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Jones Whitman Time Traveler Series
Geared to the Present, Jones Whitman Time Traveler Series
Geared to the Present is the first adventure in time travel for the beloved Jones Whitman. Positioned with a degree in engineering and the belief that you can achieve whatever you can imagine, he set out to create the first time machine. In 1891 and after seven years of toiling, Jones at 28 years of age with the training he received in China from Master Woo Fang Hung, his degree and the help of his faithful sidekick, Roark, accomplishes the dream.
Committed to marry Emily Fuller at the end of the month, Father Carlini is bound and determined to interfere with the wedding plans. Behind the scenes he schemes to put Jones away for his blasphemy against God through his inventions.
Undeterred, Jones he anxiously approaches his first human trial of the Atomotron when he accidently trips the lever that animates the time machine. He is catapulted into the future 120 years and inadvertently lands in Snohomish, Washington in the year 2012 where he meets Darcy Champagne.
Darcy is a strong woman and soon takes Jones at his word and helps him fix the damaged time machine. Could the serendipitous meeting create consequences across time and space for everyone involved?
Committed to marry Emily Fuller at the end of the month, Father Carlini is bound and determined to interfere with the wedding plans. Behind the scenes he schemes to put Jones away for his blasphemy against God through his inventions.
Undeterred, Jones he anxiously approaches his first human trial of the Atomotron when he accidently trips the lever that animates the time machine. He is catapulted into the future 120 years and inadvertently lands in Snohomish, Washington in the year 2012 where he meets Darcy Champagne.
Darcy is a strong woman and soon takes Jones at his word and helps him fix the damaged time machine. Could the serendipitous meeting create consequences across time and space for everyone involved?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Dana Bennett
9 books28 followersDana Bennett lived in north central Florida for the first chapter of his life. After high school, he spent the next chapter working with problem teens and their families in Pensacola, Florida and then spent time on the Colorado River Indian Reservation, in Parker, Arizona helping the Native American population. He graduated from Nova Southeastern with a degree in psychology later in life. He has had many eclectic professional experiences in the work arena, always returning to the creativity he finds in building and construction as well as crafting new stories.
He has three wonderful daughters and two adorable grandsons. He is married to his best friend and partner in life, love, and business. They have a strong supportive community of friends and neighbors who encourage them daily to keep writing.
He enjoys each day with Blakely as they work on their never finished project, life. Writing is his bliss and both he and Blakely are chasing the dream of writing full time.
He has three wonderful daughters and two adorable grandsons. He is married to his best friend and partner in life, love, and business. They have a strong supportive community of friends and neighbors who encourage them daily to keep writing.
He enjoys each day with Blakely as they work on their never finished project, life. Writing is his bliss and both he and Blakely are chasing the dream of writing full time.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 15, 2014
Well I was a little dubious about the whole time travel conception at first. I was wrong I started the book and loved the characters and the transition from past to present. This was very aptly done, and whether the author meant to to or not it gave me a good giggle at times imagining the scenes in my head as I read this book. The main character Jones travelling from 1891 to 21012 and finding all the advances that had happened from his period were part of the laughs you could just imagine how someone would perceive all the new objects fashion develpoments ect. A truly well written story that sucked me in well done Dana !
September 10, 2016
My husband wrote this novel and I'm completely in love with the story. I love the contrast in time periods between 1891 and 2012. I love all the interesting characters and the love story. You sci-fi buffs will not be disappointed.
April 25, 2014
What a delightful read! I grew up reading clean classical romances like Pride and Prejudice (and there is similarity to Darcy and Elizabeth in the way the main character Jones interacts with the female characters). I then started to read historical romances like Georgette Heyer's. Although I admit I like "hot" sexy characters and scenes in romance books, it was a refreshing change to read a romance written in the old classic style. Throwing in the time travel, historical flashbacks, references to other cultures, all added up to a pleasant read. I can't wait to see where Jones goes next (no spoilers here!)
