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Etched in Stone
The year is 1987, when Ava Martel; a history aficionado, and her best friend Carri, set sail to explore the world. They are on a journey seeking adventure, but their endeavor is met with calamity, and it concludes the loss of everything and everyone she loves.
Ava inexplicably finds herself catapulted back in time to pre-revolutionary France where she discovers that her survival has come accompanied by new powers, ones that she cannot begin to fathom the repercussions of.
Here she meets Gabriel Chabot; a part-time smuggler and a full-time nobleman. On a windswept night, he drags her broken body off the beach and offers her a life and a love she never dreamed possible. As France hurtles headlong toward open war and the rise of the guillotine; Ava finds her life in peril and finds herself torn-- between the man she loves in the past-- and the future where she belongs.
Ava inexplicably finds herself catapulted back in time to pre-revolutionary France where she discovers that her survival has come accompanied by new powers, ones that she cannot begin to fathom the repercussions of.
Here she meets Gabriel Chabot; a part-time smuggler and a full-time nobleman. On a windswept night, he drags her broken body off the beach and offers her a life and a love she never dreamed possible. As France hurtles headlong toward open war and the rise of the guillotine; Ava finds her life in peril and finds herself torn-- between the man she loves in the past-- and the future where she belongs.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2024
13 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 10, 2024
When I read the blurb of Etched in Stone by Veronique Wallrapp, I was immediately drawn to the sense of adventure it promised. Etched in Stone is a captivating story perfect for fans of Outlander, time travel, and historical fantasy in general. We embark on a thrilling journey with Ava, a modern-day girl who finds herself inexplicably in 18th-century France near the tumultuous times of the impending French Revolution.
Ava's character resonated with me deeply as she navigated the challenges of being thrown back in time. Her difficult and heartbreaking past, and her eventual discovery of a life for herself, along with friends, family, and love, was a testament to her resilience. While reading the book, I was waiting for Ava to try to find her way back to her time but was relieved to see she wasn't interested in that as much. And I guess we have Gabriel to thank for that.
Gabriel was a great character, and I enjoyed seeing him develop feelings for Ava. The two of them just made sense as a couple.
Side characters were a great addition, and I hope to see more of them, not just interacting with the main characters but expanding their stories, both past and future.
While the stakes may not have been high in this first installment, I believe we are merely scratching the surface of Ava and Gabriel's story. As we inch closer to the French Revolution, I anticipate the sequel to bring forth a wave of angst, darkness, and fear, setting the stage for a gripping continuation of their journey.
I was so happy to be part of the ARC team, and I am genuinely excited to follow the story as it develops.
Etched in Stone will bring you
- time-travelling
- 18th-century pre-revolution France
- beautiful romance
- found family
- lower stakes
- low spice
- excellent buildup for future books
Ava's character resonated with me deeply as she navigated the challenges of being thrown back in time. Her difficult and heartbreaking past, and her eventual discovery of a life for herself, along with friends, family, and love, was a testament to her resilience. While reading the book, I was waiting for Ava to try to find her way back to her time but was relieved to see she wasn't interested in that as much. And I guess we have Gabriel to thank for that.
Gabriel was a great character, and I enjoyed seeing him develop feelings for Ava. The two of them just made sense as a couple.
Side characters were a great addition, and I hope to see more of them, not just interacting with the main characters but expanding their stories, both past and future.
While the stakes may not have been high in this first installment, I believe we are merely scratching the surface of Ava and Gabriel's story. As we inch closer to the French Revolution, I anticipate the sequel to bring forth a wave of angst, darkness, and fear, setting the stage for a gripping continuation of their journey.
I was so happy to be part of the ARC team, and I am genuinely excited to follow the story as it develops.
Etched in Stone will bring you
- time-travelling
- 18th-century pre-revolution France
- beautiful romance
- found family
- lower stakes
- low spice
- excellent buildup for future books
July 7, 2024
4.25/5
Thank you to Veronique Wallrapp for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Etched in Stone was a unique read! This was my first time reading something like this. It explores time travel and the beginnings of the French revolution.
I liked the main character, Ava, a lot. I think she is a strong and intelligent FMC. I'm really glad she was able to find love after so much loss.
The last 20% of the book was especially good. I was not expecting some of what happened to happen.
I'm super excited for book 2! Go add this to your tbr!
Thank you to Veronique Wallrapp for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Etched in Stone was a unique read! This was my first time reading something like this. It explores time travel and the beginnings of the French revolution.
I liked the main character, Ava, a lot. I think she is a strong and intelligent FMC. I'm really glad she was able to find love after so much loss.
The last 20% of the book was especially good. I was not expecting some of what happened to happen.
I'm super excited for book 2! Go add this to your tbr!
May 14, 2024
I loved this book!! An amazing time travel love story! Reminded me a bit of Outlander - but taking place in France just before the French Revolution. Ava and Gabriel’s story feels like it is just beginning so I truly hope there are more books to come.
August 24, 2024
As the author, my debut novel will always hold a special place in my heart. I think it’s amazing and everyone should read it. 🫶🏻 Book two though… wait for it. It’s going to be incredible!
May 31, 2024
Whilst a somewhat slow start, this was a lovely debut!
Very reminiscent of Poldark and Outlanders, and there was the beginning of a love story quite literally spanning centuries. An atmospheric read that transports you so that you feel as if you are right there in 18th century France alongside the characters.
Thank you for the ARC!
Very reminiscent of Poldark and Outlanders, and there was the beginning of a love story quite literally spanning centuries. An atmospheric read that transports you so that you feel as if you are right there in 18th century France alongside the characters.
Thank you for the ARC!
June 30, 2024
"When I reopened them, they were swimming with tears. I looked directly into his shocked face. “War is coming."
Those are the final lines of the book and an excellent appetizer for book 2. I hope the full story regarding Esme and Madame Cariou comes out.
This was great for a debut novel. In 1987, Ava loses her best friend overboard in the sea around France and accidentally travels back in time to a beach in 1787, where she's discovered by Gabriel Chabot, a nobleman, and his good friend.
I was relieved when Ava agreed to marry Gabriel as marriage was the best course of action for a young woman in those days. I was afraid she'd stubbornly resist as she wasn't in love at that point.
The story is a little reminiscent of Outlander as a heroine from the 1900s travels back in time to right before one of the worst eras in history and falls in love with a handsome young man there. Would I want to be around for the French Revolution? Definitely not.
To be honest, I'm surprised this wasn't traditionally published as I think it would do well in the market there. The book seemed well-edited at first, but then I realized the misuse of semicolons and commas. Veronique is a talented writer, but the book would have been better with a proofreader.
I liked Gabriel a lot, but I wouldn't say he was super dreamy, though he had his cute moments. The subplots regarding poison, smuggling misadventures, and Ava's premonitions had me flipping the pages and brought the book from a 3.6 to 4.
The slowburn and development of the romance between the two were written very well. We saw Ava and Gabriel go from being two strangers who mostly shared companionable silence into lovers and soulmates.
The sex scenes almost classify the book as a clean romance, but I certainly sensed the passion and heat the two emanated. You could say the author wrote the sex scenes very classily, lol.
Those are the final lines of the book and an excellent appetizer for book 2. I hope the full story regarding Esme and Madame Cariou comes out.
This was great for a debut novel. In 1987, Ava loses her best friend overboard in the sea around France and accidentally travels back in time to a beach in 1787, where she's discovered by Gabriel Chabot, a nobleman, and his good friend.
I was relieved when Ava agreed to marry Gabriel as marriage was the best course of action for a young woman in those days. I was afraid she'd stubbornly resist as she wasn't in love at that point.
The story is a little reminiscent of Outlander as a heroine from the 1900s travels back in time to right before one of the worst eras in history and falls in love with a handsome young man there. Would I want to be around for the French Revolution? Definitely not.
To be honest, I'm surprised this wasn't traditionally published as I think it would do well in the market there. The book seemed well-edited at first, but then I realized the misuse of semicolons and commas. Veronique is a talented writer, but the book would have been better with a proofreader.
I liked Gabriel a lot, but I wouldn't say he was super dreamy, though he had his cute moments. The subplots regarding poison, smuggling misadventures, and Ava's premonitions had me flipping the pages and brought the book from a 3.6 to 4.
The slowburn and development of the romance between the two were written very well. We saw Ava and Gabriel go from being two strangers who mostly shared companionable silence into lovers and soulmates.
The sex scenes almost classify the book as a clean romance, but I certainly sensed the passion and heat the two emanated. You could say the author wrote the sex scenes very classily, lol.
June 7, 2024
I’m so thrilled I got to read this book! I really liked the FMC, Ava, & her journey through time to pre French Revolution France! She’s resilient, brave& fast thinking. It’s first person POV but I loved the little tidbits of Gabriel’s POV we get (I hope there’s even more in the next book!). Ava’s new power was so interesting & I kept reading wanting to know more. & I love Ava & Gabriel sm 🥹
Overall I really liked the side characters & thought they added great plot points, but I wish there was more character/relationship development. I found myself needing more details, interactions, & mischief. I’m wondering if we will see more des Rochfort at some point in the future! I don’t doubt it. I needed more inner turmoil 🤣 I was constantly wondering how she was going to get back to her time & going crazy thinking about the parents awaiting her return, but this didn’t come up in Ava’s inner thoughts too often, girl was totally chillin’ 😅😂
I really enjoyed this book overall, if you’re a lover of Outlander, Frenchmen, dual POV, time travel, then I think you’ll enjoy this book too! I’m eagerly awaiting book 2 ❤️
Overall I really liked the side characters & thought they added great plot points, but I wish there was more character/relationship development. I found myself needing more details, interactions, & mischief. I’m wondering if we will see more des Rochfort at some point in the future! I don’t doubt it. I needed more inner turmoil 🤣 I was constantly wondering how she was going to get back to her time & going crazy thinking about the parents awaiting her return, but this didn’t come up in Ava’s inner thoughts too often, girl was totally chillin’ 😅😂
I really enjoyed this book overall, if you’re a lover of Outlander, Frenchmen, dual POV, time travel, then I think you’ll enjoy this book too! I’m eagerly awaiting book 2 ❤️
June 29, 2024
o I’ve never been much a French culture fan, but I was curious about this book so checked it out. So glad I did, it was so good!
The premise was pretty unique to me - I don’t usually read time travel books. Ava gets shipwrecked and wakes up on a beach in France 200 years before her time (I love how at first she thinks the locals are super into their historical characters, with no cars or anything). She meets Gabriel and Mathieu, who make sure she is nursed back to health and safe during her travels.
I loved the French history way more than I expected. Ava is confused and grieving, but remains calm and keeps her past (or future!) secret from the people she encounters. She ends up marrying Gabriel mostly out of fear for her safety, but ultimately finds herself in love with him.
It was really late in the book when the suspense started. People around her are getting mysteriously sick, and she suspects someone she knows is behind it. The mystery adds a lot to the book and added a layer of intrigue to the story.
I loved the pragmatic Ava, who is trying so hard to blend in during 18th century France and yet is clearly so much more independent, intelligent and resourceful than the average woman during that time. I loved that it’s a fantasy but that it wasn’t overwhelming to the story, and I loved how well Gabriel treats her!
I did not expect this to end in such a way! It wasn’t a cliffhanger, they solved the mystery of the unexplained sicknesses, but Ava is no closer at the end of the book to understanding why she went back in time and what to do about the French Revolution that she knows is coming than she was at the beginning. I can’t wait to read the next book!
The premise was pretty unique to me - I don’t usually read time travel books. Ava gets shipwrecked and wakes up on a beach in France 200 years before her time (I love how at first she thinks the locals are super into their historical characters, with no cars or anything). She meets Gabriel and Mathieu, who make sure she is nursed back to health and safe during her travels.
I loved the French history way more than I expected. Ava is confused and grieving, but remains calm and keeps her past (or future!) secret from the people she encounters. She ends up marrying Gabriel mostly out of fear for her safety, but ultimately finds herself in love with him.
It was really late in the book when the suspense started. People around her are getting mysteriously sick, and she suspects someone she knows is behind it. The mystery adds a lot to the book and added a layer of intrigue to the story.
I loved the pragmatic Ava, who is trying so hard to blend in during 18th century France and yet is clearly so much more independent, intelligent and resourceful than the average woman during that time. I loved that it’s a fantasy but that it wasn’t overwhelming to the story, and I loved how well Gabriel treats her!
I did not expect this to end in such a way! It wasn’t a cliffhanger, they solved the mystery of the unexplained sicknesses, but Ava is no closer at the end of the book to understanding why she went back in time and what to do about the French Revolution that she knows is coming than she was at the beginning. I can’t wait to read the next book!
August 26, 2024
Wow - well this is certainly one book I won’t forget in a hurry. Simply wonderful.
One moment, Ava is on a boat with her best friend, the next she is in eighteenth century France. But instead of fighting her situation, Ava adapts, like all strong women, and throws herself into her new life.
I adore the way this is written. I read a lot of historical fiction and quite a few time travel ones. This one flows like a river, quiet one moment, rapid the next and I feel there is so much more to come. Really refreshing to find an author who doesn’t spoon feed their reader - leaving French phrases in French and not giving a history lesson. Love it.
One moment, Ava is on a boat with her best friend, the next she is in eighteenth century France. But instead of fighting her situation, Ava adapts, like all strong women, and throws herself into her new life.
I adore the way this is written. I read a lot of historical fiction and quite a few time travel ones. This one flows like a river, quiet one moment, rapid the next and I feel there is so much more to come. Really refreshing to find an author who doesn’t spoon feed their reader - leaving French phrases in French and not giving a history lesson. Love it.
June 20, 2024
Very similar to Outlander, not as in depth and a much shorter book. If you loved the Outlander series though, you will love this book. I hope the next book expands the story line as I did truly love the story.
I enjoyed the two main characters different perspectives rather than just one main characters narrative.
I'm glad I know some french. There are a few french parts and while they're mostly translated, not all parts are. However, it is fairly easy to figure out what is being said.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and definitely look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I enjoyed the two main characters different perspectives rather than just one main characters narrative.
I'm glad I know some french. There are a few french parts and while they're mostly translated, not all parts are. However, it is fairly easy to figure out what is being said.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and definitely look forward to reading the rest of the series.
May 31, 2024
Spellbound. That's how I felt while turning every page of this book. It transported me to France in the 1700s, before the revolution.
I want to be a part of Gabriel's household, spending my time with Ava and Esme in the garden, and eating all the delicacies.
This was a cozy read, and I can't wait for the rest of the books in the series. Veronique did a very good job with the characters, the setting, the pacing, and that cliffhanger!!!
Definitely a five star read. Lovers of Outlander would love to read this.
I want to be a part of Gabriel's household, spending my time with Ava and Esme in the garden, and eating all the delicacies.
This was a cozy read, and I can't wait for the rest of the books in the series. Veronique did a very good job with the characters, the setting, the pacing, and that cliffhanger!!!
Definitely a five star read. Lovers of Outlander would love to read this.
July 10, 2024
Where modern sensibilities collide with the 18th-century French etiquette, aristocracy, and peril, Etched in Stone follows Ava Martel as she inexplicably finds herself washed up on the shores of pre-revolutionary France.
A story of struggle that explores thoughtful reflections on life and history, adapting to survive, Ava soon finds love among the harsh reality of the past. And blending the strangeness of time travel and the elegance of period fiction the author delivers a compelling tale that will enchant fans of both genres and everything in between.
A story of struggle that explores thoughtful reflections on life and history, adapting to survive, Ava soon finds love among the harsh reality of the past. And blending the strangeness of time travel and the elegance of period fiction the author delivers a compelling tale that will enchant fans of both genres and everything in between.
June 12, 2024
Beautiful writing and such a fun historical fiction! If you loved Outlander you will deff love this!
June 29, 2024
Time Travel Romance
Etched in Stone is an imaginative story about a young woman named Ava Martel who is trying to sail around the world with her friend Carri when they are caught in a storm. Carri is swept away, and after some time, Ava finds herself washed up on a strange shore before falling unconscious. And then she is rescued by a handsome French nobleman, named Gabriel.
The story is imaginative and the plot is well thought out. However, there are a lot of issues that a read-over by a professional editor may help to correct.
There are a lot of misused bits of punctuation, quotation marks turned the wrong way, or semicolons where semicolons don’t need to be, for example. (ex: “Every moment that I stayed in this wretched, freezing water intent on killing me; I let go a bit more.”) And the wrong sorts of words used in places, making phrases and sentences sound awkward. For example, a PICTURE wouldn’t play over and over in an unrelenting refrain, as a refrain is a part of music. And things don’t slip THROUGH fingertips as those are the very ends of your fingers. Something might slip through fingers or past fingertips, but not through fingertips. Additionally, there was a bit of awkward wording in places “…grabbing me with a brutal grasp just above the elbow,” is a bit redundant, and could be replaced with something like either -…his brutal hand grabbing me just above the elbow.- or -…grabbing me with a brutal fist just above the elbow.- Also, how would grabbing someone’s braid make her teeth snap together? Hitting someone in the chin would do that, but not pulling on their hair.
There was also a little bit of frustration when French was used. The MC speaks French, but not as her first language. I don't speak French, and only know a few phrases like "Oui", "si vous plait", "Monsieur" "mademoiselle", and when the French wasn't translated into English, I was a little frustrated.
The story, however, is very strong, and with a little bit of editing could be even better.
Etched in Stone is an imaginative story about a young woman named Ava Martel who is trying to sail around the world with her friend Carri when they are caught in a storm. Carri is swept away, and after some time, Ava finds herself washed up on a strange shore before falling unconscious. And then she is rescued by a handsome French nobleman, named Gabriel.
The story is imaginative and the plot is well thought out. However, there are a lot of issues that a read-over by a professional editor may help to correct.
There are a lot of misused bits of punctuation, quotation marks turned the wrong way, or semicolons where semicolons don’t need to be, for example. (ex: “Every moment that I stayed in this wretched, freezing water intent on killing me; I let go a bit more.”) And the wrong sorts of words used in places, making phrases and sentences sound awkward. For example, a PICTURE wouldn’t play over and over in an unrelenting refrain, as a refrain is a part of music. And things don’t slip THROUGH fingertips as those are the very ends of your fingers. Something might slip through fingers or past fingertips, but not through fingertips. Additionally, there was a bit of awkward wording in places “…grabbing me with a brutal grasp just above the elbow,” is a bit redundant, and could be replaced with something like either -…his brutal hand grabbing me just above the elbow.- or -…grabbing me with a brutal fist just above the elbow.- Also, how would grabbing someone’s braid make her teeth snap together? Hitting someone in the chin would do that, but not pulling on their hair.
