What would you do if you finally found Mr. Right…in the wrong time?
Maddie Palmer is done with dating. Internet matchmaking landed her one dud after another. Tired, frustrated, and finished with love, Maddie stays the night at a quirky Victorian bed and breakfast on the eve of her grandparents’ sixty-fifth wedding anniversary. When she suddenly wakes up in 1956, she gets the unexpected chance to witness her grandparents’ fairy tale love unfold and finally learn the secret to finding “the one.” But what is she going to do when she meets her own Mr. Right—only to discover he’s Mr. Wrong Time?
Nathanial Hall is set on one mission. Pass his training exam and join the Hurricane Hunters at Keesler Air Force Base. When he mysteriously finds himself on base sixty-five years too early, there can only be one explanation. He has to save the crew destined to die in Hurricane Flossy. But when a beautiful singer snags his heart and derails his carefully planned life, he has to decide if staying in the past is worth risking his entire future.
★This fun, faith-filled series of short novels takes readers on romantic adventures throughout time and can be read in any order.
Stephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.
Are you in a reading rut? Willing to shake things up a bit? Suspend logic and open your mind to a whole lot of what-ifs? Might I suggest embarking on a time travel adventure with Stephenia H. McGee as your guide?!
Seriously fun. Quirky. Unusual. A sense of magic mixed with realism that makes time travel seem completely plausible. And to the 1950s! I felt like I'd landed in the middle of a Doris Day movie.
And the way the author pulls this heroine and her hero into the setting -- neither realizing the other is from the future too...well, it's mind blowing amazing, that's what. It was so much fun spotting the little 'future tells' one or the other would let slip and then I was on tenterhooks waiting to find out who was going to figure it out first. So, this isn't really a doomed romance...they just think it is! :-)
There's plenty of action and drama and even some heart-in-throat moments along with some lovely swoony ones! All tied up in an enduring love story. I'm a tad shy of giddy over this literary discovery!
I listened to the audible edition narrated by Bryn Austin which made this time travel adventure all the more fun!
When I came across the book, "Falling for the Fifties" by Stephenia McGee, I thought, "What a cool concept!" The story sounded like fun. The synopsis states that the story is fun, faith-filled and has romantic adventure, so I was totally in for the read. Imagine traveling back in time to find "the one" because it is just not happening in the current time period. But then you'd want to return to the current era afterwards, right? You'd be leaving behind family, friends, your possessions.....everyone and everything you hold dear. Will you be able to return with your true love? Can finding him and staying with him be reality, and not just a fantasy?
Online dating has been successful for Maddie Palmer's roommates, so she decides to give it a try. I like how the story begins with a wack date, that is also creepy, so we can get a glimpse of what her situation is looking like. When that date is over, Maddie calls her online dating escapade a wrap, and speaks with her grandmother, who calls her on the phone. Her grandparents will be celebrating their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary the next day. Maddie is excited to celebrate with them. Her grandmother asks her about her date. When she hears that it was a flop, she invites Maddie over for the evening, so they can spend time together before celebrating the next day. Maddie goes home, packs a travel case, and decides to Google search a hotel, because it's a long drive to her grandparent's house. She'd be arriving at midnight. Maddie comes across a mysterious Victorian style motel called "The Depot" with the slogan (Step back "inn" time and leave your troubles behind.)
Maddie is launched into 1956, the year her grandparents met. She always told her grandparents that she wanted to witness how they met and fell in love. Will Maddie see to it that the younger versions of her grandparents meet, and everything unfolds as she's been told? She doesn't want to accidentally reverse what happened in the past. There are some "ohmygosh moments" and "edge-of-your-seat moments." I enjoyed all of them. The suspense had me wondering what would happen next. I didn't think the story was predictable. The time travel is fun and nerve-racking at the same time for the main characters, especially when Maddie meets Nathaniel, who seems to be a keeper. Will Maddie be able to see the special moment her grandparents fall in love, and find love for herself at the same time? Maddie wonders if Nathaniel is from 1956, or if he experienced time travel as well. If she can take him back with her to the current era, she is not trying to end up with a man the age of her grandfather. There is a point when Nathaniel starts to wonder if Maddie also experienced time travel.
I had fun in 1956. The vintage experience was cool in this story. Oldies music playing from classic automobiles, retro fashion, pin curl and victory roll hairstyles, singing and dancing. The different pace of life was refreshing. It was also interesting reading about the Hurricane Hunters who flew into the eye of Hurricane Flossy in 1956. This ties in with the plot, and surrounds Nathaniel Hall. *does romantic sigh*
Read this book! It's so much fun! While reading, I actually thought this story would make a great play. I envisioned the characters as actors and actresses. The romance is so sweet! The experiences and lessons that the characters learn are impactful. The faith element will resonate with you as you read. There are three books in this series. You can read them in any order, because each book reads as a standalone. Go back in time with these characters! You will get some good laughs, and you will be rooting for them, while hoping for the best.
"Remember, God works all things according to His plan."
I thoroughly enjoyed A Wagon Train Weekend and could not wait for another visit to The Depot B&B. This series has all the things I love – magical realism, romance, great kisses, great characters, fun settings – and Falling for the Fifties continues the enjoyment!
In the first book, Collette & Seth get zapped back in time to the Oregon Trail together so they are able to help each other adjust to all the things, which worked perfectly for the greater story McGee was telling in that book. In Falling for the Fifties, Maddie & Nathaniel are sent to 1956 at the same time too, and from the same place, but the twist in this novel is that they had never met in the present. So when they meet up in the fifties, they have no idea that the other is going through the same ‘what the heck is going on’ experiences. To say I LOVED THIS TWIST is putting it mildly. It added layers to their greater story that I wouldn’t have imagined otherwise, and I spent the majority of the novel on the edge of my seat waiting for one of them to figure it out. (Me: Hum that song a little longer, Nathaniel – you’ve almost got it! lol)
The complexities of why Maddie and Nathaniel are each transported back in time to 1956 serve as some of those marvelous layers I mentioned above. Added to their instant chemistry, their shared songs at the dance, the way they seem exactly made for each other, their kisses (swoon!), it all just makes their love story so enjoyable to root for. Knowing things as a reader that they don’t know as characters sharpened that entertainment value even more.
Bottom Line: Falling for the Fifties by Stephenia H. McGee is everything I want in a time travel novel! On its pages you’ll find so much to love – history, humor, romance, faith, hope, adventure, magical realism, and the breathlessness of a story well told. Engaging characters and a multi-dimensional plot strengthen it even further, and the way McGee ties all of these layers together brought pure enjoyment to my reader heart and a smile to my face. I cannot wait for book 3, and I for one would love for the series to continue beyond that. So many stories that could be told – oh the possibilities!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
This second in The Back Inn Time Series was a fun read. The vast majority of this time travel tale is spent in 1956. Maddie and Nathaniel don't know each other in the current day, but meet in 1956 after both being shocked to find themselves transported back in time. Maddie has the blessing of connecting with her grandmother and then worries that her visit to the past will prevent her grandparents from falling in love and marrying.
I loved how music played an integral part in the novel and learning a bit about hurricane hunters in the 50s. The book cover is adorable. I look forward to the next in this series.
I love the "what if" idea of traveling back in time, and Stephenia H McGee does it so well in her Back Inn Time series. Falling for the Fifties is a delightful visit to the past where Maddie Palmer gets to witness her grandparent's fairytale romance unfold. Maddie also meets a wonderful guy, Nathanial Hall, in the past and he's very refreshing after her present-day online dating mishaps.
Author Stephenia H. McGee uses humor, faith, and characters with integrity who learn what is truly important during their time travel adventures.
I highly recommend this fun clean romance and adventure! I can't wait for the next one! Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy, all opinions are my own.
On a personal note, I am reading this after my sweet mom's passing, and she loved pepperoni and pineapple pizzas too!
Falling for the Fifties was such a fun read! I've been in a reading slump with little desire to read and this book was one that I actually wanted to continuously read.
I loved the characters and setting. It was fascinating to read a time travel story like this - I just loved it!
All in all, Falling for the Fifties was even better than the first book in this series and I cannot wait to read the next one. I recommend it.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Falling For The Fifties by Stephenia McGee is the most delightful dual timeline story. It is the second book in the Back Inn Time series but can be read as a stand-alone. Once again Stephenia McGee has created a wonderful set of characters who will warm your heart. Love and friendship reach beyond the pages to envelop the reader, wrapping us in a virtual hug. We see how worrying adds nothing to our lives. We must do what we can and trust God to do what we can’t. God is always with us and we can reach Him through prayer. The leading lady believes in love at first sight as her grandparent’s sixty five year old marriage proves. She longs to know their secret and wishes she had been there when they met. Should we re-visit the past? Only if there are lessons to be learnt or actions we can take. I am loving this Back Inn Time series. The stories are absolutely charming. I cannot wait to read more. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I listened to the audiobook and loved that the narrator brought this book to life. The more she put excitement into her voice the more excited I got. Falling back to the fifties from the modern times has been fun. I loved that Maddie wanted to stay back in time just to see her grandma and grandpa fall in love. Nathanial (Nate) also had a purpose to stay back in the fifties. Was he there to save people from dying from the hurricane that he knew was coming? Well I just loved the characters and how sweet Maddie and Nate’s romance was. This has been an inspiring and faith filled story. I smiled more than once during listening. I can just imagine going back in time to see some of my kinfolk, it might be fun, for a few days. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this more than the first one in the series, but it’s still just an average read. Because they are so short, the plots are very rushed. But, the brevity is also what will probably cause me to listen to the whole series. They are quick and easy to listen to. This allowed me to add one more completed book to my 2024 reads.
Falling for the Fifties was a quick read. I read it all in one sitting. I will be going back to read the first book in the series. Yes the second one was that good!
I absolutely loved this book! The wisdom in it, the “when will they find out they’re both in the past”, the romance and quick love. The reminder that love is a choice, so you choose who you want to spend your life with, and then you work at it every day.
What a lovely book and I can’t wait to dig in to the next!
I definitely fell for this book! Maddie and Nate are so sweet together. The author did a wonderful job bringing one of my favorite time periods to life. This series is a fun escape filled with faith and adventure. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator is perfect for this series.
History, Time-Travel, Mystery, & Heroinism - GREAT STORY.
I put off getting this book in the series, and then even put off reading it, but that was a mistake. Both Maddie Palmer and Nathanial Hall were classy characters. Maddie was raised mainly by her grandparents. She absolutely loves them and grew up cherishing their love story. She contrasts her lousy dating history with her grandparents romantic and idolized love story. After a going nowhere internet date, she calls her Nana and decides to travel to her Grandparents in order to be a part of their anniversary celebration. She arranges an overnight at an interesting Victorian inn called The Depot. The advertisement even said, “Join us for The Depot’s anniversary weekend and get your room 75% off.”
We meet Nathan Hall as he is studying at The Depot about weather reconnaissance and 1956 Hurricane Flossy. He is slated to sit for a key exam the next day, which could mean he makes it into the Hurricane Hunters. In the midst of his study, Mrs. Easley stops by to tell him there will be a new guest arriving very late and to not be surprised about any noise he may hear. The late guest turns out to be Maddie and immediately I’m hooked as the intrigue begins for Maggie & Nathan and the reader.
This book had it all, real emotion, real care, honest people who even looked to honor God in their actions. The fifties vibe was authentic and genuine. I enjoyed the episode when Maddie and Nathan filled in for music at the G.I. club; her on piano, Nathan guitar, and both singing. The book also showed healthy relationship building, via Maddie and Nathan’s interaction and the budding relationship of Maddie’s Grandmother (who coincidentally becomes her 1950’s roommate) and the Navy Pilot who becomes her Grandfather.
When Nathan chooses & is allowed to join the team flying toward the hurricane, he does so in hopes of discovering something that will save the men he knows will die - true altruism. His decision adds a level of gravitas to the characters in the Back Inn Time series. This whole vignette was full of suspense. Then shortly after this event, the story marches to a close.
The Character development, the Plot, the Setting, and the Themes were just superb. I loved every minute of reading this book. I have no reservations in recommending this book.
Having the right narrator is SO important when it comes to audiobooks and I know that Bryn Austin has done several others for Stephenia H McGee in the past, so I was already confident going in that it would be well done. I am absolutely loving this series so far and can't wait to continue with it. I'm not a huge time travel reader, but McGee's books are not only an exception for me, but included in my must-read list. Knowing that the author loves history and seeing how that plays out in anything she writes regardless of the time period on display, draws me even deeper into the stories she creates. I truly enjoyed this read. I liked that Maddie and Nathanial learned some real, thought-provoking life lessons as they witnessed a love story unfold in an unfamiliar era. Yet despite the change in date, the lessons learned are timeless. Without spoiling, some of the time travel aspects differed in this read from the previous one in the series, however considering they are stand-alone stories it's not something that needs to throw the reader off. I like that this series makes me think and that there are nonfiction lessons wrapped up in an enjoyable fictional read. I highly recommend this series and I already am waiting impatiently for the next one to release.
*I recieved an audible code for this book from By the Vine Press. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Maddie and Nathanial who are both staying at an old Victorian Inn wake up and find themselves back in the year 1956. Nathanial is in the Air Force and is trying to pass his training exams so he can fly with the Hurricane Hunters and Maddie is in town staying at the inn on the eve of her grandparents' sixty-fifth wedding anniversary. When they both meet in the year 1956, they do not know each has come from the same year in the future. Maddie who is tired of meeting "Mr Wrong" realizes quickly that she has met "Mr Right" in the wrong time period. Nathanial whose dream is to fly with the Hurricane Hunters in current times, has the opportunity to fly with a team destined to die in Hurricane Flossy in 1956.
Falling for the Fifties was a quick enjoyable read. The story kept me wondering how Maddie and Nathanial would find their way back to modern times. I enjoyed how Maddie was able to experience her grandparents' romance first hand and how she was able to bond with her grandmother as a young adult. How many of us would love to do that? This reader would.
With Falling for the Fifties, Book 2 of the Back Inn Time series, storyteller extraordinaire Stephenia McGee invites you to once again “step back inn time and leave your troubles behind.” This time with the help of the charming Mrs. Easley at The Depot, a mysterious seaside Victorian Inn; you, Maddie, and Nate are transported back in time to 1956 Mississippi. Can a trip into the past heal past hurts, change present perceptions, and create a happy future for Nate and Maddie? This short, fun story infused with inspiring spiritual truths and featuring a beautifully executed time travel plot is captivating and entertaining. The characters are likable and engaging. The romance is sweet. Vivid descriptions of the era add credibility and interest to the story. If you are looking for an easy-to-read, uplifting story that will make you smile, try this one! I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Another trip to The Depot. Maddie Palmer is upset as another internet date has failed. She just wants a love like her grandparents; whom she has to attend their anniversary dinner tomorrow. Maddie calls her grandmother and decides to come down early for the party so she can talk to her. Finding a great deal at a bed and breakfast called The Depot promising to step back inn time and leave your troubles behind. Maddie decides to go ahead and stay there. Nathanial Hall is studying for an Air Force exam. He wants to become a weather recon pilot. Mrs. Easley is the eccentric inn keeper. But she's more than that. She knows that her inn is magic and helps those that stay connect with the past and what they need. Come along on the trip with Maddie and Nathanial as they find themselves, family and love. I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Goodness, what a fun story! I love how author Stephenia McGee weaves history into a “what if” tale.
A time travel plot that is well told and well researched, Falling for the Fifties has great characters that you will fall in love with. Nate and Maddie learn to trust God with their lives when they find themselves transported to the past. They are both caring individuals who want what’s best. And Maddie’s grandparents are so sweet. You’ll enjoy the secondary characters as well.
This story will make you smile, you may cry, you’ll feel it all and love every minute of it. If you enjoy time slips, Christian historical romance, and good clean romance, then you have to read Falling for the Fifties.
I listened to the audio of this book and loved it. The narrator did a great job of voices, highs and lows, volume, suspense, excitement, it was all there!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Maddie is done with Internet dating and has given up on love. Nate is an Air Force captain whose ultimate goal in life is to become a member of the legendary Hurricane Hunters and has no intention of falling in love. Mrs. Easley and the Depot, however have other ideas. Both find themselves transported to 1956, just one week before a hurricane blows in, a hurricane that is destined to kill the Hurricane Hunters. When Nate realizes this, he decides that God has sent him back in time to save the crews lives, so I loved the Quantum Leap vibe. Meanwhile, Maddie, who has grown up on stories of how her grandparents met and fell in love, witnesses it first hand. When Nate and Maddie meet, there is an instant attraction and sparks fly. Will Maddie find love after all? Will Nate be able to save the Hurricane Hunters? Most importantly, will they make it back to their own time?
While the idea of time travel is not much explored in Christian fiction, most of us find it intriguing to imagine. Authors are intrigued by the “what if” question and McGee has ventured into that realm with this delightful–if improbable–story. Since one purpose of fiction is to shed light on coping with our common struggles, we can indulge in a bit of fantasy to discover ways to face the future. Maddie Palmer & Nathanial Hall meet when they take rooms at The Depot —50 years ago. In this fun, time travel adventure, Maddie’s new roommate is her own grandmother, and Nate meets a Navy officer who knew his father. It gives the younger people appreciation for life before their time. As the author explains, this is purely imaginary, but how many of us would love to go back in time and see our forebears when they were younger?
Falling For the Fifties is Stephenia H. McGee second book in the Back Inn Time series. It is a fast read and is a stand-alone novel. Nate and Maddie both stay at The Depot unknowing at the same time. They are both taken back to the fifties and meet each other. They each think the other one belongs in the fifties and wish there was someone like them in their own time. I loved the spiritual truths found in the story. I found myself reading excerpts of the truths to my husband.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This is Maddie and Nate’s story. It is a stand-alone book in this series. I am loving this series. Each story is very different therefore holding my attention and wanting to read the next in the series. It is very funny how both of them come to the Inn and how both of them wind up in the 1950’s. It is full of humor and adventure. This is a story I had trouble putting down. The author kept my attention until the end. Cant wait for book 3
This story was a cute, short, and fun read. I really liked the main characters and it was nice to be able to read the whole story in a day, even with other things going on. The characters were super adorable and the story was a lot of fun. I wish the two main characters had been more honest with each other sooner, but that’s my only real complaint with the storyline. It was a lot of fun and a cute read.
This book was delightful, especially if you enjoy romance with a more intriguing plot. I docked it a star only because I like following Jesus more overtly. The writing was sparkling, and the author does the best job I've read of portraying a kiss or even physical proximity in a way that eases you into the protagonist's romantic shoes without even a hint of line crossing. Cuddos, Stephanie H. McGee!
Loved this time travel story. Stephenia McGee is certainly a very talented author. Not to say that time travel is possible. It is fiction after all. But if it were possible, this is a beautiful story. I can hardly wait to see what comes next. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Stephenia H McGee is on a roll with her “Back In Time”series. Falling For The Fifties is a charming and whimsical story that places two people destined to meet.. but only in another time. Two unwilling time travelers; will they mess up the future with their presence in the past? A very sweet story filled with “what if” questions. Loved the ending.
I loved this book so much! The tag line caught my eye and I knew that I had to read it! I immediately loved Maddie and Nate! I couldn’t put this book down, I loved it that much! I can’t wait for the next book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
This was indeed the best series I’ve read to date! How wonderful it would be to see this on tv hear their voices as they sang and how they prayed! Pure Flix is a Christian based tv we watch and this these would fit perfectly. Enjoyed your writing style and plots! Will continue to save you as a favorite author! Thanks!