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The Far Reach of Yesterday
"Heartwarming blast-to-the-past story of identity and love." — BookLife Reviews, Editor's Pick
When hard-driving Chicago attorney Rachel Winston is pursued by an organized crime family, she never imagines the outcome of awakening in the raucous gold mining town of Idaho City in 1864, where those with sympathies for each side of the Civil War explode into violence. Here and now, she must learn not only to survive but to face the trauma of her past by accepting the boundless love of a big-hearted pioneer clan, as well as Ethan and Rose Stonehill, a wounded Union cavalry officer and his young daughter striving to forge a new life on the American frontier.
When hard-driving Chicago attorney Rachel Winston is pursued by an organized crime family, she never imagines the outcome of awakening in the raucous gold mining town of Idaho City in 1864, where those with sympathies for each side of the Civil War explode into violence. Here and now, she must learn not only to survive but to face the trauma of her past by accepting the boundless love of a big-hearted pioneer clan, as well as Ethan and Rose Stonehill, a wounded Union cavalry officer and his young daughter striving to forge a new life on the American frontier.
- GenresRomance
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2025
About the author
Christine Echeverria Bender
5 books14 followers"The Far Reach of Yesterday" has been chosen as a Finalist by the American Legacy Book Awards!
As the author of five character-driven novels, each exploring gripping episodes of our past, my in-depth research often leads me into unconventional locations and situations. These include joining an archeological dig team from the Smithsonian Institution in remote eastern Canada, sailing as a crew member on a historical tall ship in the Pacific, and crossing the Snake River at flood-stage on horseback. Because of such venturesome research, I was dubbed "the female Indiana Jones” by Women’s Adventure Magazine.
A script based on my recent novel "The Far Reach of Yesterday" has won national and international awards, including the Diamond Glove Award at the International New York Film Festival, The Golden Pen Script Award, and The Los Angeles Film and Script Award. I have also been honored to received research grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Idaho Commission on the Arts, as well as the Outstanding Graduate designation from Boise State University.
My personal life has been blessed with two sets of twins, and I am now a proud grandmother. Although I've lived in Chicago, L. A., and San Diego, and traveled to many foreign lands, my family now lives in Boise, Idaho.
As the author of five character-driven novels, each exploring gripping episodes of our past, my in-depth research often leads me into unconventional locations and situations. These include joining an archeological dig team from the Smithsonian Institution in remote eastern Canada, sailing as a crew member on a historical tall ship in the Pacific, and crossing the Snake River at flood-stage on horseback. Because of such venturesome research, I was dubbed "the female Indiana Jones” by Women’s Adventure Magazine.
A script based on my recent novel "The Far Reach of Yesterday" has won national and international awards, including the Diamond Glove Award at the International New York Film Festival, The Golden Pen Script Award, and The Los Angeles Film and Script Award. I have also been honored to received research grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Idaho Commission on the Arts, as well as the Outstanding Graduate designation from Boise State University.
My personal life has been blessed with two sets of twins, and I am now a proud grandmother. Although I've lived in Chicago, L. A., and San Diego, and traveled to many foreign lands, my family now lives in Boise, Idaho.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 20, 2026
For Chicago attorney Rachel, handling crimes, crime families, and threats has become her life, has defined her and isolated her from friends, family, and fun until a near-death attack leaves her injured and transports her to territory of Idaho during Lincoln’s presidency. Confused, experiencing complications from head injury in this new place and time, she uses her deductive skills to determine her new identity, relationships, and conditions in order to navigate her life.and surprisingly, she discovers the time transport has allowed her a window to an alternative path and/or possibility.
When she finally awakens from her month-long coma, she struggles to adjust to her reality, so lost, confused, and sad to have awakened from a life she had preferred, a life worth missing. How she and her physicians, family, and friends assist her in her transition and recovery proves impressive as do her discoveries.
A genre hybrid of a book where historical fiction combines with a mystery and a romance, the book captures attention and holds interest in dual storylines. Well worth the read.
When she finally awakens from her month-long coma, she struggles to adjust to her reality, so lost, confused, and sad to have awakened from a life she had preferred, a life worth missing. How she and her physicians, family, and friends assist her in her transition and recovery proves impressive as do her discoveries.
A genre hybrid of a book where historical fiction combines with a mystery and a romance, the book captures attention and holds interest in dual storylines. Well worth the read.
February 19, 2026
Time Travel into a Great Story!
