Member Reviews
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
This is the second book I have read that was written by the amazing Alexis Stanton, and I tell you, I cannot think of a book that is truly more perfect! I loved her adaptation of "Like Cats And Dogs," but this was an original story. And I will admit that while I was looking forward to a Christmas read, I wasn't expecting to be as intrigued by this book as I was.
First of all, this is a Hallmark book, and just like the movies, there is nothing problematic in this book (unless you find time travel offensive). No language issues, no sex, everything squeaky clean in the romance department. However, this story is never lacking in excitement, humor, and romance. Indeed, this book demonstrates again how Hallmark is continuing to raise the bar by employing phenomenal artists like Alexis to write stories for them.
When it comes to time travel, I am sometimes on the fence. I adored the show "Timeless," and "Journey Back To Christmas" is a movie that I ended up enjoying more than expected. I am a student of history, so I do expect some adherence to historical details, but I also expect a story that will keep me interested. And since this is Hallmark, there just HAS to be a romance.
What I loved about this book most of all was the way in which the time travel elements and the historical references were woven into the framework of the story. Additionally, instead of going back in time, our hero went forward in time. Moreover, our heroine was absolutely delightful, and I found myself relating to Megan more than I wanted to admit at times.
I'm not going to ruin the mystery of the story nor the way the book ends; you will have to read it for yourself. But this is easily one of the best time travel stories I've ever had the pleasure to read and even trumps some of the shows/movies I have seen on the topic. The clever story had me guessing all the way to the end, and even Charles Whitley is a strong focus in the story, I think you may find his views quite exceptional and fun, not to mention the authenticity with which our author has painted him. Even though this is a Christmas story, it can easily be read and enjoyed at any time of the year, and I highly recommend it!
I really love christmas stories so I already went in with a positive vibe, and the story totally made up for it.
I voluntarily reviewed an Reader Copy of this book which I received through
Netgalley.
I received this book as an eARC from NetGalley. I would like to thank the author and the publishers for providing me with a copy of the book.
Narrative and plot
The narrative was somewhat ok for me. I wasn’t a fan of the voice of the book but at the same time, there was nothing wrong with it. It was just fine.
However, the plot I am always a fan of. I love time travel books, particularly if it is a love story. The whole setting of time travel and how one copes with it always amuses me. This book had a lot of such instances and it always brought a smile on my face.
Characters and conflict
You have two main characters and they are in fact very strong personalities. One is set in the past but is always looking towards the future. The other is living in the future but is passionately in love with her history. How contrasting yet connecting are these two!! This calls for an extraordinary love story.
Perhaps that is one reason the book couldn’t convince me that that is all there is to it. I wanted more conflict, more drama. This is supposed to be your soothing Christmas read and I am aware of that. But there was only one conflict in the entire book and you have an idea as to how it is going to come out. So, there is not much of a challenge as far as the reader is concerned.
Despite that, the book did a great job with what it had. There wasn’t a dull moment in the back. The supporting characters didn’t have much to offer. Still their presence was a pleasant one.
The other thing I wanted to address was at times the book sounded insensitive to its characters. The fact that a person had traveled through time was expressed in a rather indifferent way. It is not one of the first guesses, that you make when you suddenly wake up and find a different environment around you. Even if you are someone who is a loner like Charles Whitley. Megan’s reaction to the scenario was more genuine. The way these two interacted and how they fell for each other was beautiful and enjoyable to read.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, the book celebrates Christmas and the general vibe the festive season brings all around us. And that is perhaps one good reason to pick up this book during the holidays. The time travel premise is fascinating as always. The book doesn’t do a lot to surprise you but it is a feel-good holiday read with a fantasy element.
Great story that reminds me of Kate & Leopold... a time travel novel that has lots of fun and as Charles works through his modern day experience. This is super cute...best read when one needs a dose of laughter in their day!
I'm very much a fan of time travel Romances where the couple is destined to meet and be together despite the differences in social norms, culture, speech, limited technology, etc. This book was charming.
Megan Turner is the perfect love interest for Charles Whitley. He comes from the past and she's from the future. Yet, with her knowledge of the past as a history PhD, she can relate to him--understanding his limited knowledge of the modern world. Her fascination with him was a great starting point of the story, building up the potential for romance between them as they try to figure out how he came into her time and how to send him back.
I've seen a Hallmark film with a similar theme that caused me to feel like there wouldn't be a HEA for the perfectly-matched pairing of Megan and Charles. But be assured that a happily ever after abounds not only for our couple but for the well developed secondary characters who befriend Charles and try to help him on his journey of self-discovery and ultimate decisionmaking for his future.
Thank you to Hallmark Publishing, the author and Netgalley for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for a copy.
I received an ARC copy from netgalley for my honest review, so thank you netgalley and publishers for sending me a copy =]
They’re from two different centuries,
but they’re perfect for each other.
Megan Turner is in love with the past. As a tour guide at a beautiful historic mansion, she tells visitors about its original owner, Charles Whitley. An inventor and businessman in the early 1900s, he rose from poverty to wealth…only to disappear without a trace.
Charles was always intrigued by the future. He just never expected to go there. But when he repairs a mysterious clock he bought on his travels, he’s transported to the twenty-first century, with his home decorated for Christmas and overrun by strangers.
Charles is determined to find a way back to his own era, especially when he learns about what happened after he left. But as Megan introduces him to the wonders of smartphones, pizza, and modern holiday traditions, they both feel a once-in-a-lifetime connection. Could it be that, somewhere in time, they belong together?
This magical holiday romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Stuffed Crust Italian Pizza.
The cover and title is what originally drew me to this book.
This is my first book by this author. It was alltogether an easy read. ♡ I give this book a
4.5 star rating!
A sweet time-travel story. The characters of Megan and Charles make this improbable storyline work, and the writer did a great job making them very likeable. I kept reading to find out if their story would either end—or else truly begin. This was a shorter story that was easy to read during a busy holiday season. Just the book for when you want something shorter and sweet to read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I love a Christmas read and it has been quite some months since I read a time travel romance. The cover too attracted me and almost seemed to call me.
Megan in the present time loves Christmas but she loves Charles Whiteley more. She does work as a guide in his home converted into museum. Charles in his time is working on a time-piece when he is transported to Megan's time but still in his own home, astounded with so many people in it.
It was delightful to see their attraction slowly seeping through the pages. Megan loved his old fashioned ways, his flair, and of course he was a hottie. It was nice to see Megan charming him with cookies and pizza.
By the end of the read, I was charmed, intrigued and kind of hungry.. Somehow.. I longed for a pizza. My first book by author Alexis Stanton, saw me with my kindle and pizza. Ah bliss!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas story! It combined Christmas with a time travel storyline in such a wonderful way! This was a joy to read!
One thing I especially liked and which made it so outstanding was that the time travel felt organic and natural within the storyline. It was written extremely well, with enough explanation and details of the method of the time travel as well as the character's adjustment to the modern era without overtaking or dragging down the flow of the story. This is mainly a heartwarming love story with a charming holiday backdrop.
Thanks to Net Galley for a free copy for an honest review
History, time travel & Christmas.....just the kind of combination that grabbed my interest when deciding to read this book. When Charles Whitley, millionaire & inventor, accidentally travels from 1902 into present day 21st Century.; trying to navigate his way in this new world with all the advancements in technology would be daunting if not the help of Megan Turner. Somehow she accepts that he is from 100+ years in the past and begins to guide his way through this crazy world. Together they discover the true joys of friendship, love and the spirit of Christmas.
This is another Hallmark Publishing book; but what a breath of fresh air from the usual Hallmark Christmas fare! I like many of the movies and books; but this story doesn't follow any of the standard formulas we're used to seeing/reading during the Christmas season. I loved the verbiage used by Charles. The author does a wonderful job taking that one characteristic to make him stand out. It felt very authentic and he truly came across as a person from another time. He was my favorite character.
There is a nice array of supporting characters and the female protagonist has a pleasant demeanor that is neither too sweet or nerve-grating. Again set in a mid-size town with the typical storybook Christmas activities and appeal. I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick enjoyable read; and as stated before.....very different from other Hallmark stories. I'd like to see Hallmark make this into a movie. Until then, if you enjoyed this, you may want to check out the movie, "Spirit of Christmas" from Lifetime. Similar idea that will be a pleaser.
Loved the romance in this book. I absolutely loved reading this book. I love Christmas stories 5 stars
This is a super quick read that I enjoyed. I love getting that “Hallmark” feeling as I read a book.
This book reminded me a bit of “The Spirit of Christmas” on Netflix.
The whole time you know it has to work out but the author does a great job keeping you guessing on how it is going to happen.
If you love a good Hallmark movie I have no doubt you will enjoy this book.
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.
This was one of the best Christmas books I've read this year. Two polar opposites, Megan, a lover of all things Christmas from the present time and Charles, a bahumbug from 1902 have just met and are developing a special relationship, even though the odds are against anything permanent happening between them because Charles needs to find a way to get back home to his own time. A wonderful, enchanting Christmas story. Highly recommend!
Enjoyed this book that had a time travel love story to it. Alexis has found a new reader in me and can not wait to read her other books.
Megan Turner, just like me, is in love with the past. She even went as far as to study to become the American History professor at her local university. And during the process of applying for her dream job and collecting all necessary documentation and reference letters, Megan has found a job as a tour guide at the local museum.
Charles Whitley, an innovator and a businessman, is in love with the future. He travels all over Europe, searching for new ways to improve his own steel business. During his last trip to France, Charles purchased an old antique clock, and while trying to repair it he accidentally travels 116 years into the future.
The two young people meet during the magical Christmas time. Charles, who has always seen himself as a workaholic, for the first time takes the break from his work and sees the Christmas for what it really is... a family holiday. The time to spend and enjoy with the loved ones. However, after learning the history of his past, now more than ever Charles want to go back to his own time and succeed his most vicious rival.
A sweet and short novel about time traveling, friendship, love, and Christmas. Lovely evening read. Thank you, NetGalley, Alexis Stanton, and Hallmark Publishing for a free copy of this wonderful story.
Enjoyed this Christmas story. Loved the time travel aspect and loved the characters. Alexis Stanton did a great job with this book. Would love to see it made into a Hallmark movie, it would be perfect.
A Timeless Christmas is a beautiful,fabulous and interesting story that put me in a good Christmassy mood.
I found the plot really fascinating and intriguing.
I loved how Megan and Charles are so passionate and driven. Even if the first appreciates the past and its history and the latter always looks at the future their lives crash and cross and their relationship could only be descibed as magical.
It was the first time I've read an Alexis Stanton book but it definitely won't be the last.
I really liked her characters,they were perfectly portrayed and I grew attached to them from the start.I enjoyed her words so much I've finished this book so quickly I thought it was too short.
I enjoyed reading Megan and Charles' story. Megan works at the Whitley-Moran Mansion reliving history every day. This is the type of history I have always enjoyed - seeing history come alive in these old homes and learning more about the times and how people lived during certain eras in our history. Going through the house on her tour made the reader feel as if they were there with the rest of the group and can only imagine what it looked like especially during the holiday season.
There is a mystery about the original owner of the house and no one can figure out whatever happened to Charles Whitley. It was refreshing to see things we take for granted through the eyes of someone out of time when Charles somehow ends up in present day and finds himself a stranger in his own house. When Charles finds out the fate of his house and those he knew, he must make a choice to return to his own time or to stay and see where life would take him.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Hallmark for this privilege.
A Timeless Christmas is one of the best Christmas romances I've read in a while. Part of the allure is the time travel aspect which adds an interesting twist to the story, but more than that, it's the characters who pull you in and have you cheering for them all the way! Can't wait to see the movie!
A Timeless Christmas by Alexis Stanton. This Christmas Story was totally different from most Christmas stories I have read this story about time travel. If you love time travel and Christmas stories you will love this story.