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The Harbinger: A Triquetra Chronicle
What if your past life helped you discover your future, in the present?
Journey through the past and present as they collide in this dual timeline tale of past lives, present challenges and future potential.
Sophia Aitken is a University professor who has been troubled by the same dream since she was a child. Never having come to a conclusion, and always waking up before she can know how it ends, she forges ahead in present day with her new found professional calling. Encircled by two friends who couldn’t be more different from each other if they tried, they bring peace to each other’s lives in unexpected ways, not knowing how their friendship is one for the ages.
Ann Hughes is a young girl in her prime in 16th century England, with a secret to keep in an otherwise mundane village. Her and her friends are as thick as thieves and help support each other through life’s challenges in this day in age; but they don’t realize a dark future hangs over them that could affect the course of their individual paths forever.
The Harbinger, A Triquetra Chronicle, a dual-timeline historical mystery, is meant to be the first installment in a series focused on learning about the mysticism in life while exploring female friendships and chosen families.
Journey through the past and present as they collide in this dual timeline tale of past lives, present challenges and future potential.
Sophia Aitken is a University professor who has been troubled by the same dream since she was a child. Never having come to a conclusion, and always waking up before she can know how it ends, she forges ahead in present day with her new found professional calling. Encircled by two friends who couldn’t be more different from each other if they tried, they bring peace to each other’s lives in unexpected ways, not knowing how their friendship is one for the ages.
Ann Hughes is a young girl in her prime in 16th century England, with a secret to keep in an otherwise mundane village. Her and her friends are as thick as thieves and help support each other through life’s challenges in this day in age; but they don’t realize a dark future hangs over them that could affect the course of their individual paths forever.
The Harbinger, A Triquetra Chronicle, a dual-timeline historical mystery, is meant to be the first installment in a series focused on learning about the mysticism in life while exploring female friendships and chosen families.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2025
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January 22, 2026The Harbinger, A Triquetra Chronicle, is a dual-timeline novel and the first in a series exploring mysticism, female friendships, and chosen family.
The story follows three women across two timelines, weaving together spirituality, past lives, and deep female connections. I was most drawn to the past timeline, which felt richer and more developed, and it’s where I stayed the most engaged. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the present day POV and never fully felt invested in those characters.
At times, the writing lingered on details that didn’t move the story forward, while some of the more important moments felt underexplored. Overall, this story has so much potential and a really compelling foundation, even if the execution didn’t fully work for me. Readers who enjoy spiritual, introspective fiction may still find a lot to appreciate here.
The story follows three women across two timelines, weaving together spirituality, past lives, and deep female connections. I was most drawn to the past timeline, which felt richer and more developed, and it’s where I stayed the most engaged. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the present day POV and never fully felt invested in those characters.
At times, the writing lingered on details that didn’t move the story forward, while some of the more important moments felt underexplored. Overall, this story has so much potential and a really compelling foundation, even if the execution didn’t fully work for me. Readers who enjoy spiritual, introspective fiction may still find a lot to appreciate here.
January 21, 2026
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
This is a dual timeline story set between 16th century England and the modern day USA (with a later hop over to Scotland). In the historical timeline, we follow three young women who’ve been friends since childhood in the same small village. The village itself feels surprisingly liberal for the time - people are largely free to worship as they choose - until one of them, Lisbeth, is forced into a marriage with a truly awful man. Their friendship fractures and some pretty horrible things unfold. This was easily the strongest part of the book for me: compelling characters, real stakes and a pace that kept the story moving.
In the present day timeline, we again follow three women, one of whom has been haunted by the same recurring dream since childhood. As the story unfolds, we learn what that dream means and how the three women are connected in ways they never expected.
There are supernatural elements throughout the book, paganism, past lives and a bit of feminine rage. All of which I enjoyed.
The historical storyline absolutely carried this book for me, and although I did predict where things were heading I still found the way it all came together satisfying.
My reduced stars come mainly from the modern day Scotland section. It read more like a travel wish list than something essential to the story, and the romanticising of Scotland tipped into cringe territory at times. There were also a few language slips - US English creeping into 16th century England. But my biggest issue was the use of Scots in the dialogue. Scots is a distinct language and a core part of Scottish identity for many of us, and it’s important to get it right. Unfortunately, some of it wasn’t. Also, every Scottish character also seemed to speak like they were from Fife, which felt oddly specific and kept pulling me out of the story.
Overall though, this was a compelling read with strong ideas and a fantastic historical thread. Just let down by the execution some parts.
This is a dual timeline story set between 16th century England and the modern day USA (with a later hop over to Scotland). In the historical timeline, we follow three young women who’ve been friends since childhood in the same small village. The village itself feels surprisingly liberal for the time - people are largely free to worship as they choose - until one of them, Lisbeth, is forced into a marriage with a truly awful man. Their friendship fractures and some pretty horrible things unfold. This was easily the strongest part of the book for me: compelling characters, real stakes and a pace that kept the story moving.
In the present day timeline, we again follow three women, one of whom has been haunted by the same recurring dream since childhood. As the story unfolds, we learn what that dream means and how the three women are connected in ways they never expected.
There are supernatural elements throughout the book, paganism, past lives and a bit of feminine rage. All of which I enjoyed.
The historical storyline absolutely carried this book for me, and although I did predict where things were heading I still found the way it all came together satisfying.
My reduced stars come mainly from the modern day Scotland section. It read more like a travel wish list than something essential to the story, and the romanticising of Scotland tipped into cringe territory at times. There were also a few language slips - US English creeping into 16th century England. But my biggest issue was the use of Scots in the dialogue. Scots is a distinct language and a core part of Scottish identity for many of us, and it’s important to get it right. Unfortunately, some of it wasn’t. Also, every Scottish character also seemed to speak like they were from Fife, which felt oddly specific and kept pulling me out of the story.
Overall though, this was a compelling read with strong ideas and a fantastic historical thread. Just let down by the execution some parts.
January 18, 2026
A semi-kinda-historical fiction, dual-timeline novel that asks us; can you change your past? Does the past repeat? And if it does, what does that mean for us today?
This book follows 2 distinct groups of women- 3 women from the past grappling with religious tension, the pitfalls of friendship, and loss. And 3 women from the present grappling with much the same problems, reflected into modern era standards. These women have to journey back in their own memories to help each other survive a centuries-old event that forever changed their souls- and could overshadow their present, if they let it.
I love a historical fiction, and I loved the deep dive into the bonds of female friendship. This book didn’t really hit for me, personally. My problem lies in the execution- I thought the book needed a significant amount more editing. Sentence structure issues, paragraph issues, dialogue clarity, and plot continuity were all contributing factors to my inability to really get into this story. Trigger warning/note: this book uses “bipolar” to describe something, which is absolutely never okay. In addition, the word “g*psy” is used to describe a person, which is quite literally a racist term. It is possible (but very unlikely) that author did not understand the racism behind using this term, but I believe that even indie authors have a responsibility to sensitivity read/screen their work. These two instances (of which the second occurs multiple times) really rubbed me the wrong way.
On top of that, I hate to say it, but the language is extremely millennial. So much so that I found it hard to relate to the characters, especially in the present timeline. The characters voices weren’t distinct enough- they bled into each other, even across the centuries-separated timelines, which was a little frustrating. And, there were far too many perfect coincidences that were so advantageous to our MCs, that the story became quite unbelievable and sickly sweet. It felt almost exhausting to listen to the MC describe first class travel and extremely nice, expensive liquor and spa days after she received a…mandated sabbatical/vacation from work for being TOO GOOD at teaching???
Overall, this one was truly not for me. I can absolutely see the vision, and I found the idea very intriguing, but it needed way more editing, way less unrealistic plot points, and to really flesh out the characters so they didn’t blend together. I think work on all of those would’ve made this story more clear and enjoyable.
This book follows 2 distinct groups of women- 3 women from the past grappling with religious tension, the pitfalls of friendship, and loss. And 3 women from the present grappling with much the same problems, reflected into modern era standards. These women have to journey back in their own memories to help each other survive a centuries-old event that forever changed their souls- and could overshadow their present, if they let it.
I love a historical fiction, and I loved the deep dive into the bonds of female friendship. This book didn’t really hit for me, personally. My problem lies in the execution- I thought the book needed a significant amount more editing. Sentence structure issues, paragraph issues, dialogue clarity, and plot continuity were all contributing factors to my inability to really get into this story. Trigger warning/note: this book uses “bipolar” to describe something, which is absolutely never okay. In addition, the word “g*psy” is used to describe a person, which is quite literally a racist term. It is possible (but very unlikely) that author did not understand the racism behind using this term, but I believe that even indie authors have a responsibility to sensitivity read/screen their work. These two instances (of which the second occurs multiple times) really rubbed me the wrong way.
On top of that, I hate to say it, but the language is extremely millennial. So much so that I found it hard to relate to the characters, especially in the present timeline. The characters voices weren’t distinct enough- they bled into each other, even across the centuries-separated timelines, which was a little frustrating. And, there were far too many perfect coincidences that were so advantageous to our MCs, that the story became quite unbelievable and sickly sweet. It felt almost exhausting to listen to the MC describe first class travel and extremely nice, expensive liquor and spa days after she received a…mandated sabbatical/vacation from work for being TOO GOOD at teaching???
Overall, this one was truly not for me. I can absolutely see the vision, and I found the idea very intriguing, but it needed way more editing, way less unrealistic plot points, and to really flesh out the characters so they didn’t blend together. I think work on all of those would’ve made this story more clear and enjoyable.
January 21, 2026
This is a character-driven story that really dives into aspects of spirituality through two timelines.
The timelines collide in clear ways, with three friends in each one. A major focus of the novel is the connection between friends as chosen family/sisters in both lines, which as a premise was interesting, and I could see how it brought the characters together. That said, I struggled with how this idea seemed to merge each one together, making it hard to distinguish the characters from each other.
While both timelines feature perspectives from each girl in the given trio (6 in total), I would say the 'major' main characters are Sophia (in the present timeline) and Ann (in the past). Sophia goes on a big spiritual journey, which I think is the main element of her POV/storyline. She learns to trust herself, connect to herself and her friends, and read into what her mind, body, and soul are 'saying' to each other and her as a whole. While I'm not very spiritual in that way myself, I appreciate how the story and Sophia's character drove me to think about spirituality in general.
I'll say I was much more engaged and invested in the past timeline - there was a sense of tension that was intriguing. I also thought that those characters were a bit more fleshed out, at least in terms of their backgrounds and families. There are clear implications of each girl's circumstances, especially Lizbeth's dreadful relationship. In contrast, I didn't feel like I got a great understanding of or connection with the modern-day timeline's characters. Lots of elements in that timeline didn't make a ton of sense in terms of the story itself or just general life. Aspects seemed irrelevant or unrealistic, like Sophia's job situation with being 'too good.'
I found that the writing style wasn't for me, personally. I really struggled at the start with the information about characters, their lives, and all of the perspectives feeling front-loaded. It was a lot to take in at once and try to remember/follow (though it got easier throughout). I found it heavy-handed (in terms of the balance between 'show' and 'tell') and repetitive at times. While the spirituality aspect was important and meaningful, a lot of the prose felt a bit too didactic or saccharine. I also wanted the writing to be a bit more complex, and I think sometimes the language and prose seemed forced, inconsistent, and/or blended between timelines. *TO NOTE: there are multiple instances of offensive language/terms used in the story that were not okay, drawing back enjoyment of the story itself, and just generally rubbing me the wrong way as a reader.
As noted, the present timeline didn't feel fully fleshed out to me in terms of character or 'purpose' (after the ending, particularly). The ending of the present timeline was sweet, though it was a bit underwhelming for me. I wasn't as engaged with this timeline throughout the novel, so I was left feeling a bit unsatisfied; I almost felt like there wasn't full closure. After going on a journey of discovery, I was still left wondering, "and what is the significance? How did this change YOU (each character)? What next? How will your life change? Perhaps the next installment of the series will answer these questions.
The ending of the past timeline felt like it was a bit chopped off, as though there was an extra chapter or two missing after the climactic scene.
As a whole, I just found that there were lots of potential ideas and avenues that could have been explored or taken in really interesting directions, but they got lost and the characters suffered from that same muddling.
Even though it wasn't for me, I think that readers who are really into spirituality will enjoy this one! I would more so go into it thinking of it as a character-driven, introspective journey of spirituality/self-discovery rather than a mystery (I wasn't really sure what the mystery was supposed to be - the connections seemed clear to me from the start).
The timelines collide in clear ways, with three friends in each one. A major focus of the novel is the connection between friends as chosen family/sisters in both lines, which as a premise was interesting, and I could see how it brought the characters together. That said, I struggled with how this idea seemed to merge each one together, making it hard to distinguish the characters from each other.
While both timelines feature perspectives from each girl in the given trio (6 in total), I would say the 'major' main characters are Sophia (in the present timeline) and Ann (in the past). Sophia goes on a big spiritual journey, which I think is the main element of her POV/storyline. She learns to trust herself, connect to herself and her friends, and read into what her mind, body, and soul are 'saying' to each other and her as a whole. While I'm not very spiritual in that way myself, I appreciate how the story and Sophia's character drove me to think about spirituality in general.
I'll say I was much more engaged and invested in the past timeline - there was a sense of tension that was intriguing. I also thought that those characters were a bit more fleshed out, at least in terms of their backgrounds and families. There are clear implications of each girl's circumstances, especially Lizbeth's dreadful relationship. In contrast, I didn't feel like I got a great understanding of or connection with the modern-day timeline's characters. Lots of elements in that timeline didn't make a ton of sense in terms of the story itself or just general life. Aspects seemed irrelevant or unrealistic, like Sophia's job situation with being 'too good.'
I found that the writing style wasn't for me, personally. I really struggled at the start with the information about characters, their lives, and all of the perspectives feeling front-loaded. It was a lot to take in at once and try to remember/follow (though it got easier throughout). I found it heavy-handed (in terms of the balance between 'show' and 'tell') and repetitive at times. While the spirituality aspect was important and meaningful, a lot of the prose felt a bit too didactic or saccharine. I also wanted the writing to be a bit more complex, and I think sometimes the language and prose seemed forced, inconsistent, and/or blended between timelines. *TO NOTE: there are multiple instances of offensive language/terms used in the story that were not okay, drawing back enjoyment of the story itself, and just generally rubbing me the wrong way as a reader.
As noted, the present timeline didn't feel fully fleshed out to me in terms of character or 'purpose' (after the ending, particularly). The ending of the present timeline was sweet, though it was a bit underwhelming for me. I wasn't as engaged with this timeline throughout the novel, so I was left feeling a bit unsatisfied; I almost felt like there wasn't full closure. After going on a journey of discovery, I was still left wondering, "and what is the significance? How did this change YOU (each character)? What next? How will your life change? Perhaps the next installment of the series will answer these questions.
The ending of the past timeline felt like it was a bit chopped off, as though there was an extra chapter or two missing after the climactic scene.
As a whole, I just found that there were lots of potential ideas and avenues that could have been explored or taken in really interesting directions, but they got lost and the characters suffered from that same muddling.
Even though it wasn't for me, I think that readers who are really into spirituality will enjoy this one! I would more so go into it thinking of it as a character-driven, introspective journey of spirituality/self-discovery rather than a mystery (I wasn't really sure what the mystery was supposed to be - the connections seemed clear to me from the start).
January 21, 2026
The Harbinger | Sarah Heximer
This is a dual timeline novel taking place in present time and 16th Century England. In the present time, Sophia, Maddy, and Kit are best friends with an unbreakable bond. When they realize they each have the same reoccurring dream, they begin to investigate the origin. In the past, Anne and her friends have a similar bond, but that friendship is tested when a stranger infiltrates their lives. How do the lives of these six women intertwine across time?
This book explores occult practices and religious influence in the 16th century, female friendships, and past lives.
I really loved the character development. I loved Ann and felt like I related to her. Her care, compassion, and loyalty - despite the tragic loss she suffered - was beautiful.
I enjoyed the mystic elements to the story. The altar and how the women were one with nature and their goddess in the past was a bold addition. To practice in the woods so close to town at a time where witchcraft was severely punished was brave and lent to the image of the women as independent and free-thinking. In present time, I enjoyed the references to tarot and past lives.
The book is written in multiple POV and each chapter is alternating timelines. The chapters oftentimes ended in small cliffhangers and I found myself wanting a bit more closure and faster plot progression throughout.
Overall, I enjoyed the journey of friendship this novel took me on. I recommend to anyone that enjoys dual timelines, mystic elements, and female friendships.
This is a dual timeline novel taking place in present time and 16th Century England. In the present time, Sophia, Maddy, and Kit are best friends with an unbreakable bond. When they realize they each have the same reoccurring dream, they begin to investigate the origin. In the past, Anne and her friends have a similar bond, but that friendship is tested when a stranger infiltrates their lives. How do the lives of these six women intertwine across time?
This book explores occult practices and religious influence in the 16th century, female friendships, and past lives.
I really loved the character development. I loved Ann and felt like I related to her. Her care, compassion, and loyalty - despite the tragic loss she suffered - was beautiful.
I enjoyed the mystic elements to the story. The altar and how the women were one with nature and their goddess in the past was a bold addition. To practice in the woods so close to town at a time where witchcraft was severely punished was brave and lent to the image of the women as independent and free-thinking. In present time, I enjoyed the references to tarot and past lives.
The book is written in multiple POV and each chapter is alternating timelines. The chapters oftentimes ended in small cliffhangers and I found myself wanting a bit more closure and faster plot progression throughout.
Overall, I enjoyed the journey of friendship this novel took me on. I recommend to anyone that enjoys dual timelines, mystic elements, and female friendships.
January 21, 2026
Sarah Heximer’s The Harbinger: A Triquetra Chronicle is a spellbinding debut that masterfully intertwines two timelines, creating a rich tapestry of mystery, female friendship, and the echoes of past lives. This dual-timeline historical mystery is more than a simple puzzle; it’s a deeply felt exploration of destiny, connection, and the unseen threads that bind us across centuries.
The novel’s structure is its greatest strength. In the present, we meet Sophia Aitken, a university professor haunted since childhood by a recurrent, unresolved dream. Heximer skillfully portrays Sophia’s intellectual life and her anchoring friendships with two wonderfully distinct women, creating a modern “chosen family” that feels authentic and supportive. Their dynamic is a joy to read, a testament to the series’ focus on “female friendships and chosen families.”
Centuries earlier, in 16th-century England, we follow Ann Hughes, a young woman guarding a secret in her seemingly ordinary village. Her bond with her own circle of friends is just as compelling, rendered with a vivid sense of historical atmosphere and the looming dread of a “dark future” that threatens to shatter their lives. The parallels between the two friend groups are beautifully drawn, suggesting a profound, mystical connection long before the narrative explicitly links them.
Heximer’s prose is elegant and assured, moving seamlessly between the scholarly ambiance of the present and the rustic, perilous world of the past. The mystery of Sophia’s dream and its connection to Ann’s fate unfolds with perfect pacing, dropping clues and raising stakes in both timelines to keep the pages turning.
The Harbinger is a truly promising start to a series. It satisfies as a self-contained mystery while opening a fascinating door to exploring “the mysticism in life.” For readers who love historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural, complex female relationships, and stories that ask how our past might illuminate our present path, this book is an absolute delight. A thoughtful, engaging, and beautifully crafted novel.
The novel’s structure is its greatest strength. In the present, we meet Sophia Aitken, a university professor haunted since childhood by a recurrent, unresolved dream. Heximer skillfully portrays Sophia’s intellectual life and her anchoring friendships with two wonderfully distinct women, creating a modern “chosen family” that feels authentic and supportive. Their dynamic is a joy to read, a testament to the series’ focus on “female friendships and chosen families.”
Centuries earlier, in 16th-century England, we follow Ann Hughes, a young woman guarding a secret in her seemingly ordinary village. Her bond with her own circle of friends is just as compelling, rendered with a vivid sense of historical atmosphere and the looming dread of a “dark future” that threatens to shatter their lives. The parallels between the two friend groups are beautifully drawn, suggesting a profound, mystical connection long before the narrative explicitly links them.
Heximer’s prose is elegant and assured, moving seamlessly between the scholarly ambiance of the present and the rustic, perilous world of the past. The mystery of Sophia’s dream and its connection to Ann’s fate unfolds with perfect pacing, dropping clues and raising stakes in both timelines to keep the pages turning.
The Harbinger is a truly promising start to a series. It satisfies as a self-contained mystery while opening a fascinating door to exploring “the mysticism in life.” For readers who love historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural, complex female relationships, and stories that ask how our past might illuminate our present path, this book is an absolute delight. A thoughtful, engaging, and beautifully crafted novel.
March 2, 2026
The Harbinger: A Triquetra Chronicle weaves together past and present in a dual-timeline narrative that explores reincarnation, female friendship, and the enduring threads of destiny. Sarah Heximer crafts a story that balances historical intrigue with contemporary introspection, inviting readers to consider how unresolved histories shape present identity.
In the modern timeline, Sophia Aitken—a university professor haunted by a recurring dream—struggles to reconcile her intellectual life with a persistent sense that her story began long before her birth. Her close-knit friendships ground the narrative emotionally, reinforcing the novel’s emphasis on chosen family and the quiet strength of women supporting one another.
In sixteenth-century England, Ann Hughes and her companions navigate village life under the shadow of secrecy and looming danger. Heximer effectively builds tension in this historical strand, allowing a dark and uncertain future to gradually surface. The parallels between Sophia’s dreams and Ann’s lived reality create a layered mystery that unfolds through resonance rather than spectacle.
At 413 pages, the novel offers space for both character development and atmospheric detail. The mystical elements are handled with restraint, serving the emotional arc rather than overwhelming it. As the first installment in the Triquetra Chronicle series, The Harbinger establishes a foundation rooted in memory, intuition, and the cyclical nature of connection.
Readers drawn to historical mystery with spiritual undertones and strong female-centered narratives will find this an intriguing and thoughtful beginning.
In the modern timeline, Sophia Aitken—a university professor haunted by a recurring dream—struggles to reconcile her intellectual life with a persistent sense that her story began long before her birth. Her close-knit friendships ground the narrative emotionally, reinforcing the novel’s emphasis on chosen family and the quiet strength of women supporting one another.
In sixteenth-century England, Ann Hughes and her companions navigate village life under the shadow of secrecy and looming danger. Heximer effectively builds tension in this historical strand, allowing a dark and uncertain future to gradually surface. The parallels between Sophia’s dreams and Ann’s lived reality create a layered mystery that unfolds through resonance rather than spectacle.
At 413 pages, the novel offers space for both character development and atmospheric detail. The mystical elements are handled with restraint, serving the emotional arc rather than overwhelming it. As the first installment in the Triquetra Chronicle series, The Harbinger establishes a foundation rooted in memory, intuition, and the cyclical nature of connection.
Readers drawn to historical mystery with spiritual undertones and strong female-centered narratives will find this an intriguing and thoughtful beginning.
November 7, 2025
The Harbinger is described as historical fiction, mystery, and magical realism, though it reads more naturally as romantic fantasy. Set partly in 1563 and partly in the present day, it follows three women whose lives are mysteriously intertwined across time. The idea is engaging, and there is a mystery element running through the narrative, though it remains light and secondary to the romance.
The historical backdrop feels only lightly researched, with dialogue and attitudes that often sound modern. The tone leans toward youthful romantic fantasy, focusing on attraction and idealised love more than period realism or suspense. A villain portrayed with a hooked nose, dark clothes, and acrid smell relies on dated visual clichés, and mature female characters sometimes behave like much younger ones.
Despite these weaknesses, there are flashes of genuine feeling. A later chapter told from a ghost’s point of view offers emotional depth and shows what the author might achieve with a tighter focus and more nuanced characterisation. The final chapters reiterate rather than develop the core idea—that the three women’s lives are linked across centuries—and several threads are left open, suggesting this may be the start of a series.
Readers drawn to gentle romance and mystical themes may find The Harbinger appealing, but those seeking a richly detailed historical mystery may find it less convincing. An imaginative debut with moments of sincerity, even if the execution doesn’t quite match its ambition.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
The historical backdrop feels only lightly researched, with dialogue and attitudes that often sound modern. The tone leans toward youthful romantic fantasy, focusing on attraction and idealised love more than period realism or suspense. A villain portrayed with a hooked nose, dark clothes, and acrid smell relies on dated visual clichés, and mature female characters sometimes behave like much younger ones.
Despite these weaknesses, there are flashes of genuine feeling. A later chapter told from a ghost’s point of view offers emotional depth and shows what the author might achieve with a tighter focus and more nuanced characterisation. The final chapters reiterate rather than develop the core idea—that the three women’s lives are linked across centuries—and several threads are left open, suggesting this may be the start of a series.
Readers drawn to gentle romance and mystical themes may find The Harbinger appealing, but those seeking a richly detailed historical mystery may find it less convincing. An imaginative debut with moments of sincerity, even if the execution doesn’t quite match its ambition.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
January 21, 2026
The Harbinger is a dual-timeline story told through three FMCs, each navigating both their present lives and echoes of their past. The novel blends historical fiction, mysticism, and spiritual themes as the characters begin to uncover how their past lives may be shaping their current paths. At its core, this is a story about fate, female friendships, and the idea that our souls carry knowledge forward, even when our minds don’t.
I really enjoyed the dual timelines and was especially intrigued by the past-life concept and the shamanic elements. Those ideas kept me curious, and I wanted to understand how all three women would eventually connect across time. The premise itself is genuinely compelling, and I appreciated the ambition behind it.
I also found it meaningful that the author has shared this story draws from some of her own personal experiences, that added a layer of sincerity and made me want to root for both the story and the characters, even when they didn’t fully click for me.
That said, this book ultimately wasn’t for me. While I loved the concept, I struggled to fully connect with the characters and felt the execution didn’t quite live up to the potential of the premise. There is also some heavier content included that I wish had been better flagged with content warnings, so readers could go in more mentally prepared.
This book has an interesting foundation and thoughtful themes, and I think readers who enjoy spiritual fiction, reincarnation, and multi-POV timelines may find a lot to appreciate here; even if it didn’t completely work for me personally.
I really enjoyed the dual timelines and was especially intrigued by the past-life concept and the shamanic elements. Those ideas kept me curious, and I wanted to understand how all three women would eventually connect across time. The premise itself is genuinely compelling, and I appreciated the ambition behind it.
I also found it meaningful that the author has shared this story draws from some of her own personal experiences, that added a layer of sincerity and made me want to root for both the story and the characters, even when they didn’t fully click for me.
That said, this book ultimately wasn’t for me. While I loved the concept, I struggled to fully connect with the characters and felt the execution didn’t quite live up to the potential of the premise. There is also some heavier content included that I wish had been better flagged with content warnings, so readers could go in more mentally prepared.
This book has an interesting foundation and thoughtful themes, and I think readers who enjoy spiritual fiction, reincarnation, and multi-POV timelines may find a lot to appreciate here; even if it didn’t completely work for me personally.
January 31, 2026
The Harbinger weaves together past and present, following three women in each timeline whose lives are bound by friendship and fate. Set in both 16th-century England and the modern day, the dual timelines slowly unfold as secrets are revealed.
The historical timeline was especially compelling, centering on three female friends who want more from a world that allows women so little. There’s a constant sense of looming danger, and this portion of the story was very character-driven and atmospheric while highlighting the societal pressures the women are forced to endure.
In the modern day, recurring dreams and unanswered questions create a quiet, growing sense of mystery. As the story progresses, the connection between the two timelines and the two sets of friends is explored more deeply.
What stood out to me most was the blend of mystical elements with themes of feminine rage and resilience. The Harbinger is ultimately about choice and what women leave behind that can span centuries. If you enjoy slow-burn revelations, dual timelines, and touches of magical realism, The Harbinger is worth picking up.
The historical timeline was especially compelling, centering on three female friends who want more from a world that allows women so little. There’s a constant sense of looming danger, and this portion of the story was very character-driven and atmospheric while highlighting the societal pressures the women are forced to endure.
In the modern day, recurring dreams and unanswered questions create a quiet, growing sense of mystery. As the story progresses, the connection between the two timelines and the two sets of friends is explored more deeply.
What stood out to me most was the blend of mystical elements with themes of feminine rage and resilience. The Harbinger is ultimately about choice and what women leave behind that can span centuries. If you enjoy slow-burn revelations, dual timelines, and touches of magical realism, The Harbinger is worth picking up.
January 21, 2026
The Harbinger follows two sets of three female friends, about 460 years apart. The "current" day American women are experiencing the same alarming, recurring dream. After much hesitation, they slowly reveal their dreams to each other, discovering they are the same but from "their" vantage point. Unravelling the implications and reason behind these dreams is the plot of the book.