Thank you to Caxton Press for the book to review. I really enjoyed it so much! That said, please check trigger warnings before reading this book. Our mfc, Rachel, suffers something when she is younger that truly impacts her for the rest of her life. The author does a good job preparing the reader for the information as well as making the scene impactful but not salacious. This author did a really good researching the time period and the setting for her historical novel, making it easy to read. She uses a time travel situation as a plot device so our main character will be forced to explore feelings she has repressed. Because of the time period Rachel wakes up in, she has more time to think about her life and the relationships she has in her own time as well as the relationships she develops in this new time she finds herself in. In my opinion, the time travel was really well done. Often with time travel, there are things that are not addressed, like why the main character speaks differently or why they have different social expectations, but in this book the author address those things and gives plausible rational for the dissidence that is created. Furthermore, the author used the research really well because she is able to build a world that feels alive. That said, this author gives a lot of details, making the story rich historically but if you are not a historical fiction fan, you may find these a bit long. Also, if you do not like the amnesia trope, you will probably not like this book because that is used for most of the book. That said, I felt that the author did a great job using that device for her story and I felt that we learned about the world the way our main character would, making the characters and setting come to life. You felt like you were right there with Rachel, waking up and finding yourself lost, alone and in pain. She began discovering more information about the setting and the characters in the story organically, which I liked. I felt like the plot moved along steadily until we were 75% into the story. Suddenly, we were getting more exposition when I thought we were getting ready to wrap things up. There was not a lot of on-page spice until the end of the book but there is a lot of yearning and romance. I felt the ending was very satisfying. The author did a nice job explaining the time travel aspect scientifically, making the story feel real but she made sure that it was all very accessible. So, if you like historical stories, I honestly recommend this book when it comes out!
Thank you to Caxton Press for the book to review. I really enjoyed it so much! That said, please check trigger warnings before reading this book. Our mfc, Rachel, suffers something when she is younger that truly impacts her for the rest of her life. The author does a good job preparing the reader for the information as well as making the scene impactful but not salacious. This author did a really good researching the time period and the setting for her historical novel, making it easy to read. She uses a time travel situation as a plot device so our main character will be forced to explore feelings she has repressed. Because of the time period Rachel wakes up in, she has more time to think about her life and the relationships she has in her own time as well as the relationships she develops in this new time she finds herself in. In my opinion, the time travel was really well done. Often with time travel, there are things that are not addressed, like why the main character speaks differently or why they have different social expectations, but in this book the author address those things and gives plausible rational for the dissidence that is created. Furthermore, the author used the research really well because she is able to build a world that feels alive. That said, this author gives a lot of details, making the story rich historically but if you are not a historical fiction fan, you may find these a bit long. Also, if you do not like the amnesia trope, you will probably not like this book because that is used for most of the book. That said, I felt that the author did a great job using that device for her story and I felt that we learned about the world the way our main character would, making the characters and setting come to life. You felt like you were right there with Rachel, waking up and finding yourself lost, alone and in pain. She began discovering more information about the setting and the characters in the story organically, which I liked. I felt like the plot moved along steadily until we were 75% into the story. Suddenly, we were getting more exposition when I thought we were getting ready to wrap things up. There was not a lot of on-page spice until the end of the book but there is a lot of yearning and romance. I felt the ending was very satisfying. The author did a nice job explaining the time travel aspect scientifically, making the story feel real but she made sure that it was all very accessible. So, if you like historical stories, I honestly recommend this book when it comes out!
March 16, 2026
The Far Reach of Yesterday is a well written and entertaining historical fiction novel that involves time travel. The main character, Rachel is a young lawyer in the present day. She gets involved in a shootout with an organized crime family. Subsequently, she "wakes up" after recovering from her injuries in Idaho territory in 1864. Most of the story involves life in the Northwest in the 1860's. The characters are well developed and there are very good historical references. There are a few graphic and somewhat disturbing scenes. The rest of the book is a little like Dr Quinn Medicine Woman visiting Little House on the Prairie. I would have recommended toning down the few violent and sexually explicit scenes and gearing the book to the "young adult" population. There are great descriptions of life in 1860's Idaho including differing views of the War Between the States. Overall, a quick, entertaining read with a few (in my view) unnecessarily disturbing scenes.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader
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February 14, 2026I won this in a giveaway contest
June 16, 2026
I was captivated by Rachel's story. And enjoyed the early days in Idaho City.
November 3, 2025
BookLife chose "The Far Reach of Yesterday" as an Editor's Pick, and gave it a fabulous review!
"Bender (author of Aboard Cabrillo’s Galleon) sweeps readers into 1864 Idaho in this time-traveling historical fiction. In present day Chicago, 32-year-old attorney Rachel Winston is reeling from the death of her beloved grandfather when she’s caught in a shootout with a deadly crime family. She wakes up from her injuries physically healed but in a stranger’s home, in mid-19th century Idaho territory, with no memories of how she arrived—though everyone seems to know who she is, as the eldest daughter of the large Milford family. While Rachel works to regain her identity, she confronts the demons from her real-life past, against a backdrop of a country battling with itself, as the Civil War looms and the American government fights Indigenous peoples to take over their land.
Identity serves as a connective theme throughout, as Rachel tries to make sense of her place among family members in 1864 and her very real life in present-day Chicago. She wonders if she died during the shootout, though her experiences in Idaho are evocative and intense, surrounding her with a closeknit, extensive support system that quickly becomes central to her journey, such as her youngest brother, Charlie—who insists that “’I know’d you was still my Rachel… They all said you forgot me but I know’d you didn’t.” As she grows more comfortable with her surroundings and starts to gain a sense of place, Rachel balances those weighty emotions with the feeling that she is a fraud and undeserving of her newfound family.
Bender’s passion for history is evident, and Rachel’s story is rooted in vivid historical detail. Every character plays an important role, immersing readers in the setting, and, as Rachel discovers not just family heritage but also true love, she must reconcile her past and present, leading to a touching ending that demonstrates the power of true belonging.
Takeaway: Heartwarming blast-to-the-past story of identity and love.
Comparable Titles: Susanna Kearsley’s The Rose Garden, Amy Harmon’s What the Wind Knows."
"Bender (author of Aboard Cabrillo’s Galleon) sweeps readers into 1864 Idaho in this time-traveling historical fiction. In present day Chicago, 32-year-old attorney Rachel Winston is reeling from the death of her beloved grandfather when she’s caught in a shootout with a deadly crime family. She wakes up from her injuries physically healed but in a stranger’s home, in mid-19th century Idaho territory, with no memories of how she arrived—though everyone seems to know who she is, as the eldest daughter of the large Milford family. While Rachel works to regain her identity, she confronts the demons from her real-life past, against a backdrop of a country battling with itself, as the Civil War looms and the American government fights Indigenous peoples to take over their land.
Identity serves as a connective theme throughout, as Rachel tries to make sense of her place among family members in 1864 and her very real life in present-day Chicago. She wonders if she died during the shootout, though her experiences in Idaho are evocative and intense, surrounding her with a closeknit, extensive support system that quickly becomes central to her journey, such as her youngest brother, Charlie—who insists that “’I know’d you was still my Rachel… They all said you forgot me but I know’d you didn’t.” As she grows more comfortable with her surroundings and starts to gain a sense of place, Rachel balances those weighty emotions with the feeling that she is a fraud and undeserving of her newfound family.
Bender’s passion for history is evident, and Rachel’s story is rooted in vivid historical detail. Every character plays an important role, immersing readers in the setting, and, as Rachel discovers not just family heritage but also true love, she must reconcile her past and present, leading to a touching ending that demonstrates the power of true belonging.
Takeaway: Heartwarming blast-to-the-past story of identity and love.
Comparable Titles: Susanna Kearsley’s The Rose Garden, Amy Harmon’s What the Wind Knows."
January 29, 2026
Unique and Interesting
THE FAR REACH OF YESTERDAY by Christine Echeverria Bender is an engaging narrative that transports readers back approximately a century and a half through a compelling time-travel story. The narrative centers on Rachel, a young attorney who is assaulted while attempting to rescue a victim of organized crime, only to awaken in the 19th century. The story is immersive and captures the reader's attention from the very first chapter. The author demonstrates excellent world-building and character development skills. The scenes are vividly described, making the book feel like watching a film unfold.
The author conducted extensive research into the historical period and creatively integrated these findings into the storyline, resulting in a portrayal that feels authentic. The settings accurately reflect the lifestyle of that era, prompting most readers to contemplate their genealogy and the lives their ancestors led. An intriguing aspect of life during that period is the authenticity of relationships and the greater value placed on family.
The narrative maintains a suspenseful tone; readers are eager to learn about Rachel's friends and whether she can return to her "present life" to continue her case. Conversely, some readers may prefer to remain in the 1860s and explore life during that time further. Rachel's character is endearing, evoking empathy from most readers amidst her challenges.
The book is well-crafted and professionally edited, containing no grammatical errors. The author employs a distinctive writing style, incorporating intriguing dialects such as Lewis's, which enhances the story's realism and relevance. The use of dialogue and a conversational tone contributes to the engaging and enjoyable nature of the narrative.
THE FAR REACH OF YESTERDAY by Christine Echeverria Bender is an engaging narrative that transports readers back approximately a century and a half through a compelling time-travel story. The narrative centers on Rachel, a young attorney who is assaulted while attempting to rescue a victim of organized crime, only to awaken in the 19th century. The story is immersive and captures the reader's attention from the very first chapter. The author demonstrates excellent world-building and character development skills. The scenes are vividly described, making the book feel like watching a film unfold.
The author conducted extensive research into the historical period and creatively integrated these findings into the storyline, resulting in a portrayal that feels authentic. The settings accurately reflect the lifestyle of that era, prompting most readers to contemplate their genealogy and the lives their ancestors led. An intriguing aspect of life during that period is the authenticity of relationships and the greater value placed on family.
The narrative maintains a suspenseful tone; readers are eager to learn about Rachel's friends and whether she can return to her "present life" to continue her case. Conversely, some readers may prefer to remain in the 1860s and explore life during that time further. Rachel's character is endearing, evoking empathy from most readers amidst her challenges.
The book is well-crafted and professionally edited, containing no grammatical errors. The author employs a distinctive writing style, incorporating intriguing dialects such as Lewis's, which enhances the story's realism and relevance. The use of dialogue and a conversational tone contributes to the engaging and enjoyable nature of the narrative.
March 31, 2026
Thanks kindly, Caxton Press, Christine Echeverria Bender, and Goodreads Giveaways for the advance Kindle copy of The Far Reach of Yesterday. All statements and opinions are my own.
This was probably a 3.5 for me, so I’ll round up.
I liked this book enough to crave its surprise ending, but I enjoyed it most for the character development, settings, and glance into the past of a place I’ve (surprisingly, to me) recently visited.
As a former Chicagoan, all Chicago settings receive high marks from me. As someone who has at least seen parts of Idaho City and the surrounding area, I also approve. Heavy historical research went into this novel, and it shows in the descriptions of each part of the town, each room, and each view of the landscape.
Stylistically, I wanted to see this book edited for more consistency and better structures (sentences and paragraphs). It felt a bit clunky in places, with multiple third-person points of view, and that style didn’t fit with my reading preferences. First person POV would have been perfect for this book.
When I started reading, I wasn’t sure I could forgive the “unique” cover illustration or the fact that I had allowed myself to start reading a book with organized crime as an opening theme. I nearly gave up. Fortunately, this book is not about crime, or Chicago, and it’s not really about a lawyer’s work, either, so don’t let those topics keep you away. At its heart, this is a romance/ historical fiction driven by current events. If I say more, I’ll give away the best spoilers… so I won’t.
Worth your time if you like:
The Oregon Trail + romance + found family + catharsis + mysterious time/place travel
Contains:
trigger warning
This was probably a 3.5 for me, so I’ll round up.
I liked this book enough to crave its surprise ending, but I enjoyed it most for the character development, settings, and glance into the past of a place I’ve (surprisingly, to me) recently visited.
As a former Chicagoan, all Chicago settings receive high marks from me. As someone who has at least seen parts of Idaho City and the surrounding area, I also approve. Heavy historical research went into this novel, and it shows in the descriptions of each part of the town, each room, and each view of the landscape.
Stylistically, I wanted to see this book edited for more consistency and better structures (sentences and paragraphs). It felt a bit clunky in places, with multiple third-person points of view, and that style didn’t fit with my reading preferences. First person POV would have been perfect for this book.
When I started reading, I wasn’t sure I could forgive the “unique” cover illustration or the fact that I had allowed myself to start reading a book with organized crime as an opening theme. I nearly gave up. Fortunately, this book is not about crime, or Chicago, and it’s not really about a lawyer’s work, either, so don’t let those topics keep you away. At its heart, this is a romance/ historical fiction driven by current events. If I say more, I’ll give away the best spoilers… so I won’t.
Worth your time if you like:
The Oregon Trail + romance + found family + catharsis + mysterious time/place travel
Contains:
trigger warning
February 3, 2026
A Warm and Immersive Step into the Past
THE FAR REACH OF YESTERDAY opens with the energy of a modern thriller before shifting into a richly detailed historical story. Rachel Winston, a driven Chicago attorney, suddenly finds herself in 1864 Idaho City, surrounded by political tension and frontier uncertainty. The transition is handled smoothly and quickly becomes the heart of the novel. From that point on, survival and adaptation take center stage.
The strength of THE FAR REACH OF YESTERDAY lies in its setting and characters. The frontier town feels alive, shaped by Civil War loyalties, danger, and close knit community bonds. Rachel’s interactions with the Stonehill family and the wider pioneer clan add warmth and emotional grounding. The historical details are woven naturally into the story, making the past feel accessible rather than distant.
At its core, THE FAR REACH OF YESTERDAY is a story about healing and connection. As Rachel adjusts to a new time, she is also forced to face parts of herself she had long avoided. The balance between personal growth and historical drama keeps the story engaging without becoming heavy. It is an immersive and thoughtful read that blends time travel, history, and human resilience with ease.
THE FAR REACH OF YESTERDAY opens with the energy of a modern thriller before shifting into a richly detailed historical story. Rachel Winston, a driven Chicago attorney, suddenly finds herself in 1864 Idaho City, surrounded by political tension and frontier uncertainty. The transition is handled smoothly and quickly becomes the heart of the novel. From that point on, survival and adaptation take center stage.
The strength of THE FAR REACH OF YESTERDAY lies in its setting and characters. The frontier town feels alive, shaped by Civil War loyalties, danger, and close knit community bonds. Rachel’s interactions with the Stonehill family and the wider pioneer clan add warmth and emotional grounding. The historical details are woven naturally into the story, making the past feel accessible rather than distant.
At its core, THE FAR REACH OF YESTERDAY is a story about healing and connection. As Rachel adjusts to a new time, she is also forced to face parts of herself she had long avoided. The balance between personal growth and historical drama keeps the story engaging without becoming heavy. It is an immersive and thoughtful read that blends time travel, history, and human resilience with ease.
January 23, 2026
THE FAR REACH OF YESTERDAY is an absorbing and thoughtfully constructed novel that blends historical fiction with an intriguing time-travel premise. What initially stands out is the way the story bridges two very different worlds, transporting a modern protagonist into the harsh realities of the nineteenth century. The author’s attention to period detail is impressive, bringing the setting vividly to life without ever overwhelming the narrative or slowing its pace.
Beyond the novel’s inventive premise, it is the emotional depth that gives the story lasting impact. The characters feel authentic and well-developed, and the challenges they face — survival, identity, and confronting past trauma — resonate strongly throughout the book. The narrative unfolds at a steady, confident pace, allowing relationships and tensions to develop naturally. Overall, THE FAR REACH OF YESTERDAY is a rewarding and engaging read that would be easy to recommend to fans of historical fiction and character-driven storytelling.
Beyond the novel’s inventive premise, it is the emotional depth that gives the story lasting impact. The characters feel authentic and well-developed, and the challenges they face — survival, identity, and confronting past trauma — resonate strongly throughout the book. The narrative unfolds at a steady, confident pace, allowing relationships and tensions to develop naturally. Overall, THE FAR REACH OF YESTERDAY is a rewarding and engaging read that would be easy to recommend to fans of historical fiction and character-driven storytelling.
January 22, 2026
This is such a good story, and it takes a while to completely understand, but when you do, it's worth the wait! Rachel Milford is a prolific attorney who, when a wounded client meets her in a hotel room, comes at odds with a Chicago crime family. During a hectic shootout, though, Rachel passes out, only to wake up in 1864 Idaho! What I thought would be a thriller novel turned out to be something else entirely. At that point, it took a few chapters for me to understand what the novel would be about, but Christine Bender made it worth the wait. By the time I reached the climax, I'd found a diverse cast easy to fall in love with, and Rachel had proved herself to be a dogged and worthy protagonist.
January 23, 2026
The Far Reach of Yesterday was surprisingly good. It's a fun historical fiction that brings the beauty of the West to bear. Kicking off in the vibrant yet dark city of Chicago, we are introduced to Rachel Milford, an attorney who recently buried her dad, and a dangerous legal case involving a notorious Chicago crime family. But when she wakes up from a coma in 1864 Idaho, she has a very different dilemma on her hands. And that's where the story really kicks off.
The Far Reach of Yesterday shines for its worldbuilding and characters. Rachel especially is sure to become a fan favourite, and the author took her time to research and develop an American West teetering on the brink of Civil War. It's a lovely read that will immerse and entertain.
The Far Reach of Yesterday shines for its worldbuilding and characters. Rachel especially is sure to become a fan favourite, and the author took her time to research and develop an American West teetering on the brink of Civil War. It's a lovely read that will immerse and entertain.
March 20, 2026
I want to thank Christne Echeverria Bender, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the eBook Kindle copy of The Far Reach of Yesteday that I won in the Giveaway.
The main character, Rachel was a strong and determined woman, a successful lawyer and willing to help others. She gained another life in the mid-1860s in Idaho City, Idaho where she became a poiner young woman, a healer, a sister in a large pioneer family and found love. It is a great historical romance and a great contempary romance too, with an unusual ending that made me smile at how both stoies were brought together with the wonderful people in both settings of Rachel's life.
A unique love story full of reality and magic and well worth reading.
The main character, Rachel was a strong and determined woman, a successful lawyer and willing to help others. She gained another life in the mid-1860s in Idaho City, Idaho where she became a poiner young woman, a healer, a sister in a large pioneer family and found love. It is a great historical romance and a great contempary romance too, with an unusual ending that made me smile at how both stoies were brought together with the wonderful people in both settings of Rachel's life.
A unique love story full of reality and magic and well worth reading.
January 22, 2026
The Far Reach of Yesterday is a mix of mystery, thriller, and just a wee bit of science fiction sprinkled into it. It begins like a classic legal thriller, complete with gang bosses, action-packed fights, and legal drama. But in a few chapters, it quickly and inexplicably turns to a historical fiction, with the main character being teleported to 1860's Idaho on the verge of the Civil War.
It's the mystery about how she got there, and how she can make it back that eventually make the story engaging. It quickly turns to a lesson in self-acceptance, and the story beautifully represents the time period, making it easy for both thriller fans and historical fiction fans to enjoy.
It's the mystery about how she got there, and how she can make it back that eventually make the story engaging. It quickly turns to a lesson in self-acceptance, and the story beautifully represents the time period, making it easy for both thriller fans and historical fiction fans to enjoy.
January 23, 2026
Christine Echeverria Bender’s The Far Reach of Yesterday is a fantastic historical fiction. After finding herself in a new world, the 1860’s Idaho Territory, Chicago attorney Rachel Milford must confront her past traumas and familial ties she long ignored.
The historical fiction aspect was impeccable. Bender slowly but surely developed the world, and I quickly found myself lost in it. However, I believe that Rachel’s character development could have been done better. It should have been more obvious what her flaws/trauma were, and how facing her family in the new timeline would have affected her. Other than that, this is a very good book.
The historical fiction aspect was impeccable. Bender slowly but surely developed the world, and I quickly found myself lost in it. However, I believe that Rachel’s character development could have been done better. It should have been more obvious what her flaws/trauma were, and how facing her family in the new timeline would have affected her. Other than that, this is a very good book.
December 29, 2025
This book was so wonderful! Within the first few pages, I was hooked and never wanted to put it down. Bender created such amazing characters that it made it hard to say goodbye to them. This book has time slip elements, which I'm such a fan of. It's clear that Bender has taken immense time and effort to ensure that the historical elements are all accurate. Her writing made me feel as though I was actually transported back in time with Rachel. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction!
January 22, 2026
Christine Echeverria Bender put together a story that goes from action-packed thriller to introspective historical fiction in the twinkle of an eye. The plot is refreshing. The time travel element is done in a way I’ve never seen before, and Bender makes it work. Rachel is a strong lead that quickly grew on me, and the story dealt with her backstory in a satisfying, entertaining way. I would say that the thriller element takes a back seat for most of the story, and it’s more geared towards fans of historical fiction. However, it’s a great story nonetheless. I certainly enjoyed it.
March 7, 2026
Some part were a little long-winded for me, didn't feel like I needed to know every detail of the newspapers or books Rachel was reading.
Satisfying ending though, she found Ethan in Nathan and little Rose again. Though it was short lived and no real conclusion what actually happened and why Rachel had these "memories" of old Idaho and her ancestors.
Also, did Rachel continue being a lawyer? Did she study midwifery like she was with Dr Hogue? Did she find consolation? I just have so many questions still
Satisfying ending though, she found Ethan in Nathan and little Rose again. Though it was short lived and no real conclusion what actually happened and why Rachel had these "memories" of old Idaho and her ancestors.
Also, did Rachel continue being a lawyer? Did she study midwifery like she was with Dr Hogue? Did she find consolation? I just have so many questions still
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2026
I didn't know I needed a book set in 1860s Idaho City, and yet here we are and I love it! I especially loved the time slip elements, which really helped make this historical fiction book feel fresh (organized crime AND the Civil War?!). Despite all the drama, the characters are central to this story, which honestly has a warm feeling. If you love books about strong women -- and strong families -- then this is a good one to pick up next.
February 9, 2026
Bender has expertly crafted an extraordinary time-travel and historical piece of fiction. This book is character-driven, cinematic in structure and punctuated with interesting whiplash turns. The plot is intricate, but at the end, Bender pulls everything together expertly. At times what Rachel experiences is a ride on a high-speed emotional roller-coaster. Well-researched and perfect for fans seeking something in this genre that is refreshingly different.
March 21, 2026
Excellent well written book
I couldn't put this book down. I was captivated by the excellent detail and research that went into the story telling. The depth of the characters made them feel so real to me. A story I didn't want to end. I highly recommend this book.
I couldn't put this book down. I was captivated by the excellent detail and research that went into the story telling. The depth of the characters made them feel so real to me. A story I didn't want to end. I highly recommend this book.
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April 2, 2026Loved this book so much that
Did not think k I was too g to lime this book but as I read more and more the book seem to draw me in and by the end I did not want it to end .a must read for every one that limes so.e what a ti.e travel.
Did not think k I was too g to lime this book but as I read more and more the book seem to draw me in and by the end I did not want it to end .a must read for every one that limes so.e what a ti.e travel.
March 8, 2026
I enjoyed this time-slip, historical read…which surprised me. I typically prefer more realistic books. This was entertaining throughout.
March 16, 2026
Love the author!
April 30, 2026
This novel was just chosen as a finalist by the American Legacy Book Awards!
Want to Read
May 14, 2026After reading Yesteryear, I will definitely be reading this book. Has anyone read it??
May 26, 2026
Great book! Highly recommend
March 29, 2026
The Far Reach of Yesterday by Christine Echeverria Bender is a richly immersive time-slip historical novel that blends emotional healing, frontier survival, and slow-building romance into a story that is nearly impossible to put down. What begins as a modern-day thriller quickly transforms into a deeply human journey when Chicago attorney Rachel Winston awakens in 1864 Idaho City, a rough gold-mining town simmering with Civil War tensions.
Bender excels at character work. Rachel is not simply dropped into the past as a novelty; she is forced to confront both physical danger and the unresolved trauma she carries with her. The pioneer family that takes her in, along with Ethan Stonehill, a wounded Union cavalry officer, and his young daughter Rose, are drawn with warmth, depth, and emotional authenticity. Their growing bonds give the novel its heart.
The historical setting is vividly realized, from the harsh realities of frontier life to the volatile social atmosphere of a nation at war with itself. The writing is detailed without being heavy, and the pacing pulls the reader forward so steadily that it’s easy to lose track of time while reading. The emotional arc feels earned, the relationships develop naturally, and the story balances adventure, tenderness, and reflection with remarkable confidence.
For readers who love character-driven historical fiction with romance, resilience, and a touch of time-travel mystery, The Far Reach of Yesterday is a deeply satisfying and memorable read.
Bender excels at character work. Rachel is not simply dropped into the past as a novelty; she is forced to confront both physical danger and the unresolved trauma she carries with her. The pioneer family that takes her in, along with Ethan Stonehill, a wounded Union cavalry officer, and his young daughter Rose, are drawn with warmth, depth, and emotional authenticity. Their growing bonds give the novel its heart.
The historical setting is vividly realized, from the harsh realities of frontier life to the volatile social atmosphere of a nation at war with itself. The writing is detailed without being heavy, and the pacing pulls the reader forward so steadily that it’s easy to lose track of time while reading. The emotional arc feels earned, the relationships develop naturally, and the story balances adventure, tenderness, and reflection with remarkable confidence.
For readers who love character-driven historical fiction with romance, resilience, and a touch of time-travel mystery, The Far Reach of Yesterday is a deeply satisfying and memorable read.
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