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Echoes from the Past #1
The Lovers
1665. When Elise de Lesseps is sold in marriage to Lord Edward Asher, she resolves to be an obedient and dutiful wife, until, on their wedding night, she finds out exactly what her husband has in store for her. His request leaves her feeling shocked and humiliated, but being his chattel, she has no right to refuse. The consequences of that night seal Elise’s fate, and set her on a path that will lead to heartbreak and tragedy.
2013. Renowned archeologist, Dr. Quinn Allenby has a gift; she can see into the past when holding an object that belonged to the dead. When asked to host a BBC series called “Echoes from the Past,” Quinn uses her gift to find out what really happened to the 17th century couple known only as “The Lovers,” and unwittingly stumbles onto the secret of her own birth.
2013. Renowned archeologist, Dr. Quinn Allenby has a gift; she can see into the past when holding an object that belonged to the dead. When asked to host a BBC series called “Echoes from the Past,” Quinn uses her gift to find out what really happened to the 17th century couple known only as “The Lovers,” and unwittingly stumbles onto the secret of her own birth.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2017
About the author
Irina Shapiro
113 books1,434 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
August 28, 2017
The Lovers (Echoes From The Past) by Irina Shapiro is a Kindle scout book. I really enjoyed this book. I liked the fantasy parts better than the romance parts, lol. The characters and plot is really good, the fantasy is great, and it is a light fantasy so those that don't like fantasy will like it. It is a romance but since it has the fantasy in it I liked it, lol. It is a good story regardless. It was almost like reading two stories, past and present. I liked the past one better. :)
August 19, 2017
Let me correct a couple of common misconceptions about the Kindle Scout program. If a book we voted for is published, we're given a thank-you copy, we don't 'win' it. And unlike netgalley, they don't ask or expect us to review it. That's why it's a gift, no obligation.
On to the review. Every once in a while you stumble over a new writer and think, 'why doesn't EVERYONE know about her? How is it possible I never heard about her before?' From the very first page, I was drawn in and could not put this one down.
The plot: This starts with a grab-you-by-the-throat prologue, and then it gets even better. Although it bounces between present day and mid-1600s London, it tells the story of two different sets of people, linked by Quinn Allenby, a forensic archeologist. She can read a person's life far back into the past by touching something they owned, a psychic of sorts. That's the only paranormal aspect of the story. BTW, to call this time-travel is unfair (sorry, time travel fans), because there is none.
The characters: The main characters are Quinn, her love interests, Rhys and Gabe, in present day London; and Lord Asher, Elise, and James in the 1600s. All are so well delineated that they're interesting with clearly understandable motivations even when you don't especially like them. *coughLord Ashercough* There were times that I wanted to yell 'just get a clue, Quinn!' because her personal life was such a mess. LOL
Would I spend my hard-earned cash on this book? yes
Would I recommend to friends & family? yes!
Will I search out the next one? you bet, I'm addicted now
Is this a Kindle Keeper (delete on pain of death)? definitely
Excellent writing, a haunting story, a curiously satisfying ending, and the best prologue ever. Did I mention the prologue? Eh. It bears repeating.
On to the review. Every once in a while you stumble over a new writer and think, 'why doesn't EVERYONE know about her? How is it possible I never heard about her before?' From the very first page, I was drawn in and could not put this one down.
The plot: This starts with a grab-you-by-the-throat prologue, and then it gets even better. Although it bounces between present day and mid-1600s London, it tells the story of two different sets of people, linked by Quinn Allenby, a forensic archeologist. She can read a person's life far back into the past by touching something they owned, a psychic of sorts. That's the only paranormal aspect of the story. BTW, to call this time-travel is unfair (sorry, time travel fans), because there is none.
The characters: The main characters are Quinn, her love interests, Rhys and Gabe, in present day London; and Lord Asher, Elise, and James in the 1600s. All are so well delineated that they're interesting with clearly understandable motivations even when you don't especially like them. *coughLord Ashercough* There were times that I wanted to yell 'just get a clue, Quinn!' because her personal life was such a mess. LOL
Would I spend my hard-earned cash on this book? yes
Would I recommend to friends & family? yes!
Will I search out the next one? you bet, I'm addicted now
Is this a Kindle Keeper (delete on pain of death)? definitely
Excellent writing, a haunting story, a curiously satisfying ending, and the best prologue ever. Did I mention the prologue? Eh. It bears repeating.
August 7, 2022
I really love the premise of this story and loved the first 2/3. At that point it was most likely a 4 star story for me even though I could see problems (mainly that the author wanted to put in too much in it). Then something happened that just didn't sit well. I felt that this didn't enrich the story-- it sort of felt that the author was taking an easy way out to have a point told, and for me it wasn't just an easy way out but disturbing. Also the last 1/3 of this book I felt like the pacing was off. It felt like the author realized that this book was long and she just want to finish the story.
But even with these problems I want to try the next book in this series. I want to see if Irina Shapiro polishes the series up; that she loses the info-dumping that was present in the first book and to see if the choices that she has her characters make are a little more intruguing and not just an easy choice to get the point told.
But even with these problems I want to try the next book in this series. I want to see if Irina Shapiro polishes the series up; that she loses the info-dumping that was present in the first book and to see if the choices that she has her characters make are a little more intruguing and not just an easy choice to get the point told.
August 31, 2018
In 1665 Elise de Laseppes has been biding her time, waiting to announce her secret betrothal to a common lad to her father. But one morning, her father calls for her, telling her to prepare for her wedding to Lord Asher. Lord Asher is rich, widowed, twice her age, and able to save the de Laseppes from ruin. While she wants nothing more than to run away with the boy who promises her the world, she can’t. Her two little sisters depend on her to keep the family afloat, even if they don’t fully understand it. So she leaves her childhood home to become the literal lady of the manor. But her well-bred husband hides more than one secret and Elise will be tasked with not only saving her family, but herself as her husband strives to get an heir.
In 2013 London, Dr. Quinn Allenby is straight off a nasty breakup and home from a successful archeological trip to Jerusalem when she receives a new task. A pair of skeletons was found in a chest, a makeshift coffin with evidence to show that neither person was dead when they were left alone in the dark. She’s approached by a producer who wants her to head a historical drama show, featuring the mysterious skeleton, and implores her to find the true story by any means necessary. Using her special skills, Quinn sets off to give them back their identities. But as she works to discover the skeletons’ pasts, her own comes into clearer focus.
Two women, centuries apart, brought together by chance and a blue brooch that holds the secret behind the hidden chest.
One of the hardest parts about writing reviews is that sometimes you need to leave out some of the best parts, as to not spoil anything. All I can say is that Quinn has certain abilities that ties her to Elise in a way she can’t fully explain. As more of Elise’s life is revealed, the deeper Quinn’s character development goes. She lives her life alongside Elise’s past in a seamless way that Shapiro should be congratulated for. It’s difficult to time hop without confusing readers or muddling the stories, but everything is crystal clear in this book by the end.
As a historian, I love to take note of the bits and pieces in all historicals I read. Shapiro’s book was a a fine example of a well researched piece. The food, clothing, ailments, and accessories such as birthing chairs and plague doctors were slipped in naturally, setting up the time period without it being forced. Still, Elise and her loved ones had personalities that transcended time.
The narration of The Lovers was wonderful. Wolfson’s voice was clear and easy to get lost in. The pace was perfect and the slight changes in the characters through their own voices wasn’t overdone or cartoonish as some are. Usually I limit my audiobook listening to car rides and dog walks, but I found myself listening to this one almost nonstop until the end.
In 2013 London, Dr. Quinn Allenby is straight off a nasty breakup and home from a successful archeological trip to Jerusalem when she receives a new task. A pair of skeletons was found in a chest, a makeshift coffin with evidence to show that neither person was dead when they were left alone in the dark. She’s approached by a producer who wants her to head a historical drama show, featuring the mysterious skeleton, and implores her to find the true story by any means necessary. Using her special skills, Quinn sets off to give them back their identities. But as she works to discover the skeletons’ pasts, her own comes into clearer focus.
Two women, centuries apart, brought together by chance and a blue brooch that holds the secret behind the hidden chest.
One of the hardest parts about writing reviews is that sometimes you need to leave out some of the best parts, as to not spoil anything. All I can say is that Quinn has certain abilities that ties her to Elise in a way she can’t fully explain. As more of Elise’s life is revealed, the deeper Quinn’s character development goes. She lives her life alongside Elise’s past in a seamless way that Shapiro should be congratulated for. It’s difficult to time hop without confusing readers or muddling the stories, but everything is crystal clear in this book by the end.
As a historian, I love to take note of the bits and pieces in all historicals I read. Shapiro’s book was a a fine example of a well researched piece. The food, clothing, ailments, and accessories such as birthing chairs and plague doctors were slipped in naturally, setting up the time period without it being forced. Still, Elise and her loved ones had personalities that transcended time.
The narration of The Lovers was wonderful. Wolfson’s voice was clear and easy to get lost in. The pace was perfect and the slight changes in the characters through their own voices wasn’t overdone or cartoonish as some are. Usually I limit my audiobook listening to car rides and dog walks, but I found myself listening to this one almost nonstop until the end.
August 13, 2020
I love to be TOLD a story, but...
In this time travel romance, the author follows the lives of two women: one in 2013 and one in 1665. The contemporary heroine, Quinn, is a psychic archaeologist who can access the memories of people by holding something they owned. A brooch found in a coffin bearing the skeletons of two people dating to the seventeenth century in London takes Quinn back to Elise's mind, where she relives the experiences of this ill-fated young woman.
As an avid fan of time travels and one who has read many, I found this book a disappointment. Character development is shabby: the entire story seems to be rushed along between critical scenes, where "filler" appears as scene description and internal narrative. Quinn is a squirrel, vacillating from page to page between anger, sorrow, and self-loathing, to euphoric insta-love. She's an archeologist: her actions and character do not ring true to an educated, scientifically minded individual. Elise, who is slightly more real to the reader, suffers often from the dreaded "too stupid to live" syndrome.
Quinn's "secret gift" (called psychometry, by the way, a word never mentioned in the book) remains in the shadows and is used only as a basis for why we are reading the tales of two women who lived almost 500 years apart. Other characters, including the heroes in both centuries as well as the villain, are thinly developed veneers.
My main issues with this book are repetition (the editor should have caught these) and lots and lots of TELLING without showing, with huge paragraphs of narrative it took effort not to skim. SPOILER ALERT: By far the most disappointing was the fact that this book is a blatant set-up--the author leaves both story lines hanging, with no completion of character arcs anywhere. Of course, we are lured to buy the next book in a proposed 9 book series to find out the answers.
Ms. Shapiro, books are not TV series. A reader expects a degree of closure at the end of each novel, with some sort of character change--not a cliffhanger compelling them to "tune in next week." It's personally why I read and don't watch TV series. Needless to say, I will not be continuing on in the "Echoes from the Past" series.
In this time travel romance, the author follows the lives of two women: one in 2013 and one in 1665. The contemporary heroine, Quinn, is a psychic archaeologist who can access the memories of people by holding something they owned. A brooch found in a coffin bearing the skeletons of two people dating to the seventeenth century in London takes Quinn back to Elise's mind, where she relives the experiences of this ill-fated young woman.
As an avid fan of time travels and one who has read many, I found this book a disappointment. Character development is shabby: the entire story seems to be rushed along between critical scenes, where "filler" appears as scene description and internal narrative. Quinn is a squirrel, vacillating from page to page between anger, sorrow, and self-loathing, to euphoric insta-love. She's an archeologist: her actions and character do not ring true to an educated, scientifically minded individual. Elise, who is slightly more real to the reader, suffers often from the dreaded "too stupid to live" syndrome.
Quinn's "secret gift" (called psychometry, by the way, a word never mentioned in the book) remains in the shadows and is used only as a basis for why we are reading the tales of two women who lived almost 500 years apart. Other characters, including the heroes in both centuries as well as the villain, are thinly developed veneers.
My main issues with this book are repetition (the editor should have caught these) and lots and lots of TELLING without showing, with huge paragraphs of narrative it took effort not to skim. SPOILER ALERT: By far the most disappointing was the fact that this book is a blatant set-up--the author leaves both story lines hanging, with no completion of character arcs anywhere. Of course, we are lured to buy the next book in a proposed 9 book series to find out the answers.
Ms. Shapiro, books are not TV series. A reader expects a degree of closure at the end of each novel, with some sort of character change--not a cliffhanger compelling them to "tune in next week." It's personally why I read and don't watch TV series. Needless to say, I will not be continuing on in the "Echoes from the Past" series.
September 1, 2020
There are so many things I loved about this book including the short prolog which grabbed me right away. I couldn’t put down this captivating story.
When construction workers dug up a chest they opened it and saw two skeletons lying face to face like they were kissing. After getting over the shock the workers named them The Lovers.
London 1665. Settling her fathers debt Elise is betrothed to Edward Asher and it broke her heart because she was in love with someone else. On her wedding night she is shocked and humiliated when Lord Asher expects her to do a disgraceful and unexpected thing which was the real reason for the marriage.
London 2013. Dr. Quinn Allenby is a forensic archaeologist and she has been called to investigate “The Lovers”. She has a gift that she keeps secret. She can see into past lives when she holds something they have owned.
Irina Shapiro has written a flawless story by having two stories, past and present, linked smoothly into one fascinating historical novel. She is truly a brilliant writer. Where has she been all of my reading life? This is a 9 book series and I'm just starting the 5th book and this is what I did the 2020 summer of the pandemic! Her novels certainly allowed me to to forget about the present world and dive into a world of the past.
When construction workers dug up a chest they opened it and saw two skeletons lying face to face like they were kissing. After getting over the shock the workers named them The Lovers.
London 1665. Settling her fathers debt Elise is betrothed to Edward Asher and it broke her heart because she was in love with someone else. On her wedding night she is shocked and humiliated when Lord Asher expects her to do a disgraceful and unexpected thing which was the real reason for the marriage.
London 2013. Dr. Quinn Allenby is a forensic archaeologist and she has been called to investigate “The Lovers”. She has a gift that she keeps secret. She can see into past lives when she holds something they have owned.
Irina Shapiro has written a flawless story by having two stories, past and present, linked smoothly into one fascinating historical novel. She is truly a brilliant writer. Where has she been all of my reading life? This is a 9 book series and I'm just starting the 5th book and this is what I did the 2020 summer of the pandemic! Her novels certainly allowed me to to forget about the present world and dive into a world of the past.
January 20, 2018
This story was so captiviting when I saw it on Kindle scout that i had to give it my nomination and i was thrilled when it was selected. It is well written history fiction and romance in one. There are two stories intertwined, one about Elise de Lesseps that lived in 1665 and second about Doctor Quinn Allenby, an archeologist that i also a kind of psychic - when she touch the possessions of passed on people she can see their lives. Sometimes it can be a bittersweet gift watching the lifes of The lovers- two 400year old remains that were found undergroun on the construction site.With the help of Quinns visions we see their tragic love story but I won't go into details so I won't spoil others reading experiences.
I look forward to reading the next Echo from the past and other works from Shapiro
I look forward to reading the next Echo from the past and other works from Shapiro
April 4, 2023
Great start with an unusually interesting storyline that quickly had my attention. This was a good book that could have been great. However, there was very little character development where this reader could become invested in the outcome. It missed a well-placed mark in my opinion.
September 15, 2023
Tragic story
I loved the older story about Elise and names and their tragic love. I didn't enjoy Quinn's so much. I tried but there was something about her that just didn't jive. But that other story was so sad and depressing. The twist at the end made me happy that the villain didn't quite win but they could have been saved. I can't express myself about it without spoilers but it was just so sad. They loved each other and his last thoughts were beautiful.
I loved the older story about Elise and names and their tragic love. I didn't enjoy Quinn's so much. I tried but there was something about her that just didn't jive. But that other story was so sad and depressing. The twist at the end made me happy that the villain didn't quite win but they could have been saved. I can't express myself about it without spoilers but it was just so sad. They loved each other and his last thoughts were beautiful.
August 2, 2021
October 2013. London, England. Irina Shapiro’s The Lovers (Echoes from the Past #1) begins as construction in the center of London uncovers an underground chamber “empty except for one large rectangle object.”. The chamber was clean- no mildew and the floor of packed earth “was dryas a bone”. The object in this subterranean room was attached by chain and locked with “an old-fashioned padlock, which was rusted with age and neglect.” The wood of the chest, though in good condition, was dusty. There was hardly space for the two men to stand next to the chest. The chain and lock were cut, and one man started “lifting the lid...”. “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” he yelled and made the cross on his chest.......”Sean, call the police. Now!”. Quite a beginning, don’t you think?! Dr. Quinn Allenby, a forensic archeologist, is requested by her boss to take on this case. BBC wants to produce a show on this find. Quinn’s boss knows Quinn can use her ‘gift’ to learn about these human remains which were once people just living their lives in 1664-1665. When Quinn holds an object that belonged to whatever human remains are found on a dig, she can ‘see’ the person and her/his life, but she wishes to keep her ‘gift’ a secret. She wants to be thought of as the excellent forensic archeologist she is and not a psychic. The author develops ’real’ characters, a story set during a horrific plague outbreak in 1665 during the reign of Charles II of England while Quinn deals with her own problems in 2013. I found this book fascinating. Highly recommended! 4.75 stars. “It was all worth it.”
November 25, 2021
I’d never read anything by this author before but a friend suggested this one. I liked Quinn in the modern timeline. The historical tale was mournful from the beginning. I don’t know if I’ll read more of this series because there is a lot of “telling” rather than “showing” that I confess made me want to skim. But I’m glad for the recommendation.
June 26, 2026
Had low expectations given recent ‘Free Audible’ history - but was quickly hooked in this one.
Somehow all of the wild tropes involved here worked? Definitely not clean romance, and a few trigger warnings - but yeah. I’ll read more!
Somehow all of the wild tropes involved here worked? Definitely not clean romance, and a few trigger warnings - but yeah. I’ll read more!
October 11, 2017
An interesting dual time period novel with a paranormal twist. I really enjoyed this authors last series and I am looking forward to where this one goes.
April 9, 2018
Well.... I did like the story. I love historical novels, I love history, and of course I have often dreamed I could look back and see the people who were here before me. But... This book had a few draw backs, which were quite off putting for me.
The constant American terminology, for instance, coming from an apparently British character, was simply annoying. We don't have sidewalks, here they're called pavements, a trunk would be a car boot, etc. These seem pretty trivial things, but it was a detail that made it difficult for me to relate.
Another point I found disappointing was the seeming "advice", about reporting a rape that happened in the past, she got from her male friend, who was a respected, well educated person, whom she looked up to, was very questionable. In this day and age, even in fictional books, I think it is important to never feel a rape victim like they can't speak up. I don't know... Maybe I'm being overly sensitive, but it bothered me.
Anyway. Basically this is a good idea for a story, I would be interested to find out more about the surviving child. But less of the present day romance - that part was tedious.
The constant American terminology, for instance, coming from an apparently British character, was simply annoying. We don't have sidewalks, here they're called pavements, a trunk would be a car boot, etc. These seem pretty trivial things, but it was a detail that made it difficult for me to relate.
Another point I found disappointing was the seeming "advice", about reporting a rape that happened in the past, she got from her male friend, who was a respected, well educated person, whom she looked up to, was very questionable. In this day and age, even in fictional books, I think it is important to never feel a rape victim like they can't speak up. I don't know... Maybe I'm being overly sensitive, but it bothered me.
Anyway. Basically this is a good idea for a story, I would be interested to find out more about the surviving child. But less of the present day romance - that part was tedious.
July 23, 2018
This is a story that will stay with me for a very long time. Irina Shapiro is an amazing storyteller. I read at least a couple of books a week so how has it taken me this long to find her? Lovers is the type of story we all hope to have when starting a new book, that gem of a story that will make you want to cancel plans and call in sick to work. Nothing else matters except the story of the two lovers. I loved having the two stories running simultaneously as both stories held my interest equally. The blurb let’s you know that one of those stories ends tragically but I was still not prepared for the total devastation I felt at the conclusion of James and Elise. I was emotional drained and literally cried as I opened an expensive bottle of wine to mourn the Lovers. Wendy Wolfson did an amazing job bringing this story to life. Her narration was perfect for the story. I probably could go on and on as once my review is written the book will truely be over and I’m just not ready for that. Luckily I already purchased book 2.
September 5, 2025
Mixed Feelings
I feel confused about this book, as usually I like this Author’s work, but this was too frustrating for me.
As is usually the case with dual timelines, the story from the past was far more engaging than the modern-day one. I HATED the modern story. Quinn was pretty unlikeable and treated her adopted mother appallingly, despite the trauma she’d been through when Quinn was conceived. Gabe and Rhys were awful.
I don’t know what the author was thinking, but this book appears to make excuses for date-rape, and at one point I had to put it down out of pure anger. I won’t be continuing with the series, simply because I cannot bear Quinn’s apathy towards the disgusting men in her life.
If this book had focused more on the past, I may have given an extra star. But it’s hard to care and root for characters when the synopsis effectively contains a spoiler. It just left me feel bleak.
I feel confused about this book, as usually I like this Author’s work, but this was too frustrating for me.
As is usually the case with dual timelines, the story from the past was far more engaging than the modern-day one. I HATED the modern story. Quinn was pretty unlikeable and treated her adopted mother appallingly, despite the trauma she’d been through when Quinn was conceived. Gabe and Rhys were awful.
I don’t know what the author was thinking, but this book appears to make excuses for date-rape, and at one point I had to put it down out of pure anger. I won’t be continuing with the series, simply because I cannot bear Quinn’s apathy towards the disgusting men in her life.
If this book had focused more on the past, I may have given an extra star. But it’s hard to care and root for characters when the synopsis effectively contains a spoiler. It just left me feel bleak.
May 20, 2024
The book started out decently. Both stories (past and present) were interesting, although Elise had the far more compelling plot.
The last 1/3 of the novel was deeply problematic, especially the love story involving Gabe. His response to the rape plotline is reprehensible, and we're supposed to see his skepticism as "scientific objectivity."
Gabe's love story with Quinn is equally problematic. After she has a terrible breakup from an 8 year relationship, she says she's not ready. But he harasses and badgers her into dating him. When she refuses, he sulks like a child until she changes her mind.
If Gabe is the primary love interest, what sort of message is this book trying to convey?
The last 1/3 of the novel was deeply problematic, especially the love story involving Gabe. His response to the rape plotline is reprehensible, and we're supposed to see his skepticism as "scientific objectivity."
Gabe's love story with Quinn is equally problematic. After she has a terrible breakup from an 8 year relationship, she says she's not ready. But he harasses and badgers her into dating him. When she refuses, he sulks like a child until she changes her mind.
If Gabe is the primary love interest, what sort of message is this book trying to convey?
September 2, 2017
An excellent dual time line book taking place between 1665 and present times. Quinn has a psychic ability to experience the lives of people past just by touching archaeological artifacts. This leads us to learn about the stories of people from long ago and all that they went through.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and found it "unputdownable". I can highly recommend reading it, you won't be disappointed. I'm also very pleased to find out this is the first of a series!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and found it "unputdownable". I can highly recommend reading it, you won't be disappointed. I'm also very pleased to find out this is the first of a series!
December 17, 2025
Meh. For a novel with such a title and such a romantic cover, there is very little romance here. The 1600s lovers seem to fall in love off the page and we're just told it's happened when there was so much opportunity for drama. In the 21st century, our supposed hero acts entitled to the heroine's love and doubts her mother's account of a group date rape. Intriguing opening mystery and I liked the happy twist at the end but ultimately not to my taste.
August 19, 2017
Excellent
Not really into mysteries but this was well worth reading. The storyline pulls you in to the last page. I really didn't want the book to end. Can't wait for the next book
Not really into mysteries but this was well worth reading. The storyline pulls you in to the last page. I really didn't want the book to end. Can't wait for the next book
January 4, 2020
I ADORED this book!! One of the love stories took place in England in the 1600s, during the reign of Charles II. The second love story took place in southern England in 2013. The Historical and Contemporary tales are superbly interwoven. Ms. Shapiro did an outstanding job on the characters as well. Those I loved like Quinn and Alyssa, I truly loved. And those I hated, well, you get the gist. It is just one of the most well written and heart-wrenching books I've read.
Now, mind you, it's a long book but it needed to be. I just wanted it to keep on going and going and going. Luckily there are currently 7 in this series in Kindle plus #8 in January so I kinda get my wish! As far as who would/should read this, it would be best for mature readers.
Wendy Wolfson did the narration and she did a terrific job. She had a LOT of voices to keep track of and she did so well. Lots of animation to her voice and she really helped keep the story both interesting and moving along. Great job.
5 Stars*****
I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Now, mind you, it's a long book but it needed to be. I just wanted it to keep on going and going and going. Luckily there are currently 7 in this series in Kindle plus #8 in January so I kinda get my wish! As far as who would/should read this, it would be best for mature readers.
Wendy Wolfson did the narration and she did a terrific job. She had a LOT of voices to keep track of and she did so well. Lots of animation to her voice and she really helped keep the story both interesting and moving along. Great job.
5 Stars*****
I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 1, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.
The first 3-5 chapters, I had to sort of adjust to the subtle nature of narrator's style. It was actually a great performance throughout and she was an excellent pick for this story and really brought our the characters to life. She has a more subtle way of speaking than what I am used to and it was a happy surprise.
Due to adjusting to the narrator, the first 3-5 chapters seemed a smidge slow to me and I found myself to be mostly indifferent towards Quinn. I was mostly wanting to get back to listening to Elise and James' story and what happened next with them. However, as the story went on, Quinn grew on me as a character and I was able to enjoy and appreciate the things she was going through in her parts of the story. The author wrote the story in such a way that we know where it will end up, but it still comes as a bit of a shock anyways. I wholly enjoyed this story and I look forward to more by this author and narrator.
The first 3-5 chapters, I had to sort of adjust to the subtle nature of narrator's style. It was actually a great performance throughout and she was an excellent pick for this story and really brought our the characters to life. She has a more subtle way of speaking than what I am used to and it was a happy surprise.
Due to adjusting to the narrator, the first 3-5 chapters seemed a smidge slow to me and I found myself to be mostly indifferent towards Quinn. I was mostly wanting to get back to listening to Elise and James' story and what happened next with them. However, as the story went on, Quinn grew on me as a character and I was able to enjoy and appreciate the things she was going through in her parts of the story. The author wrote the story in such a way that we know where it will end up, but it still comes as a bit of a shock anyways. I wholly enjoyed this story and I look forward to more by this author and narrator.
August 25, 2026
I really enjoyed this. Two stories in one. Past and present. I haven't read a book like this in quite some time and I couldn't wait to see how it ended. How did the characters end up where they did. I've gone ahead and moved straight onto book 2. Who is Quinn's father. Maybe the next book will reveal all?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2021
Super entertaining read, reminded me a lot of Barbara Michaels with some time travel thrown in but done in a really smooth way. It's quite believable and a great way to tell two stories at the same time. Interested in reading the next!
June 8, 2026
What an absolute load of drivel! Can't decide what's worse, the plot, the writing, or the narration
March 4, 2026
Listened on Audible, it was fine, I liked the story from the past more than the present day one.
June 28, 2026
Genre: Adult Fiction, Time Travel, Romance Rating: R(Sexuality)
I came across this book thinking it was a Historical Christian book, but it wasn’t. The first half of the book kept my interest and I enjoyed the saga from both timelines. However, the second half wasn’t as clean as the first part. There was more sexual details than I prefer in my books. The novel doesn’t end and leaves you hanging a bit. I don’t mind that so much!
The writing kept me entertained, and the author has a Nora Roberts style. Sadly, I won’t read the next book just because I do prefer my books a little more closed door.
You can find this book at your local library or Kindle Unlimited for free; the audible is excellent.
I came across this book thinking it was a Historical Christian book, but it wasn’t. The first half of the book kept my interest and I enjoyed the saga from both timelines. However, the second half wasn’t as clean as the first part. There was more sexual details than I prefer in my books. The novel doesn’t end and leaves you hanging a bit. I don’t mind that so much!
The writing kept me entertained, and the author has a Nora Roberts style. Sadly, I won’t read the next book just because I do prefer my books a little more closed door.
You can find this book at your local library or Kindle Unlimited for free; the audible is excellent.
November 17, 2024
Great story can't wait to read the next.
April 5, 2018
A solid 4.5/5 for me. In a sea of bad boys, bllionaires, bad boy billionaires, rockers, and athletes, this was quite an interesting and very different story. This is part of a trilogy, therefore there are several unanswered questions at the end. If you aren't ready to read 'The Forgotten' and wait for 'The Unforgiven', then don't start this one. Well edited.
This is the second book by Ms. Shapiro that I have read. Like the first one, it has 2 stories running, separate but connected. This one begins with the discovery of a chest with two skeletons entwined together in death. They are quickly dubbed 'The Lovers' by the media, and Dr. Gabriel Russell and his colleague, Dr. Quinn Allenby, are called in to consult.
The story of 'The Lovers' takes place in 1664-1665, when women were treated as little more than property. Elise wakes one day to find herself sold in marriage by her father to one Lord Asher to partially settle a debt. She is quite devastated, as she had planned to marry her father's employee, Gavin. However, she has no say in the matter, her entire life at the mercy of her father. Lord Asher is roughly 30 years older than Elise, and he has had a wife, as well as at least one mistress. On her wedding day, Lord Asher informs her that she is expected to deliver him an heir, and any other children he desires. What follows is a heartbreaking tale of how and why Elise winds up in the chest.
Meanwhile, Dr. Quinn Allenby has the ability to hold objects and see and feel the life of the deceased who possessed said object. She is an archaeologist, and this gift comes in quite handy. Since there are objects left from both of The Lovers, Quinn is able to get a really good understanding of the entirety of their story. Her own life is also the subject of this book. She was abandoned shortly after birth in a church, and subsequently adopted by a wonderful couple. However, as many adoptees do, she wants to know the story of her origins. Who were her birth parents? Where do they come from? How did she get this psychic gift? In addition, she has recently come home from a dig to find her long time boyfriend has moved out, moved to America, and moved on. Her colleague, Gabriel, has long had feelings for Quinn, and jumps at the chance to finally declare his feelings. Quinn struggles to deal with the break-up of her long time relationship and with the realization of Gabe's feelings for her. The discovery of The Lovers, also brings Rhys Morgan into her life. He is a producer for the BBC, and wants to produce a show about the discovery and any other interesting archaeological find. Rhys turns out to be tied to Quinn's past in a most unsettling way.
By the end, The Lovers have been entombed, Quinn has some answers to her past - but more questions, and Quinn and Gabe are moving forward with their life together.
Overall, this is a very moving story. As far as it is possible to hate a fictional character, I hate Edward Asher. His motivation and subsequent actions are just horrid. It is important in understanding Elise to remember how things were done in her time period. Elise would have had little to no say about anything in her life. Until she married, she was under the power and control of her father. Once married, she was under the power and control of her husband. While love did exist, it was generally not the driving force in decision making. Rather, decisions were made on advantage and profitability. Would this marriage be beneficial to our family, our standing in society, or financially? Elise doesn't protest her marriage, mostly because she really can't, but also because her refusal would bring financial ruin on her family and ruin marriage prospects for her younger sisters. Shortly after her marriage, she finds that all she has ever been to the men in her life is a means to an end. There are so many other aspects that should be considered before judging Elise as weak. She lived in a time when men held absolute power, fear of crossing certain lines and thereby imperiling your soul was real, and just surviving day to day took courage and determination. In the end, to have even grasped the small amount of happiness she did took great courage.
I look forward to the remaining stories, hoping that some of my questions will be answered along the way. Enjoy.
This is the second book by Ms. Shapiro that I have read. Like the first one, it has 2 stories running, separate but connected. This one begins with the discovery of a chest with two skeletons entwined together in death. They are quickly dubbed 'The Lovers' by the media, and Dr. Gabriel Russell and his colleague, Dr. Quinn Allenby, are called in to consult.
The story of 'The Lovers' takes place in 1664-1665, when women were treated as little more than property. Elise wakes one day to find herself sold in marriage by her father to one Lord Asher to partially settle a debt. She is quite devastated, as she had planned to marry her father's employee, Gavin. However, she has no say in the matter, her entire life at the mercy of her father. Lord Asher is roughly 30 years older than Elise, and he has had a wife, as well as at least one mistress. On her wedding day, Lord Asher informs her that she is expected to deliver him an heir, and any other children he desires. What follows is a heartbreaking tale of how and why Elise winds up in the chest.
Meanwhile, Dr. Quinn Allenby has the ability to hold objects and see and feel the life of the deceased who possessed said object. She is an archaeologist, and this gift comes in quite handy. Since there are objects left from both of The Lovers, Quinn is able to get a really good understanding of the entirety of their story. Her own life is also the subject of this book. She was abandoned shortly after birth in a church, and subsequently adopted by a wonderful couple. However, as many adoptees do, she wants to know the story of her origins. Who were her birth parents? Where do they come from? How did she get this psychic gift? In addition, she has recently come home from a dig to find her long time boyfriend has moved out, moved to America, and moved on. Her colleague, Gabriel, has long had feelings for Quinn, and jumps at the chance to finally declare his feelings. Quinn struggles to deal with the break-up of her long time relationship and with the realization of Gabe's feelings for her. The discovery of The Lovers, also brings Rhys Morgan into her life. He is a producer for the BBC, and wants to produce a show about the discovery and any other interesting archaeological find. Rhys turns out to be tied to Quinn's past in a most unsettling way.
By the end, The Lovers have been entombed, Quinn has some answers to her past - but more questions, and Quinn and Gabe are moving forward with their life together.
Overall, this is a very moving story. As far as it is possible to hate a fictional character, I hate Edward Asher. His motivation and subsequent actions are just horrid. It is important in understanding Elise to remember how things were done in her time period. Elise would have had little to no say about anything in her life. Until she married, she was under the power and control of her father. Once married, she was under the power and control of her husband. While love did exist, it was generally not the driving force in decision making. Rather, decisions were made on advantage and profitability. Would this marriage be beneficial to our family, our standing in society, or financially? Elise doesn't protest her marriage, mostly because she really can't, but also because her refusal would bring financial ruin on her family and ruin marriage prospects for her younger sisters. Shortly after her marriage, she finds that all she has ever been to the men in her life is a means to an end. There are so many other aspects that should be considered before judging Elise as weak. She lived in a time when men held absolute power, fear of crossing certain lines and thereby imperiling your soul was real, and just surviving day to day took courage and determination. In the end, to have even grasped the small amount of happiness she did took great courage.
I look forward to the remaining stories, hoping that some of my questions will be answered along the way. Enjoy.
June 13, 2022
I had my doubts about this series, but it really pulled through for me in the end.
And that's saying a lot considering the fact that books in this vein usually aren't my jam.
Quinn, is an archeologist who has the ability to look into the past when touching certain objects. At the beginning of our book, two mysterious bodies are uncovered in a trunk at a construction site. When it becomes clear that these bodies are centuries old, Quinn is hired to delve deeper into the history of our "lovers" (given their eternal embrace), secretly using her ability to retell their story.
Due to the nature and set up of this book, you spend a lot of time in past and present. In the present, you spend a lot of time learning Quinn and her history. While in the past, you see through the eyes of Elise and James, the two lovers found in the beginning of the book.
This is a challenging feat for any author. Especially when trying to make the past and present transitions work.
Irina Shapiro does this well. The only drawback to this is that, as the reader, you usually end up caring about one set of characters more than the other. In my case, Elise and James. Quinn's present day problems paled in comparison, and I found myself only wanting to learn more about Elise, and not too much caring about Quinn's personal drama. Even though it became mildly interesting towards the end.
All and all, it worked alright. But I still felt that this could have been executed better. It didn't happen often, but at points in the story it made the pacing weird.
The only other thing I can honestly say I disliked about this book was the ending. It felt rushed. And when Mercy witnesses what happens to Elise and James and does nothing to help them, it left me thinking "What the fuck, kid". I understood her logic with helping a certain little person, but I didn't understand why she couldn't come back with help, and help her uncle and Elise too.
I mean....it literally took them days, DAYS to die. Her only excuse is that maybe she thought they were already dead. But still....wtf?
Other than that, this book was great. The characters seem a little distant at times. I contribute that mostly to this authors writing style and her writing in third person. But I still strongly felt for Elise and James most of all in this book. I have a soft spot for tragic romances.
Especially when you get heart wrenching lines like this:
He inched his way closer to Elise and pressed his lips against hers in a final kiss. “Sleep well, my love,” he whispered as his eyes closed. They would lie together for eternity, locked in a kiss of love and devotion. James let out a final breath as his heart stilled.
Also, the writing was good, the story was engaging, and the I felt close enough to most of the characters to kinda like them or feel for them. 4 stars.
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