Somewhere My Lass

Somewhere in Time #2

by Beth Trissel

Will Mora and Neil be too late to save a love that began centuries before?

'The MacDonald comes’ warns Mora Campbell when Neil MacKenzie finds the young Scotswoman lying unconscious at the top of his stairs after he discovers his murdered housekeeper slumped at the bottom. Mora’s claim that she’s his fiancé from 1602 and was chased to the future by clan chieftain, Red MacDonald, through ‘the door to nowhere’ seems utter nonsense. Neil thinks she’s addled from the blow to her head until his life spirals into chaos and the avenging Highlander shows up wanting blood. Mora knows the Neil of the future is truly her beloved Niall who disappeared from the past, but he must also remember. And fast.

Although Niall’s kinsmen believe he’s dead, and Mora is now destined to marry his brother, she’s convinced that if she and Neil return to the past, all will be right. The balance of the present and future are in peril if she marries another, and the Neil of the present will cease to exist. The only problem is how to get back to 1602. An ancient relic, the ultimate geek friend, and a little Celtic magic help pave the way back to the enormous challenge that awaits them. If they’re in time.

Genres: Romance, Time Travel, Fantasy, Paranormal, Scotland, Contemporary, Historical

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2010

About the author

Married to my high school sweetheart, I live on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with my human family and furbabies. An avid gardener, I grow herbs and heirloom flowers and use them in my stories. The rich history of Virginia, the Native Americans (especially the Shawnee), and the Scots-Irish are at the heart of my inspiration. My English, Scottish, and Scots-Irish ancestors were among the earliest settlers in America. I write historical romance set in the colonial frontier, the American Revolution, Georgian England, and 20th century America. I like a good ghost story, so some of my historical romances have paranormal and ghosts in them. In addition to historical romance and Native American/Western romance, I write time travel romance (some are Scottish time travels), Young Adult wolf shapeshifter paranormal sci-fi fantasy romance, New Adult fantasy paranormal time slip romance back and forth to the American Revolution, the Civil War, and World War 1… I also have nonfiction about gardening, herbs, and country life.

My blog is the happening place: https://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/

Reviews

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com / for book lovers and readers.

BRIEF SUMMARY
Mora shows up to the future claiming to be Neil's betrothal. With the danger of the past and her fear of marrying another, Mora must quickly convince Neil who he really is.

THOUGHTS

The glowing reviews for this book are not to be ignored. If you are not really a fan of time travel, this book will make you feel differently. Even though this was a romance novel, the adventure of the whole book was exciting and appealing to me personally as well.

What makes this book a little different for me, you get the best of both times. The first part of the story is taking place in the present with Mora traveling to the future from 1602. Seeing Neil gives her hope that her betrothal, Niall that she loved was not dead. While in the future, It was also interesting reading Mora’s views of the future. Throughout this period, we got to know Neil and his best friend Fergus. Neil was a lovable character that had no idea what was going on. He stumbles upon this woman, with a very thick accent who is claiming to be his betrothal. What made the present so enjoyable as well was Fergus. He was the special ingredient that made this book a pleasure to read.

The second part of the story took place in the past in Mora's time. The story took on a nice twist that follows Neil's time in the past. Between Neil's dilemma and involvement in the past and present, his budding romance with Mora, Mora’s fear of marrying another, Neil’s best friend Fergus, and the villain, this story does not disappoint. The ending was good and a bit sad, but sad in a good way. I would really like to read a continuance of Fergus; I believe he would bring out a good story if told. Truly, this was a good adventure and romantic time travel story that delivers.

Story: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD


http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think what I like most about this story was the characters, each of them had a unique and quirky trait that made them easily able to picture them. aside from that, the story held potential but it was messy at times and added to the whirlwind romance between our main characters, I think I was as confused as them regarding the direction of thw book. To top it all off, themost climatic scene was lackluster and swiftly dealt with, I just felt like the time I spent on the book wasn't worth it. Nevertheless, the history, background depictions and scenery descriptions were pretty good and I could almost picture myself in the same space as my characters.

2.5 stars.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Mora is thrown through time with the Red MacDonald fast on her heals. Neil finds her on his landing in the 21st century. Mora and Neil set out on quest to save his ancestor. Absolutely loved it.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good book

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA

[Claudette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read. A time travel novel with a difference.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book the author does a great job of getting us hooked on the two main characters. You have Mora Campbell that has just time traveled from 1602 and landed in 1999 in Staunton Va in Neil Mackenzie's upstairs hallway. Neil isn't having the best of days anyway because he has just come home to find his beloved housekeeper Mrs Dannon with her throat cut, dead at the bottom of the stairs. He isn't sure whether there has been a robbery or what, and when he hears a noise upstairs he goes to check it out and finds a beautiful girl , dressed in Scottish attire no less slumped over unconcious. Later when he rouses the girl she tells him she is Mora Campbell and she believes that Neil is really her betrothed Naill whom her clan believed was dead. She goes on to tell him she was being chased by a Macdonald, back in the year 1602 and that he has traveled with her to where ever she is now. Well needless to say the story sounds so preposterous that Neil just thinks that she must have a concussion.
Well sooner than later the truth comes to light when Neil comes face to face with the MacDonald, and due to a clan feud the MacDonald wont rest until he has done away with Neil.
When Neil and Mora go to Neil's best friend and total geek Fergus, for a safe place to stay they decide to do some research and find that everything Mora has said is true, and that if they don't get Mora back to 1602 and rescue Naill all within two days that the Mackenzie history could be changed forever. The only thing is Neil is starting to feel a pull toward Mora, and also having snippets of memory from a life he knows nothing about.
Will Neil be able to get Mora back in time ? Will he let her wed Naill or is it somehow possible that the Neil in the future is actually Naill of the past? Will fate somehow let these two people whose love has transcended the centuries finally be joined?
This is a very fast paced story that keeps you hanging on the edge of your seat wondering what in the world the author is going to come up with next. She takes us on an amazing journey thru time with such descriptions that make you feel like your right there. It is so hard to label this story just a romance novel because it is so much more. You have time travel,romance, murder, suspense,and if that's not enough to keep you interested she also throws in a story about true friendship. This is a second in a series but this story totally stands alone. This is the first of Mrs Trissel's work that I have had the pleasure to read but it certainly won't be the last. If your looking for a book whose characters you will remember long after you read the last page then this is the book for you.

[Wendy Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Neil comes home from work, the last thing he expects to find is his elderly housekeeper inside the foyer with her throat slit. Angry that someone had the audacity to break in to his family home, he begins to thoroughly search the premises in case the killer is still there. However, before he can get up the stairs to the second floor, he comes across a beautiful young woman who's been knocked unconscious.

When she awakens, she explains to Neil that she was running from The McDonald and went through a doorway and ended up here. She tries to convince him that they are to be wed, her name is Mora and why doesn't he remember? She is dressed like someone from centuries ago in Scotland and her brogue is thick.

Neil suspects she is his belated housekeeper's niece come to visit and the knock to her head has addled her memory. He takes her to the hospital and from there to his friend Fergus. His house is a crime scene and they will need somewhere to stay until the authorities are finished. At Fergus', a techno geek who does some Googling, they determine that in 1602 Mora wed Calum MacKenzie and had a son, whom centuries later, Neil is a line of. Neil doesn't like this information at all, as he had feelings for Mora, although it is unexplainable. Mora is to wed Calum in two days, and if she doesn't, Neil won't exist. It's a quandary.

To make matters worse, The McDonald followed Mora to this time, and is trying to kill off the rest of the MacKenzie clan. Mora's cross necklace contains a key that Niall have given her in her own time, but they can't figure out what it goes to. Is it the way back to her time or does it have some other significance? With the finding of an ancient relic in Neil's attic, the mystery thickens.

Somewhere My Lass is a wonderful historical romance that captured me from the first page. Mora's confusion and how she perceived things with this time had me laughing out loud. I was rooting for Mora and Neil from the beginning and turned the pages frantically once the pieces began to fall into place to see how it all turned out. The author does a magnificent job of character development, world settings and keeping the plot streaming with no hiccups. I was enthralled with this novel; it's magical and I can't wait to read more from this talented storyteller!

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Jenni: a paranormal romance that tangles an intriguing mystery between a town in present day Virginia and the Scottish Highlands of the 17th century. Creatively complex, this story moves quickly since all the events take place within a few days time. Along this journey, Fergus entertains us with his plethora of tech-gadgets, movie references, and a preparedness MacGyver would envy. Add Fergus’ Goth cousin, Wrenie, to the mix and poor Mora is lost as she struggles to grasp modern conveniences and trends, much like Giselle from Disney’s Enchanted. Fergus’ mother also lends her talents, preparing Neil, Mora and Fergus for what is certain to be the adventure of a lifetime.

This book is the second in Beth Trissel’s Somewhere series, although the books are stand-alone. This story is a page-turner, so if you enjoy Scottish Highland stories and seek a taste of time-travel, this would be a good book for you! The author paints a bonny picture of the ancient times, down to the structures and wardrobes, and I found the Scottish brogue mild enough to be a minimal distraction, yet enough to keep up the appearance of authenticity. My one gripe, aside from the editor’s repeated misspelling of the word ‘ambulance,’ were the references to popular movies and gadgets. This added a very fun and enjoyable dimension to the story, however it became tiresome having to read an explanation for each movie or item mentioned. A little confidence in the reader’s knowledge of pop culture (or the ability to look up something unfamiliar) would have been nice. The end of the story was satisfying but it did leave many questions unanswered. And I was stunned that there was no epilogue! Big opportunity missed here, in my opinion, especially after Neil’s conversation with Fergus at the end of the story.

I’m still fairly new to paranormal/time-travel stories so I have to work a bit harder to suspend belief and not think about how much the present-day side of things would have been altered as a result of history that was changed. But hey, this is fiction! And on that note, can I share how much I was really hoping Fergus would pull out a Light Saber and attack the MacDonald?

[The_Book_Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The review that follows is only a partial one. To read the full review, please visit:

http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspo...


Neil MacKenzie's life is pretty normal; a business man (single, of course) his toughest challenge lately

has been trying to fix up his childhood home. But when he comes home from work one night to find his

housekeeper, and dear friend, lying in the front hall with her throat slit, he knows that his ordinary life is

about to get complicated. What he never expected was a Scottish lass from the sixteenth century to be

unconscious on his stairway; and he especially didn't expect her to, upon waking up, call him Niall

MacKenzie—her betrothed who has gone missing.


Mora Campbell is confused when she wakes up in a strange place after running away from the

fearsome Red MacDonald. She remembers going through a doorway in the castle.....and now finds

herself in a modern day home in Virginia! On top of that, who should she find staring down at her but

Niall, whom she was set to wed before he suddenly disappeared, believed to be dead in a fire. Instead

here he is before her, with short hair, odd clothes, and a funny accent. But she knows it's her Niall, for

not only does he still look the same but her heart recognizes him. But if it's Niall, why is it he can't

remember anything before this strange time?


At first Neil is convinced that Mora has suffered a terrible head injury; why else would a woman know

nothing about the modern world and keep saying that she is from another century? But as he spends

more time with her, and starts to delve into his own memory, he soon comes to the realization that

Mora is indeed telling the truth. Not only is she from the past, but he is as well—or at least a part of

him is.

.......
~*~*~
This review is property of TBQs Book Palace

[Slytherin Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: Romance
Author: Beth Trissel
Book: Somewhere My Lass
My Star Rating: 3
Will I read I read it again? yes

Intro: Will Mora and Neil be too late to save a love that began centuries before?

'The MacDonald comes’ warns Mora Campbell when Neil MacKenzie finds the young Scotswoman lying unconscious at the top of his stairs after he discovers his murdered housekeeper slumped at the bottom. Mora’s claim that she’s his fiancé from 1602 and was chased to the future by clan chieftain, Red MacDonald, through ‘the door to nowhere’ seems utter nonsense. Neil thinks she’s addled from the blow to her head until his life spirals into chaos and the avenging Highlander shows up wanting blood. Mora knows the Neil of the future is truly her beloved Niall who disappeared from the past, but he must also remember. And fast.

Although Niall’s kinsmen believe he’s dead, and Mora is now destined to marry his brother, she’s convinced that if she and Neil return to the past, all will be right. The balance of the present and future are in peril if she marries another, and the Neil of the present will cease to exist. The only problem is how to get back to 1602. An ancient relic, the ultimate geek friend, and a little Celtic magic help pave the way back to the enormous challenge that awaits them. If they’re in time.
I read book #3 first and then went back to read Niall’s story. I loved that Mora was a feisty Scotswoman. I think she was one of my favorite characters in this book. Neil was an average character. I am glad Fergus got his own book. I really loved him in his book.
Overall this book had it all. Romance, Time Travel, Historical and Adventure! It was a great fast read and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.


I was given this book to read and give an honest review. This review is my honest opinion and I have fully read this book.

[Lynda Tatad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely one of those books that you need to suspend disbelief to enjoy. I am the type of reader who enjoys to be entertained, and I try to not nitpick about inconsistencies. Since this is a story that deals with time travel, that says it all, doesn't it?

In 2009, Neil Mackenzie returns home to find the door ajar to his home in Staunton Virginia. He finds his dear housekeeper, Mrs. Dannon, slain at the entryway of his Victorian home! Stranger still, a young woman with fiery red hair and old time Scottish garb, was knocked out on the stairs! He figured she must be the niece Mrs. Dannon was expecting to visit from Scotland.

With the help of his friend Fergus, a tech genius, and Fergus' mother, who is a seer, Neil discovers that this very sheltered Mora Campbell might actually be from another time, as she came in through a door that leads no where, and she warns them that the great Scots warrior The MacDonald is coming after him! With Fergus' gadgets out of a Star Trek episode, and portents that he must go back and find his ancestor Niall Mackenzie, whom he resembles as if he is a twin, to save him from certain death, Neil still finds the time to fall for this fiery tempered Scottish lass!

For me, this was a fun, escapist, romantic time travel adventure. Even though they never told Mora what time she ended up in, her POV lets you know that she knows she's not in Scotland anymore. This was actually a quick read, and the story seemed to wrap up a little quickly as it came to the climax, but I was okay with that. I was in the right frame of mind for this type of story, and will definitely look for more in this series!

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Somewhere My Lass is the best thing Beth Trissel has written yet! So there. Her use of Scottish phrases, descriptions of the ancient clothing and architecture show a depth of research giving the story that authentic ring. Neil comes across as a good man doing a thankless task, a hero whose good deed will go unknown to everyone except the woman he loves because if he succeeds History will be changed. Mora is feisty and beguiling, and Fergus is the most lovable character in the book, a geek, but a resourceful geek, who rises to the occasion with all the technological data and fictional resources he can muster. He reminds me of Dan Ackroyd’s character in Ghostbusters.

The reason I don’t like time travel is because I’m always left with a sense of futility, poignancy, and sadness. The futility isn’t present with this tale but there still a bit of poignancy and sadness as far as I’m concerned because I wasn’t wild about the ending—and one could argue that in real life, it would pose more problems than solving them, but this isn’t real life, is it? I’ll ignore my own prejudices here and prefer to entertain a faint hope it leaves an opening for a continuation. Nevertheless most readers will be well-satisfied. So…for an enjoyable romance which sweeps across the centuries to show that love will always find a way (even if it’s not the way one expects), I recommend Somewhere my Lass by Beth Trissel. A good book, a lovely story with well-conceived characters. Somewhere my Lass is an award-winning story and deserves all the accolades it has received.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imperfect but lovely and sweet.

Our hero is a young man, a modern day man, alone in the world except for a housekeeper who had been with the family a long time, and stayed after the parents passed away.

One night he comes home, finds housekeeper murdered. OMG Maybe the Intruder is in the house. He creeps up the stairs. Finds our heroine at the top of the stairs, out cold. Police arrive, girl goes to hospital, hero goes with her.

She says she is his fiancé. He tells the hospital she is his fiancé, but he thinks she is the dead housekeeper's niece who was reportedly coming for a visit. The hospital checks her out for concussion, lets her go.

Enter geeky friend, one of his friends, and the geeky friend's New Age Practitioner mother. Then a Bad Guy from who chased the girl at the top of the stairs finds the hero/heroine/friends. The girl has been warning everyone all along about him. The group of good guys make a jump through time... and...THEN THE FUN begins.

It's a pretty fun read. A romance yes, but not a typical romance plot really. The romance is essential to the story but it is not "the story". That's a nice difference.

Probably the biggest problem I had with the book is it is #2 in the series, and it's the one I started with. I was clearly missing something... but... it was good enough on it's own.

[1000 + · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Blurb:

Neil arrives home to find his housekeeper dead at the bottom of his staircase and a young woman passed out on his staircase. Upon Mora's awakening she finds herself overjoyed as stares into the eyes of her true love Niall.

Neil is Niall or better Niall is Neil.

Neil must help the troubled young woman who believes she is his fiance from 1602. When Neil starts to recover memories of his time with Mora as Niall he finds he must fight for his life and the life of Niall as he travel back in time.

Lets Talk About It:

I'm not usually one for romance books but this was a great book!

From the beginning of the book you are hit with humor as Neil helps Mora who has to adjust to a world that is much unlike her own. One of my favorite parts in the scene in which Neil takes Mora to the hospital and she is scared to death of the place. I about wet my pants laughing from the 'invisible cat' otherwise known at as cat scan.

Between the humor that takes place and the love that grows between Neil and Mora this is a book that will keep you entertained and up late because you can't put it down.

Well done Beth Trissel. very well done.

Melissa
Reviewer for 1000 + Books to Read

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this in a contest on Beth's website. This is a fantastic time travel romance. I had a hard time putting it down.

Neil MacKenzie is beyond surprised when he comes home to find Mora Campbell laying in the hall at the top of his stairs inside his home claiming she is from 1602 Scotland. He thinks she hurt her head from a fall and suffers from amnesia. When the hospital proves that there is no serious ailments effecting Mora he starts wondering if she really is from the past.

Mora Campbell was chased through time by clan chieftain, Red MacDonald landing in Neil's home. She knows with all her heart that Neil is her betrothed Niall from the past, whom everyone assumed was dead. She has to find a way to get her and Neil back to 1602 before she is to be married to his brother.

Now with the past and present intertwined they need to get back as quickly as possible and find Niall or both men will no longer exist. There only chance to the past is to find and return the ancient relic that made it's way to the future. With the help of a few close friends in the future they try to get before all is too late. Will they make it back before it's too late to save the love that started so long ago?

[Diana (DomesticGoddess) · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars. One MC in this time-travel romance is a 16-17th-century Scott, so her speech is understandably strange. The others are supposed to be from modern-day Virginia; they have no excuse. I had no patience for the dialogue or the story line; it all seemed rather silly and insipid to me.
For one, it's never really explained to Mora that's she's in 21st century, or about our technology or that she doesn't need to be concerned about witchcraft. When the all-knowing psychic sends the party back to 1602, there should be no reason that they aren't properly prepared or clothed or armed. There are a few so-not-hot kisses and as for sex, it only happens once and is G-rated. The book is also unrelentingly repetitive. You start a conversation you can't even finish it. You're talkin' a lot, but you're not sayin' anything. When I have nothing to say, my lips are sealed. Say something once, why say it again? Psycho Killer, Qu'est Que C'est. Oh, sorry - I got distracted there for a moment.
There are a few humorous lost-in-translation bits with the juxtaposition of modern vs. ancient. Also, the ending is pretty exciting. All in all though, I can't recommend it; I can hardly believe I finished it. I guess I'm just not cut out for these kind of badly written romance novels.

[Darcia Helle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read about soul mates and destiny, with some time travel and paranormal aspects. Beth Trissel handles the historical aspect beautifully. The Irish brogue and mannerisms of the characters had me feeling like I was back in 1600 Ireland. Often I find that 'paranormal romance' is more 'erotic romance', which is fine if that's what you're looking for. But this story is far more of an old-fashioned, sweet romance about two people who were determined to be together even if it meant crossing centuries.

The plot kept me engaged and I enjoyed Trissel's writing style. The only time I found myself disengaging from the story was at the beginning with the murder. I felt that the police would have paid a lot more attention to Mora, questioning her and looking into her past. Aside from that, I loved everything about this one.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this one. Great pace with likeable characters. Beth Trissel makes time travel fun and weaves the historical with the contemporary very well, and with great humor. Beth keeps the reader entertained as Mora and Neil avoid the big bad 'MacDonald' villain. I loved how Neil's friend Fergus is full of gadgets to keep the action going as they whisk through their adventures and avoid dangers- all against the clock. I'll be reading the other books in the series whenever I can as I don't want to miss out on some fine reading.

[Skye Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book was okay. I love the Scots and anything set in or about Scotland, and I'm a big fan of time travel, but for some reason this book didn't make it to my all time favorites. Perhaps it's because I live in a world more or less devoid of true eccentrics, but the supporting characters seemed more fantasy than real to me and the number of things carried on their person stretched the imagination beyond the breaking point. The ending seemed to drag and I couldn't wait to be done.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

5***** What a great story! This book has it all Historic, time travel all with highlanders. I love the way the author has taken all the usual "rules" of time travel and thrown them all away. We get old in modern day and very modern being used in the1600s. Even the secondary character is a hero. I was stunned at the ending. I want MORE. A great fun read.

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love time travel romance and I enjoyed this book. In most time travel stories usually one or the other main character goes to a specific time. I liked in this one how both characters went to both times in this particular story.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book but I gave it a 3 because I don't understand how Neil got to 2009, what happened to his memory. Did I miss this in book #1? I am going to have to get the first book in the Somewhere in Time series. Otherwise I could not put the book down and would recommend it.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts with Neil Mackenzie arriving home to find his housekeeper murdered and a strangely dressed women lying unconscious in another room, Mora Campbell. The plot in the story is full of mystery and intregrue, and Neil soon finds himselff in a race with time for his own existence.

[Angie Peoples · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an action packed drama filled book of highland time travel. I loved this book and couldn't put it down for a second as each page held me captive for what was to come next. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story for anyone who believes in reincarnation or time travel. Beth Trissel is a wonderful author.

[CassandraG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it. Liked Neil and Mora and even their ever helpful friend Fergus.

[Coralyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read both books on this theme of time travel and enjoyed them both.

[Dhaverma · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't get into it

[Meiwilli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Give me a "B", give me an "O", give me an "R", give me an "I", give me an "N", give me a "G"! That's what this story is. 1.5 stars.

[Ginny]

Time Travel