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The Girl Who Stepped Into The Past
She was looking for inspiration…
When historical romance author Jane Edwards goes to England on a research trip, she doesn’t expect to travel two hundred years into the past. She also doesn’t expect to be accused of murdering the Earl of Camden’s sister. Presented with few choices, Jane decides the best course of action is to help Camden find the real killer. But the more time she spends in his company, the more she falls for the dashing earl, and the more she hopes for a life with him by her side.
And found love in the most impossible place.
James Sullivan, Earl of Camden, is convinced Jane had something to do with his sister’s murder. Until he learns she lacked the ability to accomplish the feat. Still, her explanation about stopping by his home in the middle of a rainstorm to seek employment, doesn’t add up. And yet, when he offers her the position she supposedly seeks, he discovers the smart resourceful woman she is. Which makes him wonder if marrying his new maid, might be worth the risk of scandal.
When historical romance author Jane Edwards goes to England on a research trip, she doesn’t expect to travel two hundred years into the past. She also doesn’t expect to be accused of murdering the Earl of Camden’s sister. Presented with few choices, Jane decides the best course of action is to help Camden find the real killer. But the more time she spends in his company, the more she falls for the dashing earl, and the more she hopes for a life with him by her side.
And found love in the most impossible place.
James Sullivan, Earl of Camden, is convinced Jane had something to do with his sister’s murder. Until he learns she lacked the ability to accomplish the feat. Still, her explanation about stopping by his home in the middle of a rainstorm to seek employment, doesn’t add up. And yet, when he offers her the position she supposedly seeks, he discovers the smart resourceful woman she is. Which makes him wonder if marrying his new maid, might be worth the risk of scandal.
256 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2018
112 people are currently reading
1144 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Barnes
67 books1,753 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.
When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 14, 2018
ARC REVIEW
The sheer fact that Jane Edwards traveled back in time to the Regency Era via a bolt of lightning gives you a clue that is is not going to be your typical historical romance. Jane left her fiance because he wasn't supportive of her writing career so she left and went to England to a picturesque quintessential English village to help with inspiration so she can write the best historical romance she has ever written and prove to her ex that it isn't just a hobby. While touring the Summervale House Jane gets caught in a storm and when a bolt of lightning strike the ground in front of her she finds herself suddenly in 1818 standing over the very dead body of the beautiful Titiana sister to the Earl of Camden who just happens to find Jane there he automatically assumes Jane did it. Jane explains her appearance by telling them she fled American and her fiance to pursue her dreams in England but was robbed shortly after docking and after making her way Cloverfield she thought Summervale was as good a place as any to seek work. After Jane calmly explains why she's there and how she couldn't have possibly murdered Tatiana Camden agrees with her and hires her on as a maid.
James, the Earl of Camden, is captivated by this American stranger and it upsets him because he should be focusing on who murdered his sister. Jane with her inquisitive writers brain wants to find out what happened to Tatiana and as a maid she is easily able to talk to the rest of the staff to find thing out. Ignoring propriety Jane often seeks James out to give him the information she found out and often giving him another point of view. James knows there is more to Jane than meets the eye and the more time that passes the more he learns about the life his sister hid from him the more the wants to forget social standings and keep Jane and not as his mistress but his wife.
Overall, I loved the story. The murder mystery was fantastic and the romance was steamy. I loved that Jane knew enough about the Regency Era to know how to act and still snub the rules when she needed. James' internal conflict with himself over his feelings and the inappropriate match between himself and a maid was nice. I wish there had been an epilogue that took place in the present day about how what happened back then might have changed the present day or even Jane's ex showing up and looking at a portrait of James and Jane.
The sheer fact that Jane Edwards traveled back in time to the Regency Era via a bolt of lightning gives you a clue that is is not going to be your typical historical romance. Jane left her fiance because he wasn't supportive of her writing career so she left and went to England to a picturesque quintessential English village to help with inspiration so she can write the best historical romance she has ever written and prove to her ex that it isn't just a hobby. While touring the Summervale House Jane gets caught in a storm and when a bolt of lightning strike the ground in front of her she finds herself suddenly in 1818 standing over the very dead body of the beautiful Titiana sister to the Earl of Camden who just happens to find Jane there he automatically assumes Jane did it. Jane explains her appearance by telling them she fled American and her fiance to pursue her dreams in England but was robbed shortly after docking and after making her way Cloverfield she thought Summervale was as good a place as any to seek work. After Jane calmly explains why she's there and how she couldn't have possibly murdered Tatiana Camden agrees with her and hires her on as a maid.
James, the Earl of Camden, is captivated by this American stranger and it upsets him because he should be focusing on who murdered his sister. Jane with her inquisitive writers brain wants to find out what happened to Tatiana and as a maid she is easily able to talk to the rest of the staff to find thing out. Ignoring propriety Jane often seeks James out to give him the information she found out and often giving him another point of view. James knows there is more to Jane than meets the eye and the more time that passes the more he learns about the life his sister hid from him the more the wants to forget social standings and keep Jane and not as his mistress but his wife.
Overall, I loved the story. The murder mystery was fantastic and the romance was steamy. I loved that Jane knew enough about the Regency Era to know how to act and still snub the rules when she needed. James' internal conflict with himself over his feelings and the inappropriate match between himself and a maid was nice. I wish there had been an epilogue that took place in the present day about how what happened back then might have changed the present day or even Jane's ex showing up and looking at a portrait of James and Jane.
June 28, 2018
A really good time travel romance. It was well written and a good romantic mystery time travel. I liked the characters and the who done it!!
June 8, 2018
Jane Edwards has broken her engagement and traveled to England to do research for a book she wants to write. She is a Regency romance author and this looks like a perfect opportunity to visit. However, she's caught in a thunderstorm and transported two hundred years in the past just as the sister of James, Earl of Camden, is murdered.
I probably should stop reading Sophie Barnes books. I've read quite a few with mixed results. I don't care for historicals that don't keep to the rules and context of the times they are written in. Ms Barnes tends to be one of those authors who often disregards the rules of the Regency period. I thought this one might be different because Jane is from the present after all, so some latitude should be fine. But it was ridiculous.
James starts by suspecting Jane of the murder but soon hires her as a maid. Of course, she doesn't act like a maid (which is fine for her part), but no one else seems to really notice her irregular behavior or even the fact that's she's American. It doesn't seem to matter in a household where there doesn't seem to be differences between a ladies maid, a downstairs maid, or an upstairs maid maybe, but I found it irritating when the household just accepts that it's fine for Jane to sit and have a brandy at ten in the morning with the Earl. But of course, the Earl also has his sister's former tutor as a house guest which also doesn't seem to raise anyone's eyebrows but makes no sense in that time period.
James is so obsessed with Jane that the horrific murder of his sister (her throat was slashed) seems like an afterthought. He certainly doesn't seem very sorrowful and neither did his mother. I also found the maligning of her character after her death to be distasteful; it didn't really add to the plot in my opinion.
The book also needed some editing. First, the murder weapon is discovered in a garden but then there is discussion about how the knife hasn't been found. There were other inconsistencies like this that just added to the general sloppiness (almost the second or third page Jane is at King's Cross where she sees the 3/4 platform - Harry Potter fans would note it's 9 3/4).
Anyway, this was not a book for me.
I probably should stop reading Sophie Barnes books. I've read quite a few with mixed results. I don't care for historicals that don't keep to the rules and context of the times they are written in. Ms Barnes tends to be one of those authors who often disregards the rules of the Regency period. I thought this one might be different because Jane is from the present after all, so some latitude should be fine. But it was ridiculous.
James starts by suspecting Jane of the murder but soon hires her as a maid. Of course, she doesn't act like a maid (which is fine for her part), but no one else seems to really notice her irregular behavior or even the fact that's she's American. It doesn't seem to matter in a household where there doesn't seem to be differences between a ladies maid, a downstairs maid, or an upstairs maid maybe, but I found it irritating when the household just accepts that it's fine for Jane to sit and have a brandy at ten in the morning with the Earl. But of course, the Earl also has his sister's former tutor as a house guest which also doesn't seem to raise anyone's eyebrows but makes no sense in that time period.
James is so obsessed with Jane that the horrific murder of his sister (her throat was slashed) seems like an afterthought. He certainly doesn't seem very sorrowful and neither did his mother. I also found the maligning of her character after her death to be distasteful; it didn't really add to the plot in my opinion.
The book also needed some editing. First, the murder weapon is discovered in a garden but then there is discussion about how the knife hasn't been found. There were other inconsistencies like this that just added to the general sloppiness (almost the second or third page Jane is at King's Cross where she sees the 3/4 platform - Harry Potter fans would note it's 9 3/4).
Anyway, this was not a book for me.
June 6, 2018
Sophie Barnes is one of my go to authors when it comes to historical romance. She has never disappointed me with anything that I have read from her. I find that I can get lost in the historical world she transports me back to.I feel as if I am present and watching the events unfold. I find this new read to be no different except that this time we have a bit of time travel. I found that to be the biggest reason for me to jump right on this one. Jane Edwards present day historical romance author finds that her little research trip to England may just be a bit more that simple research. She finds that she will experience things up close and personal.
Jane's first experience with historical life gets her accused of murder not once but twice. Then she finds that there was a more to the Earl of Camden. She found him to be attractive from his modern day portrait. To see him in person she has no words.
In this read, we find a bit of modern day, some historical, some mystery, some angst, and some romance. But you better believe that it is all Sophie Barnes. She gives another memorable historical romance with a little something extra. I just loved this one.
Jane's first experience with historical life gets her accused of murder not once but twice. Then she finds that there was a more to the Earl of Camden. She found him to be attractive from his modern day portrait. To see him in person she has no words.
In this read, we find a bit of modern day, some historical, some mystery, some angst, and some romance. But you better believe that it is all Sophie Barnes. She gives another memorable historical romance with a little something extra. I just loved this one.
June 6, 2018
3,5 💖🌟s‼️
Interesting, and different from standard readings!
Interesting, and different from standard readings!
January 11, 2019
I can't help but compare this to Sariah Wilson's Once Upon A Time Travel. While this book had a better premise, it fell short in the romance and time travel portions. Plus I liked how Wilson's book gave reference to the future and how it was affected, where here we learn nothing and are just left with the heroine's speculation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2019
Interesting time travel
When Jane first slips back in time, she finds a body. The way they all react to the sister being murdered is the only part that seems unreal to me. They don't express hardly any emotion, but the Earl falls for Jane almost immediately. Lots of twists and turns, an interesting plot. But those reactions just seems so fake. On the whole, good read.
When Jane first slips back in time, she finds a body. The way they all react to the sister being murdered is the only part that seems unreal to me. They don't express hardly any emotion, but the Earl falls for Jane almost immediately. Lots of twists and turns, an interesting plot. But those reactions just seems so fake. On the whole, good read.
July 13, 2019
Love and mystery
I enjoyed this book very much. It was about a woman who ends up in 1818. She solved a murder and falls for the Duke. It is a love story and a who dunn it in one.
I enjoyed this book very much. It was about a woman who ends up in 1818. She solved a murder and falls for the Duke. It is a love story and a who dunn it in one.
June 8, 2018
Originally published at Reading Reality
It’s a tale as old as time – or at least as old as the concept of time travel. The premise will sound familiar to anyone who has read any time travel romances. The details change a bit. In this particular version of this old tale, a woman who is looking for a fresh start after the end of a relationship falls in love with a man in a portrait. When the thunder booms and the lightning cracks, she finds herself back at the period of that portrait, face to face with the man of her dreams.
When the trope is as tried and true as this one, whether a particular variation of it stands out from the crowd lies with the execution – because we know how it’s going to end. Somehow there’s going to be an HEA, whether in the past or the present. Or it’s going to be a tragedy, but romance writers generally don’t go there. Readers love their HEAs after all.
Although the beginning of this one reminded me particularly of Timeless Desire by Gwyn Cready, in the end it mostly recalled The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl by Gina Lamm. Both of those stories were a lot of fun, and The Girl Who Stepped Into the Past is as well.
Jane Edwards doesn’t merely find herself in the Regency period that she has studied long and hard as part of her research for her own series of historical romance novels, she finds herself standing over a dead body in the middle of a unsolved murder. A murder that was never solved, so she does not have any future knowledge about who done it.
In an era where circumstantial evidence ruled, her position is rather damning. The Earl of Camden, the man that Jane has fallen for via his portrait, is certain that Jane must have just killed his sister. Jane has her work cut out for her, not only proving her innocence but also explaining her sudden presence in the middle of the English countryside.
Jane turns out to be more than up to the task. But involving herself in the life and household of James Sullivan, Earl of Camden, causes her no end of problems, as one might expect. The two bond over their investigation into his sister’s death, in spite of Jane’s rather unconventional appearance and manners.
Jane begins to realize that James is the man she has been looking for all of her life. But falling in love has its own risks. Will he believe her strange story? Is he willing to be shunned by society to marry a woman who at best seems to be an American adventuress? And is Jane willing to give up the safety, convenience, freedom and loneliness of the 21st century for life with the man she loves in a world that will otherwise never accept her?
And will solving the murder change history too much to make any of their wishes even remotely possible?
Escape Rating B: This is a fun little story. I enjoyed reading it but it doesn’t rise above some of the truly great time travel stories like Outlander and The Jane Austen Project. And there are plenty of nods to Jane Austen herself in this story.
Jane Edwards, our heroine, is a lucky woman. By the time she tells him, James manages to believe her story, as outlandish as it seems. He believes, perhaps, just a bit too easily. I considered it all part of the handwavium of time travel and didn’t let it bother me too much.
Jane does have an awfully easy time figuring out who killed James’ sister. To the point where the reader may be surprised that she was a Regency romance author and not a mystery author! But it is all in good fun, at least fun for anyone not the victim or the perpetrator.
The heart of the story is the romance between Jane and James. While they fall in love rather quickly, the dilemma they face is the one that tears at the heart. She might be able to go back. It will be difficult for a 21st century woman to live with the restrictions imposed on women in the 19th century. If she stays so they can marry, James will be shunned by his peers for the rest of his life, and that shunning may also fall on any children they have. They have to be willing to give up a great deal in order to be together. What we feel for, in the end, is the internal conflict they each have to resolve and their ultimate willingness to be all to each other, and to hell with what the rest of the world thinks.
And that’s a hard thing to do under any circumstances, time travel or no time travel. By the time they reach that ultimate decision, we are right there with them.
It’s a tale as old as time – or at least as old as the concept of time travel. The premise will sound familiar to anyone who has read any time travel romances. The details change a bit. In this particular version of this old tale, a woman who is looking for a fresh start after the end of a relationship falls in love with a man in a portrait. When the thunder booms and the lightning cracks, she finds herself back at the period of that portrait, face to face with the man of her dreams.
When the trope is as tried and true as this one, whether a particular variation of it stands out from the crowd lies with the execution – because we know how it’s going to end. Somehow there’s going to be an HEA, whether in the past or the present. Or it’s going to be a tragedy, but romance writers generally don’t go there. Readers love their HEAs after all.
Although the beginning of this one reminded me particularly of Timeless Desire by Gwyn Cready, in the end it mostly recalled The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl by Gina Lamm. Both of those stories were a lot of fun, and The Girl Who Stepped Into the Past is as well.
Jane Edwards doesn’t merely find herself in the Regency period that she has studied long and hard as part of her research for her own series of historical romance novels, she finds herself standing over a dead body in the middle of a unsolved murder. A murder that was never solved, so she does not have any future knowledge about who done it.
In an era where circumstantial evidence ruled, her position is rather damning. The Earl of Camden, the man that Jane has fallen for via his portrait, is certain that Jane must have just killed his sister. Jane has her work cut out for her, not only proving her innocence but also explaining her sudden presence in the middle of the English countryside.
Jane turns out to be more than up to the task. But involving herself in the life and household of James Sullivan, Earl of Camden, causes her no end of problems, as one might expect. The two bond over their investigation into his sister’s death, in spite of Jane’s rather unconventional appearance and manners.
Jane begins to realize that James is the man she has been looking for all of her life. But falling in love has its own risks. Will he believe her strange story? Is he willing to be shunned by society to marry a woman who at best seems to be an American adventuress? And is Jane willing to give up the safety, convenience, freedom and loneliness of the 21st century for life with the man she loves in a world that will otherwise never accept her?
And will solving the murder change history too much to make any of their wishes even remotely possible?
Escape Rating B: This is a fun little story. I enjoyed reading it but it doesn’t rise above some of the truly great time travel stories like Outlander and The Jane Austen Project. And there are plenty of nods to Jane Austen herself in this story.
Jane Edwards, our heroine, is a lucky woman. By the time she tells him, James manages to believe her story, as outlandish as it seems. He believes, perhaps, just a bit too easily. I considered it all part of the handwavium of time travel and didn’t let it bother me too much.
Jane does have an awfully easy time figuring out who killed James’ sister. To the point where the reader may be surprised that she was a Regency romance author and not a mystery author! But it is all in good fun, at least fun for anyone not the victim or the perpetrator.
The heart of the story is the romance between Jane and James. While they fall in love rather quickly, the dilemma they face is the one that tears at the heart. She might be able to go back. It will be difficult for a 21st century woman to live with the restrictions imposed on women in the 19th century. If she stays so they can marry, James will be shunned by his peers for the rest of his life, and that shunning may also fall on any children they have. They have to be willing to give up a great deal in order to be together. What we feel for, in the end, is the internal conflict they each have to resolve and their ultimate willingness to be all to each other, and to hell with what the rest of the world thinks.
And that’s a hard thing to do under any circumstances, time travel or no time travel. By the time they reach that ultimate decision, we are right there with them.
June 5, 2018
Jane Edwards is an American visiting the UK and is taking a train from London to Cloverfield. There, she plans to visit Summervale House which is described as a true English manor. As the author of historical romance novels, Jane wants to do some research for some novels before returning to London. She has broken off her engagement to Geoffrey because he does not support her with her writing.
After checking into her hotel, Jane walks to Summervale House and takes the tour. Totally enchanted by the House, she notices a portrait of a lovely woman, Lady Tatiana, the sister of the tenth Earl of Camden. It was noted that she was murdered just a year after the painting was completed and the villain was never found. Jane soon finds a portrait of the Earl himself, a very handsome man.
As Jane continues the tour, a lightning storm catches her outside and transports her back to the year 1818. She stumbles over the body of Tatiana and the Earl steps forward to subdue Jane thinking she is the murderer. Jane is locked in a bedchamber and the next day is questioned by the Earl. She explains to him that she is seeking a position. But when they discover the body of Tatiana’s maid, Jane is once again locked in her room. When it is determined that Jane is innocent, the Earl hires her to be a maid.
Soon, Jane and the Earl join forces to find the murderer and in doing so, an attraction sparks between them. Can it go anywhere if they are from different eras?
This is a good book and I found it to be a fun read. The author did a good job of making the “transition” from present day to the past. The angst that both Jane and the Earl feel about the time difference between them is quite thought provoking. I think readers will enjoy this story.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.
After checking into her hotel, Jane walks to Summervale House and takes the tour. Totally enchanted by the House, she notices a portrait of a lovely woman, Lady Tatiana, the sister of the tenth Earl of Camden. It was noted that she was murdered just a year after the painting was completed and the villain was never found. Jane soon finds a portrait of the Earl himself, a very handsome man.
As Jane continues the tour, a lightning storm catches her outside and transports her back to the year 1818. She stumbles over the body of Tatiana and the Earl steps forward to subdue Jane thinking she is the murderer. Jane is locked in a bedchamber and the next day is questioned by the Earl. She explains to him that she is seeking a position. But when they discover the body of Tatiana’s maid, Jane is once again locked in her room. When it is determined that Jane is innocent, the Earl hires her to be a maid.
Soon, Jane and the Earl join forces to find the murderer and in doing so, an attraction sparks between them. Can it go anywhere if they are from different eras?
This is a good book and I found it to be a fun read. The author did a good job of making the “transition” from present day to the past. The angst that both Jane and the Earl feel about the time difference between them is quite thought provoking. I think readers will enjoy this story.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.
June 7, 2018
The Girl Who Stepped into the Past by Sophie Barnes combines romance with time travel and mystery. After breaking her engagement after one fight too many with the fiance, Jane Edwards travels to England on a research trip. When she is mysteriously transported two hundred years to the past, she doesn’t expect to be accused of murdering the Earl of Camden’s sister. Nor does she expect to become an integral part of the investigation. Then there is her attraction to James Sullivan, Earl of Camden. In the end, she needs to decide whether remaining in the past for love is worth more than returning to her own time.
Time travel romances is always a fun premise and there is definitely an almost tongue-in-cheek quality to this. Ms. Barnes makes it clear from the start that Jane disappearing into the past won’t cause a huge ripple in the present. She’s barely making ends meet and her engagement has just ended. She thinks quick on her feet and that works for her when she is thrust into this new situation. It certainly helps that she has researched the time period to which she travels, since that means she knows what to expect and has at the least, an idea of how to act.
The romance between Jane and James works nicely and doesn’t feel too forced. The mystery takes precedence as well as the family machinations. Overall, this works nicely as a time travel romance. If you’re a fan of that trope, you’ll certainly enjoy this one.
4 stars
Time travel romances is always a fun premise and there is definitely an almost tongue-in-cheek quality to this. Ms. Barnes makes it clear from the start that Jane disappearing into the past won’t cause a huge ripple in the present. She’s barely making ends meet and her engagement has just ended. She thinks quick on her feet and that works for her when she is thrust into this new situation. It certainly helps that she has researched the time period to which she travels, since that means she knows what to expect and has at the least, an idea of how to act.
The romance between Jane and James works nicely and doesn’t feel too forced. The mystery takes precedence as well as the family machinations. Overall, this works nicely as a time travel romance. If you’re a fan of that trope, you’ll certainly enjoy this one.
4 stars
June 3, 2018
The Girl Who Stepped into the Past by Sophie Barnes is the story of Jane Edwards and James Sullivan, Earl of Camden.
Jane is a Historical Romance Writer that just broke up with her boyfriend, Geoffrey. Geoffrey was not supportive of her writing and Jane took the stand for her writing. So she went to England to visit a historical Manor Summervale House, near Cloverfield. There she thought would be a good inspirational manor for her writing. While touring the manor she came across Lord Camden and his sister Tatiana portraits. Jane was drawn to Lord Camden's portrait even though he was long since past. When touring the outside it soundly started to storm while running to get to shelter she trip on the body of Tatiana and was found by Lord Camden. Started by what was going on she was quick to realize she must have somehow travel back in time. James is thinks at first that Jane might have something to do with his sister's death. Since she was over his sister's body but the more he started to know about Jane the more he started to think something else.
This just a very exciting story to read!! I loved the mystery, the love story and the time traveling part! This book is impossible to put down! Loved it!
Jane is a Historical Romance Writer that just broke up with her boyfriend, Geoffrey. Geoffrey was not supportive of her writing and Jane took the stand for her writing. So she went to England to visit a historical Manor Summervale House, near Cloverfield. There she thought would be a good inspirational manor for her writing. While touring the manor she came across Lord Camden and his sister Tatiana portraits. Jane was drawn to Lord Camden's portrait even though he was long since past. When touring the outside it soundly started to storm while running to get to shelter she trip on the body of Tatiana and was found by Lord Camden. Started by what was going on she was quick to realize she must have somehow travel back in time. James is thinks at first that Jane might have something to do with his sister's death. Since she was over his sister's body but the more he started to know about Jane the more he started to think something else.
This just a very exciting story to read!! I loved the mystery, the love story and the time traveling part! This book is impossible to put down! Loved it!
January 19, 2019
First thing, I am a little confused about when this is supposed to take place. Jane mentions that it’s almost been 200 years since the Earl, James Sullivan, died. Yet that would make it Regency, so the bulk of the book must have taken place pre 1800. Just put a date in there, people!
Apart from that, I found the story to be a fun bit of chewing gum for the brain. It was entertaining, and I didn’t hate the characters. There were enough suspects that a couple of red herrings were thrown about, but for all that, the resolution was satisfactory.
It was your run of the mill time travel historical romance, with an independent woman who has no reticence in pointing out the hypocrisy of the way wealthy men treat women compared to how careful and restrained a wealthy woman must act around men of any status.
2.5 stars 🌟
Apart from that, I found the story to be a fun bit of chewing gum for the brain. It was entertaining, and I didn’t hate the characters. There were enough suspects that a couple of red herrings were thrown about, but for all that, the resolution was satisfactory.
It was your run of the mill time travel historical romance, with an independent woman who has no reticence in pointing out the hypocrisy of the way wealthy men treat women compared to how careful and restrained a wealthy woman must act around men of any status.
2.5 stars 🌟
May 20, 2018
*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the ARC I received from IndieSage PR*
I love reading about time travel and a romance between such different individuals. This was a really good read, engaging with a fast pace that kept me interested. The romance was pretty good as well, depending a lot on the special connection they feel for one another. The chemistry was pretty hot, and it's always fun to read about the regency area where you can't flash a leg without a scandal being born, so imagine a strong-willed New Yorker having to deal with that. Fun times!
Story-wise, I thought it was entertaining. Trying to do detective work is fun, and I just thought it was a good combination of romance, mystery and suspense.
I love reading about time travel and a romance between such different individuals. This was a really good read, engaging with a fast pace that kept me interested. The romance was pretty good as well, depending a lot on the special connection they feel for one another. The chemistry was pretty hot, and it's always fun to read about the regency area where you can't flash a leg without a scandal being born, so imagine a strong-willed New Yorker having to deal with that. Fun times!
Story-wise, I thought it was entertaining. Trying to do detective work is fun, and I just thought it was a good combination of romance, mystery and suspense.
July 7, 2018
A wonderful read with a few twists and turns. Janes broke up with her fiancé and head to England for some research on her new Regency Novel. As she was touring the mansions gardens a high storm was passing bye and when lightning struck she was somehow pushed through a time portal to 200 years in the past and stumbles upon a murder.
When James the Earl of Camden hears a scream, he comes running and sees a stranger woman standing over his dead sisters body. He accuses Jane of the dastardly dead and has her locked in one of his rooms. Janes not only doesn’t understand how she was transported back it time but also accused of murdering the Earls sister.
A great fast paste read with some twists a turns, and a shocking killer found out. You will enjoy this book!
When James the Earl of Camden hears a scream, he comes running and sees a stranger woman standing over his dead sisters body. He accuses Jane of the dastardly dead and has her locked in one of his rooms. Janes not only doesn’t understand how she was transported back it time but also accused of murdering the Earls sister.
A great fast paste read with some twists a turns, and a shocking killer found out. You will enjoy this book!
March 25, 2019
Enjoyed this book
0 the story the girl who stepped into the past was fairly fast-moving, and quite enjoyable. It was not one of the best books I have ever read, but I do think it was worth reading. I am taking a star off because there were number of mistakes in grammar, spelling and words appropriate for the time which a good editor might be able to take care of quickly. It's really hard to tell how Jane actually managed to step into the past but then this is not what you would call hard science fiction. It is a bit light and yet exciting. I can't say I couldn't put it down, but I did finish it in the course of a busy day. I do look forward to reading other books by this author.
0 the story the girl who stepped into the past was fairly fast-moving, and quite enjoyable. It was not one of the best books I have ever read, but I do think it was worth reading. I am taking a star off because there were number of mistakes in grammar, spelling and words appropriate for the time which a good editor might be able to take care of quickly. It's really hard to tell how Jane actually managed to step into the past but then this is not what you would call hard science fiction. It is a bit light and yet exciting. I can't say I couldn't put it down, but I did finish it in the course of a busy day. I do look forward to reading other books by this author.
January 24, 2023
Jane Edwards left her fiancé to go on her dream trip to England, but she didn't expect to also leave her time period - or immediately stumble across a murder in the 19th century. James Sullivan, Earl of Camden, thinks he has found his sister's murderer. But this strange woman might prove to be someone else entirely - someone who might steal his heart.
I wasn't going to write a proper review for this book, since I've been doing a lot of them lately, but I loved it so much and figured it deserved the full write-up. I should have realised that Regency romance, time travel and murder mystery would be a winning combo! And it's not too long, so it's a quick, enjoyable read that doesn't overstay its welcome. Definitely one of my recent favourites.
I wasn't going to write a proper review for this book, since I've been doing a lot of them lately, but I loved it so much and figured it deserved the full write-up. I should have realised that Regency romance, time travel and murder mystery would be a winning combo! And it's not too long, so it's a quick, enjoyable read that doesn't overstay its welcome. Definitely one of my recent favourites.
June 10, 2018
I do love a time travel romance, I've frequently daydreamed about finding myself in a similar situation to Jane- maybe minus the murder!
I liked James and Jane's relationship, although it did seem at times that he wasn't quite as upset over his sister's murder as you'd expect. The whodunit element of the book was intriguing and kept me guessing! Overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable and easy read.
I liked James and Jane's relationship, although it did seem at times that he wasn't quite as upset over his sister's murder as you'd expect. The whodunit element of the book was intriguing and kept me guessing! Overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable and easy read.
July 23, 2018
O livro começou tão bem e com altas vibes de filme romcom de sessão da tarde + shoujos envolvendo água em que protagonistas voltam no tempo, eu tinha CERTEZA QUE AMARIA ESTE LIVRO! Porém, em algum momento ele começou a ficar chato e achei o final muito esquisito?
Eu sei que a plot é super fantasia, mas ainda achei estranho.
Queria TANTO ter gostado de "The Girl Who Stepped Into The Past"... T.T
Eu sei que a plot é super fantasia, mas ainda achei estranho.
Queria TANTO ter gostado de "The Girl Who Stepped Into The Past"... T.T
May 6, 2020
Charming & Adventurous 5+*
A very enjoyable time travel romance with suspense and a mystery to solve. Jane Edwards a Regency Romance writer steps back in time two hundred years right onto a murder victim. After the discovery of a second victim, Jane works with James the Earl of Camden to uncover the murderer. Follow along while excitement and intrigue guides their every step. Definitely need more time travel tales like this one.
A very enjoyable time travel romance with suspense and a mystery to solve. Jane Edwards a Regency Romance writer steps back in time two hundred years right onto a murder victim. After the discovery of a second victim, Jane works with James the Earl of Camden to uncover the murderer. Follow along while excitement and intrigue guides their every step. Definitely need more time travel tales like this one.
January 4, 2022
Nice time travel with mystery
Nice story about a woman who travels back in time and helps solve a mystery. Jane is a writer who has broken up with her fiancé and she travels to England since she writes regency romance novels. She ends up traveling back through time. Very good story.
Nice story about a woman who travels back in time and helps solve a mystery. Jane is a writer who has broken up with her fiancé and she travels to England since she writes regency romance novels. She ends up traveling back through time. Very good story.
June 10, 2018
The Girl Who Stepped Into The Past By Sophie Barnes
Jane and James, this was five stars plus story...It has it all mystery, love, sensually, murder all the drama into one...She is a dam good author, and knows how a good storyline goes..I will read her again and agine
Jane and James, this was five stars plus story...It has it all mystery, love, sensually, murder all the drama into one...She is a dam good author, and knows how a good storyline goes..I will read her again and agine
June 13, 2018
An awesome book. Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 2, 2018
Excellent and intriguing
I loved the mystery and how intriguing- kept me guessing the whole time about the murder. I loved how Jane’s character unraveled as she got to understand herself and give in to her destiny.
I loved the mystery and how intriguing- kept me guessing the whole time about the murder. I loved how Jane’s character unraveled as she got to understand herself and give in to her destiny.
August 31, 2020
Jane is a modern woman and James, Earl of Camden, is a man from the past. This is one of those stories you think you have figured out when the story takes a left turn and goes in a different direction. Good story.
March 5, 2021
One of my all time favorite books!
I loved both Jane and the Earl of Camden characters, but Camden really won my heart, trying not to show how vulnerable and sad he is after the murder of his sister.
I only with this book was part of a series, as I really enjoy time-traveling stories.
I loved both Jane and the Earl of Camden characters, but Camden really won my heart, trying not to show how vulnerable and sad he is after the murder of his sister.
I only with this book was part of a series, as I really enjoy time-traveling stories.
February 10, 2019
First disappointment
This story is my first disappointment with this author. The plot was interesting but the writing was immature.
Read in KU
This story is my first disappointment with this author. The plot was interesting but the writing was immature.
Read in KU
March 30, 2019
very good with a mystery to make it different than just the normal time travel HEA
March 31, 2019
Outstanding
This book was outstanding. I would like to read more about Jane and her new life. Very good mystery. Would love to see the estate.
This book was outstanding. I would like to read more about Jane and her new life. Very good mystery. Would love to see the estate.
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