There was also a little bit of frustration when French was used. The MC speaks French, but not as her first language. I don't speak French, and only know a few phrases like "Oui", "si vous plait", "Monsieur" "mademoiselle", and when the French wasn't translated into English, I was a little frustrated.
The story, however, is very strong, and with a little bit of editing could be even better.
June 20, 2025
This tale is like stepping back into one of the literary romance classics.
FMC - 1st person POV, with insights from the MMC in 3rd person through interspersed narratives.
This is one of the most thrilling romantic stories of time travel that I have ever read. If you're a fan of the Outlander series, you will definitely enjoy this one. The author has woven a tale that effortlessly spans the bridge between a young woman's life in 1987, and her mysterious transport back into 1787 France.
Young Ava Martel sets out with only her best friend for crew and companionship on a sailing voyage to see the world. For Ava, this is also meant to be a journey of healing. As fate would have it, she finds herself on a journey plagued by disaster and more devastating loss, before ending up in the care of a handsome young French nobleman, clearly in a time that shouldn't be possible. A slow burn romance evolves between the two as Ava struggles to acclimate herself to not only the reality of her situation, but some surprising newfound gifts. A situation and gifts that she is understandably hesitant to share with Gabriel Chabot. While the young Vicomte has some dangerous secrets of his own.
While this is what would essentially be categorized as a closed door romance, the author has still managed to infuse it with plenty of steamy romantic scenes to build up the heat between her characters.
There are French phrases, names, and words through the narrative and dialogue. Most have explanations after them that make them easy to translate, but not all. I found that this did not detract in any great measure from the reading or enjoyment of the story. Overall, Etched in Stone comes away with a timeless feel reminiscent of one of the older classics, but with a more contemporary edge. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
FMC - 1st person POV, with insights from the MMC in 3rd person through interspersed narratives.
This is one of the most thrilling romantic stories of time travel that I have ever read. If you're a fan of the Outlander series, you will definitely enjoy this one. The author has woven a tale that effortlessly spans the bridge between a young woman's life in 1987, and her mysterious transport back into 1787 France.
Young Ava Martel sets out with only her best friend for crew and companionship on a sailing voyage to see the world. For Ava, this is also meant to be a journey of healing. As fate would have it, she finds herself on a journey plagued by disaster and more devastating loss, before ending up in the care of a handsome young French nobleman, clearly in a time that shouldn't be possible. A slow burn romance evolves between the two as Ava struggles to acclimate herself to not only the reality of her situation, but some surprising newfound gifts. A situation and gifts that she is understandably hesitant to share with Gabriel Chabot. While the young Vicomte has some dangerous secrets of his own.
While this is what would essentially be categorized as a closed door romance, the author has still managed to infuse it with plenty of steamy romantic scenes to build up the heat between her characters.
There are French phrases, names, and words through the narrative and dialogue. Most have explanations after them that make them easy to translate, but not all. I found that this did not detract in any great measure from the reading or enjoyment of the story. Overall, Etched in Stone comes away with a timeless feel reminiscent of one of the older classics, but with a more contemporary edge. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
March 7, 2025
If you love Outlander, if you love time travel, if you love historical fiction, if you love romance with a little bit of mystery and action thrown in, this book is for you. Etched in Stone kept me captured in the story and the lives of the characters from the very first page to the last and left me begging for more. (Thankfully Book 2, Traced in Ash releases this month).
It is 1987, Ava Martel is a 23-year-old traveling the seas, exploring the world, with her best friend Carri, when tragedy strikes, and life as she knows it changes forever. Ava awakes to find herself thrown back in time, to the late 1700’s and a pre-Revolutionary France, where her life has been saved by Gabriel Chabot, a morally gray French nobleman. What starts out as a quest to save her friend ends up becoming the love story of a lifetime. As Ava and Gabriel’s bond grows stronger, France is being ripped apart, and war is inevitable. What will Ava do? Will she stand by the man she has grown to love, or will she return to the life she left behind?
Etched in Stone is a slow burn, time travel romance. The main female character is from the 20th century and is strong, independent, modern and fierce. She has a skeptical view on relationships and marriage. The male main character is from the 18th century and is noble, brave, honorable (with a hint of morally gray), respectful, and has old-fashioned morals. The slow burn love story with all the sweetness and feels of Pride and Prejudice had me swooning and falling in love with Ava and Gabriel. Etched in Stone, book one in the Rise of Guillotine series is my newest 5 star read, and favorite historical romance, and I will scream it from the roof tops that it is a must read!
