
August 25, 2021
📚📚📚📚📚 = I could not put this book down. I Highly Recommend it.
This is a book that has everything. Do not be fooled into thinking this is simply a time travel romance, and that every scene will be full of love, adoration and kissing (although there are plenty of scenes such as that). There is danger hidden around corners, enemies desperate for revenge, and an uncle that needs to be found before he gets caught up in the Jacobite revolution and gets himself killed.
Duncan may be from the eighteenth century, but he finds the girl he loves in the twenty-first century. In a turn of events, the two find themselves back in 1715, narrowly escaping death, but quickly realising that there are enemies to be made everywhere, and humiliating the wrong person could lead to events that would have best been avoided.
Duncan’s uncle is assumed to be in Scotland, and with the uprising clearly going to happen, his pregnant wife is worried enough for Duncan and Erin to travel to Scotland to find the missing family member and return him to his home. Along the way, the pair find themselves in many altercations that will have you gripping the edge of your seat as you frantically turn the pages, desperate to know whether they will survive and get back to each other safely or not.
Both Duncan and Erin were absolutely lovely to read about, especially when they are together, as they are so clearly in love. They are used to different ways of living, and Erin clearly does not know how to ride a horse, but they make things work, and Erin spends a lot of her time on Duncan’s horse, held in his arms, rather than riding by herself.
This book was absolutely wonderful, and I enjoyed every second of reading it. It is the kind of book that makes you stay up much later than you intended because you don’t want to put it down!
*I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club. I was under no obligation to leave a review.
This is a book that has everything. Do not be fooled into thinking this is simply a time travel romance, and that every scene will be full of love, adoration and kissing (although there are plenty of scenes such as that). There is danger hidden around corners, enemies desperate for revenge, and an uncle that needs to be found before he gets caught up in the Jacobite revolution and gets himself killed.
Duncan may be from the eighteenth century, but he finds the girl he loves in the twenty-first century. In a turn of events, the two find themselves back in 1715, narrowly escaping death, but quickly realising that there are enemies to be made everywhere, and humiliating the wrong person could lead to events that would have best been avoided.
Duncan’s uncle is assumed to be in Scotland, and with the uprising clearly going to happen, his pregnant wife is worried enough for Duncan and Erin to travel to Scotland to find the missing family member and return him to his home. Along the way, the pair find themselves in many altercations that will have you gripping the edge of your seat as you frantically turn the pages, desperate to know whether they will survive and get back to each other safely or not.
Both Duncan and Erin were absolutely lovely to read about, especially when they are together, as they are so clearly in love. They are used to different ways of living, and Erin clearly does not know how to ride a horse, but they make things work, and Erin spends a lot of her time on Duncan’s horse, held in his arms, rather than riding by herself.
This book was absolutely wonderful, and I enjoyed every second of reading it. It is the kind of book that makes you stay up much later than you intended because you don’t want to put it down!
*I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club. I was under no obligation to leave a review.
August 26, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What happens if your soul mate exists 300 years in the past? Is there any way that love could surpass time? Ordinarily, I would say no, but The Whirlpools of Time by Anna Belfrage swaps the ordinary for something extraordinary. But would you go back in time to a world full of danger, unrest and rebellion? Would love really be worth risking your life for?
This is a love story 300 years in the making, and what a love story it is. Duncan and Erin come from two very different eras, but they cannot deny the love, the overwhelming love, that they feel for each other. However, the difficulties that they face would be enough to try any relationship. I thought their relationship was very believable. It was not all roses, they had their arguments, but the love they had for each other remains strong throughout this novel, despite what era they were in.
The concept of time travel, and what that would mean for the person falling through time made for some really interesting reading. It may all sound very romantic, but for Erin, it is an extremely challenging transition. There were times when her recklessness and pigheadedness, for want of a better word, made it incredibly difficult for Duncan to keep her safe, and it also left me wondering why she would take such risks. She certainly has the intelligence to understand that this world is vastly different to her own. Eric just finds her new reality very difficult to accept.
The historical backdrop was really intense - in a good way. Scotland is on the brink of rebellion and there are those who support the cause, and those, of course, who already know the outcome! I thought the author brought this era back to life.
I really enjoyed this novel, and I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club. I was under no obligation to leave a review.
What happens if your soul mate exists 300 years in the past? Is there any way that love could surpass time? Ordinarily, I would say no, but The Whirlpools of Time by Anna Belfrage swaps the ordinary for something extraordinary. But would you go back in time to a world full of danger, unrest and rebellion? Would love really be worth risking your life for?
This is a love story 300 years in the making, and what a love story it is. Duncan and Erin come from two very different eras, but they cannot deny the love, the overwhelming love, that they feel for each other. However, the difficulties that they face would be enough to try any relationship. I thought their relationship was very believable. It was not all roses, they had their arguments, but the love they had for each other remains strong throughout this novel, despite what era they were in.
The concept of time travel, and what that would mean for the person falling through time made for some really interesting reading. It may all sound very romantic, but for Erin, it is an extremely challenging transition. There were times when her recklessness and pigheadedness, for want of a better word, made it incredibly difficult for Duncan to keep her safe, and it also left me wondering why she would take such risks. She certainly has the intelligence to understand that this world is vastly different to her own. Eric just finds her new reality very difficult to accept.
The historical backdrop was really intense - in a good way. Scotland is on the brink of rebellion and there are those who support the cause, and those, of course, who already know the outcome! I thought the author brought this era back to life.
I really enjoyed this novel, and I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club. I was under no obligation to leave a review.
October 7, 2021
Having read most of the novels in the Graham Saga I wondered how this new spin-off novel would work but I needn't have worried as right from the start I was whisked back in time to the eighteenth century to meet with Duncan Melville, who, after a recent bereavement, seems a rather lost, and lonely, character. However, on the night of a great storm Duncan's life suddenly changes when he finds himself waking up in 2016 in the company of a beautiful woman called Erin who seems, from the outset, to make his heart sing.
What then follows is a lively time slip adventure which moves effortlessly between what happens between Erin and Duncan in 2016, only for them both to be then whisked back in time to 1715 Scotland during the time of the first Jacobite rebellion. Combining authentic history with a sexy time slip romance is a huge task but this talented author always gets the balance just right, never compromising on the integrity of the historical content, whilst at the same time allowing a smouldering romance to burn between the two lead characters. Both Duncan and Erin carry the story well and there's a real sense of adventure throughout, although Duncan seems to make the transition into 21st century life rather better that Erin adjusts to 18th century life but then that's where the real enjoyment of the story lies.
The Whirlpools of Time is every bit as good as I wanted it to be from one of my favourite time slip writers. It had everything I needed, history, adventure, romance and passion, and the promise of more to come from this lovely new series.
June 14, 2021
A gripping tale…
I am a fan of time-slip historical novels, and in this tale, the lives of an 18th century man and 21st century woman collide. Hungry for a mix of adventure with history, romance, politics, a mysterious humming locket, and villains? Then this dish will more than satisfy.
Duncan, sword in hand, rescues Erin. There’s plenty of conflict driving the plot, including how 18th century man discovers and adapts to life in the 21st century. But Duncan barely has time to get used to running water, cars, and the internet - escaping Erin’s enemies sends them back to his time.
Wonderful characters and an intricate plot make this novel a page-turner. Belfrage knows how to immerse the reader in time and place. She brings everyday life of the past into vivid detail, and she knows her history.
As a reader mostly of medieval historical fiction (12th & 13th centuries), I loved this picture of early 18th century England and Scotland in the time before the more well known 1745 Battle of Culloden.
Duncan Melville is related to a host of characters the reader might have met in Belfrage’s Graham Saga, but knowledge of those books isn’t necessary to fully enjoy this story. The Whirlpools of Time stands alone, with the author skillfully introducing bits of that ‘history’ where needed. Get ready for a great ride. Highly recommended.
I am a fan of time-slip historical novels, and in this tale, the lives of an 18th century man and 21st century woman collide. Hungry for a mix of adventure with history, romance, politics, a mysterious humming locket, and villains? Then this dish will more than satisfy.
Duncan, sword in hand, rescues Erin. There’s plenty of conflict driving the plot, including how 18th century man discovers and adapts to life in the 21st century. But Duncan barely has time to get used to running water, cars, and the internet - escaping Erin’s enemies sends them back to his time.
Wonderful characters and an intricate plot make this novel a page-turner. Belfrage knows how to immerse the reader in time and place. She brings everyday life of the past into vivid detail, and she knows her history.
As a reader mostly of medieval historical fiction (12th & 13th centuries), I loved this picture of early 18th century England and Scotland in the time before the more well known 1745 Battle of Culloden.
Duncan Melville is related to a host of characters the reader might have met in Belfrage’s Graham Saga, but knowledge of those books isn’t necessary to fully enjoy this story. The Whirlpools of Time stands alone, with the author skillfully introducing bits of that ‘history’ where needed. Get ready for a great ride. Highly recommended.
September 26, 2022
THE WHIRLPOOLS OF TIME
Next in The Graham Saga, but I believe I had to find Anne Belfrage's books and then research, imagine my surprise to find it still continued.
I gave 5 stars for general purpose. Anne Belfrage is an amazing author. But this book was a bit of a sophmoric level. The sexy parts seemed even more frequent and the time travel was a disappointment.
I hated reading about Graham .deaths that were just a line or two... when 9 books had been Graham's!!
Duncan had a rough time with his birth mother, but you would imagine at some point Sarah would have to let the past lay and have a semi cordial relationship for all the other Graham's involved.
It also seems that Duncan had to be Superman... so many injuries, but always up for one more skirmish!!
And. We have feared Mercedes paintings of greens and blues... slipping into time via the paintings... so how does this time travel portal come to be?
I'm sorry to be so grouchy whiney... I do love Anne Belfrage's books. Maybe this was just squeezed in, or a ghost writer was involved, or Anne had time traveled herself and was writing with inkwell and papyrus.
Thank you.
Next in The Graham Saga, but I believe I had to find Anne Belfrage's books and then research, imagine my surprise to find it still continued.
I gave 5 stars for general purpose. Anne Belfrage is an amazing author. But this book was a bit of a sophmoric level. The sexy parts seemed even more frequent and the time travel was a disappointment.
I hated reading about Graham .deaths that were just a line or two... when 9 books had been Graham's!!
Duncan had a rough time with his birth mother, but you would imagine at some point Sarah would have to let the past lay and have a semi cordial relationship for all the other Graham's involved.
It also seems that Duncan had to be Superman... so many injuries, but always up for one more skirmish!!
And. We have feared Mercedes paintings of greens and blues... slipping into time via the paintings... so how does this time travel portal come to be?
I'm sorry to be so grouchy whiney... I do love Anne Belfrage's books. Maybe this was just squeezed in, or a ghost writer was involved, or Anne had time traveled herself and was writing with inkwell and papyrus.
Thank you.
September 25, 2024
A hugely enjoyable time travel story, which takes us backwards and forwards in time, from America to England to Scotland, in the middle of Jacobite tensiins. Erin and Duncan are intriguing characters, who encounter many difficulties along their way, with plenty of adventure and emotion. Added into this is the added issue of heritage and attitudes going back centuries. It gives an authentic feel of life, particularly for women. Looking forward to reading more by the author.
August 2, 2021
Adored this series...
I bought the first book in the series a few years ago, but never read it. Then recently I saw this book pop up on the recommended list so I thought I'd start at the beginning. I binge read the entire series to date in 2 weeks. I absolutely love it! I wish I could dive right into the next one.
I bought the first book in the series a few years ago, but never read it. Then recently I saw this book pop up on the recommended list so I thought I'd start at the beginning. I binge read the entire series to date in 2 weeks. I absolutely love it! I wish I could dive right into the next one.
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