The Common Hours

by Debra Anne LeClair

Alone in the world after her mother dies unexpectedly, twenty-six-year-old Lindsay McDonnell turns to her spiritual mentor for refuge. The Buddhist monk reveals the closely held secret Lindsay's mother guarded—her slips through time. With a legacy now on her shoulders to correct an accident of fate, Lindsay must now make her own ventures through the centuries. 

 

During her initiation, Lindsay discovers her mother's travels to the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Fueled by grief, she attempts to connect to her mother in the past. Instead, she lands in the arms of her noble Irish ancestors, where she finds belonging amongst kin that are in a battle for independence with none other than Elizabeth Tudor herself.  

 

Believing she can serve both her need to reunite with her mother and the cause of her new-found family, Lindsay offers herself as an envoy of peace at court. Yet as an attraction sparks into a full-blown love for John Dee, one of the queen's most trusted advisors, Lindsay's loyalties split. Swept up into Elizabeth's polarized kingdom, she learns that her modern sensibilities may not only prove disastrous for her kin but put her own life on the chopping block.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2024

Reviews

[Klissia]

I admit that I didn't quite understand the concept of Buddhism, mantra, collective consciousness and the way of time travel to the era of Queen Elizabeth, but I found the story interesting and mystical. I loved the raven and Dr. Dee. Too.

[Mersi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this work. The author's take on time traveling to drive the plot was refreshing.

[MichLP · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers an interesting twist on historical fiction and a creative plot. The main character, Lindsey, time travels back to the 1500's and is delighted to meet her ancestors who warmly welcome her. She soon discovers that it is a period of turbulence and in an effort to keep her ancestors on good terms with Queen Elizabeth I she volunteers to go to court to serve as a lady in waiting for the Queen as a gesture of her families loyalty. While at court, Lindsey is able to use her knowledge from the future to alter perilous circumstances for the Queen creating a compelling story.

[W.D. Shipley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story over the course of a week — and the concept is absolutely fascinating! There were at least three moments that made me laugh out loud (and I couldn’t even explain why to my kids — you’ll see when you read it).

Debra LeClair did a great job weaving a modern woman’s time-travel experience into the past in a way that felt fresh and believable. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you’ll appreciate the level of research that comes through in the dialogue and the detailed community dynamics.

This one is definitely worth the read!

[Judy Blachek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't usually like mystical realism or fantasy, but this book is an exception. There are two timelines in this book -- the present day and when the main character, Lindsay, time travels to the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Lindsay is trying to connect with her mother, who has died and also had the gift of being able to travel in time.

It's well written and kept my interest. I learned a lot about that time in history in a most entertaining way.