It is 1987, Ava Martel is a 23-year-old traveling the seas, exploring the world, with her best friend Carri, when tragedy strikes, and life as she knows it changes forever. Ava awakes to find herself thrown back in time, to the late 1700’s and a pre-Revolutionary France, where her life has been saved by Gabriel Chabot, a morally gray French nobleman. What starts out as a quest to save her friend ends up becoming the love story of a lifetime. As Ava and Gabriel’s bond grows stronger, France is being ripped apart, and war is inevitable. What will Ava do? Will she stand by the man she has grown to love, or will she return to the life she left behind?
Etched in Stone is a slow burn, time travel romance. The main female character is from the 20th century and is strong, independent, modern and fierce. She has a skeptical view on relationships and marriage. The male main character is from the 18th century and is noble, brave, honorable (with a hint of morally gray), respectful, and has old-fashioned morals. The slow burn love story with all the sweetness and feels of Pride and Prejudice had me swooning and falling in love with Ava and Gabriel. Etched in Stone, book one in the Rise of Guillotine series is my newest 5 star read, and favorite historical romance, and I will scream it from the roof tops that it is a must read!
July 5, 2024
While sailing in the French Atlantic together with the best friend, Ava Martel couldn’t imagine how this journey will end up. Crashing waters first killed her friend, then destroyed the boat and finally drove unconscious Ava ashore in Brittany. She wakes up, surrounded by French men and women. Luckily she speaks French but something about these people feels weird. Quickly Ava understands the storm threw her out of her own time (1987) and stranded two centuries earlier, in 1787.
Ava can nothing but adapt to the customs of her new time. And this is what I liked a lot. Together with Ava, the reader discovers how people in the end of XVIII century were cooking, shopping, dressing, travelling, etc. Many lovely historical details masterly immerse us in the daily grind of the small French nobility in the countryside.
Furthermore, Ava turns out to know well the French history. She is aware that France is just two years away from the French Revolution. She constantly thinks about the quiet provincial life that will soon be smashed, and about many people she meets that will most probably be dead. Will she reveal her secret knowledge to others or not?
This dark, tense spirit of the story I liked the most, and in my view it resonates so much with our time, with the year 2024. Amid two long, crucial wars that were started by Russia and Hamas terrorists, the expectation of another, even bigger tragedy is somehow in the air. And “Etched in Stone” replicates this expectation in a different context.
Ava can nothing but adapt to the customs of her new time. And this is what I liked a lot. Together with Ava, the reader discovers how people in the end of XVIII century were cooking, shopping, dressing, travelling, etc. Many lovely historical details masterly immerse us in the daily grind of the small French nobility in the countryside.
Furthermore, Ava turns out to know well the French history. She is aware that France is just two years away from the French Revolution. She constantly thinks about the quiet provincial life that will soon be smashed, and about many people she meets that will most probably be dead. Will she reveal her secret knowledge to others or not?
This dark, tense spirit of the story I liked the most, and in my view it resonates so much with our time, with the year 2024. Amid two long, crucial wars that were started by Russia and Hamas terrorists, the expectation of another, even bigger tragedy is somehow in the air. And “Etched in Stone” replicates this expectation in a different context.
April 26, 2025
4⭐️
This story is rich in detail and ambition, weaving together multiple threads with a distinctive, verbose style.
About halfway through, there’s a tonal shift which was intriguing. There’s certainly a lot happening in the narrative, and while this adds depth, at times it can feel a bit overwhelming. Because of this, it did feel like it was a bit of a slow read at times, but that's not to say that I didn't enjoy it. The characters were amazing, and honestly, I've struggled to stop thinking about Ava and Gabriel.
✅️ Enjoyed
The descriptive prose was a highlight, making the historical setting feel vivid and engaging.
The romance was more compelling than expected, with well-written, lustful moments that suited the time period. I definitely fell in love with Gabriel alongside Ava. His protective nature and adherence to the era’s values made for a strong and believable romance.
The pre-French Revolution setting added a great sense of impending doom, making the backdrop feel significant.
The mystery elements were interesting and set up the next book well.
❌️ Disliked
With time travel, premonitions, mystery, and romance all woven together, the narrative sometimes felt a little rushed.
Honestly, not as dark as I expected, considering the time period.
I am very much looking forward to reading the second book.
This story is rich in detail and ambition, weaving together multiple threads with a distinctive, verbose style.
About halfway through, there’s a tonal shift which was intriguing. There’s certainly a lot happening in the narrative, and while this adds depth, at times it can feel a bit overwhelming. Because of this, it did feel like it was a bit of a slow read at times, but that's not to say that I didn't enjoy it. The characters were amazing, and honestly, I've struggled to stop thinking about Ava and Gabriel.
✅️ Enjoyed
The descriptive prose was a highlight, making the historical setting feel vivid and engaging.
The romance was more compelling than expected, with well-written, lustful moments that suited the time period. I definitely fell in love with Gabriel alongside Ava. His protective nature and adherence to the era’s values made for a strong and believable romance.
The pre-French Revolution setting added a great sense of impending doom, making the backdrop feel significant.
The mystery elements were interesting and set up the next book well.
❌️ Disliked
With time travel, premonitions, mystery, and romance all woven together, the narrative sometimes felt a little rushed.
Honestly, not as dark as I expected, considering the time period.
I am very much looking forward to reading the second book.
July 3, 2024
I loved the story, the fish out of water concept. Of course, this has been done before, many reviewers mention the Outlander series as an example, but in my opinion, I think Ms. Wallrapp has done it better. The world of 18th century France is clearly well researched and well described, particularly when it comes to describing country life. The characters are well drawn and fleshed out, and it was nice to see Eva, a 20th century modern woman, wrestle with and then accept the position women were placed in during that period of time and submit to marriage to protect herself.
This is the first book of which I hope will be a long series, seeing as it is set just prior to the French Revolution and there is so much more from that period.
Veronique uses untranslated French in some parts of the novel, however, I found it refreshing that the author treats the reader as adults, as someone who studied German and has a very poor grasp of French, I found it quite easy to understand what the characters were saying through the context of the scene.
Overall, if you are a big fan of historical books with small fantastical elements as well as romantic subplots, I think Etched in Stone is the series for you and I highly recommend it.
This is the first book of which I hope will be a long series, seeing as it is set just prior to the French Revolution and there is so much more from that period.
Veronique uses untranslated French in some parts of the novel, however, I found it refreshing that the author treats the reader as adults, as someone who studied German and has a very poor grasp of French, I found it quite easy to understand what the characters were saying through the context of the scene.
Overall, if you are a big fan of historical books with small fantastical elements as well as romantic subplots, I think Etched in Stone is the series for you and I highly recommend it.
August 18, 2025
What an incredible journey, From the opening pages in 1987 to the moment Ava is swept back into the turmoil of pre-revolutionary France, I was completely hooked. The blend of historical detail, time travel, and romance makes this story feel both lush and urgent. Ava is such a relatable heroine grieving, disoriented, but also strong enough to carve out a new path even in the most impossible circumstances.
Gabriel is a standout charming, complicated, and the perfect foil for Ava’s modern sensibilities. Their relationship unfolds with so much passion and tension, especially against the backdrop of a world on the brink of revolution. The stakes feel real, both emotionally and historically, and I loved the way the author wove romance into the chaos of impending war.
If you enjoy Outlander, The Time Traveler’s Wife, or any story that mixes sweeping history with timeless love, this is a book you’ll want to devour. By the end, I was left breathless, wondering what choice Ava would make between her love in the past and the life she left behind in the future.
A gorgeous, page-turning blend of history, adventure, and heart.
Gabriel is a standout charming, complicated, and the perfect foil for Ava’s modern sensibilities. Their relationship unfolds with so much passion and tension, especially against the backdrop of a world on the brink of revolution. The stakes feel real, both emotionally and historically, and I loved the way the author wove romance into the chaos of impending war.
If you enjoy Outlander, The Time Traveler’s Wife, or any story that mixes sweeping history with timeless love, this is a book you’ll want to devour. By the end, I was left breathless, wondering what choice Ava would make between her love in the past and the life she left behind in the future.
A gorgeous, page-turning blend of history, adventure, and heart.
March 14, 2025
What would you do if falling overboard suddenly had you falling into the 1700s? Ava didn’t have to imagine this, and Veronique Wallrapp showed perfectly, in this time travel book, Ava’s adaptation to this life. There's a lot I loved about this book, and one of my favourites being how the romance was integrated. Though it felt like it did play a large part, I enjoyed the fact it wasn’t the primary purpose of the book, and was there as more of this fun, extra piece of plot. The history in this book was so immersive, I felt like I learnt a lot myself about certain things as our main character was recounting many historical plot points. I also love when an author adds in a trope I don’t typically enjoy, just to have me love it, and that's exactly what this author did. The pacing had also felt very perfect. Nothing escalated too fast, and if it did, it was due to the fact it was in the 1700s so it had still made sense. I couldn’t put this book down honestly, and I believe no one else will be able to either.
May 10, 2025
3,5⭐️
Imposible leer esto y no acordarte de Outlander, nada más que con la diferencia de que es relacionado con la Revolución Francesa. Está llena de paralelismos.
Un slow burn bien armado, que al principio parece extraño que Ava se quede a vivir ahí sin tanto remordimiento pero la verdad es que no debe tenerlo ya que no tiene familia y acaba de perder a su mejor amiga.
Uno de los conflictos de este libro parece que va por buen camino hasta que llega su momento cúlmine y la solución es realmente precipitada y no tan bien pensada o desarrollada, pero entiendo que era algo de relleno para avanzar la historia (que mucho q ver tampoco tiene) y llegar al esperado final. Realmente espero que ese conflicto tenga más desarrollo o tenga alguna explicación mejor en los próximos libros, o por lo menos que tenga algo de relevancia porque tenía/tiene potencial.
Imposible leer esto y no acordarte de Outlander, nada más que con la diferencia de que es relacionado con la Revolución Francesa. Está llena de paralelismos.
Un slow burn bien armado, que al principio parece extraño que Ava se quede a vivir ahí sin tanto remordimiento pero la verdad es que no debe tenerlo ya que no tiene familia y acaba de perder a su mejor amiga.
Uno de los conflictos de este libro parece que va por buen camino hasta que llega su momento cúlmine y la solución es realmente precipitada y no tan bien pensada o desarrollada, pero entiendo que era algo de relleno para avanzar la historia (que mucho q ver tampoco tiene) y llegar al esperado final. Realmente espero que ese conflicto tenga más desarrollo o tenga alguna explicación mejor en los próximos libros, o por lo menos que tenga algo de relevancia porque tenía/tiene potencial.
August 10, 2024
Etched in Stone is a romance, with time travel thrown in. I'm not sure that this was necessary, as the I think the story could be told as well without it. The main plot revolves around Ava, a time traveler from 1987 and her romance with Gabriel, a French nobleman in 1787. Much of the tension in the romamce occurs because of the differences between a modern woman and a classical Frenchman, but I believe that this tension could still have been realized without the time travel. It's not until the very end of the book that the time travel becomes important, and even that is left unresolved, perhaps for a future volume. The author's knowledge and exposition of French history is excellent and the reader is immersed in 18th century France. I did have a problem with some of the untranslated French in the book, the meaning of which was difficult or impossible to discern by context.
February 2, 2025
Ava Martel is an independent woman. She is sailing from Englandd to France on her boat in 1987. A storm hits and her friend Carri is taken by the stormy waters. A bolt of lightning hits the boat and Ava is found on the coast of Brest by Gabriel and Mathieu, 2 part-time smugglers waiting on the beach. Ava soon realizes she has gone back in time 200 years! It's 1787 and Ava has no clue what to do! I loved this story. It's a lot like Outlander but in France before the revolution. Though it's not full of angst and drama, I was entertained and interested. It does end I a cliffhanger, I suspect it is book one of a series not published yet!!!
June 28, 2025
This was a different sort of fantasy/historical fiction/time travel novel. Ava's boats ends up shipwrecked and she finds herself in France in 1788; just before the French Revolution instead of the year she started her trip; 1987. Ava finds love, family, friendship, and constant danger. I do wish I had audiobooked this one as there are a lot of French phrases that I'm sure would be much better being read by someone who knows how to pronounce them. This is book 1 of 2 (currently) and does end on a slight cliffhanger; but not one that makes waiting too terrible!
December 11, 2025
Pretty good story. It kept my interest, making it a fairly quick and enjoyable read. I wonder how this series will end with Ava’s time traveling. It was odd how quickly Ava adapted to being in a different country, becoming super fluent in French. Some of that seems a little unbelievable. Also why do MCs always seem to forget to eat?? 😂 just eat something already! It’s called breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. But that’s just my personal pet peeve. 😜
March 11, 2025
This was my first time traveling book and at first I wasn’t sure it was for me. However about halfway through something grabbed my attention and I was hooked. There were some plots that I kinda figured were coming and some that surprised me. This author has so much potential and I can’t wait to start the second book. Thank you for introducing me to a new genre!!!!
March 21, 2025
I really enjoyed *Etched in Stone*! The time travel aspect was done really well, and I loved how it took us back to the pre-French Revolution era. The FMC was super strong—her resilience and smarts were such a highlight. The historical setting was fascinating, and the way the plot intertwined with real events kept me hooked. I can’t wait to dive into the next instalment!
February 20, 2025
I really do love a time travel romance. This one did such an incredible job with laying it out. I was intrigued through out the entire book and I didn't want it to end. I can't wait to read the next book!
March 16, 2025
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review and i must say I've opened my reading genre's quiet a bit with this one but in a good way. a Unique yet amazing read! The FMC is strong & independent I look forward to book 2 !
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