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Violet
ASIN B01NBY2T4U moved to the most recent edition
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Fran is a successful single woman with friends, a social life, and a bookshop. If there is anything she feels is lacking - well there is always time for that later. She's content, even if she hasn't found the right woman yet.
That's what she thinks, until she's knocked unconscious.
Fran wakes up in a life straight out of the past; it's early in the 20th century - a completely different world for her to navigate. With no bearings set, she's whisked off to the coast as companion to a troubled cousin Violet, not knowing if she can trust this artistic and passionate woman, whose love for life is breaking.
Stranded in this old world, Fran must come to terms with being the same person in a different time, and build a life she can accept.
But it's 1916, there's Violet, and there's one big question - could love be what life's all about?
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Fran is a successful single woman with friends, a social life, and a bookshop. If there is anything she feels is lacking - well there is always time for that later. She's content, even if she hasn't found the right woman yet.
That's what she thinks, until she's knocked unconscious.
Fran wakes up in a life straight out of the past; it's early in the 20th century - a completely different world for her to navigate. With no bearings set, she's whisked off to the coast as companion to a troubled cousin Violet, not knowing if she can trust this artistic and passionate woman, whose love for life is breaking.
Stranded in this old world, Fran must come to terms with being the same person in a different time, and build a life she can accept.
But it's 1916, there's Violet, and there's one big question - could love be what life's all about?
243 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2017
35 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Lily Hammond
4 books37 followersLily Hammond writes lesbian historical and time travel romances. She also writes contemporary and other lesbian fiction as Kate Genet and Ana McKenzie.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 10, 2018
So here we have review #500. When I joined Goodreads - this month exactly 3 years ago – I wasn’t planning on writing them at first (and in the beginning I didn’t), but after a while I would look at certain books in my finished pile and think… ‘did I really read this? I can’t remember what it was about’. So I began to write reviews to remind myself what I liked (or disliked) about a book. Then I got better at it and started to write reviews not only for myself but also to share them with my Goodreads friends. I found their reviews instrumental for picking good books and I wanted to contribute to that.
Okay, let’s talk about Violet by Lily Hammond. It was a nicely paced historical romance with a time travel theme. I love time travel so that was the main reason to delve into this. To experience a historical setting through the eyes of the character as they fall down the rabbit hole and have to adjust to their new world. That part of me didn’t find this read very satisfying because the historical details were so sparse it wasn’t enough to transport me there.
I found Fran adjusting to her 1916 surroundings a bit too easily. As a modern woman (from 2016) I feel she would struggle much more than she did. I have seen Youtube videos from this woman who dresses in authentic period clothing from various eras and what always gets me is how freaking much clothing women actually wore. Layers upon layers upon layers! It would drive me absolutely bonkers. But Fran goes from wearing jeans to corseted dresses and hats like it’s no big deal. I would have loved more detail here.
I had some trouble believing these two young women would travel unchaperoned to a remote place and stay there for three months… during war time. And then when they flee to London and after that cross over to France (without any papers!) where the war is really happening I was jonesing for the author to give me more details to savor… but alas, apart from a lot of young soldiers on the station she didn’t give me much.
Maybe it’s a bit of a personal pet peeve, I don’t know. The author also quotes a lot of poetry (like 4 or 5). That certainly annoys me just as much as when they quote song lyrics. Ugh! And I could smack Fran upside the head when she answered Violet’s every question with a question. You do? I am? You think? We are?.... but like I said that’s just personal nit picking.
So, the romance part is fine all be it of the insta variety. The time travel plot has a nice twist, I just wished the author wrote more detailed than she did.
f/f
Themes: a lot happens in one week, I want to go to Paris, but there is a war going on, yeah but we should be fine though, apparently you can enter France without showing any papers (by 1914 you had to, I looked it up), when they arrive in Nice they find a place to rent within 5 minutes, très convenient.
3.6 stars
Okay, let’s talk about Violet by Lily Hammond. It was a nicely paced historical romance with a time travel theme. I love time travel so that was the main reason to delve into this. To experience a historical setting through the eyes of the character as they fall down the rabbit hole and have to adjust to their new world. That part of me didn’t find this read very satisfying because the historical details were so sparse it wasn’t enough to transport me there.
I found Fran adjusting to her 1916 surroundings a bit too easily. As a modern woman (from 2016) I feel she would struggle much more than she did. I have seen Youtube videos from this woman who dresses in authentic period clothing from various eras and what always gets me is how freaking much clothing women actually wore. Layers upon layers upon layers! It would drive me absolutely bonkers. But Fran goes from wearing jeans to corseted dresses and hats like it’s no big deal. I would have loved more detail here.
I had some trouble believing these two young women would travel unchaperoned to a remote place and stay there for three months… during war time. And then when they flee to London and after that cross over to France (without any papers!) where the war is really happening I was jonesing for the author to give me more details to savor… but alas, apart from a lot of young soldiers on the station she didn’t give me much.
Maybe it’s a bit of a personal pet peeve, I don’t know. The author also quotes a lot of poetry (like 4 or 5). That certainly annoys me just as much as when they quote song lyrics. Ugh! And I could smack Fran upside the head when she answered Violet’s every question with a question. You do? I am? You think? We are?.... but like I said that’s just personal nit picking.
So, the romance part is fine all be it of the insta variety. The time travel plot has a nice twist, I just wished the author wrote more detailed than she did.
f/f
Themes: a lot happens in one week, I want to go to Paris, but there is a war going on, yeah but we should be fine though, apparently you can enter France without showing any papers (by 1914 you had to, I looked it up), when they arrive in Nice they find a place to rent within 5 minutes, très convenient.
3.6 stars
November 18, 2019
If you love character-driven stories this is one to sit up and take notice of. While the story is primarily told from Fran's point-of-view, both leading ladies are three dimensional and captivating.
I found myself constantly wondering what chance they had of a happy ever after. I never could have predicted the outcome, as, well, it was so very different from anything I've ever read before.
If you've ever wondered about reincarnation, life before and/or after death, this story will certainly give weight to those theories.
I was gifted a copy of this story by the author. A review was not requested or expected in return. I wrote one anyway.
I found myself constantly wondering what chance they had of a happy ever after. I never could have predicted the outcome, as, well, it was so very different from anything I've ever read before.
If you've ever wondered about reincarnation, life before and/or after death, this story will certainly give weight to those theories.
I was gifted a copy of this story by the author. A review was not requested or expected in return. I wrote one anyway.
August 30, 2018
4.5 stars. Loved this one, devoured it in one sitting. An excellent use of a time travel theme.
July 17, 2020
‘A love story that crossed the bounds of time.’
I cried at the end of this, it was such a touching and beautiful tale of a love where time knew no bounds.
Fran is a content yet lonely book shop owner in 2016 England. She falls and bumps her head and is suddenly transported to 1916. Where she meets the enchanting Violet.
Their connection is immediate but women of this era are often at the mercy of others, thus the two enact a diabolical plan to escape to freedom and independence.
Violet is both charming and adventurous, but tortured by her limited prospects and her father's threats to put her in an asylum. Yet she has a sweet naivety about her too and zest for life which is endearing. Fran has the gumption of a typical 21st century woman, and her historical knowledge of the time she has been transported, can be both a blessing and a curse.
It's a truly wonderful story that I cannot do justice to in the describing, so can only recommend you read it yourself.
Currently free on kindle unlimited.
I cried at the end of this, it was such a touching and beautiful tale of a love where time knew no bounds.
Fran is a content yet lonely book shop owner in 2016 England. She falls and bumps her head and is suddenly transported to 1916. Where she meets the enchanting Violet.
Their connection is immediate but women of this era are often at the mercy of others, thus the two enact a diabolical plan to escape to freedom and independence.
Violet is both charming and adventurous, but tortured by her limited prospects and her father's threats to put her in an asylum. Yet she has a sweet naivety about her too and zest for life which is endearing. Fran has the gumption of a typical 21st century woman, and her historical knowledge of the time she has been transported, can be both a blessing and a curse.
It's a truly wonderful story that I cannot do justice to in the describing, so can only recommend you read it yourself.
Currently free on kindle unlimited.
February 8, 2017
I love time travel stories, and so I had to read this book. And I definitely didn't regret it. It was a very good read.
Specially funny was the part when the time traveler tried to explain internet, tablets, ereaders... back in 1916!
Specially funny was the part when the time traveler tried to explain internet, tablets, ereaders... back in 1916!
August 21, 2023
Lily Hammond aka Ana McKenzie has done it again…for me at least. I’m not particularly a fan of time travel stories but this one was sooo engaging! The thrill of the story hovering over the women in the story kept me on my toes! Will they or won’t they get a HEA? I was so impatient to find out if they’d end up together but if you’ve read any of her other works, you’ll know that the author has a way with words. It’s like sprinting to get to the finish line but you stop abruptly. You can’t help yourself. You pause and smell the fragrant flowers at the side of the road, savour her poetic brilliance with words.
So far, I have adored the books I’ve managed to read by the author. She can write as any name, one things for sure, her brilliance in story telling always shows.
So far, I have adored the books I’ve managed to read by the author. She can write as any name, one things for sure, her brilliance in story telling always shows.
March 19, 2019
To be honest, at the start of this book, I didn’t like the writing style, though it seem the same, yet it feel different to me for some reason. Or was it just my imagation? 😑 never mind. I get used to it as i read on and I came to like it by the end of the book. And what with the dialogue using ‘ ’ and not “ ”. It kind of tick me off to be honest. Probably because most of the books i read using “ ” and i got used it.
Now, on to the story, i feel like everything (the romance between main characters, the what happened, their decisions, etc) escalated quickly.
And I have to agree to Corrie’s review that Fran adjusted to the past quite easily. She seem has no complain in anything at all. Not really convincing to be honest.
Eventhough, their romance happened a bit too fast, it still nice and sweet to me. They fight for each other and stick together in any situation. I even shed some tears (not sure if it was because of my hormones error or something) at the end of the book when Fran told her story to ‘someone’.
One thing i’m not understand 🤔.
All in all, I came to like and enjoyed this story by the end of the book.
P.S. I am 2 books behind schedule 😱😱 this year I started quite bad!
Now, on to the story, i feel like everything (the romance between main characters, the what happened, their decisions, etc) escalated quickly.
And I have to agree to Corrie’s review that Fran adjusted to the past quite easily. She seem has no complain in anything at all. Not really convincing to be honest.
Eventhough, their romance happened a bit too fast, it still nice and sweet to me. They fight for each other and stick together in any situation. I even shed some tears (not sure if it was because of my hormones error or something) at the end of the book when Fran told her story to ‘someone’.
One thing i’m not understand 🤔.
All in all, I came to like and enjoyed this story by the end of the book.
P.S. I am 2 books behind schedule 😱😱 this year I started quite bad!
February 2, 2017
Love is stronger than anything else!
This book has a most enjoyable mixture of mystery, history, beautiful poetry and woven together by an excellent love story. I loved the step back in history and I loved how both women are able to survive during such a time in history where men consider themselves superior to women. The story is incredible and it was impossible to put down. A very interesting spin on time travel and a treasure to devour.
This book has a most enjoyable mixture of mystery, history, beautiful poetry and woven together by an excellent love story. I loved the step back in history and I loved how both women are able to survive during such a time in history where men consider themselves superior to women. The story is incredible and it was impossible to put down. A very interesting spin on time travel and a treasure to devour.
November 15, 2018
I fast read it because I knew from the beginning there wasn't enough meat in this book to enjoy taking my time. So I slurped it in less than 2 hours.
Time travel part is mostly an excuse to get both characters together.
It's a not surprising but ok story with a marshmallow ending.
Time travel part is mostly an excuse to get both characters together.
It's a not surprising but ok story with a marshmallow ending.
February 11, 2020
A time travel themed romance that builds quickly between main characters Violet and Fran. A poignant mix of love, mystery, sadness, angst and humour, I read quickly filled with anticipation for a HEA ending. Historical fiction always grabs me whether loosely fact based or not, ultimately the story's the hook. Ms. Hammond does not disappoint - her descriptions fill the mind.
5 stars.
A copy kindly rec'd from the author. This is my unbiased review.
5 stars.
A copy kindly rec'd from the author. This is my unbiased review.
May 24, 2019
Highly enjoyable!
July 19, 2018
4-
The MC's, Fran and Violet, find each other after Fran has a freak accident and somehow ends up one hundred years in the past, in 1916. How Fran handles life in the early 20th century with speaking properly and wearing skirts, of all things, is fascinating. And later in the book trying to explain 21st century technology to Violet was funny.
Well worth the read. I look forward to more from Lily Hammond (aka Kate Genet). Her books are always properly edited and there were very few errors still in this book. A welcome relief from most in this genre.
The MC's, Fran and Violet, find each other after Fran has a freak accident and somehow ends up one hundred years in the past, in 1916. How Fran handles life in the early 20th century with speaking properly and wearing skirts, of all things, is fascinating. And later in the book trying to explain 21st century technology to Violet was funny.
Well worth the read. I look forward to more from Lily Hammond (aka Kate Genet). Her books are always properly edited and there were very few errors still in this book. A welcome relief from most in this genre.
September 9, 2018
Timeless love story
Ghosts,near death experiences and life long love.After a fall from a ladder Fran wakes up in 1916 and ends up as a companion to Violet who as an artist painted a picture that hung on the wall of Frans flat,as time passes and many adventures Fran has to make the decision wether to return to her future or stay in the passed with Violet.Lily has combined both the present and the passed with ease and written a beautiful and timeless love story that leaves you with a smile and a tear in your eye.well worth a read.
Ghosts,near death experiences and life long love.After a fall from a ladder Fran wakes up in 1916 and ends up as a companion to Violet who as an artist painted a picture that hung on the wall of Frans flat,as time passes and many adventures Fran has to make the decision wether to return to her future or stay in the passed with Violet.Lily has combined both the present and the passed with ease and written a beautiful and timeless love story that leaves you with a smile and a tear in your eye.well worth a read.
February 2, 2017
Brilliant
I could not have loved this book more than I did. It is a mystery within a love story within a mystery. Wonderful characters. Incredible story. Sad yet happy and at times funny. Strength and courage and hope. If you read one book this year read this one. So very charming and deserving of high praise. Lily Hammond has written one heck of a book. Impossible not to love it.
I could not have loved this book more than I did. It is a mystery within a love story within a mystery. Wonderful characters. Incredible story. Sad yet happy and at times funny. Strength and courage and hope. If you read one book this year read this one. So very charming and deserving of high praise. Lily Hammond has written one heck of a book. Impossible not to love it.
March 3, 2019
My favorite thing about reading is never knowing when I'm going to stumble upon a gem. Never knowing when I'm going to find that perfect storyline that completely sucks me in and carries me away. This story is one such. The author has written a beautiful love story that quite literally transcends time. A story that makes one believe in destiny and soulmates. In fighting tooth and nail for what's yours. Kudos to the author.
April 14, 2017
‘It is a beautiful story, ours,’ I whispered
That it is. A beautiful story beautifully written. It left my head spinning and my mind reeling with questions and possible answers. 2016 - 1916 Fran determination to save Violet redefined time. I really enjoyed the poetry within the book. Fran was quite the romantic.
That it is. A beautiful story beautifully written. It left my head spinning and my mind reeling with questions and possible answers. 2016 - 1916 Fran determination to save Violet redefined time. I really enjoyed the poetry within the book. Fran was quite the romantic.
May 13, 2017
Simply a wonderful book. It’s what I want in a romantic story, to take me to another time and place. Violet did just that. Well written and crafted with characters that you get to know and love. A fabulous story that I would, and have, highly recommend. Made me want to go back to the early 1900’s, find a gf that’s a painter, move the south of France and open a bookstore. 😊
March 21, 2017
Brilliant
The authors prose is tight yet evocative, the plot is intriguing without being convoluted, and the character development is rich in detail and nuanced.
A read that will transport you, filling your head with beautiful imagery and your heart with hope.
The authors prose is tight yet evocative, the plot is intriguing without being convoluted, and the character development is rich in detail and nuanced.
A read that will transport you, filling your head with beautiful imagery and your heart with hope.
June 25, 2017
Disappointing
I really like the idea of this story, and it was good at first. I wanted to get a more visual picture of living in 1916. The descriptions were too repetitive, like the description of the characters eyes every time they talked to each other, or describing their skin color (like pale etc). It wasn't written well enough for me and I started almost skimming it over half way through. I just got through reading the book Juliana 1944 (an amazing book!) and it's a lesbian historical romance novel, and going from reading that to this did not compare. The sex scenes were great though, yet it seemed very fast pace to me since they hardly knew each other.
I really like the idea of this story, and it was good at first. I wanted to get a more visual picture of living in 1916. The descriptions were too repetitive, like the description of the characters eyes every time they talked to each other, or describing their skin color (like pale etc). It wasn't written well enough for me and I started almost skimming it over half way through. I just got through reading the book Juliana 1944 (an amazing book!) and it's a lesbian historical romance novel, and going from reading that to this did not compare. The sex scenes were great though, yet it seemed very fast pace to me since they hardly knew each other.
May 27, 2017
Truly remarkable!
What an amazing story! I've never read anything else like it. Just WOW ! I didn't want their story to end. To me that is how I know that I just read an awesome novel that I will get to enjoy again and again. Give this book a chance and you will know what all the 5 stars about
What an amazing story! I've never read anything else like it. Just WOW ! I didn't want their story to end. To me that is how I know that I just read an awesome novel that I will get to enjoy again and again. Give this book a chance and you will know what all the 5 stars about
May 16, 2017
Oh My.....Loved It!
What an exciting and interesting story. Draws you in right away. Keeps you interested. I loved it. Original. The characters are amazing and I loved them as well. Don't pass this story up.
What an exciting and interesting story. Draws you in right away. Keeps you interested. I loved it. Original. The characters are amazing and I loved them as well. Don't pass this story up.
January 17, 2021
Great read!
Well written story that was difficult to put down. Highly recommend for anyone that loves love and happy ever after!
Well written story that was difficult to put down. Highly recommend for anyone that loves love and happy ever after!
February 27, 2025
I think there should have been far more reticence and fear of being found out from Violet. It simply wasn't done in 1916.
March 15, 2017
You must read this
Truely a tail for the ages. It's a beautifully spun story that , literally, transcends time. Love is strong within the pages of this book.
Truely a tail for the ages. It's a beautifully spun story that , literally, transcends time. Love is strong within the pages of this book.
March 4, 2017
Very enjoyable read!
Violet is a sweet, steamy, mysterious and intriguing book. I very much enjoyed the journey it took me on. While the book had a couple of typos, it didn't take away from the story. Really sweet book and I recommend you give it a read.
Violet is a sweet, steamy, mysterious and intriguing book. I very much enjoyed the journey it took me on. While the book had a couple of typos, it didn't take away from the story. Really sweet book and I recommend you give it a read.
February 15, 2017
Brilliant! Read it!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews