Books Like...

'Katherine' by Anya Seton is a historical fiction novel that brings to life the relationship between Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt in 14th century England. The book is praised for its detailed descriptions of the time period, rich historical accuracy, and the portrayal of the intertwined lives of the main characters. Seton's writing style is described as beautifully written, captivating, and immersive, making readers feel like they are experiencing the events alongside the characters.

Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine is a historical fiction novel that intertwines past and present through the experiences of Joanna Clifford, an investigative journalist who undergoes hypnosis and regresses back to the life of Matilda de Braose, a noblewoman from 12th century England. As Joanna delves deeper into Matilda's life, she discovers connections between her current existence and her past life, leading to a complex narrative that explores themes of reincarnation, hypnosis, and historical intrigue. The book showcases Erskine's skill in blending historical detail with a contemporary storyline, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience that delves into the mysteries of the past.

'The Mirror' by Marlys Millhiser is a captivating time travel tale that follows the story of Shay Garrett, a young woman from the 1970s who mysteriously switches lives with her grandmother, Brandy McCabe, from the year 1900. As Shay navigates the challenges of living in the past, she must adapt to a different era's societal norms and historical events, including the Great Depression and World War II. Meanwhile, Brandy finds herself in Shay's modern world of 1978, struggling to understand the advancements and changes that have occurred over the decades. The narrative weaves together the lives of these two women through a magical mirror, exploring themes of family history, love, and the consequences of altering the past.

Dragonwyck by Anya Seton is a gothic romance novel set in the 1840s in New York's Hudson River Valley. The story follows Miranda, a young girl who becomes a governess at the eerie Dragonwyck mansion and finds herself falling in love with her employer, Nicholas Van Ryn. As Miranda gets closer to Nicholas, she discovers dark secrets within the estate, leading to a twisted and dangerous relationship. The novel combines elements of romance, gothic fiction, and historical events, creating a captivating and atmospheric tale with a hint of the occult.

Late one evening, en route to visit a relative, an accident leaves Tory, the attractive, twenty-something daughter of a prominent history professor, stranded near a ring of stones in Britain. Tory resolves to spend the night at the stone circle and seek help in the morning. But across the vortex of time and space, she is taken back to the Dark Age. There she meets Prince Maelgwn of Gwynedd and his band of warriors. Initially, her 'strange' appearance frightens them, and they believe she is the notorious witch fabled to frequent the site. But she overcomes their fear, and soon the tales of her adventures, brave deeds, and beauty spread across the land.

Traci Harding has done a lot of research for her Ancient Future trilogy. Her references to New Age, Theosophy, and mythology are quite accurate. However, Tory Alexander is very much a Mary Sue character, fluent in obscure languages, awesome at martial arts, and incredibly hot to boot. She can't seem to do anything truly wrong. Also, this book could have truly done with some MUCH better editing. The idea to use archaic English forms for speaking another language is inspired, but the use is very inconsistent and often blatantly breaks grammatical agreement for number, case, and person. The Ancient Future and its following companion volumes are very fun escapist fiction, but don't expect a great work of literature or deep character studies. Just go with it and smile.

"My Name Is Memory" by Ann Brashares is a novel that delves into the concept of reincarnation and past lives. The story follows Daniel, a man who can remember all his previous lives in vivid detail and has been searching for his soulmate, Sophia, through the centuries. In his current life, he meets Lucy, who is unaware of their past connection, leading to a complex and emotional journey of love and destiny. The book switches between past and present, exploring the enduring connection between Daniel and Lucy as they navigate multiple lifetimes and obstacles in their path.

The writing style of Ann Brashares in "My Name Is Memory" is praised for its ability to draw readers into the characters' lives and emotions. The book weaves together themes of love, destiny, and the complexities of relationships across time, offering a unique and engaging take on the concept of reincarnation and soulmates.

'Reincarnation' by Suzanne Weyn is a novel that follows the story of two soulmates who are destined to meet in various lifetimes throughout history. The book explores the idea of love that transcends time, as the two lovers continuously find each other in different incarnations, facing obstacles that tear them apart. The plot spans from prehistoric times to present day, depicting the struggles and connections of the main characters across different eras. The writing style of the book is described as rich and historical, with details that seamlessly connect the characters from one life to the next, making the reincarnation process less confusing for the readers.

The novel 'Reincarnation' by Suzanne Weyn delves into the concept of eternal love that cannot be overcome, even by time itself. The story revolves around the two main characters who go through multiple lifetimes, always finding each other and strengthening their bond with each reincarnation. The plot includes various historical settings such as ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, the Civil War, and modern times, creating a unique love story that stands out and leaves a lasting impact on the readers. The book is praised for its exploration of soulmates destined to reunite, despite the challenges they face in each new life.

Julia Beckett, a children's illustrator, impulsively buys an old farmhouse that she feels a strong connection to. As she settles in, she starts experiencing flashbacks to the life of Mariana, a woman from the 17th century who lived in the same house. The book follows Julia as she unravels the mystery of her connection to Mariana, exploring themes of reincarnation, time travel, and a star-crossed love story set against the backdrop of the English Civil War. The writing style is praised for being engaging, with well-developed characters and a blend of historical fiction and modern storytelling.

The Incarnations by Susan Barker is a novel that intertwines the lives of a modern-day Beijing taxi driver, Wang Jun, with his reincarnated soulmate through letters detailing their past lives spanning centuries of Chinese history. The book delves into themes of obsession, betrayal, brutality, and the struggle to maintain dignity and humanity amidst challenging circumstances. Barker's writing style is described as dark, raw, and beautifully written, capturing the intricacies of Wang's life and the vivid historical narratives seamlessly woven into the plot.

A Witch in Time by Constance Sayers follows the intertwined lives of one woman, Helen, who is cursed for falling in love. From experiencing each lifetime for the first time to discovering her abilities and the strong magic within, the book takes readers on a journey through different time periods and atmospheres. The story delves into themes of love, tragedy, magic, and the binding power of a curse, showcasing the strength needed to make change happen and the possibility of losing everything dear yet again.

The plot alternates between Helen in present-day America and her past lives as Juliet in 1895 France, Nora in 1920s America, and Sandra in 1970s LA. Each lifetime involves encounters with the same man, Marchant, leading to tragic affairs and a cycle of untimely deaths, all while being guided by the mysterious presence of Luke Varner. As Helen pieces together her past and attempts to break the curse, the narrative unfolds with layers of reincarnation, magic, demons, curses, and the complexities of love and tragedy across different time periods.