May 12, 2014
This was the first book I have read by Dana Bennett. Geared to the Present is first and foremost a time travel book. But within the pages is where the real magic happens. I love a good Sci-fi read, and wrapped with just enough romance to keep a girl like me flipping pages. I wasn't sure that I would connect to this book the way I do to most, but I am so glad I sat down and read it cover to cover. The wonderful way the author has chosen to explore the ramifications of time travel, the ethics, and the whims of fate, border on brilliant. Every time I would wonder, the answer is there. And the differences between people of different time periods provides the perfect mix of humor and compassion.
The story focuses around a few main characters. Jones Whitman is a transcendentalist from the later 1800's. He is the nephew of Walt Whitman, and as the story begins, he is engaged to Emily Fuller. Jones is an inventor who has developed a time machine called an atomotron. His charge is Roarke. Jones bought his debt, and the gentle giant stays with Jones, as his aide and friend. Father Carlini is a vile priest who wants Emily, and has it out for Jones. Darcy is a spitfire Jones encounters on his travels, and she helps Jones in his journey.
The story revolves around Jones and his life and how he comes to invent the Atomotron. When an accident sends him 112 years into the future, he needs to work towards figuring out how to fix his machine, and how to get home. Being a man in tune with the universe, Jones listens to the teachings installed by his Master, and his adventures change his whole life.
I found myself laughing out loud reading this book. It is a wonderful, romantic tale of love and loss, the future, and fate. If you love a good story, check this one out. Makes me wish time travel was a reality! It also made me wonder how much of life is fate? My only complaint is that I wish it was longer, I would love to know where their adventures take them after the book ends....Ah, but that will have to wait for another book. (please?)
The story focuses around a few main characters. Jones Whitman is a transcendentalist from the later 1800's. He is the nephew of Walt Whitman, and as the story begins, he is engaged to Emily Fuller. Jones is an inventor who has developed a time machine called an atomotron. His charge is Roarke. Jones bought his debt, and the gentle giant stays with Jones, as his aide and friend. Father Carlini is a vile priest who wants Emily, and has it out for Jones. Darcy is a spitfire Jones encounters on his travels, and she helps Jones in his journey.
The story revolves around Jones and his life and how he comes to invent the Atomotron. When an accident sends him 112 years into the future, he needs to work towards figuring out how to fix his machine, and how to get home. Being a man in tune with the universe, Jones listens to the teachings installed by his Master, and his adventures change his whole life.
I found myself laughing out loud reading this book. It is a wonderful, romantic tale of love and loss, the future, and fate. If you love a good story, check this one out. Makes me wish time travel was a reality! It also made me wonder how much of life is fate? My only complaint is that I wish it was longer, I would love to know where their adventures take them after the book ends....Ah, but that will have to wait for another book. (please?)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2014
This book was adorable! I loved the romantic chivalry shown by the leading character Jones Whitman, and the spunky and peppy personality of the leading lady Darcy Champagne. They had a chemistry between them that kept me reading “just one more chapter” to see if they would finally allow themselves to succumb to their feelings. My favorite part of a romantic/erotic encounter is the moment before anything actually happens, when the air is filled with sexual tension and desire. Dana built this feeling between the two characters wonderfully which made their end result just that much better. Along with the romance, this book focused on the historical contrast between 1891 and 2012. It was fun seeing the contrast between a society that feared scientific advancement and a modern-day world where science and technology have bloomed. I also liked the difference between the bland courtship Jones has in 1891 versus the exciting relationship he had in 2012. When Dana wrote the parts that took place in 1891 I really felt I have time-traveled, and when he wrote the parts that took place in 2012, I could really see the bewilderment and strangeness of the future that Jones must have felt. All in all it was a very good book and I can’t wait to read more about Jones Whitman and his Atomatron.
August 3, 2016
Jones Whitman is a time traveler, given the name after graduating under the tutelage of Master Fei-hung. When Jones completes the time machine called The Atomotron, he accidentally begins a travel through time that takes him into the present day that becomes an exciting adventure allowing him to meet captivating characters and explore interesting places.
From the cover of the book to its contents, Geared to the Present by Dana Bennett has a steampunk vibe to it that I absolutely enjoyed. The characters are all engaging, particularly Jones Whitman. Yet Jones is only one of so many interesting characters to be found within this story on its journey through time. It is almost impossible to not be fully enthralled in this story because it is constantly changing and evolving based on the time and place the characters are in. It really keeps the story fresh and entertaining. I am excited to see where Dana Bennett takes us in the next installment of the Jones Whitman Time Traveler Series.
From the cover of the book to its contents, Geared to the Present by Dana Bennett has a steampunk vibe to it that I absolutely enjoyed. The characters are all engaging, particularly Jones Whitman. Yet Jones is only one of so many interesting characters to be found within this story on its journey through time. It is almost impossible to not be fully enthralled in this story because it is constantly changing and evolving based on the time and place the characters are in. It really keeps the story fresh and entertaining. I am excited to see where Dana Bennett takes us in the next installment of the Jones Whitman Time Traveler Series.
March 8, 2014
I started out just reading a couple chapters of Geared to the Present here and there when the author would post something online. I was hooked after the first chapter and bugged the author to post more. I do not like to read but this book hooked me from the beginning. Can't wait to see where they go next.
January 29, 2014
A very fun book of the steam punk genre. Great characters, very likeable, funny, witty... romantic. Great dialogue. Definitely recommended. Just buy it.
June 22, 2014
This is the first book I have read by this author - and I was delighted to learn that a sequel was on the way!
Mr Bennett's character of Jones Whitman begins, having virtually completed his Automotron time-traveling device, in 1891, something we are reminded of by a time-stamp at the head of each chapter (this transpired to be a highly useful feature as the story progressed, because the story switches time periods as it expands through three separate interweaving time-periods). An accidental operation of the Automotron transports Jones to 2012, where he encounters the hilarious and beautiful Darcy, who finds herself drawn to the charming and archaic Jones.
Darcy provides an easily likeable contrast to Jones' stand-offish 1891 fiance and he must decide whether to follow his head or his heart as he attempts to repair his damaged Automotron before returning to his own era.
Geared to the Present includes ample helpings of science, romance, danger, engineering, adventure, intrigue, fun and even a touch of mysticism for the reader, providing something for everyone. I was quickly drawn into, then through the story as I was carried along by the adventure.
My only criticism would be aimed towards Jones' companion, Roark, whose broad Irish sentences required several re-reads in order to understand. Even being conversant with Irish dialect, I found difficulty here. However, Darcy's contemporary and hilariously incomprehensible (to the Victorian-era Jones) idioms left me laughing.
Huzzah, Mr Bennett.
I now eagerly anticipate 'Geared to the Past.'
I received this book as a gift in exchange for a fair and honest appraisal.
Mr Bennett's character of Jones Whitman begins, having virtually completed his Automotron time-traveling device, in 1891, something we are reminded of by a time-stamp at the head of each chapter (this transpired to be a highly useful feature as the story progressed, because the story switches time periods as it expands through three separate interweaving time-periods). An accidental operation of the Automotron transports Jones to 2012, where he encounters the hilarious and beautiful Darcy, who finds herself drawn to the charming and archaic Jones.
Darcy provides an easily likeable contrast to Jones' stand-offish 1891 fiance and he must decide whether to follow his head or his heart as he attempts to repair his damaged Automotron before returning to his own era.
Geared to the Present includes ample helpings of science, romance, danger, engineering, adventure, intrigue, fun and even a touch of mysticism for the reader, providing something for everyone. I was quickly drawn into, then through the story as I was carried along by the adventure.
My only criticism would be aimed towards Jones' companion, Roark, whose broad Irish sentences required several re-reads in order to understand. Even being conversant with Irish dialect, I found difficulty here. However, Darcy's contemporary and hilariously incomprehensible (to the Victorian-era Jones) idioms left me laughing.
Huzzah, Mr Bennett.
I now eagerly anticipate 'Geared to the Past.'
I received this book as a gift in exchange for a fair and honest appraisal.
April 25, 2014
4 stars
Set in 1891, we meet Jones Whitman, an inventor on the brink of discovering time travel. Bennett takes us on an adventure through 19th century Boston to present-day Washington State, with stops in Guangdong, China and French Polynesia. The story weaves together characters from past and present, as Jones searches for the yin to his yang.
This was a very well written book; smart language and humorous interactions as Jones attempts to assimilate into modern day America. I found a few of the plot twists a bit disjointed, but really loved the chemistry between Jones and our modern woman, Darcy Champagne. Bennett does a great job of including technical aspects of engineering and the space-time continuum, mixed with a really lovely under current of the Eastern practices of Taoism. He successfully takes the reader on a whirlwind travel through time.
I thought the time and place headings of each chapter overly detailed, though I understand they are intended to help a reader place themselves in time and space as the story evolves. In certain places, I was forced to flip back a few pages to orient myself, only to discover mere minutes had elapsed between chapters. Certainly that is something that could have been described in prose, rather than bogging down page with specifics.
Overall, a great story, with a wonderful reminder to always seek balance and purpose in life!
Set in 1891, we meet Jones Whitman, an inventor on the brink of discovering time travel. Bennett takes us on an adventure through 19th century Boston to present-day Washington State, with stops in Guangdong, China and French Polynesia. The story weaves together characters from past and present, as Jones searches for the yin to his yang.
This was a very well written book; smart language and humorous interactions as Jones attempts to assimilate into modern day America. I found a few of the plot twists a bit disjointed, but really loved the chemistry between Jones and our modern woman, Darcy Champagne. Bennett does a great job of including technical aspects of engineering and the space-time continuum, mixed with a really lovely under current of the Eastern practices of Taoism. He successfully takes the reader on a whirlwind travel through time.
I thought the time and place headings of each chapter overly detailed, though I understand they are intended to help a reader place themselves in time and space as the story evolves. In certain places, I was forced to flip back a few pages to orient myself, only to discover mere minutes had elapsed between chapters. Certainly that is something that could have been described in prose, rather than bogging down page with specifics.
Overall, a great story, with a wonderful reminder to always seek balance and purpose in life!
August 14, 2016
"Geared to the Present" from the Jones Whitman Time Traveler Series is a very entertaining and clever time travel story, spanning several periods and places without getting lost in the process.
Bennett sets up the scene of 1891 nicely by introducing Jones Whitman, nephew of Walt Whitman, who is on the verge of finalising the Atomotron, a time travelling decive. He is also a transcendalist and as such a thorn in the priests' side, who tries to interfere in Jones's life by exerting pressure on his love interest Emily..
The first travel takes Jones to 2012, while another storyline takes the reader and Jones to Master Wong Fei-hung in Foshan, China.
Cleverly woven and told with much authenticy this book is a very strong contender in the time travel genre. The historical aspects are particularly well handled while philosophical or ethical aspects also come into play to enrich the plot and storyline.
The contrast between past and present is very entertaining, too. I found this book very original and enjoyable.
Bennett sets up the scene of 1891 nicely by introducing Jones Whitman, nephew of Walt Whitman, who is on the verge of finalising the Atomotron, a time travelling decive. He is also a transcendalist and as such a thorn in the priests' side, who tries to interfere in Jones's life by exerting pressure on his love interest Emily..
The first travel takes Jones to 2012, while another storyline takes the reader and Jones to Master Wong Fei-hung in Foshan, China.
Cleverly woven and told with much authenticy this book is a very strong contender in the time travel genre. The historical aspects are particularly well handled while philosophical or ethical aspects also come into play to enrich the plot and storyline.
The contrast between past and present is very entertaining, too. I found this book very original and enjoyable.
August 6, 2016
1.5 Stars - I think that this book starts out with a good idea, but fails upon execution. The writing was very amateur and I could not get past this. The character interactions were a tad on the ridiculous side. That, along with the random plot sidetracks, made this a very tedious read. I wanted to like it, I really did, since sci-fi and historical fiction are two genres that I really enjoy, but I just couldn't.
March 2, 2014
I LOVED Geared to the Present! Mr. Bennett did a great job of pulling you into the story quickly. Adventure, romance, and for me, local scenery! I was able to picture the characters easily, and relate to them. I liked the different settings (especially the Washington ones since I'm from Washington!). I really appreciated the upbeat tone to the story. It leaves you happy, and feeling good!
June 5, 2014
I'm always on the look out for unique books and this was is exactly what I've been lookin for. In addition to it being well written, it was engaging and kept my attention straight through. The author is extremely talented and I hope to read more of their work. Totally recommend this book to everyone.
May 6, 2014
It has a little bit of romance, a little bit of Steampunk and a lot of adventure. You get to travel the world and experience different times. Bennett describes everything in such detail you feel like you are there with the characters. I can’t wait for the next escapade.
April 26, 2014
This book Geared To The Present is a wonderful book Can't wait for the next one in the series to come out. Keep up the great writing.
October 9, 2015
Steampunk lovers who enjoy time travel, this is a tale to read. New to me author Mr. Bennett beautifully incorporates the past and the present together. Jones Whitman is a man who does not fit society's norms. He is trying by dutifully becoming engaged to a reputable woman. Unfortunately for him, his fiancée, Emily, is the obsession of another man.
The character development in this story is well done. One grows to admire and like Jones humour and perseverance. He knows his mind and he doesn't care what others think. There are different facets to Jones which makes him lovable to readers, especially how he responds to new concepts in the future. How Jones found Roark and then treats him is pretty amazing. It is used as a nice contrast from the priest. The priest or is he a father? All I can remember about this man is that he's crazy and doesn't belong in the Catholic church. The villain in this story is over the top obsessive and it doesn't even make sense in some ways. It makes sense that a man could want Emily. What is odd is that the priest can't even have Emily due to his vocation. It's just an odd plot device which bugged me.
The weaving back and forth between the past and present felt so natural. Mr. Bennett does a great job of staying in the time period with clothing, lingo and buildings. The descriptions in this book are so vivid, I felt as if I had fallen into this world and traveled right by Jones' side. The romantic interest Jones develops in 2012 is a nice if a predictable twist. I liked how the events between 1800s and 2000s are tied together. Mr. Bennett nicely side steps having to explain and deal with time paradoxes by going forward rather than backwards.
For those who like steampunk, this story does a great job of incorporating Victorian steam fashioned machines and current steampunk fetish. The comparison between Jones' reality of inventing new technology and today's love of all things steampunk helps to show how out of depth Jones is in the 2000. For a person who is on the cutting edge of creating new machines to find out the future relegates it to a failed engineering feat, it could be demoralizing. It's nice to see how Jones goes with the flow instead of coming apart at the seams.
This sweet romance is recommended to readers who enjoy steampunk, time traveling and sexy Irish sidekicks.
* Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
The character development in this story is well done. One grows to admire and like Jones humour and perseverance. He knows his mind and he doesn't care what others think. There are different facets to Jones which makes him lovable to readers, especially how he responds to new concepts in the future. How Jones found Roark and then treats him is pretty amazing. It is used as a nice contrast from the priest. The priest or is he a father? All I can remember about this man is that he's crazy and doesn't belong in the Catholic church. The villain in this story is over the top obsessive and it doesn't even make sense in some ways. It makes sense that a man could want Emily. What is odd is that the priest can't even have Emily due to his vocation. It's just an odd plot device which bugged me.
The weaving back and forth between the past and present felt so natural. Mr. Bennett does a great job of staying in the time period with clothing, lingo and buildings. The descriptions in this book are so vivid, I felt as if I had fallen into this world and traveled right by Jones' side. The romantic interest Jones develops in 2012 is a nice if a predictable twist. I liked how the events between 1800s and 2000s are tied together. Mr. Bennett nicely side steps having to explain and deal with time paradoxes by going forward rather than backwards.
For those who like steampunk, this story does a great job of incorporating Victorian steam fashioned machines and current steampunk fetish. The comparison between Jones' reality of inventing new technology and today's love of all things steampunk helps to show how out of depth Jones is in the 2000. For a person who is on the cutting edge of creating new machines to find out the future relegates it to a failed engineering feat, it could be demoralizing. It's nice to see how Jones goes with the flow instead of coming apart at the seams.
This sweet romance is recommended to readers who enjoy steampunk, time traveling and sexy Irish sidekicks.
* Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2015
The extraordinary exploits, of one Jones Whitman who just happens to be a time traveler, much to his own surprise. He’s kind of like a scientific experimentalist, who happens to like the freedom of speed among other things. You like his assistant Roak and a few other characters that come into play.
It had nice dialog and character interaction and action, depending on the century he manages to find himself in. He’s got a fiancé called Emily, but she’s… Well you’re kind of not too sure what to make of her.
And “The good Father” was something else, even if he thought he was doing a good. He just might have another motive that being kept from Emily, and then again, maybe not. Highly doubtful though.
You like the characters he meets along the way and a very good friend comes along that he didn’t quite expect and they have an adventurous good time. So if you want to check out the exploits of this adventurous time traveler check it out and then continue the story in Geared to the Past.
I received this book from Reading Alley in return for a fair and honest review
November 24, 2015
a Swashbuckling Bostonian?
Our man of the hour, An adventurer and ladies man, suddenly appears 100 years in the future and begins 'a boy in a toy shop' fantasy lifestyle, with things that seem normal to the present, are new toys to play with and enjoy by the man from the past.. And, of course, every swashbuckling hero must have a leading lady from the present, complete with a set of slang terms and puns to help guide him along. This is an adventurous, fun filled story of a man from the past and the love of his life, out to see how the world works and offer some assistance in its repair. Although schooled in the Chinese ways of Tao, the story doesn't dwell on any deep meaning storylines here, just good wholesome fun and good reading with a big dose of love, loving and attention thrown in for good measure. There is soon to be new sites and adventures for our two star struck lovers in the next book of the series. Which, if as good as this book then I can feel the beginnings of a fast paced series.
Review copy provided by Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Our man of the hour, An adventurer and ladies man, suddenly appears 100 years in the future and begins 'a boy in a toy shop' fantasy lifestyle, with things that seem normal to the present, are new toys to play with and enjoy by the man from the past.. And, of course, every swashbuckling hero must have a leading lady from the present, complete with a set of slang terms and puns to help guide him along. This is an adventurous, fun filled story of a man from the past and the love of his life, out to see how the world works and offer some assistance in its repair. Although schooled in the Chinese ways of Tao, the story doesn't dwell on any deep meaning storylines here, just good wholesome fun and good reading with a big dose of love, loving and attention thrown in for good measure. There is soon to be new sites and adventures for our two star struck lovers in the next book of the series. Which, if as good as this book then I can feel the beginnings of a fast paced series.
Review copy provided by Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2015
Steampunk at its finest!
Think "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" steampunk style and you will have the gist of this fast-paced and compelling romantic, time travel adventure.
Dana Bennett seamlessly blends wit with eastern mysticism and even adds some pithy and relevant social commentary courtesy of the time traveling Jones Whitman. I couldn't put it down and highly recommend this title.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Think "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" steampunk style and you will have the gist of this fast-paced and compelling romantic, time travel adventure.
Dana Bennett seamlessly blends wit with eastern mysticism and even adds some pithy and relevant social commentary courtesy of the time traveling Jones Whitman. I couldn't put it down and highly recommend this title.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2014
I loved this book. It was so clever and interesting. I loved the characters and the story. It's obvious that the author did a lot of research into the time periods written about in the story. I'm looking forward to Geared to the Past!
February 13, 2018
Loved it. Fun-loving, fast-paced yet approachable science fiction taking place in Snohomish, Washington, in my neighborhood.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews