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The Hands of Time #4
A Game of Shadows
Can she keep her family safe?
Devoted wife and mother Valerie Whitfield is torn between two centuries. Born in twentieth-century America, Valerie once believed her adventuring days were over when she settled down with her husband, Alec, in colonial Virginia. But when her grown-up children become embroiled in dangerous affairs, Valerie faces unimaginable challenges.
Her beloved daughter, Louisa, has fallen in love with a dashing rogue and now knows a secret that could ruin her and tear the family apart. Meanwhile Valerie’s son, Finn, is risking his life as a spy in the American Revolution, a war that Valerie knows will shape the course of history – but which could also claim the lives of those she holds most dear.
Valerie faces a terrible should she use her knowledge of the future to try to protect her children, even if it means altering the course of history? Can she find a way to reconcile her modern sensibilities with the harsh realities of seventeenth-century life? And through it all, can she be true to herself and her own heart’s desires?
A sweeping story of romance, intrigue and gut-wrenching choices, the fourth epic installment in the Hands of Time series is perfect for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Barbara Erskine and Susanna Kearsley.
Devoted wife and mother Valerie Whitfield is torn between two centuries. Born in twentieth-century America, Valerie once believed her adventuring days were over when she settled down with her husband, Alec, in colonial Virginia. But when her grown-up children become embroiled in dangerous affairs, Valerie faces unimaginable challenges.
Her beloved daughter, Louisa, has fallen in love with a dashing rogue and now knows a secret that could ruin her and tear the family apart. Meanwhile Valerie’s son, Finn, is risking his life as a spy in the American Revolution, a war that Valerie knows will shape the course of history – but which could also claim the lives of those she holds most dear.
Valerie faces a terrible should she use her knowledge of the future to try to protect her children, even if it means altering the course of history? Can she find a way to reconcile her modern sensibilities with the harsh realities of seventeenth-century life? And through it all, can she be true to herself and her own heart’s desires?
A sweeping story of romance, intrigue and gut-wrenching choices, the fourth epic installment in the Hands of Time series is perfect for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Barbara Erskine and Susanna Kearsley.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2013
915 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Irina Shapiro
93 books1,165 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 36 reviews
November 23, 2016
This was another great book in a great series. This book goes a little more in depth with Finn and his wife Abbie as they are in 1777 and working as spies against the British. This work brings them both into danger. In 1624 the Whitfield family is in England and have found the daughter of Alec's sister, Rose. Soon they are on the search to find the truth of what really happened to her over the years. Louisa and Kit are having issues and secrets are keeping them apart. Little Louisa is once again up to her troubling plans to find a husband. This leads her down and bad path.
This book was awesome. It was another great installment to this family saga. Each book sheds more light on this family and each book makes me love this series even more. This book was full of romance, suspense, action, and betrayal. it was written very well. It seemed to be a bit more sad than the others have been before. This book really had me crying at times. Even with that being said, I can't wait to read the last and final book in this series. This series has definitely found a way into my heart....Stormi
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This book was awesome. It was another great installment to this family saga. Each book sheds more light on this family and each book makes me love this series even more. This book was full of romance, suspense, action, and betrayal. it was written very well. It seemed to be a bit more sad than the others have been before. This book really had me crying at times. Even with that being said, I can't wait to read the last and final book in this series. This series has definitely found a way into my heart....Stormi
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June 22, 2013
I am a huge fan of series novels. We, so often, read reviews that talk of not wanting the story to end or that one of the characters needs their own novel/story. That being said, I have thoroughly enjoyed 'The Hands of Time Series' and this Book Four, A Game of Shadows is the best yet. I love the dialogue and story line setup.
I loved reading about Abbie & Finn behind enemy lines as spies. Her descriptions were clear. I did not have to go back to refresh my memory. I did get angry at Finn for his knowing their fate but still he faltered in his leadership and therefore they were not always safe. But there was excitement and drama.
This edition was very interesting and sad, in a way, as family dynamics between the Whitfields, and I was surprised Louisa and Kit.
The prose is excellent. I love to read her works and she never fails to tantalize me. She is amongst my favorite authors and I read her books over and over. You will not be disappointed. I am eternally your fan Ms. Shapiro.
P.S. Apologies for my delayed accolades, they are none the less sincere.
I loved reading about Abbie & Finn behind enemy lines as spies. Her descriptions were clear. I did not have to go back to refresh my memory. I did get angry at Finn for his knowing their fate but still he faltered in his leadership and therefore they were not always safe. But there was excitement and drama.
This edition was very interesting and sad, in a way, as family dynamics between the Whitfields, and I was surprised Louisa and Kit.
The prose is excellent. I love to read her works and she never fails to tantalize me. She is amongst my favorite authors and I read her books over and over. You will not be disappointed. I am eternally your fan Ms. Shapiro.
P.S. Apologies for my delayed accolades, they are none the less sincere.
November 8, 2015
This fourth book has even more complexity, depth, multiple threads of the plot tying in aspects from the earlier books very nicely, like within a musical piece, a return to the opening themes but then developing the melody anew with a new variation. Nicely done. There are also some more grown up ( and plus, including, "mature" or "adult" ) aspects of the storyline: the Game of Shadows theme is multifaceted - really more "games" rather than one game - each reflective of the hidden dark-sides and/or untold truths that lurk in the shadows behind a person's fascade, sometimes hidden from those closest to them and other times, hidden even from oneself.
There is far more to this book than the earlier books of the series would foretell, and it reaches a higher level of a good read than the earlier books did. It really is better than I had expected.
There is far more to this book than the earlier books of the series would foretell, and it reaches a higher level of a good read than the earlier books did. It really is better than I had expected.
July 24, 2025
Deel vier ook voor werk gelezen. Ik zou deze serie zelf niet snel hebben opgepakt, maar ben blij dat ik er nu toch in zit. Mega fijne weglezers waarin je wordt meegezogen
June 20, 2013
This is the 4th book of The Hands of Time Series and it didn't disappoint. There are lots of twists and turns, and the characters are as real and intriguing as they were in the first three books. Some of the plot twists were a bit of a surprise (I'm not giving anything away here), but I love when stories take unpredictable turns, leaving me guessing which way they will go. I hope there will be book 5, since there's room for continuing the story.
I highly recommend for people who've read the first three books.
I highly recommend for people who've read the first three books.
January 25, 2016
Time will tell
To much detail in some of the love making . I didn't really need to know that much . Also I thought there were to many stories going on at one time . The main characters got sort of lost in the rush to fit everyone in to the story .
To much detail in some of the love making . I didn't really need to know that much . Also I thought there were to many stories going on at one time . The main characters got sort of lost in the rush to fit everyone in to the story .
January 14, 2026
A Game of Shadows by Irina Shapiro is the fourth instalment in the 'Hands of Time' series. Like the earlier books, this is true adult historical fiction with a single, contained element of magical realism through time travel. These novels do not shy away from explicit content. There is on-page spice and graphic violence, though the latter never feels gratuitous and instead reads as a natural consequence of the historical setting rather than shock for its own sake.
That said, this book is noticeably darker than its predecessors and I do think it warrants a clear content warning. It includes on-page sexual assault, non-consent, and dubious consent, as well as M/M sexual relationships, which may not work for all readers. None of this is handled flippantly, but it is explicit, and readers should go in informed.
I have absolutely devoured this series so far. These are deceptively easy books to fall into. The writing flows well, the pacing is confident, and the storylines and expanding cast have kept me consistently hooked. The time travel element has now become a recurring narrative thread, but it remains secondary. This series is, first and foremost, historical fiction with romance and explicit spice, grounded in period-authentic power dynamics and social structures. This is not a feminist reimagining of history. Although the female main characters are often unusually outspoken and forward given their upbringing, they ultimately operate within and submit to the expectations of marriage and gender roles of the time.
One of the real strengths of this series is the now sprawling cast and multiple interwoven storylines. Despite the growing scope, it never becomes confusing. Each character feels distinct, with their own backstory, motivations, and flaws, and I particularly enjoyed how morally complicated and imperfect many of them are. No one is idealised, and that messiness adds weight to both the relationships and the plot.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a slightly more modern narrative voice and an overt but contained time-travel element, you may also enjoy The Chronicles of St. Mary’s. There are definite echoes here, though the tone and thematic focus differ. For now, I am simply very glad I stumbled across this series, and I am thoroughly invested in seeing where it goes next.
That said, this book is noticeably darker than its predecessors and I do think it warrants a clear content warning. It includes on-page sexual assault, non-consent, and dubious consent, as well as M/M sexual relationships, which may not work for all readers. None of this is handled flippantly, but it is explicit, and readers should go in informed.
I have absolutely devoured this series so far. These are deceptively easy books to fall into. The writing flows well, the pacing is confident, and the storylines and expanding cast have kept me consistently hooked. The time travel element has now become a recurring narrative thread, but it remains secondary. This series is, first and foremost, historical fiction with romance and explicit spice, grounded in period-authentic power dynamics and social structures. This is not a feminist reimagining of history. Although the female main characters are often unusually outspoken and forward given their upbringing, they ultimately operate within and submit to the expectations of marriage and gender roles of the time.
One of the real strengths of this series is the now sprawling cast and multiple interwoven storylines. Despite the growing scope, it never becomes confusing. Each character feels distinct, with their own backstory, motivations, and flaws, and I particularly enjoyed how morally complicated and imperfect many of them are. No one is idealised, and that messiness adds weight to both the relationships and the plot.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a slightly more modern narrative voice and an overt but contained time-travel element, you may also enjoy The Chronicles of St. Mary’s. There are definite echoes here, though the tone and thematic focus differ. For now, I am simply very glad I stumbled across this series, and I am thoroughly invested in seeing where it goes next.
May 30, 2025
Messy love and messy lives
For the most part I enjoyed this installment of the Whitfield and Sheridan‘s time traveling historical romance. (See trigger warning below) Like the other books in the series, this story is told from multiple points of view. But unlike the other books in the series, it does not focus on one couple but rather four couples - Valerie and Alec, Louisa and Kit, Finn and Abbie, and (younger) Louisa and Theo. There is a lot going on with these couples between the 17th and 18th century including personal and political machinations, unexpected surprises, missteps, gut wrenching choices, war, espionage, murder, and danger. Interwoven with the couples story arcs there is social and religious commentary which adds interesting layers to the storyline. The story was well written and included three dimensional characters and an engaging storyline as shown through mystery, sweet moments, spice, laughs, messy families, painful pasts, surprises, danger, plot twists, fate, and love. I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
Trigger warning - there are multiple dubcon/noncon scenes instigated by a secondary character in this book. I would have preferred to know this in advance so I could have made a choice whether to skip this installment of the series. I am not a fan of these situations. This part of the story lowered my enjoyment and decreased my rating.
For the most part I enjoyed this installment of the Whitfield and Sheridan‘s time traveling historical romance. (See trigger warning below) Like the other books in the series, this story is told from multiple points of view. But unlike the other books in the series, it does not focus on one couple but rather four couples - Valerie and Alec, Louisa and Kit, Finn and Abbie, and (younger) Louisa and Theo. There is a lot going on with these couples between the 17th and 18th century including personal and political machinations, unexpected surprises, missteps, gut wrenching choices, war, espionage, murder, and danger. Interwoven with the couples story arcs there is social and religious commentary which adds interesting layers to the storyline. The story was well written and included three dimensional characters and an engaging storyline as shown through mystery, sweet moments, spice, laughs, messy families, painful pasts, surprises, danger, plot twists, fate, and love. I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
Trigger warning - there are multiple dubcon/noncon scenes instigated by a secondary character in this book. I would have preferred to know this in advance so I could have made a choice whether to skip this installment of the series. I am not a fan of these situations. This part of the story lowered my enjoyment and decreased my rating.
March 10, 2025
Great characterisation
Some book series become less appealing as the plot becomes diluted and less interesting, but not this series.
The author definitely has the talent for giving more and more as her series continues. The main characters have flaws as well as good points, which keeps the reader alert to twists and turns in their individual stories. A good book draws a reader in to its setting and embroils them in the lives of the characters as though they were there with them; feeling their thoughts and emotions. This book gives that in spadefuls and not always as the reader wants it to turn out.
It kept me reading far longer than normal, sometimes not wanting to read further in case the worst happened, but compelled to read on at the same time to find out. I worried for certain characters and even felt sad for some.
The secondary characters were treat with the same consideration. The doctor who was afraid he could be condemned for using a secretive invention, the daughter who held her own opinions, but not allowed to speak them as she was only a woman. Even the self contempt of a prominent gentleman who knows he can force people to do his will to protect his loved ones.
Irina Shapiro is one talented author!
Some book series become less appealing as the plot becomes diluted and less interesting, but not this series.
The author definitely has the talent for giving more and more as her series continues. The main characters have flaws as well as good points, which keeps the reader alert to twists and turns in their individual stories. A good book draws a reader in to its setting and embroils them in the lives of the characters as though they were there with them; feeling their thoughts and emotions. This book gives that in spadefuls and not always as the reader wants it to turn out.
It kept me reading far longer than normal, sometimes not wanting to read further in case the worst happened, but compelled to read on at the same time to find out. I worried for certain characters and even felt sad for some.
The secondary characters were treat with the same consideration. The doctor who was afraid he could be condemned for using a secretive invention, the daughter who held her own opinions, but not allowed to speak them as she was only a woman. Even the self contempt of a prominent gentleman who knows he can force people to do his will to protect his loved ones.
Irina Shapiro is one talented author!
November 21, 2024
It took me a long time to read this one because it was boring in the beginning. I had to leave it for a few days and read something else. I didn't like a lot of this book and felt parts of the story were entirely unnecessary. The whole part about the 1st Duke of Buckingham added nothing to the over all story and in my opinion was revolting. The book would have been much better without it. Not to mention it was inaccurate in a most egregious way because the story was taking place in 1624 and the duke was killed in 1423.
The part about Louisa was also not especially worthy. A person who has no regrets killing another person is not a mentally healthy person. Murder is a long way from being a conniving woman trying to ensnare a man into marriage to secure her place in society. I did not like the way this part of the story was written.
Finally, poor Genevieve is an undeveloped character. One dimensional and sloppily inserted into the story to move the plot in a specific direction. Poor writing in my opinion.
I'm invested enough to read the next book out of curiosity but really am starting to wonder if the author didn't know when to end this one.
The part about Louisa was also not especially worthy. A person who has no regrets killing another person is not a mentally healthy person. Murder is a long way from being a conniving woman trying to ensnare a man into marriage to secure her place in society. I did not like the way this part of the story was written.
Finally, poor Genevieve is an undeveloped character. One dimensional and sloppily inserted into the story to move the plot in a specific direction. Poor writing in my opinion.
I'm invested enough to read the next book out of curiosity but really am starting to wonder if the author didn't know when to end this one.
August 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Game of Shadows is a rich, emotionally layered continuation of the Hands of Time series that blends historical intrigue, romance, and the high stakes of legacy across centuries. Irina Shapiro masterfully weaves together two timelines—1624 England and 1777 Revolutionary America—where the Whitfields and Sheridans face secrets, danger, and choices that could alter history itself.
Valerie Whitfield’s maternal strength anchors the story as she navigates heartbreak and hope, while her children, Louisa and Finn, confront love, betrayal, and espionage. The tension is palpable, especially as Finn and Abbie risk everything behind enemy lines. Shapiro’s gift lies in making each character’s dilemma feel urgent and deeply human.
This installment is a page-turner, filled with unexpected reunions, long-buried truths, and the kind of emotional depth that makes you reflect on your own legacy. If you love Diana Gabaldon or Susanna Kearsley, this series is a must-read.
A Game of Shadows is a rich, emotionally layered continuation of the Hands of Time series that blends historical intrigue, romance, and the high stakes of legacy across centuries. Irina Shapiro masterfully weaves together two timelines—1624 England and 1777 Revolutionary America—where the Whitfields and Sheridans face secrets, danger, and choices that could alter history itself.
Valerie Whitfield’s maternal strength anchors the story as she navigates heartbreak and hope, while her children, Louisa and Finn, confront love, betrayal, and espionage. The tension is palpable, especially as Finn and Abbie risk everything behind enemy lines. Shapiro’s gift lies in making each character’s dilemma feel urgent and deeply human.
This installment is a page-turner, filled with unexpected reunions, long-buried truths, and the kind of emotional depth that makes you reflect on your own legacy. If you love Diana Gabaldon or Susanna Kearsley, this series is a must-read.
August 15, 2025
Can’t really give more than two stars. The storyline of Kit and the Duke of Buckingham was totally unnecessary to the narrative and disgusting as well. Louisa’s storyline portraying her as a very selfish unlikable character was also unnecessary but I guess it made sense when her ending came and no one reading the storyline probably cared. The other books in the series have been great…this one not so much. Hopefully the last two are as good as the first ones of the series and don’t follow in this one’s footsteps.
January 11, 2025
I liked this book and will continue reading the series! I thought it was kinda weird how the author focused on one person/couple in the last three books but in this one she hops around to several different stories.i still like all the stories though. It almost seems like this was the last book. She wrapped things up so we will see where this goes. I kinda wish she had left the gay stuff out. Kit is less of a man in my eyes now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
Not a good one
I could have done without Little Louisa's story, the bouncing back and forth between stories was also annoying, and not to be that A'hole but, was it a good idea to save the baby of two Sociopath, and I know some of you are gonna say, Nature vs Nurture, but both Tom and Louisa had love and nurture and damn,they were no prizes, this book wasn't as good as the others, hoping the next one is better.
I could have done without Little Louisa's story, the bouncing back and forth between stories was also annoying, and not to be that A'hole but, was it a good idea to save the baby of two Sociopath, and I know some of you are gonna say, Nature vs Nurture, but both Tom and Louisa had love and nurture and damn,they were no prizes, this book wasn't as good as the others, hoping the next one is better.
January 27, 2021
Great
I love this series. I fell in love with this author and especially this series. I feel like one of the family. I cry over their families with both joy and sorrow. I look forward to the next book wondering what could possibly happen next. I know it will be full of love, faith, and hope.
