Love Lost in Time

by Cathie Dunn

A Tale of Love, Death and Redemption

~ The Coffee Pot Book Club Award

AD 2018
Languedoc, south-west France

Madeleine Winters discovers ancient female bones under her kitchen floor. How did the woman end up buried, all alone, in that particular spot in the Cabardès hills?

And why was her back broken?

AD 777
Septimania, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea

Seventeen-year-old Nanthild must marry Count Bellon of Carcassonne, a Visigoth, as part of his peace agreement with Charlemagne. As a wise-woman, she continues to visit those in need of her help during Bellon's frequent absences.

But dangers lurk on her journeys...


Readers of Kate Mosse and Barbara Erskine might enjoy the tale of Love Lost in Time.

Genres: Historical Fiction

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2019

About the author

I write historical fiction, mystery and romance. My novels have garnered praise for their authentic descriptions of the past.

I am also a book promoter with The Coffee Pot Book Club. Find out more about blog tours and other book promos at www.thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com!

I'm a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping and atmospheric timeslip, set in the Languedoc in the present and during the time of Charlemagne. Historian Madeleine Winters is forced to stay in her late mother’s house for a year if she wants to inherit it, but the house is haunted and a tragedy from the past is slowly uncovered. Can a heroine from the present bring peace to a woman from the past? A great read for anyone who loves dual time stories!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time travel romances can be tricky, especially when approached with two separate protagonists in the two time periods, but “Love Lost In Time” manages to find a balance that moves the reader between the two almost seamlessly.

Read full review in the 2020 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Vanessa Couchman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a history nut and a Francophile, I enjoyed this dual timeline story very much. It’s set in a part of France that I know a little, which added to its already strong interest for me. But I didn’t know much about the era in which the historical part of the story is set – AD777 – so I learned something from reading this. I particularly enjoyed the details of everyday life during that period, which are cleverly woven into the story. The author also skilfully interlinks the stories of Maddie and Nanthild, the modern and the historical timelines. There’s a hint of the paranormal, but it’s not overpowering. A very satisfying read.

[Penny Hampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy stories where the narrative moves between the past and the present and this novel by Cathie Dunn certainly fits the brief. Both plot lines are set in the beautiful area of Carcassonne in the Languedoc region of France, and the skilful detailing that Dunn employs in her story evokes for each a convincing sense of time and place.

In the contemporary story, we first meet Madeleine, who is just coming to terms with her estranged mother’s death, when she arrives at the rundown house she’s been left in her mother’s will. Content with her life as a historian in York, Madeleine has no intention of staying, but due to a stipulation in her mother’s will, she needs to remain there for a year in order to inherit. There’s also another problem - the house appears to be haunted! So the scene is set for lots of secrets to be uncovered, not least about Madeleine’s own past.

Intertwined with this story is that of Nanthild (Hilda), a young wise-woman whose arranged marriage to Bellon, the Count of Carcassonne in AD 777 is not something that she welcomes. Life for a pagan, such as herself, will become even more dangerous by marrying a Christian. However, the danger to Hilda will come not from her husband, but from a completely unexpected quarter.

So in these two separate scenarios, Dunn leads the reader on a journey through the lives of two different women. Hilda battles to retain her autonomy as a healer at a time when women were expected to do as they were told, and Madeleine tries to come to terms with her new life while attempting to unravel, not only the mystery of her own birth but the puzzle of the ancient, human remains discovered beneath her kitchen floor.

If you enjoy mysteries with a strong historical element, a touch of romance, and a great sense of time and place, this should be right up your street!

[J. Else · Rating 4 out of 5]

France, 2018. Madeleine had hoped her mother would leave answers—like the name of her father. Instead, she’s saddled with her mother’s outdated house, which Maddie must live in for one year before it can be sold. In the midst of renovations, bones are discovered under the kitchen tiles along with a mysterious voice that seems to speak from beyond the grave. Who was this woman, and why did she suffer such a tragic end?

Septimania, AD 777. Nanthild travels to Carcassonne to be married to Count Bellon. She hides a secret, her devotion to the goddess and her skills as a wisewoman, beliefs that could get her killed. Can she find happiness with a man she barely knows while keeping such a devastating secret?

Dunn alternates chapters between present and the past, and alternates between Nanthild and Bellon. In this way, readers can follow the armies of Charlemagne with Bellon while also tending the wounded after the battles with Nanthild. The dangers and tension of Nanthild’s time are well researched, and despite some dire circumstances, descriptions never become explicit or graphic. Meanwhile, Maddie is trying to sort out her life in the wake of her mother’s death, reorganizing work demands to meet the conditions of her mother’s will. The narrative is ripe with emotions as two independent women are pulled in unexpected directions. They’ll wrestle with sacrifice and trust in their respective new environments. Dunn interweaves these stories at just the right moments. Both landscapes are beautifully penned for readers to easily get lost in. Additionally, the storylines are engaging, and each helped bring a satisfying conclusion to the other. An enjoyable tale about love, sacrifice, and self-discovery. Recommended.

Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of history it’s always great to journey to a new era in a new location and that’s exactly what I did in Love Lost In Time. I’m not familiar with the present Carcassonne area of France, and neither am I familiar with the same setting in the 700s, but this novel easily took me back. The dual timeline of present-day characters and those of the early medieval period is very skillfully interwoven. They are not the same people, so not a time travel as such, yet the main protagonists are strongly linked. There is a mystic connection between the contemporary Maddie and Nanthild of so long ago, so much so that when I was reading about Maddie’s renovations I really empathised with the situation. To say more would be introducing spoilers but I will say that a slight chill was present, and nothing to do with real temperatures! I definitely recommend this to those who love a mixture of historical fiction and contemporary writing. The romance elements are a delightful additional bonus to the historical and contemporary settings.

[Alva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful knitting together of characters from Languedoc 2018 and Carcassonne AD777. This story is a joy to read. Maddie's reluctance to settle in her estranged mother's house following her mother's death is eased by enthusiastic neighbours, a compelling history and a touch of the paranormal.
Nanthild's eighth century life and death are beautifully examined, with a distinct appreciation of the local politics of the time. Romance, women's rights (all none of them in AD777) and historical sites are explored and explained through the lives of the characters of the time.
Brava, Cathie Dunn.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The sun. The forest. A faceless man. Earth. Darkness.
Death. I have seen my death…"

In an increasingly Christian world, Lady Nanthild (Hilda), daughter of Milo, the Count of Vaulun, must be careful. If there were even a whispered rumour in the court of Charlemagne, that Hilda, like her late mother before her, was a wise-woman then her fate would be sealed, for the Christians preached that such women were in league with the Devil. But that was not the only thing that Hilda feared. Her beloved father has arranged for her to marry. Hilda could not deny that it was a good match. Lord Bellon, a Visigoth, would soon be named the new Count of Carcassonne, which would make Hilda a future Countess. However, Hilda knew next to nothing about her would-be husband, and she feared if Bellon ever found out about her healing gifts, he would not be merciful.

Madeleine Winters did not know just how devious her mother could be, until now. But there was no mistaking what the Notaire had said. If Madeleine wanted to inherit her mother's estate, then she had to stay in her mother's house in Languedoc, south-west France, for one year. Why did her mother insist on making her daughter's life an absolute misery, even after death? Madeleine's life was in York, England. However, her mother had left her with no choice. Madeleine would stay and renovate the house so she could sell it when the year was up.

As Madeleine began the arduous job of renovating her mother's house and make it appealing to the 21st Century property market, the oddest of things started to happen. First, it was the hint of lavender in the air, and then the building shook, and Madeleine was sure she could hear a woman's voice. This house, it seemed, had a secret and it was one it was desperate to share.

From the richness of Charlemagne's court and the regret of a daughter, as she stands over her mother's grave, to the realisation of an enemy and a skeleton under the kitchen floor, Love Lost in Time: A Tale of Love, Death and Redemption by Cathie Dunn is the unforgettable story that traverses two very different times.

With a keen sense of verse and a narrative that is as compelling as it is delectable, Love Lost in Time: A Tale of Love, Death and Redemption captured my imagination in the very first chapter and swept me away into a world of war, love, death, loss, and eventually peace and acceptance. This is a story of two especially strong women who are connected through time and place. It is a tale of two very different worlds with different values. It is a story that is difficult to put down and one that is impossible to forget.

Oh, this book had all the feels. It is, on the one hand, a fabulous modern-day paranormal story set in beautiful Languedoc. It is also an account of one very noble husband and wife, whose loyalty to Charles the Great was indisputable, and their commitment to each other was absolute. Love Lost in Time: A Tale of Love, Death and Redemption made me laugh, and it made me cry. It made me gasp with horror, and it made me smile with pleasure. Dunn has penned a very bold and ambitious book, and yet, she has scrumptiously balanced the two eras and made both periods utterly compelling.

Dunn has captured the essence of what it must have been like in Charlemagne's kingdoms during this time. Dunn's attention to the historical detail has to be commended. The historical setting in this book has been meticulously researched — it really felt like I had been transported back to the 8th Century. Likewise, modern-day France has also been elegantly depicted. Writing with this level of authority gave this book not only a great deal of elegance but also integrity.

Dunn has penned two remarkable heroines. I adored them both. Hilda is a woman of her time, but she is also a very intelligent, very caring lady who is gifted in the art of healing. Hilda also has a shrewd head when it comes to politics. Thankfully, Hilda is fortunate in her husband, and he allows her more freedom, in both her opinions and actions, than other men of the era would. Bellon and Hilda's romance is very sweet, very romantic. I can understand why Hilda falls for him as hard as she does. Their relationship was beautiful to behold, and one I very much enjoyed reading about.

Likewise, I thought Madeleine was fabulously portrayed. Her journey to finding out who she is, who her father was, and where she actually came from was fascinating, and her budding romantic relationship with Léon Cabrol also kept me enthralled. Madeleine's connection with the ghostly presence was not of the terrifying kind, but it was instead, one soul trying to help the other find peace. I thought the narrative for this was particularly beautiful and very well thought-out and executed. Kudos, Ms Dunn.

Dunn has composed a really rather wonderful book, and it is undoubtedly one that a reader can happily lose themselves in for a couple of hours. Love Lost in Time: A Tale of Love, Death and Redemption is a real treat for lovers of quality time-slip fiction.

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Love Lost in Time, and it would have been a 4 star book if not for the abrupt ending. While the threads of the story were all wrapped up at the end, it felt a little rushed to me.
That said, I would recommend the book. I particularly enjoyed Hilda's story and would have liked to know a lot more about her life.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both of the female protagonists have interesting stories, which makes the book a real page turner as you switch from one time to the other.

[maria seilius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dual timeline tales are amongst my favourite reads so this was definitely my cup of tea . This book presents you with a good cast of characters and I thoroughly enjoyed it .

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Very enjoyable its a period in history I don't really know much about very intriguing too only took me 4 days too read

[Melanie's]

Reviewed for InDTale Magazine

[Susan Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful thought it was brilliant. Wasn’t sure at the start but then couldn’t put it down. Want to read more by this author

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make no mistake...this is neither a bodice-ripper nor is it a steamy romance novel, even though the title could fool you. It is well-researched historical fiction with a dual timeline between 777 A.D. and the present day. Ms. Dunn gives us a fascinating glimpse into this period of France and the diminishing role of women that occurred as Christianity spread throughout Europe. The shifts between the two time periods are seamless. I loved this book.

[Maisie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ove Lost in Time by Cathie Dunn is one of the most beautifully poignant story that I have ever read. Set in two vastly different timelines - France during the reign of Charlemagne's and France in the modern era. But the story is connected by two women. Lady Nanthild and Maddie Winters.

With the death of Maddie's mother, she thinks she will inherit her estate, but her mother has put a clause in a will, saying that Maddie has to stay in her house if she wants to inherit it. Although resentful, Maddie does as her mother has requested. But when she starts to renovate strange things begin to happen.

Lady Nanthild, or Helida as she likes to be called, is a noblewoman, but she has inherited the gift of healing. If anyone were to learn about this, she would be in deep trouble, so she must keep it a secret.

Initially, I did wonder how the two timelines would meet as they are very different stories, but with subtle touches to the narrative, I began to understand how this puzzle would fit together. Although I must say, nothing was preparing me for what happened at the end of the novel!

This is a very emotional story and I did end up ugly-crying by the end of the novel, but it is also one of hope that finally both characters would find peace.

Cathie Dunn is a new author for me, but this will not be the last book of hers that I read. For anyone who loves historical fiction and modern fiction with a paranormal twist, this is the book for you.

[Oh Look,AnotherBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my giddy aunt! Stop what you are doing, put down that book you are reading and let me tell you all the reasons why you should read Love Lost in Time by Cathie Dunn.

The writing is an absolute marvel. The plotline keeps you hooked from start to finish. The characters are brilliantly portrayed. The historical backdrop is depicted with astonishing accuracy. The meticulous historical detail brought the story to life, and the antagonists sent a shiver down my spine. The presence of paranormal phenomena was enough to make me shudder. It is a duel timeline - who doesn’t like a duel timeline?! Love Lost in Time is a captivating tale filled with hidden mysteries, passionate love stories, and exciting revelations. In other words, it is simply brilliant.

I could go on and on about this book. It is so amazingly good that I am going to read it again as soon as I have finished writing this review! This is definitely one of those sit-down and-finish books, it was totally gripping. I will certainly be checking out more books by Cathie, in the future.

[Crislee · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh. It was ok. Had a good chapter or two. But basically 2 different stories but just tied them together ot really having much to actually do with each other, other than the bones of one found by the other. Wasn't great. Wasn't terrible. Typical disdain for Christianity blaming the actions of some rulers as being the actions of the Church. typical bad history. Just disappointing in that regard completely.

[Mary Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice multiple timelines

Dunn has written a dual timeline in this book. One taking place in 777 and for a generation later, and the other is more current and contemporary. It was my good fortune that I knew each French word used, but no worries, as there is a short glossary in the back. Love is the greatest of all and this novel does not disappoint. I liked how both timelines melded together, yet each separate. Five stars.

[Jean Brierley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good 👍

Once start ed found it hard to but down what else can I say just love these story's 5stars 😊

[Mrs S Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read

I'm afraid I'm addicted to these timeline storiess and this is one of the best I've read . At Cathie Dunn is a consummate writer may ,she wrote many more

[Susan Peel · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful read

I wasn’t sure I would like this book, but became engrossed after a few pages. A strong storyline filled with emotion. Read it, you won’t be disappointed