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Through All Our Heavens: A Novel
In this captivating journey through time, an art historian makes an extraordinary discovery from the past that may foretell our future—if she can keep her connection to the woman who started it all.
2053. Haverford College.
Nineteenth-century art expert Derryn Witt documents an impossible gorgeously detailed paintings depicting the modern world…from 1859. But when a massive solar flare forces a shutdown of all integrated technology, her discovery is jeopardized.
The threat intensifies when a group of rebels attack the college, their movement resting upon the rejection of technology. Derryn flees to New York with the help of a sympathetic Sovereign, under the guise of being one herself.
But those Civil War–era paintings continue to confound her. Helen Bywater was surely more than an artist—but what? How could she possibly know what the world would look like beyond her own lifetime?
As the ethereal tie binding them grows stronger, Derryn begins to see what perhaps Helen did too. That no matter the time, the space between us isn’t so vast. The struggles we face aren’t so different. And the connection we need to survive isn’t so out of reach.
2053. Haverford College.
Nineteenth-century art expert Derryn Witt documents an impossible gorgeously detailed paintings depicting the modern world…from 1859. But when a massive solar flare forces a shutdown of all integrated technology, her discovery is jeopardized.
The threat intensifies when a group of rebels attack the college, their movement resting upon the rejection of technology. Derryn flees to New York with the help of a sympathetic Sovereign, under the guise of being one herself.
But those Civil War–era paintings continue to confound her. Helen Bywater was surely more than an artist—but what? How could she possibly know what the world would look like beyond her own lifetime?
As the ethereal tie binding them grows stronger, Derryn begins to see what perhaps Helen did too. That no matter the time, the space between us isn’t so vast. The struggles we face aren’t so different. And the connection we need to survive isn’t so out of reach.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2026
About the author
Olivia Hawker
12 books1,161 followersAlso publishes under Libbie Hawker, Libbie Grant, and L.M. Ironside
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 26, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley, for granting me a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Imagine a story whose message is “Big Brother is good, actually.” That’s what we’re dealing with here.
This book is basically just an excuse for the author to find new and poetic ways to express how much she hates half the country. If she had stuck to doing that via a Civil War analogy, then so be it. But unfortunately, we were also treated to a painfully dull, pretentious storyline set in a future where all the good people are made gooder by embracing technology and all the bad people are made badder by rejecting it. If that sounds rather childish, that’s because it is.
I’m planning on writing a longer, more detailed review once this book is released. But the truth is that while there’s a good Civil War story buried in here, whether or not you enjoy this book will probably come down to whether or not you share the author’s severe worldview. And even if you do, Through All Our Heavens might still leave you feeling tetchy.
Update A much more detailed review can be found here: https://blastfromthepastshelf.substac...
Imagine a story whose message is “Big Brother is good, actually.” That’s what we’re dealing with here.
This book is basically just an excuse for the author to find new and poetic ways to express how much she hates half the country. If she had stuck to doing that via a Civil War analogy, then so be it. But unfortunately, we were also treated to a painfully dull, pretentious storyline set in a future where all the good people are made gooder by embracing technology and all the bad people are made badder by rejecting it. If that sounds rather childish, that’s because it is.
I’m planning on writing a longer, more detailed review once this book is released. But the truth is that while there’s a good Civil War story buried in here, whether or not you enjoy this book will probably come down to whether or not you share the author’s severe worldview. And even if you do, Through All Our Heavens might still leave you feeling tetchy.
Update A much more detailed review can be found here: https://blastfromthepastshelf.substac...
November 18, 2025
Through All Our Heavens is a mystical story about the transcendence of time and the eternal fight for freedom.
In this dual-timeline story, two women centuries apart witness the same strange lights in the sky and awaken their hearts to freedom. In 2053, Derryn lives in a divided transhumanist world, where sentient technology helps her to live her day to day life. The USA is divided, in the midst of a civil war where factions of those who support and reject technology are fighting for the soul of America. Derryn is an art historian who is tasked with studying some strange paintings from the nineteenth century that depict her world's technology. When a massive solar flare forces her world to shut down technology for 6 days, she must make the arduous journey to safety through the treacherous communities of rebels who have refused the technology. In the 1860s, Helen is a woman who witnesses strange lights in the sky and becomes inspired to join the abolitionist cause after her awareness of injustices shatters the illusory nature of her American life. Both women must navigate their changing worlds as they each encounter one another though the similar events, revolutionary spirits, and solar flares of their respective times.
Through All Our Heavens was a beautifully written story that perfectly articulated the feelings of awakening. Connecting two characters through time via a celestial event was an ingenious way to mirror the past and the future. Both women, Helen and Derryn each grappled with the American ideals of freedom, liberty, and individuality- through war and revolution. Helen clearly had a sort of spiritual awakening after witnessing the strange lights which inspired her to fight for freedom. On the other hand, Derryn also had an awakening, to the horrors of a world without technology and how restricting it can be. The author described the characters interior thoughts and feelings about the world with so much heart and wisdom that it could read as a visionary fiction piece. The story is metaphysical and mystical in nature.
Helen's storyline during the American Civil War felt timely, given all of the happenings in the USA. Derryn's storyline was the most real futuristic story I have read, as the concepts of transhumanism, AI, and sentient tech are already here. It was eerie just how similar the experiences of the characters were to the people of our world today. Is the story a foreshadowing of what's to come? Or is it a social commentary of current events? Or somewhere in between? My only critique is that I wish the time-slip element was included more in the story. I loved the concept of time-travel via a solar flare, but including a bit more of it would have tied everything together.
I really enjoyed this story. It was original and beautifully written, exploring freedom, liberty, individuality, and the challenges of navigating a changing world where these very values are more vulnerable than we think.
Aquarian and thought provoking.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
In this dual-timeline story, two women centuries apart witness the same strange lights in the sky and awaken their hearts to freedom. In 2053, Derryn lives in a divided transhumanist world, where sentient technology helps her to live her day to day life. The USA is divided, in the midst of a civil war where factions of those who support and reject technology are fighting for the soul of America. Derryn is an art historian who is tasked with studying some strange paintings from the nineteenth century that depict her world's technology. When a massive solar flare forces her world to shut down technology for 6 days, she must make the arduous journey to safety through the treacherous communities of rebels who have refused the technology. In the 1860s, Helen is a woman who witnesses strange lights in the sky and becomes inspired to join the abolitionist cause after her awareness of injustices shatters the illusory nature of her American life. Both women must navigate their changing worlds as they each encounter one another though the similar events, revolutionary spirits, and solar flares of their respective times.
Through All Our Heavens was a beautifully written story that perfectly articulated the feelings of awakening. Connecting two characters through time via a celestial event was an ingenious way to mirror the past and the future. Both women, Helen and Derryn each grappled with the American ideals of freedom, liberty, and individuality- through war and revolution. Helen clearly had a sort of spiritual awakening after witnessing the strange lights which inspired her to fight for freedom. On the other hand, Derryn also had an awakening, to the horrors of a world without technology and how restricting it can be. The author described the characters interior thoughts and feelings about the world with so much heart and wisdom that it could read as a visionary fiction piece. The story is metaphysical and mystical in nature.
Helen's storyline during the American Civil War felt timely, given all of the happenings in the USA. Derryn's storyline was the most real futuristic story I have read, as the concepts of transhumanism, AI, and sentient tech are already here. It was eerie just how similar the experiences of the characters were to the people of our world today. Is the story a foreshadowing of what's to come? Or is it a social commentary of current events? Or somewhere in between? My only critique is that I wish the time-slip element was included more in the story. I loved the concept of time-travel via a solar flare, but including a bit more of it would have tied everything together.
I really enjoyed this story. It was original and beautifully written, exploring freedom, liberty, individuality, and the challenges of navigating a changing world where these very values are more vulnerable than we think.
Aquarian and thought provoking.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 18, 2026
I’m usually a fan of cross-genre books and I have enjoyed Olivia Hawker’s books in the past but I really don’t know what this book is. The book is written in dual timelines with two protagonists. During the Civil War era, Helen is a wealthy heiress living in Richmond where she experiences futuristic visions during a solar flare. This occurrence influences her to become an abolitionist and later a spy for the Union and also inspires her to paint scenes of her visions. In 2053, Derryn, an art historian, is asked to travel to Pennsylvania from Cascadia (the west coast) to examine Helen’s newly discovered paintings. Once there, Derryn encounters violence and threats from the “Sovereigns”, a sort of weird religious cult that is anti-technology.
This book would have been good if the author had focused on just the historical fiction timeline without all the weird visions. Helen was raised as a Quaker so she didn’t need a solar flare to decide that slavery is wrong and the rest of her story was engaging enough. If the author’s goal was to make the reader ponder all the moral and politically charged issues brought up in the 2053 timeline, then she was successful. However, I could not figure out what points she was trying to make. The Sovereigns were portrayed as overzealous and not that different from some of the narrow minded extremists that we see in our society today. But the “wire heads” were also portrayed negatively, depending entirely on AI and even unable to experience emotions without tapping into the technology grid. And the drama in the futuristic timeline was over the top! I’m usually a fan of dystopian sci-fi, more so than historical fiction, but this book just did not work for me!
I listened to the audio version of the book and both narrators were very good. The portrayal of Derryn was overly dramatic just as the book was written.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.
This book would have been good if the author had focused on just the historical fiction timeline without all the weird visions. Helen was raised as a Quaker so she didn’t need a solar flare to decide that slavery is wrong and the rest of her story was engaging enough. If the author’s goal was to make the reader ponder all the moral and politically charged issues brought up in the 2053 timeline, then she was successful. However, I could not figure out what points she was trying to make. The Sovereigns were portrayed as overzealous and not that different from some of the narrow minded extremists that we see in our society today. But the “wire heads” were also portrayed negatively, depending entirely on AI and even unable to experience emotions without tapping into the technology grid. And the drama in the futuristic timeline was over the top! I’m usually a fan of dystopian sci-fi, more so than historical fiction, but this book just did not work for me!
I listened to the audio version of the book and both narrators were very good. The portrayal of Derryn was overly dramatic just as the book was written.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.
November 23, 2025
I’m a big fan of Olivia Hawker and her latest book doesn’t’ disappoint! It’s a dual timeline with the earlier being just prior to and during the Civil War, set in Richmond, where I live, so it was fun to recognize places and streets; and the later timeline is set in the future, year 2053. The earlier is historical fiction, which is made even more interesting, by the author’s note at the end; and the latter is science-fiction, which is not my preferred genre, but still worked for me! They are connected by a real life celestial event, a common goal, and art. I enjoyed the characters and relationships! A unique read! Beautiful book cover as well. 9/10.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2026
This book was such a beautiful treat!
I love dual timelines, and this one did not disappoint!
We open up in the year 1859 down south in Virginia… Helen lives in a beautiful old mansion, the same one she grew up in. This was left to her when her parents died. She is alone, with all her servants. (Or, slaves). But, Helen doesn’t consider them her ‘property’. She is much more open-minded than most people in the South… and is actually trying to get them freed! But that’s a whole other story…
One day something very strange happens, and it literally changes her world!
She sees these very strange lights in the sky. Very bright. Strange patterns. And she’s never seen anything like this before! Everyone is out in the streets celebrating! This must be some type of sign!
And then, she sees strange buildings. Very tall. With darkened mirrors on the side… rising up from the ground. They are huge!! She’s really not sure what she’s seeing…
She’s engaged to be married, but she’s not sure he’s really the right guy for her…
And then, The Civil War begins… and life as everyone knew it changes…
On the flip side, we have a woman named Derryn who is an art specialist. The year is 2053!!
