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Her Place in Time

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Can love offer a new future…in the past?

A mysterious gown, unexpected courage, and a love that transcends time.

Nursing student Lena Lowery faces a grim diagnosis and a dangerous surgery. On the cusp of the life-changing procedure, Lena stays at the Rosswood Plantation Bed and Breakfast for one last weekend with her mother. There in an antique armoire, Lena discovers a Civil War-era gown that holds an unimaginable cure…a trip back in time to when the house served as a hospital.

Confederate Sergeant Caleb Dockery lost his brother, his eye, and nearly his life. Stuck in a makeshift infirmary, he’s counting the days until he can return to duty…and seek revenge. When a stranger appears, he suspects she’s a spy. If he can’t return to duty and find the revenge he craves for his brother’s death, he can serve his country by stopping this traitor. But her nursing skills are saving lives, and her courage and independence stirs his heart. When Lena’s safety is threatened, Caleb must strain the loyalties that bind him or risk losing her forever.

Caught between a future that holds no promises and a past that could offer new life, Lena must face an extraordinary decision. Should she return to her own time where her days are numbered? Or can she and Caleb find a love that stretches across time?


If you like historical romance with a twist, strong female characters, and heroes that transcend eras, you’ll love this journey through time that tests the limits of love.

*Her Place in Time is set in the house from The Liberator Series, just prior to the start of Leveraging Lincoln. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing Annabelle and Peggy in this new novella.

196 pages, Paperback

Published June 7, 2018

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608 people want to read

About the author

Stephenia H. McGee

30 books804 followers
Stephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book518 followers
June 6, 2018
I do love a good time travel story, and Stephenia H. McGee delivers one in Her Place in Time. I love the magical realism aspect to these kind of stories – the oh-so-slight possibility that something like this could happen in the right circumstances and with God’s sovereign permission. It makes my inner history geek AND my imagination both so happy.

Staying at the Rosswood Plantation B&B, poor Lena just wanted to try on a pretty dress that’s been tucked away in that old armoire for who knows how long. Imagine her surprise – and everyone else’s – when it transports her to Rosswood Plantation during the days it acted as a Civil War hospital. The smells. The sounds. The sights. The lack of indoor plumbing or air conditioning. While wearing all. those. layers. Needless to say Lena has some hasty adjustments to make while she figures out how to get back home … but in the meantime there’s Caleb.

Swoony, soldier hero Caleb who is increasingly both puzzled by and attracted to Lena. The chemistry between Lena and Caleb is palpable but, because of several different elements to the plot, we aren’t sure how things will turn out for them. For one thing, McGee gives the time-travel formula a new twist – a grim health diagnosis in the present for our modern, time-traveling heroine. How does her unexpected trip to the Civil War era affect this diagnosis? How will it all play out in the present? To me, this really added dimension to the plot and to Lena’s character as well as her relationship with Caleb, even with the shorter word count of a novella.

Bottom Line: This story is more than a swoony romance or an engaging time-travel novella brimming with layers and possibilities (though it’s definitely both of those!). It’s also a look at what to do with the time we’re given – no matter what era that might be in – and a gentle reminder that God has placed each of us where we are for a purpose. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the unique way McGee tied all the layers together in the end. A perfect choice for a quick weekend read that you’ll be able to think about for a long time.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for ~Jennifer~.
1,010 reviews9 followers
April 20, 2024
Minor spoilers 3.75. I will start with the positives; I really like the author’s writing style, it was a quick read, no stall outs, and I love that it mentioned God without feeling preached at. It was a instant love, which aren’t my favorite, but my real hang up is the time travel was not believable.I know it is fiction and anything goes, but when I read a book I want to feel like it is possible. For example she had a tree cut down to prove to her mom she was traveling in the past, but her mom remembered the tree yet the owner did not. Neither of them should have remembered it. There was other minor moments too. I think time travel would be one of the hardest books to write, so truly this book was not that bad. I’m definitely going to read more books from this author,I really did enjoy her writing style.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Trisha.
453 reviews46 followers
May 24, 2018
see full review at: https://joyofreadingweb.wordpress.com...

If you collect book boyfriends (I’m looking at you Carrie Booth Schmidt), get your fainting couch ready to swoon over Sergeant Caleb Dockery! “His hands were calloused. He stood when she entered a room. He treated her like something she’d never really thought about wanting to be treated like. A lady. And the way he kissed her…”

This exciting story will take you on a journey unlike any other you’ve experienced before! A dashing hero, that will have you reaching for your fan, and a heroine that I’m sure we can all identify with.

Lena struggles with feeling like she is enough. She has faced many challenges, but nothing like the challenge facing her now with her diagnosis. Now she’s discovered a past and glimpses a possibility at a future she didn’t think was possible. Will she leave behind all she knows?

Come along for a delightful journey through time. Be sure to bring your imagination and allow yourself to just enjoy the ride. If you are looking for a fun story that will allow you to escape the daily stress, this is a story you won’t want to pass up! I give this story 4.5 stars and would encourage you to grab a copy to enjoy for yourself.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Profile Image for Rachel.
322 reviews72 followers
June 4, 2018
Wow! A time traveling, romantically swoony, culture-clashingly unique story awaits you within the covers of this book! Being a novella, this is a short story and a quick read. But you will fall in love with Caleb....er...I mean Sergeant Dockery...and Lena very quickly!

The history is fascinating, and I loved watching Lena learn and grow in the past. You will probably want to read this in one sitting, so clear your schedule! I don't want to give away too much of the story...But you should definitely pick up your eBook today!

I received a complimentary copy of Her Place in Time. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Profile Image for Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective).
1,436 reviews88 followers
May 24, 2018
You are in for a treat with this time traveling gem! I have read a few of Stephenia's books, and this one is among my favorites. It was so imaginative and different then your typical time travel storyline. I've always said that I want to live in historic times, and this book makes me believe I can! (side note - I don't truly think I can go back in time, but I'm instead living vicariously through Lena) The transition between present and past was seamless and plausible. My mind was torn between which time period I wanted Lena to stay in. Certainly I did not want her to leave her mother, but then again I wanted her to be with Caleb. Who can rule over true love?

Lena was a strong character for sure. Dealing with a health issue such as hers was not easy, but she faced it with bravery and courage. When Lena is in the past, she doesn't run away terrified. Instead she embraces it to the best of her ability, and uses her natural talents in a way that this time period hasn't seen before. I had to wonder if that would have changed the course of medicine! For me, this book was really about Lena's second chance at life, which we can all relate to in one way or another. It was about her becoming the person God wanted her to be, in a fun and imaginative way. If you dig deep, I think you'll find this theme present throughout the whole book and be able to apply it to your own situation.

Rosswood Plantation is a beautiful background to this story, both in present time and the past. I could see the trees vividly, feel the breeze, and feel the history in each room. At the end you get a sweet surprise - without saying too much I will just say it has to deal with the house itself. It was so neat and something I didn't expect. Kind of like an almond in the middle of a hershey kiss! It was just the perfect way to end a lovely story.

The bottom line is this - Stephenia needs to write more of these. She is already a master historic storyteller, but adding the time travel piece was fun, exciting, and a joy to read. Caleb will steal your heart, Lena will make you smile, and Rosswood Plantation will captivate you. A story that is worth reading all over again. Who knows, you may have missed something the first time around as your fingers eagerly turned the pages to find out what happened next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lewis Pennington.
Author 7 books58 followers
March 10, 2021
I just finished this wonderful book! I brushed away a tear and sat longing for more. Being a time travel enthusiast who also has an interest in the Civil War this book was nothing less than a grand slam home run! Every phrase, word, and syllable was crafted to perfection with a southern voice that was dead-on perfect. The storyline was not only unique but also well thought out in terms of connecting all the dots. The author ties everything together while still providing the element of surprise. No reader will go away scratching their head.

Overriding all of this is one of the most tender romances coupled with solid biblical messaging of faith, hope, and healing. I won’t provide any spoilers but what I will say is the protagonist (Lena) deals with a life-altering situation with an inspirational journey through time that seamlessly weaves in and out of the modern-day and the Civil War-era south. The ending will tug at your heartstrings like no other. My favorite movie of all time is Gone With The Wind. Although Her Place in Time is a totally different theme it nevertheless captures the south in similar ways. I will say this… Lena is much more likable than Scarlett 😊 The only problem I have now is which of Stephenia McGee’s other books to read. As Lena would say “Good Gravy!” I want to read them all! Bottom line review: I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Patricia Bradley.
Author 29 books1,312 followers
June 2, 2018
I loved this time travel novella by Stephenia McGee. The characters quickly drew me in, and I really liked Lena. Especially when she travelled back in time to 1864. McGee did a great job with the different time periods. And the way Lena handled being thrust into a place without air conditioning and indoor plumbing was hilarious at times.

I loved the way Lena jumped in and helped with her nursing skills to tend to the soldiers at the house. And Caleb, the wounded Confederate sergeant, is my idea of a true hero. As well as being swoon-worthy handsome.

As always Stephenia McGee has crafted an enjoyable read, one I won’t soon forget.
Profile Image for Beth | Faithfully Bookish.
941 reviews252 followers
June 4, 2018
This is a clever, sweet, romantic, and faith-filled imaginative adventure!

Time travel fiction is normally NOT my cup of tea BUT I have read a couple that I enjoyed AND I enjoy this author's work so I decided to take this little novella out for a spin... I'm so glad I did! The hero is delightful and it was so fun to put myself in the heroine's shoes (or dress) and imagine what it would be like to actually visit the past.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,545 reviews143 followers
November 16, 2019
Time travel has fascinated people since Mark Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court and The Time Machine by Jules Verne. I admit I have a penchant for time travel movies such as The Time Traveler’s Wife and The Lake House.
In Her Place In Time: A Time Travel Romance novella, Stephenia McGee intrigues and inspires in a unique genre- a Christian Time Travel. I was captivated by this tale that had a very ill Lena Lowry donning a Civil War era gown and stepping back in time to a plantation house being used as a hospital in 1864. Unlikely? Probably! But God governs time and space and this was a story that carried a message that God cares about us and wants to grant us good gifts. Is it a stretch of the imagination? YES! But it was a very enjoyable stretch that shows what a great imagination Ms. McGee has. In addition, it provided a back story for part of the novels in the Liberator series by Ms. McGee. In her Historical Notes she gives us a peek into her research for this novella.
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
25 reviews
December 29, 2019
I do not understand all the rave reviews about this book. It is so poorly written, it sounds like the author is a high school student. I don't know how it even got published.
Profile Image for Toni Vincett.
56 reviews10 followers
November 30, 2020
Wasn’t fan

I don’t know but I just wasn’t a fan of this book. I wasn’t feeling it really at all. Shame
Profile Image for BrendaLee .
433 reviews19 followers
May 25, 2018

Ahhh! This book was so different than I’ve ever read but it touched me. The characters were so real to me once I got to know them. The emotional trauma of going back and forth between times was rough on Lena but it sure made me think “what if it could happen this way”.
I also loved visiting the same house that was in “The Liberated Series” and enjoyed revisiting with Annabelle and Peggy. I had not forgotten them at all. The series they were in was so good.
The twists and turns and the romance in this book kept me swiping my iPad pretty fast. I didn’t want it to end but I sure had to hurry up and find out the ending.
I didn’t give details because you can read the blurb but don’t miss this one because I think you will be touched too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,374 reviews166 followers
May 23, 2018
3.5 stars

"I'm not a spy. I don't even care about your war . . . . I'm from the future."

Confused? You can imagine what Civil War Sergeant Caleb Dockery was experiencing. When a lovely apparition in the form of Amberlena Elizabeth Lowery appears at Rosswood Plantation, overdressed in a stunning yellow confection, his mind jumps to all sorts of conclusions. He never even saw her enter, . . . . . or did he? And she not only uses words and phrases that he has never heard of, she seems to know more about medicine than their own resident physician.

Lena Dockery and her mother are on a race against time; literally. Craving a relaxing mother-daughter weekend, they travel to the historic Rosswood Plantation's Bed and Breakfast, far away from Lena's startling diagnosis. As the weekend progresses, the clock ticks backwards for Lena; the past reverently becoming her future.

An intriguing novella by Stephenia McGee, cleverly weaving previous characters into an entertaining time-slip.

I received a copy of this story from the author. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
6,176 reviews
May 27, 2018
Her Place in Time is my first introduction to Stephenia H McGee’s writing. I am not sure where I have been, but I have been missing out! I thought this novella was great! I love time travel stories and this one does not disappoint. I love Lena and Caleb’s story. I had to know what would happen with them and could not put the book down until I was finished.

I give Her Place in Time five stars. Stephenia H McGee has found herself a new fan. I am looking forward to more of her work in the future.

I highly recommend this novella!

I received this book from the author. This review was 100% my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jeanne Alfveby Crea.
985 reviews108 followers
May 24, 2018
What a delightful story!! I love dual timelines, and how fun to add the element of time travel! Can Lena's future be found in the past? What about the handsome Caleb, a confederate soldier, what happens to him? Set in the present, as well as during the civil war, this novella was a joy to read. I hadn't given much thought to how vastly different etiquette and norms were in both times if one were to be visiting from another era. I love how Stephenia McGee kept me guessing, and beautifully resolved all the possibilities. The story also reminds readers to live life to the fullest and make the most of the time given to us. I highly recommend Her Place in Time!
Profile Image for Jaycee Weaver.
Author 38 books307 followers
October 27, 2019
Like nothing I’ve read before (in the very best way!)

This quirky, emotional little novella was an unexpected delight! I enjoyed Lena’s travel from a painful present to a healed past and back again. The concept was unique and fun, and it swept me right up into the tempest of emotions. I knew what was coming before it happened, but I was so caught up it didn’t matter. I needed those details! Ms. McGee is a new-to-me author, but I’ll be checking out more of her book soon!
Profile Image for Dorothy.
223 reviews13 followers
February 23, 2020
A sweet story about a girl who is dying in the present and gets a second chance to live in the past. I would have loved it if the story had been longer and more detailed. Overall, it was an entertaining read with a good message.
Profile Image for Rita.
25 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2020
A lovely story. As a caregiver, it touched my heartstrings. It reminded me how much I love my husband and am more determined to enjoy whatever time we have together. Thank you Stephenia!
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,181 reviews45 followers
May 27, 2018
Her Place in Time is the second book I've read by Stephenia McGee and I've gotta say, she's found a permanent place on my favorite authors list with this latest release.

I'm a big lover of books featuring time travel and Her Place in Time is topnotch, one of the best I've read! It's got a lot of heart and an inspiring message that I enjoyed very much. And oh my goodness! The cover is absolutely stunning and so perfectly captures the essence of the story.

Her Place in Time was a quick read that I didn't want to put down. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves sweet and inspirational romances.
Profile Image for Lynn.
Author 115 books137 followers
December 4, 2021
loved this story!

This was an excellent story. You'll love it too. I highly recommend this author as well. Beautiful writing beautiful story..
Profile Image for Carrie Pagels.
Author 42 books695 followers
November 10, 2020
I listened to the audiobook version of this long novella by Stephenia McGee. This is possibly the best audiobook I have listened to in the past decade. The writing is wonderful, characterization spot-on, the setting comes to life, and the author's voice has that indefinable 'je ne said quois.' Highly recommend!
870 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2020
Time travel always has to be taken without overthinking how it happens or worrying about the time-space continuum. That being said, this book was still a bit strange for me. Some things were able to be glossed over but a couple things just felt it could have been better.
It was a clean read. I just wish there would have been a bit more to the story than just Lena going back in time. Maybe it was just too short.
Profile Image for Patricia.
2,958 reviews17 followers
May 5, 2020
This book was a strange mix for me. I did scan-read and it was a bit overly sentimental but the characters were nice and the story just fine. Nice ending..however, I don’t want to read the companion series (I think it is something about Lincoln.)
1 review
June 7, 2021
Decent book

I thought the basis of the book was good, but it lacked character development and a lot of unexplained questions. I also thought that the end of the book was very rushed. I liked Lena and Caleb, but I also didn’t really feel the connection between them.
Profile Image for Debbie.
237 reviews18 followers
May 22, 2018
Time travel is not my usual genre', but being that the book is by Stephenia I decided to give it a try. At first it was hard to get into, as I said, it is not my usual genre'. However, I continued on and found that I enjoyed reading this book. There was suspense, interesting characters, and, of course, time travel.

When Lena Lowery and her mother visit Rosswood Plantation in today's time, she discovers a vintage gown in the wardrobe in her room. As a lark, she decides to put it on and surprise her mother who is a history nut. When she steps into the gown she steps into the past. The Civil War past, to be exact.

There she meets a one-eyed soldier convalescing from his injuries. Sergeant Caleb Dockery cannot figure out this strange woman who seems to appear and disappear and claims to be from the future. Believing Lena to be a spy, Caleb keeps an eye on her comings and goings. Being that Lena is trained in nursing, she is a great help to the doctor and soldiers at the makeshift hospital at the plantation.

Is Lena a spy? Will Caleb be able to prove she's a spy? What about the budding feelings growing between Lena and Caleb? All will be revealed when you read this wonderful book that I was surprised I liked so much. Enjoy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to review this book and these opinions are purely my own.
282 reviews8 followers
May 29, 2018
If you like time travel, romance, civil war era and a young lady from the future thrust back in time to a field hospital. In present day she has a brain tumor and only her and her mother. In the past her training as a nurse gains her a place to stay. There were 2-3 editorial mistakes but nothing serious that would distract from the plot. There is conflict, tumultuous feelings, characters are people you would like (except for one) and of course there is romance. Can you imagine being from the future and meeting some of the people from that area, including outhouses, no running water nor hot showers?

This is a clean, sweet historical romance with the heroine's faith shown throughout. The hero is strong in his faith and was injured and at the field hospital where our heroine has been thrown.

I received this ebook from the author as an ARC with no expectations of any type of review. This isn't the first book I've read by Stephenia H. McGee and definitely won't be my last. She writes an entertaining story with conflict and of course time travel. Highly recommend this author's work.
Profile Image for Moriah Kelly.
Author 2 books10 followers
January 25, 2023
A family member bought this book for me and I'm so happy she did! This was such a nice surprise! All I knew about the book was the summary when I received it in the mail and I was really excited to see how this amazing idea was going to be executed!
The characters were all wonderful and you definitely sympathize with them over their struggles.
The swapping back and forth from past to present was so clean and written well.
There were DEFINITELY tears shed at that ending! It broke my heart!
The only thing complaints I have are, I wish it was longer because it was good! And I wish there would have been a bit more development with Caleb and Lena's relationship. It felt a little too quick but wasn't too horribly "insta-lovish".

Content:
Language: none. Some uses of 'harlot', 'temptress', and 'prostitute'.

Romance: kissing and embracing. Girl is mistaken to be loose for how she acts, but standards were different where she was. Girl is grabbed against her will but tragedy is stopped from another character's POV before anything bad could happen.

Violence: war wounds and such are lightly described.
Age recommendation: 14+
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews

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