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A Stitch in Time #3
A Turn of the Tide
In Thorne Manor there is one locked door. Behind it lies a portal to the twenty-first century, and nothing is going to stop Miranda Hastings from stepping through. After all, she is a Victorian writer of risqu� pirate adventures-traveling to the future would be the greatest adventure of them all.
When Miranda goes through, though, she lands in Georgian England...and in the path of Nicolas Dupuis, a privateer accused of piracy. Sheltered by locals, Nico is repaying their kindness by being their "pirate Robin Hood," stealing from a corrupt lord and fencing smuggled goods on the village's behalf.
Miranda embraces Nico's cause, only to discover there's more to it than he realizes. Miranda has the second sight, and there are ghosts at play here. The recently deceased former lord is desperate to stop his son from destroying his beloved village. Then there's the ghost of Nico's cabin boy, who he thought safe in a neighboring city. Miranda and Nico must solve the mystery of the boy's death while keeping one step ahead of the hangman.
It may not be the escapade Miranda imagined, but it is about to be the adventure of a lifetime.
When Miranda goes through, though, she lands in Georgian England...and in the path of Nicolas Dupuis, a privateer accused of piracy. Sheltered by locals, Nico is repaying their kindness by being their "pirate Robin Hood," stealing from a corrupt lord and fencing smuggled goods on the village's behalf.
Miranda embraces Nico's cause, only to discover there's more to it than he realizes. Miranda has the second sight, and there are ghosts at play here. The recently deceased former lord is desperate to stop his son from destroying his beloved village. Then there's the ghost of Nico's cabin boy, who he thought safe in a neighboring city. Miranda and Nico must solve the mystery of the boy's death while keeping one step ahead of the hangman.
It may not be the escapade Miranda imagined, but it is about to be the adventure of a lifetime.
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2022
376 people are currently reading
2581 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
291 books33.5k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
October 5, 2022
A Turn of the Tide by Kelley Armstrong
#3 of the Stitch in Time series. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series.
Miranda writes adventure stories for women under a masculine name. She wants an adventure herself and dares to enter the time shift in Thorne Manor she knows about from her family. She’s transported to he past where she saves a man whose death she has seen repeatedly as a ghost. Together Miranda and Nico set out on an adventure to save the local townspeople from oppression and high taxes.
Ghosts, Pirates, swords and a handsome French man. An adventure to win the heart and save the day. Engaging. A read you will want to finish in a single setting.
I am so looking forward to more of this series! Absolutely love it.
Excerpt of Miranda after dressing for the first time in “male” clothing:
“I slap my cap back in place and adjust it as I stride out the door. Also, may I just say how much easier “striding” is in trousers? In my mind, I’m often marching with purpose, but when one is wearing five layers of floor-length skirts, striding is primarily a state of mind. Now I can actually walk with purpose, which is fitting, as I have rarely been in a mood to move quite so resolutely.”
Excerpt from A Turn of the Tide by Kelley Armstrong.
#3 of the Stitch in Time series. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series.
Miranda writes adventure stories for women under a masculine name. She wants an adventure herself and dares to enter the time shift in Thorne Manor she knows about from her family. She’s transported to he past where she saves a man whose death she has seen repeatedly as a ghost. Together Miranda and Nico set out on an adventure to save the local townspeople from oppression and high taxes.
Ghosts, Pirates, swords and a handsome French man. An adventure to win the heart and save the day. Engaging. A read you will want to finish in a single setting.
I am so looking forward to more of this series! Absolutely love it.
Excerpt of Miranda after dressing for the first time in “male” clothing:
“I slap my cap back in place and adjust it as I stride out the door. Also, may I just say how much easier “striding” is in trousers? In my mind, I’m often marching with purpose, but when one is wearing five layers of floor-length skirts, striding is primarily a state of mind. Now I can actually walk with purpose, which is fitting, as I have rarely been in a mood to move quite so resolutely.”
Excerpt from A Turn of the Tide by Kelley Armstrong.
July 31, 2022
Historical romance is not my first choice in genres, but I swear Kelley Armstrong can bring magic to anything and make me love it. There is so much adventure, humor, suspense, and romance that I was riveted and devoured this in one day. I absolutely loved the characters and the tie ins with the tales of Robin Hood. Can’t wait for next book in this series (even though I have quite a ways to wait at this point).
Miranda knows the secret of the locked room in Thorne manor. There is a stitch in time that leads to the future and as an author of pirate adventure stories she is ready for her own adventure. She sneaks in and passes through but instead of the future she finds herself about 50 years in the past facing a man she knows in her own time as a ghost. The two of them set out on an adventure that kept me turning the pages long past my bedtime.
Miranda knows the secret of the locked room in Thorne manor. There is a stitch in time that leads to the future and as an author of pirate adventure stories she is ready for her own adventure. She sneaks in and passes through but instead of the future she finds herself about 50 years in the past facing a man she knows in her own time as a ghost. The two of them set out on an adventure that kept me turning the pages long past my bedtime.
September 21, 2022
It pains me to be writing this, but A Turn of the Tide was Armstrong's weakest book to date. The story was pretty good, with some small twists that kept me turning pages, but the narrative itself was overwhelmingly prescriptive. Can't have sex without condoms (we know), a woman can seek pleasure without the confines of marriage (we know), cant drink too much rum and then touch each other's bodies (we know!). This kind of thing is good to include, but it was clumsily done. It read like a grade-school primer on how to be politcally correct.
The female character was overwhelmingly woke, and seemingly without flaw, and so was the male. There was no room for growth, because aside from a tiny bit of pride and an irritating penchant for reciting French poetry, these two were smarmingly perfect.
The "answer" to the conundrum of their time travel romance was obvious from the start, and upon finishing the story, I felt no sense of loss, apart from MY time.
I rate this book 2 Stars. I finished it, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
The female character was overwhelmingly woke, and seemingly without flaw, and so was the male. There was no room for growth, because aside from a tiny bit of pride and an irritating penchant for reciting French poetry, these two were smarmingly perfect.
The "answer" to the conundrum of their time travel romance was obvious from the start, and upon finishing the story, I felt no sense of loss, apart from MY time.
I rate this book 2 Stars. I finished it, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
September 6, 2022
This was such a delight and such a great addition to this truly wonderful unique series! I loved everything about these characters, I mean, who doesn't love a good pirate romance full of mystery, time travel, and intrigue?
I also absolutely love that even though this is a series, you don't necessarily have to read the other two books in order to understand everything that is happening in this one, although I highly recommend you do simply because they are fabulous.
Well written, adventurous, captivating and kept me rapidly turning the pages. Another great one from Armstrong!
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
I also absolutely love that even though this is a series, you don't necessarily have to read the other two books in order to understand everything that is happening in this one, although I highly recommend you do simply because they are fabulous.
Well written, adventurous, captivating and kept me rapidly turning the pages. Another great one from Armstrong!
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
October 27, 2022
This review is a rant about a-historicism. "But Nicole," you're likely thinking, "this is a time travel romance with paranormal elements. How can you be concerned about the history?" I just am. This has also been edited to reflect a misunderstanding on my part. The tl;dr of my rant is that in a book where the characters aren't from and haven't been to the 21st century, the historical aspects need to stand up more.
So I'll start with pockets. As in the things that may or may not be in your clothing. Early on we discover that Miranda designs all her own clothing so it will have pockets. She even "convert[s] [her] sister Portia to the wonders of pockets". She also revels in the fact that circa 1790 mens clothing has pockets.
As a woman of roughly the 1840s, Miranda wouldn't lack for pockets. They weren't the massive pockets on the 1860s, but they weren't the minuscule or fake pockets today's women complain about. In the early 19th century, pockets were actually a separate garment worn under the skirt or dress (they had slits in them. In fact, here's an example of a circa 1820 pocket: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect... By 1840 they may have been separate or sewn in.
Aside from pockets, Nicolas (another problem, he's francophone and the French spelling is Nicholas) says at one point, "Chérie, I am a sailor... I have waterproof matches." No, no he most certainly does not. Friction matches weren't even invented until the 1826; chemical matches existed, but were expensive and quite dangerous. Chemical matches were often made of glass or would need to be dipped in vials of asbestos and sulphuric acid. Waterproof matches are simply friction matches coated in wax. On the other hand, lighters have been around (though much larger) since at least the 1660s.
Let's talk about sex and condoms. I don't actually take issue with Nicolas saying he didn't have protection with him; condoms were becoming popularized and destigmatized in the 1770s thanks to none other than Casanova; they would have been made of animal intestines or skin and tied in place with ribbon.
No, my issue is with Nicolas blaming attitudes that don't consider female pleasure during sex on the Puritans. The Puritans were all about godliness, but it doesn't mean they were completely uptight and incapable of joy (we can blame The Scarlet Letter for that view). While premarital sex was illegal in the American colonies (I have little knowledge of Puritans in England) those laws weren't enforced and approximately 40% of children were born either completely out of wedlock or soon enough after a wedding that it was clear conception occurred before the wedding. Nicolas also blames doctors for not developing better methods of preventing procreation (and the spread of venereal disease). We've already established that condoms had become popular, and very explicitly to prevent the spread of syphilis. Chemical abortion also existed and was common (and legal before the quickening, aka before the pregnant person could feel the fetus move or between 18 and 26 weeks), it was indeed not done by doctors, but by midwives and female herbalists. Midwives especially were the people to deal with women's health until fairly recently. Women's health, and consequently contraception and abortion, simply wasn't the realm of doctors.
This concludes my rant.
So I'll start with pockets. As in the things that may or may not be in your clothing. Early on we discover that Miranda designs all her own clothing so it will have pockets. She even "convert[s] [her] sister Portia to the wonders of pockets". She also revels in the fact that circa 1790 mens clothing has pockets.
As a woman of roughly the 1840s, Miranda wouldn't lack for pockets. They weren't the massive pockets on the 1860s, but they weren't the minuscule or fake pockets today's women complain about. In the early 19th century, pockets were actually a separate garment worn under the skirt or dress (they had slits in them. In fact, here's an example of a circa 1820 pocket: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect... By 1840 they may have been separate or sewn in.
Aside from pockets, Nicolas (another problem, he's francophone and the French spelling is Nicholas) says at one point, "Chérie, I am a sailor... I have waterproof matches." No, no he most certainly does not. Friction matches weren't even invented until the 1826; chemical matches existed, but were expensive and quite dangerous. Chemical matches were often made of glass or would need to be dipped in vials of asbestos and sulphuric acid. Waterproof matches are simply friction matches coated in wax. On the other hand, lighters have been around (though much larger) since at least the 1660s.
Let's talk about sex and condoms. I don't actually take issue with Nicolas saying he didn't have protection with him; condoms were becoming popularized and destigmatized in the 1770s thanks to none other than Casanova; they would have been made of animal intestines or skin and tied in place with ribbon.
No, my issue is with Nicolas blaming attitudes that don't consider female pleasure during sex on the Puritans. The Puritans were all about godliness, but it doesn't mean they were completely uptight and incapable of joy (we can blame The Scarlet Letter for that view). While premarital sex was illegal in the American colonies (I have little knowledge of Puritans in England) those laws weren't enforced and approximately 40% of children were born either completely out of wedlock or soon enough after a wedding that it was clear conception occurred before the wedding. Nicolas also blames doctors for not developing better methods of preventing procreation (and the spread of venereal disease). We've already established that condoms had become popular, and very explicitly to prevent the spread of syphilis. Chemical abortion also existed and was common (and legal before the quickening, aka before the pregnant person could feel the fetus move or between 18 and 26 weeks), it was indeed not done by doctors, but by midwives and female herbalists. Midwives especially were the people to deal with women's health until fairly recently. Women's health, and consequently contraception and abortion, simply wasn't the realm of doctors.
This concludes my rant.
September 27, 2022
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The third book in the Stitch In Time series is A Turn of the Tide where we do not go forward in time to the 21st century but back in time to 50 years before the settings of the other books. In this time, Miranda will find a man, she has seen him before as a ghost in her time and knows how his death is to come. But how to convince him so she can save him.
Nicolas is a privateer and just lost his captain and crew when they were hanged for piracy. He escaped that death but is still a wanted man for smuggling goods to the people of hoods bay. A Robin Hood of sorts you could say. The nobleman of the area, Nottingham is looking for him and keeps showing up when least expected. Nicolas, with help of Miranda, hopefully will be able to find out which one of his trusted allies is selling him out to the enemy.
In their exploration of the ship holding the stolen cargo, Nico and Miranda run across the spirit of a boy who should be safe in York but was instead starved to death in a room on the ship. Nico and Miranda swear to find the boy's killer and help set him to rest. But who can they trust and who is actively working against Nico and his cause? He will need some proof if he is going to be pardoned and be able to live a safe life.
This series has been a lot of fun taking two people who have lived in different times and throwing them together. I really have enjoyed the interested things that brings up for the characters and how each story plays out. A Turn of the Tide, while good, was missing some of the angst of the other stories. I loved both Miranda and Nico but he honestly seemed too good to be true. Their flirting was fun and I liked how forward Miranda let herself be with him. There are some interesting theories floating around about that stitch in time and why Miranda isn't locked into just her time and the future one Bronwyn came from. But I'm sure that will be fleshed out in one of the future books as there are two more for this series planned. A holiday novella and then there is one sister left to go through time and find her true love.
Overall a satisfying conclusion to Miranda and Nico's tale. They seems perfect for each other and I did like the conclusion to who the person was that sold Nico out and why. I have had a great time with this series and look forward to the upcoming books in it.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The third book in the Stitch In Time series is A Turn of the Tide where we do not go forward in time to the 21st century but back in time to 50 years before the settings of the other books. In this time, Miranda will find a man, she has seen him before as a ghost in her time and knows how his death is to come. But how to convince him so she can save him.
Nicolas is a privateer and just lost his captain and crew when they were hanged for piracy. He escaped that death but is still a wanted man for smuggling goods to the people of hoods bay. A Robin Hood of sorts you could say. The nobleman of the area, Nottingham is looking for him and keeps showing up when least expected. Nicolas, with help of Miranda, hopefully will be able to find out which one of his trusted allies is selling him out to the enemy.
In their exploration of the ship holding the stolen cargo, Nico and Miranda run across the spirit of a boy who should be safe in York but was instead starved to death in a room on the ship. Nico and Miranda swear to find the boy's killer and help set him to rest. But who can they trust and who is actively working against Nico and his cause? He will need some proof if he is going to be pardoned and be able to live a safe life.
This series has been a lot of fun taking two people who have lived in different times and throwing them together. I really have enjoyed the interested things that brings up for the characters and how each story plays out. A Turn of the Tide, while good, was missing some of the angst of the other stories. I loved both Miranda and Nico but he honestly seemed too good to be true. Their flirting was fun and I liked how forward Miranda let herself be with him. There are some interesting theories floating around about that stitch in time and why Miranda isn't locked into just her time and the future one Bronwyn came from. But I'm sure that will be fleshed out in one of the future books as there are two more for this series planned. A holiday novella and then there is one sister left to go through time and find her true love.
Overall a satisfying conclusion to Miranda and Nico's tale. They seems perfect for each other and I did like the conclusion to who the person was that sold Nico out and why. I have had a great time with this series and look forward to the upcoming books in it.
November 16, 2022
While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in this series, this entry was not good. The plot is essentially “Ooh, time travel! And a pirate! Let’s get naked.”
At no point is there any tension or intrigue, and every problem is conveniently solved as soon it appears by the Mary Sue MC. Plus, instalove - everyone’s favourite trope. 🙄
I hate to say it, but this reads like fan fiction. I sincerely hope the next book is better, because it was painful to force myself to finish this one.
At no point is there any tension or intrigue, and every problem is conveniently solved as soon it appears by the Mary Sue MC. Plus, instalove - everyone’s favourite trope. 🙄
I hate to say it, but this reads like fan fiction. I sincerely hope the next book is better, because it was painful to force myself to finish this one.
October 26, 2022
The only positive thing I can say about this novel is that it’s a quick read. I generally like Armstrong’s writing—both the Rockton series and two time travel series—but this book’s plot is sophomoric and the main character (Miranda) is insufferable. The novel reads like a YA bodice ripper.
For what it’s worth, Armstrong’s “A Rip Through Time” series shows much more promise than her “A Stitch in Time” series—which is, frankly, very light fare.
For what it’s worth, Armstrong’s “A Rip Through Time” series shows much more promise than her “A Stitch in Time” series—which is, frankly, very light fare.
October 29, 2022
So, this rating is probably more about the fact that I read this across two settings ten days apart and I don't think that was the best way to do it, plus sick brain, but I generally enjoy this series a lot and this was no exception.
October 30, 2022
Deeeee-lightful. Kelley Armstrong is a master of fast paced, twisty plots that are full of peril but still lighthearted enough that it’s a joy to keep up.
The male love interest in this book was a *chef’s kiss* - fucking marvel of a man. A French- speaking Carribean pirate (or privateer, as you prefer) who is the king of sexy consent, of course very skilled at bedsport but has had enough of casual dalliances - he’s searching for the real thing.
And Miranda is a thrill-seeking writer of adventure stories who is open to all kinds of sexual adventures as well but has struck out on that front and has kind of given up. She is described as small and “plump” but very beautiful. I kept picturing Clare from Derry Girls (who was also in Bridgerton but I didn’t watch that). She is brave and clever and recognizes Nicolas as the catch of a lifetime, but she’s the one who has caught his heart from the beginning.
Sigh - enjoyed this so much.
The male love interest in this book was a *chef’s kiss* - fucking marvel of a man. A French- speaking Carribean pirate (or privateer, as you prefer) who is the king of sexy consent, of course very skilled at bedsport but has had enough of casual dalliances - he’s searching for the real thing.
And Miranda is a thrill-seeking writer of adventure stories who is open to all kinds of sexual adventures as well but has struck out on that front and has kind of given up. She is described as small and “plump” but very beautiful. I kept picturing Clare from Derry Girls (who was also in Bridgerton but I didn’t watch that). She is brave and clever and recognizes Nicolas as the catch of a lifetime, but she’s the one who has caught his heart from the beginning.
Sigh - enjoyed this so much.
August 27, 2023
This installment dragged just a little bit in the middle, as I thought the surprise villain was obvious. I wanted a little more of Nico in the modern time, too. On to the novella.
August 26, 2022
This is a cozy romance with a little bit of time travel and a little bit of pirate backdrop.
Miranda (from Victorian England) time travels back in time 50 years, and meets Nicolas. Nicolas is a pirate, wanted by both the law and Lords that he has crossed. Miranda and Nicolas quickly form an attachment filled with outrageous flirting and mutual respect.
This is a book for the people looking for something soft and low-stress. The romance is definitely the focus of the book, with the pirate plot off to the side. Nicolas is such a perfect romantic partner that he is dreamy and entirely unobjectionable.
For me, I feel like this book was a little too low-stakes. I was bored by the lack of conflict between Miranda and Nicolas. The only thing standing in the way of their Happily Ever After is that they are from different times, but from the beginning it was established that the time travel is always accessible, so it's not actually much of a problem at all. If you're looking for something that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this isn't it.
However, if what you are looking for is a little bit of fun with the perfect book boyfriend, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
A video review including this book with my on my Youtube channel in the coming weeks, at https://www.youtube.com/chloefrizzle
Thanks to Netgally and KLA Frickle Inc for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
Miranda (from Victorian England) time travels back in time 50 years, and meets Nicolas. Nicolas is a pirate, wanted by both the law and Lords that he has crossed. Miranda and Nicolas quickly form an attachment filled with outrageous flirting and mutual respect.
This is a book for the people looking for something soft and low-stress. The romance is definitely the focus of the book, with the pirate plot off to the side. Nicolas is such a perfect romantic partner that he is dreamy and entirely unobjectionable.
For me, I feel like this book was a little too low-stakes. I was bored by the lack of conflict between Miranda and Nicolas. The only thing standing in the way of their Happily Ever After is that they are from different times, but from the beginning it was established that the time travel is always accessible, so it's not actually much of a problem at all. If you're looking for something that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this isn't it.
However, if what you are looking for is a little bit of fun with the perfect book boyfriend, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
A video review including this book with my on my Youtube channel in the coming weeks, at https://www.youtube.com/chloefrizzle
Thanks to Netgally and KLA Frickle Inc for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
October 30, 2022
I love Kelley Armstrong’s books, but this one was not up to her usual standards. A 19th century woman who acted like a 21st century woman using 21st century vocabulary while in the 18th century. Listened to the audio book and the narration was painful to listen to.
August 31, 2022
This is quite simply pure escapism that entertains without excessive angst. Set in England in a time when taxes were high with piracy for many a necessity we meet Miranda a curious young woman desperate to discover and experience everything that life can offer her. Miranda knows where there is a crossover of time that her family think of as a stitch and sets out to time travel to the future but things go slightly awry when she's transported fifty years into the past and finds herself trying to stop a murder ! Nico is the dashing, forward thinking privateer who through no fault of his own finds himself far from home and suddenly wanted for treason ! He's grateful for the timely intervention but Miranda is a woman full of surprises and their adventures are only just beginning !
I feel this author can turn her imagination to writing anything as she continues to delight and impress with the breadth of her work. This historical, time travel romance has suspense, danger and even a touch of sass as Miranda and Nico become much better acquainted hint hint ! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and whilst it wasn't exactly what I expected it definitely kept me entertained and guessing which is most assuredly a good thing.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I feel this author can turn her imagination to writing anything as she continues to delight and impress with the breadth of her work. This historical, time travel romance has suspense, danger and even a touch of sass as Miranda and Nico become much better acquainted hint hint ! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and whilst it wasn't exactly what I expected it definitely kept me entertained and guessing which is most assuredly a good thing.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
October 3, 2022
4.5/ 5 stars
Kelley Armstrong is my favorite author. I absolutely adore this series. A Turn of the Tide is book 3 in the Stitch in Time time travel, historical romance, mystery series.
This is book three in the series. However it can be read as a standalone (the main characters are new). However I would strongly recommend reading in order since the previous characters do play a role in the story.
This is Miranda's book (1st person POV). And I absolutely love her. I especially love that she is a secret novelist. And that she can see ghosts.
Instead of going through the time stitch and ending up in the 21st century she lands in Georgian England (1790). This was such a fun time period full of ghosts and pirates. However I was really hoping to see Miranda in the present. And I also would have liked to see more of her in her own time period (Victorian England/19th century)
The romance was amazing (the banter was so great!). And the mystery was really good too. And I absolutely loved how ghosts played such an important role in the story. However I really wish that we had seen more of Edmund, Bronwyn and Rosalind. That is what this book was missing.
But overall this book left off in such a great place. I am so excited to read the next novella Ghosts & Garlands. And I can't wait for book 4 (Portia's book).
Thanks to netgalley, KLA Fricke Inc and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for allowing me to read this book.
Kelley Armstrong is my favorite author. I absolutely adore this series. A Turn of the Tide is book 3 in the Stitch in Time time travel, historical romance, mystery series.
This is book three in the series. However it can be read as a standalone (the main characters are new). However I would strongly recommend reading in order since the previous characters do play a role in the story.
This is Miranda's book (1st person POV). And I absolutely love her. I especially love that she is a secret novelist. And that she can see ghosts.
Instead of going through the time stitch and ending up in the 21st century she lands in Georgian England (1790). This was such a fun time period full of ghosts and pirates. However I was really hoping to see Miranda in the present. And I also would have liked to see more of her in her own time period (Victorian England/19th century)
The romance was amazing (the banter was so great!). And the mystery was really good too. And I absolutely loved how ghosts played such an important role in the story. However I really wish that we had seen more of Edmund, Bronwyn and Rosalind. That is what this book was missing.
But overall this book left off in such a great place. I am so excited to read the next novella Ghosts & Garlands. And I can't wait for book 4 (Portia's book).
Thanks to netgalley, KLA Fricke Inc and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for allowing me to read this book.
October 18, 2022
4.5 stars
June 12, 2023
Sadly this was my least favorite of this series and while Kelley Armstrong is one of my favorite writers this one was pretty close to a miss for me... warning a bit of a rant.
The ghosts and adventure were still quite good but the two main characters acted wayyyy too modern.
I liked Miranda in the last book but in this one she seemed like someone who would corner you at a party and lecture you - even if you agreed with the same things. Nico seemed unbelievably enlightened for a 17th century privateer, of course I like that he's into consent and protection for sex, I feel like them talking about this was weird... just show please. In terms of their relationship they came together without much tension or issue - not to mention while the FMC was thirsty beyond belief (she said she researched carnal situations for her books) they didn't even have much happen in the spice scale. In addition, Nico was not that suspicious about Miranda just popping out of nowhere beyond her initial warning about danger, soon after he totally was fine with her. I just don't get it... a bit of tension would have been welcome.
The book I read before this one a married couple were too proud to have a normal conversation despite deep hurts that could be resolved with a frank conversation. That also drove me nuts, this book had the opposite issue. And yet this book is set chronologically before that book. The two main characters discussed things that would be considered wildly inappropriate without batting an eye. While I appreciate having some of these ideals subtly added to the story I found the lecturing tone just really ruined the mood of the book and made it feel so fake.
I'm hoping the next one is better. I did enjoy the first two but I think only the first was really a romance novel - while the romances in these last two were important to the story they were more a strong A plot versus the main plot.
The ghosts and adventure were still quite good but the two main characters acted wayyyy too modern.
I liked Miranda in the last book but in this one she seemed like someone who would corner you at a party and lecture you - even if you agreed with the same things. Nico seemed unbelievably enlightened for a 17th century privateer, of course I like that he's into consent and protection for sex, I feel like them talking about this was weird... just show please. In terms of their relationship they came together without much tension or issue - not to mention while the FMC was thirsty beyond belief (she said she researched carnal situations for her books) they didn't even have much happen in the spice scale. In addition, Nico was not that suspicious about Miranda just popping out of nowhere beyond her initial warning about danger, soon after he totally was fine with her. I just don't get it... a bit of tension would have been welcome.
The book I read before this one a married couple were too proud to have a normal conversation despite deep hurts that could be resolved with a frank conversation. That also drove me nuts, this book had the opposite issue. And yet this book is set chronologically before that book. The two main characters discussed things that would be considered wildly inappropriate without batting an eye. While I appreciate having some of these ideals subtly added to the story I found the lecturing tone just really ruined the mood of the book and made it feel so fake.
I'm hoping the next one is better. I did enjoy the first two but I think only the first was really a romance novel - while the romances in these last two were important to the story they were more a strong A plot versus the main plot.
August 12, 2023
I really wanted to love this, but the heroine felt anachronistically feminist for someone from the 19th century (as in, third wave rather than first wave feminism) and there was way too much "clever" dialogue. Excellent concept, but a mediocre execution.
...I'll still read volume four.
...I'll still read volume four.
October 6, 2022
As expected from Kelley Armstrong, the writing and characters are all good. Unfortunately, I felt like the story fell short. Not a lot, mind you, but it did lose me at times. Part of that was the insta-love, which I can't say I've ever had trouble with in Armstrong's books - yes, it goes fast at times, but that's more about lust and interest, not full out love - and the fact that there was a lull in the story at times. Or the lull might have just been me letting my mind wander. I don't know.
This book also lacked some of the tension from the two earlier books in the series.
So, in conclusion; Not a bad book, but not great either. Will I read the next book in the series? (I'm sure we'll be getting more) Yes, but I might not expect too much of them. Which, again, isn't necessarily a bad thing.
This book also lacked some of the tension from the two earlier books in the series.
So, in conclusion; Not a bad book, but not great either. Will I read the next book in the series? (I'm sure we'll be getting more) Yes, but I might not expect too much of them. Which, again, isn't necessarily a bad thing.
July 27, 2022
I’ll be honest - when I found out this book was narrated by Miranda, and involved travelling even further into the past, I was sorely disappointed. I’ve never been much of a fan of historical fiction, and Bronwyn and Rosalind had been such enjoyable characters, I just wasn’t sure how Miranda could live up to them in the year 1790.
Thankfully, any trepidation was quickly soothed by Kelley Armstrong’s unwavering storytelling ability.
The book is well paced, the characters well rounded, and a few wee cameos were a nice addition. Miranda is delightfully sassy and Nico is a hunk with a heart. Throw in some swords and ghosts, and there’s not really much to dislike.
A Stitch in Time won’t be a series I’ll read as often as WotO or Rockton, but it’s certainly one I’ll read again and again.
I’m now eagerly anticipating book 4 of the series.
Many thanks to Kelley Armstrong for the review copy.
Thankfully, any trepidation was quickly soothed by Kelley Armstrong’s unwavering storytelling ability.
The book is well paced, the characters well rounded, and a few wee cameos were a nice addition. Miranda is delightfully sassy and Nico is a hunk with a heart. Throw in some swords and ghosts, and there’s not really much to dislike.
A Stitch in Time won’t be a series I’ll read as often as WotO or Rockton, but it’s certainly one I’ll read again and again.
I’m now eagerly anticipating book 4 of the series.
Many thanks to Kelley Armstrong for the review copy.
dnf
October 18, 2022ramble below
I was wondering if I should just go on and dnf this. I’m not enjoying it and I already know it’s a two or three star read 35% in. I liked the first two because they were mainly focusing on the time slip. Some mystery, some ghosts but this is written like Ghost Hunters on the travel channel. I cannot take it seriously when she starts talking to the ghosts and everyone just accepts it. Maybe, I’m just not the audience for this.
In my opinion, this poorly written and highly cheesy. 35% in and the characters are already kissing, she’s been shot and doesn’t even think about going back home?? I also don’t like that the mc knew about the “time stitch” and crossed over purposefully. The whole point of a time slip is for it to be an ACCIDENT. 😑 I was interested because she was a writer, but don’t tell me she’s going to ditch what rights she has in the 19th century to go back to the 17th century where she has even less. If that was me, I’d live with Rosalind and August in the lap of luxury writing all day.
POV you’re Miranda (but it’s ghosts instead of demons): https://youtu.be/MWH8nnq9-ak
(I’m going to go back and fix it so it don’t add to my reading goal later.)😴
I was wondering if I should just go on and dnf this. I’m not enjoying it and I already know it’s a two or three star read 35% in. I liked the first two because they were mainly focusing on the time slip. Some mystery, some ghosts but this is written like Ghost Hunters on the travel channel. I cannot take it seriously when she starts talking to the ghosts and everyone just accepts it. Maybe, I’m just not the audience for this.
In my opinion, this poorly written and highly cheesy. 35% in and the characters are already kissing, she’s been shot and doesn’t even think about going back home?? I also don’t like that the mc knew about the “time stitch” and crossed over purposefully. The whole point of a time slip is for it to be an ACCIDENT. 😑 I was interested because she was a writer, but don’t tell me she’s going to ditch what rights she has in the 19th century to go back to the 17th century where she has even less. If that was me, I’d live with Rosalind and August in the lap of luxury writing all day.
POV you’re Miranda (but it’s ghosts instead of demons): https://youtu.be/MWH8nnq9-ak
(I’m going to go back and fix it so it don’t add to my reading goal later.)😴
June 26, 2023
An excellent installment in this series. I love the time travel aspect and the romance in each of these books. This one had a mystery element as well as the paranormal aspect as the main character, Miranda, could see ghosts. I highly recommend this series and can't wait for the next book.
July 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and I loved Miranda & Nico! They were made for each other and the story was fast paced and riveting! I can’t wait for the next book! I love this series!!
September 24, 2022
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In the interests of honesty, I really did not expect to enjoy this book. However, I was hooked from the first page (get it, a pirate joke)!
When picking my next book to read, I would rarely choose a book about pirates. However, I’m yet to read a Kelley Armstrong book I’ve not loved, so I thought I would give it a chance.
A Turn of the Tide is the third book in a series, all centred on a stitch in time. Unlike the previous books in the series, this book didn’t root itself with the 21st Century. Rather, the book’s protagonist makes her way through the stitch to the Georgian era.
Although the change in time period means this book is distinct from it’s predecessors, A Turn of the Tide successfully delivers the other elements you would expect from the series: murder, mystery, and romance.
There is palpable chemistry between protagonist Miranda (sister in law to Bronwyn from A Stitch in Time) and Robin Hood-like character Nicolas, leading to witty conversations and just a couple of sword wielding innuendos.
Overall, I believe this book is a great extension of the book series, full of compelling characters and satisfying plot twists. I can’t wait for the next in the series to see where the time stitch takes me next!
In the interests of honesty, I really did not expect to enjoy this book. However, I was hooked from the first page (get it, a pirate joke)!
When picking my next book to read, I would rarely choose a book about pirates. However, I’m yet to read a Kelley Armstrong book I’ve not loved, so I thought I would give it a chance.
A Turn of the Tide is the third book in a series, all centred on a stitch in time. Unlike the previous books in the series, this book didn’t root itself with the 21st Century. Rather, the book’s protagonist makes her way through the stitch to the Georgian era.
Although the change in time period means this book is distinct from it’s predecessors, A Turn of the Tide successfully delivers the other elements you would expect from the series: murder, mystery, and romance.
There is palpable chemistry between protagonist Miranda (sister in law to Bronwyn from A Stitch in Time) and Robin Hood-like character Nicolas, leading to witty conversations and just a couple of sword wielding innuendos.
Overall, I believe this book is a great extension of the book series, full of compelling characters and satisfying plot twists. I can’t wait for the next in the series to see where the time stitch takes me next!
July 8, 2022
Another hit from Kelley Armstrong! The lead characters, Miranda and Nicolas, have a very fun dynamic. You are whisked away on their various adventures and kept guessing with some whodunit moments.
I'm so happy that there will be more to come in this series. All the characters from this series are so fun to read about.
To the next adventure 😊
I'm so happy that there will be more to come in this series. All the characters from this series are so fun to read about.
To the next adventure 😊
June 14, 2022
A Turn of the Tide is wonderful escapist fun, my favourite so far of Kelley Armstrong’s Stitch in Time series.
The basic premise is there’s a time stitch in an English manor, and our heroine Miranda (a 19th century writer of bodice rippers) tries to go through it to visit the future, but winds up in the past (1790 to be exact) and to save the life of a pirate ghost before he becomes a ghost (this makes sense I swear). And of course they fall in love.
This book has:
- Time travel romance
- Ghosts who help solve a mystery
- Swordfights on a sinking pirate ship
- So much hilarious banter
- Chubby badass athletic heroine
- French feminist pirate hero
- Caves, rock climbing, muskets, canons, a Roman shortsword, horse rescue, ridiculous banter about 18th century underwear
A Turn of the Tide is a short, quick read and packed with wonderfully silly nonsense in the best way.
This one can work as a standalone (the author provides a short introduction summarizing the previous books) but I do recommend the whole series if you like a good fluffy ghost time travel romance.
Thank you to Kelley Armstrong for my review copy of this book.
The basic premise is there’s a time stitch in an English manor, and our heroine Miranda (a 19th century writer of bodice rippers) tries to go through it to visit the future, but winds up in the past (1790 to be exact) and to save the life of a pirate ghost before he becomes a ghost (this makes sense I swear). And of course they fall in love.
This book has:
- Time travel romance
- Ghosts who help solve a mystery
- Swordfights on a sinking pirate ship
- So much hilarious banter
- Chubby badass athletic heroine
- French feminist pirate hero
- Caves, rock climbing, muskets, canons, a Roman shortsword, horse rescue, ridiculous banter about 18th century underwear
A Turn of the Tide is a short, quick read and packed with wonderfully silly nonsense in the best way.
This one can work as a standalone (the author provides a short introduction summarizing the previous books) but I do recommend the whole series if you like a good fluffy ghost time travel romance.
Thank you to Kelley Armstrong for my review copy of this book.
October 14, 2023
I enjoyed this one, it was a fun pirate-y (sorry Nico, privateer-y) romp. I preferred the first two in the series, though. They had more history between the characters prior to the book and I enjoyed figuring out their pasts. Here, it was a bit more insta-love-y. This one also seemed a bit lighter than the others. I found it interesting that the stitch in time works differently for Miranda and Nico than it does for the other characters. I'm looking forward to Miranda and Nico's Christmas novella next month and to Portia's story next year.
[October 2023: reread in audio format, didn't like the narrator for this one as much as the previous two. I didn't enjoy the French accent she did for Nico.]
[October 2023: reread in audio format, didn't like the narrator for this one as much as the previous two. I didn't enjoy the French accent she did for Nico.]
May 24, 2023
This was okay. I liked the beginning and the epilogue but started losing interest about 2/3 the way through. The romance was cute and funny until the consummation details were never discussed. I'm hoping the next one is better.
October 6, 2022
I loved this series, very original and entertaining, but this book was DNF, maybe I will give it another chance in the future.
October 11, 2022
The Stitch in Time books are always a consistent hit with me. The perfect blend of paranormal mystery and historical romance, with consistently compelling characters and believable relationships... I truly, truly love each novel and novella. (Though the first will always hold a special place in my heart, Bronwyn and William are such embarrassing dorks, and I love them.)
A Turn of the Tide places Miranda Hastings in the spotlight, an adventurous writer/Seer who learns about the time stitch and decides to explore the future... Only to end up in the past instead, meeting the man who in her time was a ghost haunting the streets. Nico is the local Robin Hood, and when she saves him from his tragic death, the two are off on an adventure.
Miranda is such a fun character. She has this snarky charm about her, and throws her whole self into everything she does, because she can't imagine holding back. And Nico plays off of her extremely well, a charismatic French noble-turned-pirate who often spars more with words than weapons. These two would be absolutely INSUFFERABLE to be around in real life, because they would not stop bantering to notice your existence. But as book characters - in a book where they're largely isolated from any other character for the duration - they're so much fun as they play off of each other incessantly.
The core mystery got me. Again. Because apparently I'm always going to be just wrong enough in these books that I'm in for a surprise. But yeah, I'm not bitter, because the reveal scene was just as fun and engaging as always.
Also, shout out to Bronwyn for being the real MVP and apparently regularly bringing back condoms from the twenty-first century for her friends to use??? Not going to lie, that image had me laughing.
Another great installment in a quality series built on the back of time-travel romance and paranormal mystery. It certainly seems like Portia's going to be next, so I'm going to keep an eye out. (And, of course, the customary holiday novella this November! I'll probably end up reading it on Thanksgiving again, since that seems to be the pattern.)
A Turn of the Tide places Miranda Hastings in the spotlight, an adventurous writer/Seer who learns about the time stitch and decides to explore the future... Only to end up in the past instead, meeting the man who in her time was a ghost haunting the streets. Nico is the local Robin Hood, and when she saves him from his tragic death, the two are off on an adventure.
Miranda is such a fun character. She has this snarky charm about her, and throws her whole self into everything she does, because she can't imagine holding back. And Nico plays off of her extremely well, a charismatic French noble-turned-pirate who often spars more with words than weapons. These two would be absolutely INSUFFERABLE to be around in real life, because they would not stop bantering to notice your existence. But as book characters - in a book where they're largely isolated from any other character for the duration - they're so much fun as they play off of each other incessantly.
The core mystery got me. Again. Because apparently I'm always going to be just wrong enough in these books that I'm in for a surprise. But yeah, I'm not bitter, because the reveal scene was just as fun and engaging as always.
Also, shout out to Bronwyn for being the real MVP and apparently regularly bringing back condoms from the twenty-first century for her friends to use??? Not going to lie, that image had me laughing.
Another great installment in a quality series built on the back of time-travel romance and paranormal mystery. It certainly seems like Portia's going to be next, so I'm going to keep an eye out. (And, of course, the customary holiday novella this November! I'll probably end up reading it on Thanksgiving again, since that seems to be the pattern.)
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