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The Hands of Time #2
A Leap of Faith
Can she hold on to hope?
Louisa Jamison is drowning in grief after the loss of her parents when she makes a staggering her long-lost sister Valerie is alive in the distant past. Louisa knows she will go anywhere to find the only family she has left.
Leaving all she knows behind, Louisa follows the clues and embarks on a perilous journey into the seventeenth century. It’s an unfamiliar era, fraught with danger, and she grapples with both the strange customs and the unexpected connection she feels towards noble sea captain Kit, who becomes her anchor in the storm.
But as their passion grows, it forces Louisa to make an agonizing choice. Should she stay with Kit and abandon her mission? Or leave him behind to complete her desperate quest and find her sister before she loses her forever?
Louisa Jamison is drowning in grief after the loss of her parents when she makes a staggering her long-lost sister Valerie is alive in the distant past. Louisa knows she will go anywhere to find the only family she has left.
Leaving all she knows behind, Louisa follows the clues and embarks on a perilous journey into the seventeenth century. It’s an unfamiliar era, fraught with danger, and she grapples with both the strange customs and the unexpected connection she feels towards noble sea captain Kit, who becomes her anchor in the storm.
But as their passion grows, it forces Louisa to make an agonizing choice. Should she stay with Kit and abandon her mission? Or leave him behind to complete her desperate quest and find her sister before she loses her forever?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2012
1288 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Irina Shapiro
84 books1,132 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 28, 2024
Better than the first
I much preferred this one to the first one. There were some extremely heavy topics covered in this one. The characters were better developed and got a sense of what its like to be in the 1600s . Especially at the settlement in Jamestown. It feels historically accurate. Also i preferred it was told in 3rd person all the way through. Triggers are: Slavery, Rape, Murder, Suicide, Infant death, extreme violence.
I much preferred this one to the first one. There were some extremely heavy topics covered in this one. The characters were better developed and got a sense of what its like to be in the 1600s . Especially at the settlement in Jamestown. It feels historically accurate. Also i preferred it was told in 3rd person all the way through. Triggers are: Slavery, Rape, Murder, Suicide, Infant death, extreme violence.
April 13, 2021
Lots of unexpected action in this book. The author writes mystery, romance and action all mixed together into historical drama.
One thing about this book that bothered me a lot is the brief mention of slaves being sold from Africa. The slaves were bought by Kit (despite a mild cry of objection from Louisa) and were put to work on the ship. They were described as being “overjoyed” to be positioned in that type of service. Ha! The author didn’t have the courage to write more in depth about slavery and certainly did almost no research to back up any objectionable statement made.
One thing about this book that bothered me a lot is the brief mention of slaves being sold from Africa. The slaves were bought by Kit (despite a mild cry of objection from Louisa) and were put to work on the ship. They were described as being “overjoyed” to be positioned in that type of service. Ha! The author didn’t have the courage to write more in depth about slavery and certainly did almost no research to back up any objectionable statement made.
July 2, 2025
A Leap of Faith #2 The Hands of Time
4✨
4✨
July 6, 2017
Lovely story
For a sequel this was better than the first book! I really enjoyed reading about the whole ship/pirate encounter, barbaric as it was. Seemed very true to history and very interesting. Lovely read!
For a sequel this was better than the first book! I really enjoyed reading about the whole ship/pirate encounter, barbaric as it was. Seemed very true to history and very interesting. Lovely read!
February 21, 2023
This was an EXCELLENT continuation of the first book! Valerie's sister Louisa has a crazy idea, but things don't always go as planned!! As she navigates through the problems she comes across, we learn so much more about the 1600s of England and America. This series is a beautiful blend of history, mystery and romance! LOVE it!!
July 28, 2024
This book was much better than the first book. There were some heartbreaking moments.
I’m glad that Louisa found Valerie in the end. But journey was super long.
Please check the trigger warnings!!!! Loss of parents, born still baby, rape, suicide
I’m glad that Louisa found Valerie in the end. But journey was super long.
Please check the trigger warnings!!!! Loss of parents, born still baby, rape, suicide
August 24, 2025
Second book in The Hands of Time series.....loved it! What a great story.
November 20, 2016
After Valerie goes missing Louisa comes across some paintings that hint that her sister is alive and well, but not in her time. She soon finds herself on a journey after the loss of her parents to find her sister. She chooses the less easy path and decides to go back in time. She soon finds herself in 1620 and a few years past when she meant to arrive. She soon boards a ship from England to Virginia to find her sister, hoping against all hope that she will still be there. A dangerous journey across the waters leads her into the arms of wonderful man and soon she is married and in Virginia.
This book was great. It melded into the first book as if you just flipped a page. It was a great continuation of Valerie's story as well as an addition of Louisa's. The characters and history were well written and made me fall in love with the new tale of love, hope, and family. The book was sad at times, but so happy at others. It had a mysterious air to it as well as a murder occurs and the truth is searched out. Overall, this book was a great story. I loved it and can't wait to read more in this series....Stormi
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This book was great. It melded into the first book as if you just flipped a page. It was a great continuation of Valerie's story as well as an addition of Louisa's. The characters and history were well written and made me fall in love with the new tale of love, hope, and family. The book was sad at times, but so happy at others. It had a mysterious air to it as well as a murder occurs and the truth is searched out. Overall, this book was a great story. I loved it and can't wait to read more in this series....Stormi
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April 14, 2016
Again, interesting...
As before the author is growing. I really liked the story. I am intrigued enough to purchase the next book in the series. They should be read in order, as I don't think they are meant to stand alone.
Editing still seems to be a problem. Also, I am not a historian and so cannot speak to historical accuracy.
As before the author is growing. I really liked the story. I am intrigued enough to purchase the next book in the series. They should be read in order, as I don't think they are meant to stand alone.
Editing still seems to be a problem. Also, I am not a historian and so cannot speak to historical accuracy.
September 20, 2012
Fun read not too deep or overly descriptive but interesting.
January 23, 2013
The story was great, but the writing not so much.
May 1, 2013
Writing definitely improving, moreso by the third book.
June 12, 2015
A good sequel to the first in the series. I'm enjoying these books, so I'll probably read the whole set.
August 9, 2016
A great sequel to the hands of time. Well written time travel story I really enjoyed it.
May 1, 2016
Excellent time travel book, perhaps even better than the first in the series.
May 26, 2025
Leaping into the unknown
I really enjoyed Louisa and Kit’s time traveling historical romance. The story hooked me in and took me along for a spicy and emotional ride. And the history nerd in me enjoyed the historical references and the glimpses of 17th century life. Louisa’s sister, Valerie, had disappeared without a trace two years previously while they were together in England. Louisa learned that Valerie had time traveled to the 17th century and once her parents died unexpectedly she decided to follow her to the past with the knowledge her sister was in Virginia in 1611. Unfortunately, Louisa ended up in 1619 and just hopes she can still locate her sister but first she has to secure transport across the ocean. The story is told through multiple points of view including Valerie, Louisa, Alec and Kit - which helped to round out some aspects of the story with less telling and more showing. The story was well written and included three dimensional characters and an engaging storyline as shown through mystery, sweet moments, spice, laughs, messy families, painful pasts, surprises, danger, plot twists, fate, and love. I look forward to reading more in the series and continuing Valerie and Louisa’s story.
I really enjoyed Louisa and Kit’s time traveling historical romance. The story hooked me in and took me along for a spicy and emotional ride. And the history nerd in me enjoyed the historical references and the glimpses of 17th century life. Louisa’s sister, Valerie, had disappeared without a trace two years previously while they were together in England. Louisa learned that Valerie had time traveled to the 17th century and once her parents died unexpectedly she decided to follow her to the past with the knowledge her sister was in Virginia in 1611. Unfortunately, Louisa ended up in 1619 and just hopes she can still locate her sister but first she has to secure transport across the ocean. The story is told through multiple points of view including Valerie, Louisa, Alec and Kit - which helped to round out some aspects of the story with less telling and more showing. The story was well written and included three dimensional characters and an engaging storyline as shown through mystery, sweet moments, spice, laughs, messy families, painful pasts, surprises, danger, plot twists, fate, and love. I look forward to reading more in the series and continuing Valerie and Louisa’s story.
August 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Leap of Faith by Irina Shapiro
This book swept me into a world where time travel isn’t just a plot device, it’s a portal to healing, discovery, and sisterhood. Louisa’s journey to 1620 Virginia is both harrowing and hopeful, and Valerie’s unraveling of family secrets adds layers of emotional depth. Shapiro masterfully blends historical detail with heartfelt storytelling, making each chapter feel like a step deeper into purpose.
As someone who believes in the power of legacy and intentional journeys, I found this story deeply resonant. It reminded me that sometimes, the boldest leap we take isn’t across centuries, but into clarity, forgiveness, and faith.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves historical fiction with soul, strong female leads, and a touch of mystery.
A Leap of Faith by Irina Shapiro
This book swept me into a world where time travel isn’t just a plot device, it’s a portal to healing, discovery, and sisterhood. Louisa’s journey to 1620 Virginia is both harrowing and hopeful, and Valerie’s unraveling of family secrets adds layers of emotional depth. Shapiro masterfully blends historical detail with heartfelt storytelling, making each chapter feel like a step deeper into purpose.
As someone who believes in the power of legacy and intentional journeys, I found this story deeply resonant. It reminded me that sometimes, the boldest leap we take isn’t across centuries, but into clarity, forgiveness, and faith.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves historical fiction with soul, strong female leads, and a touch of mystery.
July 15, 2024
Realistic Time Travel Story Highly Recommended
Unlike so many time travel stories where the woman arrives through time, is saved by a gorgeous man, gets all hot and bothered and poof, they’re in the sack, this story takes time to develop the prime characters and multiple sub characters and stories. The historical accuracy and truthful depiction of difficulties is HIGHLY appreciated. This ia a well done time travel novel, highly recommended.
Unlike so many time travel stories where the woman arrives through time, is saved by a gorgeous man, gets all hot and bothered and poof, they’re in the sack, this story takes time to develop the prime characters and multiple sub characters and stories. The historical accuracy and truthful depiction of difficulties is HIGHLY appreciated. This ia a well done time travel novel, highly recommended.
November 21, 2024
A Leap of Faith, the 2nd book in Th oh s time traveling series is a well-written storyline! It's thoroughly enjoyable. There are no redundancies like other authors of time travel books I have read. The 1st book also, (The Hands of Time), which I returned before I reviewed was the best 1st book of any series I have read. Usually, 1st books are not as good as subsequent books.
Nancy is a fine author, and I will read some more of her books. Try it, I'm betting you'll like it!
Nancy is a fine author, and I will read some more of her books. Try it, I'm betting you'll like it!
April 2, 2025
Interesting Read!
Valarie has been in the past for 16 years already. Her wife and family is here, except for her sister Louisa, who she still misses. Until one day she sees her sister coming off of a boat, she takes a double look and realizes it is truly her. Louisa has traveled back and search of her sister. She also has found love and a husband in these difficult times. The story is about the trials that they both face as individuals and as married women in the 17th century.
Valarie has been in the past for 16 years already. Her wife and family is here, except for her sister Louisa, who she still misses. Until one day she sees her sister coming off of a boat, she takes a double look and realizes it is truly her. Louisa has traveled back and search of her sister. She also has found love and a husband in these difficult times. The story is about the trials that they both face as individuals and as married women in the 17th century.
January 5, 2019
Great almost historical time travel
I love a great fictional but believable time travel novel and this fit the bill. Travel from 2012 New York to Seventeen century, new world Virginia. A bit of intrigue, love, sadness and great joy wrapped up into a span of 15 years. Well written and kept my attention from start to finish.
I love a great fictional but believable time travel novel and this fit the bill. Travel from 2012 New York to Seventeen century, new world Virginia. A bit of intrigue, love, sadness and great joy wrapped up into a span of 15 years. Well written and kept my attention from start to finish.
September 12, 2020
I loved the hands of time so I was so excited for Louisa’s story. Following your sister back to the 1600’s is the ultimate in sisterly love.
Louisa ends up in the wrong year with an ocean between her and Valerie. What follows is a journey in love both for Louisa and Kit but also Louisa and her long lost sister Valerie. ♥️♥️♥️
Louisa ends up in the wrong year with an ocean between her and Valerie. What follows is a journey in love both for Louisa and Kit but also Louisa and her long lost sister Valerie. ♥️♥️♥️
March 10, 2021
Satisfies your periodic, romantic and adventurous reading tastes.
Thoroughly enjoyed the journey through time and place , the romantic and seductive segments as well as the adventure and dramatic segments. A can’t stop reading and a I must read the next chapter/book to know what happens next.
Thoroughly enjoyed the journey through time and place , the romantic and seductive segments as well as the adventure and dramatic segments. A can’t stop reading and a I must read the next chapter/book to know what happens next.
December 16, 2023
Not your average love story!
Pirates and storms at sea does not always make out for a good thriller but this book does. I couldn't put it down waiting to see what happens to my favorite characters. Life and death struggle are usually not my favorite but this book draws you in and has you rooting for them to survive their struggles and find a life in the Virginia. Enjoy!
Pirates and storms at sea does not always make out for a good thriller but this book does. I couldn't put it down waiting to see what happens to my favorite characters. Life and death struggle are usually not my favorite but this book draws you in and has you rooting for them to survive their struggles and find a life in the Virginia. Enjoy!
July 14, 2024
love this time travel series
I have read many an Irina Shapiro book and enjoyed every one. This is no exception. A special clock when hands are moved transports the person to the past based on the time selected. In this story a woman moves the clock hands in hopes of finding her sister.
I have read many an Irina Shapiro book and enjoyed every one. This is no exception. A special clock when hands are moved transports the person to the past based on the time selected. In this story a woman moves the clock hands in hopes of finding her sister.
December 16, 2025
hands of Time series
Book 2, Leap of Faith is every bit as engrossing as The Hands of Time. The characters are all so believable, the time slip was imaginative and adapting to the 17th century was very interesting. Love that the sisters were so close and that Louisa was willing to move to a new world to try and find her sister. Looking forward to book 3.
Book 2, Leap of Faith is every bit as engrossing as The Hands of Time. The characters are all so believable, the time slip was imaginative and adapting to the 17th century was very interesting. Love that the sisters were so close and that Louisa was willing to move to a new world to try and find her sister. Looking forward to book 3.
January 25, 2021
Great
A well thought out story. This tale was filled with hope and promise. I loved the story, characters, and the adventure. The ending is even more intriguing. What will the sisters decide? I can't wait for the next book.
A well thought out story. This tale was filled with hope and promise. I loved the story, characters, and the adventure. The ending is even more intriguing. What will the sisters decide? I can't wait for the next book.
March 19, 2022
Audible.
I enjoyed Irina's Echoes of the Past series. This was Ok as a short romance, time travel story. The ending was too rushed, maybe to set the stage for Book 3. Still, it was an abrupt ending .
I enjoyed Irina's Echoes of the Past series. This was Ok as a short romance, time travel story. The ending was too rushed, maybe to set the stage for Book 3. Still, it was an abrupt ending .
December 1, 2022
I really enjoyed the adventure in this book. It's a time travel tale of two sisters,.each on their own path. The chapters flip back and forth between the sisters adventures. Lots of interesting characters and historical adventures.
February 17, 2023
Beyond the hands of time
If you knew your sister was lost in the past and you found a way to follow her, would you? And give up all the amenities of modern day to travel back to the precarious world of the 17th century? Read on.
If you knew your sister was lost in the past and you found a way to follow her, would you? And give up all the amenities of modern day to travel back to the precarious world of the 17th century? Read on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews