Megan Turner is in love with the past. As a tour guide at a beautiful historic mansion, she tells visitors about its original owner, Charles Whitley. An inventor and businessman in the early 1900s, he rose from poverty to wealth…only to disappear without a trace.
Charles was always intrigued by the future. He just never expected to go there. But when he repairs a mysterious clock he bought on his travels, he’s transported to the twenty-first century, with his home decorated for Christmas and overrun by strangers.
Charles is determined to find a way back to his own era, especially when he learns about what happened after he left. But as Megan introduces him to the wonders of smartphones, pizza, and modern holiday traditions, they both feel a once-in-a-lifetime connection. Could it be that, somewhere in time, they belong together?
A Timeless Christmas by Alexis Stanton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
This is the second book I have read that was written by the amazing Alexis Stanton, and I tell you, I cannot think of a book that is truly more perfect! I loved her adaptation of “Like Cats And Dogs,” but this was an original story. And I will admit that while I was looking forward to a Christmas read, I wasn’t expecting to be as intrigued by this book as I was.
First of all, this is a Hallmark book, and just like the movies, there is nothing problematic in this book (unless you find time travel offensive). No language issues, no sex, everything squeaky clean in the romance department. However, this story is never lacking in excitement, humor, and romance. Indeed, this book demonstrates again how Hallmark is continuing to raise the bar by employing phenomenal artists like Alexis to write stories for them.
When it comes to time travel, I am sometimes on the fence. I adored the show “Timeless,” and “Journey Back To Christmas” is a movie that I ended up enjoying more than expected. I am a student of history, so I do expect some adherence to historical details, but I also expect a story that will keep me interested. And since this is Hallmark, there just HAS to be a romance.
What I loved about this book most of all was the way in which the time travel elements and the historical references were woven into the framework of the story. Additionally, instead of going back in time, our hero went forward in time. Moreover, our heroine was absolutely delightful, and I found myself relating to Megan more than I wanted to admit at times.
I’m not going to ruin the mystery of the story nor the way the book ends; you will have to read it for yourself. But this is easily one of the best time travel stories I’ve ever had the pleasure to read and even trumps some of the shows/movies I have seen on the topic. The clever story had me guessing all the way to the end, and even Charles Whitley is a strong focus in the story, I think you may find his views quite exceptional and fun, not to mention the authenticity with which our author has painted him. Even though this is a Christmas story, it can easily be read and enjoyed at any time of the year, and I highly recommend it!
About Author Alexis Stanton:
Alexis Stanton is the pen name for an award-winning romance author who lives in Central California with her husband, a fellow romance author, and their two cats. She enjoys spending too much time on the internet, baking, and listening to music from the ’80s.
For more from her, check out my interview with Alexis here.
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