A Season Out of Time: A Christian Historical Romantasy

by Josie Riviera

When everything feels frozen, could love be the one thing that finally thaws her heart?

Rosalind Drew has always lived by logic, not longing. A brilliant botanist clinging to control, she's watched her once-vibrant family conservatory wilt under the weight of endless winter—and the even heavier silence in her soul.

Dreams deferred. Love denied. Life on pause.

Then Edmund Winterborne arrives.
Mysterious, wealthy, and burdened by secrets of his own, Edmund steps into her world like a forgotten melody—unsettling, alluring, impossible to ignore. He's everything she's impulsive, passionate, and a believer in things unseen. And yet, he sees her. The woman beneath the routine. The heart aching for more.

As the snow presses in, so does the promise of something neither expected—a love that might restore what was lost, rewrite the rules, and bloom in even the harshest season.

But when past wounds and present choices threaten to undo everything, will Rosalind have the courage to let go of control... and trust the wild, beautiful promise of winter?

Includes, as a bonus, the classic Nordic fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon, reprinted from the public domain—a timeless story of sacrifice, transformation, and love that inspired this novel.

Genres: Historical Fiction

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2026

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Josie Riviera writes contemporary, inspirational, and historical sweet romances. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovations.

Send her an email at: josieriviera@aol.com


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Reviews

[Becky Durstenfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written with detailed descriptions, almost poetic at times.

The female main character is unique as she is a botanist and healer, The male main character is also unique. He is complex and at first it seems like he might be an angel because when he is around plants react in a very different way. But he is a real man and the two characters are perfect for each other; they see, understand and support one another. It is a very sweet love story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Irvin Rodhe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Season Out of Time is a gentle, luminous gem of Christian historical romantasy. Rosalind Drew, a gifted yet tightly controlled botanist, tends a fading family conservatory through an unrelenting winter that mirrors the quiet ache in her own heart. Into this frozen world steps Edmund Winterborne—enigmatic, wealthy, deeply feeling, and unafraid of the unseen. Their meeting stirs something long dormant: a slow, believable unfolding of trust, vulnerability, and love that blooms against all odds. The prose is graceful and evocative, painting snow-laden gardens and guarded souls with equal tenderness.
The faith element weaves through naturally, never forced or preachy—simply present in quiet prayers, moments of surrender, and the steady conviction that grace can thaw even the coldest season.
Josie Riviera handles the romantic tension with restraint and warmth, letting character and emotion carry the story rather than contrived drama. The inclusion of the classic fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon as a bonus feels fitting, echoing themes of sacrifice, transformation, and redemptive love that resonate deeply here.
The book left me quietly moved—charming, thoughtful, and beautifully written. A lovely reminder that hope and healing often arrive unannounced, wrapped in the most unlikely seasons. Warmly and wholeheartedly recommended.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a unique and beautiful book. The faith content was wonderfully done, the historical elements were outstanding. All of the characters were interesting and different (even the side characters - which are often understated in romances). I don’t want to spoil anything but I just adored this book. I think this would be great to get you out of a reading slump. I’m looking forward to reading more by Josie!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nerida · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A season out of time" was a sweet, easy romance. There were some great points, but I also had a few frustrations.

Rosalind was written really well - she captures the constant battle between faith and science, and how difficult it can be to walk the line between them. She found a lot of opposition to her choices, staying true to her convictions while also continuing to study - in an age where women in academia was still rare. I found her a very empathetic character.
Then Edmund arrives on the scene. I'm very confused *what* he's supposed to be - is he some sort of fae? Or just human? If just human, how does he have so much knowledge, and such weird powers? (And no, I don't think introducing the previous two generations of Winterbornes is an adequate answer to that.)

While I found their relationship cute, their turnaround felt a little sudden, and almost forced. It would be great to know why Edmund was struggling to stay away, for example... and what Rosalind found so enticing about him, aside from the air of mystery and absurd level of botanical knowledge.

A cute read, but probably not one I'd return to.

**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romantasy was intriguing, mysterious, and thought provoking. The author was initially inspired by a Norwegian fairy tale as well as exploring the connection between faith and science. Perhaps because of this, and reading a fantasy prior to this, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out who Edmund was or what he represented. I had a lot of theories, but the story quietly unfolded and put its emphasis on the burgeoning love story of Edmund Winterborne and Rosalind Drew, two souls connected by their dedication towards plant cultivation and preserving the legacy of their families’ work against outside forces who sought to discredit the truth of it. A beautiful, somewhat ethereal love story that explores the role of faith in science. ❤️

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosalind is an unconventional woman for the mid 1920s as she is a career woman - a botanist. She doesn't do things in the expected ways, using both faith an science together to make a difference. Corporate companies and universities want to take over her facility and research. They try to say it isn't truly scientific. The community is firmly behind her.

Edmund comes and becomes very important to her. He is a bit of a mystery but plays a significant role in the story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Season Out of Time by Josie Riviera is a well-written, interesting romance based on Christian principles. An inspired story with wonderful characters. A unique but enjoyable story to read.

[Josie Riviera]

What if winter didn’t end? Not just outside your window—but in your life?

That idea became the story behind A Season Out of Time. Rosalind Drew is a botanist—brilliant, controlled, and practical. She believes in growing things, but not in the kind of love that upends your life. And after years of silence, both in her family’s conservatory and in her heart, she’s not sure she believes in renewal anymore.

Then Edmund Winterborne arrives. He’s not part of her carefully ordered world. He’s unpredictable, intense, and carries secrets of his own. But somehow, he sees what even Rosalind has stopped noticing—what she’s buried under routine and self-protection.

Their paths weren’t meant to cross. And yet they do—one step at a time, in a season where nothing is supposed to bloom.

This book isn’t fast-paced or flashy. It’s a story about slow-burning connection, the cost of staying frozen, and the risk of letting someone in. If you’ve ever needed a second chance—or wanted one—this one’s for you.

Also includes the Nordic fairy tale "East of the Sun, West of the Moon," which helped shape the story.

A Season Out of Time is available here:
https://www.amazon.com/Season-Out-Tim...

If you love inspirational stories, other books in the series include
A Winter Promise
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F...?

A Canvas of Light

FREE on Kindle Unlimited.
Happy Reading!

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalind is a botanist, carrying on the work of her family. Her plants are grown to heal people. But other people want her conservatory, and they don’t want to continue Rosalind’s work in the manner she has done for years. Yet winter is never ceasing now. The plants are not flourishing, and she fears for their future and her own. Then a mysterious man appears, and winter fades and the plants again grow strong. Is Edmund responsible for this change? And is Rosalind ready for a change in her life, too? This lovely book will capture readers with its delightful and descriptive prose. The dedication to growing plants, the love for community, and pure joy of living is seamlessly woven with Christian values and beliefs. The pace of the book is slow at first, as we are introduced to the characters. Then as Rosalind and Edmund are introduced, the pace picks up. These two main protagonist are intriguing and complex people, and their connection lights up the story. It’s a well-written tale, illustrating that even in the darkest days of winter, spring will eventually come to bring light to the world. Included after the story is a fairy tale, “East of the Sun and West of the Moon,” now in public domain, and which influenced the writing of “A Season Out of Time.”

I was given an advance copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Season Out of Time by Josie Riviera
Love this book because it's about growing things.
Love hearing of the connection with music and other sounds and how the plants talk to one another and they thrive because of it.
1920 New England
Based on a Norwegian folktale East of the Sun, West of the Moon folk story that is also included at the end. This book is about Rosalind and she runs her family's observatory. They are on display for the neighbor children who come once a week to see what's new. She meets Edmund who has a father that knew her grandmother. When Edmund shows up it finally turns to spring for the community and things bloom. She had cured the father when he was young. Rosalind also gives potions to the neighbors to help cure their ailments, some not as important as cancer or heart issues or pregnancy pains.
Like to hear of the winter and how' the town has had it for over 3 years before spring finally comes... very descriptive and detailed.
What a great tale and there is so much inside to learn about. We still do traditional New England Saturday meals. Recipe is about the same but we use Worcestershire sauce rather than vinegar.
Can't wait to read more of this tale in other works by the author.

[Keren Herrera-Lyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Mrs Josie Riviera draws you in within the pages of her stories. This by far is a folk tale. A romance, that comes unexpectedly as the winter they've had for 3 years. But finally when a mysterious man appears the winter leaves and spring arrives. Just like the hope and faith they must learn and have to continue the work they both know about and others want.

In a small town, Rosalind and Edmund come together as they look at and learn from plants. Rosalind has a conservatory that many want. Can it be for the healing the plants have done? And they both have to work together to save it. Will Edmund's visit be one of help or healing. Acceptance and open to a sweet spring love just like the plant he gives.

Set in New England, author Josie captures the reader with the love of plants, their healing and their joy of what surrounds them. And the characters that bring the story to life.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. I was not required a positive comment. All stated here are my own.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clean and Christian historical romance. It's part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.

Rosalind Drew has a conservatory and is well versed in botanical medicine. She is able to grow things others cannot. Where she lives, it's been winter for three years. Edmund Winterborne shows up one day. He's mysterious and asks her to plant a plant at dawn for him by her fountain. He comes back again and again. Rosalind is trying to figure it out. The college and a pharmaceutical company are trying to get the information on her plants and take over. Can Rosalind and Edmund work together to figure out the right path?

This was a very interesting book. The romance was slow, but interesting. I liked hearing about the plants and how they react to music. If you love botanicals and learning more about them, this is a good book for this. The love story seemed to take back seat to the plants.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a romantic fantasy that had an atmospheric setting in a conservatory. The descriptions were poetic and realistic. In New England in 1924, Rosalind Drew is a botanist who studies and propagates plants for the local community. Intrigue comes in many forms such as unusual plants, mysterious Edmund Winterborne, and people who want to take over the research and property that Rosalind has worked at for so long. There is also the phenomenon of a winter that lasted a constant three years.
The faith thread was believable and natural. The characters saw the wonder of God’s creation. “Faith gives purpose to science. I study plants to appreciate His creation, not merely to catalog it.”
This is the first book I have read by this author. I like her writing style and am curious about other offerings.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided through Book Sirens on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a book that should be read lightly!
Ms Riviera once again shares a gentle contemplative story with her readers, one in which the miracles of Nature and those inexplicable signs sent by God, are embodied in the plants and flowers created and nurtured by Rosalind.
Set in the post Great War years, when the medical world still believed in, and used, the healing power of ordinary plants, it nevertheless demonstrates how the approach of modern science threatens old traditions, resulting in a dilemma for Rosalind’s future.
Who exactly is the enigmatic Edmund Winterbourne and why did he appear at a crucial time in Rosalind’s quiet life? How did he, and the ‘magic’ flower he brings symbolise a change in the never-ending winter that had gripped Greenfield for three years? These are all thoughts that remain with the reader, and which can trigger Book Club questions… I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jordan Rolsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the way this book was written. The prose is very captivating and lyrical, which really helped bring the plants and the conservatory to life. Bible verses were also intricately woven throughout the story, which was a nice touch. As a Christian woman working in a scientific field myself, I particularly loved the discussion surrounding how faith and science intersect and complement one another.

I would have liked to learn a bit more about Edmund and how he gained all of his knowledge and powers, aside from learning things from his family members. I also want to know more about what drew Rosalind so strongly to Edmund other than his mysterious air and physical attraction.

Overall, this was a sweet and beautifully poetic story of faith that I'm glad I got the chance to read.

**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalind Drew is a well-respected botanist who owns a conservatory. She’s provided plants that have saved countless lives and healed many in her small town from illness and injury. She’s at risk of losing her beloved conservatory.

Edmund Winterborne is a mysterious stranger who shows up unexpectedly and has connections to her past. It wasn’t supposed to happen, but Rosalind and Edmund grow closer, and he might be the only one able to help her save the conservatory, as well as open her heart to love.

A delightful clean, Christian historical romance with a little magic thrown in.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Season Out of Time is a historical romance with a wonderful touch of magic woven throughout the story. Written by Josie Rivieras with a folk story or legend feel to the it, this is an easy to read and to love kind of book. Two opposites coming together make a complete whole that rights the community once again.

Winter can seem long for Rosalind Drew winter is endless. It takes Edmund Winterborne arriving, then joining in the work of the family conservatory for life to once again bloom. Not without their struggles to overcome, love can still win. A Season Out of Time is an inspirational Christian folk tale that encourages hope and faith for the future.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and inspirational story. I loved how the author wove together faith, God’s wisdom and His purpose with botanical and scientific knowledge and advancement. Rosalind faces second life-changing choices, the least of which is believing in Edmund. Her grandmother’s conservatory is of vital importance in this story. Love all the interactions with both the academic and local communities. Very enjoyable read.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Elaine Heinbach · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given this book as an ARC read and I wanted to love it because I am focusing in on more Christian friction fantasy and romance, but while the story was sweet, it was just lacking in many areas. I feel like the story was not given enough information and pages. There were so many parts that I just felt like were rushed through and I didn’t really get that feeling that everything was fully put together but almost like there was a deadline to catch so some parts of the story were left out. I think it could be really good if there is just more into this story to fill in all of these holes.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of faith, love, science and the growing of plants. Rosalind is having a hard time keeping her plants thriving during a hard, long winter. Edmund shows up like an angel and things start blooming. His science and using music to move plants combined with Rosalind's faith and water from a special well have things thriving, just like the love between Edmund and Rosalind.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

An endless winter.

Mystery, intrigue, drama, and romance build depth in this gentle romance. Was it all botany and dedication, or was part of the mystery an ability to bend time? It left me wondering. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of an interconnected series but can be read as a standalone.

Historical romance

Science vs faith vs unexplainable

Family ties

Pressure to sell

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming story of unexpected love and unexpected seasons with romance and drama in the 1920’s. Excellent read.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Season Out of Time is Book 2 in the Stories of Love, Faith and Hope by Josie Riviera. I found this story to be inspirational and having the story set right after WW1. Rosalind and Edmund are great characters. Although the story has romance, I thought that the conservatory was almost the main character along with the plants. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.