In the historical timeline, you follow three young women in 16th Century Scotland. They live in a small town that runs smoothly until a new comer, Richard Acton comes along. He takes immediate interest in one of the girls, Lizbeth. He moves into her home, marries her and much strife ensues. Mr. Acton is not a kind or caring husband. Much the opposite. Lizbeth changes from a mostly happy, carefree daughter to an utterly miserable wife and does something so wrong, it reverberates across lifespans into the current timeline.
The story and characters were lovely and it was a mostly enjoyable read. The change between women was not difficult to read for me. There were some name changes that I would have made and/ or clarified. I would also edit the book down just a bit for details the readers didn’t need. Overall, I would give this book 3.5 stars. Thank you to Hearth and Ink and Sarah Heximer for a physical copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
In the historical timeline, you follow three young women in 16th Century Scotland. They live in a small town that runs smoothly until a new comer, Richard Acton comes along. He takes immediate interest in one of the girls, Lizbeth. He moves into her home, marries her and much strife ensues. Mr. Acton is not a kind or caring husband. Much the opposite. Lizbeth changes from a mostly happy, carefree daughter to an utterly miserable wife and does something so wrong, it reverberates across lifespans into the current timeline.
The story and characters were lovely and it was a mostly enjoyable read. The change between women was not difficult to read for me. There were some name changes that I would have made and/ or clarified. I would also edit the book down just a bit for details the readers didn’t need. Overall, I would give this book 3.5 stars. Thank you to Hearth and Ink and Sarah Heximer for a physical copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
January 19, 2026
The Harbinger weaves together past and present with a quiet sense of mystery, grounding its speculative elements in friendship, identity, and the echoes of lives lived before.
What stood out most to me was the emotional symmetry between Sophia’s unanswered dreams and Ann’s lived reality. The dual timelines feel intentionally mirrored rather than merely parallel, creating a sense that history is not just remembered but felt especially through the lens of female friendship and shared resilience.
The novel’s strength lies in its atmosphere and its focus on connection: between women, across time, and between the known and the unknowable. Rather than rushing toward answers, the story allows curiosity and uncertainty to do meaningful work, reinforcing the idea that self-discovery is often gradual and layered.
A reflective and intriguing beginning to a series that invites readers to consider how past lives, chosen family, and intuition shape who we become.
What stood out most to me was the emotional symmetry between Sophia’s unanswered dreams and Ann’s lived reality. The dual timelines feel intentionally mirrored rather than merely parallel, creating a sense that history is not just remembered but felt especially through the lens of female friendship and shared resilience.
The novel’s strength lies in its atmosphere and its focus on connection: between women, across time, and between the known and the unknowable. Rather than rushing toward answers, the story allows curiosity and uncertainty to do meaningful work, reinforcing the idea that self-discovery is often gradual and layered.
A reflective and intriguing beginning to a series that invites readers to consider how past lives, chosen family, and intuition shape who we become.
January 21, 2026
The Harbinger by Sarah Heximer
This story follows two timelines and a group of 3 friends in each. The concept being that they were friends in a past life who experienced a traumatic event which still haunts them and they begin learning about this via sharing a recurring dream.
Overall I enjoyed this story, mostly due to the relationship between the female characters and the comforting image of friendship they portray.
I don’t think it’s historically particularly accurate and I found myself a little irritated at times with some of the language and particularly dialogue between the characters.
I think it’s an interesting idea and there’s definitely something about it that kept me reading but perhaps a bit more research both to be historically accurate and to improve the writing of the dialogue would be helpful.
This story follows two timelines and a group of 3 friends in each. The concept being that they were friends in a past life who experienced a traumatic event which still haunts them and they begin learning about this via sharing a recurring dream.
Overall I enjoyed this story, mostly due to the relationship between the female characters and the comforting image of friendship they portray.
I don’t think it’s historically particularly accurate and I found myself a little irritated at times with some of the language and particularly dialogue between the characters.
I think it’s an interesting idea and there’s definitely something about it that kept me reading but perhaps a bit more research both to be historically accurate and to improve the writing of the dialogue would be helpful.
November 8, 2025
I really enjoyed the concept of the close friendship of three women in two different times, the 16th century and the present day. The influence that a recurring, shared nightmare from the 16th century had in the present day. The book was full of interesting facts and depictions of the way of life for ordinary people in the 16th century. I was especially interested in the herbal remedies which were discussed. It was a cleverly woven story with lots of historical interest and fascinating characters that kept me interested throughout and wanting to know what happened next. I can thoroughly recommend this book to history lovers and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I received a free copy of this book from Niche Reader.
November 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this light read with its intriguing concept. The two running timelines were really well executed and it didn’t feel at all choppy as chapters switched from the past to the present. The descriptions of 16th century beliefs, potions and the power of magic were quite interesting and draw you in.
This book is not a true historical novel but more historical fantasy with some romance added in and for this reason I felt the book it is aimed at a younger audience.
