In the second installment in the A Magical Bookshop Novel series join William as he returns to his friends Rose, Beth, and John in Westbridge.
Still wrestling with losing the man he loved during the Napoleonic War, William Chambers receives a letter from his friend John Easton. Spurred by its contents William leaves his apartments in London behind to travel to the Hawthorne estate. There, he meets Austin Miller, a man who just like his friend's wife Rose has traveled from the future.
William struggles with feelings of guilt, nightmares about his military service, and strict regency era society rules as he becomes more and more intrigued by the strange and modern young man. However, the return of a figure from his past threatens to disrupt everything William cares about. Will love slip through his hands once more or can he hold on to it?
Quarter Finalist
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: This is a creative, multilayered work with several intersecting plot lines, all of which work seamlessly together and engage the reader's emotions and intellect. There is much here to savor from the first page to the last.
Prose: The author is a wonderful writer: engaging, articulate, and concise. The story flows along smoothly thanks to skillfully crafted prose that steadily uncovers William's story.
Originality: This is a unique and highly distinctive work that will no doubt engage readers, but the title may want to be reconsidered.
Character Development/Execution: The author does an excellent job with characterization, particularly with William, whose story is told initially through letters and later through a first-person narrative, both greatly effective in depicting his loss and struggles.
Date Submitted: July 25, 2022
"Such a good read. This is the second novel in the Magical Bookshop series written by the author, Harmke Buursma. It's a story of time travel and romance. The storyline is heartrending, heartwarming, and ultimately full of joy with a delightful happily-ever-after end. The protagonists, Austin, a man magically transported to the Regency era in England and William, a man suffering from PTSD as a result of not only being a front line soldier in the war against Napoleon's army but also the loss of his lover in that war. There is a slow burn romance between the two men, both of whom are delightful in character and just a wee bit snarky. Ultimately choices have to be made to return to the future or remain with a new love in 1811 England. Harmke has a delightful writing style and the story is fascinating and true to the time period. Looking forward to reading more of her work."
5* Review by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
William Through Time is the second book of the Magical Bookshop series by Harmke Buursma. After serving years in the harrowing Napoleonic War, William Chambers returns home to his apartment in Albany, London, brokenhearted. He receives a letter from his best friend, John Easton, who once again invites him to the Hawthorne estate in Westbridge. Warmly welcomed by the Easton family, William is a bit taken aback when John introduces him to a man named Austin Miller. To William's surprise, he learns that Austin, like John's wife Rose, also came from the future through a portal at an American bookshop. As the days go by, William and Austin become ever closer. But the entrance of a devious Captain Tremblay changes everything. Will William suffer another heartache? Can Austin and William find their happy ending?
A mesmerizing tale of forbidden love, friendship, and time travel set in the Regency era in England, William Through Time breezes past without a single hitch. Author Harmke Buursma weaves a captivating story of two star-crossed lovers who find each other in the most extraordinary circumstances. Rich in history and infused with colorful characters, the narrative doesn't have a single dull moment, and Buursma's smooth prose makes it an absolute delight. Although William's relationship with Austin is the primary focus of the narrative, the other characters also bring something of their own to the story. Apart from William and Austin, I also enjoyed the dynamic between William and John. If you love romantic dramas set in historical settings, I recommend William Through Time.
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
William Through Time is the second book of the Magical Bookshop series by Harmke Buursma. After serving years in the harrowing Napoleonic War, William Chambers returns home to his apartment in Albany, London, brokenhearted. He receives a letter from his best friend, John Easton, who once again invites him to the Hawthorne estate in Westbridge. Warmly welcomed by the Easton family, William is a bit taken aback when John introduces him to a man named Austin Miller. To William's surprise, he learns that Austin, like John's wife Rose, also came from the future through a portal at an American bookshop. As the days go by, William and Austin become ever closer. But the entrance of a devious Captain Tremblay changes everything. Will William suffer another heartache? Can Austin and William find their happy ending?
A mesmerizing tale of forbidden love, friendship, and time travel set in the Regency era in England, William Through Time breezes past without a single hitch. Author Harmke Buursma weaves a captivating story of two star-crossed lovers who find each other in the most extraordinary circumstances. Rich in history and infused with colorful characters, the narrative doesn't have a single dull moment, and Buursma's smooth prose makes it an absolute delight. Although William's relationship with Austin is the primary focus of the narrative, the other characters also bring something of their own to the story. Apart from William and Austin, I also enjoyed the dynamic between William and John. If you love romantic dramas set in historical settings, I recommend William Through Time.
