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No Time for Travis #1

Finding Travis

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Travis Merrill’s life isn’t going according to plan. He’s quit several career paths, his wife has left him, and his only solace is volunteering to portray a cavalry surgeon at historic Fort Verde in Arizona, a place where time seems to stand still. When a weird trick of time actually sends him back to the year 1877, he’s boxed into impersonating the post surgeon for real. Unfortunately, he finds his medical knowledge is no match for the primitive practices of the day, and he’s forced to make life or death decisions, not always successfully. He wonders if he will ever be able to return to his own time, or if he might find a life—and a love—140 years in the past.

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2016

11 people are currently reading
17 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Bowersock

79 books128 followers
Melissa Bowersock is an eclectic, award-winning author who writes in a variety of fiction and non-fiction genres: paranormal, biography, western, action, romance, fantasy, spiritual, and satire. She has been both traditionally and independently published and is the author of the popular Lacey Fitzpatrick and Sam Firecloud Mystery Series. She has a tattoo on the inside of her left wrist that says IMAGINE. In her next life, she plans to be an astronaut. She also writes under the pen name Amber Flame. You can visit her website, www.newmoonrising.net. Follow her blog at http://mjb-wordlovers.blogspot.com.

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5 stars
31 (54%)
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16 (28%)
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8 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Anne.
546 reviews130 followers
February 7, 2017
Really enjoyed this book. It was so well written and described you could feel like you were there with Travis. It was nice to have a man going back in time too. This is a clean romance. A very well written book. Well recommended.
Profile Image for Ciclochick.
604 reviews14 followers
June 18, 2016
Another wonderful and compelling story from the prolific and talented Melissa Bowersock. Axl Rose of Guns 'n' Roses has, I gather, one of the widest vocal ranges. If Melissa was a singer, she would be Axl Rose, such is her talent and flair for penning a wide range of genres.

What I love about Bowersock’s books is that you always seem to like nearly all the characters. She has a knack of making them so very likeable. The Travis of the title is especially so. Poor chap…he can’t settle into a job and his marriage is a bit kaput. Whilst he’s trying to sort himself out, he volunteers at the historic Fort Verde, donning a cavalry surgeon’s uniform (I like him already) for the visitors. Not the most stimulating of jobs, he settles into a chair for a bit whilst on his shift. And wakes up in 1877. His authentic uniform gets him mistaken for an actual surgeon. Not only does he have to bluff his way through medical procedures of which he has no knowledge, but he has to play the part of a nineteenth-century cavalry man for real; no room here for iPhones and LOLs. One thing doesn’t change though: love. Despite desperately hoping he can get back to the twenty-first century the same way he found himself in the nineteenth, a certain Miss Welles stops him in his tracks. Well, what's so wonderful about the twenty-first century, anyway?

Oh, I did like Travis. I think I might have fallen in love with him. He’s what can truly be called, a jolly good egg...a handsome one. Corporal Riley, his right-hand man, was a superb character: virtually inscrutable. He never gave away what must have he thought when he saw a set of keys (car) and a mobile... The very lovely Phaedra Welles reminded me of one of Jane Austen’s heroine’s: determined, independent with a smattering of assertiveness.

I won’t need any convincing whatsoever to read the next part of Travis’s story (Being Travis) which I really, really hope will be available soon.
Profile Image for Dennis Crotts.
351 reviews40 followers
February 20, 2020
This is an excellent audiobook both in the writing and narration Travis is man who from birth raised with being told he a failure and he would never amount to anything. I personally was raised the same way and I know the pain he went thru. Travis works and lives in Camp Verdi, AZ at the historic Camp Verdi a military camp built in 1870 and used till 1891 today there is only about four of the original buildings and the one he works in is Medical Officer office and home. Since he had some medical training he was playing the Medical Officer for the tourist so he cold show and explain medically treatment that was used. So one day Travis had finished his day and was sitting in the chair in the office and saw a greenish light and shortly after he sees it he goes to sleep. When he wakes he notices that thing look strange his office is freshly painted and then he goes outside is amazed at what he sees what he had seen yesterday was totally different today and there was buildings he never seen and the towns, cities, roads and his truck are gone when he checks his calendar it is 1870 not 2010 someway he has traveled back in time and he does not know how to return to his own time. He is recognized as the possible new Medical Officer and he must play the role till he finds a way back to 2010.
The main storyline is what Travis goes through as the Medical Officer trying to do 1800 medical treatments and tries to bring what he knews from 2010 medical to try to help the people that live in 1870 Camp Verdi and changing as much as possible in the hospital and the way the staff cleaned themselves after taking care of the patients and among themselves and finally trying to make medicines and potions that he knew from items he found around him.
In addition you meet his personal male military servant who does the cooking, laundry, housekeeping and assist a medical assistant. Also you meet some of the camp personnel both male, female and their children the story is full of adventures, exploring and falling in love. After he leaves as the Medical Officer after the new Officer arrive he Marries his love and move onto a spread of land to raise cows and a family and in starting a family he becomes his on Great, Great Grandfather.
Profile Image for Mary Higginson.
146 reviews6 followers
October 9, 2019
Interesting twist on a time travelling romance.
By a strange twist of fate, Travis finds himself back in the 1877 at Fort Verde, then Camp Verde, where he has been participating in a reenactment event. On realising his predicament he does his best to adapt while hoping for a way back even though his life to date has been failure after failure.

With only basic training as a medic he has to learn quickly as post surgeon. Corporal Riley, his Striker (aid), helps him settle in. Although he finds Travis’ methods somewhat unorthodox and eccentric Riley appreciates what he is trying to do and they form a friendly bond, working, enjoying each other’s company and feeling mutual respect.

When Travis is invited to the Captain’s quarters for dinner he meets the spinster he has heard about. Miss Phaedra Welles is a quiet, attractive woman of about 30. The word spinster had put him in mind of an old crone so he is shocked to realise just what it meant to be an unmarried woman of that age in 1877. They share mutual interests and grow to care for one another but Captain Wahl has plans for Phaedra that do not include the young surgeon.

I really enjoyed this book. The main characters were well rounded and very human as were the other characters. All were very believable. The book is packed with fascinating historical detail which wove together with both the main and sub plots. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history and sweet romance.
Profile Image for Laura.
588 reviews
February 4, 2020
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.

Another completely enjoyable new series written by the amazing Melissa Bowersock. All of the characters are likeable and relatable but, besides the two main characters, my favorite was Travis' Irish assistant Riley. I found especially interesting the complexity of Travis, the MC, having to live in two different time periods - and on top of that having to research medicine as it was in the 1800's, while having the current knowledge of basic modern day medicines such as penicillin and aspirin. The author's research into the exact details of items used in the past [not only medicines but food, food preparation, clothing, etc.] along with specifics of the landscape of Arizona [both current and past] made the story so captivating. I'm am really looking forward to the next book in this series.

The narrator, Jonathan Waters, was absolutely terrific. I have not listened to him before, but I will certainly look forward to listening to more books narrated by him.
Profile Image for Barbara Wall.
105 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2019
Enjoyable, fast-paced time travel romance with shades of Outlander and a HEA ending. Fort Verde, AZ has a present-day reenactment program staffed with Park Employees and volunteers showing a slice of life in the late 1800s. In this book, Travis is a present-day volunteer dressed as a Calvary Surgeon from the 1800s who falls asleep and wakes up in 1877. The book explores all the differences in the life and expectations of a Surgeon in 1877 versus today and how Travis has to navigate these expectations. He makes some mistakes, but he also makes friends and finds love. The book is well researched and starts out very well. The ending is either a bit rushed or the following books in the series will fill in the blanks. At some point, it should be revealed that Travis is from a different time with his new love interest. It didn't happen in this book but not having read the following books it may take place later in the series. Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for a truthful review. It was worth the time to read and I truly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Natasha.
16 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers
Only.
This was reminiscent of books like the Outlander series, but is from the man's point of view. Travis being from the 21st century travelling back to the 19th and follows his troubles with adjusting to this new life. It was easy to read and I read it quite quickly. It is ideal if you want a quick read with a captivating story.
90 reviews5 followers
November 6, 2019
Love the history of this book. She has done an amazing job on all the details and the history. This book covers so many emotions and I have definitely enjoyed reading this book.
Profile Image for Cris.
19 reviews
February 26, 2020
Outlander meets 1870's Arizonia. I can't wait for the next book!! While Travis is an interesting character of the medic/pseudo doctor, Corp. Riley steals the show! A well written time travel page turner. Copy graciously provided free of charge by the author via Voracious Readers Only.
2 reviews
September 16, 2019
Fantastic story, I really enjoyed the only down side was the ending, it seemed a bit rushed to me but all in all a good read
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,641 reviews62 followers
June 20, 2016
Back to the future....or not????

Travis Merrill’s life isn’t going according to plan. He’s quit several career paths, his wife has left him, and his only solace is volunteering to portray a cavalry surgeon at historic Fort Verde in Arizona, a place where time seems to stand still. When a weird trick of time actually sends him back to the year 1877, he’s boxed into impersonating the post surgeon for real. Unfortunately, he finds his medical knowledge is no match for the primitive practices of the day, and he’s forced to make life or death decisions, not always successfully. He wonders if he will ever be able to return to his own time, or if he might find a life—and a love—140 years in the past.

What did like? Being a person that would love to make this same trip, what can I say, I loved every single word, start to finish and could not put it down. The main character, Travis was perfect. I loved his confusion, uncertainty, earnestness in succeeding, anger and all of the other fun things about him. His side kick, Riley was just the right touch. He kept the whole thing so fun. Loved that guy. Now Travis, I sure wish he was real cause he would be just the right guy for me..... I love new friends.

What are you going to like? The first thing will be the story line. Being a history buff, many of the places and the time line I have some personal knowledge but you will see the the author has done a lot of research and time putting this all together. I have visited some of the areas listed and found this to be really interesting. Travis's knowledge of the medical procedures were spot on and you will love all the ways that he adds to the story with his memories. Your going to love the intricate way that he bonds with the other characters. I think the main thing your going to love though is the beautiful love story and the outcome. It`s just perfect! I am really looking forward to the next book {Being Travis}, it couldn`t be soon enough for me. Great job Ms Bowersock, awesome read and highly recommend this.
Profile Image for Al.
1,328 reviews49 followers
September 18, 2016
Finding Travis is hard to nail down genre-wise. The setting, in both time and place, fits for a Western. But the story isn't what you'd expect (or at least what I would expect) from that genre. It isn't a romance, although there is a romance story line that is a major part of the tale. Is isn't science fiction, but time travel is the premise that sets up the story. The best way to view the book is probably as historical fiction with a twist or two.

One of the things that I like about historical fiction is considering the way the world has changed in the interim. Comparing how the characters react to the situations they encounter to current day norms. Determining what those norms are and trying to conform to them in order to fit in is one of the the things our protaganist Travis does. Or at least tries to do. It's tough enough for Travis to have to fake being a surgeon, but working around the differences due to time travel make it that much more difficult. The was an enjoyable kickoff to this new series. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes from here.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
27 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2020
I received this book for free through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.

Travis has finally found his place in life ... only it's not exactly when he expected! When Travis Merrill wakes up in the past, he certainly doesn't expect to fit in as the camp medic, but after a few stumbles, that is exactly what he does. From sterilizing medical equipment to making his own version of penicillin, Travis is bound and determined to make a difference, though meeting Miss. Welles was not in the plan. She seems to be just as interested but her brother-in-law, the Captain, has other plans for her. It takes an encounter with a bear to finally bring them together.

A time travel story reminiscent of Outlander but from a man's point of view. Not usually a romance book reader, I was drawn to this one because of the time travel aspect but I thoroughly enjoyed my first novel from Melissa Bowersock and will definitely search out more.
Profile Image for Laurie Boris.
Author 28 books164 followers
June 20, 2016
I am a fan of Melissa Bowersock’s smooth, agile writing style. And I think this story is one of my favorites of hers. Travis is adrift, his marriage all but over, spending his free time as a historical re-enactor for tourists visiting Arizona’s Fort Verde. Then a celestial anomaly—we think—pulls him back in time to the frontier days at the same location, where he is assigned to medical duties in a world before the existence of penicillin and modern surgical hygiene practices. The historical details are seamlessly woven with the plot and the character development (I have a book-crush on Travis’s assistant, Riley), making for a lovely, engaging read. I hear there’s a sequel coming, and I can’t wait to read it.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,490 reviews99 followers
February 9, 2020
Fascinating time travel story that is not only well done but well researched. I was engaged nearly from the beginning and obsessed once the totally unexpected time leap happened. Travis was flummoxed but managed to adapt despite having no clue what happened. All of the characters are engaging and interesting, even the nasty. Loved it!
I have the audio and Jonathan Waters fitted perfectly into his role as Travis while doing a remarkable job with the female characters.
Profile Image for Donald.
Author 120 books10 followers
May 14, 2016
I greatly enjoyed this story and look forward to the sequel. I discovered the book when it was entered in Amazon's Kindle Scout program and purchased it as soon as Amazon informed me that it was now available.
Author 1 book1 follower
June 28, 2016
Historical fiction like it should be. This book is well written. I felt like I was living in the nineteenth century. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
Profile Image for Cathy Seckman.
4 reviews
January 29, 2024
I was hooked on the first few lines of ‘Finding Travis,’ and the rest of the book was just as enjoyable. Bowersock is a new author for me, and I can’t wait to catch up with all her other books.
Travis, a confused, depressed, and unsuccessful man, is participating in an event as a military surgeon re-enactor at Fort Verde in Arizona when he gets zapped back to the past by an odd-looking aurora borealis. When he wakes up in the 1800s, Travis’s fellow officers expect that he’s the new surgeon they’ve been awaiting. Sounds cool, doesn’t it? It gets even better as Travis deals with panic and insecurity while struggling to care for his patients.
I love Bowersock’s characterizations. She goes deeply into the roiling mess of emotions in Travis’s head, which are nicely balanced by his laconic orderly, Riley, who has guessed more than he should about Travis’s origins. There’s a love interest, of course, and a happy ending. I was disappointed that Travis didn’t tell Phaedra about his origins, but that just makes me more eager to read the second book in this series. Great read!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Bell.
Author 4 books99 followers
August 1, 2020
I loved the concept, I loved the first scene, and the rest did not disappoint! This novel begins at a Christmas-themed living history event. I have attended many such events over the years and felt immediate nostalgia. I've also researched 19th-century medicine and forts of the American West for my own historical fiction, so I found most of this interesting and delightful. I have serious doubts about the use of chloroform, however—I'm pretty sure that was used solely as anesthesia and not as a painkiller after surgery. I also doubt re-inventing penicillin would be this simple. But the rest of the details about medicine and fort life ring true, the former rendered eerie by our current pandemic reality. Apart from his foul mouth, I really liked Travis, and I was very fond of Reilly. I'm thrilled the Irishman will be returning in the sequel. I would however advise the author to re-think her poorly Photoshopped covers, which do a disservice to the story.
Profile Image for Wide Eyes, Big Ears!.
2,552 reviews
November 12, 2021
When Travis Merrill is transported back in time to 1877 in Fort Verde, AZ, he draws on his veterinary and military medic knowledge to impersonate the incoming fort surgeon. While he misses family and friends, he doesn’t miss his patchy career and ex-wife and settles into life and love in the fort. This historical adventure / romance is exceptionally good - watching Travis ad lib his new life, conceal his futuristic knowledge, and grapple with the daily life of a frontier surgeon was all utterly compelling and entertaining. This is well-written and Travis is a sympathetic main character who tries his hardest to do the right thing with limited resources - you can’t help cheering for him to succeed. Audio narrator Jonathan Waters’ mellifluous tones are the icing on the cake - he does a standout job.
Profile Image for Patricia.
2,957 reviews17 followers
March 22, 2020
The first at least 1/3rd of the book was very interesting. The author didn’t go on and on trying to explain the time travel. He immediately tried to adapt. The commentary about the time he found himself in was interesting. Then it became long winded. I had to scan-scan read. I decided then I would keep reading to see how it ended rather than stop reading as I was tempted to do. It all ended on a good note. I think I will go on to book 2 if it is about the same people.

P.s. The photoshop on the cover of the book is weird. The jacket looks superimposed on what is a stock photo and the pants look drawn on.
Profile Image for Tammy Bulcao.
918 reviews10 followers
June 15, 2021
Historical romance with a twist!

I was excited about reading a time travel story. Then I realized it takes place in the 1800’s and I admit I wasn’t too excited anymore. But then I was pleasantly surprised with this story. Well written and intriguing. Travis is a wonderfully clever character & his best friend Riley is so much fun.
The narration was fantastic. Jonathan Waters does a great job bringing this story to life and his voice really makes it an enjoyable easy listen. This is book 1 with an HEA. I recommend this book.

Sisters Spotlight 💜
Profile Image for Shelly Neinast.
Author 4 books23 followers
July 29, 2023
A new life

A great historical romance intended for all ages who like adventurous historical romance.
The historical data was incredibly realistic right down to the late nineteenth century surgeons implements to making modern day medicine from bread and cheese mold.
I enjoyed reading the story and kept me interested and entertained through to the end. I will definitely look forward to reading book 2 of the Travis story.
9 reviews
March 27, 2020
Finding Travis is a story about time travel but I would have liked a bit more in the story to explain the jump in time. Once Travis arrives in the past he quickly acclimates to his new life and falls in love. This was an interesting tale but I was left wanting more in several areas. Maybe book two will help!
4 reviews
April 5, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I wish it had been a bit longer though, with a bit more about the time travel complexities. I liked that it was all in the main/title character's POV, and I especially liked the development of the relationship between him and his striker. All in all, an enjoyable read that I'm glad I picked.
Profile Image for Deedra.
3,932 reviews40 followers
August 25, 2020
audible:This was a very good story!Travis is a history interpreter at a historic fort in Arizona.He falls asleep in 2016 and wakes up the actual Calvary Surgeon! A nice twist on the time travel novels. Jonathan Waters was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.' 
1,615 reviews12 followers
January 15, 2019
3 stars. The book was well-written, but ultimately is was just a bland story about a guy who travels back in time (for no apparent reason) and has some uneventful experiences in a western army fort in the late 1800s.
Profile Image for Thais.
Author 2 books11 followers
November 16, 2020
The novel is well written, but the story itself is bland and plot thin. There isn't much going on besides his day to day business. The time travel part isn't the main plot, it's actually not explained and he immediately accept his new reality.
Profile Image for Claudia Foglein-Goins.
107 reviews
May 10, 2020
Enjoyable time travel story. Well written, descriptive with a bit of action thrown in. This was a Voracious Readers review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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