This book took a little while for me to get into the story but once I did I was hooked. I loved how the story unfolded. I loved the characters. The romance was beautifully developed between Isla and Simon. Overall a great book.

I loved this book! This book was a great intro to the time slip genre newly introduced by Shadow Mountain. It kept me guessing and swooning at the right moments.

What an amazing book! Sian creates such immersive historical romances, I am in awe of her talent. This story was masterfully crafted, the setting and historical details were stunning to read about. Isla was such a great character, her experiences were so relatable. Simon was so very dashing, and I will think of the word “okay” the same again. The portrayal of Guy Fawkes and his conspirators was artfully done as well. This was such a great addition to the Proper Romance collection. I cannot wait for the next time slip romance!

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the Advanced Copy of this book!

What would you do if you were trying on a Jacobean costume for a ball in a modern-day costume shop, and when you step out of the dressing room, you find yourself in 1605 London, a few weeks before the infamous Gunpowder Plot? That's the position Isla Crawford finds herself dealing with in this time-slip book by Sian Ann Bessey. Luckily for Isla, Simon Hartworth is visiting his sister, and she and her husband take Isla in.

Isla's fish-out-of-water experience is written with both humor and vulnerability. Her modern thoughts and ways clashed endearingly with the customs of the Jacobean era, resulting in amusing misunderstandings. However, Isla is no damsel in distress. With her 21st-century knowledge, she possesses the power to prevent a catastrophic moment in history but wrestles with the dilemma of altering history.

Simon Hartworth, Lord Bancroft, is everything you want in a historical hero: intelligent, honorable, and despite Isla’s odd behavior, he's willing to risk everything for her. The chemistry between Isla and Simon is sweet, and their romance is tender and slow-burning, with just the right amount of tension created by the looming question: how can a love survive four centuries of separation?

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars! I haven't read a time travel book in quite a while and was very excited when I heard one of my favorite authors was starting a time-slip series. I loved how Simon, his sister, and her husband took Isla in and not only listened but believed her when she told them where she was from and what was going to happen in a few weeks.

I love it when I learn things in historical romances—when the author builds the story around an actual event in history. I don't think I knew anything about Guy Fawkes until I read this book, and the author was able to seamlessly weave her research into the story. The stakes felt real as Isla and Simon raced against time to prevent disaster. This book has it all: history, suspense, romance, swoon, and more. I'm ready to go back to McQuivey's Costume Shop and get lost in another great adventure in time.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I also bought an ebook for my digital library. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

I loved every page of this book! It was engaging and so intriguing. I loved that the time travel was to a time that isn't usually done in these types of books. This was so well done!

A time travel romance story that is truly delightful!
I am 100% convinced that Sian Ann Bessey could write a paper on some scientific mathematical theory (which are my two least favorite subjects) and I would gladly read it, most likely in one sitting.
It is a race against time, history, and a treasonous plot.
What happens when you combine a 21st century woman, a magical costume shop, a chivalrous 16th century gentleman, and the infamous gunpowder plot of 1605? You get an unforgettable story that is both informative, mysterious, and contains a pretty good swoony love story.
I absolutely loved both Isla and Simon and how they both handled the situations they found themselves in. Both have remarkable strength and resilience in the face of uncertainty, plus they are both brilliant and figure out how to make sure history actually happens. One of my favorite things is when Isla explains modern amenities to Simon, and how Simon comes to support Isla in her purpose. I won’t give any spoilers but these two work so well together and I loved how they got to work and simply tried their best.
And don’t even get me started on the historical people and events that actually existed/happened. The careful and authentic writing of these people and events gave the story so much depth and a whole new fascinating aspect. History comes alive in such an engaging way in this story that it holds you spellbound from the moment you’re thrown back in time with Isla. And as an American who only knew a little about this historical, and pivotal, moment in history it was fascinating to read more about it. So while this is a work of fiction, it includes so many factual people and events that it felt like a captivating history lesson.
In case it wasn’t obvious, I really loved this book. The world needs more clean and wholesome romance, and adding time travel to that is the cherry on top! Make sure you add this to your reading lists and library!

This is a dual timeline historical romance. Isla Crawford lives in London in 2025 and works as an assistant to a politician. She finds herself suddenly stuck and confused in the year 1605 when she tries on a dress in a costume shop from that time period. Simon Hartworth/Lord Bancroft helps her and his sister’s family takes Isla in.
Most historical fiction I have read takes place in the 1800s so I enjoyed reading about a unique time period. I loved the main characters, their developing relationship, and the ending was perfect. I think this is the beginning of a series and hope the next book is about Isla’s coworker Chloe. Thanks to Shadow Mountain publishing and NetGalley for an eARC.

I’ve always heard such great things about Sian Ann Bessey’s book, so I had high expectations for this one. And y’all! It did not disappoint! I loved the characters and the story was so intriguing. I love learning about history, and this followed the timeline of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. I knew of it but didn’t know much of the details, so this book definitely made me want to look more into it! The banter between Isla and Simon was so cute and I absolutely loved their relationship. I also liked Simon’s sister and her family. You should most definitely add this book to your tbr! I’m so excited for book two of the McQuivey’s Costume Shop Romance coming later this year!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"A Time Traveler's Masquerade" by Sian Ann Bessey is a new favorite time travel story. It is the first in a new series called “A McQuivey’s Costume Shop Romance” and is part of the award-winning “Proper Romance” collection. It is set in the Jacobean era (early 1600s) in England. I learned so much about Guy Fawkes and the Gun Powder Plot of 1605 while reading this engaging story. I love this period of history and Ms. Bessey really brought it alive with her attention to historical detail and extensive research. She makes history accessible and explains things well in case one is not familiar with this era. It is a time of religious upheaval and division between Protestants and Catholics. I appreciate that this is a clean read, which is not common for stories set in this time period. There is no explicit content, and it is suitable for general audiences, especially young readers.

The story mixes a little fantasy with history, sweet romance, adventure, amazing characters, and a swoony romance. There’s time-travel, rescue romance, plenty of fish-out-of-water moments, and a race against time. Our heroine, Isla Crawford, loves reading and the past. She is from the present day but travels back to the Jacobean era through a costume shop. I appreciate how Isla struggles to fit in during the past and even things like certain words, how she speaks and writes make her stand out. The obstacles she faces are very realistic. Simon Hartworth, the hero, is one many readers will fall for! I love the banter between Simon and Isla and their horse riding. There’s danger and suspense and I was on the edge of my seat wondering how it would all play out and if Isla has a part to play. Will Isla and Simon also catch feelings in the meantime as they try to help stop the treasonous plot? Another thing that really made this story unique is getting a point of view from Guy Fawkes. This is my first book by this author, but it certainly will not be my last. I cannot wait for book two in the series!

Content: I give this a G rating. Some examples of the content are: someone is an orphan; someone curses, but the words are not written; men drink alcohol; a brief mention of past assault.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Time Traveler's Masquerade is a beautifully written book. I loved the transition between current and past time frames and the use of Isla's memories from history to try and solve the gun powder plot. I felt joy, sorrow, love and even frustration at times which is the perfect makings of a good book!

I loved this book! I loved how the author transported us back in time with Isla and put us right in the middle of the Gunpowder plot. I have heard about this event in history so I loved a story that put a modern person in the position to help stop Guy Fawkes. I also loved the romance between Isla and Simon. I thought the story was engaging and was one that I wanted to keep reading. I can’t wait to read more books like this by this author.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Isla enters a costume shop, intent on renting a simple nightgown for her work party. While trying on another gown, she finds herself transported to early 1600's during the reign of King James and the religious turmoil in flux between the Catholics and the Church of England. Finding herself in front of an old mansion in the middle of a downpour, Isla is disoriented, cold and confused.

Simon has come to visit his sister at her husbands mansion outside of the terror of the plague's in London. Last thing he expected to find was a drenched, young women on the porch. Isla tells him a fantastical story of coming from the future and he finds himself drawn to her curious speech and different ways.

I love time travel novels and this is another great read! I learned a lot about Guy Fawkes and his daring plot against the Kind of England. A little more political then I usually like my romances, the politics did play a part in the story and it was fun reading history about another country. This book seems to be the first in a series and I am super excited to see more of Mrs. McQuivey's Costume Shop. My only complaint is that we didn't get to find out a lot about the mysterious Mrs. McQuivey! I hope future novels give us some of her story!

I knew I was going to love this book. The description draws you in and the author who wrote it is a favorite. I love time slip books and I was excited to see how this story would develop.

I loved the events of the book and I appreciated that Isla didn’t hide who was she, how she got there, and when finding out what was taking place in 1605, how she could help. Simon, his sister Martha and Lord Maidstone were excellent. The way Martha showed Isla so much kindness in teaching her the way of the time period was enduring. As was Simon’s and Isla’s time with his twin nephews.

There are so many sweet and sometimes humorous moments between Isla and Simon. Isla’s slang terms for one. I won’t think of the word “okay” without smiling. There’s well written banter between the two. When Simin was teaching Isla to ride a horse too. I loved the dual POV. As well as the engrossing POV of the villain.

Besides Isla adjusting to this time slip, there’s a mysterious plot to destroy the king and parliament. Tense moments and perilous moments that were well done. I loved the ending and Mrs. McQuivey.

I received a paperback from the publisher and a NetGalley approval. All views are my own.

AH! THIS BOOK. I knew I'd enjoy it, but it surpassed my expectations. Time travel is one of my personal favorite plot devices, and Guy Fawkes-focused plots are both rare and fascinating. I found elements to relate to and sympathize with in both characters, and was completely immersed in the plot from beginning to end.

One of my most favorite parts of this novel was how out of her element Isla felt at the beginning. So often, characters thrown into an unexpected time travel event somehow immediately find their footing, or have some Unique Capability that makes them blend in with minimal issue. Isla ... doesn't. She's lost, confused, and flailing at the beginning -- and that made her experience feel very real. Her struggles with 21st century slang were hilarious, and were also excellent reminders of her situation.

The male main character, Simon, felt surprisingly open minded considering the challenges of the time. However, the open mindedness was consistent with his character. Simon had the ability to look beyond himself - and past wounds - and understand that an impending Event was bigger than his personal situation. I also appreciated seeing a male character with limits. Yes, he was a Strong Male Lead, but he also understood his limits, and knew when it was necessary to retreat and restore.

While this story is a romance, there is a substantial amount of page-time spent on historical events. The romance felt well-paced, and it was rewarding to watch it grow (sometimes in the foreground, sometimes in the background) as they navigated the Gunpowder Plot event timeline. The Author did a commendable job of weaving in a TON of historical elements without sacrificing tone, and I learned some new vocabulary as well.

Side note: it's common for titles like this to have dual points of view, and I expected that here. The THIRD voice, though? Yeah, that one was both brilliant and unexpected.

"A Time Traveler's Masquerade" was an easy, quick read, with a satisfying, happy ending. While this book is technically Book 1 of a new series, it is a complete standalone novel in itself. I cannot wait to see how the series progresses!

Content:
Sensuality: Proper in every way. Mildly described kisses, and nothing more.
Language: No cursing.
Violence: It's a Guy Fawkes-focused plot, so there are a number of violent thoughts shared. There is one traumatic event with mild to low moderate gore, carefully described.

Thank you, Author and Publisher, for an advance copy of this title! All opinions expressed are my own.

I decided to give a time traveling book a try, and this one was great at detailing both eras it takes place in. I really enjoyed the relationship development and how I learned history while reading a romance! I hope there are more to come in this series!

This is the best time slip book I have ever read! I really love that their was a historical event that was affected by the time slip! Especially with how we don't actually know how this particular event was stopped! It was a brilliant idea. It has brilliant characters. And it was overall a brilliant book!

A Time Traveler’s Masquerade by Sian Ann Bessey is a delightful time slip clean romance. I loved the premise of a modern-day woman unexpectedly finding herself in 1605, just prior to the Guy Fawks Gunpowder Plot. Admittedly, I remember next to nothing about this historical event, so not only was I entertained by great characters, I learned quite a bit in the process. Isla’s adaptability and memory are certainly what allowed her to find her way in this new century, but having such a gracious family be her landing place was a huge benefit. I loved the open mindedness of Simon and his family. The twins were a delightful addition as well and I loved seeing the softer side emerge from Isla and Simon when tensions became too thick. I found the dialogue entertaining as Isla had to adapt to 1600 English and discovered how deeply some of her modern mannerisms truly extended. The cadence was just right, and I was quite surprised with how it all tied up in the end. I am looking forward to future books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expresses are solely my own, freely given.

This was such a great read! I love time slip novels, they are so fun to think about. This is one of those books that you pick up for an enjoyable read that isn't heavy but just to escape. The story goes between the point of view of the two main love interests (in 1604) and also Guy Fawkes. The book is predictable, but I still enjoyed the journey. It really picked up about 1/3 of the way in. I could have done without the Guy Fawkes POV, it felt not needed. It was cool how the author wove in real history with time slip. I never heard of the Gunpowder plot before, so it was cool to learn that bit of history. I could have done with more romance between the two characters, but it was a sweet love story.

The time slip was done in a way that wasn't overly cheesy or had you thinking. It was honestly cute how it happened. The ending felt a little rushed but did end happy. Overall it was a nice ESCAPE read to relax and enjoy some quiet time.

I received a complimentary arc from Shadow Mountain Publishing through Netgalley. All opinions listed are purely my own.

I can't love this enough! I really enjoyed the writing style and the characters. This story kind of reminded me of a show I used to watch as a kid - Frannys Feet - where Frannie travels when she tries shoes on. But this - A Time Travelers Masquerade - took this to a new level and I absolutely loved it. I kind of want to go to McQuiveys Costume Shop and get my own costume! Though, I would keep coming back! The chemistry between Isla and Simon is just sparkling! I am definitely referring this on to my friends.

I love the timeless romance series! I love time traveling romance and Sian did such a great job in this one. The mystery, intrigue had me reading late into the night. It was wonderful!!