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Sundial

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As Sarah Miles drives down Eighteenth Street a stranger materializes in front of her car. She throws on her brakes, braces for impact and...drives straight through him. For a brief moment, his voice echoes in her head, "Saura." Then he's gone. Later that day, she discovers the SUNDIAL and her incredible journey through time begins.

387 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2001

60 people are currently reading
80 people want to read

About the author

Sandra Cox

63 books121 followers
Multi-published author Sandra Cox writes All Things Western and More. Sandra lives with her husband, a menagerie of pets, and an occasional foster cat in sunny North Carolina.

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5 stars
68 (62%)
4 stars
26 (24%)
3 stars
7 (6%)
2 stars
7 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Sally Cronin.
Author 23 books189 followers
February 22, 2025
I have read the many western romances by this author and have enjoyed those which also have a supernatural twist. Whilst waiting for Sandra Cox’s new release I thought I would sample some of her older books and selected Sundial with its intriguing concept.

Time travel has been well explored by writers over the centuries and this novel does a great job of combining not just the possibility of stepping back in time, but also the bond between two people that is so strong, they repeatedly meet each other over the centuries to rekindle their passion, even if each time a rift occurs which drives them apart.

This is the case for Sarah and Jesse as they clash once more in the 1830s during a pivotal time in Texas and the USA’s history. Whilst Sarah is aware of their past encounters, Jesse is oblivious to their shared history and can only focus on his immediate attraction this feisty woman, dressed in very strange clothes, who appears suddenly in the middle of a battle and is determined to get under his skin. Not to mention the cat clasped in her arms.

What follows is a wild adventure with danger, magic, alligators and plenty of romance and spicy encounters. There is a danger that history will repeat itself despite Sarah’s best efforts, and those of some other characters who feature in the story who offer their support and kindness. Some of whom held prominent positions in history such as Sam Houston.

It is fast paced with great locations such as New Orleans as a backdrop and the dangerous bayous which offer hideaways for villains and magicians alike.

I was engaged from the first page and whilst enjoying all the adventures and romance, was both intrigued and excited to find out if at last these two star-crossed lovers would finally get their act together. If you are looking for a romance with a difference, and enjoy a good old fashioned adventure story, then I highly recommend the book.
Profile Image for D.L. Finn.
Author 25 books304 followers
July 6, 2020
“The Sundial” is a fun time-traveling western. Although it started with a ghostly appearance, the story soon veered from modern-day to Texas in a historical setting. This is where it all fell together for me in the 1800s. I loved how strong Sarah was and spoke her mind, even if it got her into trouble. Jesse was a perfect counterbalance with his loyalty and stubbornness. Monet, the cat, joined Sarah on her journey, and he added in some fun along with his protectiveness. The history and slang were nicely mixed into the action. This is a love that not only crosses through time but many lives, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Profile Image for Christopher Denton.
107 reviews14 followers
April 18, 2021
This Time Traveler Doesn’t Go To Scotland

Sundial is an original time-travel romance. If you are tired of reading about plucky modern females with astounding medical skills finding themselves in ancient Scotland, you’ll enjoy this breath of fresh air.

The Opening

The opening is thrilling quickly introducing the main characters and establishing their time differences. It effectively hooks the reader.

The Characters

Sarah is an intriguing character. Her mastery of art makes her stand out, but it is her love for her orphaned niece that establishes her as a sympathetic character and makes her appealing to readers. However, she is a stubborn person, and this leads to some implausible situations.

Jesse is a true gentleman and an amazing soldier. However, he frequently makes implausible decisions given his knowledge, experience, and his broad range of very powerful and wealthy friends.

At times, this story was reminiscent of playing a multi-level video game. It seemed to be divided into different sections, and in each section, a new antagonist was introduced like a level boss. This antagonist was always introduced by the previous antagonist and proved to be much tougher, more powerful, and difficult to defeat than their predecessor. However, the sheik’s character arc felt incomplete by the end of the novel.

Hammer and Monnet were my favorite characters. They are both wonderful and added great comic relief to the story as it develops. Sam Houston was also marvelous.

The Plot

The main conflict changes as the story develops, and it typically involves defeating the current antagonist. The end resolution of the novel is satisfying, but I have some reservations.

Firstly, there is a strong implication that the final antagonist is somehow immortal and will be met as a new incarnation in every age. I can’t say exactly what happened without spoilers, but this piece of foreshadowing is not completely followed through on. There were two characters mentioned in the final chapters that might have related to this, but they were not expanded upon.

Then there are many implausible decisions made by the characters. Sarah is provided with evidence that she is in danger. This is very convincing evidence and proves to be true time and time again. Yet, despite the growing evidence and multiple experiences, she never takes steps to remove herself from said danger.

Jesse is an experienced man with lots of powerful friends, and he knows about the dangers, yet he never makes use of his friends to provide sufficient protection for Sarah. The opposite occurs. He often acts to place her in more danger. With the number of contacts and friends he has, there should never have been a danger.

The main antagonist at the center of the story, DuBonne acts illogically. He must understand that his actions will make him the target of the most powerful people in his area who have the resources to easily defeat him, yet he still does what he does.

The Setting

The historic setting was wonderful. It was great to see Sam Houston in action. The ranch at the end was inspired.

The magic system created by the author was interesting but, in some ways, inconsistent and difficult to comprehend logically. I’ll need to expand on this issue a little.

The main magical connection between Jesse and Sarah is that they have lived many lives and been reincarnated at the same time over and over through history. For Wheel of Time fans, that’s the same as Gaidal Cain and Birgitte Silverbow finding themselves spun back into the pattern time and time again by the Wheel of Time.

However, the entire focus of this time travel romance is time travel. On this occasion, the two protagonists have not been born at the same time in history. Why? What is the reason for their need to time travel on this occasion when they have been born at the same time in every other incarnation?

And what do the witches get out of this…Zienna and Occala? Typically, in this kind of story, the magicians have their own motivations. Why would they work their powerful magic for free? They should either have some philosophical reason to act (morality/religion) or some benefit (increased power/monetary remuneration).

At the end of the story, I didn’t feel that the reason that this time was different was adequately addressed. Especially the role of the “immortal” antagonist in the final chapters.

Two other small issues to add. On page 227, the sheik confuses Islamic and Buddhist traditions in an implausible way. On page 230, apparently, it is possible to render someone unconscious by hitting them on the chin.

The Prose

This story is generally well written. The story is shown rather than told and the prose is engaging and immersive. However, there were occasions during conversations when I lost track of who was speaking, which became confusing.

Part of this was due to times when one character would speak several short paragraphs in a row. They were correctly punctuated, but because they were short paragraphs, my mind kept thinking a new character had begun speaking.

I didn’t like the occasional bit of head-hopping that occured in the story or interpretations mentioned that didn’t appear to be backed up by actions. For example, on page 150, Jesse thinks about how Hammer has become confused about something. However, instead of showing us Hammer coming to this confusing conclusion, we are told it through Jesse’s thoughts with no detailing of the proof leading up to his deduction.

There were a few other occasions when short snippets of the story became told rather than shown for no obvious reason. For example, on page 54 there is a dream sequence, and then we are told that this dream would repeat itself night after night ahead.

This is an occasion when the narrative deviates from the here and now and from the specific to the general. Why? It loses some of its power by being presented in this way.

There are a few tiny errors in the formatting of this book. For example, on page 31, the sentence: And why had he had felt her presence… And the last paragraph of page 302 is repeated in full at the start of page 303.

My Opinion

Despite some of the issues I raised in this review, I really did enjoy this time travel romance. It is action packed and takes us into an interesting historic period where we meet fascinating people.

I rate it as 7 out of 10, which will translate to 4 out of 5 on Goodreads and Amazon. If you enjoy time-travel romance, this is a must read.
Profile Image for Balroop Singh.
Author 14 books82 followers
August 16, 2019
Sundial by Sandra Cox is a fine combination of time travel, fantasy and romance. It flows forward at an amazing pace despite some historical and cultural details. This captivating story would keep you guessing at a number of places with some action-packed scenes that have been described with panache. Sub-plot is intricately laid out and presented brilliantly. I really liked the fresh perspective of time travel, Sarah’s yearning to meet somebody who has been hers through all the eras and the way she deals with the challenges she faces. Cox knows how to keep negativity out of the story, as she delights you with the unexpected. What irritated me at places was Monet.

Sandra’s characters are crafted well but what I enjoyed the most was Jesse Adams, the brave hero, reckless yet tender-hearted – a typical trait of a romantic hero! It is his charisma and strong will-power that adds charm to the story. Without his presence of mind and wisdom, Sarah could have got lost in an unknown land. Hammer would win your heart with his unconditional loyalty. I enjoyed this feel-good book and highly recommend it. I wish we could have our own sundial in our backyard!
Profile Image for Stefan McElvain.
Author 50 books39 followers
March 27, 2020
Loved it.
A well written time travelling romance. Jesse and Sarah keep meeting throughout time, but fate always interferes, and they are pulled apart. Will this time be any different?

Sarah is transported from modern day to the time of the Alamo and is rescued from a battlefield...by Jesse. Romance flares. Figures from history...Sam Houston...are interwoven in an exciting story that centers in New Orleans...and magic.
Sarah returns to the present. Will Jesse believe this time around and follow her?

Loved the story. The characters are real life, and I was routing for Jesse to take that leap of faith.


This is one story you must add to your to-be-read list. It's long...but you won't be able to put it down.
Profile Image for Millie Thom.
Author 13 books102 followers
September 29, 2025
I’m a big fan of books involving time travel, and Sundial is no exception, especially as it covers a period of US history that I knew little about. The story is very well plotted and written, with a cast of interesting characters that kept me engrossed throughout.

The story opens with a strange incident involving the sudden appearance of a dark-haired stranger in outdated clothing appearing from nowhere in front of the moving car of talented and successful artist Sarah Miles – and her car passing right through him. Disconcerting as this near-miss was, the name of Saura whispered through her mind…

So the story of the long-lasting love affair of Saura/Sarah Miles and Jesse Adams continues, an affair that has spanned centuries. With the aid of a sundial, Sarah and her pet cat, Monet, are transported from present day Lafayette in Louisiana back to 1830’s New Orleans, the time of the Alamo and the Texan battles for independence from Mexico. As Sarah and Jesse’s love affair is rekindled, we are given a look at life in New Orleans at that time and, as complicated as the love affair is, a series of dangers puts their relationship to the test. Alligators and snakes in the bayou, a lustful sheik and the dangerous streets of New Orleans with its thieves and cutthroats present just a few of these dangers.

The central characters, Sarah and Jesse, are well portrayed, and their story is supported by some great minor characters, among them the simple-minded Hammer, a Voodoo Woman, and a lustful sheik. Sarah’s cat, Monet, is an almost constant presence and proves to be ready to protect her when the need arises.

There is plenty of action in this story, with interesting characters, good and bad, and I found it a very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for D. Peach.
Author 24 books176 followers
December 27, 2021
Sarah Miles is a contemporary woman who travels back in time and finds herself in the company of Jesse Adams at the battle of the Alamo. The two of them have a connection that transcends time, and the attraction is instant, though they don’t understand what’s happening. They end up in New Orleans where Sarah starts making a life for herself as a painter. Despite how much she loves Jesse, she knows eventually she’ll need to leave him and return to her own time… losing him once again.

This is a western romance and an easy read with accessible characters and a straightforward plot despite the time travel. Cox includes bits of American history, and she creates an accurate feel for the time without heavy descriptions.

A variety of kind and diabolical characters populate the story, including a voodoo practitioner, kidnappers, and an Arabian sheik intent on purchasing women. Needless to say, there’s plenty of action in the bayou. The third-person POV pops around a little between Sarah and Jesse with other characters making cameos as necessary. The pace is moderate overall with an extended wrap-up in the end.

There isn’t explicit sex or gratuitous violence, so this book is fine for YA readers. Sarah’s cat, Monet, time-travels with her and plays an entertaining part in the story. Though not particularly plausible, some readers will enjoy the cat’s persistent presence. I most liked the premise of relationships surviving multiple lives, as well as the adjustments the characters needed to make when living in unfamiliar eras. Recommended for readers of western time-travel romance.
Profile Image for Linda.
253 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2022
What if you lost your soul mate time after time after time throughout history? What if you finally had a chance to keep them and live a lifetime of love and happiness? What if all it took was to believe in the supernatural? Would you do it?
21st century Sarah travels back to the Battle of San Jacinto and meets sinfully handsome Jesse Adams. Sarah comes to realize that he is a man that she has loved and lost throughout history. Jesse, on the other hand, is drawn to Sarah but doesn't understand or trust his attraction. When Sarah is kidnapped with the intent to sell her into white slavery, Jesse must come to terms with his feelings and that Sarah has known him before.
Profile Image for Zea Perez.
Author 10 books58 followers
September 21, 2025
SUNDIAL by Sandra Cox
A Book Review by AZP
September 2025

A delightful, time-traveling tale!

A delightful, time-traveling tale, featuring inspirational glimpses of historical events happening in the 1836 Texan Revolution, peeks of the lives of its heroes, heroines and the heroism of the people and some previews of the lives of Black American of the time period.

Fantastically weaved in time-traveling and splashes of romantic entanglement between the main characters, where and when time and space undulate as the two lovers rediscover and rekindle the lost love and bond in the past, that is timeless - a promise of eternity.

An entertaining read! Highly recommended!
Profile Image for J.Q. Rose.
Author 14 books34 followers
April 29, 2018
Lately, I have been reading time travels, so when I noticed this book was a "time travel," I downloaded it, and I was delighted I did! Sarah travels back in time to Texas during the Sam Houston era. The portal to take her there was a sundial, a unique way to slip into another time. The love story and action-filled pages kept me reading. I recommend it to romantics and history buffs.
77 reviews
May 18, 2018
Time travel romance

Totally enjoyed getting to know the characters Jesse and Sarah. Sarah goes to the past to find her one and only. The characters have many lives where they don’t quite connect. At first she doesn’t connect with Jesse because he looks different than she expects. After many adventures all becomes right.
Profile Image for Holly.
1,470 reviews11 followers
March 2, 2019
I can’t believe there aren’t more reviews for this book. I enjoy time travel romance and this is one of the best I’ve read! The characters were unique and well developed and most were very likable. The story was set in modern day and historical America which were well described so I could visualize them. I loved the ending. Well done!
Profile Image for Dani .
1,073 reviews15 followers
abandoned
March 17, 2020
**Abandoned at 13%**

The heroine is thrown back to 1836 in the midst of a battle at the Alamo in Texas. I didn't stick with the book long enough to see if the entire story would take place on the battlefield, but I generally shy away from war stories so I gave up on it. I enjoyed the writing style, however, so I plan to try another book by Sandra Cox.
Profile Image for Barbara  Daniels Dena.
628 reviews31 followers
July 13, 2023
Stunning entertainment

Sandra Cox is most certainly the current top notch lady western scribe. She never fails to provide an entertaining read with the right amount of "what is going to happen next" page turning fun. I especially enjoyed the addition of Monet and Hammer to this story. Write faster Sandra.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,085 reviews5 followers
October 12, 2019
Sundial

Who would know that a touch of a sundial could take you into the past or even take you to the future. Sandra Cox writes this book Sundial with adventure and mystery. I recommend anyone that likes to read time travel romance to definitely read this.
3,598 reviews16 followers
March 6, 2020
Once again this author has a awesome book!

Loved this book! From dropping into the battlefield to the last chapter it was incredibly intertwined and beautifully written! A great storyline!
Profile Image for Laura Simmons.
Author 23 books284 followers
July 24, 2020
This was a fun time travel story with lots of action and surprises. I loved all of the characters and thought they were well-developed. I thought using a sundial as a means to travel through time was clever and unique! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will read more by Sandra Cox.
Profile Image for Andrea.
772 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2017
The time travel aspect was good, but Sarah was an annoying character.
370 reviews
February 25, 2017
Two stars

I enjoy time travel books but this one was " just ok" for me...it was a very easy read for an evening in.
Profile Image for Kristen Staubitz.
83 reviews4 followers
February 23, 2017
Started kind of slow and confusing. Took about 12 chapters before it made sense enough for me to care about finishing. Almost gave up but glad I didn't. Cute fluffy time travel novel.
Profile Image for Stephanie Faris.
Author 153 books100 followers
September 14, 2016
In Sundial, a sundial transports a woman back in time, to a place where she meets a man named Jesse, whom she keeps confusing for "Aaron." She can't explain her confusion, but she follows him through adventure after adventure. He also feels there's something familiar about her...but to find out the rest, you'll have to read the book! With unforgettable characters and rich historic detail, this is one time-travel romance you'll have a hard time putting down
Profile Image for Ellemh.
29 reviews3 followers
April 19, 2017
I liked it but...

I enjoyed reading this book. I liked the characters and the premise, but this whole book feels rushed. It's always jumping to the next thing. All those gratifying moments readers wait for and crave are skipped.
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