If you love a good time travel romance with strong Outlander vibes, this book should be at the top of your list! The blend of modern woman meets brooding historical hero, lush early 1900s Charleston setting, and a dash of mystery creates an engaging story. Fans of emotional tension, slow-burn, and character-driven plots will be hooked - not to mention the vivid world-building and unique twist on the time slip trope. History buffs and those who enjoy self-discovery journeys will find Serene a heroine worth rooting for.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found it hard to connect with the characters or were put off by the heroine's decisions and the complicated love situation. If you’re not a fan of slow-burning relationships, love-hate dynamics, or get frustrated by cliffhangers and unresolved threads (since it’s the start of a trilogy), this might not be for you. And if historical accuracy or tight editing is a sticking point, you might notice some timeline quirks and typos.

Sweeping, romantic, and totally transportive - with just enough twists to keep you guessing - The Surviving Trace is a must for time travel romance fans, but be ready to dive into a full series for answers!

About:

The Surviving Trace by Calia Read is a time-travel romance novel that follows Serene Parow, an antique shop owner with a passion for the past. After finding an old photograph at a flea market, Serene mysteriously travels back to 1912 where she discovers she is married to Etienne, the man from the photo. As Serene navigates her new life in the past, she must uncover the reason for her journey and the connection she shares with Etienne. The book is written in a first-person perspective, alternating between Serene and Etienne's point of view, creating a captivating and immersive storytelling experience that blends romance and time-travel elements.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, featuring a strong heroine and a brooding male lead, with a dynamic relationship that evolves throughout the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is immersive and engaging, with a first-person perspective that enhances emotional connection.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around time travel to 1912, an arranged marriage, and a heroine trying to navigate her new reality while uncovering deep connections.

Setting:

The setting is richly detailed, rooted in early 20th century Charleston, capturing historical nuances effectively.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with gradual relationship development and some slow sections, but remains engaging enough to hold readers' interest.

The first time, I was fourteen. I watched my aunt die in a small hospital room. We were prepared for her death, but seeing her life slowly fade away was chilling. My parents, brothers, and I surrounde...

Notes:

The main character, Serene, is an antique shop owner.

Serene travels back in time to 1912 Charleston, South Carolina.

She finds herself in the body of a woman who looks just like her but is married to a man named Etienne.

The book explores themes of love, time travel, and self-discovery.

Serene has a fiancé named Will in the present, complicating her feelings in the past.

Etienne is described as a brooding hero with a gruff exterior.

The romance between Serene and Etienne develops against a backdrop of resentment and attraction.

The story parallels some elements of the popular series Outlander.

Readers found the world-building immersive and described the setting in 1912 vividly.

The writing is noted for its emotional depth and engaging characters.

The story is told from multiple perspectives, primarily Serene's and occasionally Etienne's.

There is a significant plot twist that reveals Serene's marriage to Etienne in the past.

The novel is part of a trilogy, suggesting an ongoing storyline across the books.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include themes of arranged marriage, emotional conflict, and potential infidelity due to the strained relationship dynamics.

Has Romance?

The romance is a central theme of the novel, showcasing a strong romantic development between the main characters, with significant emotional tension.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

Will is my fiancé. The shy man I met years ago in college. The person I'm supposed to spend the rest of my life with.

This is the life I've always wanted until finding a picture of four men changes everything…

Étienne says he's my husband and the year is 1912. He can't stand the sight of me, but I don't know why.

Oh, and he's one of the men from the picture.

I've done the impossible and have become trapped in time and I know Étienne is my key to going home.

The more time I spend with Étienne, the further I fall for him until I'm questioning which time I belong in and if the life I left behind is the one I truly desire.

All I know for certain is I need to survive time.

I need to survive love.

And I need to make it out on the other side alive. more

May 2018

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462 pages

Ratings (5)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (2)
Liked It (1)

Reader Stats (27):

Read It (6)
Want To Read (11)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (9)

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The Surviving Trace

Calia Read

Book 1 in the series:Surviving Time

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