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Charlock #1
Charlock's Secret
Desperate to hide, Kat flees. Trapped in time, her survival and return are threatened by her tortured heart.
Ensnared by hopelessness and grief, 24-year-old Kat Shelton, accepts a position as the curator of an old English estate with the sole purpose of running away from her memories and to bury life’s pain.
What she finds on her journey is much more than she bargained for—an arrogant employer, patronizing staff, and a chaotic system, to name a few. Then to top it all off, an unforeseen tumble down the antiquated cellar steps brings her to a sudden halt.
Waking up in the year 1878, and mistaken for the children’s new governess, Kat scrambles to navigate nineteenth-century British lifestyle and culture. An impossible feat if it weren’t for the help of the Gilford girls and their charming and handsome brother, Merritt.
Will Kat find the strength, love, and forgiveness she yearns for in the past? Or will her path bring her back to the reality she fears?
Ensnared by hopelessness and grief, 24-year-old Kat Shelton, accepts a position as the curator of an old English estate with the sole purpose of running away from her memories and to bury life’s pain.
What she finds on her journey is much more than she bargained for—an arrogant employer, patronizing staff, and a chaotic system, to name a few. Then to top it all off, an unforeseen tumble down the antiquated cellar steps brings her to a sudden halt.
Waking up in the year 1878, and mistaken for the children’s new governess, Kat scrambles to navigate nineteenth-century British lifestyle and culture. An impossible feat if it weren’t for the help of the Gilford girls and their charming and handsome brother, Merritt.
Will Kat find the strength, love, and forgiveness she yearns for in the past? Or will her path bring her back to the reality she fears?
365 pages, ebook
First published June 25, 2020
234 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
About the author
Leah Moyes
31 books190 followersLeah Moyes is a wife and a mother, a former teacher and coach with a background in Anthropology and History. Between writing and archaeological digs, the world is her playground.
She loves popcorn and seafood (though not together) and is slowly checking off her very long bucket list.
She loves popcorn and seafood (though not together) and is slowly checking off her very long bucket list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 7, 2022
This was an ok book, but a pretty terrible romance. I liked this well enough, but it didn't meet my expectations. This book is more about dealing with grief with a tiny sprinkle of insta-love at the end. To be fair to the author, this, minus the romance, was well-done, but it wasn't what I was looking for. I thought this was a romance book, but the actual romance was rushed and didn't make much sense. The historical sections were a lot of fun though and reminded me how much I enjoy historical fiction from that period.
June 28, 2020
A time travel romance with a twist. Charlock's Secret follows Kat as she navigates life after tragedy. Taking a chance, and running from heartache, she takes a job in England. Little does she know what awaits. A beautiful story with wonderful characters that invite you in and make you want to stay.
July 6, 2020
Leah does a great job of creating suspense in this story of love, secrets and time travel. I truly didn't know what was going to happen next and that is the best part of her writing. While I'm not usually a fan of time travel, Leah makes it so believable that I really think everything happened the way it did. The love story was natural and I fell in love with Mr. Gilford myself. The setting was lovely, the characters were charming and the story line believable and easy to follow. Thanks Leah!
July 4, 2020
This was such a great read! I have read this author's Historical Fiction series, Berlin Butterfly, and enjoyed them so much I decided to read her newest novel. Though historical romance is not my typical genre, I enjoy time travel. I have to say I loved the twist and the characters were so engaging. Well done, Moyes.
June 30, 2020
This is a beautifully written time travel story with strong characters and an intriguing story line. The author does a fantastic job building the story and in taking Kat back to the year 1878.It's a great time travel with a twist and I loved it!! This is a must read!!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
March 31, 2021
Charlock’s Secret
This is a wonderful Time Travel book. After Kat goes through a terrible ordeal she leaves the USA to work as a curator in an old mansion in England. Kat is having a lot of trouble as she was angry and in pain and just wanted to get away from her situation in Arizona. what transpires is quite an emotional journey. The author captures the readers attention with the basic normalcy and kindness of Kat until things go awry. Living in 19th century England for a gal from the 21st century from New York is extremely difficult. The author describes the feelings extremely well as Kat is looking for resolutions. Definitely worth the read.
This is a wonderful Time Travel book. After Kat goes through a terrible ordeal she leaves the USA to work as a curator in an old mansion in England. Kat is having a lot of trouble as she was angry and in pain and just wanted to get away from her situation in Arizona. what transpires is quite an emotional journey. The author captures the readers attention with the basic normalcy and kindness of Kat until things go awry. Living in 19th century England for a gal from the 21st century from New York is extremely difficult. The author describes the feelings extremely well as Kat is looking for resolutions. Definitely worth the read.
January 21, 2021
Just finished reading this book by Leah Moyes. It has been a long time since I have read a can’t put down book. From the moment it starts, through the well written plot of time travel to the last page it held me spellbound. Leah Moyes attention to every little detail of both the past and present made me feel like I was right there beside Katherine. Please write the sequel quickly. In the meantime, having read your Berlin Butterfly Series and embarking on your next book, all I can say is thank you so much for sharing these with your audience. I need to put in an order to ship me your books as soon as you release them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2022
In the prologue, which takes place in March 2009, we literally are given a front row seat to a slice of life that defines the rest of the book. Some prologues work, some are wanting, this book delivers, sprinkling riddles that tempt the reader to find out answers. I was immediately engaged. Another riddle in the prologue was presented as a pithy, albeit lovely, romantic quote, “We have forever, Kat.” This turns out to be false, and sadly ironic. As a reader, I’m suspecting that this character, Kat has lived through a powerful, traumatic event. At Chapter two, I was hooked. I read to find out about Kat. Much of her back story is told through a series of flashbacks. We learn in layers, a little peek at a time. Chapter two brings Kat to Charlock Mansion for the job of curator. Kat is shocked she’s offered the job, because she realizes, as does her closest friends and family that she is far from functioning optimally, but is a grief stricken, jet-lagged, and memories-soaked woman. A woman who is running from her past and not sure she wants or is entitled to a future.
By chapter seven, Pauline the veteran curator of Charlock retires to Scotland and Kat is settling into her new role as curator. She starts to live and breathe the history of the Gilford family. She begins to identify with the Gilford family, but she can’t reconciled the warmth & love she associates with them and the distant machine that is her boss, whom she calls “Mr. Chill,” aka, Trenton Gilford. He seems distant, remote, and mainly focused on making money verses the heritage pasted down from his family. In chapter eight, when asked to produce certain documents for Mr. Chill in a week’s time; she starts working 24/7 in the library to fulfill the unreasonable request. At the end of chapter eight, Kat continues working at a fever-pitch, not sleeping or eating, which alarms some of the staff, but she pushes on as she is almost finished. However, just prior to her victory dance, Kat tumbles into 1878 and becomes Katharine, governess to the Gilford family.
What I Liked:
Moyes very deftly had me identifying with her characters, such as Kelly, Pauline, Merrick, Elizabeth, and Mr. Chill/Trenton to name a few. Kat’s roommate, Kelly is a gem of a friend, desperate to reach the grief-drowning Kat. She posts various job ads every day around the apartment, in a type of game to attract Kat, such as a pineapple picker in Hawaii or a bilingual puppet master on another day. She works hard to help Kat re-enter the day-to-day world, which Kat disappeared from in her despair and grief. Her efforts actually induce a laugh from Kat. One ad piqued Kat’s interest, the job of a curator for Charlock mansion, which was Gilford Estate in England. The ad intrigues her enough, she sends off her resume.
During the interview for the Charlock position, Trenton Gilford, III, executor of the estate seems a bit unfocused, but Pauline Campbell is a gem. Kat, in fact thinks that Pauline is like her “crazy Aunt Susan, eccentric and audacious.” Pauline at various points functions like she “knows” what will happen to Kat in the near future. She tell her “a do hope ye consider the position, lassie, ‘tis seems tae fit ye.” What? Why is that? In chapter six, when both Pauline and Kat are waiting out a wedding on the estate grounds to finish, she tells Kat to “Keep a fire roastin’ and bide yer time, twill pass, love.” Kat expresses the idea that Pauline seems to have a strange sixth sense, like she knows more about Kat than she had ever expressed on her resume or in her job interview. I began to think that also, wondering what that something was. Pauline is interesting because she is a phenomenally informed employee, but at the same time, a horrible, disorganized pack-rat. She doesn’t believe in filing anything, nor does she believe a computer could cut down on paperwork! It is this very fact, which is pivotal in sending Kat back into history.
In 1878, Katherine struggles with the requirements of society in regards to how the appropriately dressed woman is to appear. Things that constantly frustrate her were the need for shoes at all times, nylons, and undergarments. A funny comment from Kat came after Elizabeth sent some clothing for her to wear and she notices the undergarments. Her thoughts as she “lifted up a pair of baggy shorts….Knickers” and thinks, these “underwear [are] the size of New Jersey.”
Once Kat has slide into 1878 Charlock, we are introduced to history of the Gilford family in more detail, the estate, various staff, customs and language, and some sterling characters. My favorite historical characters were Elizabeth and Merrick.
I found particularly effective the various hints that foreshadow Kat’s travel to 1878 and even about her future with the current Charlock owner. Pauline hints at how the Charlock job will benefit Charlock as well as Kat. Kat expresses a lack of confidence concerning her ability to do the job at Charlock, as she talked by cell with Kelly. Kelly states, “I believe you’re exactly where you should be right now. You need this.”
Another hint comes after Kat finishes a tour, sits down on the entryway settee and stares at the majestic Gilford portrait, which was finished shortly before Mrs. Gilford’s untimely death. Hennessey, the butler asks her if she is doing well. Kat takes the opportunity to question him about the Gilford family. She then confesses, “Every time I pass this portrait, I feel something strange.” As well she might, as this family and house will become very significant to Kat.
The last reason I found the book satisfying is the real way the author presents grief in its various stages. This was well done and added to your understanding of Kat and to the momentum of the story.
Conclusion:
Both time periods help build the story of Charlock and the story of Kat or Katharine. We learn about customs of the time, both upstairs and downstairs. Although the challenge for Kat is daunting; Kat is truly transformed into a whole person once again, one who embraces life, her life at Charlock both past and present, and Charlock’s current owner-Trenton. This was a satisfying story, cleverly written without any degrading language or lifestyle issues.
By chapter seven, Pauline the veteran curator of Charlock retires to Scotland and Kat is settling into her new role as curator. She starts to live and breathe the history of the Gilford family. She begins to identify with the Gilford family, but she can’t reconciled the warmth & love she associates with them and the distant machine that is her boss, whom she calls “Mr. Chill,” aka, Trenton Gilford. He seems distant, remote, and mainly focused on making money verses the heritage pasted down from his family. In chapter eight, when asked to produce certain documents for Mr. Chill in a week’s time; she starts working 24/7 in the library to fulfill the unreasonable request. At the end of chapter eight, Kat continues working at a fever-pitch, not sleeping or eating, which alarms some of the staff, but she pushes on as she is almost finished. However, just prior to her victory dance, Kat tumbles into 1878 and becomes Katharine, governess to the Gilford family.
What I Liked:
Moyes very deftly had me identifying with her characters, such as Kelly, Pauline, Merrick, Elizabeth, and Mr. Chill/Trenton to name a few. Kat’s roommate, Kelly is a gem of a friend, desperate to reach the grief-drowning Kat. She posts various job ads every day around the apartment, in a type of game to attract Kat, such as a pineapple picker in Hawaii or a bilingual puppet master on another day. She works hard to help Kat re-enter the day-to-day world, which Kat disappeared from in her despair and grief. Her efforts actually induce a laugh from Kat. One ad piqued Kat’s interest, the job of a curator for Charlock mansion, which was Gilford Estate in England. The ad intrigues her enough, she sends off her resume.
During the interview for the Charlock position, Trenton Gilford, III, executor of the estate seems a bit unfocused, but Pauline Campbell is a gem. Kat, in fact thinks that Pauline is like her “crazy Aunt Susan, eccentric and audacious.” Pauline at various points functions like she “knows” what will happen to Kat in the near future. She tell her “a do hope ye consider the position, lassie, ‘tis seems tae fit ye.” What? Why is that? In chapter six, when both Pauline and Kat are waiting out a wedding on the estate grounds to finish, she tells Kat to “Keep a fire roastin’ and bide yer time, twill pass, love.” Kat expresses the idea that Pauline seems to have a strange sixth sense, like she knows more about Kat than she had ever expressed on her resume or in her job interview. I began to think that also, wondering what that something was. Pauline is interesting because she is a phenomenally informed employee, but at the same time, a horrible, disorganized pack-rat. She doesn’t believe in filing anything, nor does she believe a computer could cut down on paperwork! It is this very fact, which is pivotal in sending Kat back into history.
In 1878, Katherine struggles with the requirements of society in regards to how the appropriately dressed woman is to appear. Things that constantly frustrate her were the need for shoes at all times, nylons, and undergarments. A funny comment from Kat came after Elizabeth sent some clothing for her to wear and she notices the undergarments. Her thoughts as she “lifted up a pair of baggy shorts….Knickers” and thinks, these “underwear [are] the size of New Jersey.”
Once Kat has slide into 1878 Charlock, we are introduced to history of the Gilford family in more detail, the estate, various staff, customs and language, and some sterling characters. My favorite historical characters were Elizabeth and Merrick.
I found particularly effective the various hints that foreshadow Kat’s travel to 1878 and even about her future with the current Charlock owner. Pauline hints at how the Charlock job will benefit Charlock as well as Kat. Kat expresses a lack of confidence concerning her ability to do the job at Charlock, as she talked by cell with Kelly. Kelly states, “I believe you’re exactly where you should be right now. You need this.”
Another hint comes after Kat finishes a tour, sits down on the entryway settee and stares at the majestic Gilford portrait, which was finished shortly before Mrs. Gilford’s untimely death. Hennessey, the butler asks her if she is doing well. Kat takes the opportunity to question him about the Gilford family. She then confesses, “Every time I pass this portrait, I feel something strange.” As well she might, as this family and house will become very significant to Kat.
The last reason I found the book satisfying is the real way the author presents grief in its various stages. This was well done and added to your understanding of Kat and to the momentum of the story.
Conclusion:
Both time periods help build the story of Charlock and the story of Kat or Katharine. We learn about customs of the time, both upstairs and downstairs. Although the challenge for Kat is daunting; Kat is truly transformed into a whole person once again, one who embraces life, her life at Charlock both past and present, and Charlock’s current owner-Trenton. This was a satisfying story, cleverly written without any degrading language or lifestyle issues.
July 17, 2020
Fleeing from the grief of her deceased fiance, Kat flees the states to take a position in the Gilford estate. She has trouble acclimating at first, but she can’t seem to outrun the painful memories. Waking up from an accident while working, she finds herself thrown back in time to the earlier Gilford family. Hired as a governess for the two daughters, she must acclimate to this new life, while trying to fit in. She might just find herself stuck in 1878 with no way to return to the present.
There were a few things that kept me from giving it 5-stars. At times, Pauline’s dialect was too much for me to understand, especially when Kat wasn’t mentally translating what she said. Her dialog was enough that it made it problematic to read, and so I found myself skimming over when she spoke. Also, I understand that Kat’s past is told through her memories, but the number of times she spaced off mid-convo would have had her fired or committed. I feel there must have been a better way for the reader to know her past than having it occur in the middle of a conversation.
But when I look past those minor issues, this was a highly enjoyable read, with fun characters and a unique storyline. The history of the Gilford’s was highly imaginative, and the period in time was well-researched. I liked Merritt. He was a good man who did things because they were right and not because someone was watching. A fun read filled with the power of friendship and healing.
There were a few things that kept me from giving it 5-stars. At times, Pauline’s dialect was too much for me to understand, especially when Kat wasn’t mentally translating what she said. Her dialog was enough that it made it problematic to read, and so I found myself skimming over when she spoke. Also, I understand that Kat’s past is told through her memories, but the number of times she spaced off mid-convo would have had her fired or committed. I feel there must have been a better way for the reader to know her past than having it occur in the middle of a conversation.
But when I look past those minor issues, this was a highly enjoyable read, with fun characters and a unique storyline. The history of the Gilford’s was highly imaginative, and the period in time was well-researched. I liked Merritt. He was a good man who did things because they were right and not because someone was watching. A fun read filled with the power of friendship and healing.
May 10, 2022
Moyes has great descriptions of the past and this book has a really strong storyline/plot. Character development was lacking a bit. Merrit was a bit TOO good and didn’t seem believable. The idea was slavery was very under developed and felt over the top. There could’ve been an enormous amount of content with the past there, but it seemed to be just thrown in to make him a better person.
I struggled rating this book. It kept me coming back and I never grew bored, and it actually was not that predictable. For some reason I did not feel very connected to Kat. I guess I felt like I didn’t know her in the 21st century. I really could not become friends with her because I know so little about her life or views, except for her feelings of grief. There were no scenes of her talking to her friends or going out and doing things in the 21st-century, which I feel really would’ve made her much more relatable to the average person. I couldn’t get a feeling for what type of person she was beyond her grief, and I would’ve liked to. Although many people in my family have passed away, I have never experienced the death of a spouse or fiancé, or even a boyfriend, so I really don���t know or understand this all consuming grief. But I do know there is still a woman underneath at all, and I would’ve liked to know her better.
I struggled rating this book. It kept me coming back and I never grew bored, and it actually was not that predictable. For some reason I did not feel very connected to Kat. I guess I felt like I didn’t know her in the 21st century. I really could not become friends with her because I know so little about her life or views, except for her feelings of grief. There were no scenes of her talking to her friends or going out and doing things in the 21st-century, which I feel really would’ve made her much more relatable to the average person. I couldn’t get a feeling for what type of person she was beyond her grief, and I would’ve liked to. Although many people in my family have passed away, I have never experienced the death of a spouse or fiancé, or even a boyfriend, so I really don���t know or understand this all consuming grief. But I do know there is still a woman underneath at all, and I would’ve liked to know her better.
January 12, 2026
📕Title: " Charlock's Secret "
✍️Author: Leah Moyes
📚Review: Charlock’s Secret by Leah Moyes is an evocative blend of historical romance, emotional healing, and time-slip intrigue that will captivate readers who love stories where the past and present collide. Centered on Kat Shelton, a young woman burdened by grief, the novel begins as a quiet escape into an English estate but quickly transforms into something far more compelling when an accident pulls her back to 1878.
Moyes skillfully immerses readers in nineteenth-century England, capturing the social customs, rhythms of daily life, and emotional nuance of the era with authenticity and warmth. Kat’s struggle to adapt while hiding her true identity adds tension and charm, while her growing connection to the Gilford family—especially the enigmatic Merritt—introduces a tender, slow-burn romance.
At its heart, Charlock’s Secret is a story about broken hearts finding renewal. The novel thoughtfully explores forgiveness, self-worth, and the courage required to face pain rather than flee from it. With its graceful prose, emotional depth, and satisfying blend of romance and mystery, this book is a rewarding choice for readers seeking a heartfelt escape. Highly recommended for fans of historical romance and time-travel fiction.
✨#books #bookstagram #book #booklover #reading
✍️Author: Leah Moyes
📚Review: Charlock’s Secret by Leah Moyes is an evocative blend of historical romance, emotional healing, and time-slip intrigue that will captivate readers who love stories where the past and present collide. Centered on Kat Shelton, a young woman burdened by grief, the novel begins as a quiet escape into an English estate but quickly transforms into something far more compelling when an accident pulls her back to 1878.
Moyes skillfully immerses readers in nineteenth-century England, capturing the social customs, rhythms of daily life, and emotional nuance of the era with authenticity and warmth. Kat’s struggle to adapt while hiding her true identity adds tension and charm, while her growing connection to the Gilford family—especially the enigmatic Merritt—introduces a tender, slow-burn romance.
At its heart, Charlock’s Secret is a story about broken hearts finding renewal. The novel thoughtfully explores forgiveness, self-worth, and the courage required to face pain rather than flee from it. With its graceful prose, emotional depth, and satisfying blend of romance and mystery, this book is a rewarding choice for readers seeking a heartfelt escape. Highly recommended for fans of historical romance and time-travel fiction.
✨#books #bookstagram #book #booklover #reading
July 25, 2021
Leah Moyes has written a unique time travel historical romance that is not exactly what you think. Kat runs away to England after the death of her fiancé. Kat attempts to embark on a new life as the curator of the Gilford estate. After an accident in the Gilford home, Kat awakens in 1878. Kat's adventure includes meeting the original occupants of the home. Kat soon finds herself swept up in the life of the 19th century Gilford family.
My main beef with the book is that it seems the author decided in the middle of the book to change the ending, hence my comment that this romance is not what you think. If you love a time travel novel, you will love this. I was thrilled to see there is a second book. But, I was a little disappointed in the direction the author took the book. Still, great book!
My main beef with the book is that it seems the author decided in the middle of the book to change the ending, hence my comment that this romance is not what you think. If you love a time travel novel, you will love this. I was thrilled to see there is a second book. But, I was a little disappointed in the direction the author took the book. Still, great book!
October 10, 2022
Katherine (“Kat”) has lost the love of her life and basically locked herself away in grief. After almost a year she answers an employment ad as a curator for an estate in England. She continues to go through the motions at work until she suddenly falls in the cellar and time travels to the past.
One painful step at a time, Kat faces her emotions. She slowly recognizes who she’s become. Healing is slow, with one trial after another.
No one could have written such raw, honest feelings without having experienced them. The author admits to the same. I was in tears many times while reading this book. It’s a beautiful story of the grieving process. Written in the first person, it’s a poignant testimony of restoration if we submit to its lessons.
I would caution against anyone reading this too soon after losing a loved one.
One painful step at a time, Kat faces her emotions. She slowly recognizes who she’s become. Healing is slow, with one trial after another.
No one could have written such raw, honest feelings without having experienced them. The author admits to the same. I was in tears many times while reading this book. It’s a beautiful story of the grieving process. Written in the first person, it’s a poignant testimony of restoration if we submit to its lessons.
I would caution against anyone reading this too soon after losing a loved one.
December 1, 2021
Beautiful Heart Wrenching Story of Surviving Grief
Ms. Notes weaves grief, history, time travel and romance in a well composed masterpiece. This is the best historical fiction I have read this year. The characters and dialogue are real, including historical dialogue and wording. I loved how the modern Hero's personality is developed. With the exception of the historical antagonist, all the characters are complex and multifaceted. The author delves deeply into some different forms and expressions of grief. If you are currently dealing with such, this may be a difficult book to read. It is also one of the more believable time travel variations I have read. Excellent book for those finicky about historical details, a love of research or genealogy, and low heat levels.
Ms. Notes weaves grief, history, time travel and romance in a well composed masterpiece. This is the best historical fiction I have read this year. The characters and dialogue are real, including historical dialogue and wording. I loved how the modern Hero's personality is developed. With the exception of the historical antagonist, all the characters are complex and multifaceted. The author delves deeply into some different forms and expressions of grief. If you are currently dealing with such, this may be a difficult book to read. It is also one of the more believable time travel variations I have read. Excellent book for those finicky about historical details, a love of research or genealogy, and low heat levels.
August 4, 2021
Interesting!
Leah Moyes' Charlock's Secret is a time travel romance, but its most important aspect is the struggle of a young woman to overcome her grief at the loss of her fiance.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book considering that the history underlying it was extremely shaky. In one case, downright ridiculous! The heroine witnesses a hunt in 1878 England and when the beagles come back in a pack and the hunters ride by on their horses, they have a massive amount of pheasants hanging from their saddles. A very successful hunt, and a very peculiar one too!
Still, the underlying story was interesting and as I said, enjoyable to read.
Leah Moyes' Charlock's Secret is a time travel romance, but its most important aspect is the struggle of a young woman to overcome her grief at the loss of her fiance.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book considering that the history underlying it was extremely shaky. In one case, downright ridiculous! The heroine witnesses a hunt in 1878 England and when the beagles come back in a pack and the hunters ride by on their horses, they have a massive amount of pheasants hanging from their saddles. A very successful hunt, and a very peculiar one too!
Still, the underlying story was interesting and as I said, enjoyable to read.
June 29, 2020
The journey to Charlock.
What a completely unexpected time-travel piece. A young woman wants to escape the grief she is experiencing so she takes a job in England. What she finds is that after a fall she has transported to 1878. Simply by mistake, she becomes the governess for the Gilford girls. This beautifully written piece will transport you back into time. Lizzy and Merritt, Trenton, Kat, and all the other characters were outstanding. I highly recommend this book it was such a grand read. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
What a completely unexpected time-travel piece. A young woman wants to escape the grief she is experiencing so she takes a job in England. What she finds is that after a fall she has transported to 1878. Simply by mistake, she becomes the governess for the Gilford girls. This beautifully written piece will transport you back into time. Lizzy and Merritt, Trenton, Kat, and all the other characters were outstanding. I highly recommend this book it was such a grand read. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 6, 2020
Wow, what an interesting book. At fist I thought this was going to be just another time travel story, but it had enough different things to keep me wanting to keep reading. And just when I thought I knew where things were going, nope. Moyes also does a really good job of tying everything together so there aren't those little inconsistencies that can sometimes happen.
I've put all of Moyes' books into my TBR pile.
I've put all of Moyes' books into my TBR pile.
March 15, 2021
This was a well-written story but not the carefree time-travel romp that I was hoping for. I know that the synopsis said that the heroine Kat was dealing with grief, but her struggles were more front-and-center than some authors would have positioned them. Still, I ended up enjoying the story because it took a few surprising turns. I can't wait for the author to release the next book, Return to Charlock.
August 15, 2021
What a journey
Ms. Moyes is an excellent time travel writer. Just the right amount of "have I gone nuts? , am I dead and how am I ever going to get back to my time?" to make it enjoyable without consuming. Kat dwells on these thoughts while trying to navigate a strange situation. The healing through love and acceptance is subtle yet profound. Thank you for sharing Kat's and Merritt's friendship.
Ms. Moyes is an excellent time travel writer. Just the right amount of "have I gone nuts? , am I dead and how am I ever going to get back to my time?" to make it enjoyable without consuming. Kat dwells on these thoughts while trying to navigate a strange situation. The healing through love and acceptance is subtle yet profound. Thank you for sharing Kat's and Merritt's friendship.
August 21, 2021
Great read
Couldn't put the book down. Easy to read and understand, filling me with hope, happiness and sadness. I started day dreaming about England of old and being back to Victorian times. I am a man who reads historical romance novels, till I found stories like Charlock I can still continue to read historical novels since I got so bored with romance novels. I can't wait to read return to Charlock
Couldn't put the book down. Easy to read and understand, filling me with hope, happiness and sadness. I started day dreaming about England of old and being back to Victorian times. I am a man who reads historical romance novels, till I found stories like Charlock I can still continue to read historical novels since I got so bored with romance novels. I can't wait to read return to Charlock
April 9, 2022
A Great Read
The time travel was well done and the characters and situations were believable enough that the reader easily traveled the gap in time with the character. This is a clean, stand alone story that satisfied me until I peeked at the preview of the next book. Now I've got to know about that story too! On a deeper level, this is a story that exposes the emotional journey of grief. I highly recommend Leah Notes' book and will be keeping this on my Kindle.
The time travel was well done and the characters and situations were believable enough that the reader easily traveled the gap in time with the character. This is a clean, stand alone story that satisfied me until I peeked at the preview of the next book. Now I've got to know about that story too! On a deeper level, this is a story that exposes the emotional journey of grief. I highly recommend Leah Notes' book and will be keeping this on my Kindle.
June 29, 2020
Author Moyes coming off her jarring and suspenseful Berlin Butterfly series, offers up a lighter but still intriguing look into Kat’s world.
Kat, like many of us at times in our life, is seen running from her troubles only to find herself dealing with her issues in another century! This is another great read by Moyes that needs to be added to your must read list.
Kat, like many of us at times in our life, is seen running from her troubles only to find herself dealing with her issues in another century! This is another great read by Moyes that needs to be added to your must read list.
July 26, 2020
Loved this book! Worth the 10 year wait.
Characters are well developed with witty sarcasm and relatable humorous as well as heart wrenching anecdotes. Moyes' multi-generational family theme woven with time travel element is a winning combination. This 1st volume has clean romance, abiding friendship, strong uplifting values and the gamut of human emotion.
Characters are well developed with witty sarcasm and relatable humorous as well as heart wrenching anecdotes. Moyes' multi-generational family theme woven with time travel element is a winning combination. This 1st volume has clean romance, abiding friendship, strong uplifting values and the gamut of human emotion.
September 13, 2020
A time for everything
What a wonderful story. I thought the way Leah took time travel and used it to heal so many broken souls. I would never have guessed how things unfolded. So much loss, so much healing and what it takes sometimes for us to step out of our comfort zone and make our own way for our life.
What a wonderful story. I thought the way Leah took time travel and used it to heal so many broken souls. I would never have guessed how things unfolded. So much loss, so much healing and what it takes sometimes for us to step out of our comfort zone and make our own way for our life.
September 16, 2020
Wonderful
It's amazing I can't tell you how long it been since I have read a book this good. I have read a lot of time travel and romance but this book had the best of both it was well worth the 10 years of waiting I can't wait to see how Margaret story plays out I have to say I didn't like her in Charlock's Secret but I think she will do fine. Thanks for a wonderful book.
It's amazing I can't tell you how long it been since I have read a book this good. I have read a lot of time travel and romance but this book had the best of both it was well worth the 10 years of waiting I can't wait to see how Margaret story plays out I have to say I didn't like her in Charlock's Secret but I think she will do fine. Thanks for a wonderful book.
October 24, 2020
Wonderful characters
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I don't always love time travel stories but I found this one compelling. Leah employed a good mix of heart break and humor. I liked how she did the characters, whether they had major of minor rolls and found them believable. The "villain" was appropriately snake like. I finished it wanting more. I can't wait for the sequel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I don't always love time travel stories but I found this one compelling. Leah employed a good mix of heart break and humor. I liked how she did the characters, whether they had major of minor rolls and found them believable. The "villain" was appropriately snake like. I finished it wanting more. I can't wait for the sequel.
April 16, 2021
Charlock's Secret By Leah Moyes
Five stars, Kat had to come to crip regarding the death of her fiancée Jeff.. Change of scenery in England, New job taking charge of a old Victorian mansion.. A a sense of magic, after a fall she was transported back in time.. She comes back to the present having learn to let and to live the present master of the home.
Five stars, Kat had to come to crip regarding the death of her fiancée Jeff.. Change of scenery in England, New job taking charge of a old Victorian mansion.. A a sense of magic, after a fall she was transported back in time.. She comes back to the present having learn to let and to live the present master of the home.
December 8, 2021
I don’t generally read historical fiction, but this book caught my attention right away. And then, I couldn’t put it down! Leah does an excellent job of conveying the emotional highs and lows Kat experiences throughout her wild journey. The suspense was fantastic. I couldn’t wait to read the next installment. Please make this into a movie! 🙏🏼❣️
July 25, 2020
It has everything you want in a book!
Mystery, romance, and of course, time travel! Young adult or not, it’s a book to read! I love all her books. She’s a historic fiction series called “Berlin Butterfly” that is, excellent as well!
Mystery, romance, and of course, time travel! Young adult or not, it’s a book to read! I love all her books. She’s a historic fiction series called “Berlin Butterfly” that is, excellent as well!
October 1, 2020
Wholesome, uplifting, thoroughly enjoyable story. loved getting to experience the healing process with Kat and enjoy the vibrant characters and unexpected plot. It made my cry, it made me laugh, it made me want to read more. I would highly reccomend this book to anyone!
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