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The Graham Saga #9
There is Always a Tomorrow
There is Always a Tomorrow is the ninth book in Anna Belfrage’s time slip series featuring time traveller Alexandra Lind and her seventeenth century husband, Matthew Graham.
It is 1692 and the Colony of Maryland is still adapting to the consequences of Coode’s Rebellion some years previously. Religious tolerance in the colony is now a thing of the past, but safe in their home, Alex and Matthew Graham have no reason to suspect they will become embroiled in the ongoing religious conflicts—until one of their sons betrays their friend Carlos Muñoz to the authorities.
Matthew Graham does not leave his friends to rot—not even if they’re papist priests—so soon enough most of the Graham family is involved in a rescue attempt, desperate to save Carlos from a sentence that may well kill him.
Meanwhile, in London little Rachel is going through hell. In a matter of months she loses everything, even her surname, as apparently her father is not Master Cooke but one Jacob Graham. Not that her paternity matters when her entire life implodes.
Will Alex and Matthew be able to help their unknown grandchild? More importantly, will Rachel want their help?
It is 1692 and the Colony of Maryland is still adapting to the consequences of Coode’s Rebellion some years previously. Religious tolerance in the colony is now a thing of the past, but safe in their home, Alex and Matthew Graham have no reason to suspect they will become embroiled in the ongoing religious conflicts—until one of their sons betrays their friend Carlos Muñoz to the authorities.
Matthew Graham does not leave his friends to rot—not even if they’re papist priests—so soon enough most of the Graham family is involved in a rescue attempt, desperate to save Carlos from a sentence that may well kill him.
Meanwhile, in London little Rachel is going through hell. In a matter of months she loses everything, even her surname, as apparently her father is not Master Cooke but one Jacob Graham. Not that her paternity matters when her entire life implodes.
Will Alex and Matthew be able to help their unknown grandchild? More importantly, will Rachel want their help?
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First published November 5, 2017
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About the author
Anna Belfrage
37 books286 followersAnna was raised abroad, on a pungent mix of Latin American culture, English history and Swedish traditions. As a result she's multilingual and most of her reading is historical- both non-fiction and fiction. Possessed of a lively imagination, she has drawers full of potential stories, all of them set in the past. She was always going to be a writer - or a historian, preferably both. Ideally, Anna aspired to becoming a pioneer time traveller, but science has as yet not advanced to the point of making that possible. Instead she ended up with a degree in Business and Finance, with very little time to spare for her most favourite pursuit. Still, one does as one must, and in between juggling a challenging career Anna raised her four children on a potent combination of invented stories, historical debates and masses of good food and homemade cakes. They seem to thrive…
For years she combined a challenging career with four children and the odd snatched moment of writing. Nowadays Anna spends most of her spare time at her writing desk. The children are half grown, the house is at times eerily silent and she slips away into her imaginary world, with her imaginary characters. Every now and then the one and only man in her life pops his head in to ensure she's still there.
For additional information regarding Anna, her characters, extra scenes, and teasers for her next books, have a look at Anna's website at: www.annabelfrage.com
For years she combined a challenging career with four children and the odd snatched moment of writing. Nowadays Anna spends most of her spare time at her writing desk. The children are half grown, the house is at times eerily silent and she slips away into her imaginary world, with her imaginary characters. Every now and then the one and only man in her life pops his head in to ensure she's still there.
For additional information regarding Anna, her characters, extra scenes, and teasers for her next books, have a look at Anna's website at: www.annabelfrage.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 29, 2020
“I did as I had to do,” Daniel said, straightening up to his full, rather impressive, height. The only one of their sons who overtopped his father by an inch or so, Daniel Graham was a good-looking man, bright blue eyes contrasting with his dark hair.
“I guess that’s what Pilate said as well,” Alex retorted.
Matthew Graham had sent his son away to learn to be a man of God, but he would never have thought that the same son would be instrumental in another man’s suffering — a friend’s suffering.
Like Jesus, Carlos Muñoz prayed for a merciful death, but with a corrupt magistrate proceeding over the trial, Carlos fears for the worst. The only way he can survive such torment is if his friends take the law into their own hands…
From a desperate rescue to save a man’s life to the longed-for homecoming of a prodigal son, There is Always a Tomorrow (The Graham Saga, Book #9) by Anna Belfrage is the dramatic conclusion of a story of one woman who fell through time and found herself in the 17th Century.
I have been enchanted with The Graham Saga from the opening chapter of A Rip in the Veil (The Graham Saga, Book #1) to the end of that very final full stop in There is Always a Tomorrow (The Graham Saga, Book #9). Absorbing, heart-warming and utterly captivating, Belfrage has captured the very essence of this period — from the evocative depiction of Scotland, the bustling back-alleys of London, the seemingly tranquil streets of Seville, Spain, the horrors of slavery in the West Indies, to the majestically beautiful Colony of Maryland. With such a large and wonderful canvas, which history tells us was ripe with volatile political instability and religious ideology, Belfrage has crafted a series that is as absorbing as it is compelling. This is a series that bewitches, and as it is a time-travel adventure there really is something for everyone. It is a series bursting with swoon-worthy romance, war, religious persecution, witch trials, hate, love, survival, and on top of this it is also a sprawling family sage that entwines two very different centuries over three very turbulent decades.
I was both looking forward to and dreading reading There is Always a Tomorrow (The Graham Saga, Book #9). I was looking forward to it because I have cherished every book in this series, and I could not wait to find out what would happen next. I was dreading it because book #9 is the very last book, and I did not want this story to end. I held my breath with trepidation as I picked up this novel and allowed myself to be swept back to the 17th century. There is Always a Tomorrow is perhaps the darkest book in The Graham Saga. There are scenes in this story that are incredibly distressing. One of the characters endures the most horrific abuse, and the consequences of such abuse are dreadful for everyone who tries to help the abused. There are also moments of intolerance, cruelty and revenge. Belfrage reminds us that to glorify the past is to give a false sense of time and place. This was a brutally unforgiving era, and life was hard. It is a very sobering account of what life was like in the 17th century. But, it is also a story of hope, putting aside past grievances and coming together for the greater good. This is a story about one family and their tenacious determination to stay together even if they are spread out all over the world.
What a journey the protagonists have taken us on. Alex and Matthew Graham — a love story centuries in the making. The trials and tribulations these two beloved characters have to go through had me reaching for the tissues on more than one occasion. This time I came prepared with a box of tissues close at hand before I even started reading! It was a wise decision. With old age creeping rapidly upon them, Alex and Matthew have seen it all. They have buried loved ones. They have watched the world around them change and develop, not always for the better. Alex, having travelled through time, also has the terrible burden of hindsight, which at times is heart-rendering. I adored Alex from the moment she was first introduced. She is this strong, feisty woman, but she also has this overflowing ability to love, and it is her love that binds her family together. It was an absolute pleasure spending so many hours in her company. Matthew, on the other hand... I will admit, at times he was infuriating, especially in the early years of their marriage, but he is also devoted to Alex and his family. He is a man with a time-travelling wife whose ideas and theories, backed up by science, are so different from his god-fearing upbringing. Matthew is a character whom I grew to love. His depiction was fabulously drawn, and his devotion to his wife and his strength of character brings so much to this tale. Bravo, Ms Belfrage.
This is the novel where I found myself rather disconcertingly thinking “Go, Luke” — the antagonist became a protagonist, I never saw that coming! Luke is a character that I despised right up until Book #8 when he began to try and make amends for the damage and heartache he has caused. He is still not the kind of person you want as an enemy, but old age has given him a certain amount of wisdom, and he is very protective of those whom he loves. In this novel, Luke becomes someone who you would perhaps now acknowledged if you were to meet him in the street, rather than crossing the road and hoping he did not notice you! I thought Belfrage’s depiction of Luke throughout this series was superb. He is a villain, a murderer, but he is also compassionate and fiercely loyal. An anti-hero who one really should hate, but I just could not find it in myself to hate this character anymore. Dare I say, by the end of this novel, I almost liked him.
The Grahams are an extensive extended family, and each character has had a part to play in this tale. Characters such as Ian captured my heart when they were first introduced, and others, like Michael Conner and Julian Allerton, became characters whom I grew to respect. But of all the secondary characters in this series, it is Matthew and Alex’s son, Samuel, “White Bear” who I loved the most. Samuel is one of the most conflicted characters in this series, more so even than his time-travelling half-brother, Isaac, who at least knew where he wanted to be. Caught between his adoptive Indian family and his parents, Samuel struggles to find a place for himself in two vastly different worlds. His choices have terrible consequences for his family, and he so desperately wants to please everyone but, in the end, he realises that such a thing is impossible. Samuel sealed the deal on this series for me, and he really comes into his own in this book. I thought his depiction was truly amazing, and he is a character that would be impossible to forget.
It was with a strange sense of heartache that I found myself turning the last page, but then I realised that this was not where the story ended, it was where the book did, and in my mind, I can still see all of these characters going about their everyday lives. And as the years go by and generation after generation of the Grahams live and die, one cannot help but wonder about that muggy August day in three hundred years time, when the past and future will collide, and Alex Lind will be once again thrown through a rip in the veil.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
November 26, 2017
Anna has done it again and given us a another great book in her series. She always does such great research when writing her books. For me this is an added bonus for me as it makes the book even more interesting. You can really get a sense of the places she is describing. I also thinks she does a good job with her character development. This book has all things you need in a good book - adventure and romance. You have two stories going on and when you are reading about Alex and Matthew you want to be with Rachel and when you are with Rachel you want to be with Alex and Matthew. I was sorry to see this book end as now I have to wait for the next book by Anna to be finished. This is the ninth book in this series and I suggest you read this book in the order it was written so you do not miss out on details of the saga.
December 17, 2017
One of the biggest challenges of writing sweeping family sagas is to give the reader the small details that bring the characters to life. And in There is Always a Tomorrow, the ninth in the Graham Saga, Ms Belfrage shows her skill as a novelist in bringing these details to the forefront. With themes of love and loss, distinct and parallel lives, this book traverses time and distance to follow the exploits of the rapidly expanding Graham family. At the same time, poignant and deeply emotional scenes (Alex carving her son’s name as a memorium comes to mind) anchor the action, and bring the family vividly to life. These delicate, intimate insights into motive and character compel us to feel as if we too are part of the Graham family.
Ms Belfrage’s thorough historical research is seamless, a foundation for the story but never interrupting the flow of the narrative, nor intruding upon the characters and their actions. This is the very best kind of historical fiction – where time and place effortlessly supports the very human story that is being revealed. And, because the research is so well done, as a reader one is never jarred out of the story with an anachronism or a detail that is out of place.
I truly enjoyed my time in the world of the Grahams, and have found myself thinking about them well after I finished the book, wondering about their world and their lives. That, to me, is the mark of a great story. I hope Ms Belfrage finds it in her heart to bring us another in the Graham Saga. In the meantime, I’m going to join her in the 14th century in her other series, The King’s Greatest Enemy. I have a feeling I will be equally enthralled.
November 8, 2017
Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman
Alex Graham may have ended up in 17th Century Maryland by a quirk of time, but she has made her home there with her husband Matthew, their ten children and innumerable grandchildren. There is Always a Tomorrow by Anna Belfrage is the ninth book in the Graham Saga, which follows Alex after her journey back through time and her life in the 1600’s. The Graham’s farm an area in Maryland, which was once a Catholic stronghold, but has now been taken over by the puritanical Presbyterians who are rabidly anti Papist. Against this backdrop we also travel to England, where two of the Graham children are living and being looked after by Matthew’s brother. Also we follow Samuel, another Graham child who has been adopted by the local Indian tribe. The Graham’s close friend, a Catholic Priest, Carlos Munoz has been betrayed to the authorities by one of their own sons and the hunt is on to catch and deal with the one-legged priest.
Although There is Always a Tomorrow is the ninth book in this series, there is no need to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one. It stands alone as a self-contained story. I found Anna Belfrage’s characters to be well created and to each have a respective place within the story. My only problem was the sheer number of characters, with the children, grandchildren and sundry relatives often making me pause and say, “now who is that?”. Without being an expert on the period under writing, I felt the setting was authentic and the research done by the author comprehensive in understanding the locale, the feeling of the population and the general ambience of 17th Century Colonial America. I haven’t read any of Belfrage’s work before, but this was easy to read and exciting enough to keep me fully engaged throughout. I have little doubt I will read more of this author in the future.
Alex Graham may have ended up in 17th Century Maryland by a quirk of time, but she has made her home there with her husband Matthew, their ten children and innumerable grandchildren. There is Always a Tomorrow by Anna Belfrage is the ninth book in the Graham Saga, which follows Alex after her journey back through time and her life in the 1600’s. The Graham’s farm an area in Maryland, which was once a Catholic stronghold, but has now been taken over by the puritanical Presbyterians who are rabidly anti Papist. Against this backdrop we also travel to England, where two of the Graham children are living and being looked after by Matthew’s brother. Also we follow Samuel, another Graham child who has been adopted by the local Indian tribe. The Graham’s close friend, a Catholic Priest, Carlos Munoz has been betrayed to the authorities by one of their own sons and the hunt is on to catch and deal with the one-legged priest.
Although There is Always a Tomorrow is the ninth book in this series, there is no need to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one. It stands alone as a self-contained story. I found Anna Belfrage’s characters to be well created and to each have a respective place within the story. My only problem was the sheer number of characters, with the children, grandchildren and sundry relatives often making me pause and say, “now who is that?”. Without being an expert on the period under writing, I felt the setting was authentic and the research done by the author comprehensive in understanding the locale, the feeling of the population and the general ambience of 17th Century Colonial America. I haven’t read any of Belfrage’s work before, but this was easy to read and exciting enough to keep me fully engaged throughout. I have little doubt I will read more of this author in the future.
December 9, 2017
"There is Always a Tomorrow" is yet another installation to Belfrage's The Graham Saga. It is the ninth book in the series but largely works as a standalone. I caveat with "largely" for just one major reason that I will detail below. It's the late 1600s in the colony of Maryland and religion seems to be a major factor throughout the colonies. Religious tolerance does not seem to be so easy to find these days.
This book is a family saga. While it focuses on one couple: Matthew and Alex, our attention is split with the whole family. This book is truly a family saga and it is the relationships between the family members that really drives the action. While the Graham family has mostly seemed to be very happy, all of that happiness is threatened by one of the main couple's (Matthew and Alex) sons who has turned out to be so serious about his religion that he seems to forget about everything and everyone else, even when it threatens to upend his whole life. It was interesting to see why he would do this and more importantly, how his family copes (or does not cope in some cases).
I was especially interested in the setting. I live in Maryland but much further north and closer to Washington, D.C. than the characters did. It was so interesting to see what my state was once like. I really liked all of the historical detail the author infuses into the book about this.
It can be dangerous territory to jump into the middle of a series but for this book, it works pretty well. We do catch on that Alex is not from the time period and instead somehow travels back in time to this time period but it is never explained why and seems to be taken for granted by the other characters. That being said, this isn't a huge distraction but instead left me wanting to go back and read the other books.
This book is a family saga. While it focuses on one couple: Matthew and Alex, our attention is split with the whole family. This book is truly a family saga and it is the relationships between the family members that really drives the action. While the Graham family has mostly seemed to be very happy, all of that happiness is threatened by one of the main couple's (Matthew and Alex) sons who has turned out to be so serious about his religion that he seems to forget about everything and everyone else, even when it threatens to upend his whole life. It was interesting to see why he would do this and more importantly, how his family copes (or does not cope in some cases).
I was especially interested in the setting. I live in Maryland but much further north and closer to Washington, D.C. than the characters did. It was so interesting to see what my state was once like. I really liked all of the historical detail the author infuses into the book about this.
It can be dangerous territory to jump into the middle of a series but for this book, it works pretty well. We do catch on that Alex is not from the time period and instead somehow travels back in time to this time period but it is never explained why and seems to be taken for granted by the other characters. That being said, this isn't a huge distraction but instead left me wanting to go back and read the other books.
February 18, 2018
This series is very good, but this book felt rushed. Particularly towards the end. I really hope this is not the last book of the series, because a lot of issues were left up in the air, I feel like previous books have done a better job of summarizing the story line and bring closure, if you will.
February 3, 2018
I have to admit that I haven't read any of the previous eight books in The Graham Series, a fact that I hope to remedy very soon, as by reading this ninth book out of sequence, I realise just how much I have missed by not picking up the series when it first started back in 2012. The first novel, A Rip in the Veil, sees Alexandra Lind, a twentieth century woman, being whisked back in time to 1658.
And so, putting that admission to one side, I can now concentrate more fully on the merits of There is Always A Tomorrow, which despite my need to keep referring back to the family tree to remind myself who was who, I found this to be a fascinating story about a family who are firmly immersed in their life at Graham's Garden in Maryland, where they are very much part of the fabric of the close knit community they call home.
The relationship between Alex and Matthew is filled with love and passion and the way they act around each other after many years of marriage is testament to the strength of their relationship, which seems to be tested frequently by the behaviour of their numerous offspring.This novel seems to follow more closely the lives of just a few of their grown up children, although all the others are very much in evidence throughout the story. I was especially interested in the story of Samuel who, as White Bear, faces a dilemma about staying at home at Graham's Garden or of travelling with the indigenous people who have since become his adopted family. Also the arrival of a granddaughter, from London, causes great upset to the Grahams and threatens the equilibrium of the homestead, with catastrophic effect.
What becomes apparent when reading about the Grahams is the love and fine attention to detail which the author instills in all of her characters. Like a mother she understands them and allows the subtle differences in their personalities to really shine, so that they all appear totally authentic and completely of their time in history.
I think that the story works well as a standalone read, but, as a new reader to the series, I did find that I didn't always understand certain references to past events. However, the author does allow for new readers to the series and gives sufficient background information. The problem of not knowing enough about what had gone before is my fault and is no reflection on the standard of writing, which, as always, is excellent.
There is Always A Tomorrow is a fascinating family saga, filled with intrigue, danger, love and passion, and I am sure that fans of this series who have followed The Graham Saga from the beginning will enjoy this continuation, and will, I am sure, be urging the author to write more
And so, putting that admission to one side, I can now concentrate more fully on the merits of There is Always A Tomorrow, which despite my need to keep referring back to the family tree to remind myself who was who, I found this to be a fascinating story about a family who are firmly immersed in their life at Graham's Garden in Maryland, where they are very much part of the fabric of the close knit community they call home.
The relationship between Alex and Matthew is filled with love and passion and the way they act around each other after many years of marriage is testament to the strength of their relationship, which seems to be tested frequently by the behaviour of their numerous offspring.This novel seems to follow more closely the lives of just a few of their grown up children, although all the others are very much in evidence throughout the story. I was especially interested in the story of Samuel who, as White Bear, faces a dilemma about staying at home at Graham's Garden or of travelling with the indigenous people who have since become his adopted family. Also the arrival of a granddaughter, from London, causes great upset to the Grahams and threatens the equilibrium of the homestead, with catastrophic effect.
What becomes apparent when reading about the Grahams is the love and fine attention to detail which the author instills in all of her characters. Like a mother she understands them and allows the subtle differences in their personalities to really shine, so that they all appear totally authentic and completely of their time in history.
I think that the story works well as a standalone read, but, as a new reader to the series, I did find that I didn't always understand certain references to past events. However, the author does allow for new readers to the series and gives sufficient background information. The problem of not knowing enough about what had gone before is my fault and is no reflection on the standard of writing, which, as always, is excellent.
There is Always A Tomorrow is a fascinating family saga, filled with intrigue, danger, love and passion, and I am sure that fans of this series who have followed The Graham Saga from the beginning will enjoy this continuation, and will, I am sure, be urging the author to write more
December 3, 2017
This and other reviews can be found at justonemorechapter.commy link text
It is always a pleasure reading one of Anna Belfrage’s books. With book 8 (To Catch a Falling Star) in the series I thought that was the last of Matthew and Alex but alas book 9 was published earlier last month.
Why do I enjoy this series so much? Well, there are many reasons, so in no particular order let’s start with the setting and time period. As a lover of historical fiction I love it when an author takes me back in time, where I can get a good feel of the era with the lifestyle, lay of the land and the political/religious tension in the air. Which is exactly what happened here. Not only am I entertained but educated at the same time, in this case as I was unaware of the religious strife that took place.
Secondly, Alex and Matthew Graham, though it saddens me to say these are fictional characters, the author has made me care about them, they are an authentic family where life isn’t always kind.
Thirdly, the author's writing, Anna Belfrage is one of my favourites, it isn’t hard for me to get lost in her books. I sit for a few minutes and then wham, it’s an hour later.
In There is Always a Tomorrow, the family feels the betrayed by one of their own, they struggle to support friendships, heal over loses and welcome someone who doesn’t reciprocate . There is a lot going on in this book and with a brood of offspring it makes sense, but it isn’t done in an overwhelming way. While most of the story takes place in the US, with 2 sons and granddaughter in England the story weaves back and forth.
Now the big question, will there be a book 10? While the ending was fitting with no cliffhangers I will admit to that there are a few lose ends that need to be tied up. If my feelings for the Grahams are like this I can assume the author’s is doubly so and she won’t leave things hanging when it comes to the offspring of Matthew and Alex.
This one can work as a stand alone but I highly recommend starting at the beginning of this series with A Rip in the Veil.
Thanks to Amy at HFVBT and Anna Belfrage for a copy of this book (which in no way influenced my opinion).
It is always a pleasure reading one of Anna Belfrage’s books. With book 8 (To Catch a Falling Star) in the series I thought that was the last of Matthew and Alex but alas book 9 was published earlier last month.
Why do I enjoy this series so much? Well, there are many reasons, so in no particular order let’s start with the setting and time period. As a lover of historical fiction I love it when an author takes me back in time, where I can get a good feel of the era with the lifestyle, lay of the land and the political/religious tension in the air. Which is exactly what happened here. Not only am I entertained but educated at the same time, in this case as I was unaware of the religious strife that took place.
Secondly, Alex and Matthew Graham, though it saddens me to say these are fictional characters, the author has made me care about them, they are an authentic family where life isn’t always kind.
Thirdly, the author's writing, Anna Belfrage is one of my favourites, it isn’t hard for me to get lost in her books. I sit for a few minutes and then wham, it’s an hour later.
In There is Always a Tomorrow, the family feels the betrayed by one of their own, they struggle to support friendships, heal over loses and welcome someone who doesn’t reciprocate . There is a lot going on in this book and with a brood of offspring it makes sense, but it isn’t done in an overwhelming way. While most of the story takes place in the US, with 2 sons and granddaughter in England the story weaves back and forth.
Now the big question, will there be a book 10? While the ending was fitting with no cliffhangers I will admit to that there are a few lose ends that need to be tied up. If my feelings for the Grahams are like this I can assume the author’s is doubly so and she won’t leave things hanging when it comes to the offspring of Matthew and Alex.
This one can work as a stand alone but I highly recommend starting at the beginning of this series with A Rip in the Veil.
Thanks to Amy at HFVBT and Anna Belfrage for a copy of this book (which in no way influenced my opinion).
December 22, 2017
I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting another book in this series. I thought it had ended with To Catch a Falling Star. Don’t get me wrong – I am beyond pleased that Ms. Belfrage has decided to continue writing about Alex and Matthew. After reading all but the first book I’m obviously very invested in these characters.
This book focuses on religious intolerance as the main arc of the tale, combined with the greed of ma. One would like to think that we had learned from the 17th century but sadly we are still living in a time of religious intolerance and the greed of man albeit not quite as bad. Alex and Matthew’s rather self righteous and pretentious son has reported their friend Father Carlos to the authorities because he is a Catholic priest not fully understanding the consequences of his actions. He is young and walks about with his sense of moral superiority but his mother and father will have none of it and he doesn’t understand why they do back him
I’ll not spoil the plot and this is an ongoing and quite complicated part of the story. There is much more to the book including Various goings on back in London with Matthew’s brother Luke – even though they have a, oh let’s say difficult relationship themselves, they are both more than happy to help their nephews. Family is family after all – and that includes the illegitimate daughter of Jacob, Alex and Matthew’s dead son. Her story is particularly sad and she is a very unpleasant character. I was quite torn with her – at times I wanted to slap her silly at others I felt she needed a long hug. Such is the dichotomy of a well written character.
Overall another great read covering lots of complicated and simple issues facing people living in 17th century America and England where one of them happens to have traveled through time. There is nothing stopping you from just reading this book, it can certainly be read stand alone but the stories are so much richer for having read what came before. Ms. Belfrage is a magical writer drawing you into the worlds of her creations and making it very hard to leave them behind. I was quite pleased to read at the end that she might continue the Graham Saga. I for one would not be disappointed.
4.5
This book focuses on religious intolerance as the main arc of the tale, combined with the greed of ma. One would like to think that we had learned from the 17th century but sadly we are still living in a time of religious intolerance and the greed of man albeit not quite as bad. Alex and Matthew’s rather self righteous and pretentious son has reported their friend Father Carlos to the authorities because he is a Catholic priest not fully understanding the consequences of his actions. He is young and walks about with his sense of moral superiority but his mother and father will have none of it and he doesn’t understand why they do back him
I’ll not spoil the plot and this is an ongoing and quite complicated part of the story. There is much more to the book including Various goings on back in London with Matthew’s brother Luke – even though they have a, oh let’s say difficult relationship themselves, they are both more than happy to help their nephews. Family is family after all – and that includes the illegitimate daughter of Jacob, Alex and Matthew’s dead son. Her story is particularly sad and she is a very unpleasant character. I was quite torn with her – at times I wanted to slap her silly at others I felt she needed a long hug. Such is the dichotomy of a well written character.
Overall another great read covering lots of complicated and simple issues facing people living in 17th century America and England where one of them happens to have traveled through time. There is nothing stopping you from just reading this book, it can certainly be read stand alone but the stories are so much richer for having read what came before. Ms. Belfrage is a magical writer drawing you into the worlds of her creations and making it very hard to leave them behind. I was quite pleased to read at the end that she might continue the Graham Saga. I for one would not be disappointed.
4.5
November 24, 2017
I am posting a review for There Is Always Tomorrow for myself, and as founder of the review blog, Discovering Diamonds (where there is an independent review of this novel) It was with great regret that I finished the last in the Graham Saga series - I had come to know the cast of characters as friends (and a few non-friends where the dastardly ones were concerned). I often found myself thinking, in the months that followed, "I wonder how Alex and Matthew fared next?" So it was with huge delight that I grabbed a copy of this unexpected addition - and I wasn't disappointed when I started to read.
Ms Belfrage has a huge talent for making her locations, plots, adventures - the good times and the bad times - and the entire set of characters compelling, intriguing, riveting and completely believable ... even the time travel element is matter of fact real!
Bravo ... and encore please! I do hope there will be more....
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Ms Belfrage writes in a pleasing style that keeps on going, never letting up, vivid and engaging that sweeps you on and makes you feel for the characters."
Ms Belfrage has a huge talent for making her locations, plots, adventures - the good times and the bad times - and the entire set of characters compelling, intriguing, riveting and completely believable ... even the time travel element is matter of fact real!
Bravo ... and encore please! I do hope there will be more....
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Ms Belfrage writes in a pleasing style that keeps on going, never letting up, vivid and engaging that sweeps you on and makes you feel for the characters."
November 30, 2018
I am going to write a general review of this series. I would highly recommend it to any time travel, erotica, or history buff. It was well written and hard to put down. The characters were well rounded, sometimes frustratingly so!
Matthew was such a stubborn man. At times, I wanted to wring his neck. Alex was perfect as the modern woman thrust into the 1600s. She never fully adapted, and I wouldn't have wanted her to do so.
There was shocking violence, rape, murder. There was great sadness. There was also love, humor, and joy. There were truly evil villians. The author has a talent for developing a realistic character, and all her history seemed well researched. Her grasp of the written word is tight.
Sometimes the stories would slow down a bit, but in a way, that gave me time to catch my breath. I really hope for one last book in this series. I'm sure I'm not the only one!
Matthew was such a stubborn man. At times, I wanted to wring his neck. Alex was perfect as the modern woman thrust into the 1600s. She never fully adapted, and I wouldn't have wanted her to do so.
There was shocking violence, rape, murder. There was great sadness. There was also love, humor, and joy. There were truly evil villians. The author has a talent for developing a realistic character, and all her history seemed well researched. Her grasp of the written word is tight.
Sometimes the stories would slow down a bit, but in a way, that gave me time to catch my breath. I really hope for one last book in this series. I'm sure I'm not the only one!
March 2, 2019
I have finished the Graham Saga series
This is an excellent series for those who live history, romance, in-depth character development and of course time travel. I chose to read this at the suggestion from a group of people devoted to the Outlander books. It lived up to all the comments from other readers. I was hooked from the minute Alex and Matthew met. Theirs story is filled with romance and trials. No matter what other characters appear they are the constant that cement all together.
They travel from Scotland to Jamaica and finally to build a new life in the colony of Maryland.
The only thing I find problematic with this story is that for the time being there are not more books. I feel as if I've lost friends! I want to hear more of their life, their children's , grandchildren and their friends and of course their trials!
This is an excellent series for those who live history, romance, in-depth character development and of course time travel. I chose to read this at the suggestion from a group of people devoted to the Outlander books. It lived up to all the comments from other readers. I was hooked from the minute Alex and Matthew met. Theirs story is filled with romance and trials. No matter what other characters appear they are the constant that cement all together.
They travel from Scotland to Jamaica and finally to build a new life in the colony of Maryland.
The only thing I find problematic with this story is that for the time being there are not more books. I feel as if I've lost friends! I want to hear more of their life, their children's , grandchildren and their friends and of course their trials!
March 29, 2020
Best book of the series. I may be slightly biased because I did NOT enjoy Greg Patmore's narration of Alex's voice in the previous 8 audio-books. It really influenced my feelings that she was completely out of place as a heroine, very petty and bacon-headed.
The evolution of Anna Belfrage's writing style is very evident in this installment of The Graham Saga. Alex's character has mellowed and acting more appropriate to her age and the time period; she isn't using flippant phrases like "in your dreams" or "F@*K YOU" and finally she is giving Matthew some long overdue respect. AB ends the book beautifully. While I was left wanting to know what the future holds for the family, at the same time she wraps up things nicely with no loose ends. Would love more installments.
The evolution of Anna Belfrage's writing style is very evident in this installment of The Graham Saga. Alex's character has mellowed and acting more appropriate to her age and the time period; she isn't using flippant phrases like "in your dreams" or "F@*K YOU" and finally she is giving Matthew some long overdue respect. AB ends the book beautifully. While I was left wanting to know what the future holds for the family, at the same time she wraps up things nicely with no loose ends. Would love more installments.
September 21, 2022
Book 9 Graham Saga
Well, I'm an idiot. I left a final review on Book 8, very sad to see the saga end...
And woo whoo to discover the 9th book... gosh if I was still a drinking gal... it would have been a party!
So, it was me raising a can of Diet Dew to The Graham Saga again!!
I snuggled down into my Comfy bed and read til dawn!!
Now. I'm a bit sad, but I have faith in Anne Belfrage that she has more Graham drama, sex, birth, death, grief and war left in her awesome and talented person.
Fans. Read this series. Fall in love with the Graham's. Grieve with the Graham's.
Now I'm off to peruse more of Anne Belfrage's stories!!
Well, I'm an idiot. I left a final review on Book 8, very sad to see the saga end...
And woo whoo to discover the 9th book... gosh if I was still a drinking gal... it would have been a party!
So, it was me raising a can of Diet Dew to The Graham Saga again!!
I snuggled down into my Comfy bed and read til dawn!!
Now. I'm a bit sad, but I have faith in Anne Belfrage that she has more Graham drama, sex, birth, death, grief and war left in her awesome and talented person.
Fans. Read this series. Fall in love with the Graham's. Grieve with the Graham's.
Now I'm off to peruse more of Anne Belfrage's stories!!
January 17, 2020
I loved this series. I am sad that I am done with the series. The one thing I could say I am upset about was how it ended. It was just like a dead stop not a smooth ending like you know the series is over. She did make a comment that she isn't sure if she is going to write another book for the series or not. I really hope she does at least just one and will do a proper ending if she no longer wants to keep the series going. I am still give the book a five star because other than the ending the book was really good.
April 22, 2018
A good book series
This is the latest installment of a story of a time traveler's life story . Alex and Matthew are now middle age and the story continues of their growing family . The first books were the best to be honest Maybe because the story focussed more on their central characters. It still held your attention however this happens when stories go on and on .
This is the latest installment of a story of a time traveler's life story . Alex and Matthew are now middle age and the story continues of their growing family . The first books were the best to be honest Maybe because the story focussed more on their central characters. It still held your attention however this happens when stories go on and on .
May 6, 2018
I read the book twice and enjoyed it very much. Great story and sad parts about Rachel. I wished that she was found sooner and maybe things would not have ended for her. I hope that there will be another book to showcase how well Samuel adjusts to living with his birth family having lived with the Indians for a long time.
January 12, 2020
I hope this not the end of the Graham saga. There are so many people I need to know what happened to. This whole series has been an amazing read. If you have not read any of Anna's books be sure to start at the beginning of the series. She will have you hooked after the first few pages. She is excellent with characterization and her stories keep you turning the pages.
June 22, 2018
We are proud to announce that THERE IS ALWAYS A TOMORROW (The Graham Saga Book 9) by Anna Belfrage is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
September 19, 2021
Page turner!
I love how immersed I get when reading this series. I laughed, I cried, and I felt sad that book was over. It felt like I was almost eavesdropping in on lives from the shadows!
I love how immersed I get when reading this series. I laughed, I cried, and I felt sad that book was over. It felt like I was almost eavesdropping in on lives from the shadows!
May 18, 2018
So happy to have found this latest installment!
The Graham series is one of my favorites i can't get enough of. I
Please don't let this be the last!
The Graham series is one of my favorites i can't get enough of. I
Please don't let this be the last!
January 12, 2019
Loved
Great series, the characters are great and it the stories of each characters life transports you to another time. Can't wait for the next book.
Great series, the characters are great and it the stories of each characters life transports you to another time. Can't wait for the next book.
March 4, 2019
Very surprised to see a new book #9, I enjoyed it and the continuing story of the Grahams. Hoping not to long for book 10.
May 7, 2020
4.0 stars and it really doesn't end which means there could be more books which I would definitely read.
September 6, 2021
Life , the good bad and the ugly!
I thoroughly loved these! Great job! !!!! Matthew and Alex's live was something we could all love to have! Thank you
I thoroughly loved these! Great job! !!!! Matthew and Alex's live was something we could all love to have! Thank you
January 6, 2022
There is Always a Tomorrow
Does tomorrow ever really come? Of course some may wait until tomorrow to better their life or learn something new. Some may never have a tomorrow.
Does tomorrow ever really come? Of course some may wait until tomorrow to better their life or learn something new. Some may never have a tomorrow.
August 14, 2022
Excellent
I needed thus series, I get sad when I don't a have a book that I'm
racing to read.
I could have sworn that I read about Duncan as an adult in one of the earlier books.
I needed thus series, I get sad when I don't a have a book that I'm
racing to read.
I could have sworn that I read about Duncan as an adult in one of the earlier books.
May 3, 2023
is it too much to ask for a hea?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2022
Loved the series!!! wish there were more--keep them coming--so fun to learn some history & personal family history
November 22, 2020
Great read!well worth effort.
I must say that as a story teller you are fabulous. I have read this series with much interest. But how can you leave us you devoted reading audience with so many questions?
I have on tiny bit large complaint about ALex s character.She is made out to be a strong modern woman dropped into the18 th century.yet Every single time she has a righteous complaint or something she should stand up for.She immediately falls into Matthew s arms the have sex and he wins all is forgotten mean diminishing her at the wedding, embarking her in public by dancing with a woman he had slept with at party p.s. He would not have survived that.but I digress never reveling the reason Rev. Cambell came home with him almost destroying their marrige,shefeels once more he gets away with it.How can we believe their epic love story of only she learns to be submissive and he never grows . I will be very disappointed if they don't have their story bout to a proper conclusion.By he way before you say everyboby is a critic. Know that was ballerina before bodily degeneration made me become a professional painter,so I know how this feels. Keep up the good work I know how very hard it is to create. God bless you and give you a clear path before you p.s. I be never ever written a review before but you are worth it.sorry about the mistakes but I don't ever use computers.Much love Sharon.
I must say that as a story teller you are fabulous. I have read this series with much interest. But how can you leave us you devoted reading audience with so many questions?
I have on tiny bit large complaint about ALex s character.She is made out to be a strong modern woman dropped into the18 th century.yet Every single time she has a righteous complaint or something she should stand up for.She immediately falls into Matthew s arms the have sex and he wins all is forgotten mean diminishing her at the wedding, embarking her in public by dancing with a woman he had slept with at party p.s. He would not have survived that.but I digress never reveling the reason Rev. Cambell came home with him almost destroying their marrige,shefeels once more he gets away with it.How can we believe their epic love story of only she learns to be submissive and he never grows . I will be very disappointed if they don't have their story bout to a proper conclusion.By he way before you say everyboby is a critic. Know that was ballerina before bodily degeneration made me become a professional painter,so I know how this feels. Keep up the good work I know how very hard it is to create. God bless you and give you a clear path before you p.s. I be never ever written a review before but you are worth it.sorry about the mistakes but I don't ever use computers.Much love Sharon.
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