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The Lost Mata Hari Ring

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When Trace puts on a glittering ring and slips back in time, she finds herself in Paris during World War I. Soon, she's swept off her feet by an irresistible British pilot, Edward... and the mysteries of this past life! Up-and-coming actress, Trace Rutland, has had nightmares about a tragic past ever since she was a little girl.She struggles with her everyday life, finally seeking help from a hypnotherapist. While under hypnosis, she inadvertently experiences a tragic past life in Paris, in 1916, during the First World War. Later, while visiting a wealthy man's private Mata Hari collection, Trace is drawn to a glittering ring, once worn by the convicted spy. Trace is enthralled. When she's alone, she slips the ring on and is swiftly hurled into the past. There, she must face herself as she was in the past while struggling to change the course of her destiny. When she meets the handsome Edward Kenyon Bishop, a World War I British flying ace, she falls in love.She is swept away into a journey of suspicion and treachery and must fight for her life. Can she survive the past? Can she return to the present? Can true love endure for all time?

381 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2018

230 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Elyse Douglas

45 books346 followers
Elyse Douglas is the pen name for the husband and wife writing team of Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse began writing poems and short stories at an early age and graduated with a Master's Degree in English Literature. Douglas grew up in a family of musicians, astrologers, and avid readers. Some of Elyse Douglas' novels include: "Time Change," The Summer Letters," "Daring Summer," The Christmas Eve Series" and "Time Stranger." They reside in New York City.

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5 stars
258 (66%)
4 stars
83 (21%)
3 stars
32 (8%)
2 stars
11 (2%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*.
623 reviews
March 26, 2024
Another winner for me!
I'm hooked on this author, she dose an amazing job of making each and every one of her Time-Travels different from beginning to the end!
Profile Image for Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews.
2,948 reviews217 followers
June 24, 2018
This is the second time travel book I have read by this author. Much like the first book, I am amazed by the research done into her characters, especially since with this book it is a known woman from the past - Mata Hari. From the moment Trace falls back in time, the descriptions of people and towns created a vision in my mind and I could imagine myself there observing the situations.

I was fascinated by Trace's connection to the past and how that affected her near the end of the book. She had to be quick on her feet in the early 1900's and thankfully she was very familiar with Mata Hari's life and what was happening in that part of the world since this was during WWI.  She also had to make sure she didn't change history, or at least not too much.

This book captivated me to the end!

If you like books that delve into past lives along with time travel, this is a book you should pick up and read!
Profile Image for Teddy.
533 reviews113 followers
June 28, 2018
Since she was little, actress, Trace Rutland has had nightmares about a disturbing past event in history. She has seen many psychologists but the nightmare still comes back night after night. She has tried hypnotherapy but has never been able to be hypnotized. That is until she tried one more psychotherapist.

What she discovers is shocking to both herself and the therapist. In fact, he doesn’t feel comfortable seeing her again. He doesn’t believe in past lives but yet, that is what was reveled in the session.

After this therapy session, Trace visits and man with a private Mata Hari collection. She is drawn to the ring right away. She tried the ring on and it ends up being a portal to time travel to the time of Mata Hari. She ends up in a house where Mata Hari is staying and meet a handsome British flying ace from world war one, Edward Kenyon Bishop. Thus starts her dangerous adventure and romance.

I read ‘Mata Hari’s Last Dance’ by Michelle Moran. I really enjoyed it but enjoyed ‘The Lost Mata Hari Ring’ even more. The two books give a unique perspective on Mata Hari and what it was like in WWI Europe. I do recommend both. However, if you want a fun time travel version, read ‘The Lost Mata Hari Ring’. It is much shorter and has less detailed history but still well researched.

I loved the character development and especially liked the relationship between Nonnie, Mata Hari’s daughter and Trace. Though it was short, Trace was able to have a relationship with Nonnie that Mata Hari was unable to have. The book grabbed me during Traces hypnosis and didn’t let go until the end. The scenes during WWI were heart pounding and mesmerizing. I felt like I was there, as Trace, myself. I also like the follow up when Trace returns to present day U.S.A.
I think ‘The Lost Mata Hari Ring’ would make an excellent movie and hope some producer out there buys the rights and follows through! I adored this book and know it will stick with me.
Profile Image for Dawncee.
324 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2018
Love to Read Time Travel

An exciting taste of history wrapped up in great characters, sceneries, and dialog. I think I have found a new favorite author!
2 reviews3 followers
June 18, 2018
I've always been curious about Mata Hari and her real life. Time travel fiction is great for taking us to places and introducing us to characters who we wish we'd met or could meet. This book started off slowly and we get a glimpse of Trace Rutland's 21st century life and her dissociation in her therapist's office. The atmosphere of Paris and the ambience of the period is well crafted, as are the portions when Trace in her old life, goes to meet Mata Hari's daughter. The authors have put in a lot of research. The story deals well with Trace's confusion in Paris especially trying not to reveal what actually happens historically (and I'm trying not to give too much away!). Her romance, meeting with famous artists, all flow well. The insecurities of an aging Mata Hari, living in the sunset of her career and glory, and her lover, loyalty to Trace and her lover, are nicely done. It's an interesting atypical romantic novel; it is a novel about war, dashing soldiers, courageous women. The incidents towards the end, upon her return seem less serendipitous and more as if a completely happy ending was needed. I thought about the book after I put it down; and I wanted to know more about Mata Hari and her daughter. I would have liked a less calculated ending. I enjoyed the ride it took me on. I'd give it a 3.5 if I could. I'd give the authors 4.5 for the research and effort they clearly put in. I hope they write another novel, focusing on Mata Hari and her exciting life!
234 reviews
May 31, 2018
This is the first book by Elyse Douglas that I have read and it was awesome.
I mean, Time Travel is so intriguing and....what if it really happened!
Anyway, I loved this story. It just grabbed me and took me for a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.
If you like Romance, Time Travel, History and more, then this is the book for you.
Well done Elyse Douglas!
Profile Image for Patty.
1,210 reviews49 followers
July 10, 2018
Trace has always had a specific nightmare and lately it has been bothering her to a point that it is impacting her ability to do her job. She is an actor on Broadway and the lack of sleep is affecting her performances. She decides to see a therapist and be hypnotized to see if that will help. What happens is beyond anything either of them expected.

Trace finds herself reliving the death of Mata Hari. As she goes through that trauma she realizes that she was Mata Hari in a past life and the nightmare that she has been having is related to her death at the hands of the French. She doesn’t know how to process this and the therapist she was seeing is so freaked that he just doesn’t want to see her again.

Trace doesn’t know what to do either but she does try to learn as much as she can about Mata Hari which leads her to a man who has a collection of Mata Hari memorabilia including an emerald ring that really calls to her. She feels compelled to try it on. When she does…POOF, she is transported back in time.

As with all time travel novels you have to just go with the conceit and enjoy the book for what it is. We all know that time travel isn’t real but isn’t it fun to pretend? This book takes the whole concept one step further by having the protagonist go back in time to her own past life. That is something I’ve never encountered before in my time travel reading.

I found The Mata Hari Ring to be a very engaging read. The characters were unique – at least the modern ones. I can’t say that I know enough about Mata Hari to know if she was portrayed accurately or not but for the purpose of this novel she seemed just right; a bit haughty, a bit self serving and a lot naive. I did not know she had a daughter so that was interesting to learn.

There was a lot to enjoy in the book. It had love, romance, adventure and history. It skipped right along and I found myself eagerly turning the pages. It’s not complicated and it’s not deep but it’s a great beach read for sure.
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,649 reviews62 followers
February 8, 2024
Hello, fellow readers; I am here again with another Elyse Douglas book!

'The Lost Mata Hari Ring' is a fascinating read about World War I, Mata Hari's mysteries, and all that happened to her. Our main character is a young actress/dancer/singer named Tracey, obsessed with discovering the truth about the legendary spy and dancer and her daughter. This book is a thrilling adventure that takes us from the present day to the past as we follow Tracey and Mata Hari's life. The author does a great job blending historical facts with fiction, creating a vivid and realistic portrait of women and their struggles. The book also explores love, betrayal, loyalty, courage, and identity as Trace and Mata Hari face difficult choices and consequences.

I loved this book because it kept me hooked from the first page to the last. The plot was full of twists and turns, the characters were well-developed and relatable, and the writing was engaging and descriptive. I felt like I was transported to another time and place and learned a lot about Mata Hari and her era. The book also had a satisfying ending that wrapped up everything nicely. If you are looking for a captivating historical fiction with a strong female protagonist, a dash of romance, and a lot of suspense, you should definitely check out 'The Lost Mata Hari Ring' by Elyse Douglas. You won't regret it!

• ASIN: B07BKPFFNQ
• Publisher: Broadback
• Publication Date: 5/1/2018
• File Size: 1064 KB
• Print Length: 381 pages
• Genre: Time Travel Science Fiction, Time Travel Romance, Time Travel Romances
Profile Image for Paula Ratcliffe.
1,424 reviews73 followers
July 1, 2018
This book follows Trace Peyton Rutland whose been having nightmares having to do with a firing squad. When she visits a hypnotist she learns that in and previous life she was Mata Hari. She finds herself searching out the spy's artifacts to try to make sense of this past life. When she finds Mata Hari's ring and puts it on she is transported back to France 1916. There the first world war is raging on.

Mata Hari, Edward Bishop a pilot with the British Military and Mata Hari's lover is also there when Trace arrives. Edward is taken by Trace and helps in her deception with Mata Hari who is skeptical of the wayward American.

Trace is desperate to find the ring and return to her own time, but she can't help falling for the dashing pilot Edward. Can she go back to her time or should she make the best of France in this time frame?

I really enjoyed this series. It was a captivating adventure to see how it would play out and would Trace ever go back home? I really enjoyed traveling along with Mata Hari and Trace and Edward and seeing she will do in this era. Especially with the war raging on!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Danielle Urban.
Author 12 books168 followers
July 19, 2018
The Lost Mata Hari Ring is so much like The Time Traveler’s Wife. The plot is full of mystery, intrigue, and a bit of romance. There is plenty of action to follow. I was never bored. I am hooked. It captures my interest from the first chapter. Time travel that allows a young woman to find her past and move past her nightmares. This journey in time, gives Trace a new beginning and a sense of peace. I easily was swept into the story as I followed Trace reconnecting with her past life and accepting her present one. Trace is a strong character that was likable. I can connect with her without difficulty. Overall, I recommend this novel to all readers.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Donna Thompson.
666 reviews47 followers
July 25, 2018
"The Lost Mata Hari Ring" is described as a time travel novel, but as the pages started flying, and I immersed myself deep into this fabulous and fascinating story, I realized it was so much more. The author was new to me, but I was impressed with the amount of research and knowledge that went into the writing of this book. I found the historical aspects extremely well-written and interwoven into the story in a unique and enjoyable way. Everyone has heard of "Mata Hari" and her name is used today to describe a woman who is secretive, mysterious, devious and Machiavellian. But who really knows her sad and tragic story, or the woman behind the legend? If you read this book, you'll find out, and be totally mesmerized by this thrilling tale.
49 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2024
💞READ THE BOOK 💞

WOW!!! What a thrilling ride.
I love these authors, their imagination and writing skills draw you in and hold you to the end of each of their books, which I have read them all all.
This book hit home with me having been to Europe and have family there. My cousin took me to Verdun and I was in the trenches that are still there in the cemetary. MY GRANDPA fought there in the Great War. He met and married my Grandma in Luxemburg.
The stories in this book take you to a time that is hard to believe as the time travel adventures of Trace unfold around the war, mostly set in Paris in 1916 & 1917.
Thiis is worth evey minute of you time, so...
💞READ THE BOOK💞
261 reviews6 followers
April 22, 2019
I put off reading this because the title threw me off. I’m glad I read it. What a great adventure! Not only is time travel involved, but reincarnation as well. I love reading about history and had never read anything about Mata Hari. I also enjoyed reading more about WWI. Truly interesting time and a truly interesting book. I see that the author has written other time travel books, so I’ll look those up as well.
Profile Image for John.
542 reviews17 followers
July 31, 2022
Not my favorite of their books. I like the romance as much as I like the time travel. This romance wasn’t very strong, although for me, even though I saw the end coming, it raised the score from a three to a four. I wasn’t all that interested in the historical aspect Mata Hari, and hated the character. Just a personal opinion, others might love this book. Very well written, as are all of their books.
Profile Image for Jody Gorran.
Author 2 books
July 2, 2023
What a wonderful story!

As much as I am already a fan of Elyse Douglass time travel novels, I was not prepared for The Lost Mara Hari Ring. The story was brilliant and so well crafted. It kept getting better and better. I could never imagine how the book’s ending would play out. It was so perfect and emotionally satisfying that the tears kept flowing. I really enjoyed this book!
Profile Image for SuzyHD.
1,255 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2025
Excellent Storyline

Where to begin? This fabulously written romantic time travel tale definitely took me by surprise. Not wanting to put this book down for even a second. Trace and her past life as Mata Hari showed just how difficult it was living during World War One. A constant reminder of how lucky we are to be living in this century. Loved this book and highly recommend it.
1,122 reviews8 followers
April 15, 2025
I am a big fan of these Douglas time travel books. This one takes a woman in current day NYC back to WWI. It all starts when she tries on a fabulous ring of the famed spy, Mata Hari, and is transported back one hundred years. Trace meets Mata Hari and also falls in love with a British pilot. Will
She remain there or return to her life in current day? Read it and find out - you won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,125 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2020
The Lost Mata Hari Ring

Tracy or Trace had nightmares. Nothing helped until she visited Cyrano Wallace. He had a collection of Mata Hari’s things. Trace slipped the ring on and lived in the past for seven months. There she married and then her husband died. Later she received the ring again. When she returned to the future she was gone for only a day.
Profile Image for Cindy Gieringer.
1 review
May 8, 2025
The idea of the story was great and I was all in, but I found the ending disappointing. After all of the build up, we’re supposed to believe that she only travelled back in time just so she could meet Edward? I would have thought the point would be to save Mata Hari or at least reunite her with her daughter? That was all disappointing. So overall great plot but lousy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
268 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2025
Past lives

In the mid 50s there was a NF best seller, “The Search for Bridey Murphy” about a woman who believed she had lived a life in the distant past. The authors here expand on that theme and managed to merge it with time travel and romance. For a male reader, it’s a bit gooey here and there,but as always, their novel is a page-turner.
55 reviews
March 1, 2026
An absolutely incredibly heart gripping time travel book!

This story was so intriguing and historical, you couldn't put it down. The characters were so genuine and real. It made me believe in reincarnation and past lives. I believe true love never dies, but can go on forever. You have to read it!
Profile Image for Judy Archer.
88 reviews
September 2, 2018
Wow!

I have read this book in one day. Could not put it down. This author knows how to write time travel. This is a great story that makes you think. I recommend this book very highly.
Profile Image for Sharon Samms.
67 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2019
A Magnificent Story!

This was so unusual to read a time travel book where the character overlaps her own previous life and actually becomes friends with herself in her previous life! I loved it!
100 reviews
January 16, 2020
The list mayo hair ring 10+

Wow,this was such a wonderful story. I was spellbound and read it in one sitting. Time travel, mystery thriller romance, everything you could want in one bok. I loved it!
6 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2021
Great read

I really enjoyed this story. I felt like I had travelled back in time with Trace and the attention to detail of WW1 Paris is very good. A great love story, with a time travel twist.
483 reviews
February 20, 2022
This was a very good time travel story. I liked that it made sense that the main character, Trace, needed to go back to the past and the mechanism that took her there was believable. I liked the connections she made through her time travel trip and how that shaped her life afterward.
Profile Image for Kathryn Scarborough.
Author 22 books15 followers
January 5, 2023
It will certainly keep you guessing

The characters were very memorable and the historical events well researched. The action was tantalizing and so realistic that the scenes played put like a movie. Highly recommended.
12 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2024
Mata Hari

This is the third book I have read by Elyse Douglas. Thoroughly captivated by the time travel experience and the well written novel. The references to the everyday life experiences have brought such a pleasure to me. Look forward to my next read !!!
Profile Image for Pam Pantell.
33 reviews
September 25, 2024
What an Amazing Story

This very special time travel book will grab your attention and not let it go. When the story ends, you won’t want it to have ended because you were so attached to the characters and the concept and rewards of time travel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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