She’s called to a college in CT to view some old paintings from the late 1850’s. They will not be like anything she’s ever seen before. At first she doesn’t want to go, but the person on the line tells her she really needs to see these!
But, there is some kind of a storm coming. And, in these times, most people have a headset attached to them that helps them to talk, navigate, think and figure things out. Everything they do is attached to tech stuff… literally. And, because of this upcoming storm, they will all need to detach from their tech stuff for about a week…
Did I mention that there’s another half of the world who does NOT support the tech-y stuff… and they are willing to go to war with the tech people… 😮 So, there’s that!
And, just when Derryn gets to the college and starts going through stuff… well, a war is beginning.
So, she opts to go to an old friend’s house in NY… who will keep her safe. BUT… in order to get there from where she’s at, well… it just might be impossible.
Along the way both women meet people who will help them, out of the goodness of their hearts. Across borders and enemy lines… and, against all odds!
This is a beautiful story of just how wonderful the world COULD be if we could only just all get along… and work together… side by side!
5 beautiful, heartfelt, grateful, wonderful stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#ThroughAllOurHeavens by @OliviaHawker and narrated nicely by @JackieZebrowski and @NicoleCash.
*** THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! Look 👀 for it in a few days! Release date is 3/17/26!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BrilliancePublishing and @BrillianceAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
I love dual timelines, and this one did not disappoint!
We open up in the year 1859 down south in Virginia… Helen lives in a beautiful old mansion, the same one she grew up in. This was left to her when her parents died. She is alone, with all her servants. (Or, slaves). But, Helen doesn’t consider them her ‘property’. She is much more open-minded than most people in the South… and is actually trying to get them freed! But that’s a whole other story…
One day something very strange happens, and it literally changes her world!
She sees these very strange lights in the sky. Very bright. Strange patterns. And she’s never seen anything like this before! Everyone is out in the streets celebrating! This must be some type of sign!
And then, she sees strange buildings. Very tall. With darkened mirrors on the side… rising up from the ground. They are huge!! She’s really not sure what she’s seeing…
She’s engaged to be married, but she’s not sure he’s really the right guy for her…
And then, The Civil War begins… and life as everyone knew it changes…
On the flip side, we have a woman named Derryn who is an art specialist. The year is 2053!!
She’s called to a college in CT to view some old paintings from the late 1850’s. They will not be like anything she’s ever seen before. At first she doesn’t want to go, but the person on the line tells her she really needs to see these!
But, there is some kind of a storm coming. And, in these times, most people have a headset attached to them that helps them to talk, navigate, think and figure things out. Everything they do is attached to tech stuff… literally. And, because of this upcoming storm, they will all need to detach from their tech stuff for about a week…
Did I mention that there’s another half of the world who does NOT support the tech-y stuff… and they are willing to go to war with the tech people… 😮 So, there’s that!
And, just when Derryn gets to the college and starts going through stuff… well, a war is beginning.
So, she opts to go to an old friend’s house in NY… who will keep her safe. BUT… in order to get there from where she’s at, well… it just might be impossible.
Along the way both women meet people who will help them, out of the goodness of their hearts. Across borders and enemy lines… and, against all odds!
This is a beautiful story of just how wonderful the world COULD be if we could only just all get along… and work together… side by side!
5 beautiful, heartfelt, grateful, wonderful stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#ThroughAllOurHeavens by @OliviaHawker and narrated nicely by @JackieZebrowski and @NicoleCash.
*** THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! Look 👀 for it in a few days! Release date is 3/17/26!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BrilliancePublishing and @BrillianceAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
April 9, 2026
Yikes…sadly this was just not for me! I liked the 1859’s timeline but not the 2053 timeline. This was too SciFi for me to really enjoy it. I couldn’t engage with the characters at all.
March 28, 2026
I won a free Kindle copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway and am thankful to anyone who had a hand in making that happen!
This is an interesting and unique blend of historical fiction and science fiction and I really enjoyed it! I had never heard of the Carrington event before and how it was treated here is fascinating .
The future timeline employed compelling and realistic worldbuilding with plausible technology and conflicts while the past timeline was equally compelling. Learning that a lot of the details from the civil war storyline were gleaned from the lives of real women (Elizabeth Van Lew, Mary Bowser and Pauline Cushman) in the author's note at the end made it even more enjoyable!
This is an interesting and unique blend of historical fiction and science fiction and I really enjoyed it! I had never heard of the Carrington event before and how it was treated here is fascinating .
The future timeline employed compelling and realistic worldbuilding with plausible technology and conflicts while the past timeline was equally compelling. Learning that a lot of the details from the civil war storyline were gleaned from the lives of real women (Elizabeth Van Lew, Mary Bowser and Pauline Cushman) in the author's note at the end made it even more enjoyable!
May 13, 2026
This is a dual timeline novel that is both historical fiction and science fiction intertwined in one book.
The first timeline takes place just prior to the Civil War. Helen has inherited her parent's estate in Richmond, Virginia and along with the estate are the slaves her father held. As Helen begins to open her eyes to the cruelty of slavery and decides to free them, she realizes that a civil war between the north and the south is inevitable. Despite the risks of living in Richmond, Helen determines she must right her wrongs and as war erupts, she begins to work to assist the Union soldiers.
The second timeline takes place in the near future in 2053. Derryn is a professor who is an expert on historical art. She is currently living in Cascadia, which is a section in the western part of the U.S. that has joined the rest of the world to embrace modern technology (including AI that is known as the Weave) and live in peace and unity. Unfortunately, the rest of the U.S. has followed the leadership that was elected in the mid 2020's and fully embraced war and hatred. When a collection of art is discovered in a home in Haverford that seems to be of historical importance, Derryn is asked to venture into the war torn suburb of Philadelphia and view the work at Haverford College. But when tensions become even higher, Derryn takes her chances to make an escape to the one peaceful area of the east coast - NYC.
The author does a brilliant job of interweaving the two timelines. Although the connection is pretty unrealistic and definitely leaning on the sci fi spectrum, the author uses a real event - the 1859 Carrington Event - as her connection.
I was also very impressed with the way the author so effectively wrote each of the different POV's from the two timelines. When I was reading Helen's timeline, the words truly flowed like the south during Civil War times. And when I read Derryn's timeline, I felt that the tone was correct for the near future.
If you are looking for historical fiction with some sci fi, a little romance, a great story and some great moral messages tossed in, this is the book for you!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The first timeline takes place just prior to the Civil War. Helen has inherited her parent's estate in Richmond, Virginia and along with the estate are the slaves her father held. As Helen begins to open her eyes to the cruelty of slavery and decides to free them, she realizes that a civil war between the north and the south is inevitable. Despite the risks of living in Richmond, Helen determines she must right her wrongs and as war erupts, she begins to work to assist the Union soldiers.
The second timeline takes place in the near future in 2053. Derryn is a professor who is an expert on historical art. She is currently living in Cascadia, which is a section in the western part of the U.S. that has joined the rest of the world to embrace modern technology (including AI that is known as the Weave) and live in peace and unity. Unfortunately, the rest of the U.S. has followed the leadership that was elected in the mid 2020's and fully embraced war and hatred. When a collection of art is discovered in a home in Haverford that seems to be of historical importance, Derryn is asked to venture into the war torn suburb of Philadelphia and view the work at Haverford College. But when tensions become even higher, Derryn takes her chances to make an escape to the one peaceful area of the east coast - NYC.
The author does a brilliant job of interweaving the two timelines. Although the connection is pretty unrealistic and definitely leaning on the sci fi spectrum, the author uses a real event - the 1859 Carrington Event - as her connection.
I was also very impressed with the way the author so effectively wrote each of the different POV's from the two timelines. When I was reading Helen's timeline, the words truly flowed like the south during Civil War times. And when I read Derryn's timeline, I felt that the tone was correct for the near future.
If you are looking for historical fiction with some sci fi, a little romance, a great story and some great moral messages tossed in, this is the book for you!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2026
Thank you Goodreads for providing me a copy of Through All Our Heavens by Olivia Hawker in exchange for an honest review.
The story unfolds the lives of two very different women across distinct periods in time. First is Helen, who lives in the 1800’s in Virginia. She is a plantation owner who inherited her family’s estate, where she manages a staff of slaves, all of whom have been part of her family’s history for generations. Suddenly everyone experiences a mysterious solar flare event which sparks a major change in Helen. She not only suddenly becomes aware of the harsh realities of slavery and decides she wants be part of the Northern cause, this awakening, has also led her to somehow be able to see into the future. She begins to document these visions by painting what she is seeing. The paintings and her diary don’t get discovered until the year 2053 when the next character Derryn and art historian becomes part of the story.
Derryn is living in a modern day civil war set in the year 2053. this war however is between traditionalist "tech resisters" who want to keep things as they are versus those who have fully embraced technology. The tech-savvy group has woven AI into every facet of their lives, even in how they connect emotionally with others.
What I found interesting about this book is how Hawker imagines a future where society has fully adapted to AI in a positive way. Instead of a dystopian nightmare, she shows us a hopeful vision of a calm, close-knit community that uses technology to make life better. It’s a new take that flips the usual narrative about the dangers of tech on its head. Plus, the way she portrays the traditionalists—who are stuck in every ending fear and anger—really adds depth to the story’s conflict.
This is my first read of this author and although sci fi is not my usual genre, it was interesting combined with historical fiction so I found it somewhat interesting. If you enjoyed The Handmaid's Tale, you might find this book right up your alley since it explores that same clash between traditional values and modern society.
The story unfolds the lives of two very different women across distinct periods in time. First is Helen, who lives in the 1800’s in Virginia. She is a plantation owner who inherited her family’s estate, where she manages a staff of slaves, all of whom have been part of her family’s history for generations. Suddenly everyone experiences a mysterious solar flare event which sparks a major change in Helen. She not only suddenly becomes aware of the harsh realities of slavery and decides she wants be part of the Northern cause, this awakening, has also led her to somehow be able to see into the future. She begins to document these visions by painting what she is seeing. The paintings and her diary don’t get discovered until the year 2053 when the next character Derryn and art historian becomes part of the story.
Derryn is living in a modern day civil war set in the year 2053. this war however is between traditionalist "tech resisters" who want to keep things as they are versus those who have fully embraced technology. The tech-savvy group has woven AI into every facet of their lives, even in how they connect emotionally with others.
What I found interesting about this book is how Hawker imagines a future where society has fully adapted to AI in a positive way. Instead of a dystopian nightmare, she shows us a hopeful vision of a calm, close-knit community that uses technology to make life better. It’s a new take that flips the usual narrative about the dangers of tech on its head. Plus, the way she portrays the traditionalists—who are stuck in every ending fear and anger—really adds depth to the story’s conflict.
This is my first read of this author and although sci fi is not my usual genre, it was interesting combined with historical fiction so I found it somewhat interesting. If you enjoyed The Handmaid's Tale, you might find this book right up your alley since it explores that same clash between traditional values and modern society.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Olivia Hawker has definitely branched out in a new direction! Though All Our Heavens is a timeslip, historical, science fiction novel, that is unique and tremendously creative. I wasn't sure at first that it was the book for me, but it grabbed me very quickly and immersed me in two different lives in two different time periods.
Just before the Civil War, Helen Bywater has the realization that she is an abolitionist. Her epiphany is a dangerous one; if her neighbors know she could be hanged for treason. But Helen is creative, and she finds a creative way to "free" the family slaves. As she gets more into her work against slavery, she experiences crazy dreams: dreams of her beloved Richmond VA, but with buildings like she's never seen, and people with strange belongings and clothing. What do these dreams mean? An artist, Helen is driven to document her dreams in a series of paintings, that she must hide as she hides her abolitionist beliefs.
In 2053, Derryn Witt, an art expert at Stanford University, is called to analyze paintings from 1859 that show modern day Richmond in startlingly accurate detail. But how can an artist from 2oo years ago have painted them? In 2053, the US is suffering from the aftermath of another civil war. Parts of the country, particularly on the coasts, are prospering through the use of technology that increases people's sense of community and has nearly erased violence and conflict. Empathy and understanding rule, and technology has made many parts of daily life much better. When Derry heads on the other side of the Cascadian divide to see the paintings, she finds herself exposed to a whole different world, a world where women are oppressed, and violence and conflict reign. And when a solar flare shuts down all technology, Darryn has to learn how to function without the technology for a period of time.
Through All Our Heavens is a book about connection, and how there is more than connects us than divides us. The stories of both Helen and Derryn are beautifully written. Step out of your comfort zone and read this book!
Just before the Civil War, Helen Bywater has the realization that she is an abolitionist. Her epiphany is a dangerous one; if her neighbors know she could be hanged for treason. But Helen is creative, and she finds a creative way to "free" the family slaves. As she gets more into her work against slavery, she experiences crazy dreams: dreams of her beloved Richmond VA, but with buildings like she's never seen, and people with strange belongings and clothing. What do these dreams mean? An artist, Helen is driven to document her dreams in a series of paintings, that she must hide as she hides her abolitionist beliefs.
In 2053, Derryn Witt, an art expert at Stanford University, is called to analyze paintings from 1859 that show modern day Richmond in startlingly accurate detail. But how can an artist from 2oo years ago have painted them? In 2053, the US is suffering from the aftermath of another civil war. Parts of the country, particularly on the coasts, are prospering through the use of technology that increases people's sense of community and has nearly erased violence and conflict. Empathy and understanding rule, and technology has made many parts of daily life much better. When Derry heads on the other side of the Cascadian divide to see the paintings, she finds herself exposed to a whole different world, a world where women are oppressed, and violence and conflict reign. And when a solar flare shuts down all technology, Darryn has to learn how to function without the technology for a period of time.
Through All Our Heavens is a book about connection, and how there is more than connects us than divides us. The stories of both Helen and Derryn are beautifully written. Step out of your comfort zone and read this book!
March 28, 2026
Audiobook Review: Through All Our Heavens by Olivia Hawker
Through All Our Heavens is the kind of historical novel that quietly settles into your chest and stays there. Olivia Hawker blends intimate character work with sweeping emotional resonance, creating a story that feels both epic and deeply personal. The audiobook elevates that experience even further, offering a narration that matches the novel’s contemplative tone and emotional depth.
Audiobook Performance
The narrator delivers a grounded, empathetic performance that honors the interiority of the characters. Their pacing is steady and thoughtful, giving the emotional beats room to breathe without ever dragging. I especially appreciated the subtle shifts in tone that helped distinguish perspectives and underscore the story’s themes of endurance, faith, and the fragile threads that bind people together. It’s a performance that never overreaches—just quietly, confidently enhances the text.
Story & Themes
Hawker excels at exploring the human heart under pressure, and this novel is no exception. The characters feel lived‑in, shaped by hardship but never defined solely by it. The emotional arcs unfold with patience and honesty, and the historical setting is rendered with Hawker’s signature attention to detail—immersive without ever overwhelming the narrative.
What struck me most was the tenderness woven through even the most difficult moments. There’s a sense of searching, of reaching for connection across grief, hope, and the uncertain spaces in between. It’s a story that rewards slow listening and invites reflection.
Overall
A beautifully written, beautifully performed audiobook that lingers long after the final chapter. Fans of character‑driven historical fiction—especially those who appreciate emotional nuance and quiet strength—will find so much to love here. The narration enhances the experience in all the right ways, making this a standout listen.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Through All Our Heavens is the kind of historical novel that quietly settles into your chest and stays there. Olivia Hawker blends intimate character work with sweeping emotional resonance, creating a story that feels both epic and deeply personal. The audiobook elevates that experience even further, offering a narration that matches the novel’s contemplative tone and emotional depth.
Audiobook Performance
The narrator delivers a grounded, empathetic performance that honors the interiority of the characters. Their pacing is steady and thoughtful, giving the emotional beats room to breathe without ever dragging. I especially appreciated the subtle shifts in tone that helped distinguish perspectives and underscore the story’s themes of endurance, faith, and the fragile threads that bind people together. It’s a performance that never overreaches—just quietly, confidently enhances the text.
Story & Themes
Hawker excels at exploring the human heart under pressure, and this novel is no exception. The characters feel lived‑in, shaped by hardship but never defined solely by it. The emotional arcs unfold with patience and honesty, and the historical setting is rendered with Hawker’s signature attention to detail—immersive without ever overwhelming the narrative.
What struck me most was the tenderness woven through even the most difficult moments. There’s a sense of searching, of reaching for connection across grief, hope, and the uncertain spaces in between. It’s a story that rewards slow listening and invites reflection.
Overall
A beautifully written, beautifully performed audiobook that lingers long after the final chapter. Fans of character‑driven historical fiction—especially those who appreciate emotional nuance and quiet strength—will find so much to love here. The narration enhances the experience in all the right ways, making this a standout listen.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2025
The writing is nice, and the premise is intriguing, but I was disappointed by the endless political commentary. Additionally, the two timelines, alternating narrators is getting tiresome. Just as you start getting interested in one storyline, it switches, breaking up the flow.
It also sets up this wonderful idea that a cosmic event allows Helen to see through time into the future but then never does anything with it. Yes, she paints what she sees and chooses to use what she saw as a way to believe that the world will change some day - but so what? A Civil War also means that the world will change so why bother with the sci-fi stuff?
Then we have Derryn's story which takes place in 2053. So we are supposed to believe that in 28 years we will have flying taxis and humans linked via a neural interface? And the reliance would be so total that people would be utterly stymied by doing anything on their own. But then there's another cosmic event that causes all electronics to fail for a week. At which point the 'veil' between timelines fails just enough that Derryn 'sees' Helen for a moment but again nothing meaningful comes of this.
I understand the author was intrigued by the fact that there was solar flare activity in 1859 that produced visible aurora borealis over the entire US that lasted for several days but she then didn't do enough with it. I kept waiting for Helen to do something amazing but the author was trapped into mirroring real life women who worked for the Union during the Civil War.
It just felt like a bunch of pieces that were configured to fit together with no reason to fit together. Like assembling a jigsaw puzzle cardboard side up, everything fits, but then turning them over and seeing that the image doesn't mean anything, it's just random.
It also sets up this wonderful idea that a cosmic event allows Helen to see through time into the future but then never does anything with it. Yes, she paints what she sees and chooses to use what she saw as a way to believe that the world will change some day - but so what? A Civil War also means that the world will change so why bother with the sci-fi stuff?
Then we have Derryn's story which takes place in 2053. So we are supposed to believe that in 28 years we will have flying taxis and humans linked via a neural interface? And the reliance would be so total that people would be utterly stymied by doing anything on their own. But then there's another cosmic event that causes all electronics to fail for a week. At which point the 'veil' between timelines fails just enough that Derryn 'sees' Helen for a moment but again nothing meaningful comes of this.
I understand the author was intrigued by the fact that there was solar flare activity in 1859 that produced visible aurora borealis over the entire US that lasted for several days but she then didn't do enough with it. I kept waiting for Helen to do something amazing but the author was trapped into mirroring real life women who worked for the Union during the Civil War.
It just felt like a bunch of pieces that were configured to fit together with no reason to fit together. Like assembling a jigsaw puzzle cardboard side up, everything fits, but then turning them over and seeing that the image doesn't mean anything, it's just random.
February 2, 2026
Olivia Hawker has done it again! She has crafted a fabulous dual timeline story that blends historical fiction and science fiction. Set in 2053, Derryn is an art expert from Stanford asked to come to Haverford College in Pennsylvania to interpret paintings from the mid-1800s done by Helen Bywater. In this time period, there is a lot of technology and a battle between those who use it and the Sovereigns, who do not. Helen's storyline is set just before the Civil War until a little after it in Richmond and Haverford. As a single woman who inherited a house and land in the South, Helen couldn't abide by slavery any more and freed her slaves. From there, she and her closest formerly enslaved girl, Mary Jane, went on to help Union prisoners and spied on the Confederate army. The two plot lines are connected by a solar flare event that really did occur in 1859 and the author created another massive solar flare event in 2053 that disrupts life as they knew it. Derryn and Helen have a couple of episodes where they are connected in dreams or events that feel like dreams.
This engaging story had me turning pages as often as I could a minute or thirty! I thoroughly enjoyed the sci-fi, technology aspects to Derryn's storyline contrasted by the Sovereign people who were fearful of and rejected all technology. Derryn's character has quite a few experiences where she has to reflect on her life and what she wants out of it. Per the Author's Note, Helen and Mary Jane were inspired by real-life women who did many of the things in this story and I always love those connections to real heroes. The connections of Derryn's story to real life events and happenings today was also poignant.
If you enjoy either genre, I think you will love this blended story of new and old.
#ThroughAllOurHeavens #NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
This engaging story had me turning pages as often as I could a minute or thirty! I thoroughly enjoyed the sci-fi, technology aspects to Derryn's storyline contrasted by the Sovereign people who were fearful of and rejected all technology. Derryn's character has quite a few experiences where she has to reflect on her life and what she wants out of it. Per the Author's Note, Helen and Mary Jane were inspired by real-life women who did many of the things in this story and I always love those connections to real heroes. The connections of Derryn's story to real life events and happenings today was also poignant.
If you enjoy either genre, I think you will love this blended story of new and old.
#ThroughAllOurHeavens #NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 29, 2026
This was a book that was told in parallel storylines with one line set in the mid 1800's just prior to and then during the American civil war. Helen is the centre of this story and she experiences a phenomenon of a solar flare that lasts several days. During this period Helen can see her surrounds as it looks in 200 years time, and get a sense of what 'freedom' really means. All of a sudden her blinkered 'Southern' life becomes repugnant to her. The idea that she owns black slaves becomes unpalatable and she determines to make amends.
In the other storyline Derryn lives in 2053, in this lifetime, America is embroiled in a civil war again with battle lines drawn between 'West' and 'East'. Derryn live in the 'West' where lives are fully integrated with technology and AI. While this is made to sound idyllic - when a solar flare causes a technology blackout for several days, the citizens dependent on this find themselves unable to remember things, find locations and do basic tasks that their technology does for them.
I think the author's goal was to point out the flaws in the way technology is headed and that although it can be harnessed for good, it will come at a price.
This was a very different book and for this reason I think it will cause people to respond quite differently to how they feel about it and given the current events of the world at the minute, probably gives us all much food for thought.
Happy to recommend , thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
In the other storyline Derryn lives in 2053, in this lifetime, America is embroiled in a civil war again with battle lines drawn between 'West' and 'East'. Derryn live in the 'West' where lives are fully integrated with technology and AI. While this is made to sound idyllic - when a solar flare causes a technology blackout for several days, the citizens dependent on this find themselves unable to remember things, find locations and do basic tasks that their technology does for them.
I think the author's goal was to point out the flaws in the way technology is headed and that although it can be harnessed for good, it will come at a price.
