The Other Side of the Fairy House: A Christmas Time Travel Tale

by June Foster, Kelly Cordova

Madison Montgomery’s dreams come true when her boss at Cliffside Realty Group sends her to the picturesque tourist destination of Travisburg, Tennessee, just days before Christmas. Her task? Photograph their new listing, an enchanting estate owned by eighty-two-year-old Ana Thatcher, who can no longer manage the historic property. The original owner, Robert Vanderheim, a wealthy 1930s entrepreneur, adorned the grounds with delightful stone basins and fountains. Madison's mission is capture the estate's beauty and, if possible, uncover the mythical Fairy House.

But when Madison discovers she must work with drone operator Ben Taylor, her high school nemesis, the assignment takes an unexpected turn. The snowy drive down becomes a challenge when a flat tire derails their journey. Ben, now a ranger in Tennessee’s Donaldson Gap State Park with dreams of becoming a US National Parks designer, reluctantly joins the mission. As old tensions resurface, Madison and Ben are forced to confront their past.
A sudden accident in the forest leaves Madison unconscious, only to awaken to a bewildering Ben in vintage attire, calling her "ma’am" as if they’ve never met. Has Madison slipped through time to Robert Vanderheim’s era, or is she trapped in a surreal dream?

In this heartwarming tale, Madison must navigate a world between past and present, discovering love and the true magic of Christmas along the way. Will she return to her familiar life, or find herself forever changed by the mysteries of Travisburg? And will Ben seize the chance to show Madison the man he's become, and the love he's always had for her?

The Other Side of the Fairy House is a charming holiday romance that will sweep you off your feet and remind you that sometimes, dreams really do come true.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2024

About the author

I began writing in 2010 while sailing down the freeway in our RV. I love to place my characters in unlikely situations where escape is questionable, yet freedom is possible through God's power and His Word. I'm a retired teacher turned author and live with my husband in beautiful Alabama.

Reviews

[SK · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book opens with Madison clinging to a vertical sandstone rock. As she pulls her body up to the top of the climb, her view is blocked by green trousers that end with a park ranger glaring down at her. She hears an emphatic voice, “Ma’am, this area is closed to climbers. Let me see the permit you received when you registered” (page 6). As Madison passes her permit to the park ranger, her memory banks get a little nudge, there’s something about this park ranger. She seems to remember a skinny, shy guy from high school, who stuttered when he talked. A few pages later, we find Ben knows exactly who Madison is. For Ben, Madison is his high school crush, but from Madison’s perspective, Ben is the boy who plagued her in high school, repeatedly calling attention to her red hair in a most unflattering way. This is the introduction to our hero and heroine that promises these quasi-adversaries will become “an item.”

It turns out, this meeting isn’t a one-off, as shortly Madison’s boss tasks her with photographing an estate made famous by wealthy 1930s entrepreneur, Robert Vanderheim. This estate has beautiful grounds, showcasing the beauty of nature, and a magnificent manor-type house. Maddie is excited to get this assignment, but before she can get into a full gloat, she finds out some disconcerting news. Her boss informs her that she will be working with a drone operator, who will be making a video of the grounds and buildings. This drone operator is Ben Taylor.

It is at this point the story moves from presenting the characters or using a baking vernacular, gathering the ingredients to actually baking a cake that is a worthy confectionary. Wow, once the story moves to the estate, I knew this tale was a keeper, a story that can be repeatedly read and enjoyed. I loved the whimsy of looking for the Fairy house, the descriptions of the landscape were well done, and the change wrought in the characters, particularly Madison was compelling.

I love history, historical fiction, and time-travel fiction (under tight parameters). This book allows the reader to view this beautiful venue and time period via the cleaver literary device of time-travel. Maddie isn’t sure she has traveled, even after she has returned to her time, but then she is given the opportunity to “prove” she time-traveled and not just dreamed her experience. Effectively done, and this book is effective, the time-travel gives us the ability to compare and contrast two different periods, very much like a successful time-slip does. We learn about styles, music, customs, mores, and even some horticulture and architecture. All this, and also a plot that moves and a heroine that grows and matures.

Being “stuck” in the past, causes Maddie to reflect and to re-assess her attitude toward things and particularly Ben Taylor. She realizes how steady, kind, and thoughtful Ben has been. She also acknowledges she did not treat Ben kindly in high school, but allowed other popular kids to influence her attitude. Being separated from her birth time has her wondering if she will forever be separated from her life in the future. This brings her to a catharsis. She concludes that though her life and future are unclear, God is with her, He is not limited, He transcends time. She whispers prayerfully to the Lord, “I don’t want my life to continue here in Robert Vanderheim’s time and never have a chance to ask for Ben’s forgiveness. Please allow me to return home to Fairville – and Ben” (page 124).

The Fairy house is a mystery that initially has Maddie and Ben wondering if it is just a tall-tale or if indeed a true fact, real. Maddie discovers the truth in a dramatic way. The Fairy house is a key part of the story. This story is historical, contemporary, a fairytale, inspirational, and most importantly, a real joy to read. Grab the book for a wonderful fairy adventure.

[Linda Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy time travel stories. They usually go way back in history, but this one goes to 1940. Still, before I was born and long before the heroine was born. Still interesting. It took traveling back in time for the protagonist to learn what kind of person God wanted her to be. The Other Side of the Fairy House is an entertaining read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure about reading this book because I usually don’t do time travel. But I liked the author so I thought I would give it a shot. I am glad I did. I loved the story and the characters. It really was an enjoyable read.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Other Side of the Fairy House is the first book I have read written by June Foster and Kelly Cordova.
It was a great little time traveling story. The romance was light. The faith aspect perfect. The moral of the story evident.
It was a great story.

[Flora Reigada · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet book contained so much of what I love: Faith, Romance, a Victorian home, time travel and a touch of the paranormal. It stirred my imagination and brought me to a beautiful place--and all at Christmas time, making it even more magical.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of love, time travel, Christmas, and more. This is a good one to read any time of the year. The authors have created a wonderful story that includes faith and hope.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love time travel

Loved how she time travel and Ben did not doubt her. I enjoyed the story. Need a part 2 for more time travel.

[Sharon Shillato · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book on time travel I have read and first story by this author. Good description of her time travel and the beautiful estate the main character visited in the 1940's. Recommend this Christian romance story.