Timeless by Alexandra Monir

 

Book Summary (via Goodreads):
When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor’s world, she is forced to uproot her life and move across the country to New York City, to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she’s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a century’s worth of family secrets, Michele discovers a diary that hurtles her back in time to the year 1910. There, in the midst of the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life – a man she always wished was real, but never imagined could actually exist. And she finds herself falling for him, into an otherworldly, time-crossed romance.

Michele is soon leading a double life, struggling to balance her contemporary high school world with her escapes into the past. But when she stumbles upon a terrible discovery, she is propelled on a race through history to save the boy she loves – a quest that will determine the fate of both of their lives.

Book Trailer:



Book Review:
Where to begin?! This book incorporates music and time travel to tell a lovely story of romance to exceeds the barriers of space and time. How far would you go to be with the one you love? That is exactly what Michele Windsor asks herself when she finds her true love, only he exists 100 years before her time. I was blown away by the descriptions of various eras in America history. I could taste the gigglewater in the speakeasies, feel the pride of our country during world war II, and could hardly bear the strict limitations of the high society of the early twentieth century. I adored the portions of the story where Michele time traveled. It was certainly interesting and unique. However, what made this story fall short of a five star rating, was the lack of development of her modern day life. It's certainly there, just not as developed as it could be. I would have liked to see Michele's relationship with her grandparents flayed out a bit more. There's a potential family secret that is hinted at, but it never fully progresses. Also, I would have enjoyed learning more about Michele's friendships with Cassie and Ben. Again, they are touched on, but never fully established. It seems like Michele's day-to-day living is cast in the shadows, while her time traveling takes the forefront. I would have preferred a bit more balance. Other than those few items, this was a very enjoyable book. I look forward to learning more about Michele in the next installment in the series, due to release sometime next year.

Favorite Quote:

"The Fletcher Henderson Orchestra was playing again, and that night Louis Armstrong was singing as well as playing the trumpet. Michele swayed dreamily as she listened to his signature gravelly voice...On all sides of here were couples dancing 1920s dances, from the Charleston to the turkey trot, their legs and arms flying. The women were loud and boisterous, wearing dresses with plunging necklines and puffing on cigarettes, a stunning contrast to the proper, buttoned-up ladies Michele had encountered in 1910." (p. 229)

Cover Art Commentary:
This cover makes me feel dreamy, mysterious and hopeful all at the same time! Just beautiful! :)

Overall Rating: