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A Bloody Revolution. Hard Choices. Fatal Consequences.
Sophie Arundel is stranded in a parallel universe, stuck in a grand house in an alternate 1925 England. Thankfully, she has her faithful dog, Charlotte. Oh, and Hugo Harrington who is stranded too — and Sophie’s fallen for him, head over heels.
Hugo’s entirely uninterested, but Sophie has bigger problems.
As a revolution threatens the Manor and everyone in it, Sophie finds the hidden portal to the twenty-first century. When she opens it, one man’s deadly secret will be exposed.
And he’ll kill to stop her.
Sophie Arundel is stranded in a parallel universe, stuck in a grand house in an alternate 1925 England. Thankfully, she has her faithful dog, Charlotte. Oh, and Hugo Harrington who is stranded too — and Sophie’s fallen for him, head over heels.
Hugo’s entirely uninterested, but Sophie has bigger problems.
As a revolution threatens the Manor and everyone in it, Sophie finds the hidden portal to the twenty-first century. When she opens it, one man’s deadly secret will be exposed.
And he’ll kill to stop her.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2021
359 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind Tate
26 books62 followersRosalind Tate is the author of the Shorten Chronicles — the award-winning, bestselling time-travel series featuring Sophie Arundel and her dog, Charlotte.
Join Rosalind’s ❤️ Readers Club ❤️ and get the short story prequel (ebook and audiobook) completely free:
https://www.rosalindtate.com/home/#fr...
REVIEWS
Stranded, The Shorten Chronicles Book 1:
★★★★★ “An absolutely outstanding book.” GOODREADS
Escape, The Shorten Chronicles Book 2:
★★★★★ “Tate beautifully interjects elements of time travel while delving into the intricacies of love and relationships … a wholly engaging, substantial time travel romance.” BOOKVIEW
Exile, The Shorten Chronicles Book 3:
★★★★★ "OMG, what a great next book in the series. Amazing. Terrifying. Fascinating." PEN PRINCESS, AMAZON REVIEWER
Intermezzo, The Shorten Chronicles Book 3.5 (exclusive to Rosalind's Fantasy Bookshop: https://bookshop.rosalindtate.com/en-...)
★★★★★ "A fun, rom-com novella! What's not to like?" ADVANCED COPY REVIEWER
Defiance, The Shorten Chronicles Book 4
★★★★★ “Well, I couldn’t put it down!” ADVANCED COPY REVIEWER
Never miss a new release! Go to https://www.rosalindtate.com.
And you can follow Rosalind on:
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Rosalind Tate lives in Gloucestershire, England, and holidays on the Cornish coast. She served in the British military, then worked as a journalist and a lawyer. She has grown up children, a tolerant husband and two utterly gorgeous dogs.
Rosalind’s looking forward to speaking at authors’ conferences in person again — she loves telling others about publishing and encouraging new authors.
When she’s not behind her computer, you can also find Rosalind reading her favourite books, walking her dogs, swimming, or watching her favourite Sci-Fi and Fantasy shows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 25, 2025
This one was a little darker - definitely dealing with a little heavier content. The characters are endearing, and it certainly was a quick read. A continuation of the slow burn romance!
October 19, 2021
In this eagerly awaited second instalment of The Shorten Chronicles, reluctant time-traveller Sophie Arundel faces further peril and heartache in an alternate 1925 England. While she endeavours to solve the puzzle of the mysterious lift and discover a way back to the twenty-first century, the stakes continue to rise. Danger lurks in unlikely places and there are difficult, life-changing choices to be made. As the tension builds to a thrilling, heart-in-mouth denouement, Sophie is confronted with impossible decisions and must be prepared to fight for all she holds dear.
Am already looking forward to Book Three!
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
Am already looking forward to Book Three!
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
May 10, 2023
I throughly enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down. The characters are described so well I felt I knew them and was able to picture them as they encountered their adventures. Luckily for me I was able to go on to the next book in the series since I wouldn’t have wanted to wait to continue their adventures.
April 26, 2024
I actually blew through all three of the books in this chronicles series since I bought them all together. What started out like a "typical" time travel book has really taken a twist and we are now looking at DNA impacting a traveling mechanism. We are departing from the original narrative and though I liked the storyline I miss the initial experiences I read in the first book.
May 12, 2025
Enjoyed the second book and looking forward to where this leads Hugo and Sophie.
December 3, 2021
Escape is the second book in the Shorten Chronicles series by Rosalind Tate. I read and reviewed the first one and loved it. As a time travel author myself, I love reading about time travel. Think Magic Tree House goes to high school. Will they make it home? You'll have to read book two to find out. This is a fabulous YA magical, yet realistic, fantasy that readers will enjoy.
Book two starts off where book one left off. Three months earlier Sophie had been starting college in 2017, now she is wearing whalebone corsets and missing central heating in a 1925 English manor. Sophie is madly in love with Hugo, and Hugo couldn't care less. He is more concerned with the fact that they are both stranded in the past. But there are bigger threats looming. Revolution is brewing and Sophie finds her life in grave danger when she discovers a portal back to the modern world. But who wants to keep it a secret and why?
The book starts off with a bang, with a former foe barging in, armed with a shotgun and dragging his cronies in tow. Sophie ends up killing one of them with a hatpin to the heart. The rollercoaster ride begins and doesn't seem to end until the back cover is closed. Gun fights with militia, an adorable black lab, and an emotionally clueless companion. There is a lot of action and suspense. There are a few trigger warnings, such as violence and murder, the threat of sexual assault and mentions of sex, so there may be some less mature readers that this content might not be the right fit for. I would definitely not recommend it for middle school age readers because of that.
Despite being only 177 pages long, there is a lot that happens and when I took a day or two off of reading, I had to go back a chapter to reread and refresh my memory. It is a fast paced read but it does take some focus to keep track of everything. It isn't a book that a reader can just skim through, otherwise they will miss details that add a lot of nuance. Some of the dialogue and writing didn't flow as well as the first book at certain points but it still kept me engaged the whole time. I am excited for the third installment in this series coming out next year.
Book two starts off where book one left off. Three months earlier Sophie had been starting college in 2017, now she is wearing whalebone corsets and missing central heating in a 1925 English manor. Sophie is madly in love with Hugo, and Hugo couldn't care less. He is more concerned with the fact that they are both stranded in the past. But there are bigger threats looming. Revolution is brewing and Sophie finds her life in grave danger when she discovers a portal back to the modern world. But who wants to keep it a secret and why?
The book starts off with a bang, with a former foe barging in, armed with a shotgun and dragging his cronies in tow. Sophie ends up killing one of them with a hatpin to the heart. The rollercoaster ride begins and doesn't seem to end until the back cover is closed. Gun fights with militia, an adorable black lab, and an emotionally clueless companion. There is a lot of action and suspense. There are a few trigger warnings, such as violence and murder, the threat of sexual assault and mentions of sex, so there may be some less mature readers that this content might not be the right fit for. I would definitely not recommend it for middle school age readers because of that.
Despite being only 177 pages long, there is a lot that happens and when I took a day or two off of reading, I had to go back a chapter to reread and refresh my memory. It is a fast paced read but it does take some focus to keep track of everything. It isn't a book that a reader can just skim through, otherwise they will miss details that add a lot of nuance. Some of the dialogue and writing didn't flow as well as the first book at certain points but it still kept me engaged the whole time. I am excited for the third installment in this series coming out next year.
November 3, 2021
Escape was everything Stranded promised and more! All the threads that were carefully laid and seeds that were planted exploded on the page in this book. All the drama, danger, excitement, romance, schemes, and more - including some answers to the mystery and a few HUGE surprise twists some of which I suspected and a couple of which I did not.
The pacing was faster and the narrative tighter in this book, I think in part because there was such a rich world and characters to work with from what was built in book 1. The ramifications of the differences between the two timelines was explored more fully to some intriguing and frightening conclusions. This book completed some major arcs left open at the end of book 1 but ends with a reveal that throws a wrench in everything. No HEA yet. Still lots of questions about how the lift works, though there are plenty of answers to some questions regarding that in this book as well.
This is the second book in the Shorten Chronicles. I recommend reading them in order as this is a continuation of book 1 and so much world building etc is in the first book that is critical to appreciating this book. I really appreciated how well thought out this book was and the careful way even tiny details were carried from one book to the next. Highly readable and entertaining book. Can't wait to see where the story goes next with book 3.
The pacing was faster and the narrative tighter in this book, I think in part because there was such a rich world and characters to work with from what was built in book 1. The ramifications of the differences between the two timelines was explored more fully to some intriguing and frightening conclusions. This book completed some major arcs left open at the end of book 1 but ends with a reveal that throws a wrench in everything. No HEA yet. Still lots of questions about how the lift works, though there are plenty of answers to some questions regarding that in this book as well.
This is the second book in the Shorten Chronicles. I recommend reading them in order as this is a continuation of book 1 and so much world building etc is in the first book that is critical to appreciating this book. I really appreciated how well thought out this book was and the careful way even tiny details were carried from one book to the next. Highly readable and entertaining book. Can't wait to see where the story goes next with book 3.
October 20, 2021
Escape is a wonderful, page-turner of a sequel to Rosalind Tate’s time travel mystery romance Stranded. Sophie is still stuck in 1925, but it’s a parallel universe where history has happened differently to our world. Her future is only assured if she marries a rich man, but she’s secretly in love with fellow time-traveller Hugo.
Escape builds on the story of the first novel. There’s increasing romantic tension as civil unrest in 1925 England escalates and the violence reaches Shorten Manor. It’s as much of a thriller as a romance, with Sophie facing life-and-death situations. And being the intrepid heroine that she is, surviving them all!
What makes this series great is the element of mystery. Who is Sophie’s and Hugo’s hidden enemy? How does the time travel work? Why is the past different? How and why do some people time travel but not others? And how can Sophie get back?
Some of these questions are resolved, but not all of them. I was wondering where the romantic plot was going to go in a future book, seeing as it seemed to be resolved by the final chapter, but then there’s a Huge Twist.
All in all Escape is a gripping story, but you’ll want to read Stranded first.
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
Escape builds on the story of the first novel. There’s increasing romantic tension as civil unrest in 1925 England escalates and the violence reaches Shorten Manor. It’s as much of a thriller as a romance, with Sophie facing life-and-death situations. And being the intrepid heroine that she is, surviving them all!
What makes this series great is the element of mystery. Who is Sophie’s and Hugo’s hidden enemy? How does the time travel work? Why is the past different? How and why do some people time travel but not others? And how can Sophie get back?
Some of these questions are resolved, but not all of them. I was wondering where the romantic plot was going to go in a future book, seeing as it seemed to be resolved by the final chapter, but then there’s a Huge Twist.
All in all Escape is a gripping story, but you’ll want to read Stranded first.
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
January 20, 2025
I enjoyed reading the continued escapades of Sophie and Hugh as they cope with time travel and living in 1920s England. This episode has Sophie falling in love with Freddy. She still pines for Hugh, but he plans to Mary Clarissa, but has not given up on his plan to return to the present day.
They finally escape through the portal and they explain to their loved ones that they feel in love and ran away and lived in a commune, without communication to the outside world. Hugh professes that he always loved Sophie, but knew they both had to marry well in order to survive in different time period. All is well, except when Freddy arrives at Hugh’s father’s estate and professed his undying love for Sophie. What will she do?
This book ends with a cliff hanger, begging you to continue the series, but I won’t be reading any more. I like these two books and friend them entertaining. I read the descriptions of the next three books so I have a pretty good sense of what happens.
They finally escape through the portal and they explain to their loved ones that they feel in love and ran away and lived in a commune, without communication to the outside world. Hugh professes that he always loved Sophie, but knew they both had to marry well in order to survive in different time period. All is well, except when Freddy arrives at Hugh’s father’s estate and professed his undying love for Sophie. What will she do?
This book ends with a cliff hanger, begging you to continue the series, but I won’t be reading any more. I like these two books and friend them entertaining. I read the descriptions of the next three books so I have a pretty good sense of what happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2021
Sophie and Hugo are back! And their story is as gripping as ever. I'm still in shock that I am thoroughly enjoying a romance, and am so invested in these characters.
As the riots threaten Shorten Manor, Sophie and Hugo fear for their lives and the lives of all their friends at the Manor.
Sophie has settled to the idea of marrying into security, because Shorten is now her home. However Hugo still wants to go back to his time.
They continue their research into how the lift works, while still receiving threatening letters cautioning them against it.
As the story unravels they may just figure out a way home.
As for the ending! 🤦♂️ talk about a spanner in a time machine 😬 I'm very excited to see where Rosalind takes this story next.
5*
A brilliant storyline
Fantastic cast of characters
As the riots threaten Shorten Manor, Sophie and Hugo fear for their lives and the lives of all their friends at the Manor.
Sophie has settled to the idea of marrying into security, because Shorten is now her home. However Hugo still wants to go back to his time.
They continue their research into how the lift works, while still receiving threatening letters cautioning them against it.
As the story unravels they may just figure out a way home.
As for the ending! 🤦♂️ talk about a spanner in a time machine 😬 I'm very excited to see where Rosalind takes this story next.
5*
A brilliant storyline
Fantastic cast of characters
November 12, 2021
After falling in love with the first book in this series, I’m so glad I got to read this installment as well. Following Sophie through even more challenges as she continued to navigate living in Shorten was still so fun. Her character development as she continued to try to figure out what life would be best for her, as well as her figuring out how to find equality in a Shorten marriage was so intriguing. I will say that I’m still unsure of how I feel about the ending of this book, but I loved it nonetheless and I’m glad there’s going to be another book coming out next year. Once again, I highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a good fantasy story, especially portal fantasies! I received a free copy of this story from Hidden Gems and am choosing to leave an honest review of it.
November 2, 2024
3 1/2 Stars: This novel was not as good as the first book in the series. What I liked: the continuing action in the Shorten time period; the developing love interest with Freddy; contemplating Happy Ever After and Mostly Happy Ever After; the rich characters and their relationships. What I didn’t like: some of the drama didn’t seem realistic; the leap between Hugo and Sophie. Overall, this book just didn’t captivate me.
November 16, 2021
Excellent continuation of the story
So much is happening now, between the militia coming after the manor, Sophie having to get involved in the fight, and a return to present day, this book had me unable to put it down! The ending was such a great cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what will happen now!
So much is happening now, between the militia coming after the manor, Sophie having to get involved in the fight, and a return to present day, this book had me unable to put it down! The ending was such a great cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what will happen now!
April 27, 2022
Some nice twists
I enjoyed thinking about how the world would rift here had been no first world war. it certainly might have been a workers worLd of anarchy. communists in power would have been as bleak as if Nazis had so. The second. We need more lifts to other universes, maybe newcharacters,too. What if Freddy was from the future and also taken in as a traveler by Anne?
I enjoyed thinking about how the world would rift here had been no first world war. it certainly might have been a workers worLd of anarchy. communists in power would have been as bleak as if Nazis had so. The second. We need more lifts to other universes, maybe newcharacters,too. What if Freddy was from the future and also taken in as a traveler by Anne?
August 10, 2022
Time travel with a romantic triad
Two collage young adults on their first day step into a lift (elevator) only to step out into a country side almost100 years in the past with a twist - time runs slightly different and along with changed history.
I've enjoyed this saga as a lover of time travel this one makes you think - would I fit in - can I go home - do I want to?
Two collage young adults on their first day step into a lift (elevator) only to step out into a country side almost100 years in the past with a twist - time runs slightly different and along with changed history.
I've enjoyed this saga as a lover of time travel this one makes you think - would I fit in - can I go home - do I want to?
May 22, 2025
This is hard to review. it was very exciting, so I kept reading. but it was pretty ridiculous. And I'm not talking about the time-travel part. That was totally believable. it was the way the characters behaved that had me rolling my eyes. Completely contradicting themselves. To make the plot more interesting?
October 18, 2021
great ending
This series makes you keep reading because it’s a great story idea. The end is like finally Halleluhia but then the author throws a wrench in to it till next years next book!
This series makes you keep reading because it’s a great story idea. The end is like finally Halleluhia but then the author throws a wrench in to it till next years next book!
July 9, 2022
A world apart
This series gives us a view of how a world can be changed by one persons life. The two modern teens walk into a time and a world very different from their world and different even from their history. I couldn't put it down!
This series gives us a view of how a world can be changed by one persons life. The two modern teens walk into a time and a world very different from their world and different even from their history. I couldn't put it down!
July 14, 2022
Good read
Looking forward to the next in the series. This has as many surprises as the first. Great read. A story that can not be put down. Twists and turns through out the whole book. Really enjoyed it.
Looking forward to the next in the series. This has as many surprises as the first. Great read. A story that can not be put down. Twists and turns through out the whole book. Really enjoyed it.
August 7, 2024
Continuing the Series...
Just as good as the first book! Keep reading! Still hard to put down!
I was glad to find that the quality of the writing didn't waver as the series continued! Twists and turns! Mysterious!
Just as good as the first book! Keep reading! Still hard to put down!
I was glad to find that the quality of the writing didn't waver as the series continued! Twists and turns! Mysterious!
June 6, 2025
Not gonna lie the first half was a struggle and i didnt start getting into it until the second half. I didn’t enjoy some of it id love to travel back to this era. Now Sophie has a love triangle and someone out of place to deal with, the next one should be interesting.
November 8, 2021
Amazing Sequel
I read this book in a day! It was such a good read and I enjoyed revisiting these characters. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
I read this book in a day! It was such a good read and I enjoyed revisiting these characters. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
November 18, 2021
Much better
I liked this one better than the 1st one and the next one should be entertaining. Can hardly wait for it
I liked this one better than the 1st one and the next one should be entertaining. Can hardly wait for it
January 30, 2022
Enjoyed it..
Thought it was a finished series through. Minimum amount of words. Nine more words required. This has got to be enough.
Thought it was a finished series through. Minimum amount of words. Nine more words required. This has got to be enough.
November 12, 2022
great escapist read
Creative and engaging story in which I found rear I cared more and more about the characters. Looking forward to book 3.
Creative and engaging story in which I found rear I cared more and more about the characters. Looking forward to book 3.
August 10, 2023
time travel gold!!!
Wonderful series!! Cant put them down. Writing is easy and fun and storyline is amazing! Def worth reading the series!
Wonderful series!! Cant put them down. Writing is easy and fun and storyline is amazing! Def worth reading the series!
December 1, 2024
The sequel of STRANDED. In this book, they are figuring out how to escape and what it all means.
May 8, 2025
Book 2 of this series doesn't disappoint--but it certanly surprises!!
May 21, 2025
Even BETTER than the first book. Like I said in first book review, it's a slow burn but I love this saga.
June 15, 2025
A strong sequel and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews