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A Once and Future Love
Distraught over his wife's death, Richard Lambert travels to England to visit his ancestral home and, through an accident, is transported back to medieval times and into the body of his warrior ancestor, whose wife recalls him to love. Original.
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 1998
About the author
Anne Kelleher
34 books123 followersBorn and raised at the South Jersey shore, Anne holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University in Medieval Studies and has studied English language and literature at the University of Connecticut and Storytelling and Oral Traditions at the Institute for Graduate Studies. The mother of four, Anne now resides in Connecticut and Hawaii. Find out more at www.annekelleher.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 19, 2015
Somewhere between a 2 and a 3 I guess.
Overall ok, but many things annoyed. Interesting that in this time travel, its the hero that goes into the past, not the heroine. So points for that.
Unfortunately, he turned out to be too accepting of all the politics, intrigue and all that was going on back around the year 1214.
I did like the weaving in of history of the Magna Carta. That stuff just interests me.
Most annoying though was the actions of the heroine towards the end where she tells the sister in law of her husbands enemy something very incriminating and dangerous. She just blabbles about something that in those times could be deadly. Considering she had knowledge of many things going then and seemed pretty smart, it just seemed totally out of character and just so stupid.
I also wasn't overly enamored with the end. The author notes state that the ending was changed from its original published state. I have never read this book before, so I have no clue what changed. It just didn't leave me in the best place I guess.
Overall ok, but many things annoyed. Interesting that in this time travel, its the hero that goes into the past, not the heroine. So points for that.
Unfortunately, he turned out to be too accepting of all the politics, intrigue and all that was going on back around the year 1214.
I did like the weaving in of history of the Magna Carta. That stuff just interests me.
Most annoying though was the actions of the heroine towards the end where she tells the sister in law of her husbands enemy something very incriminating and dangerous. She just blabbles about something that in those times could be deadly. Considering she had knowledge of many things going then and seemed pretty smart, it just seemed totally out of character and just so stupid.
I also wasn't overly enamored with the end. The author notes state that the ending was changed from its original published state. I have never read this book before, so I have no clue what changed. It just didn't leave me in the best place I guess.
December 13, 2018
En la mayoría de las historias de Time Travel que he leído, es la mujer la que viaja al pasado, así que ha sido una agradable sorpresa ver que en esta, es el hombre el que tiene que lidiar con un tiempo muy distinto en el que, además, por su género se espera de él un papel mucho más activo que de cualquiera de las féminas que aterrizan entre los brazos de un highlander, que al fin y al cabo pueden pasar más desapercibidas puesto que lo que se espera de ellas en esa época es poco menos que callarse y obedecer (de hecho, el problema para ellas suele ser que como mujeres modernas que son no hacen ni lo uno ni lo otro, pero esa es otra cuestión).
En este caso, Richard no tiene más remedio que ponerse las pilas y aprender no solo un idioma del que no sabe más que cuatro palabras, sino también a luchar como un guerrero y a dirigir un feudo en una época en la que el más mínimo error podía desencadenar una guerra o llevarlo a la hoguera. Y un hombre en el medievo tenía muchos más ojos puestos en él que una mujer, así que la presión en su caso es importante.
El Richard pasado era bruto, cruel, sanguinario y odioso. El nuevo Richard es radicalmente opuesto. Se tiene que obligar a sí mismo en ocasiones a mostrarse firme y tratar de intimidar porque la diferencia salta a la vista y lo mete en más de un problema. De todas formas, haber estado a las puertas de la muerte (del infierno, en el caso del malvado antiguo Richard) yo creo que justifica un cambio tan radical como este. Su sorprendida esposa, aunque no es la única en beneficiarse del cambio es quizás quien más lo nota y lo agradece, pues pasa de tener a un hombre atractivo pero odioso a descubrir un amor que parecía imposible en su vida.
Es una historia de segundas oportunidades que me ha gustado mucho. Un claro ejemplo de que a veces no hacen falta tramas retorcidas ni efectistas para hacer pasar un buen rato y sorprender al lector.
En este caso, Richard no tiene más remedio que ponerse las pilas y aprender no solo un idioma del que no sabe más que cuatro palabras, sino también a luchar como un guerrero y a dirigir un feudo en una época en la que el más mínimo error podía desencadenar una guerra o llevarlo a la hoguera. Y un hombre en el medievo tenía muchos más ojos puestos en él que una mujer, así que la presión en su caso es importante.
El Richard pasado era bruto, cruel, sanguinario y odioso. El nuevo Richard es radicalmente opuesto. Se tiene que obligar a sí mismo en ocasiones a mostrarse firme y tratar de intimidar porque la diferencia salta a la vista y lo mete en más de un problema. De todas formas, haber estado a las puertas de la muerte (del infierno, en el caso del malvado antiguo Richard) yo creo que justifica un cambio tan radical como este. Su sorprendida esposa, aunque no es la única en beneficiarse del cambio es quizás quien más lo nota y lo agradece, pues pasa de tener a un hombre atractivo pero odioso a descubrir un amor que parecía imposible en su vida.
Es una historia de segundas oportunidades que me ha gustado mucho. Un claro ejemplo de que a veces no hacen falta tramas retorcidas ni efectistas para hacer pasar un buen rato y sorprender al lector.
March 25, 2018
Wow...this was really good! I love the historical background and the drama; I loved the H/h; and the ending was sweet...it actually brought a tear to my eye (I think it was the left eye).
I want a (second revision - not the first model) Richard of my own! And with the exception of her short-lived doubts regarding Richard, I loved the character of Eleanor as well.
I read the latest revision of the story, but I did find some typos throughout the read. And a discrepancy with the years as far as the 21st century Richard was concerned (The 1943 birth year needs to be changed to a later date)...
Anyway, I still loved this book, and would be interested in reading more of this author's work!
4.5 stars!
I want a (second revision - not the first model) Richard of my own! And with the exception of her short-lived doubts regarding Richard, I loved the character of Eleanor as well.
I read the latest revision of the story, but I did find some typos throughout the read. And a discrepancy with the years as far as the 21st century Richard was concerned (The 1943 birth year needs to be changed to a later date)...
Anyway, I still loved this book, and would be interested in reading more of this author's work!
4.5 stars!
May 23, 2018
3.5 stars.
Enjoyable read though it lacked a certain spark of life that would have elevated it to an incredible book. Richard, our hero, is a widower dealing with the loss of his beloved wife and goes to visit a place on the welsh border that his wife always loved. A fall at the ruins of the church send him back to 1215, into somebody else's body and life. I liked that this time around it was the hero, a rather unconventional hero at his age as well, who travelled back in time. This Richard, so different from the cruel man who had lived before him, has much adapting to do trying to find his way in this world of feuding neighbors, royal treachery and the brink of civil war.
The central concept of the time travel, finding his wife again in another era, is lovely and I like the author's spin on the eternal love. And I always love running into William Marshal as a character. It was a comfortable, pleasant read. I would like to see more from the author.
Enjoyable read though it lacked a certain spark of life that would have elevated it to an incredible book. Richard, our hero, is a widower dealing with the loss of his beloved wife and goes to visit a place on the welsh border that his wife always loved. A fall at the ruins of the church send him back to 1215, into somebody else's body and life. I liked that this time around it was the hero, a rather unconventional hero at his age as well, who travelled back in time. This Richard, so different from the cruel man who had lived before him, has much adapting to do trying to find his way in this world of feuding neighbors, royal treachery and the brink of civil war.
The central concept of the time travel, finding his wife again in another era, is lovely and I like the author's spin on the eternal love. And I always love running into William Marshal as a character. It was a comfortable, pleasant read. I would like to see more from the author.
June 28, 2016
Awesome
I hated each time that I had to put this down. The story invaded my dreams. This is a spell binder from the beginning.
I hated each time that I had to put this down. The story invaded my dreams. This is a spell binder from the beginning.
October 29, 2019
A middle aged American visits England as a last request of his beloved late wife. While exploring some ruins he falls down the stairs ... and wakes up in the body of a 30ish year old 13th century war lord, severely injured and hated for his cruelty by most, including his wife.
Now he has to deal with different customs, language and his (presumably) changed personality. Which he struggles with quite a bit, but somehow language problems cease to exist almost from one page to the next.
Luckily I can forgive this, also the unnecessary brutal beginning () and the somewhat superficial characters who were supposed to be soul mates. Therefore I enjoyed an action filled romance where something is always happening, no long winded inner dialogs in this story. Also intimate scenes are only scratched, I would consider this a clean romance even though sex does play a role in the interactions of the protagonists.
I understand that this as a re-issue of an older book with a new ending. There sure were a lot of editing errors (double words, wrong words, ...) in this book to claim that it has been over-worked, and the end is a bit of a bore - could it have been worse before?
However, despite my critique I was turning pages, and I could imagine to pick it up again, which gives it the right to a 4-star rating.
Now he has to deal with different customs, language and his (presumably) changed personality. Which he struggles with quite a bit, but somehow language problems cease to exist almost from one page to the next.
Luckily I can forgive this, also the unnecessary brutal beginning () and the somewhat superficial characters who were supposed to be soul mates. Therefore I enjoyed an action filled romance where something is always happening, no long winded inner dialogs in this story. Also intimate scenes are only scratched, I would consider this a clean romance even though sex does play a role in the interactions of the protagonists.
I understand that this as a re-issue of an older book with a new ending. There sure were a lot of editing errors (double words, wrong words, ...) in this book to claim that it has been over-worked, and the end is a bit of a bore - could it have been worse before?
However, despite my critique I was turning pages, and I could imagine to pick it up again, which gives it the right to a 4-star rating.
August 29, 2018
Loved what I read, but I'm more of a slow burn girl not throw you in the fire;] So I am not big on sexual content in books. I'm more of a PG girl. I read about half of this book and what I read I liked, but I could tell it was going to have lots of lust and less of a old fashioned slow developing romance. I did like the whole idea. Very different from other time travel books I have read. The love story was a unusual one. Both of them have to fight ghosts of the past to be free to love each other.
June 3, 2019
Una historia rapida de leer. Donde Richard Lambert se va a Inglaterra después de haber fallecido su mujer. Se va a ver las ruinas del castillo de Barland donde vivió un antepasado suyo muy sanguinario. Hay un accidente y aparece en el cuerpo de su antepasado en el siglo XIII.
Richard se encuentra con una situación muy mala, ya que su antepasado tiene muchos enemigos. Al final se involucra mucho en la situación del castillo y en el país.
Richard se encuentra con una situación muy mala, ya que su antepasado tiene muchos enemigos. Al final se involucra mucho en la situación del castillo y en el país.
January 18, 2021
Una hermosa historia de amor, de un hombre que amo tanto a una mujer, que viajo en el tiempo para volver a encontrarla. Ahhh hermoso♡♡♡
February 16, 2015
Republished, but messed up editing. If you change the year you start out your story from 1993 to 2014, mind that your protagonist's birth year should be moved two decades ahead as well. Mistakes like those are avoidable and spoil the joy of reading.
There are also points that make it obvious the author is American and failed to research Europe in the Middle Ages. You might think a new edition of a book originally posted some twenty years ago would have tried to get rid of those, too. Minus points for not trying.
Aside from that, solid storytelling, likable characters, though not always plausible explanations why this person would do that.
All in all, not the best I've ever read, but still an okay, enjoyable read. And a much better cover now than the one GR shows!
There are also points that make it obvious the author is American and failed to research Europe in the Middle Ages. You might think a new edition of a book originally posted some twenty years ago would have tried to get rid of those, too. Minus points for not trying.
Aside from that, solid storytelling, likable characters, though not always plausible explanations why this person would do that.
All in all, not the best I've ever read, but still an okay, enjoyable read. And a much better cover now than the one GR shows!
November 2, 2018
The premise of this book was interesting...but
*SPOILERS*
One Richard went back in time, he sure learned to speak Norman French rapidly!
Also, he seemed to show no remorse at never seeing his kids or grandkids again.
And I understand muscle memory, but there is no way a modern man would have been capable of swordfighting like he did.
I wasn't impressed in any way with the character of Eleanor, she seemed cringing and horny for the old Richard simultaneously, and she shouldn't have run her mouth about her suspicions of the new Richard.
Too much time was spent on the secondary characters as well, and there was no resolution of the evil villain after the swordfight, just a quickie ending.
*SPOILERS*
One Richard went back in time, he sure learned to speak Norman French rapidly!
Also, he seemed to show no remorse at never seeing his kids or grandkids again.
And I understand muscle memory, but there is no way a modern man would have been capable of swordfighting like he did.
I wasn't impressed in any way with the character of Eleanor, she seemed cringing and horny for the old Richard simultaneously, and she shouldn't have run her mouth about her suspicions of the new Richard.
Too much time was spent on the secondary characters as well, and there was no resolution of the evil villain after the swordfight, just a quickie ending.
December 6, 2019
A Once and Future Love was my first time travel romance. Based on it, it will not be my last, nor will it be my last book by Anne Kelleher. It had three big strengths separate from the things that have kept me reading romance on and off.
First, a didn’t want to toss my eReader due to blatant ignorance of history. Nothing glaring jumped out at me as wrong, although once or twice my thoughts ran to, “Are you sure this fits in the first half of the thirteenth century.” Even more outstanding, in my mind, was the author’s avoiding things “everybody knows” that are at best gross generalizations and at worse, out and out wrong. That her characters did more than bathe twice in their life, at the baptism and at their death, is the example that jumps out at me, although in an odd twist, it doubles as a source of an “are you sure” point with bathing in winter.
Second, Kelleher handles the language barrier in a realistic and rarely used manner. Straight science fiction time travel stories rarely do as well as this book. The main character, Richard, is a twentieth century born attorney thrust into a world where Middle French is the common language. The author gives him a small step up with half-remembered high school and college French. In addition, she gives him an injury that excuses him from speaking much for the first quarter to third of the book. Despite these advantages, she still shows a struggle to learn the language and uses the enforced listening learning by immersion requires to fuel parts of the story. She uses the times he reverts to modern English, unrecognizable to mid-thirteen century Norman nobility, as a clever plot device.
The third thing, and one I want other authors to take notes on, is she avoids Richard becoming a savior from the future when interacts with historical events. Given the latter half of the novel has him as a vassal to William the Marshal during the events leading up to Runnymede, the Magna Carta is a huge event in the book. I would be easy to have an American lawyer in the royal court leading up to the events take them over and have a reveal that he wrote it. The plot avoids this trap by having the main character be present, but in a subordinate role. The only false note is Richard’s lack of knowledge of the disagreements and events that led to the Magna Carta. He was less familiar with then than I am. Given the prominence it holds in the common law and among American lawyers, the American Bar Association built the only major public monument at Runnymede in 1957, his ignorance rings false. That remains a minor note. When the American lawyer could have created the revolution English law that led to the US Constitution the same way Marty McFly used his knowledge of later music to create rock-and-roll, I enjoyed the light touch when the author demonstrates restraint.
As for the romance, it has an interesting tact. Our protagonists are married at the beginning in a political marriage. When Richard returns to the past to replace a dying knight, we get the tale of a man trying to win over a woman who thinks she is already his wife and none too happy about it. The reaction to the vast changes in the man from the initial point lead to the external conflict of the last third of the book organically. Romance can often be a narrow channel for a writing to swim. A Once and Future Love provides a creative twist on the expected tropes.
For a new romance reader and a first time travel romance reader, the novel hits all the points I expect. As a history buff, with Plantagenet English as a major interest, it rings true. It is a good book, and a recommended read.
September 7, 2021
4.5 Lo amé.
El tema de los viajes en el tiempo, no es mucho de mi agrado, y soy muy específica cuando los leo, sin embargo y para mi sorpresa, el libro está tan bien desarrollado que fue imposible no terminarlo.
Uno de los puntos más importantes para mí fue el desarrollo del conflicto principal, aunque es una novela romántica, el tema de la adaptación de Richard al siglo XIII y lo que viene después, se desarrolla a lo largo del libro. Las disputas y la resolución de problemas, ajenos al romance y que tiene como principal la vida del protagonista, no son resueltos instantaneamente y por arte de magia, ni por conveniencia a la trama. La autora se toma su tiempo, a pesar de las 256 páginas.
Normalmente disfrutó del romance de época, pero a veces tiende a ser muy cargado, por fortuna y para gran alivio mío, el romance es el justo y necesario. Aunque dudé un poco del instalove, me gustó que Eleanor vaya con todas sus reservas en la primera mitad del libro, tomándose su tiempo para enamorarse de Richard.
La ambientación, otro punto imprescindible para mi. Llevaba tiempo queriendo leer libros con buena ambientación y de preferencia, de época, la autora hace un gran trabajo en la descripción de escenarios, aunque cortos, pero bien presentados.
Hubieron únicamente dos cosas que no terminaron de gustarme. El primero tiene que ver la subtrama del hermano de Eleanor que de repente se queda en una promesa a largo plazo para otro libro. Y segundo, la desaparición de personajes.
En la primera mitad del libro, uno de los conflicto que se da con ciertos personajes, juega un papel importante y sólo un instante después de que se llega a un acuerdo, no los volvemos a ver o saber de ellos. Así de la nada.
En fin, lo disfruté mucho, engancha desde la primera página, quizá una de mis mejores lectura del año.
El tema de los viajes en el tiempo, no es mucho de mi agrado, y soy muy específica cuando los leo, sin embargo y para mi sorpresa, el libro está tan bien desarrollado que fue imposible no terminarlo.
Uno de los puntos más importantes para mí fue el desarrollo del conflicto principal, aunque es una novela romántica, el tema de la adaptación de Richard al siglo XIII y lo que viene después, se desarrolla a lo largo del libro. Las disputas y la resolución de problemas, ajenos al romance y que tiene como principal la vida del protagonista, no son resueltos instantaneamente y por arte de magia, ni por conveniencia a la trama. La autora se toma su tiempo, a pesar de las 256 páginas.
Normalmente disfrutó del romance de época, pero a veces tiende a ser muy cargado, por fortuna y para gran alivio mío, el romance es el justo y necesario. Aunque dudé un poco del instalove, me gustó que Eleanor vaya con todas sus reservas en la primera mitad del libro, tomándose su tiempo para enamorarse de Richard.
La ambientación, otro punto imprescindible para mi. Llevaba tiempo queriendo leer libros con buena ambientación y de preferencia, de época, la autora hace un gran trabajo en la descripción de escenarios, aunque cortos, pero bien presentados.
Hubieron únicamente dos cosas que no terminaron de gustarme. El primero tiene que ver la subtrama del hermano de Eleanor que de repente se queda en una promesa a largo plazo para otro libro. Y segundo, la desaparición de personajes.
En la primera mitad del libro, uno de los conflicto que se da con ciertos personajes, juega un papel importante y sólo un instante después de que se llega a un acuerdo, no los volvemos a ver o saber de ellos. Así de la nada.
En fin, lo disfruté mucho, engancha desde la primera página, quizá una de mis mejores lectura del año.
March 25, 2019
Finding eternal love in Two lifetimes.....
Richard de Lambert, generations removed from his 13th century ancestor of the same name, travels to his English ancestral home after his beloved Lucy died. A trip they'd planned to take together...engulfs him in sadness. As he turns to leave castle ruins, a 3-story fall finds him waking up in 1213 or so. Same name, younger stronger body, a wife every bit as beautiful as his Lucy, Richard's injuries keep him from talking so he observes and listens, discovers he needs a refresher course on French and learns about the man whose body he now possesses. Lord de Lambert (#1) a cruel and almost sadistic man, is unrecognizable by the 21st century minded Lord de Lambert (#2). Changes to his personality and persona are not lost on anyone, especially his wife Lucy. Richard in his "new and improved" self is targeted by warring neighbors and the Welsh alike, seeking his lands, and his wife. A lawyer in his 21st century life, Richard demonstrates his negotiating skills, putting him in his overlord's and king's good graces. Will Richard de Lambert (#2), find a way to adjust to and stay in this life? Will he be injured and Richard #1 return? Will Eleanor stay with him when he reveals his truth? A great story, so believable. Could not put it down. Written so well I felt I was right there in 1213, from being chilled by stone walls in winter with nothing but fireplaces for heat, to rough textured bedding, to letters handwritten and protected by the writer's seal attached in wax. Ms Kelleher wrote with such passion for her characters and this time period, you'd have thought she lived it, too. Maybe she did.
Richard de Lambert, generations removed from his 13th century ancestor of the same name, travels to his English ancestral home after his beloved Lucy died. A trip they'd planned to take together...engulfs him in sadness. As he turns to leave castle ruins, a 3-story fall finds him waking up in 1213 or so. Same name, younger stronger body, a wife every bit as beautiful as his Lucy, Richard's injuries keep him from talking so he observes and listens, discovers he needs a refresher course on French and learns about the man whose body he now possesses. Lord de Lambert (#1) a cruel and almost sadistic man, is unrecognizable by the 21st century minded Lord de Lambert (#2). Changes to his personality and persona are not lost on anyone, especially his wife Lucy. Richard in his "new and improved" self is targeted by warring neighbors and the Welsh alike, seeking his lands, and his wife. A lawyer in his 21st century life, Richard demonstrates his negotiating skills, putting him in his overlord's and king's good graces. Will Richard de Lambert (#2), find a way to adjust to and stay in this life? Will he be injured and Richard #1 return? Will Eleanor stay with him when he reveals his truth? A great story, so believable. Could not put it down. Written so well I felt I was right there in 1213, from being chilled by stone walls in winter with nothing but fireplaces for heat, to rough textured bedding, to letters handwritten and protected by the writer's seal attached in wax. Ms Kelleher wrote with such passion for her characters and this time period, you'd have thought she lived it, too. Maybe she did.
April 26, 2019
SENSUALITY RATING: No PROFANITY; Yes SEXUAL ENCOUNTERS though very mild in nature and in the realms of marriage; No Euphemistic "CODE WORDS
GENRE: Historical Romance; Reincarnation; Time travel; “Somewhat but no completely” a Clean Romance
SETTING: 13th Century ENGLAND; Time period of the Normans and their enemy the Welsh.
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: LADY ELEANOR DE LAMBERT-simple; quiet; fearful; submissive but passionate.
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: LORD RICHARD DE LAMBERT-warrior; mean streak later to become gentle; intelligent and appears to learn quickly.
SYNOPSIS: de Lambert had no respect for anyone. It was easy for him to take up his sword and kill anyone, any age. All the people feared him including his wife who he preferred in rags. But, things changed when he woke up from being near death.
WHAT I LIKED: His being cautious to show her love. Hugh shed tears for him.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Paragraphs that should have been chapters; holes or inconsistencies in the plot.
OVERALL RATING: (3) stars because poorly written. There were paragraphs where there should have been chapters. Inconsistencies in the plot as in how did he learn a language he never knew so fast. Some holes in the plot such as Prince and Hugh in a hostage exchange. More could have been written about his personal relationship with many of his people.
GENRE: Historical Romance; Reincarnation; Time travel; “Somewhat but no completely” a Clean Romance
SETTING: 13th Century ENGLAND; Time period of the Normans and their enemy the Welsh.
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: LADY ELEANOR DE LAMBERT-simple; quiet; fearful; submissive but passionate.
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: LORD RICHARD DE LAMBERT-warrior; mean streak later to become gentle; intelligent and appears to learn quickly.
SYNOPSIS: de Lambert had no respect for anyone. It was easy for him to take up his sword and kill anyone, any age. All the people feared him including his wife who he preferred in rags. But, things changed when he woke up from being near death.
WHAT I LIKED: His being cautious to show her love. Hugh shed tears for him.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Paragraphs that should have been chapters; holes or inconsistencies in the plot.
OVERALL RATING: (3) stars because poorly written. There were paragraphs where there should have been chapters. Inconsistencies in the plot as in how did he learn a language he never knew so fast. Some holes in the plot such as Prince and Hugh in a hostage exchange. More could have been written about his personal relationship with many of his people.
January 12, 2019
In all honesty, I didn't expect much from this book. I purchased it from Bookbud for 99 cents. I had no expectations. The only reason I purchased it was because I felt like reading a book where someone from the here and now goes back in time.
All I can say is that I am glad I succumbed to my own wanting, and I am glad it was this book I decided on. Why? Because I thoroughly enjoyed it, that's why.
From the start I found I liked the main character and was drawn into his story. When he went back in time, there was nothing about the situation that I couldn't easily accept. And why not just accept the transition, we all know it's not possible to really travel back in time. This is fantasy and it is a story, it's not reality, and I for one am happy to accept whatever the author suggests on how it happened. This meant that I could relax and enjoy the journey. And I did.
And once back in the thirteenth century, I felt the author did a great job in showing how the character coped and adapted. I think about how I would react and believe it would be the most difficult thing to accept and blend in to.
Anyway, the book was well written. The characters likable, or not likeable, whichever the case may be. :D And, I felt a 21st century reader could get a decent glimpse of life in the 13th century.
I will be looking for other books written by this author. Recommended.
All I can say is that I am glad I succumbed to my own wanting, and I am glad it was this book I decided on. Why? Because I thoroughly enjoyed it, that's why.
From the start I found I liked the main character and was drawn into his story. When he went back in time, there was nothing about the situation that I couldn't easily accept. And why not just accept the transition, we all know it's not possible to really travel back in time. This is fantasy and it is a story, it's not reality, and I for one am happy to accept whatever the author suggests on how it happened. This meant that I could relax and enjoy the journey. And I did.
And once back in the thirteenth century, I felt the author did a great job in showing how the character coped and adapted. I think about how I would react and believe it would be the most difficult thing to accept and blend in to.
Anyway, the book was well written. The characters likable, or not likeable, whichever the case may be. :D And, I felt a 21st century reader could get a decent glimpse of life in the 13th century.
I will be looking for other books written by this author. Recommended.
June 6, 2020
This book had all the basic elements I need in a good time travel/Medieval Romance. The time period, which I call The Plantagenet period is my favorite, and if you throw in the Greatest Knight "William the Marshall" then I'm already excited. But I wasn't exceptionally fond of the Hero. He was a middle aged attorney from 2014 who "Fell" into the body of his 1214 ancestor but who never lost his 2014 personality. I did like the way the author explained the transition. Having the original Richard have a throat injury explaining why he could not talk was very clever. However the 360 degree about face from a boorish knight to a wimpy 2014 attorney was a turn off for me. Also the author used modern abbreviations and phrases which also made it difficult to lose myself in the story. Abbreviations like "It's" instead of "Tis", and Didn't, don't, and words like Really, seriously, dinner, house, and modern phrasing like "stranger things have happened" and "Oh Really?" and "Don't even think about it". It is not allowing me to emerge myself and really feel the story. That was a bit frustrating. And the worse for me was the ending. I will not spoil it here but by that point I just skimmed through that complete mess.
November 8, 2019
A good story; the time-slip transition is written well all questions about the process covered (which my curious mind appreciated :-). Love the ending.
Richard is perfectly developed, his confusion in the beginning and determination in the end jumped off the page. Good research created believable historical characters.
My only "gripe" (and it's a small one) is Llywelyn Fawr was renamed Lewelis (sp? Don't have book in front of me). Llywelyn was such a huge figure in this time that he deserves the same treatment given to William Marshall, the use of his correct name. Yes, I know this is fiction and not everyone shares my love of the Welsh princes, but I found it frustrating and each time I read it, it drew me out of the book.
Richard is perfectly developed, his confusion in the beginning and determination in the end jumped off the page. Good research created believable historical characters.
My only "gripe" (and it's a small one) is Llywelyn Fawr was renamed Lewelis (sp? Don't have book in front of me). Llywelyn was such a huge figure in this time that he deserves the same treatment given to William Marshall, the use of his correct name. Yes, I know this is fiction and not everyone shares my love of the Welsh princes, but I found it frustrating and each time I read it, it drew me out of the book.
October 29, 2019
Great book
Me Kelleher has written a wonderful story. I thought, "not another time travel romance" but when I read the reviews I saw a five star review from a guy, so I thought why not. This is a story that makes sense for someone sent back in time. There is not an immediate understanding of the language and culture and customs and the problems that might cause. I also liked that it was a clean story. I don't need to read blow by blow what happens in the bedroom. No matter how you slice it or dice it, it is not the sex between two people that is most important, it is the love that grows between them and sustains them. Thank you for the uplifting story Ms Kelleher.
Me Kelleher has written a wonderful story. I thought, "not another time travel romance" but when I read the reviews I saw a five star review from a guy, so I thought why not. This is a story that makes sense for someone sent back in time. There is not an immediate understanding of the language and culture and customs and the problems that might cause. I also liked that it was a clean story. I don't need to read blow by blow what happens in the bedroom. No matter how you slice it or dice it, it is not the sex between two people that is most important, it is the love that grows between them and sustains them. Thank you for the uplifting story Ms Kelleher.
April 28, 2020
Brilliantly written
Thank you, Anne Kelleher, for giving us such a wonderful story. I was caught up in it from the first few lines and it just got better as It went along. I adore historical time travel books and I've read a lot, some good, some meh. This I would say exceeded even extremely good. I couldn't fault any part of it. The characters were wonderfully explained and it was like history opening up before my eyes.
I don't know what ending you had written before but this one was excellent. I've never come across anything similar and it leaves the door open to more Richard and Lucy/Eleanor tales to be enjoyed. Thank you.
Thank you, Anne Kelleher, for giving us such a wonderful story. I was caught up in it from the first few lines and it just got better as It went along. I adore historical time travel books and I've read a lot, some good, some meh. This I would say exceeded even extremely good. I couldn't fault any part of it. The characters were wonderfully explained and it was like history opening up before my eyes.
I don't know what ending you had written before but this one was excellent. I've never come across anything similar and it leaves the door open to more Richard and Lucy/Eleanor tales to be enjoyed. Thank you.
January 23, 2021
Overall it was a good book but there definitely some things that did not work.
First, the fact that the main character basically learned how to speak a new language FLUENTLY in a matter of weeks. It just does not seem realistic
Second, the ending was rushed and didn't feel natural
Third, I just thought it was strange how easy it was for the main character to jump into a relationship with another woman so fast. Within a couple of days of knowing her, he wants to be there for her and love her. It was rushed. He just lost his wife the previous year, then ends up going back in time and meets this woman who looks EXACTLY like his dead wife and he's just like ok let's go with it. It's weird. He didn't even try to find out how or why he time traveled.
First, the fact that the main character basically learned how to speak a new language FLUENTLY in a matter of weeks. It just does not seem realistic
Second, the ending was rushed and didn't feel natural
Third, I just thought it was strange how easy it was for the main character to jump into a relationship with another woman so fast. Within a couple of days of knowing her, he wants to be there for her and love her. It was rushed. He just lost his wife the previous year, then ends up going back in time and meets this woman who looks EXACTLY like his dead wife and he's just like ok let's go with it. It's weird. He didn't even try to find out how or why he time traveled.
April 29, 2021
This was a 4 start read up until about 70% in then the 'suspicions' that the main character was possessed by the Devil just made me roll my eyes. Especially when the main proof was not the 'change in behavior/actions or lack of cruelty' but because he was speaking another language (modern English) in high-stress situations. Even though the characters are Normans (French speakers), native (welsh speakers), and mentions the crusades (Arab speaking). And while the possession fear may have been historically correct the author did not sell it to me. Other than that this was ok, with interesting characters and a decent concept.
December 30, 2018
What an Amazing Historical Love Story
I love books with time travel, romance and intrigue! This wonderful story included all aspects. Be prepared with a box of tissues by your side because you will need them. I've never been a history buff, but I loved learning about life in the 13th century. This site makes me appreciate live in the 21st century with all it's modern conveniences. This is the first book authored by you that I have read and I can't wait to read the next releases. Happy writing!!
I love books with time travel, romance and intrigue! This wonderful story included all aspects. Be prepared with a box of tissues by your side because you will need them. I've never been a history buff, but I loved learning about life in the 13th century. This site makes me appreciate live in the 21st century with all it's modern conveniences. This is the first book authored by you that I have read and I can't wait to read the next releases. Happy writing!!
August 9, 2020
As good as it gets!
Wow! I am a big fan of time travel stories, and this one just blew me away! For one thing, the stories are usually young women looking for love. This one is from a man's point of view, and a mature man. I really liked how the author realized that different times spoke differently and he didn't immediately understand those around him. Romance, of course, but not too much sex. The historical aspects were also very interesting. We take so much for granted in our time, but some things , like teenagers! never change. All in all, a great read
Wow! I am a big fan of time travel stories, and this one just blew me away! For one thing, the stories are usually young women looking for love. This one is from a man's point of view, and a mature man. I really liked how the author realized that different times spoke differently and he didn't immediately understand those around him. Romance, of course, but not too much sex. The historical aspects were also very interesting. We take so much for granted in our time, but some things , like teenagers! never change. All in all, a great read
June 7, 2018
I thought I had read it before, it was so familiar in many places.
The plot was well done and thought out. The ending was so romantic. I don't remember the other. BUT, the editing left a lot to be desired. Even some of the letters were strange, "]" for I or in lot? Was this " old English " it just mistakes? "Fri" for fire 🔥! Luckily the story line made up for glaring mistakes and I could make out the gist of it.
The plot was well done and thought out. The ending was so romantic. I don't remember the other. BUT, the editing left a lot to be desired. Even some of the letters were strange, "]" for I or in lot? Was this " old English " it just mistakes? "Fri" for fire 🔥! Luckily the story line made up for glaring mistakes and I could make out the gist of it.
February 21, 2019
To discover love for all time
I am always fascinated how authors contrast lifestyles between time periods in time travel tales. Anne Kelleher does this in language, historical references of people and place and person. Alone, Richard is taking the trip to England he and Lucy were supposed to take together. Lucy loved medieval England, land of kings and knights. Visiting the ruins of Barland Castle Richard has a fall awakening no longer in the 21 century but in the 13 century.
I am always fascinated how authors contrast lifestyles between time periods in time travel tales. Anne Kelleher does this in language, historical references of people and place and person. Alone, Richard is taking the trip to England he and Lucy were supposed to take together. Lucy loved medieval England, land of kings and knights. Visiting the ruins of Barland Castle Richard has a fall awakening no longer in the 21 century but in the 13 century.
June 26, 2020
Easily one of the best from male POV
This is a love story set in a time travel plot. It has a lovely, believable, and relatable pair of main characters (and the teenage brother, too). I'm not familiar with the time, but there aren't anachronisms that stand out. It's well written and well edited. I read it on KU, but I'm going to purchase it, and definitely read another of this author's work.
This is a love story set in a time travel plot. It has a lovely, believable, and relatable pair of main characters (and the teenage brother, too). I'm not familiar with the time, but there aren't anachronisms that stand out. It's well written and well edited. I read it on KU, but I'm going to purchase it, and definitely read another of this author's work.
July 16, 2021
Different, but I liked it
I can’t remember when I’d ever read a time travel novel where the man was featured as the traveler, but this one had it and I was pleasantly surprised. Thank you for that twist. I glad both his loves in both times were the loves of his life, seeing that Lucy/Eleanor seemed to also be her ancestor. It was so sad that he lost her again, but at least in the end, the found each other again.
I can’t remember when I’d ever read a time travel novel where the man was featured as the traveler, but this one had it and I was pleasantly surprised. Thank you for that twist. I glad both his loves in both times were the loves of his life, seeing that Lucy/Eleanor seemed to also be her ancestor. It was so sad that he lost her again, but at least in the end, the found each other again.
October 1, 2022
Exciting & Romantic
I totally enjoyed the premise of this time travel romantic adventure. Follow along as Richard from the twenty first century is transformed into the body of his ancestor Lord Richard in the thirteenth century. Finding his love of his life once again, he is able to correct the wrong doing of that Lord Richard. A wonderfully written tale filled with intrigue and danger.
I totally enjoyed the premise of this time travel romantic adventure. Follow along as Richard from the twenty first century is transformed into the body of his ancestor Lord Richard in the thirteenth century. Finding his love of his life once again, he is able to correct the wrong doing of that Lord Richard. A wonderfully written tale filled with intrigue and danger.
October 7, 2022
An excellent time travel read
I’m intrigued by time travel romances (it would be SO cool if it really existed!). This book was a nice, easy read and I found myself reading it in place of the one I was currently reading. The last half of this book was written around real-life history, but it was secondary to the main characters and their story. The history didn’t drone on and on, boring me to tears. I loved the ending—very unique.
I’m intrigued by time travel romances (it would be SO cool if it really existed!). This book was a nice, easy read and I found myself reading it in place of the one I was currently reading. The last half of this book was written around real-life history, but it was secondary to the main characters and their story. The history didn’t drone on and on, boring me to tears. I loved the ending—very unique.
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