The novel definitely leads you to want to find out more about how the whole story intertwines. I can imagine a number of sequels following the descendants through the years and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader
This book is not a true historical novel but more historical fantasy with some romance added in and for this reason I felt the book it is aimed at a younger audience.
The novel definitely leads you to want to find out more about how the whole story intertwines. I can imagine a number of sequels following the descendants through the years and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader
October 23, 2025
This book was a delight to read. The dual timelines are very well done and not clunky like some can be. The multiple points of view give extra insight to the main character stories. I like that the two timelines have different points of interest to keep the reader engaged. The chapters don't end with cliffhangers (which can get tiresome for every chapter), but they maintained that spark of interest that kept me wanting to know what is coming next. I really liked the insight about tarot and beginning a spiritual adventure. I actually read this in four days because I did not want to put it down. I can't wait to see where the series goes in the next book!
January 20, 2026
3.75 stars rounded up for goodreads.
Although it's described as historical fiction, I found it to be more historical inspired. There were quite a few instances where the language used felt way too modern which took me out of the story. That being said, I did enjoy the story set in 1568 more than the modern plot but I do think there should've been more building up to the ending, with a slower villain arc or a more intense one with the confrontation right at the end. I also found some inconsistencies in the pacing and length of descriptions with extra details being given to all the hotels and tourist destinations they visited but not enough to actually explaining the significance of plot points, some of which are only mentioned once and never expanded on again. I would like to see where book 2 goes but I don't think it needs to be as long as this one was.
Although it's described as historical fiction, I found it to be more historical inspired. There were quite a few instances where the language used felt way too modern which took me out of the story. That being said, I did enjoy the story set in 1568 more than the modern plot but I do think there should've been more building up to the ending, with a slower villain arc or a more intense one with the confrontation right at the end. I also found some inconsistencies in the pacing and length of descriptions with extra details being given to all the hotels and tourist destinations they visited but not enough to actually explaining the significance of plot points, some of which are only mentioned once and never expanded on again. I would like to see where book 2 goes but I don't think it needs to be as long as this one was.
January 19, 2026
magic, mysterious
I enjoyed my time while reading it, I found some things confusing and sometimes had a hard time keeping track of all the characters in each timeline and how they mattered,but overall when I was emerged in the story I found myself smiling or anxious as to what was happening in the storyline. I would like to know what happens in the older timeline because I felt that was unfinished but may get answers in book 2. I’m interested to see what the second book will be like and how it continues in the storyline.
I enjoyed my time while reading it, I found some things confusing and sometimes had a hard time keeping track of all the characters in each timeline and how they mattered,but overall when I was emerged in the story I found myself smiling or anxious as to what was happening in the storyline. I would like to know what happens in the older timeline because I felt that was unfinished but may get answers in book 2. I’m interested to see what the second book will be like and how it continues in the storyline.
September 15, 2025
The Harbinger pulled me right into its dual-timeline mystery. Sarah Heximer weaves together 16th-century England and modern-day academia with a voice that’s both rich and immersive. Sophia’s recurring dream was such a clever hook, and Ann’s story in the village gave the book a haunting yet heartfelt weight. Female friendship and chosen family are beautifully highlighted, while the underlying mysticism kept me turning pages. A compelling start to what feels like a series with real staying power.
January 10, 2026
Sarah Heximer spins a spellbinding tale across multiple POVs and lives. As you read, the parallels between the characters are incredibly well written. The details the author gives paints an excellent picture and It's easy to get immersed in this world. The characters have depth and their stories feel important. It's thought-provoking, insightful, and riveting. Thank you Sarah Heximer and Early Ink Society for the read!
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January 12, 2026Review to follow soon.
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January 22, 2026This book was such a vibe read for me. I really loved the aspects of female friendships being highlighted (something I think is so important) and the fun spiritual/mysticism that went along with it. The inspiration for her story has such a cool backstory! I also loved the taste of feminine rage with the religious elements woven in.
I will say that I really appreciated some Bookclub members pointing out some valid elements I had kind of glossed over, but overall, I enjoyed the story and the “jumps” between time. The mysticism could have been turned up even and I would have ate it up! (Gimme all the weird, paranormal and unexplainable!)
It was a fast read for me and if you saw my post about it on IG - I think historical fiction was a bit of a misnomer on my part. I’d say it’s dual timeline/partial period piece that is set in the past without a heavy emphasis on the historical elements. Anyway, if you read it - let me know!
I will say that I really appreciated some Bookclub members pointing out some valid elements I had kind of glossed over, but overall, I enjoyed the story and the “jumps” between time. The mysticism could have been turned up even and I would have ate it up! (Gimme all the weird, paranormal and unexplainable!)
It was a fast read for me and if you saw my post about it on IG - I think historical fiction was a bit of a misnomer on my part. I’d say it’s dual timeline/partial period piece that is set in the past without a heavy emphasis on the historical elements. Anyway, if you read it - let me know!
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