This was a very different book and for this reason I think it will cause people to respond quite differently to how they feel about it and given the current events of the world at the minute, probably gives us all much food for thought.
Happy to recommend , thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is my fourth Netgalley ARC and it was another winner!
Through All Our Heavens by Olivia Hawker is a split narrative novel. One thread follows Helen Bywater throughout the American Civil War in the 1860s, as she struggles to keep her Southern estate running while also doing whatever she can to help the Northern cause. The other thread is set in 2053, after the US has split apart and is in the throes of another civil war. Derryn, an art historian is called behind the Blockade to study a cache of paintings that's been discovered - which seem to date back to the 1860s but depict scenes from the 2050s.
But it didn't proceed how I was expecting at all. The ways in which the two storylines connect are more thematic than actual, with both women taking parallel journeys within the turbulence of their respective times.
The themes themselves are explored and stated rather bluntly, with the author perhaps overexplaining her point throughout and both storylines felt a bit dragged out in the second half - but the writing is beautiful, both historical and futuristic settings are vivid and immersive (though the potential prescience of the events leading up to Derryn's not-too-distant world is chilling), I connected with and got invested in both protagonists, and the ending felt satisfying and deeply resonant.
Through All Our Heavens by Olivia Hawker is a split narrative novel. One thread follows Helen Bywater throughout the American Civil War in the 1860s, as she struggles to keep her Southern estate running while also doing whatever she can to help the Northern cause. The other thread is set in 2053, after the US has split apart and is in the throes of another civil war. Derryn, an art historian is called behind the Blockade to study a cache of paintings that's been discovered - which seem to date back to the 1860s but depict scenes from the 2050s.
But it didn't proceed how I was expecting at all. The ways in which the two storylines connect are more thematic than actual, with both women taking parallel journeys within the turbulence of their respective times.
The themes themselves are explored and stated rather bluntly, with the author perhaps overexplaining her point throughout and both storylines felt a bit dragged out in the second half - but the writing is beautiful, both historical and futuristic settings are vivid and immersive (though the potential prescience of the events leading up to Derryn's not-too-distant world is chilling), I connected with and got invested in both protagonists, and the ending felt satisfying and deeply resonant.
March 10, 2026
Historical fiction and sci-fi in one book! These two timelines correspond with major sun flares that bring on coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in the mid 1800s and 2053. The settings: Richmond, Virginia, and a college town in Pennsylvania. The historical chapters revolve around a woman who is changed by experiencing the (actual) CME. She has had visions of the future and decides to free her slaves and to work against the South in the Civil War. The futuristic chapters feature a woman living on the west coast (Cascadia - now a separate nation on the North American Continent) who is recruited to help with the University's archives. The University is an oasis amid the Separatists - those who decry the use of technology. I enjoyed the intersecting stories, the history, and the speculation about the future.
The MFCs were well developed and interesting, more so the historical one, but both kept my attention.
The audiobook narration was clear, and I always knew where I was in time. I enjoyed listening to this story and recommend it.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #ThroughAllOurHeavens for review purposes. Pubication date: 17 March 2026.
The MFCs were well developed and interesting, more so the historical one, but both kept my attention.
The audiobook narration was clear, and I always knew where I was in time. I enjoyed listening to this story and recommend it.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #ThroughAllOurHeavens for review purposes. Pubication date: 17 March 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Helen lives in the mid 1800's, in a plantation house, owns slaves, all inherited from her parents. But she is for the abolishing of slavery, falls in love with a Union soldier. Seeing a vision she tries to record in her diary, but can't quite articulate, so she paints...
Darren lives in 2053 and the country is dived by tech and anti tech. With a solar flare approaching, powering down to protect the tech, and needing to reach her friend in New York City, she mush trek from a college she was visiting working on a cache of paintings, going through dangerous territory on the anti tech people, can she do it safely without her AI?
This was such a good story, the lessons, the testing, the characters. Separated by 200 years, we see that things are different, but yet, at its core, the very same.
Darren lives in 2053 and the country is dived by tech and anti tech. With a solar flare approaching, powering down to protect the tech, and needing to reach her friend in New York City, she mush trek from a college she was visiting working on a cache of paintings, going through dangerous territory on the anti tech people, can she do it safely without her AI?
This was such a good story, the lessons, the testing, the characters. Separated by 200 years, we see that things are different, but yet, at its core, the very same.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a clever way to contrast the past with future - though I would maintain it’s our present in the guise of the future. Setting two alternating stories in periods of war to show that time doesn’t eliminate our differences - there is always a quintessential connection between humanity.
The book alternates between 1859-1865 and 2053. For Helen Bywater, she is living through the civil war. For Derryn, an art historian, there a civil war raging too - some people want technology to end (as you read about the Survivors cult you feel shades of MAGA). Helen had left behind paintings that foreshadow the future and Derryn is intrigued. And then a solar flare disconnects technology. Their stories have similarities: struggles for personal
Independence and personal awakenings that urge each woman to create meaning.
As the author’s note indicates the two periods are connected because of a solar flare. This was first discovered during Helen’s life. This flare seems to have given the two a way to see each other.
I really struggled with this book. I felt as if two stories were being told and the connection just didn’t resonate. I would have preferred just one because when I read each story I felt a linear conclusion would have been better. Nonetheless there are many who will like the sci-fi elements in this story.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.
The book alternates between 1859-1865 and 2053. For Helen Bywater, she is living through the civil war. For Derryn, an art historian, there a civil war raging too - some people want technology to end (as you read about the Survivors cult you feel shades of MAGA). Helen had left behind paintings that foreshadow the future and Derryn is intrigued. And then a solar flare disconnects technology. Their stories have similarities: struggles for personal
Independence and personal awakenings that urge each woman to create meaning.
As the author’s note indicates the two periods are connected because of a solar flare. This was first discovered during Helen’s life. This flare seems to have given the two a way to see each other.
I really struggled with this book. I felt as if two stories were being told and the connection just didn’t resonate. I would have preferred just one because when I read each story I felt a linear conclusion would have been better. Nonetheless there are many who will like the sci-fi elements in this story.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was captivated by the novel's lyrical prose and the transcendent connection between two protagonists separated by centuries. During the Civil War, an artist living in Richmond struggles to capture the divine in a cruel and divided world. In the future, an art historian transfixed by art from centuries ago seeks meaning among the deep divisions of another kind. While their eras are vastly different, both characters share a vision—an obsessive search for beauty and connection that defies the limitations of their time. Hawker has created a cohesive, atmospheric tapestry that explores how a shared dream can bridge any divide.
March 23, 2026
This took me a few days to get into because the opening wasn't compelling to me and for the first third or so the two storylines are unbalanced.
Darrin's storyline is a bit boring and predictable at first. She is warned against almost everything she does, so it's hard to root for her when she finds herself in predicaments. I was much more invested in Helen's storyline. That said, her story eventually picks up and develop in an interesting way and the book wraps up nicely.
This was such a neat combination of historical fiction and sci-fi, and offered intriguing perspectives on historical events. I will be on the lookout for more from this author.
Jackie Zebrowski and Nicole Cash narrated the audiobook perfectly. The production was excellent.
Thanks to Brilliance Audio, NetGalley, and author Olivia Hawker for this audiobook to honestly review.
Darrin's storyline is a bit boring and predictable at first. She is warned against almost everything she does, so it's hard to root for her when she finds herself in predicaments. I was much more invested in Helen's storyline. That said, her story eventually picks up and develop in an interesting way and the book wraps up nicely.
This was such a neat combination of historical fiction and sci-fi, and offered intriguing perspectives on historical events. I will be on the lookout for more from this author.
Jackie Zebrowski and Nicole Cash narrated the audiobook perfectly. The production was excellent.
Thanks to Brilliance Audio, NetGalley, and author Olivia Hawker for this audiobook to honestly review.
April 5, 2026
Connections between worlds, my heart is now invested
While it took a few chapters for my attention to be full, when it took hold I couldn't stop reading. Helen and Derryn, of alternative times, transcend decades by experiencing strange celery events. Helen is immersed in the civil war as a Southern abolitionist, Derryn entrenched in a futuristic war over technology. Though their lived time spans close to 200 years, it seems perhaps humans haven't changed much at all. The entire story mirrors much of our current reality.
While it took a few chapters for my attention to be full, when it took hold I couldn't stop reading. Helen and Derryn, of alternative times, transcend decades by experiencing strange celery events. Helen is immersed in the civil war as a Southern abolitionist, Derryn entrenched in a futuristic war over technology. Though their lived time spans close to 200 years, it seems perhaps humans haven't changed much at all. The entire story mirrors much of our current reality.
April 5, 2026
Through All Our Heavens is written in the form of a dual timeline: past (Civil War era) and future (2053). Although Olivia Hawker is absolutely one of my favorite authors, and I did like the book, I didn't "love" the book. I did appreciate the integration of the similarities of the two time periods. The political undertones relative to today were there, but not so much as to divert from the core premises of the novel.
May 12, 2026
Such a good writer!
This is not my favorite Olivia Hawker book so far, but that is just due to personal preference. I wasn't that enthused about the subject material. I enjoyed the story about the modern day protagonist, even though she was unbelievably stupid at times. All in all, I really enjoy Olivia Hawker's books. She's one of the best writers I've run across in a long time.
This is not my favorite Olivia Hawker book so far, but that is just due to personal preference. I wasn't that enthused about the subject material. I enjoyed the story about the modern day protagonist, even though she was unbelievably stupid at times. All in all, I really enjoy Olivia Hawker's books. She's one of the best writers I've run across in a long time.
April 10, 2026
Review
An amazing uplifting book like none other I have ever read. Especially in this time of Trump and his lackeys and their warped views of everything. It gives us hope beyond measure and time. I am an old man now, soon to be 96 years old, but because of this book I can have the assurance that there are better days ahead, perhaps and likely not in my lifetime.
An amazing uplifting book like none other I have ever read. Especially in this time of Trump and his lackeys and their warped views of everything. It gives us hope beyond measure and time. I am an old man now, soon to be 96 years old, but because of this book I can have the assurance that there are better days ahead, perhaps and likely not in my lifetime.
May 4, 2026
Unique, Philosophical, and Imaginative
I have never read a book like this, and I enjoyed it very much. It looks at love and hate (born of fear) in the past and the future. We are all looking for connection, freedom, and love. By the light of the heavens and some extra magnetism, we can even connect across time.
I have never read a book like this, and I enjoyed it very much. It looks at love and hate (born of fear) in the past and the future. We are all looking for connection, freedom, and love. By the light of the heavens and some extra magnetism, we can even connect across time.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Read this one for a blurb and loved it! Using sublime worldbuilding and deep empathy, Olivia Hawker brilliantly weaves the moving tale of two strong women tied beyond time by art, war, and the heavens themselves. Utterly beautiful and highly recommended.
May 3, 2026
I love the way Olivia Hawker tells a story. She has the ability to transport the reader to the locations and times she’s describing.
This story is very timely and addresses concerns of people right here and now in our time.
I enjoyed reading this book.
This story is very timely and addresses concerns of people right here and now in our time.
I enjoyed reading this book.
May 7, 2026
Thought provoking story
Olivia is such a great storyteller, I always look forward to her next book.
This one, connecting 2 different historical time frames and building onto their evolving, but same issues, did not disappoint.
Olivia is such a great storyteller, I always look forward to her next book.
This one, connecting 2 different historical time frames and building onto their evolving, but same issues, did not disappoint.
March 29, 2026
Just like all of her books, this is a though provoking one…. What is this actually becomes a reality?
Did Not Finish
April 10, 2026Dnf
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