I love this series. I fell in love with this author and especially this series. I feel like one of the family. I cry over their families with both joy and sorrow. I look forward to the next book wondering what could possibly happen next. I know it will be full of love, faith, and hope.
February 17, 2021
Oh go on!! You know you want to read the next one...
I am beginning to feel a real connection with these characters so I was pretty disappointed in Louisiana antics and definitely was not pleased with Kit I this book but I am not writing it and it doesn't look like it is going to deter me from reading the next in the series!!
I am beginning to feel a real connection with these characters so I was pretty disappointed in Louisiana antics and definitely was not pleased with Kit I this book but I am not writing it and it doesn't look like it is going to deter me from reading the next in the series!!
February 21, 2023
Continued grief and happiness
The dangers of war, plague, royal intrigue in London, American colonies fight for independence, the consequences of the premarital sex and pregnancy, and the demanding life and often cruel life in the mid 17th century continue to cause sisters Valerie and Louisa grief and happiness.
The dangers of war, plague, royal intrigue in London, American colonies fight for independence, the consequences of the premarital sex and pregnancy, and the demanding life and often cruel life in the mid 17th century continue to cause sisters Valerie and Louisa grief and happiness.
June 4, 2025
Tragedies & More
This book brings to like many of the challenges and difficulties that people in the 16th century had to face. Arrests for treason, unsanctioned pregnancies, murders and deaths of loved ones. To top it all off another plate is having creating more loss. Although much tragedy occurs this is a great book.
This book brings to like many of the challenges and difficulties that people in the 16th century had to face. Arrests for treason, unsanctioned pregnancies, murders and deaths of loved ones. To top it all off another plate is having creating more loss. Although much tragedy occurs this is a great book.
July 12, 2019
I didn't see a lot of that coming. It amazed me that with the amount of Irena Shapiro books I have already read, she finds a way to shock me. Very few characters are safe in these books and I love that you never know who might not make it. I'm onto the next book.
October 5, 2023
Continuing Page Turner!
Irina Shapiro is an astonishing author! She navigates the various storylines and characters with such skill - you’re like butter in her hands. I have such respect and appreciation for her! The time travel is unique, not cliché! Can’t wait to eat up ALL her books!
Irina Shapiro is an astonishing author! She navigates the various storylines and characters with such skill - you’re like butter in her hands. I have such respect and appreciation for her! The time travel is unique, not cliché! Can’t wait to eat up ALL her books!
February 4, 2024
A Game of Shadows
The king is gay. A gay Duke wants Kit. Louisa murdered her child’s father. Eric confronts a cardinal about his sister’s death. Valerie and Eric hide the fact that the son Finn lives in the future.
The king is gay. A gay Duke wants Kit. Louisa murdered her child’s father. Eric confronts a cardinal about his sister’s death. Valerie and Eric hide the fact that the son Finn lives in the future.
July 27, 2025
I basically hated almost every woman in this book and their decision-making.
Irina has done Kit dirty. Please, for the love of God, leave my man alone 😭 I know he will have a hard time in this next book.
Irina has done Kit dirty. Please, for the love of God, leave my man alone 😭 I know he will have a hard time in this next book.
November 18, 2025
Really enjoyed this book, although there were lots more characters which took me a minute to get my head around and remember everyone! This book is very different from the others, it’s filled with LOTS of action and twists and turns!!
June 16, 2018
Good
Another excellent storyine! I love the way this author weaves the character adding new ones and giving a great iniht
Another excellent storyine! I love the way this author weaves the character adding new ones and giving a great iniht
March 18, 2020
Good book
This is another good book in a series of books. This one goes from one place to another with a lot of love, and some twists and turns. I think you will enjoy it.
This is another good book in a series of books. This one goes from one place to another with a lot of love, and some twists and turns. I think you will enjoy it.
March 25, 2020
I really love this series. It constantly makes u want to keep reading just one more chapter!!! Love it
May 14, 2021
Excellent
This one makes you cry, has glimpses of evil and of joy. Again its well written and leaves you wanting more.
This one makes you cry, has glimpses of evil and of joy. Again its well written and leaves you wanting more.
April 11, 2022
Wonderful
I so enjoyed the continuing saga of this wonderful family. Lots of twists and turns but joy still finds it's way into their hearts.
I so enjoyed the continuing saga of this wonderful family. Lots of twists and turns but joy still finds it's way into their hearts.
August 8, 2024
4-4.5
November 26, 2024
This was just as good as when I read it 100 years from now! Lol!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews