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Blue Moon #1
Solstice Moon
A romantic time travel story with a Solstice twist. An unexpected time leap (courtesy of a bit of Solstice magic) brings a woman the love she’d thought was impossible -- but will she stay more than a century in the past?
Who needs a man in their life? I don’t. I’ve thrown myself into my job as a docent at the historic Danforth Ranch -- leading tours in a delightfully swishy Victorian costume, regaling tourists with true tales of Carson Valley in the 1880s. Everything’s fine, with the possible exception of my heart. Which I’ve stuffed firmly in a box marked “Do not open.”
Until -- an ancient mirror, a special photo, and a bit of Solstice magic sweep me back in time. Instead of facing off with a tour group in the parlor of the historic mansion, I’m suddenly face-to-face with the real Josiah Danforth. A widower who thinks I’m there to apply for a job as his housekeeper.
With life in the 21st Century now in my past – his future – I’m forced to play a role I never trained for. Whipping up dinner on a wood-fueled cookstove? Check. Battling a homicidal rooster? Check. Laundry sans electricity? Let’s just say I’ll never take microwaves or hot showers for granted again. If I ever do find a way back to my own century.
The undeniable attraction brewing between me and Josiah has worked its own brand of sweet magic. Not to mention warm hugs from his motherless little girls. But I already know from history exactly how Josiah’s story will play out – after tragically losing his first wife, he’s destined to remain a bachelor forever. So what future could we possibly build together? Even if that impenetrable box around my heart is as long-gone as my last real manicure. I just need to figure out the magic of reversing the Solstice’s charm. And when I do, there’s no way I’m staying put in 1885.
Or is there? Josiah's special brand of magic just might change my mind.
Author's Note: Charity and Josiah’s story is a clean, swoony time-travel romance with a hard-muscled, wood-chopping rancher hero; a feisty, tackle-anything heroine, and a slow burn dilemma that forces them both to stretch for their sweet, satisfying happily-ever-after.
Who needs a man in their life? I don’t. I’ve thrown myself into my job as a docent at the historic Danforth Ranch -- leading tours in a delightfully swishy Victorian costume, regaling tourists with true tales of Carson Valley in the 1880s. Everything’s fine, with the possible exception of my heart. Which I’ve stuffed firmly in a box marked “Do not open.”
Until -- an ancient mirror, a special photo, and a bit of Solstice magic sweep me back in time. Instead of facing off with a tour group in the parlor of the historic mansion, I’m suddenly face-to-face with the real Josiah Danforth. A widower who thinks I’m there to apply for a job as his housekeeper.
With life in the 21st Century now in my past – his future – I’m forced to play a role I never trained for. Whipping up dinner on a wood-fueled cookstove? Check. Battling a homicidal rooster? Check. Laundry sans electricity? Let’s just say I’ll never take microwaves or hot showers for granted again. If I ever do find a way back to my own century.
The undeniable attraction brewing between me and Josiah has worked its own brand of sweet magic. Not to mention warm hugs from his motherless little girls. But I already know from history exactly how Josiah’s story will play out – after tragically losing his first wife, he’s destined to remain a bachelor forever. So what future could we possibly build together? Even if that impenetrable box around my heart is as long-gone as my last real manicure. I just need to figure out the magic of reversing the Solstice’s charm. And when I do, there’s no way I’m staying put in 1885.
Or is there? Josiah's special brand of magic just might change my mind.
Author's Note: Charity and Josiah’s story is a clean, swoony time-travel romance with a hard-muscled, wood-chopping rancher hero; a feisty, tackle-anything heroine, and a slow burn dilemma that forces them both to stretch for their sweet, satisfying happily-ever-after.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2023
103 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Abby Rice
11 books8 followersHi, and welcome to my Abby Rice author page! Hope you'll check out my latest book, "Cold Comfort"!
Abby Rice is my pen name for fiction. I've written lots of other things (including history) under my real name, Karen Dustman.
For more on what I'm up to lately, visit www.AbbyRiceAuthor.com and sign up for my Reader List! (Think: free short stories in your in-box, freebies on new books, and of course news when the latest book comes out).
Also check out www.Clairitage.com -- where you can sign up for a free history newsletter!
I love connecting with readers, so feel free to reach out and say hi! I'm Abby@abbyriceauthor.com.
Abby Rice is my pen name for fiction. I've written lots of other things (including history) under my real name, Karen Dustman.
For more on what I'm up to lately, visit www.AbbyRiceAuthor.com and sign up for my Reader List! (Think: free short stories in your in-box, freebies on new books, and of course news when the latest book comes out).
Also check out www.Clairitage.com -- where you can sign up for a free history newsletter!
I love connecting with readers, so feel free to reach out and say hi! I'm Abby@abbyriceauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 21, 2023
I am 82 years old and this is my first romance novel. I really liked the story and sub plot.
March 4, 2023
Solstice Moon
Loved it. Being from Carson Valley and living right outside Genoa, it was a great reflection on our history. Wonderful concept in time travel.
Loved it. Being from Carson Valley and living right outside Genoa, it was a great reflection on our history. Wonderful concept in time travel.
October 8, 2025
100% One for the Cozy Corner
This story was a treat to read. I devoured every page filled with historical domesticity, wholesome family moments, and a compelling tension that didn’t take away from the coziness of the setting. To be fair, my favorite part of history is imagining the experience of someone living in that time (i.e. the culture/food/fashions/customs/etc.), rather than basic dates or big events.
If you are looking for something action-packed and ultra-spicy, this one isn't for you. But if you are in the mood for a sweet little tale about finding yourself in another time and immersing yourself into that world, then grab a candlestick, curl up with an old granny quilt, and enjoy this cozy break from the modern world. This will definitely be one to revisit when I need just that kind of reprieve.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story was a treat to read. I devoured every page filled with historical domesticity, wholesome family moments, and a compelling tension that didn’t take away from the coziness of the setting. To be fair, my favorite part of history is imagining the experience of someone living in that time (i.e. the culture/food/fashions/customs/etc.), rather than basic dates or big events.
If you are looking for something action-packed and ultra-spicy, this one isn't for you. But if you are in the mood for a sweet little tale about finding yourself in another time and immersing yourself into that world, then grab a candlestick, curl up with an old granny quilt, and enjoy this cozy break from the modern world. This will definitely be one to revisit when I need just that kind of reprieve.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2023
Good time travel novella. Charity was a tour guide for a ranch in Carson Valley, Nevada. During the summer solstice, she finds her world turned upside down when she opens her eyes & finds she is still in the same house & looking at an unfamiliar pair of eyes. A pair of eyes that belong to a man who thinks she is the new housekeeper. This is the start of her adventure in the same house where she had been giving a tour,only the year is 1885.
I always enjoy time travel stories & I certainly enjoyed this one. The characters are well developed & the plot is believable.
I always enjoy time travel stories & I certainly enjoyed this one. The characters are well developed & the plot is believable.
June 7, 2023
Kinda predictable but a pleasant distraction. A young woman is a costumed docent in a museum ranch house and suddenly finds herself back in time with the owner of the home and seemingly applying for a housekeeper post. It kinda slid over the fact that she had no explanation of why she couldn't light or use the cookstove and had no luggage and her language usage was odd. I usually find the what-ifs of modern knowledge and behavior placed in an historical situation the most interesting part. This is one of those books that just slides past most of that.
February 7, 2023
Solstice Moon By Abby Rice
Five stars, Charity was a tour guide for a ranch that built in the 1800's.. It being the summer solstice, she was thrown back in time in that era at the ranch own by Josiah.. He had pass baggage from the death of his wife.. Charity assumes the role as housekeeper, waiting for the solstice to take her back to her time.. Somehow love intervene and now she has a choice of staying or going back.. There is some drama, love prevails.. Good ending.
Five stars, Charity was a tour guide for a ranch that built in the 1800's.. It being the summer solstice, she was thrown back in time in that era at the ranch own by Josiah.. He had pass baggage from the death of his wife.. Charity assumes the role as housekeeper, waiting for the solstice to take her back to her time.. Somehow love intervene and now she has a choice of staying or going back.. There is some drama, love prevails.. Good ending.
May 29, 2023
Time travel at its best
This book kept me up...meaning I could not put it down until the end. Be warned...do not start reading late in the day if you need your sleep. I really enjoyed this light read about a girl that time travels back to 1885 from 2020 something. Oh the adventures and debacles that occur. Fun read!
This book kept me up...meaning I could not put it down until the end. Be warned...do not start reading late in the day if you need your sleep. I really enjoyed this light read about a girl that time travels back to 1885 from 2020 something. Oh the adventures and debacles that occur. Fun read!
November 13, 2023
A cute and clean time travel romance set in Nevada of all places 😂
The author got right to the point and had Charity time travel in the first sentence. Sometimes the author would skip ahead and my mind wasn’t quite there yet so I got a bit confused when Charity started mentioning knowing other people in town and we as readers hadn’t gotten there yet.
The author got right to the point and had Charity time travel in the first sentence. Sometimes the author would skip ahead and my mind wasn’t quite there yet so I got a bit confused when Charity started mentioning knowing other people in town and we as readers hadn’t gotten there yet.
July 18, 2023
Enjoyable
I liked the mysterious way the main character shows up in the past. Able to fit in with the family looking for a housekeeper. Already aware of the family's history. An interesting storyline with a few surprises.
I liked the mysterious way the main character shows up in the past. Able to fit in with the family looking for a housekeeper. Already aware of the family's history. An interesting storyline with a few surprises.
Read
October 5, 2023I thought I would enjoy this, but found myself too much of a critic and didn't finish it.
The protagonist is a docent at an old farmhouse and gets transported back a century to when it had a family (a widower and his two daughters).
The protagonist is a docent at an old farmhouse and gets transported back a century to when it had a family (a widower and his two daughters).
December 16, 2024
Unique, real, and a page-turner. Not in the typical way. It's like imagining it could happen...to you...and what would you do in Charity's situation? A sweet time travel romance that touches on realism, with a delightful happily ever after that I couldn't predict. Highly recommend!
January 26, 2026
What a delightful novella!
Charity, who is a docent at the Museum where she works gets sent back over 100 years to become the house keeper/ nanny. After a year and many experiences, we return to the museum.
Charity, who is a docent at the Museum where she works gets sent back over 100 years to become the house keeper/ nanny. After a year and many experiences, we return to the museum.
May 18, 2023
This is a wonderful time travel story. I enjoyed it so much. It is a romance. It is a clean read.
May 25, 2023
What a great story
A fun story to read, full of humor with interesting characters. The imagery and descriptive language allowed the reader to see all the action.
A fun story to read, full of humor with interesting characters. The imagery and descriptive language allowed the reader to see all the action.
June 10, 2023
Refreshing!
A nice time travel, well written with a good plot. I like the happier ever after and I recommend this story and the author.
A nice time travel, well written with a good plot. I like the happier ever after and I recommend this story and the author.
June 13, 2023
Romance time travel
The main characters are likable. A different setting than most time travel novels that I have read. I'm already getting the next one to read.
The main characters are likable. A different setting than most time travel novels that I have read. I'm already getting the next one to read.
June 23, 2023
This was a lighthearted, romantic, time travel book. I liked the main characters and was happy to see the bad guy get caught and punished. The happy ending was a plus.
July 5, 2023
It’s always fun to see how different authors figure out a way to make time travel happen. This one never really explained it the main character just had her theory on how it happened.
October 2, 2023
This was a sweet, quick read. I'm not sure I could have picked a better book to get me past the book hangover from my previous binge-read of a series.
January 2, 2025
Nothing new.
The plot is adequate, it kept my interest enough to finish the book. I am not going to read more of the series.
The plot is adequate, it kept my interest enough to finish the book. I am not going to read more of the series.
April 13, 2024
Docent time travels back...
August 14, 2023
I liked it a lot. I learned a lot about preparing meals in the 1800s. I can’t think of anything I disliked about the story, it just didn’t WOW me. I like to get emotionally involved with the story and characters but this one I didn’t. I bought and will read Harvest Moon Book 2 next. So I do recommend this book for an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews