Title: The Hands of Time
Author: Irina Shapiro
First published December 7, 2011
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.05
Overview
In the quaint fishing village on the coast of England, a young woman mysteriously vanishes without a trace. Only one person holds the truth, but remains silent as the authorities search in vain.
In the present day, Valerie Crane is transported back to the year 1605, terrified and confused. Seeking help, Valerie turns to the Whitfield brothers who offer her a home.
Both Alexander and Finlay Whitfield fall in love with the mysterious woman, creating a love triangle that threatens to consume them all. Valerie must make a choice between the brothers; one who will lead her down the path of destruction and the other who will give her a love she couldn’t find in her own time.
The Hands of Time is a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and time travel that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
As a child, I always dreamed of writing a novel. However, as I grew older, I became more practical and self-doubtful, causing me to put my dream on hold.
It wasn’t until decades later that I was presented with an opportunity to write. Despite my doubts, I decided to take the chance and face the blank screen.
As I began to type, I became completely immersed in my characters and their surroundings, and I realized that writing was my true calling.
Since then, I have written many books and have been fortunate enough to receive positive reviews. Even still, I am sometimes amazed that I am living my dream.
If you’re interested in keeping up with my latest projects and taking advantage of discount deals, be sure to follow me on BookBub for new release alerts.
Editoral Review
In Irina Shapiro’s novel, The Hands of Time, readers are taken on a captivating journey through time with a thrilling blend of historical fiction and romantic suspense. Shapiro is an accomplished author, having written numerous novels in various genres, and she brings her sharp storytelling skills to full force in this novel.
Set in both present-day and 17th-century England, the novel follows the story of Abbie, a modern-day woman who is inexplicably drawn to a mysterious antique locket. As she delves into its history, Abbie is transported back in time to the era of Oliver Cromwell’s reign, where she meets the locket’s original owner, Lady Isabella.
While trying to find a way back to her own time, Abbie uncovers a web of family secrets and dangerous plots that threaten to upend both her life and the course of history. Shapiro’s writing style is elegant and engaging, drawing readers in with lush descriptions of both time periods and a cast of well-developed characters.
The pacing of the novel is spot-on, with just the right balance of action, intrigue, and romance to keep the reader turning the pages. One of the strengths of the book is Shapiro’s attention to historical detail.
Her research is impeccable, and she skillfully weaves in real-life historical events and figures, adding depth and richness to the story. The way she juxtaposes the lives of the modern-day and historical characters illuminates how the struggles of the past continue to impact the present.
Another standout feature of the novel is the complexity of the emotional relationships between the characters. The romance between Lady Isabella and her husband, as well as the tension between Abbie and her modern-day love interest, are handled with sensitivity and nuance.
While Shapiro’s writing is mostly strong, there are a few moments where the dialogue borders on melodramatic. Additionally, there are some plot points that feel just a bit too convenient.
However, these minor flaws do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the book. Readers who enjoy historical fiction blended with suspenseful romance will find much to love in The Hands of Time.
It is a delightful read that manages to be both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Overall, I would rate The Hands of Time an 8 out of 10.
It is a satisfying and engrossing read that is sure to please fans of the genre.
