Across the Ages
Timeless, Book 4
Author Gabrielle Meyer

Thank you, @austenprose @bethanyhousefiction and @gabrielle_meyer, for my #gifted copy! This is my first read by Gabrielle Meyer, and oh, what a beauty!

Across the Ages is a historical fiction novel that is incredible researched and filled with dynamic characters, a rich plot, and an atmospheric setting. Dual timeline historical fiction novels are my favorite right along with time travel and amazing leading ladies. The best part is that you don't necessarily have to begin with book one, but maybe those who have may disagree. I'll be sure to read Gabrielle's book five.

Thank you @bethanyhousefiction for an advance copy!

Have I not told you enough? Run, don't walk, to get a copy of this series! Across the Ages is the latest installment in the Timeless series, one of my all time favorites, and a 5 STAR SERIES (as in every book has been a 5 star).

I don't know if I can pick a favorite as each book is special. This one speaks about grace and forgiveness, which we ALL need.

In this book, Caroline is in search of answers. Unlike all the previous heroines, she doesn't know anyone else who's a time-crosser, so she understandably has a lot of questions - why is it happening? How is it happening? Is it a curse?

When she finds a letter from the mother-who-abandoned-her detailing similar circumstances, Caroline sets off on a dangerous journey to find her. Sneaking aboard a ship dressed as a cabin boy, she is faced with a man's world, sea storms, pirates, and a handsome and intriguing captain.

In her other life in the 1920's, she's the daughter of a famous preacher, so she feels suffocated, afraid to put a toe out of line, especially when she finds out her brothers are living double lives.

As she goes on her quest to find answers, she becomes entangled with situations beyond her wildest imaginings, but she also encounters grace, forgiveness and redemption.

This was absolutely well-written and full of heart. I loved it! 🥹 Caroline was such a joy to follow in both of her timelines. I enjoyed reading her thoughts as she grew deeper in her faith, especially as the mysteries were revealed one by one. Above all, her courage and loyalty were really admirable.

I can't wait for the next ones in this series!

Caroline lives in both 1727 and 1927. Each morning she wakes in the other timeline, alternating her days. In 1727, Caroline finds a note from her mother, hinting that she is also a time-crosser. Running away from her plantation, she sails to the Bahamas. Before she can find her mom, the ship is boarded by pirates and she is conscripted as a cabin boy. In 1927, Caroline is the daughter of a famous preacher. Her two brothers are rum running, and one is cheating on his spouse.

Out of the two storylines the 1727 storyline was much more intriguing than the other. The 1920’s storyline seemed less developed and less flushed out. I’ve really enjoyed this series, and hope that the author continues writing these books. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

I enjoyed this story! It is my least favorite in the series so far, but the third book is a tough one to follow. I did like seeing some familiar faces, though! I love this series and recommend it to anyone who loves OUTLANDER but wants Christian fiction.

Caroline is a time traveler living two lives: one in the 1920s and the other in the 1720s. In both timelines, she goes on a coming-of-age story to discover who she is, what she stands for, and where she wants her life direction to go. Both timelines bring their own set of logistical and social issues. She must ultimately figure out who she is and who she wants to be.

Loved this one! It was so unique and I loved the different perspectives! Loved the pirates and it was a great addition to the series!

Thank you to the publisher and author for my eARC. All thoughts are my own.

This is book 4 in the Timeless series that follows women who live 2 lives in different time periods in history.

This story follows Caroline who lives in 1727 and 1927. Battling pirates in one lifetime and the influence of fastening the other, Caroline has to decide what role her faith plays in her life and if the sins of her parents apply to her.

I thought Caroline’s struggle with her faith was very relatable and I felt a lot of sympathy for her. I loved this book and how it ties in book 3. I can’t wait for the next book coming in the spring!

Time travel is one of my favorite tropes, and 𝗔𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝘀 makes use of the dual timelines in a very interesting way that I don’t think I’ve ever seen before!! This is the fourth book in Gabrielle Meyer’s 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 series and, while interconnected, they can also be read as standalones. 𝗔𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝘀 is a captivating read with beautiful writing, vivid historical details, swoony romance, an exciting treasure hunt adventure, intriguing characters (including pirates and gangsters!), and an inspirational, uplifting message of faith and love.

Caroline exists simultaneously in 1727 and 1927. Each night she goes to sleep in one life and wakes up in the other. She keeps her mysterious existence a secret and thinks she is the only one like her until one day she finds a hidden letter from her mother implying she was also a time-crosser. In her 1727 existence, Caroline decides to board a ship to the Bahamas to try to find her mother. Along the way she meets a handsome pirate, and soon she’s plunged into a world of danger and deception. In her 1927 life, her family is at risk and as she uncovers more about her mysterious existence, she faces an impossible decision that will change her destiny.

I loved being swept away to both worlds of pirates and Prohibition! Caroline was such a relatable character and grows so much throughout her journey. The romance was full of swoony tension and tenderness, and the ending was so satisfying and uplifting! All the stars for this beautiful story! I can’t wait to start this series from the beginning!

This book was so dang good. I loved the eras highlighted in this story— the Prohibition and pre-revolutionary when pirates sailed the seas!
This one kept things fresh. (An impressive task when you’re 4 books deep in a series!)
I loved the balance of romance to relationships and history.
This author writes fantastic historical gentlemen! (And pirates!)

From the very first book in this series that I read, to reading this one, I have been blown away with the absolute creativity and immersive nature of this series. With each book I have become even more hooked, invested, and obsessed. Across the Ages just solidified that.
This book is totally binge worthy and binge it I did. I was so intrigued with the historical aspects, but also with which time period and life Caroline would choose. I loved the twists in this book, particularly as Caroline not only lived two lifetimes, but tried to discover why. The connections to the other stories just made it all the more special. I loved the romance and because I don’t want to spoil anything I won’t say which particularly romance curled my toes, but curl my toes it did. Talk about swoon. Honestly, this book was exactly what I needed to read and I fully loved it! I completely recommend this book and am already counting down for book five in what is 100% a favorite series.
I recommend this book. While it is a standalone, I recommend reading this series in order as it builds and connects in such a powerful way that just adds to each story. I also really liked the message of redemption and forgiveness in this particular book.
Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Well my goodness, talk about a roller coaster ride! It took me a while to get into this book, but once I did, I was ALL IN.

Can you imagine being a time crosser without any knowledge of what it means, what it is, or what the rules are? Caroline had no guidance with it, and in fact, thought she was the only one with this "curse".

And oh, the emotions that roiled through me starting at about halfway through this book. The pressures of perfectionism and all those secrets, the family dynamics, the diving bell! Whew!

This is one of those books where you just don't know how it'll end. With one chapter, you think one thing, the next chapter, something else, and back and forth throughout. I truly didn't know until the end of the book.

I cried, I got goosebumps, my heart beat faster, I was half afraid to turn the page because I just didn't know what would happen. I didn't know for sure what I wanted to happen. There were both sweet and painful moments in each era.

Yeah. I was all in.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

Debuting in the spring of 2022, Gabrielle Meyer’s Timeless series has been a smashing success. Her main characters are “time crossers” who experience two lives, with each life separated by their nightly sleep. This concept intrigued me from the start. Although other activities have kept me from reading these novels for a couple of years, they have been high on my TBR list. When I was accepted into the Austenprose promotional tour for the fourth book in the series, Across the Ages, I not only wanted to read this latest work, but I also wanted to be fully immersed into Meyer’s world. All four novels are connected in some way, and while it is possible to read them singularly, it is preferable to read them in succession. On November 3rd I began reading the first volume, When the Day Comes, both in print and on audiobook. By the evening of November 12th, I had completed volume four. While this was a bit of a daunting task, I have had the best time!

When the Day Comes was a thrilling introduction into Meyer’s time crossing universe. I was utterly captivated, and easily can offer my highest recommendation. Its sequel In This Moment took me by surprise in that it was just as enjoyable as its predecessor. Oftentimes with serial storytelling (in novels, movies, and television programs for example), sequels are rarely able to capture the magic of the original tale. There were times during the reading of In This Moment wherein I had to force myself not to read the printed text. My eyes simply couldn’t slow down, I was so riveted to the story. It was an act of discipline to utilize the audiobook edition, especially during pivotal moments such as the September 11, 2001 attacks. The third novel, For a Lifetime was still compelling, as one of the narratives includes many scenes within the world of aviation. As the wife of a professional pilot, I reveled in those moments. However, the alternate timeline which follows the Salem Witch Trials was on occasion difficult to read. Meyer is not gratuitous in her details, but that period of history was a dark one. That said, I'm glad that Meyer decided to shine a light on humanity's propensity for prejudice, lusting for power, and the misusing of religion in the service of selfish intentions. Let us not forget.

The fourth and latest addition to the series, Across the Ages similarly tackles difficult issues, but the tone is a bit lighter than For a Lifetime. It is also quite captivating and continues the excellent storytelling of the previous novels. Those who enjoy tales of swashbuckling pirates will find much entertainment as main character Caroline is taken aboard the pirate ship Ocean Curse against her will. There she meets the dashing yet wayward Marcus Zale in the year 1727. As a time crosser she also inhabits the year 1927. Her life there stands in stark contrast, as she is the daughter of a prominent preacher and the member of a seemingly upstanding family.

In both of Caroline’s lives, the theme of God’s redeeming love is quite present. The pirates of the 18th century are certainly in need of redemption as they plunder, steal, and kidnap. In the early 20th century, the family of the Reverend Daniel Baldwin appears to be squeaky-clean on the outside, but daughter Caroline knows the truth. The Reverend and his wife may be authentic as they live out their faith, but their children have secret sinful lives of their own. In both the 18th and 20th century narratives, many characters are faced with the choice of repentance vs. rebellion and are also given the opportunity to be forgiven and loved.

The Timeless series has been a whirlwind read for the last several days. It has kept me company as I’ve raked leaves in my yard and listened to the audio production on ear buds. I would also grab chapters here and there as I’ve waited for appointments, print book in hand. To say that these novels are page-turners is an understatement. I haven’t had this much fun in a very long time. Although the time-traveling concept requires a certain suspension of belief, if readers are able to accept the premise they are in for a delightful journey. The protagonists are likeable, the villains are nefarious, and the romantic relationships are wholesome yet tantalizing. Many chapters concluded with suspenseful moments that kept the pages flying by.

I also appreciate the theological messages that Gabrielle Meyer presents in her stories. They are heartfelt and have a welcoming tone for those who are asking questions about matters of faith. Serious adult subjects are also addressed, including adultery, theft, hypocrisy, spiritual doubt, and painful relationship issues. Readers can prepare to be thoroughly entertained, but also inspired to consider important matters of life and spirituality. I offer my hearty endorsement of Across the Ages, but moreover I recommend the entire Timeless series. Gabrielle Meyer’s time crossing novels are worth reading from start to finish, and are deserving of all the accolades they have been receiving. The fifth title in the collection, Every Hour Until Then is set to debut in May 2025, and I have no doubt that it will be a winner. Congratulations to Gabrielle Meyer. May the time crossing continue for years to come!

If you are wondering, as I truly am, how Gabrielle Meyer keeps putting out these absolute BANGERS in the Timeless Series...well, you're guess is as good as mine.

Across the Ages was exactly what I was hoping it to be, and might be her most fleshed out and romantic story yet.

This story spans two timelines, where our main Caroline lives 2 uniquely different lives in each one. The first is in 1727: a time of pirates and familial mystery, where she tries to find her mother, while also navigating life as a deckhand aboard a notorious pirate ship. And then we have 1927: a life lived as a preachers daughter, where she has to juggle family corruption, and seek out a potential future in the spotlight. I always love learning more about each time period, and Meyer does her homework well.

I would be lying if I didn't say that the 1700's storyline didn't have my heart. First off, because pirates, and second there might have been a secondary character holding my heart there as well.

BUT...

Both timelines give Caroline the needed character growth to become ultimately who she needs to be. If you have read the other books in the series, the reader has the information Caroline does not, but it was so fun watching her unpack every mystery while falling in love along the way. The themes of faith are effortless woven into the story and fit the characters challenges and circumstances and made the book even better.

This book was so highly addictive, heartfelt, and the romance had me at hello. This is a book I thought about long after turning the last page and is a SOLID addition to an already incredible series. I can't wait for the next!

PLEASE FOR THE LOVE READ THESE IN ORDER. You will not regret it.

All the stars for this book! From speakeasies to the high seas, Across the Ages grabbed hold & didn’t let go. Gabrielle Meyer delivers another favorite in the Timeless series. I adore books set in the roaring 20’s & the 1700’s (especially if it involves pirates). This time slip story combines both brilliantly as Caroline wakes up in 1727 only to fall asleep & wake up in 1927, over & over again.

In 1927, Caroline Baldwin is the daughter of a famous preacher who strongly advocates for Prohibition. While her brothers don’t follow in his footsteps & tend to be on the other side of the law, Caroline does her best to live up to her father’s high standards. When she goes searching for answers about her unique condition, she ends up putting her family name at risk.

In 1727, Caroline Reed lives with her grandfather who wants to marry her off to an unwanted suitor. When she discovers a note from her long lost mother, she dresses as a boy & stows away on a ship to find her. When the ship’s captured by pirates, she finds herself working in close proximity to Marcus Zale, the quartermaster of the Ocean Curse. As their relationship deepens, will he discover her secrets?

I LOVED this book! There were so many twists & turns. Caroline has two suitors & while she loves one more than the other, I was on pins & needles wondering which time period she’d end up in by her 21st birthday. The romance is so swoony & I absolutely loved how things turned out.

The history & settings are so well done. I loved glimpses of Charles Lindbergh & the nods to Bonnie & Clyde & the gangsters of the 20’s. I also enjoyed the pirate adventures including storylines based on Anne Bonny & Calico Jack. I always look forward to the history Gabrielle Meyer includes in her stories.

There’s also a wonderful faith element beautifully woven in to both timelines. I enjoyed the messages of forgiveness, second chances, & redemption. I also love the whole concept of the time slip & how it works.

Highest of recommendations to this faith-filled, romantic adventure! The whole series is a must read. While this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the previous books in the series to truly appreciate the story & characters. I loved getting a glimpse of familiar favorite characters in this story. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

Book synopsis: Caroline is a time-crosser—and only she knows about it. She simultaneously lives between the years of 1727 and 1927, as each night she goes to sleep in one life and wakes up in the other. When she finds a letter from her mother that gives reason to believe she was a time-crosser too, Caroline goes on a quest to find her and get more answers about their unique life. Caroline finds herself living on a pirate ship in 1727 and trying to protect her father’s reputation as a pastor in 1927. As she contemplates whether will she stay in 1727 or choose to run forward into 1927, there are decisions she must make that could reshape her life forever.

Friends, you do NOT want to miss this book, the fourth one in the Timeless series. It is undoubtedly my favorite, and I was sad when I read the last page. It’s truly binge-worthy, especially if you love history and romance without the spice. Gabrielle Meyer has an exquisite way with intersecting history with romance, centered on a gospel-centered message of redemption.

What I liked about this book:

-learning about both pirate ships and merchant ships was absolutely fascinating
-the gospel message that very clearly talks about sin, grace, and redemption in Jesus’ sacrifice
-dual timelines organized by chapter
-character development—Gabrielle does this so beautifully!
-historical details—I LOVE history and considered majoring in it in college
-author’s notes—be sure you read it as it is chalked full of more history

Run, don’t walk, to read this beautiful piece of historical fiction! The Timeless series is not one you want to miss!

“Sometimes, it only takes a heartbeat to know.”

In one of the most captivating installments of the series, Across the Ages pierced my heart and soul and stole my breath on more than one occasion. This is a series that must be read in order to fully capture the rich background of this time crossing family. Is it a curse or a gift?

This addition takes the reader to dual timelines of 1727 and 1927, where Caroline simultaneously lives as the daughter of a preacher in the midwest and disguised as a cabin boy on a ship that is overtaken by pirates. I immediately became immersed in both of her contrasting worlds and felt the emotion as she grappled with understanding these lives and found herself on a quest to obtain answers. I loved the way the characters interacted, with unlikely friendships and love interests emerging along the way, creating an insatiable curiosity within me.

The events that occurred evoked strong and deep emotions and I felt transported into the depths of her story. The ultimate choice would be the hardest thing for me to bear. As always, Gabrielle Meyer does a phenomenal job of drawing a reader into the book and creating vivid situations and realistic characters. I couldn’t get enough of each story, and I was reeling as I finished the last page.

This is a story and series that will stay with me for a very long time.

Content: moderate+ religion; mild romance; mild moments of peril

Look at that cover!! 😍
Across the Ages, book 4 in the Timeless series

Caroline leads two lives - one in 1727 as Caroline Reed, and the other in 1927 as Caroline Baldwin. When she goes to sleep in one life, she wakes up in the other with no time passing while she’s been gone. She believes she is the only person with this unique ability until one day, in 1727, she discovers a letter from her mother hinting at her own time-crossing ability.

In 1727, Caroline Reed sets off to find her mother and finally learn the truth. She finds herself disguised as a cabin boy on a ship sailing to the Bahamas when it is overtaken by a pirate ship and Caroline (disguised as Carl) is taken.

In 1927, Caroline Baldwin is the daugther of a renowned preacher, but her search for answers about her time-crossing leads her into the world of speakeasies and criminals.

Adventure and a potential romance in each time period awaits, and as Caroline begins to learn the truth about her existance in both worlds, which one will she choose to remain in forever?

My take: I absolutely adore this series from Gabrielle Meyer. I’ve read each book in about a day as I find them impossible to put down. My favorite part of this one was Caroline’s search for answers as, unlike the other books, she has no one to guide her in her time-crossing. I also loved the 1727 timeline.

Title: Across the Ages
Author: Gabrielle Meyer
Narrated by: Rachel Botchan
Publisher: Recorded Books
Length: Approximately 12 hours and 56 minutes
Source: Audiobook Purchased from Audible. Thank you @gabrielle_meyer @bethanyhousefiction @austenprosefor the review copy of the paperback version of Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer.

If you could pick, would you rather live as a pirate in the 1700s or as a young lady in Minnesota in the 1920s? I think I would pick Minnesota in the 1920s if I lived somewhere with modern plumbing.

Caroline lives in both 1727 and 1927. She will live a day in 1727 and fall asleep. When she wakes up again, she is in 1927. She has lived two lives as she nears her twenty-first birthday. In 1727, she runs away from a forced marriage on her grandfather’s plantation in South Carolina and joins a ship as a cabin boy to try to find her mother. When her ship is captured by pirates, she finds herself now an unwilling pirate. She starts to have feelings for the captain’s adopted son whom she serves. Will she find her mother? Will she find love with a pirate?

In 1927, Caroline is the daughter of a prominent minister who is a leader in the prohibition movement. She feels the weight of being the “perfect daughter” on her shoulders. Her two brothers are living lives of sin involving adultery, prostitutes, and running illegal alcohol. Caroline wants answers on why she travels through time, but looking for these answers with her childhood friend Lewis brings them into dangerous situations. Will Caroline find the answers she seeks, and will she find love with Lewis?

My thoughts on this novel:
• This is the fourth novel in the Timeless series. I have read books 2, 3, and 4 now and I’ve really enjoyed them. I still need to read the first book. You can read this novel as a standalone, but it is fun when characters from the previous novels pop up in this story.
• It’s a fun love triangle to have the two different men in two different timelines and lives.
• The two different time periods in this novel, the 1920s and the 1700s are equally intriguing to me.
• I liked how Caroline met famous people in the 1920s such as Charles Lindburgh and Ernest Hemingway.
• I loved the descriptive detail of Caroline’s clothing in both timelines, but especially the 1920s.
• The book had a great theme of redemption in both timelines.
• This is a clean read.
• The novel had a great historical note at the end that described the real history as well as sources to read more about it. I had not idea that St. Paul was a “sanctuary city” for gangsters in the 1920s.
• It was fun when Caroline in the 1920s visited real Minnesota landmarks that I have visited such as the Como Park in St. Paul.
• There is a great sneak peak at the next novel in this series, Every Hour Until Then, which will be released in May 2025.
• The audiobook was riveting and great listening experience. The narrator had a wonderful voice brought the story to life.

Overall, Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer was a great historical time travel romance set in two fascinating time periods, the pirate age in 1727, and the roaring 20’s in 1927. I greatly enjoyed it and the rest of this series, and I highly recommend it.

Every book in this series ALWAYS makes me cry in the final chapters. Like boohoo crying... *Sniffle* Meyer does such a fantastic job of immersing me into her characters in a way that I'm invested in both of their time crosser outcomes and I always cry for the life they don't choose, no matter what. It's not that I'm unhappy with the choice, but the sadness of saying goodbyes to those we love is deep and intense.

I adored the pirate theme of this book as it really spoke to my girlhood fantasies of travelling the world on a big ship like this. Even though I'd prefer not to have to hide amongst the crew as a man, but there's something really special about this setting.

Another feather in the hat for the Timeless series and Caroline's story of having absolutely no information about time crossing or knowing anyone that lives the way she does. Her navigation of life is inspirational and I loved everything about this one!

How do you gather your thoughts to write a review for a book series that you love so much, and not spill every one of its secrets? I guess I just have to tell you how amazing it is until you stop what you’re doing and read it!

ACROSS THE AGES is book 4 in the TIMELESS series. I found this series after book one, WHEN THE DAY COMES, was released and it’s easily one of the best series I’ve read. Each new book for these time-crossing characters, with lives that are so different, are unique and so well done. Meyer has created something so special.

Caroline lives in 1727 and 1927. She’s faced with a forced marriage, pirates, prohibition, gangsters, and I couldn’t turn pages fast enough. I loved how the author mixed things up a bit and it was so well done. There are twists and turns that brought tears and hope, and what an ending! I am so thrilled there will be more books.

I received an eARC NetGalley link and a paperback from the publisher. Many thanks to the publisher. All views are my own.