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Crestfield Inn

Turning Back Time

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Sometimes love needs a helping hand…

She needs to discover the truth by unraveling the past. He’s intent on filling in the missing links on his family tree. When they both end up researching the early 1800s, will history get in the way of the future?

All Sarah’s life, stories had been told—handed down from generation to generation. Captain Tremont had gone to his watery grave committing a crime…bootlegging. But a message discovered in her grandmother’s trunk addressed to her great-grandfather six times removed, leads Sarah to believe there is another explanation.

Blake is delivering a load of antiques to the local B&B when a gorgeous woman just about knocks him off his feet—literally and figuratively. An antique lamp gets broken and the air is rife with tension, but when they meet again at the library, Blake offers to team up in their research efforts by way of apology. Strictly business of course.

But as they wind their way through history, it would seem there are some strange things happening when the resident spirit gets involved. Will the truth bring them happiness or drive them apart forever?

250 pages, ebook

Published August 9, 2020

69 people are currently reading
412 people want to read

About the author

Elsie Davis

41 books271 followers
Elsie Davis is a USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR of over 25 novels. She writes sweet, clean & wholesome contemporary romance and is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writer's association. At the age of twelve, Elsie discovered the world of Happily-Ever-After romance when she began avidly reading Barbara Cartland, the Queen of Romance, and has been hooked ever since. After building her dream log home on top of a small mountain, she turned her attention to do what she loves most...writing.
Three daughters, five grandchildren, and her own hero husband, keep her extremely busy. When Elsie's not glued to the keyboard, she loves boating, birding, camping, fishing, wildlife, disc golf and nature walks. Basically, all things outdoors, EXCEPT cold weather. Her and her husband love Caribbean cruises, but Elsie’s favorite vacation was their cruise to Alaska. (In spite of the cold!)
Indoors, she enjoys a toasty fire, a glass of red wine, and of course, a great romance (Hallmark-Style) with a guaranteed Happily-Ever-After.

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5 stars
83 (53%)
4 stars
45 (29%)
3 stars
22 (14%)
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4 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Keelie.
114 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2021
I would consider this to be a romance with a side of cozy mystery and a dash of paranormal! That worked out well for me. I am a sucker for romance and am really into cozy mystery. In all honesty, the paranormal aspect I'm not always into when it comes to books, but I feel like it worked really well for this story!

Sarah and Blake meet in what I am dubbing a meet-annoy. From the very beginning, I felt a connection to Blake. It's likely the history aspect as I am in love with history. Sarah was a little more difficult to connect with for me, but still a very relatable character.

Most times I'm saying that the books/chapters could have been shorter with certain parts being drawn out far too long. However, it's the opposite for this one. There were definitely scenes that I wish would have gone more in-depth. However, it doesn't lack any information or drop off in ways to make you disinterested.
4,452 reviews38 followers
January 19, 2021
Turning Back Time is a really great romance. There are so many things I liked about this book. Sarah and Blake are fascinating, well developed characters. They are both interested in their family's history. Sarah wants to find out what really happened the night her six times removed great grandfather died and clear him of the smuggling charges. Blake is working on his family tree. This might sound dull, but Ms. Davis presented this in a way that captured my interest on page one and I hated to see the book end. By the way, the ending is absolutely perfect for this story. I highly recommend this entertaining novel.
Profile Image for Peggy Freeman.
Author 10 books18 followers
March 5, 2021
Turning Back Time by Elisa Davis, Simple and sweet. Sarah’s research on family history for her next book and Blake’s love of history brings them to meet in the middle of the Tremont history. The promise of a ghost and a romance keeps the reader interested in this short novel. I received the audible version from the narrator. The narration improves about halfway through the novel. If you like a young adult flirty plot, you’ll enjoy this book. PG17.
355 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2020
I don't know if I'll have enough words to satisfy Goodreads, but I can say that this is a really cute book!
I found it really good and the fact that the characters have a Fun relationship made it all the better.
I highly recommend it!
1,602 reviews28 followers
December 24, 2021
Turning Back Time by Elsie Davis
Sometimes love needs a helping hand…
She needs to discover the truth by unraveling the past. He’s intent on filling in the missing links on his family tree. When they both end up researching the early 1800s, will history get in the way of the future?
All Sarah’s life, stories had been told—handed down from generation to generation. Captain Tremont had gone to his watery grave committing a crime…bootlegging. But a message discovered in her grandmother’s trunk addressed to her great-grandfather six times removed, leads Sarah to believe there is another explanation.
Blake is delivering a load of antiques to the local B&B when a gorgeous woman just about knocks him off his feet—literally and figuratively. An antique lamp gets broken and the air is rife with tension, but when they meet again at the library, Blake offers to team up in their research efforts by way of apology. Strictly business of course.
But as they wind their way through history, it would seem there are some strange things happening when the resident spirit gets involved. Will the truth bring them happiness or drive them apart forever?
This is Sarah and Blake's story.
Welcome to Cedar Grove. Population 5,154. The green sign announced Sarah’s arrival before the brisk male voice of the GPS resonated through her Mustang’s speakers.
The trip had been short and easy thanks to the Lake Champlain ferry and excellent weather.
The crossing from Plattsburgh, New York to Grand Isle, Vermont took fifteen minutes, but it shaved off close to an hour of added driving through the winding, back-country roads.
Finding the telegram in her grandmother’s long ago locked away antique chest had instigated the trip.
“Don’t worry, honest. There’s no shortage of old stuff around here, and we’ll see what we can do to fix it.
This by the way, is Blake Carter, our history teacher at Rushton High.” Jason nodded toward the other man.
“I’m afraid I didn’t make a good first impression with the teacher.” “Don’t let him worry you none.
He loves everything and anything that relates to the olden days, especially antiques.
I recommend reading.
Turning Back Time by Elsie Davis is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Elsie Davis.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.


Profile Image for Patty.
5,055 reviews53 followers
September 5, 2023
Turning Back Time
Crestfield Inn Novel, Book 1
By: Elsie Davis
Narrated by: Rachel Butler

There is nothing better than a good love story. I love romance, and I love history, so Elsie Davis's Turning Back Time caught my interest from the very beginning! As Sarah begins her journey into her family history, she takes on the mission of clearing her long distance relative's name. She meets Blake as she literally bumps into him, breaking an antique lamp, not the first impression anyone wants. Running into him again at the library, the two find they both have an interest in family history as Blake is researching his family tree. Sarah offers to help and our romance begins. But life is never easy, and Davis throws a few curve balls into the mix. This is a fun, exciting, ghost filled story and I was lost in it. I love hearing about the stories of times past, and the way Davis weaves it all together had me enchanted. And the ending...be still my heart! I loved it!

Rachel Butler tells this fabulous story with a variety of voices, each bringing each character to life. Her voices perfectly fit each one, including the ghosts! She adds just enough nuance to give the feelings that keep me enthralled and make the listen a pleasure to hear.
Profile Image for Peni.
4,800 reviews1 follower
Want to read
September 1, 2020
Sarah is on a mission…discover the truth by unraveling the past

All her life, stories had been told—handed down from generation to generation. Captain Tremont had gone to his watery grave committing a crime…bootlegging. But a note discovered in her grandmother’s trunk addressed to her great-grandfather six times removed, leads Sarah to believe there is another explanation. Intent on discovering the truth, her plan has the added bonus of providing material for her next novel and she travels to Cedar Grove, Vermont.

Blake loves history and that includes his family tree. A quest to fill in the missing links has him back in the early 1800’s. When he discovers Sarah researching the same time period, he offers to team up and she accepts. Strictly business of course.

But as they wind their way through history, it would seem there are some strange things happening when the resident ghost gets involved. Sometimes loves needs a helping hand…
Profile Image for Deborah.
95 reviews
September 13, 2021
I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent a free book.

This was a great book! I really liked it from beginning to end. A cute romance.

Sarah was a likeable character. She was kind, adventurous, and a writer. I had an easy time liking her and understanding her.

Blake was a good character. He was kind, thoughtful, and a bit of a rogue. Blake liked history, and was a history teacher.

It starts out with Sarah taking a trip to restore her ancestor's honor, and to figure out her next story to write. It ends up with her meeting Blake. Them from there the two discover the past together. There are a few twist and turns along the way, but eventually they get together.

I didn't like the ghost or how they were almost related. It just didn't work for me. Either of those things. Other than that, the story was delightful.

I would recommend this story to anyone who likes romances!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Linda Rondeau.
Author 37 books252 followers
January 14, 2022
I rarely give five stars when I do a book review. I’m particular. I want a story that is not only well written but will either entertain or inspire me.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Maybe partially because I lived in Northern New York and was very familiar with the setting, near Burlington, Vermont. I have ridden the mention Ferry many times. The author’s descriptions were accurate.

Well written, I enjoyed getting to know the characters: who wouldn’t love a quirky history teacher and a mystery writer? I can believe the romance.

As for Cloe’s ghost … I’ll leave that up to the reader. Some Christians do not believe in ghosts. Others do. You decide for yourself. Even so, the author did a good job keeping me on the page … I wanted to know more about why this ghost appeared and what her backstory was. The author peppered the forward-moving narrative with sufficient backstory to keep me intrigued.
2,655 reviews19 followers
August 17, 2021
I liked this romantic story set in the quaint town of Cedar Grove in Vermont. I likied the history of the Crestfield Inn and its resident ghost, Chloe. Her story was so sad and happy at the same time. I enjoyed watching her help Sarah find out more about her great-grandfather, Captain Tremont and I also enjoued the romance brewing between Sarah and Blake, a history teacher doing geneology on his own family. The story was a lot of fun to read and picture. I recieved an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Profile Image for Victoria.
4,547 reviews
September 12, 2021
I do enjoy a story when you get two for one (the current love story and one from the past) throw in a resident ghost, good supporting characters and a countdown to one of them leaving and it makes for good reading. I enjoyed the romance, mystery, history, friendships, connections, chemistry, respect, honest, trust, faith, openness and the flow of the story. The end was a nice surprise for me and I am interested in seeing what happens next at the Inn. I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
206 reviews3 followers
December 26, 2021
This is good at what it is, light fiction. There's not much depth here, just a fun, clean story with an interesting "spirited" twist. It was the perfect read for a day when I had to work in a setting with a lot of wait time. Doesn't demand much from the reader, so interruptions are ok. It borders on annoying at times because every situation and detail works out a little too perfectly to be acceptable. There is no real challenge here. There are values, integrity, good friends, and positivity and those are worth a lot.
63 reviews7 followers
August 13, 2021
Elsie Davis’s book, was so different, therefore I loved it! Her characters were enjoyable right off, and very interesting. Both of the main characters are history lovers. Sarah is on a quest to clear her 6 times removed grandfather’s good name, and Blake is on a genealogy quest. There is a lot of mystery included amidst the ever growing romantic relationship between these two! It was a delightfully fun, light, sweet book and I highly recommend it to everyone!
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews62 followers
September 12, 2021
This was such a sweet, sentimental story. And that ending left me in happy tears. Their beginning isn’t exactly the usual definition of a meet-cute; neither Sarah nor Blake seems very happy to meet one another at first. But their chemistry sparkles from the page and I couldn’t help falling in love with the pair of them. I adored how this book wraps up and I can’t wait to read what that possibility brings for future stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
Profile Image for Moira.
1,261 reviews11 followers
May 26, 2022
The ghostly reveal

A new author and fun, intriguing story to start a new series. A ghost in the Inn helps Sarah determine the history of her great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather. As she researched the history her work led her to Blake a local history teacher. When information reveals they could have been related 6 generations ago, can they forge ahead with their relationship? You'll want to read this to find out.
Profile Image for Kristin Whitehouse.
1,442 reviews52 followers
September 11, 2021
I received this as an advanced reader copy for a honest review of the book. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. They were likeable although the insta-love was a little unbelievable.

I was a little afraid it was going to get too religious but it didn't. It was a clean romance with no swearing or sex just some kissing for those who don't like sex scenes.
Profile Image for Sheila.
604 reviews4 followers
September 13, 2021
A hit!
I really enjoyed getting to know Sarah n Blake on their adventures, individual then joint journey. I loved the details of room 4 @ Crestfield Inn, I felt like I was there, goosebumps included.
Following along - reading about Captain Tremont, Claudia, and everyone’s favorite ghost, Chloe, (sorry Casper), made history so much more enjoyable then my high school class.
6 reviews
January 23, 2022
So much fun! Heartwarming, too!

I love this storyline! The characters just make me happy - and their stories warm my heart. As someone who has lived in historic homes I really felt the love stories this book weaves between the centuries. I’m moving on to the next in series right now! Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Ida Lukasik.
249 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2022
Ghost and a writer

I enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. I like a little mystery and romance. Sarah a writer, looking for some family history and book research. Blake searching family history meet. An inn and a ghost who helps along the way. Read and find out the fun for yourself.
Profile Image for Nati.
2,896 reviews16 followers
September 12, 2021
Sarah and Blake first encounter was a little rough but when they met again in Cedar Grove’s library, their search from facts in the past will bring them together or tore them apart? A sweet love story with a ghostly touch.
858 reviews13 followers
November 28, 2021
What a delightful book! I loved Sarah and Blake’s story! A love of history and researching the same time period has them going through old documents. With a little help from the resident ghost, Chloe, they slowly start finding pieces and now need to put it all together. A page turning read!
Profile Image for Sheri Bolinger.
387 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2021
Cute read

This was such a cute, quick read. I loved the main characters, the bonding over history and the ghost. This was a unique love story that I'm glad I was able to experience! Great job!!
102 reviews2 followers
December 23, 2021
Very good book

This is a book that makes you feel good that you read it. I hope to find more books like this one. It kept my interest all the way through. Thank you Elsie Davis for writing such a good story.
649 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2022
An amazing read

As a lover of history and genealogy this book captured my attention and didnt let go, it is a little slow but genealogy is that way, you dig and dig its a slow process. Well done Ms Davis.
204 reviews
January 9, 2022
Book review

This was an easy read. I appreciate tremendously, that it was clean. Unfortunately it became too predictable and way too syrupy. The ending was tied up too rapidly. This is probably a good read for a teenage reader.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,620 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2021
This book has everything that makes for a great read; mystery, romance and drama. I loved everything about this book and look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Isolette or (ICY).
498 reviews10 followers
September 30, 2021
I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent a free book. This was a great book! I really liked it from beginning to end. But it was something totally different for me.
Profile Image for Deborah.
275 reviews14 followers
October 25, 2021
Searching

Looking for answers and finding love very good book won it on Goodreads I love old mysterys enjoyed it. Thanks
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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