Thanks to Lake Union publisher for allowing me to read a copy of An Echo is Time by Boo Walker. I have read a previous book by this author. However, I don't remember anything about the book, not even the title. This book was is a struggle for me to read. It started out good I liked the beginning setting but, it flip-flopped way to much for me to enjoy it. I think this may be my last book by this author.

I have read a few of this author's books. And he is becoming a favorite of mine. He always has a unique story and an interesting theme to get us hooked.

The main character in this book is Charli Thurman, who grew up in a very dysfunctional home, an abusive mom and a father that traveled a lot. Charli always has felt she can't get a break in her life, as if stuck in a destructive cycle , and she needs to find out how to stop this from happening, to her and her family

A good friend of hers tells her about a woman who she has been seeing to work out her problems, a “Soul Reader” who specializes in generational trauma, so Charli is skeptical but, decides to go to the family constellation therapy with the guru, because if it has the possibility of working she is willing to try it.

The only session she can get is a workshop with this woman in Costa Rica. It seems as if Whatever happened in the past, it created an imbalance that’s still in the Thurman blood.

There are many obstacles to be able to take this trip, and stories to be heard before she can go both there, and to England as well to look up her mother's genealogy, and try and find out what may be causing all of the chaos in her life and that of her family.

I loved this book. Great story line and wonderful characters.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this book.

I'm sad that I have to write this, but I did not finish it. I'm usually a big fan of the authors work but this one was not for me. I like Walker`s writing and find his book always an easy and enjoyable read, with interesting characters. But the main character in An Echo in Time threw me off from the first chapter. I could not connect with her and found myself rolling my eyes at her. The premise sounded very good but the character Charli just did not work for me. Maybe I'll give it another go in the future but right now it's not what I want to read.

An Echo in Time by Boo Walker is a beautifully woven narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. From my perspective, Walker’s writing is lyrical and evocative, creating a vivid sense of place that pulls you into the story. The characters are well-developed, each carrying their own burdens and secrets, which makes their journeys deeply relatable and emotionally resonant.

I particularly enjoyed how the plot interlaces past and present, offering insights into how history shapes individual lives. The pacing is generally smooth, though there are moments where the narrative feels a bit drawn out, making some sections less engaging. Walker’s exploration of the connections between characters across time is poignant, though I wished for more closure on certain plot points by the end.

Overall, An Echo in Time is a thought-provoking read that left me reflecting on the impact of our choices and the echoes they create in our lives. It’s a great choice for readers who appreciate rich, character-driven stories that delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

I have enjoyed the books I have read by the author, Boo Walker. When I see one is going to be released, I am first in line to get lost in the pages of his magical writing. This one was a little different than previous books I have enjoyed. While I don’t really buy into constellation therapy, I do believe that trauma in our past and the actions of our ancestors can bleed over into our present. This book was a wonderful journey through Charli’s life from childhood and then as an adult as she struggles to progress past the “red lights” that block her from truly living ... from relationships to work life to friendships. The dual timeline presentation of family members from hundreds of years in the past and Charli’s pursuit of answers is handled well. The characters throughout the pages are well developed and you find yourself getting lost in their lives.

Watching Charli mature and realize that it is up to her to change her own destiny was rewarding. She discovers a lot about herself and grows throughout the story and eventually has to choose whether she will continue to allow her past to affect her present and future. Each page will bring you closer to discovering what really happened with her ancestors and exploring how Charli will seek to find redemption through her discoveries. As you absorb the last word and close the book, you will have a smile on your face and a sense of satisfaction. I loved the way it ended! I have to say that this book really resonated with me and I still find myself thinking about Charli and Noah and how I have watched friends and loved ones heal from difficult family dynamics. I can’t wait to see this published so that the world can enjoy the gift of words that Boo Walker shares with us.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

I was a bit late in reading this, but I'm so glad that I did. I really enjoyed the read and Boo Walker did an amazing job writing it out. While I do think the last third could have improved slightly, it was well written throughout. Love and loss are intertwined and cause so many things in peoples' lives, and this book was a great way to explore and think about how I have been impacted by generational trauma myself. I would absolutely read again and hope others do as well.

An Echo in Time is an interesting take on generational trauma and the legacy it leaves behind. I was both skeptical and intrigued by Charla’s journey and her work with a healer to delve into and heal from her past.

Thank you Boo Walker, Lake Union Publishing, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

I think the premise for this book was so good. I was invested until the last 25%. Some parts of the writing were a bit off for me and I thought the ending and the character development were rushed, so not completely convincing. I would try more books from this author though.

The book drew me in with its exploration of generational trauma, showing how unresolved traumatic events can affect families for many years. Although I was already familiar with the concept, this was the first time I had read a book that delved so deeply into this theme, and I was truly impressed by how well the narrative explained it.

Charli, the protagonist, has encountered a series of challenges, which she believes stem from the abuse she endured from her toxic mother during her childhood. Her interest is piqued when her best friend tells her about a therapist specializing in generational trauma. This prompts Charli to reach out to Frances, the therapist, and begin a quest to explore her family history. In her pursuit of understanding, she ultimately travels to England for further investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The romance in the story was a wonderful addition, complementing the compelling and well-crafted plot. I highly recommend it!
I'd like to express my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC.

Charli Thurman's life keeps going very, very wrong but at this point she is pretty used to it however when she can she her dad's mental health going downhill she decides she needs to change the luck of her and her family This takes unlucky Charlie on an adventure to look into generational trauma and journey around the globe.

I found this book really interesting, I haven't read a book like it before and it definitely made me think about the various reasons we can perceive ourselves to be unlucky and what we can learn from our own ancestry. The book was written in past and present timelines had well developed characters, a romantic subplot and even a murder mystery.

I found it a very enjoyable book and look forward to looking into more books by Boo Walker

Strong Multi-Generational Tale. With this tale, Walker expands into something I've never seen from him (though I *am* a somewhat recent fan, only finding him within the 2020s or so) - a dual timeline, present day/ historical fiction tale. Both periods are executed well for their time and setting, though there are some mystical elements to the present day setting that will be harder for some to accept - and some elements of the more practical present day setup that may seem just as unrealistic to others.

Still, Walker manages to write a female lead as well as most female authors within the women's fiction space while *also* having a male lead that is also Walker's typical greatness with such characters. That he *also* manages to give both of them a compelling romance - and proving some of my points re: "romance novels" along the way! - is even more icing on the cake there.

But really, the story here is about the trauma and the seeming generational nature of it. In this respect, I didn't really see the present day issues as "trauma" so much as a lot of bad luck/ bad circumstances. Yes, any one of the things *suck*, but I didn't really see them as "trauma". (Though the one situation, part of the practical yet possibly unrealistic stuff noted above, ... well, I'll shut up now to avoid any possible spoilers.) This noted, the historical period was simply *full* of trauma, that part I absolutely got and it was 100% crystal clear - particularly as they relate to some other books I've read and raved about over the decades.

And yet, regardless of which part of which storyline's traumas hit you, the reader of this review, harder... Walker, as always, shows superb skill in bringing the characters *back from it* - which isn't really a spoiler, given this is very much Walker's style in every book I've read from him. Indeed, it is a particular strength of his that sets his tales apart from many in whichever genre you may place his books. Thus, no matter your own traumas in your "real" life and no matter how much you may identify with a particular trauma found in this tale... you're also going to find a degree of catharsis within these pages that is Walker's particular brand of real-world "magic" with his words.

Very much recommended.

A compelling story about love and despair that spans multiple generations. Charli is young and beautiful, but feels like a worthless castaway. She sabotages relationships and jobs because she does not feel worthy to have happiness. She goes on a retreat devoted to determining the cause on generational trauma and is convinced that her problems stem from unresolved pain from the past. She goes on a search to find what happened with her ancestors and uncovers the truth about them and herself.
The book moves back and forth between the present and the past. That was my favorite part. The lives and loves of those in the past and present intertwined. I was not a big fan of the genealogical search or the mystical interconnection between generations. However, it is indisputable that trauma is passed from one generation to the next.
It was a good read that I recommend. It has also led me to my next book which I will review soon.

I love Boo Walker's stories. They always deal with emotions in such a gentle way. I've not read all of his books (yet), but this one felt like one of his most ambitious ones.

I’ve never read a book by Boo Walker before but I will be back for more. I really enjoyed the intricacies and the storyline of this book. I feel like Charli was pretty relatable for a lot of people. What would you do if you have trauma, family generational issues. How do they affect one as a person? Do they make you change decisions of your life based on that little negative voice in your head? Read this book to find out how Charli decides to pursue a variety of life’s decisions and trouble. This is a wonderful book and best going into it with little information imo. Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC.

Another interesting story by the author Boo Walker, this is a dual timeline book. The book was a little bit difficult to get into at first however, as I read a long it became better. This is a multi generational read and takes on difficulties and traumas through the storytelling. It deals with the theme, generational traumas. Charli has been struggling with her life, including relationships and has been trying to find a way to cope. There is the search about her family's past and why her life doesn't seem to go the right way. The story takes her around the world, where she looks up specific places that have come up. It gives the reader a bit of insight in genealogy, and eventual tools that could be used. Charli meets people that help her decipher the puzzle and that can possibly make the change in her life that she needs.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Charlotte N

An Echo in Time by Boo Walker is a well written story that kept me turning the pages.
Boo Walker brings his characters to life.
I felt this book was well written, kept my attention and vested me in the characters lives.

Thank You NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

This was a fun summer read. I loved the element of mystery as Charli tried to get to the source of her generational trauma. I especially enjoyed how the author mixed in chapters from the past, giving the reader glimpses of what happened with the characters during that time period. The characters were also interesting and very diverse

What I found most intriguing was the overarching theme/concept of generational trauma and the impact that one event can have on future generations. Kudos to the author for selecting such a unique topic. I suspect that this could be a very interesting book to discuss in book clubs.

Thank you to Lake Union and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.

AN ECHO IN TIME by Boo Walker is that rare book: intelligent and diving straight into the questions we aren't sure we want answered. A troubled. young woman delves into her past and discovers unspeakable pain and tragedy that resonates to her current trials. Meeting a man going through a similar crossroads of identity complicated by a daunting past, Charli Thurman has to figure out who she is and wants to be to get past her difficult present. Enjoyable writing and vivid settings enriched this entertaining story -- hands raised in happy dance. I received a copy of this book and these thoughts are my own, unbiased thoughts.

I had a hard time understanding this book from the characters to the plot.

I would probably try and read it again in the future.

An Echo in Time by Boo Walker, a new-to-me author, is a remarkable story of fiction that reminds us the past can taint and haunt future generations. Charli Thurman is almost thirty but has more than her share of detours, start-stops, and negativity than anyone should have. It clouds memory, everything and every relationship in her life save the one with her large dog, Tiny. I must say the beginning was difficult to read and I almost stopped. I am so glad that I didn’t.

Her journey of family history and her own insights and change in behavior was worth the time to read this story. All of us have struggles and all of us have family negative history but I did appreciate how through one member, it was stated he found Gad and forgiveness. Accepting His forgiveness and identity, it can still be difficult to forgive also. Lesson that was almost impossible for Charli to believe after a lifetime of parental lies. Great conclusion. In addition, I loved the shoutout to the author in the novel, made me smile.