I liked the look and sound of this book, from its description. I finished it, but unfortunately, I felt like I never properly warmed to it. There was nothing wrong with the writing, I just didn't feel the magic that I hoped for, and didn't really connect with the story, or any of the characters. I would probably still try another book by this author though.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

I was thoroughly intrigued by the cover and the synopsis of this book. It checked all the boxes for what I look for in a good historical/fiction fantasy mash-up.
I think readers will enjoy this book if they like any of the following - Mysterious old buildings; Time Travel; Archaeology; A hint of magic/fantasy elements; A romantic subplot

The summary of what this book described was excellent and captivating. However, as I was reading, I had this odd sensation of missing something… as I kept reading, I realized that the author was jumping around quite a bit. Later in the book the author even switches points of view. I still enjoyed the story but I think it would have been better if the author had focused on the main character more and not tried to weave in as many other ideas and characters. The concept and world this author created was a 5 out of 5 stars for me. But the writing style and skipping around in the story made finishing this book hard, hence my 3 star rating.
Thank you NetGalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A great story for historical magic, history lovers, and enchanted romance! I resonated with the characters and felt myself being taken back in time to the simple life of 1907!

4.75 stars

Dr. Neely Shaw finds an old hotel and is eager to find out more. She takes a trip and finds that the hotel still stands. In order to try to get the hotel nominated, Neely needs to figure out more about the past of this place. But when she tries to do so Neely discovers that the myth about time traveling in this area is not actually a myth. Neely then travels back to 1906 and discovers much about this place.

Let me tell you, I cried my eyes out while reading this book. Happy tears, luckily, but also a few sad tears at the end. While reading this book, I really had the feeling that I was discovering everything about this place and these people. I also had the idea that I actually felt all these people's emotions. It felt as if I had a connection with them. I am so in love with the characters; by the way, they felt so real that I almost tried to google them. I would 1000% recommend to read this book. It's currently available through Netgalley, and otherwise, this book's release date is 9 April 2024.

thank you netgalley and Jaye Burke for the ARC. here is my honest review.

read if you like

time travel
a few sprinkles of magic
a passionate archaeologist
a mysterious hotel
romance subplot
no spice

review

The story and the world that the book promised were very enticing and captivating. From discovering an old, strange letter to going on a quest to find the old, mysterious luxury hotel to entering the most magical world ever, the story had all the elements I was looking for in a fantasy/historical novel. The premise of the book was something new and exciting that really captivated me.

However, I believe the execution was a bit lacking. The story jumped from one point to another and the multiple point of view distracted me from the main storyline. In terms of plot, there was a lot going on so I think it lost its unique essence at a certain point in the book. I felt like the book tried to focus on a lot of people's problems, so the main character felt a little ignored.

one thing I really respected about the book was Neely's decision. I loved how she focused on her original goal and achieved it without letting her heart get in the way. and I loved how her story ended. a little shoutout to Francis - i love you girl.

ratings
2.5/5

ARC Review - Pub Date April 9th 2024

I always enjoy a good time travel story and this story felt fresh! It kept me engaged and wanting to read more. I really enjoyed the main character Neely and the romance aspect was unexpected but great. I felt with the length of the novel some things happened off page that I would have liked to see but it was a worthwhile read and one of the more unique books I’ve read lately.

Overall it could be a little choppy and some of the dialogue was awkward but that can be edited.

Set in 1906 this has a little bit goes from past to present, it is a book of magic, i liked the mystery of it and i couldnt stop reading it it was really good.
I cant wait till it is in publication it was a wonderful book, thank you for letting me read it.

The first lights of Eventide (the glow of synchronous fireflies) captures a little bit of the magic we are all looking for.
Set in the past time of 1906-1910 as well as 2016 this book tells the story of one small town and the magic it brings to Neely Shaw who works for the State Commision of Major Historical Sites of Alabama. Part romance, part time travel, and part historical fiction this book brings the past back in a magical way.

Thanks to net galley, Vintage South Books, and the author for this digital ARC for review.

Excellent introduction to this author’s work. I loved the paranormal aspect of the story. Many time-travel books can be repetitive, but the author kept this story moving. I read late into the night because I wanted to know what happened next. I look forward to recommending on publication day. Thank you for the opportunity to read in advance!