I LOVED this book! Dreamy and romantic and full of interesting history, this time travel novel was just so well done! Isla time travels back to the 1600's, and discovers that she has arrived just in time to thwart the Gunpowder Plot!

Mrs. McQuivey's and her Costume Shop are rather like a time travelling fairy godmother/pumpkin carriage duo, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

I received an eARC via netgalley, but all enthusiastic opinions are my own,

#atimetravelersmasquerade #netgalley
**A Captivating Time-Travel Romance with Historical Intrigue**

This enchanting novel seamlessly blends history, romance, and suspense as Isla Crawford unexpectedly finds herself transported from a modern-day costume shop to the tumultuous world of 1605 England. Caught in the midst of the infamous Gunpowder Plot, Isla must rely on her twenty-first-century knowledge to prevent disaster, all while navigating the complexities of life in the past.

The chemistry between Isla and Simon Hartworth, Lord Bancroft, is both heartwarming and compelling. Simon’s protective nature and growing fascination with Isla’s modern ways add depth to their romance, while Isla’s determination to stop the plot against Parliament keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The author masterfully captures the tension and danger of the era, immersing readers in the historical setting while weaving in moments of tenderness and humor.

What makes this story truly captivating is the emotional struggle Isla faces as she tries to change history without altering the future—and the growing bond between her and Simon, despite the centuries that separate them. The blend of rich historical detail and a beautifully written love story makes this book impossible to put down.

With its gripping plot, vivid characters, and a romance that defies time itself, this novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and time-travel romance.

Mrs. McQuivey knows exactly WHEN someone is needed. In the kickoff to this series, Isla Crawford wanders into Mrs. McQuivey’s magical costume shop looking for something to wear to a costume party. Instead, she finds herself appropriately dressed to step back in time to 1605- just in time to stop the Guy Fawkes gunpowder plot.

This is a cozy historical romance. It’s low stakes (you know what’s going to happen because it’s based on known historical elements) and sweet closed door romance.

I really enjoyed the combination of elements in this book- it’s well written, contains just the right amount of magic, has some historical intrigue to keep the pages turning and the romance feels like one of those middle school crushes in the best way possible- hello butterflies!

My only negatives for this book would be the quick changes in POV- there’s no indication in the chapter title or page breaks that would indicate whose POV we’re in, you just have to figure it out. Another small negative is based purely on its length, because it’s so short you really don’t get much back story or in-depth character arcs. You really have to go into this just wanting a quick, sweet, fun, read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this early copy.
#ATimeTravelersMasquerade #NetGalley

This was such a fun read with lots of adorable moments between Isla and Simon! I love the family dynamic of the Maidstones and I just love a step back in time to an actual historical moment with real life characters!

England, 1605

Isla Crawford is passing time in her ho-hum career as an assistant to a politician. As Christmas nears, she must find a costume for her work’s upcoming Christmas party. Isla doesn’t want to wear the Wendy nightie that she will pick up at Mrs. McQuivery’s. Instead, Mrs.McQuivery has Isla try on a dress from the 17th century, true to Isla’s love of history. She steps inside the change room to try on the dress for size, and when she steps back out, she’s no longer in the costume store.

I always enjoy a story that involves time traveling, and I have to admit that this is my new favourite one! Isla, Simon, Martha, and Hugh were so much fun. Learning new words, or rather unlearning English to speak Old English. Simon was so well imagined in my mind, and if taken by Simon’s view, Isla was also a vision to behold. I enjoyed being immersed in the era of the 1600s and Guy Fawkes. Highly Recommended.

My gratitude to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain. All opinions expressed are honest and mine.

Sian Ann Bessey employs her considerable writing talent and delights readers with "A Time Traveler's Masquerade". Conveniently dressed for the time by the mysterious Mrs. McQuivey, Isla Crawford exits the woman's costume shop's dressing room and finds herself four hundred years in the past. Drenched and cold, she is spotted by a confused Simon Hartworth, Lord Bancroft, who takes her to his sister's house.

I have read a plethora of time travel romances. Some are fun, others are decent, and quite a few are appallingly bad. A suspension of disbelief is required, of course, yet actual history matters. Utilizing multiple points of view, Bessey skillfully blends fact and fiction and the result is a very interesting read. The romance between lovely heroine Isla and the initially suspicious Simon unfolds believably. Their interactions are filled with intelligent and witty banter. Secondary characters are finely-drawn as well, and Simon's sister Martha is especially appealing.

With the time travel genre, it always begs the question as to if and how the time traveler will affect the past. Isla Crawford knows the outcome of the infamous 1605 Gunpowder Plot, and Bessey takes an uncommon approach and inserts her into history. A twist near the end is very satisfying.

The usage of a costume shop as a time portal offers endless opportunities for future novels featuring historical events. I look forward to Sian Ann Bessey's next book in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC of this entertaining tale.

I was hooked from the beginning! This is my first book by this author, and I'm starting her backlist now. I loved how the story just jumps right into it. Isla finds herself in a quirky costume shop looking for something that the owner says she doesn't really need. One second she is in the changing room with what Mrs. McQuivey says she needs and the next she is in 1605 London. Isla meets Martha, Lord Maidstone, Sam, Will and Simon (insert heart eyes). Together, they find themselves on a quest to save the King. I didn't know about Guy Fawkes and his conspirators and their gunpowder. Always fun to learn something new about history.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

With vivid historical details, author Sian Bessey makes the story of Guy Fawkes and his plans against the British government come alive. I didn’t know anything about this event or period of time, so it was interesting to learn about it. I liked how it was presented as a time traveler story and the way the events unfolded made you feel as though you were part of the story. It is a clean romance and I can recommend it to readers of all ages to enjoy it.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

On the hunt for a costume to wear to a ball, Isla enters a costume shop. Despite only wanting a Wendy (from Peter Pan) costume, the shop owner insists she try on an Elizabethan ball gown. After putting the dress on, Isla finds herself transported back in time to 1605, right before Guy Fawkes’ infamous Gunpowder Plot.

Time travel stories are usually a hit or miss for me but this one fell somewhere in the middle. I appreciate the amount of research that went into the making of this story, it is so evident that the author put in a lot of effort.

Several plot points in this story felt a bit disjointed - specifically Guy Fawke’s POV. It provided insight into the time period but did not feel like an intricate part of the story.

This story just didn’t quite capture what I love about historical fiction and romance novels but I’m still really glad I read it.

I am really excited for this series! I didn't know much about the historical event that happens during book, so that was fun to discover. The main characters were likeable and I really liked the story.

I was drawn into the story about the origins of Guy Fawkes day in the UK. I didn't know much about it and was proud of myself for not giving into my native librarian tendencies to look everything up and thus spoil the story. One of the things I loved most was how Sian worked the real life historical events into the story and even made some of our characters part of the happenings. It worked so well with the time slip and I loved it!

One of the hard things for our FMC, Isla, was having to adjust her speech to the 17th century. It really got me thinking about all the things we say and take for granted (like Okay!) that just wouldn't work back then. It was impressive to me that our author could write both time periods. I also wouldn't have thought the handwriting would be so hard. I sort of want to try it now?

One thing that always makes me nervous in time slip novels is the choice to leave one time period behind. I loved how that actually worked out here! It made sense and I was actually surprised (since I thought it would go a different direction).

Lastly, the romance - I did like how the relationship grew from a willingness to listen, understand, and support each other. (If you're looking for tension filled enemies to lover banter, this might not be for you.) It was sweet and I loved the moments they had together with riding, nephews, and learning the 17th century.

4.25 stars
Content: kissing only, one fight scene

Sian Ann Bessey's latest novel masterfully blends historical fiction with romance, immersing readers in the tension of the Gunpowder Plot while kindling a love story that defies the boundaries of time. Simon is the perfect counterpart to Isla—chivalrous and logical, yet drawn to her modern sensibilities and unwavering resolve. Their dynamic is engaging, filled with witty exchanges, growing trust, and a slow-burning romance that keeps readers enthralled.

Beyond the romance, the novel shines in its historical detail. The author paints 1605 London with rich descriptions of Tudor manors, courtly etiquette, and the ever-present danger of political treason. The suspense of Isla and Simon’s mission to thwart Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators adds an edge of urgency, making the novel more than just a love story—it’s a thrilling race against time.

For fans of time travel romances, historical adventures, and star-crossed love stories, this book delivers in every way. With compelling characters, a well-researched backdrop, and a plot that keeps the pages turning, it’s a novel that lingers in the heart long after the final chapter.

This was such an interesting book, I loved the melding of modern and historical, and fact and fiction. I also liked that Guy Fawkes got his own POV. I learnt a lot about this historical event that I didn't know before, and I loved that Isla fit seamlessly into the story.
I also thought Isla and Simon were great together, although I felt like their relationship happened maybe a little too fast.
Overall, this book was very enjoyable.

This is a kisses only time travel romance. It is the first book in the A McQuivey’s Costume Shop Romance series by Sian Ann Bessey.

I love a time travel story that doesn't feature mystical or paranormal elements. I knew that this was a "clean" time travel romance and didn't read the blurb to know what time periods were featured. I just knew that the cover was beautiful and I wanted to read it!

The historical time that is featured in this story is one that I had heard of and knew small amounts about, but I found this book very informative and fascinating. I was thoroughly invested in the characters and the events going on around them. I loved the story!

I was given an opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book by Shadow Mountain Publishers and Netgalley. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The one thing that bothered me about this book follows....It doesn't affect my rating, because as I said, I loved it.
On several occasions characters remark on the speech of the person that traveled to their time period. It actually plays a part in several scenes. My issue comes from the time period this takes place. These characters should be speaking Old English, like what the King James Bible is written in. Yet their speech sounds more like Regency books I have read. I know that it wouldn't be advisable to have a book written for today's audiences in KJV English. People have a hard time understanding the Bible written in that manner and would not be willing to read a novel for fun in it. I just thought drawing attention to a few words that were not understood in this historical setting when the dialog we read from then isn't accurate was a bit ironic.

I’m honestly torn about how to review this book. While I enjoyed certain aspects of it, in the end, it left me wanting more.
Historical fiction, time travel, and romance are some of my favorite genres, so I was excited to dive into this story. However, I felt that it didn’t fully deliver on any of those fronts.

We follow Isla, political assistant in the 2025 London who finds herself unexpectedly transported to 1605, right before Guy Fawkes’s infamous Gunpowder Plot. As someone unfamiliar with this time period, I appreciated learning about the historical events through the story, especially since, according to the author's note, it is really close to the actual events.. That said, I didn’t connect with Guy Fawkes’s POV and felt the story could have done without those chapters.

The romance between Isla and Simon was sweet and had a slow-burn charm. Their conversations were lovely, but I found myself wanting more—more interactions, more discussion about the future, and more of Isla using her modern knowledge in the past. The twins, however, were delightful!

One of the biggest things missing for me was the usual insight I expect from time travel stories. Elements like hygiene, food, and clothing struggles—things that would naturally be jarring for a modern person in the 17th century—were barely touched on. The two times clothing was mentioned, was mostly about how difficult it was to wear or ride a horse in, but I kept wondering: Does Isla miss modern comforts? How does she adapt to daily life? These details would have helped immerse me in the world more fully.

Additionally, certain plot points—such as the plague, the dramatic ex, and even Isla’s mission—felt somewhat disconnected, like a series of events that didn’t quite flow together. And one of my biggest disappointments was that after everything, we don’t get to see Simon’s experience once he’s saved—the book jumps three years into the future for the epilogue, skipping over what could have been an emotional part of his journey.

Overall, while this book had interesting moments, it didn’t fully capture what I love about time travel, historical fiction, or romance. However, I do appreciate the historical research and the quieter moments between Isla and Simon, which brought warmth to the story.


*Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

"A Time Traveler's Masquerade" offers a compelling exploration of temporal displacement through the lens of a female character who unexpectedly finds herself in a historical context. The narrative intricately weaves themes of societal integration, identity concealment, and the intricacies of past romantic entanglements. As she endeavors to assimilate into an 18th-century high society rife with intrigue, the protagonist unravels complex secrets that define the era.

The text meticulously examines the dynamics of time travel's impact on personal relationships, challenging the notion of love as a constant across temporal boundaries. It raises profound questions about the nature of passion and commitment when juxtaposed against the ephemeral nature of time.

The pacing of the narrative is commendable, maintaining reader engagement through its well-structured plot development and character arcs. The characterization is particularly notable; both primary and secondary characters are crafted with depth, contributing significantly to the thematic resonance and overall impact of the story. This book is a noteworthy addition to the time travel genre, blending adventure, emotion, and the philosophical complexities that accompany the quest for love through the ages.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book and read it with pleasure. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Shadow Mountain, Proper Romance, and NetGalley.

Fascinating bit of history written into a delightful story of true love. I appreciate all the research the author put into this to make it historically accurate so I could learn more about the event while enjoying the romance on the side. I knew what Guy Fawkes day was, but didn’t know a lot of the details. The little girl with the Black Plague broke my heart; it makes you grateful to be alive with all our knowledge of modern medicine. I also enjoyed the author’s notes and learning a bit more. Time Travel hasn’t really been my forte, but the author may convert me. The ending was perfect, and I look forward to what McQuivey’s Costume Shop will come up with in the next book. Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing, I received a complimentary ARC copy with no obligation to post a positive review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley & Shadow Mountain Publishing for the arc!

**2.5 stars** I was drawn to this book because of the beautiful cover but alas, this was a pretty mid book.

Set in present day London, Isla Crawford is at her workplace discussing her costume for an upcoming office party with her coworker and is given an address to a costume shop. Upon visiting, Isla notices the peculiar shop owner and is given a set of Jacobean-style clothing to try on in the shop’s dressing room. When she tries on the dress to show the shop owner, the minute she steps out of the dressing room, she is thrust into the past, specifically 1605, Surrey, England. Which happens to be when the event of the Gunpowder plot took place. Enter our mmc, Simon Hartworth runs into our damsel in distress and together, finds a way to stop this historical event, all while Isla learns to adapt to her new reality.

At first, I LOVED the writing. It was so whimsical and elegant, but the story wasn’t executed well. The book is split into a few povs, one being Guy Fawkes. Reading his perspective was quite dull even though the story is central to this historical event.

It was also very jarring to read about COVID and Isla explaining the pandemic to her caretakers. It just was not done well. What does the telling of the future do? Will it affect the future in any way? Will it stop something from happening or? What was the point?

Though I mentioned, I was drawn from the cover, it is very misleading. There was no masquerade taking place in any capacity–it was merely mentioned. I was looking forward to reading a magical masquerade ball only for it not to be a part of the story.

The ending was very abrupt. It just so happens to conveniently wrap up after a huge event and then the end. This was way too short! Why couldn’t we read more about the connection between Isla and Simon? Their romance felt so unnecessary at this point! Such a shame.

Readers who loved Outlander (the show AND the books) might like this. Albeit, this is a very YA take on a time travel romance set in a historical event, reading the romance was still somewhat sweet. I wished this was longer so we could have read more about them.

It has been a long time since I couldn't put down a book. The Time Traveler's Masquerade definitely delivers!! I was captivated to the very end, only pausing to consult Wikipedia to compare to the real events involving Guy Fawkes.

I can't imagine being set back in the 1600s, but Sian Besseey navigates this story flawlessly. Isla and Simon's story is compelling and kept me up far into the night to finish. I have the ebook, but this is a book I want to add a physical copy when it is released!!

You will not regret this read!

A Time Traveler’s Masquerade was a cute historical fantasy romance. I loved the attention to detail this story brought to real life English events. The character development was great and the story progression was very natural. This was a nice cute cozy read.