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In Time #1
Letters in Time
When Emma Chase, a kindergarten teacher, moves to a quaint Cottage on land once known as Waterwood Plantation and finds an antique plantation desk, a unique adventure begins connecting the past and present. A letter dated 1862 appears on the desk declaring undying love and a plea for Emma to reply. Who is the Emma he searches for? Is the desk haunted by this letter-writer named Daniel? Does she believe in ghosts? Should she respond?
When the police arrive to investigate a murder, she wonders if there is a connection?
When Emma writes Dear Sir , she is soon caught up in the search for treasure, killers who will stop at nothing, and greed dating back to the Civil War. Does Daniel hold the secret that can save her from a murderer? With historic St. Michaels, Maryland as the backdrop, Letters in Time combines a complicated mystery and surprising historical notes with a dash of romance. Winner of the Bookfest Awards Gold Medals for Best Fiction Series (2023) and Historical Fiction/Mystery (2022). Letters in Time is the first novel in the IN-TIME series of historical fiction mysteries with a dash of romance set in St. Michaels on the Maryland Eastern Shore, named in 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz.
When the police arrive to investigate a murder, she wonders if there is a connection?
When Emma writes Dear Sir , she is soon caught up in the search for treasure, killers who will stop at nothing, and greed dating back to the Civil War. Does Daniel hold the secret that can save her from a murderer? With historic St. Michaels, Maryland as the backdrop, Letters in Time combines a complicated mystery and surprising historical notes with a dash of romance. Winner of the Bookfest Awards Gold Medals for Best Fiction Series (2023) and Historical Fiction/Mystery (2022). Letters in Time is the first novel in the IN-TIME series of historical fiction mysteries with a dash of romance set in St. Michaels on the Maryland Eastern Shore, named in 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2021
622 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Susan Reiss
13 books25 followersSusan Reiss trained as a concert pianist then moved into television as a writer/producer for many years. Her work has received a Silver Medal, New York International Film Festival, the Cine Golden Eagle, three Tellys and numerous Emmy nominations. Reiss has been named a Scribe of the Shore. She delved into the mysteries of plot and character creation as a featured speaker in the Sheldon Goldgeiger Lecture Series. She started collecting sterling silver pieces decades ago and blogs about sterling silver, Eastern Shore life and writing at www.SusanReiss.com.
The complete Silver Mystery series:
1. TARNISHED SILVER
1.5 DEATHLY SILVER
2. SACRED SILVER
3. PAINTED SILVER
4. HAMMERED SILVER
5. FOILED SILVER
The complete Silver Mystery series:
1. TARNISHED SILVER
1.5 DEATHLY SILVER
2. SACRED SILVER
3. PAINTED SILVER
4. HAMMERED SILVER
5. FOILED SILVER
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 12, 2023
This story was very intriguing (reminds me of the Hallmark movie "The Love Letter" which I LOVE). So after a serious and nearly deadly accident, our heroine, Emma, moves into the Cottage she inherited from her uncle to complete her recovery and physical rehabilitation. During the process of moving her things in and her uncles things out, she comes across an antique plantation desk. With a minor in English, Emma has always wanted to write a book, and she falls in love with the old piece of furniture. And thus the adventure begins! There are people living in her small corner of Maryland ... some who are there to help and some who are not. Can she figure out who is who before it's too late? And can she solve the mystery of the desk? [NOTE: This book had an ending all it's own, but I enjoyed it so much that I immediately started reading the next one in the series, and it picked up the very next day from the first.]
November 19, 2021
buddy read review coming soon
June 28, 2023
A love story for all time
This is a beautiful and tender love story wrapped up in a modern day mystery which pulls the reader in while posing the question can love last forever? This is a fantastic read which is hard to put down.
This is a beautiful and tender love story wrapped up in a modern day mystery which pulls the reader in while posing the question can love last forever? This is a fantastic read which is hard to put down.
July 13, 2024
Love a good historical fiction book!
Letters in time was a unique spin on a historical fiction book. Loved the story line and the balance of then and now. I can't wait to sample the next in the series.
Letters in time was a unique spin on a historical fiction book. Loved the story line and the balance of then and now. I can't wait to sample the next in the series.
July 21, 2025
Don't believe the negative reviews.
After reading the other reviews I almost quit before I started. What a gross mistake that would've been. I read this in one sitting. I read the negative reviews and had my finger on "return to Kindle unlimited." Not sure what possessed me to continue on, but I'm so thankful I did. Not only was the story impacting on both a personal and entertaining level, if you really absorb the words they apply to everyone's healing. Emma has been through a traumatic time. Not only had she already lost her mom, she was in a horrific accident that nearly robbed her of her life and her leg. To top it off, the person she loved, respected, and depended on both emotionally and physically died too. Good Lord cut the chick a break! Of course she's rude and standoffish, she is going through it! Helping Daniel heal his long ago hurt, helps her heal her own. She finds her way and she learns that her reality of being all alone in the world isn't her true reality at all. Kudos to you Ms Reiss I found this story of mental health, emotional health, and acceptance a breath of fresh air. I truly hope that Daniel and Emma find their peace
After reading the other reviews I almost quit before I started. What a gross mistake that would've been. I read this in one sitting. I read the negative reviews and had my finger on "return to Kindle unlimited." Not sure what possessed me to continue on, but I'm so thankful I did. Not only was the story impacting on both a personal and entertaining level, if you really absorb the words they apply to everyone's healing. Emma has been through a traumatic time. Not only had she already lost her mom, she was in a horrific accident that nearly robbed her of her life and her leg. To top it off, the person she loved, respected, and depended on both emotionally and physically died too. Good Lord cut the chick a break! Of course she's rude and standoffish, she is going through it! Helping Daniel heal his long ago hurt, helps her heal her own. She finds her way and she learns that her reality of being all alone in the world isn't her true reality at all. Kudos to you Ms Reiss I found this story of mental health, emotional health, and acceptance a breath of fresh air. I truly hope that Daniel and Emma find their peace
February 8, 2022
Unlikely Pen Pals Make a Connection Through Time ✍🏽
The female character at the center of this tale cycles through feelings of self-pity, frustration, longing, defiance, hope, inspiration, and eventual acceptance. When a considerate caretaker envelops her in a safe space of patient understanding, her prickly demeanor begins to dissolve. Amidst antique armchairs, enchanted writing desks, whispers of witchcraft, and local writing groups, she begins to live a brand new life, one fueled by the intriguing pull of some mysterious letters in Uncle Jack’s Cottage.
Cemeteries, headstones, and restless spirits mix with physical rehabilitation appointments and origami shapes to give this plot some multilayered depth. I found the descriptive rhetoric engaging, and I look forward to reading the next novel in this series!
The female character at the center of this tale cycles through feelings of self-pity, frustration, longing, defiance, hope, inspiration, and eventual acceptance. When a considerate caretaker envelops her in a safe space of patient understanding, her prickly demeanor begins to dissolve. Amidst antique armchairs, enchanted writing desks, whispers of witchcraft, and local writing groups, she begins to live a brand new life, one fueled by the intriguing pull of some mysterious letters in Uncle Jack’s Cottage.
Cemeteries, headstones, and restless spirits mix with physical rehabilitation appointments and origami shapes to give this plot some multilayered depth. I found the descriptive rhetoric engaging, and I look forward to reading the next novel in this series!
June 18, 2021
This story is ok, it kept me reading, and I don't usually like ghost stories but this one was really interesting. The characters were easy to relate to also. My only disappointment is that the story doesn't finish with any conclusions. So many questions left unanswered, so I won't get into any more of these offered in a series. Seems the mystery of the hidden treasure should've been revealed at least.
Did the ghost couple meet?
Did the wrong doers get their due?
Did the teacher, and the landowner marry?
Did she return to teaching?
Just too many things left up in the air for me.
Did the ghost couple meet?
Did the wrong doers get their due?
Did the teacher, and the landowner marry?
Did she return to teaching?
Just too many things left up in the air for me.
April 4, 2024
The series has potential, but this book was slow moving and did not leave me eager to read the next one. It did not wrap up the story line. Although part of a series I wish the book itself fell more complete. I feel like some of the quotes in the beginning of each chapter were profound and interesting but I found the ones from the “How to Write Letters” books a bit confusing and hard to follow. I may try this series again in the future, but for now I think I will be moving in another direction.
May 2, 2024
The story centers around a ghost and I love ghost stories. This one has two "slight" romances: one with the central character, Emma, and a ghost, Daniel and a second very slowly developing romance with the Emma and TJ, her caretaker.
I would label this book in "youngish adult" category. The action of the characters move fairly quickly and kept me interested in finding out if Emma and TJ figure out their relationship and if they discover the "treasure" on Lone Oak Island.
I gave a five star because it kept me reading way longer than I intended but in a good way:)
I would label this book in "youngish adult" category. The action of the characters move fairly quickly and kept me interested in finding out if Emma and TJ figure out their relationship and if they discover the "treasure" on Lone Oak Island.
I gave a five star because it kept me reading way longer than I intended but in a good way:)
July 12, 2021
Interesting read
I give this book four stars because I'm not a fan of the main character! I think she is too whiney and has a 'poor me' attitude. Granted, I have never been in her physical state of recovery; I'll cut her some slack for that reason only... The story itself was well-presented but seemed a little too uneven in places, jumping from one place to another, one character to another. All in all though, I enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to book 2.
I give this book four stars because I'm not a fan of the main character! I think she is too whiney and has a 'poor me' attitude. Granted, I have never been in her physical state of recovery; I'll cut her some slack for that reason only... The story itself was well-presented but seemed a little too uneven in places, jumping from one place to another, one character to another. All in all though, I enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to book 2.
May 9, 2024
Great storyline
I've had this book on my TBR stack for awhile now. I'm glad that I finally pulled it out to read. The storyline was fantastic and kept me engaged. Anything dealing with history and genealogy gets my vote. Thinking of having a person writing to you from Civil War times is just.....well, I can't think of the word. If you haven't read this book you should. I've now found a new author to read.
I've had this book on my TBR stack for awhile now. I'm glad that I finally pulled it out to read. The storyline was fantastic and kept me engaged. Anything dealing with history and genealogy gets my vote. Thinking of having a person writing to you from Civil War times is just.....well, I can't think of the word. If you haven't read this book you should. I've now found a new author to read.
February 14, 2025
This is a sweet little book. Quick easy read. I like the idea of corresponding across time with letters. It’s a little like the movie The Lake House which I also enjoy. I probably won’t read more in this series but if you are looking for a nice simple vacation read, it’s worth it. The chapters a short which makes it nice when you don’t have a lot of time or just want to read a chapter before bed.
May 29, 2021
A delightful surprise read
Emma suffered a horrible accident and came to her Uncle’s home to recover. TJ, a local farmer is helping her settle in. Among her Uncles possessions is a desk which turns out to be a conduit for communicating with a man who died in the Civil War. As the story unfolds, we learn who the ghost is and what he will become to Emma.
Emma suffered a horrible accident and came to her Uncle’s home to recover. TJ, a local farmer is helping her settle in. Among her Uncles possessions is a desk which turns out to be a conduit for communicating with a man who died in the Civil War. As the story unfolds, we learn who the ghost is and what he will become to Emma.
June 13, 2021
Pretty bad
This book was just good enough to sucker me into (almost) finishing it. I normally abandon bad books early on. But I got as far as the big reveal of the villain and it was so not worth the effort. There is obviously some promise in this author. And that promise is just over the horizon. But this book doesn't deliver.
This book was just good enough to sucker me into (almost) finishing it. I normally abandon bad books early on. But I got as far as the big reveal of the villain and it was so not worth the effort. There is obviously some promise in this author. And that promise is just over the horizon. But this book doesn't deliver.
July 13, 2021
I just could not get into this book but I did finish it..I found it slow and I just didn't like Emma very much..The connection between her and TJ just seemed dull..The ghost part was okay but it didn't make me want to keep reading, but I did..There was something missing throughout the whole story..I'm not even sure what that may be but I won't be reading book #2..
March 12, 2022
Great story!
Modern story or ghost story or historical novel? This book has it all! I’m a new resident of the Eastern Shore and so the historical aspects of this book intrigued me, but I especially liked the way that the author intertwined the different genres in this hard-to-put down book.
Modern story or ghost story or historical novel? This book has it all! I’m a new resident of the Eastern Shore and so the historical aspects of this book intrigued me, but I especially liked the way that the author intertwined the different genres in this hard-to-put down book.
May 3, 2022
A sweet story.
It was refreshing to read a nice story with likeable characters. The frightening parts were believable, and the interactions between the two main characters were heart warming. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story without vulgarity. It is a sweet story with a mystery throughout to keep you wondering how it will go.
It was refreshing to read a nice story with likeable characters. The frightening parts were believable, and the interactions between the two main characters were heart warming. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story without vulgarity. It is a sweet story with a mystery throughout to keep you wondering how it will go.
July 17, 2023
I'm happy to give four stars for Letters in Time. I found the main character, Emma, a flawed heroine and I liked the way she was incapacitated for a short time. TJ, the hero, was a little overprotective and I found him annoying now and again. However, I kept reading to the end and I enjoyed the story of Daniel, although I wondered if he and 'his Emma' were ever finally reunited.
June 8, 2024
good read
This book is interesting and well written and presents an insightful view of the lost art of letter writing. As two people form a fast friendship through their attempt to solve the unexplainable mystery of the ghost attached to an old plantation desk. It raises many questions that might be answered in the next book. Just where is the buried treasure?👍💜
This book is interesting and well written and presents an insightful view of the lost art of letter writing. As two people form a fast friendship through their attempt to solve the unexplainable mystery of the ghost attached to an old plantation desk. It raises many questions that might be answered in the next book. Just where is the buried treasure?👍💜
May 16, 2021
While I enjoyed it immensely, I hate books with cliffhangers. This wasn't even a cliffhanger. It just came to an abrupt stop and reader left wondering what happened. Apparently the answer may be in book 2.
June 3, 2021
I loved this heartbreaking yet heartwarming story. The characters are likable and the story flows smoothly from start to finish with history, mystery, and romance.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
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February 24, 2022Another failure in my reading log. I disliked the MC so much. She was badly injured in a violent car accident and her life was turned upside down. But something in her attitude rubbed me the wrong way. I'm just not in the mood to push myself through a book.
March 28, 2022
A lovely read
A bit of history. A bit of romance. And a bit of suspence. Put those bits tog lbether and you have, Letters in Time. A wonderful novel that kept my interest to the very end. I can't wait to read the second book in the series, Diaries in Time.
A bit of history. A bit of romance. And a bit of suspence. Put those bits tog lbether and you have, Letters in Time. A wonderful novel that kept my interest to the very end. I can't wait to read the second book in the series, Diaries in Time.
April 15, 2023
Since I live in Easton, I found this quirky mystery set in St. Michael's to be enjoyable. But I must say that age of the protagonist seemed younger than many of her expressions and sayings. Perhaps it's a rural thing.
September 8, 2023
Wow what a captivating story!
What a different and extremely captivating book this was! I'm not sure if I liked the way this turned out, I really wanted a beautiful and happy ending. Maybe the next one will!
What a different and extremely captivating book this was! I'm not sure if I liked the way this turned out, I really wanted a beautiful and happy ending. Maybe the next one will!
December 15, 2023
Letters
Well written and an enjoyable story. Good characters and a nice love story with out going over the top. Lots of great historical facts weaved into the story. I look forward to the next book.
Well written and an enjoyable story. Good characters and a nice love story with out going over the top. Lots of great historical facts weaved into the story. I look forward to the next book.
December 31, 2023
Well Done
A very written and constructive storyline. The characters were brought to life with a creative style. This creativity allowed the author to give each person in the book an interesting involvement without interfering with the main character. Definitely a must read.
A very written and constructive storyline. The characters were brought to life with a creative style. This creativity allowed the author to give each person in the book an interesting involvement without interfering with the main character. Definitely a must read.
August 31, 2024
Great story
Loved this book. It was hard to put it down. The characters were fantastic, they felt like friends. Highly recommend to all mystery lovers. Hope to read the next book in this series to find out how Emma and TJ continue their story.
Loved this book. It was hard to put it down. The characters were fantastic, they felt like friends. Highly recommend to all mystery lovers. Hope to read the next book in this series to find out how Emma and TJ continue their story.
September 3, 2024
Letters in Time
Letters appearing from a ghost from the past is one thing but answering Them is another. The ghost was just looking for his love. Emma from the now time helped them to be together again. I’ll tell you that Susan Reiss knows her ghosts.
Letters appearing from a ghost from the past is one thing but answering Them is another. The ghost was just looking for his love. Emma from the now time helped them to be together again. I’ll tell you that Susan Reiss knows her ghosts.
September 16, 2024
Although the premise of ghost letters drew me in, I dislike the main character so much for being such a sniping shrew that I couldn't finish the book to see where it went. Not going to finish it, nor read the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews