Into a Golden Era

Timeless #7

by Gabrielle Meyer

As a time crosser, Ally lives in two worlds. In 1849, in an attempt to secure her family's future during the California Gold Rush, she finds herself penniless and stranded in San Francisco. Forced to take shelter in a dangerous boardinghouse owned by an infamous gang member, Ally is desperate to escape. But when she discovers that history has changed around her, and it now claims she will do something unthinkable, she must use her time-crossing knowledge to find answers.

In 1929 California, Ally is an up-and-coming starlet in the Golden Age of Hollywood, but her family's film studio is on the brink of ruin, and their remaining resources are invested into a production of Little Women. If the endeavor fails, Ally's family will lose everything. To ensure their success, she agrees to stage a fake romance with a notorious Hollywood heartthrob in hopes of using his fame for their movie, but she risks her heart in the process. When history doesn't play by the rules, Ally must decide if she will throw all caution aside and risk everything for the people she loves. But which path will be worth sacrificing to save the other? 

Bestselling author Gabrielle Meyer weaves a spellbinding tale where one woman's impossible choice will determine not just her fate, but the course of history itself.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Time Travel, Christian, Romance, Historical

379 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2026

About the author

Gabrielle Meyer grew up above a carriage house on a historic estate near the banks of the Mississippi River, imagining real and make-believe stories about the occupants who had lived there. She went on to work for the Minnesota Historical Society and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River, not far from where she grew up, with her husband and four children. By day, she’s a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and non-fiction filled with hope. Learn more about Gabrielle and her writing by visiting www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Reviews

[Natalie]

The way I GASPED ALOUD when I saw how GORGEOUS this cover is...

[Keisha | A Book Like You · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve reached the point in this series where I find it incredibly difficult to rank the books from my favorite to least favorite. What I can say, though, is that I’ll be at a loss without these stories once the series completes. Thankfully, we still have 3 more to go!

My favorite things about this particular story were the romance / sacrificial love displayed, the faith (especially a recounting of Moses’ brother and friend helping keep his arms raised in battle in the OT), and (surprisingly) a specific time period that held history I didn’t know as much about and characters that became some of my favorites. I would love to say more, but I’d be getting into spoiler territory so I’ll refrain.

Here is my current ranking of books in the series. For now, this book is sharing a spot with Book 3.

4, 5, 3 + 7, 1, 2, 6

[Courtney | Bookish Beach Babe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I sound like a broken record every time I review one of these books, but I’m dead serious when I say Gabrielle has done it again. This one is also my new favorite. I was immediately sucked into this story. The stakes are high from the very beginning and I couldn’t get enough of the back and forth.

The connections and the way everything works out in the end had my head spinning. I love how it all tied together at the end. The romance in this was so so good. It made my belly swoop and my heart melt. The fierce protectiveness of our main man left me in a puddle.

It was so much fun learning about the gold rush and also early cinema in Hollywood. Gabrielle always does such a phenomenal job of mixing fact and fiction and making it so interesting. I loved reconnecting with beloved characters from past books and seeing how they fit into everything. I will never stop gushing about or recommending this series to people.

Content: mild violence, kisses

Thanks to Gabrielle Meyer, Bethany House and Great Reads Book Promo for a gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.

[Brittanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed with the Timeless series! ✨Time crossing, impossible choices, danger, romance, history you live and characters you love! Every book pulls you in deeper.

⌛️Ally’s gift of time crossing drops her into two wildly different lives and somehow both feel impossible to leave behind. 🔥 In 1849 Gold Rush California, there’s Sam: noble, tough, mysterious, and unfairly charming. ✨Then in 1929 glam Hollywood, there’s Spencer: actor, scoundrel, walking disaster, and impossible to resist.

And yes, this book delivers forced proximity twice. 👏One man teaches Ally to cook, the other desperately needs her help to straighten out his life. Meanwhile Ally is risking not just history, but her own heart.🌟

“He’s falling in love with you, Ally.”

🫣The timeline struggles were SO good. 🪵Would you stay in 1849 helping your destitute and ailing family survive the Gold Rush? 🎥Or choose 1929, in the golden age of Hollywood helping your family’s failing film studio right before the Great Depression? How can these books can make you feel so torn?!?

✨This series never misses when it comes to storytelling, and this one is up there with my favourites. The suspense in these books may stop your heart, but I’m happy to report I survived once again. Compared to the Jack the Ripper book, this one feels a little cozier while still keeping the stakes high and the pages flying.

👉 History, faith, romance, danger, impossible choices, twists and two men competing for readers’ hearts across time? Absolutely loved it. Excited for the next book to come out in 2027 😭

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! This is the 7th book in the series! This story centers around Ally. Ally lives in 1849 and 1929. In 1849, she meets Sam Kendal who she has read about in 1929, said to be part of an infamous gang. In 1929, she is a movie star and her parents own the studio she works for. She also gets into a fake dating situation with a fellow actor Spencer Hayes, who has a reputation in need of fixing. I really enjoyed this story! I loved Ally and her two timeline settings. One timeline is portrayed more than the other, which is intentional, and I loved that one more so I was happy about it. I loved how much Ally cares and is willing to sacrifice for those she mobes Like always this author throws in little twists here and there to keep you wondering. I loved seeing characters from previous books again! There is also great Christian content! Can’t wait for the next one! Overall, this story is GOLDEN, and I loved it! I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley . All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Marina Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I accidentally spoiled which timeline Ally would choose before I even started this book, this was still SO good! I loved the 2 era’s! Lots of twists I didn’t expect.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book (I love this whole series), but only four stars because this was one of the ones where the ending was hard for me. (I base A LOT of my star rating on the ending of a book.) This was well-written (as always); great characters, realistic and sympathetic; the timelines were well-presented and I felt immersed in the worlds... But the ending... There were certain things about it that I definitely loved, but there were other things I wish had played out differently. That's likely related to my own personal preference for certain characters and settings in general; but still, when I finished this book, I had a bit of a melancholy feeling--not like an uplifted or happy heart. So four stars.

Also: STOP. DO NOT READ THIS UNLESS YOU'VE READ ALL THE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES. THIS IS A SERIES SPOILER. STOP. This is my one big complaint about this series...And maybe I am remembering wrong, maybe someone will reply and let me know I have totally forgotten some exceptions to this complaint! But right now, I feel a little bit like the magic of this series has worn off. The endings are becoming predictable; it feels like the heroine always picks the timeline in the past. She never stays in the more modern time. And I don't know if that's some kind of ideological statement—elevating earlier times, anti-modernity, "things were better back then," etc.—but the predictability has taken a bit of the magic out of the books for me. The earlier stories were so compelling, partly because there was so much uncertainty. I'm missing that now, I guess.

[Harper Lallathin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK!! I didn’t expect to because with these books you know what is going to happen after the first 2 chapters.

Even though I knew who she was going to stay with in the first few chapters, I didn’t know how it was going to happen!!

I love Spencer’s humor and Sam’s kindness!!!

I love how at one point Katherine mentioned Austen
🤭🫰🏼😏💗😙

I hated the 6th book so I think I liked this one even more because of that

Recommend🫰🏼💗🫰🏼
4⭐️

[Holly Pick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a surprise that this timeless book is a 5 star read for me! The way Gabrielle makes each book new and fresh is amazing! And they’re each set in such different times but meticulously researched and it just makes you feel as if you are there! At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about the book when I first heard it advertised because I couldn’t figure out who Ally was! But as soon as we saw the timeline in the front and knew who she was I was so excited to read about her and I adored both timelines and characters in each! Ugh so good! I wish I made it last longer than two days but I couldn’t help myself!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely binged this one and read it in the matter of a few sittings over 2 days. And it is the 7th in a series! Never ceases to amaze me really how Gabrielle does it! Definitely up there with some of my favorites throughout the series and may contain my most favorite love interest yet.

[Emily Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a Timeless book, I’m so impressed with the story telling. I loved this story and I’m sad that I have to wait a year for book 8.

[Laura Fincher · Rating 5 out of 5]

"True love is the daily dying to yourself, ensuring the comfort and well-being of the one you love, even if that means sacrificing your own wants and desires."

I didn't think this series could get any better. I was wrong! From the very first page, I was completely drawn into Ally's world, both in 1849 and 1929. It was such a whirlwind of history and adventure. I didn't realize how little I knew about the Gold Rush and Hollywood during the 1920s, with the innovation of sound in movies. It was so much fun going on set with Ally and her family, and her fake relationship with a fellow movie star really added some glamour to the plot.

As always, Gabrielle breaks your heart little by little and makes you wonder if a Happily Ever After will ever be possible. I'm glad to say that she totally delivered a beautifully unpredictable ending. And the foreshadowing for the next book made me SO excited! (There is also some fun ties to the Timeless Family Tree).

Read if you enjoy:
Historical Romance
Christian Fiction
Fake Dating
Forced Proximity

*Thank you SO much to Great Reads Promotions, Bethany House Fiction, and Gabrielle Meyer for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is at once a warm, cozy blanket I get to return to after a long day at work and also an edge of my seat, surprising thrill ride. I adored the Little Women plot thread in this one. Both time periods, 1849 and 1929 are brimming over with intrigue and action. The overarching faith theme is that God is always with us in the valleys of life and is refining us through it all.

As always, this book is the perfect blend of historical fiction, mystery, and romance. I simply cannot get enough of this series and eagerly await the next installment. Thank you, Gabrielle Meyer for the opportunity to read the book ahead of publication!

[Marlene Protzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been anticipating this release for months, so I was genuinely excited to step back into the world of the Time Crossers again 😃 Gabrielle Meyer has created such a unique and engaging concept with this series, and returning to it always feels a little like coming home.

While this one didn’t end up being a personal favorite in the series for me, I still found it to be a solid and enjoyable read overall.

One thing Meyer consistently does well is crafting interesting time periods, and that definitely shines here. The 1920s Hollywood setting was easily one of the highlights for me. Seeing the rise of “talkies” and the changing landscape of the film industry added such a fun dynamic to the story. There’s something inherently glamorous and fascinating about Old Hollywood, and I loved getting to experience that world through a Time Crosser storyline. Pairing that with the Gold Rush era was also an intriguing concept on paper and gave the book a different feel from previous installments in the series.

That said, the Gold Rush storyline itself ended up being where the book struggled the most for me.

I kept waiting for that era to feel deeply essential to the plot, but instead it felt more like a convenient mechanism to move the story forward. The entire gold retrieval process happened a little too smoothly for my liking. Her family in the 1920s desperately needs money, so she travels to a location where she already knows gold exists, finds it fairly easily, deposits it without major complications, and is then able to access it later with little issue. Because of how neatly everything came together, a lot of the tension and emotional payoff was lost for me.

And honestly, the gold itself didn’t even seem to significantly change the outcome in the end, which made the entire storyline feel less impactful. It almost felt as though the historical setting could have been swapped out for something entirely different and the overall story still would have played out largely the same way. Aside from her growing relationship with the MMC from that era, I never fully felt why the Gold Rush setting specifically mattered to the core of the story.

Another thing that didn’t fully work for me was the romance balance between the two male leads. The Hollywood-era MMC especially felt underdeveloped compared to the other love interest. One relationship naturally carried more emotional depth and investment, so it became difficult not to root for that storyline instead. Because of that imbalance, some of the ending decisions didn’t fully land emotionally for me. The resolution almost felt too casual considering the emotional stakes that had been built throughout the book.

I also personally felt like there were a lot of Time Crossers involved this time around. Some readers may love the expanding connections and overlapping stories, but for me it occasionally made the narrative feel crowded.

As for Bess’s storyline, many of the reveals and developments felt fairly predictable early on. That isn’t always a bad thing, but it did lessen some of the emotional impact for me personally because I felt like I could see where things were headed well before they arrived there.

Still, despite my critiques, there were definitely exciting moments woven throughout the story. The fire scenes brought real tension and urgency, and the involvement of the Sydney Ducks added danger and intrigue that helped pull me back in during slower sections. Meyer also continues to excel at weaving faith naturally into her stories. One of my favorite aspects of this entire series is how trust in God, purpose, and faithfulness remain central themes. That heart is still very much present here, and I appreciated that deeply.

Overall, Into the Golden Era may not have captivated me quite as strongly as some of the earlier books in the series, but it was still an enjoyable return to the world of the Time Crossers. Even when one installment isn’t my favorite, I still love seeing how different characters navigate impossible choices across timelines, relationships, and callings. Gabrielle Meyer continues to create imaginative, faith-filled historical fiction that keeps me invested in this world, and I’m still excited to see where the series goes next.

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know what the worst part of reading a Timeless book is? Other than when it ends, I mean?

Writing a review that does the book any semblance of justice without giving anything away.

Here's my attempt with Into a Golden Era...

This is a book that I found myself reading slower and slower toward the end because I just did not want it to be over. I kept finding excuses to get up or to put the book down just to make it last a teensy bit longer.

This is also a book (like each of the other Timeless books) that really made me think. In particular, this line:

Oh shoot. I went to quote it, but that might give something away. So you'll just have to trust me on this.

Suffice it to say that I just can't get enough of these books, and I didn't want this one to end.

~I received a complimentary copy, but also bought another copy, so...no review was required.~

[Tawni Suchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The faith in this book was done excellently. As usual.
Ally was a super likable character torn between two time periods with losses with whatever choice she made.
I found myself more drawn to the 1800s timeline and gobbling up all of the rich historical details. Meyers writes in a way that makes you feel like you're a part of the scene, and I felt that way through much of the book.
If you're looking for a faith filled time travel romance, look no further than this series!

RATINGS
✝️✝️✝️
💋
16+

*I received an advanced, complimentary copy of this book but all opinions are my own.

[Alicia (aliciasbooksanctuary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OVERALL STAR RATING: 6/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5

This book series is the gift that just keeps on giving! Each book has been so incredibly immersive…truly bringing to life periods in history that aren’t as frequently written about. I was extra excited about this release as I had a serious fascination learning about the Gold Rush way back in 5th grade. That coupled with the fact that I am California born and raised, I knew this would be an interesting read. The Timeless series never disappoints and as much as I try to guess what’s coming, the last third of the story always leaves my jaw on the ground in shock with all the twists and turns. I know Gabrielle is signed for 10 books in this series, but I’m already mourning the fact that we only have three more to go. I’m begging you Bethany House Fiction – please make it 20! Lol Not only are these incredibly entertaining, but they are SO highly educational as well - they really do open your eyes to our nation’s past.

Ally is a time-crosser living in both 1849 San Francisco during the Gold Rush and Los Angeles in 1929 during the Golden Age of Hollywood. In both time periods she is desperate to carve a path for a successful future. Challenges in both years are incredibly heavy, and she bares the weight on her shoulders. With her unique gift of time crossing and the ability to know how certain events in history play out in the future, she is determined to utilize this knowledge to forever change her and her family’s lives without changing history itself. She not only risks her life but risks her heart in so many ways. Both timelines bring fast-paced action, suspense and moments that will leave you grabbing for tissue. Ally is a woman of strength, determination and is ready to sacrifice whatever she finds necessary to protect those she loves.

To Gabrielle Meyer – I am so grateful for your incredible gift of writing! This series continues to bring unexplainable amounts of joy to myself, my husband and all the friends and family we’ve recommended it to.

*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary

[Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy for review.

The newest book in the popular Timeless series was another innovative and engaging story! This series follows time crossers who live simultaneous lives across two different time periods and at a certain age have to choose which timeline they’ll stay in and which to give up forever.

Into a Golden Era is book 7 of the series and is split between 1849 San Francisco during the Gold Rush and 1929 during the Golden Age of Hollywood. It was so interesting to see the similarities and differences between the two time periods when they are directly next to each other and to see the way experiences in one timeline affected the other. Fans of Little Women will also appreciate the way that story is woven between both timelines ☺️.

It always amazes me how the author can use the same basic concept in each book of the series but twist it in new ways to make each book unique and leave you wondering how everything is going to work out. This new book had some wonderful twists and turns as well as a cast of characters that I loved. The author always does thorough research to prepare for these books and that really shone through in each timeline without bogging the story down. I was excited to get to the author’s note at the end and learn more about the true history.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Timeless series by Gabrielle Meyer is one of my favorites and Book 7 was just as engaging as all the others.

Ally spends one day in Northern California in the 1849 Gold Rush era and the next day in Southern California in the Golden Age of Hollywood in 1929. Alternating would be a fascinating way to live, but it always creates dilemmas, as families, relationships, and other factors come into play. She has a deadline to decide which path to live in permanently and my anxiety was sky high with all the twists and turns that surfaced as she got closer to that decision.

I utterly adored Ally and was intrigued by both of her life situations in each era. I especially loved how they are both connected to the word “gold.”

I couldn’t decide where I wanted Ally to land and how I wanted things to work out, but you better believe I was bewitched with everything about this story. Each and every one leaves me in awe and surprised, yet wholly satisfied. I learn bits of real history, but the spins with fiction are literally mind bending.

Meyer is a wonder at delving into such interesting time periods in the most enthralling of ways. I can’t get enough and never want this series to end.

Content: mild moments of peril; mild religion; mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Adrianna | cozycraftyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely fabulous continuation of the series. With a storyline that hooks you from the beginning, it’s one that was nearly impossible for me to put down. I may have even read it in a day, what can I say?

Jumping between two timelines, the California Gold Rush in the 1800s and 1920s Hollywood, I loved how the two times seamlessly wove together. It was easy for me to stay invested in both periods, and I was excited to see how it would play out. I was also curious to see where the story went, and it kept me guessing. I found the ending to be better than what I anticipated!

As always, Gabrielle Meyer was able to weave in God and faith into the storyline as well. It played an important role, adding much to the story too.

Also, I can’t say it enough, but the way the two stories were able to cross and affect each other, yet still staying separate? So clever and well done. I don’t want to give spoilers, but there were nuggets (pun intended) that helped bring other stories and characters into it, in a way, that I absolutely loved.

So if you haven’t checked out this series yet, I highly recommend it. It’s one I’d definitely read in order, as once you reach this stunning novel it adds so much depth. As you could probably tell, this one is also now a favorite of mine too.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from Gabrielle Meyer, Bethany House Fiction, and Great Reads Book Promotion. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Bethany House and Gabrielle Meyer for a gifted copy.

SO GOOD.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK

Make a notch for this one in the five star column for this series. I figured out what generally determines a five star in this series for me is when I have a hard time predicting where the it’s going to go. And for Ally? Yeah I had no idea.

I loved that the trail of clues was different and the reveals had me wondering if things were going to be okay (which they were!!). I felt satisfied about the plot and romance and how it all came together. The romance was soft and endearing and I love a redemptive arc. Both timelines had me enthralled and I liked the stories going in both. Not knowing a whole lot about either was fun for me because now I want to go research more. There were also a few nuanced plot things that I enjoyed

Gabrielle Meyer continues to amaze with the research and attention to detail. The light faith elements are woven in seamlessly and even seven books in, I can’t wait for another one.

Overall audience notes:
- Historical romance
- Language: none
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: moderate
- Content warnings: attempted assault, loss of life, attempted murder, physical altercations

[Nikki Akerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is very dear to me. I read these books in haste because I just eat up every word. Both time periods were completely intriguing and I don’t think there was one moment when I was not invested. I’m sad it’s over and that I have to wait till 2027 for the next one. Can the series go on forever?!🙏

[Joanna Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I even opened this book, I knew it was going to give it 5 stars. Gabrielle's ability to write something fresh and unique every time has never failed to amaze me, and this story was no exception.

[Meghan W. (Bookswithmegh) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5☆!! Review soon!!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

San Francisco 1849 and Hollywood 1929.
Ally Adams is the time-crossing heroine who is trying to help her families in each life before she makes her choice. In 1929 she is a famous actress and in 1849 she convinces her father to go to California during the Gold Rush. This was an engaging story that was easy to read. As always, the dual timeline keeps the plot moving at a quick pace.

[Jenna Potjer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. One of the timelines didn't interest me as much this time.

[Abigail G. Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 — I genuinely do not know how Meyer does it, but I never know how these books are going to turn out. This book was such a good time and escape from life’s stressors. I loved Sam so much!

[Berly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always 5 stars for this series.

This is the 7th book in the Timeless series. It is a Christian historical / time travel romance. Read them in order.

I never want to know ANYTHING about one of these books before I start it. Not the time periods, not the characters, nothing. So this review will not mention those things.

This book felt more like the first books in the series to me. The last couple of books were a little different to me. Maybe it had to do with the fact that I listen to all of them and those had a different narrator. This one felt familiar with Rachel Botchan's narration.

I also appreciate the author note being included in the audiobook. I love hearing Gabrielle Meyer's thinking in those.

Unitl summer 2027...

[Dawn T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still like this serious but it is getting pretty convoluted. And the religious overtones sometimes seem to be more heavy-handed.
Three and a half ⭐️s and I will read the next.

[Shelby Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ Rating: ♾️ she breaks the scale always
🔥 Spice: kisses, closed door
📚 Genre: historical fiction & romance
⚠️ Caution: mention/scenes of death

The story follows Ally through 1849 and 1929!! I love so many things about this book. I learned a bit about the years & history of those times! Very interesting. I don’t think I knew anything about the gold rush to be honest!

The male character, Sam, is such a diverse character and has so much depth! He also brought so much wit and humor to small moments. The best thing about Gabe’s stories are that no character is too “minor” or small. They all play such a unique roll and she does a phenomenal job at tying up so many scenes & people and making it feel so real! Goshhhh. I’ll die on the hill that @gabrielle_meyer is a literary genius 😅🌟🤯

Book 8 doesn’t come til next summer 😭 anybody wanna reread?! 🤪

If you like… ⏳
* time travel romance
* old Hollywood glamour
* the California Gold Rush
* dual timelines
* impossible choices
* clean romance
* slow burns
* faith-filled fiction
* cinematic historical settings
* found family
* emotional longing