Present History

Hands Of Time #1

by Ashley Nikole

Ellie Daniels never saw it coming…
Her life was peaceful and fulfilling, working as a successful young author in New York City. While she creates paper people to release the grief of losing her mother so early and not having the support network of friends and family, her father spends his time serving with the NYPD. Ellie and Martin Daniels have each other. They’re surviving. Not thriving, but they’re alive, and that’s all that matters, until the night a vicious attack leaves Ellie reeling. 
Traumatized and not knowing how to process her grief, Ellie flees New York and returns to the summer cottage of her childhood in Maple Ridge when mysterious people from history begin appearing in her house. From battered war heroes to charming U.S. Marshal Howie Robertson, Ellie begins to understand that not all those from history wish to stay there. 
The past is chasing her, and he has a name.

Genres: Time Travel

344 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2017

About the author

Ashley Nikole writes from the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada. While not in the writer’s pod, she’s an advocate for living courageously, being honest about the raw, gritty bits of grief and trauma, and the healing brought through humour.

Reviews

[Laur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah. This book. Where to start?!
I am completely enthralled.
This story is so rich. The atmosphere is captivating, the characters felt just like friends, and the unexpected happened OFTEN, which was absolutely delicious!
Too often I find that books take the same predictable turn, and not much disaster or surprise happens except when the last chapter approaches. Present History is not like that. There are no boring chapters, no moments you wish to skip past. The meaningful conversations didn't feel stuffy or like they were a drag (that's a first for me :).

I genuinely felt pain and happiness for all of the character's and the things they went through. Well done, Ashley, for creating such a magical world with such intricate and deep characters. You know something's special when you wish you could crawl into the pages and pull the characters out and plop them into your community of friends. I want them all!!!

This book was healing. I laughed a lot, cried a ton. The process of grief was beautifully captured and brought to life through the characters. I really appreciated that aspect and I'm sure it will bless many people who are also experiencing grief in their life.

Also, quick shoutout to the time travel aspect here. Its positively thrilling. I loved the addition of people from history and the experiences they each carried with them and how those were woven into the contemporary character's. YIKES! Its crazy. I love it. haha.

I could go on but I'll leave it at that. This is the kind of book I've been looking for, and I enjoyed it more than any other I've read.
I can't wait for more!!

[Barb Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! It drew me in right from the first page which for me is no small task. It was impossible for me to forecast where the plot would take me and I was pleasantly surprised by each and every nuance. I loved the tension and depth between characters that somehow imprinted into my heart as rich and endearing souls. I am very glad to hear this is a series! I look forward to more from this author.

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book!!! The character development is amazing. The plot is deep and thought provoking. Overall the book is nothing short of spectacular!!!! This book is easily one of my all time favorites!!!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to be an avid reader but as I’ve grown up, it seems like more and more things have taken up my free time to the point where it’s difficult for me to become invested in a book/series. This book gripped me right from the beginning. Without giving away any spoilers, it’s an incredibly tense and emotional book, yet also totally enjoyable. Ashley knows exactly when to leave the readers wanting more - right when things seem perfect, trauma sweeps right back into their lives and messes everything up. It didn’t take me very long to fall in love with the characters; they’re so REAL and relatable. And besides a very few words (nothing you don’t already hear on TV), it’s a completely clean read. I will absolutely be hanging onto this book for a reread in the future.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cunningly weaved plot, a stunning setting, lovable and unforgettable characters, and beautiful reminders and lessons, Present History is a timeless story which you will pick up again and again.

History is alive.
Who are those of the future to say the past is silent?
Let history speak for itself, and may those who have ears, listen.
For many hear, but few listen.
Fewer still are those who understand.
Howie Robertson

When I first read 'Present History' I was amazed by both the quality of the writing, and the story itself. It was an original idea, but so well executed. When I read it again, I was able to appreciate everything so much more, and still be excited by the plot. It is not predictable at all.

The plot is so well paced, and although it is quite intense, it's doesn't feel *too* exciting. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, but even so, there is plenty of time for exploring the setting, and developing the characters.

Speaking of the characters.... Where do I even begin? Asking me to pick a favourite character is like asking me to pick a favourite book {it ain't gonna happen - although this book is definitely a contender}.

There's Ellie Daniels - the author, a thoughtful yet troubled girl, who is so much like a lot of us.
There's Tom Holt - a sweet {like seriously sweet}, kind, and wise guy. His family and him made me smile so much. Just reading about them made me feel like I was at their dinner table, enjoying the warmth and laughter. Also #Tellie all the way.
Howie Robertson- the wise marshal, who is just a tad bit protective.
Justice, Ethan, Jonathan, Hannah... The list goes on, they were all so amazing, and the character growth was seriously inspiring.

The interactions between characters were also so good. They took time to find out who each person was, and appreciated their struggles and wisdom. Like can I just have them all as friends, pretty please?

The villain was so so perfect. No, not *perfect*, but I mean he was completely shiver up your spine loathsome. He is the epitome of evil, but he still was realistic.

The settings were so amazing. The story is partly set in New York, and partly in British Columbia - my home province - and there's plenty of forests, lakes, cabins and country roads.

It is so easy to get into this story, and I highly recommend you do. You won't be able to put the book down. When you're done, you will feel so warm and fuzzy, and also a little bit like you've been run over by a train {but in a good way}. Can I have the sequel now please? No, I have to wait? Oh well, I'll go reread this book then.

Hats off to Ashley for this masterpiece of a book. You have won yourself a loyal fan, and I am so looking forward to your future works.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

ellie daniels thick with grief after the loss of her father is taking some time to find her bearings and attempt to heal. Retreating to a cottage in the British Columbia area after being in New York she finds that things take a wild turn. Ellie being a novelist has awoken to something she never knew was possible unless she was having a big nervous breakdown...her characters from her own words have come to life, but that's not all... something sinister is lying in wait. A villain who time travels. Feeling utterly confused by it all Tom, sweet Tom, and his even sweeter family has turned out to be a good source of help. As the story progresses we find that Ellie has come to the realization that not all historical figures plan to stay in their moment of time and she must face them in the present...What will happen to Ellie? Will she make it out or will this haunting villain bring her down?
This was filled to the top with emotions. Ashley captures grief so well while still finding a route in healing. It was funny, intense, sweet, realistic, descriptive, romantic and suspenseful and just when you think you've hit a spot where it has plateaued you see sorely mistaken. It is a novel all in itself. Nothing I have read has come even close to this plot line. I will be recommending this over and over time again.

[LadyJane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Present History is emotional, intense, and suspenseful. So much is happening in this book, and I love it! The story has deep subplots that fit together in a way that made me want all of the details.

Ellie Daniels is deep in grief, having lost the most important person in her life, her dad. She retreats to a lakeside cottage in the Canadian countryside to try and recover emotionally. One by one, a variety of characters from history and a love interest from the present appear on the scene.

I connected on some level with every one of the characters. Each one had their own story to tell within Ellie’s story. The interaction between them created an incredible, yet unlikely, support group. There were moments when I desperately wanted to reach through the pages and hug each one. The history buff in me loved this eclectic bunch.

Ashley Nikole pours her heart and soul into her books. I felt her emotions as I read each chapter. I was surprised at how emotional I felt. I had the pleasure of reading her book Deadeye previously, so I was familiar with her compelling writing style. I’m eager to continue reading her books.

[Nicola Schut · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good potential in this book! Sadly, I couldn’t finish it. Characters that were introduced in the beginning of the book weren’t explained until 2/3rds of the way through, and even then I was confused. The hints it was making about the characters didn’t make sense, and weren’t explained. (Although to be fair, I didn’t finish the book. Maybe they were explained at the end) They would have been such cool characters if they had had a good introduction!

I wanted to like the main character. However, if the bad guy almost killed her 5 TIMES, why did she keep going out by herself?! And if the U.S Marshall was suppose to be protecting her, why was he NEVER around? (Only smoking his pipe on the porch). If he was a real US Marshall I would suspect he wouldn’t take her out of his sights. Anyways.

I just got frustrated and couldn’t finish it. The time travelling characters would have been a cool concept if it had been introduced better.