Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Delacorte Press (First Edition)
Pages
290
Description
Romance. Science Fiction & Fantasy. Historical Fiction. Young Adult Fiction. HTML: When tragedy strikes Michele Windsorâ??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 sheâ??s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a centuryâ??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 â?? 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 â?? a quest that will determine the fate of both of th… (more)
Description
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.
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.
Series
Collection
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2011-01-11
Physical description
290 p.; 8.5 inches
ISBN
9780385738385
Similar in this library
Lexile
850L
User reviews
LibraryThing member GirlonaMission
Can you put a time limit on love? According to this book, no. Michele's had dreams about a young man since she was a little girl and never understood why she felt so much love for this stranger. When
Michele finds the beautiful chain with the key, she is transported back in time to her ancestors.
Monir paints such a vivid picture for the reader while describing old NYC. I live in NY so the landmarks and streets that were being named, I knew. I literally saw the horse drawn carriages, the flapper dresses, to the smoky cotton club. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction so this was right down my alley. Usually I'm upset when romances happen fairly quickly in books but this was a different case. Michele's been dreaming about Philip since she was a young girl. Well of course all she needed to do was see him for that love to awaken in her.
When I read this mostly I was on the train. I had no idea what was going on around me. I remember a few times almost missing my stop and thinking "Wait, where am I??" It felt like I was completely transported back in time myself. The author does an excellent job of drawing us in and holding us there. I was not confused by the time traveling at all. The transitions were done very smoothly. I like the way we visited all of Michele's ancestor's, each in a different era. This novel is humorous at times, heart breaking, engaging and romantic. I truly enjoyed it and it is a beautiful love story definitely for hopeless romantics.
Michele finds the beautiful chain with the key, she is transported back in time to her ancestors.
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From 1910, to the roaring 20's, and through the World War Michele is there.Monir paints such a vivid picture for the reader while describing old NYC. I live in NY so the landmarks and streets that were being named, I knew. I literally saw the horse drawn carriages, the flapper dresses, to the smoky cotton club. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction so this was right down my alley. Usually I'm upset when romances happen fairly quickly in books but this was a different case. Michele's been dreaming about Philip since she was a young girl. Well of course all she needed to do was see him for that love to awaken in her.
When I read this mostly I was on the train. I had no idea what was going on around me. I remember a few times almost missing my stop and thinking "Wait, where am I??" It felt like I was completely transported back in time myself. The author does an excellent job of drawing us in and holding us there. I was not confused by the time traveling at all. The transitions were done very smoothly. I like the way we visited all of Michele's ancestor's, each in a different era. This novel is humorous at times, heart breaking, engaging and romantic. I truly enjoyed it and it is a beautiful love story definitely for hopeless romantics.
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LibraryThing member bookwormygirl
I absolutely loved the premise to this book! When tragedy strikes, Michele has to leave the life she's always known behind to move across the country to live with her unknown, wealthy grandparents in their opulent manor. There she discovers a diary that takes her back in time to the year 1910 and
Michele, as well as the other characters in Timeless, were very likeable and charming. I loved the descriptions of present day New York to that of the earlier 1900's. Ms. Monir had to have done her research because she captures each time frame - whether it be the 1910's, 1940's or even present day, perfectly. The culture, the landmarks, the references.. it was all there. The romance between Michele and Philip (the blue-eyed dream boy) was one that transcended time. It did feel a bit rushed, but I understood why they felt as if they'd always known each other. I also really loved the song lyrics that were scattered throughout the chapters. They flowed so well with the story. I could hear the songs in my head as I read them - they truly enhanced the story.
As always, the only (slight) problem that I have with time traveling novels - I can never get the time frame right. I have a hard time adjusting to the quick changes of time and therefore confusion ensues. At least that is the case with me. Although I didn't suffer too much of this while reading Timeless, there was a time or two where I had a hard time getting back in the proper mindset - according to the year Michele found herself in. Aside from that small challenge, I have no other complaints about this lovely story. Well... I also didn't like that cliffhanger ending - but I'll remedy that once the sequel is released.
A lovely story riddled with romance, time travel and magic. Unforgettable.
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the boy with the striking blue eyes that haunts her dreams. Michele, as well as the other characters in Timeless, were very likeable and charming. I loved the descriptions of present day New York to that of the earlier 1900's. Ms. Monir had to have done her research because she captures each time frame - whether it be the 1910's, 1940's or even present day, perfectly. The culture, the landmarks, the references.. it was all there. The romance between Michele and Philip (the blue-eyed dream boy) was one that transcended time. It did feel a bit rushed, but I understood why they felt as if they'd always known each other. I also really loved the song lyrics that were scattered throughout the chapters. They flowed so well with the story. I could hear the songs in my head as I read them - they truly enhanced the story.
As always, the only (slight) problem that I have with time traveling novels - I can never get the time frame right. I have a hard time adjusting to the quick changes of time and therefore confusion ensues. At least that is the case with me. Although I didn't suffer too much of this while reading Timeless, there was a time or two where I had a hard time getting back in the proper mindset - according to the year Michele found herself in. Aside from that small challenge, I have no other complaints about this lovely story. Well... I also didn't like that cliffhanger ending - but I'll remedy that once the sequel is released.
A lovely story riddled with romance, time travel and magic. Unforgettable.
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LibraryThing member Henriettatwloha
I have to admit, I don't really care too much for time traveling stories normally. Authors can never really explain the time travel concept well enough for it to seem believable and not filled with giant plot holes. Timeless however, was one of the better time traveling stories I've read. It didn't
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rely too much on the mechanics of time travel instead focusing more on the situations and leading the reader to believe that it was more of a mix of magic and science. I hope that in the following books that Monir will be able to continue weaving believable stories. Something else I also don't normally care for is when the protagonist writes song lyrics. The lyrics are usually really silly and very contrived, thrown in because the author wants to be cool, Michele's lyrics however, flow with the story and make it better. I could hear the songs in my head as I read them and that added so much to the experience of the reading the book. I could tell that Monir was not only an author but a bonafied songwriter as well. Timeless was a very interesting read, I enjoyed every bit of it until the end. The end was rather annoying and a bit forced in my opinion. I understand why it was ended in the manner it was, I just think it could have been written better. I look forward to reading more of Michele's, she is a beautiful and enjoyable character to read, story and finding out all the secrets of her past and what will happen to her future. I just hope that the future endings are thought out better and not as forced. Show Less
LibraryThing member storiesandsweeties
Timeless is a love story spanning ages in just a few short months. Through the magic of a key that belongs to the father that she never knew, Michele finds herself jumping through time to come to the aid of her ancestors and meet the love of her life.
Alexandra Monir proves herself to be quite a
Michele was a sweetheart. I loved her close relationship to her mother, and her fierce defense of her mother against her grandparents. I did also love how the relationship with her grandparents grew and transformed as she finds out more about them. I was a little confused about what little was revealed about her dad, but I'm sure there will be more explanation about that in future installments! She was a smart cookie, too! Despite being in a new school and thrust into this crazy life of rich society families, she kept her head and didn't fall for any other the snobbery. She had a good, solid friend in Caissie...she definitely proved it by not writing Michele off as insane even when she is not quite sure she believed her impossible stories!
The love story is enchanting and I found myself holding my breath, hoping that it all worked out and even shedding a tear or two as the story wound its way to it's inevitable conclusion. The ending throws in quite the cliffhanger and I can't wait to see where it leads! She left us with so much hope!!
Read this one, and soon!!
Alexandra Monir proves herself to be quite a
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storyteller with this debut. I kept thinking to myself how fun it must have been to research and write this story. We get to experience the elegant Victorian age with horse-drawn carriage rides, pristine white gloves, and ballrooms, as well as the swinging 20's with speakeasies and feathered flappers. The descriptions of the costumes and surrounding were wonderful, although a few times it felt just a little overdone. (i.e., with the dialogue when we first meet Lily in the 20s---it felt a little like the author researched every slang saying used in that era and threw it all in at once.) You can see how the authors musical background makes its way into her writing---I love how big a part music was to the story.Michele was a sweetheart. I loved her close relationship to her mother, and her fierce defense of her mother against her grandparents. I did also love how the relationship with her grandparents grew and transformed as she finds out more about them. I was a little confused about what little was revealed about her dad, but I'm sure there will be more explanation about that in future installments! She was a smart cookie, too! Despite being in a new school and thrust into this crazy life of rich society families, she kept her head and didn't fall for any other the snobbery. She had a good, solid friend in Caissie...she definitely proved it by not writing Michele off as insane even when she is not quite sure she believed her impossible stories!
The love story is enchanting and I found myself holding my breath, hoping that it all worked out and even shedding a tear or two as the story wound its way to it's inevitable conclusion. The ending throws in quite the cliffhanger and I can't wait to see where it leads! She left us with so much hope!!
Read this one, and soon!!
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LibraryThing member idroskicinia
When I started reading this book, I realized that it wasn’t what I was expecting. I don’t want to talk too much about the plot because I don’t want to spoil anything, but in the first part I was somewhat disappointed in the way the author developed the story ... It was all too easy and simple
But the story improves a hundred pages later… it appeared new mysteries, more drama and romance as the story progressed, and when I arrived at the end of the book, I was with my mouth open, waiting for more.
What can I say? I really enjoyed this book, the story, the characters, and specially the time travel, and the places and the Windsor family. I hope to read the next book soon… I'm biting my nails.
Four stars: I Really like it!
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for the protagonist and the romance was just unreal.But the story improves a hundred pages later… it appeared new mysteries, more drama and romance as the story progressed, and when I arrived at the end of the book, I was with my mouth open, waiting for more.
What can I say? I really enjoyed this book, the story, the characters, and specially the time travel, and the places and the Windsor family. I hope to read the next book soon… I'm biting my nails.
Four stars: I Really like it!
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LibraryThing member Bookswithbite
I am a romance junkie! I am. And this book is total romance and swoon worthy. Michele has to move after the death of her mother. She is moving in with grandparents who she barely knows. Michele does her best to adjust but fate has other plans for her. Plans in the past.
The love in this book is so
I loved Michele. Her heart and character showed her strength and love for him. What I liked most about their relationship, was how easily they flowed with each other. Love, real love, is about sacrifice. These two made a great sacrifice. They fell in love and still manged to be selfless and let each other be happy. They wanted what was best for each other even when they knew being together was impossible.
I like how easy they spoke to each other. They made each other comfortable. They encourage each other to reach for their dreams. They brought each other up and not down. They had a love that is strong beyond what I've have read.
If you want to read a book about real love and the sacrifice its takes to have real love, read Timeless. It is what it is. A Timeless read that will leave you breathe less.
The love in this book is so
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strong, that I want to read this book over and over again. The way Ms. Monir presents her characters and their emotions is astounding. My heart fell hard in this book and I don't think I have the strength to pick it up.I loved Michele. Her heart and character showed her strength and love for him. What I liked most about their relationship, was how easily they flowed with each other. Love, real love, is about sacrifice. These two made a great sacrifice. They fell in love and still manged to be selfless and let each other be happy. They wanted what was best for each other even when they knew being together was impossible.
I like how easy they spoke to each other. They made each other comfortable. They encourage each other to reach for their dreams. They brought each other up and not down. They had a love that is strong beyond what I've have read.
If you want to read a book about real love and the sacrifice its takes to have real love, read Timeless. It is what it is. A Timeless read that will leave you breathe less.
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LibraryThing member mt256
This book was fabulous! I read it in one night. That doesn't happen very often for me but this was definitely one of those books. I really like the concept of this book. For me it falls somewhere between the Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and the movie Somewhere in Time. This story takes
I definitely recommend this book. It is beautifully written and a quick read. The story line is fantastic. It's full of love, mystery, music and suspense. Alexandra Monir is a wonderful story teller. I enjoyed all the aspects of this book. Many times while reading, I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. There is a cliff hanger at the end of this book that leaves you wanting more.
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place in the modern world but also in the past. The main character Michele is forced to move in with her estranged grandparents after the sudden loss of her mother. Her grandparents household is a complete turn around from what she's used to. While there she discovers that she can time travel to the past. She uncovers lots of family history and meets the man she's been dreaming about (literally) her whole life. They fall in love but she soon realized that changing the past also changes the future. Michele soon realizes that she must let the love of her life go if she wants him to have a future. Be still my heart. I absolutely loved this story. My heart broke for Michele many times while reading this story. The love story between Michele and Philip is phenomenal. It transcends time. I found myself eagerly tearing through the pages in anticipation of what is going to happen next. Besides the love story there is also a lot of mystery. Michele keeps going back in time to try to uncover secrets of the past that might help her in the future. Michele was a great character. She changes so much through out the novel. She learns things like self sacrifice and forgiveness. I was on the edge of my seat until I reached the last page and then I needed a hug. However I did find some solace when I learned there will be a sequel that comes out in 2012, it's called The Timekeeper. I definitely recommend this book. It is beautifully written and a quick read. The story line is fantastic. It's full of love, mystery, music and suspense. Alexandra Monir is a wonderful story teller. I enjoyed all the aspects of this book. Many times while reading, I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. There is a cliff hanger at the end of this book that leaves you wanting more.
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LibraryThing member heidigilia
ute story. Did not like that it sets you up for a sequel. I felt like it was a story of the Time Travelers daughter when she grows up. I would maybe read the next one to see what happens but not waiting to see what happens. Did not grow to attached to the characters to be that excited to see what
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happens next. Show Less
LibraryThing member StaceyMacWrites
In Timeless we are introduced to Michele, an only child who lives with her single mother. We aren't given an in depth look at her relationship with her mother but by the way Michele regards her mother throughout the duration of the book, depends on her, and talks to her about her dream boy you can
The romance Alexandra Monir gave us in Timeless is quick and deep. Some might be put off by the almost unrealistic impact the love has on Michele and her dream boy, Phillip Walker, but I think the relationship is not only justified as the story progresses but by the simple fact that there is a silent history between the two, a link beyond any typical circumstances. What are the chances you find your dream boy, and you have the ability to lead a double life, in your time and in another? What are the chances that your love can create something that imprints itself in history and that everything in your life seems to make more sense because of this one person? What are the chances that you put your absolute everything into a relationship despite knowing the impractical and unbelievable odds and are selfless enough to have the ability to give the other up so you can look into the history books, or to the stars, and know that your true love is happy, not ever knowing if you will truly ever connect with them again? When you have that kind of timeless and blind faith the depth of love doesn't even need to be justified only completely swooned over. With this type of love following Michele and Phillip around it was hard to not be emotionally vested in them.
Timeless didn't just tell us the story of Michele and Philip, it told the stories of two prominent, rivaling, New York families, the love between Michele's mother and father, and the story of something so much bigger then anything anyone can understand. The transitions between these underlying stories were seamless and bound together by the music and characters, past and present, that helped shape the story. The overall story was well complimented with the unraveling of history and all the truths Michele came across in her journey. It really made the whole read enjoyable.
While we were left with a cliff hanger of the extreme kind, Alexandra tied up the story neatly leaving me feeling pretty fulfilled. I felt like all of the high flying emotions that made the book what it was settled down, despite the bittersweet conclusions, and paved the way for time to give back to Michele for all it took from her.
Timeless is truly a timeless tale which Alexandra Monir vividly brings to life two different times and a connection that can't be denied. This is a book which doesn't bring today's fads into the forefront making it a fabulous read now and twenty years from now. Only time will tell what the rest of Michele's story and the story of the Windsors and the Walkers truly ends up being, after all the last page To Be Continued.
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see that there is depth to their relationship despite the few pages between the start of the story and the tragedy that sets Michele's story into motion and offers the backbone for the underlying points to the plot.The romance Alexandra Monir gave us in Timeless is quick and deep. Some might be put off by the almost unrealistic impact the love has on Michele and her dream boy, Phillip Walker, but I think the relationship is not only justified as the story progresses but by the simple fact that there is a silent history between the two, a link beyond any typical circumstances. What are the chances you find your dream boy, and you have the ability to lead a double life, in your time and in another? What are the chances that your love can create something that imprints itself in history and that everything in your life seems to make more sense because of this one person? What are the chances that you put your absolute everything into a relationship despite knowing the impractical and unbelievable odds and are selfless enough to have the ability to give the other up so you can look into the history books, or to the stars, and know that your true love is happy, not ever knowing if you will truly ever connect with them again? When you have that kind of timeless and blind faith the depth of love doesn't even need to be justified only completely swooned over. With this type of love following Michele and Phillip around it was hard to not be emotionally vested in them.
Timeless didn't just tell us the story of Michele and Philip, it told the stories of two prominent, rivaling, New York families, the love between Michele's mother and father, and the story of something so much bigger then anything anyone can understand. The transitions between these underlying stories were seamless and bound together by the music and characters, past and present, that helped shape the story. The overall story was well complimented with the unraveling of history and all the truths Michele came across in her journey. It really made the whole read enjoyable.
While we were left with a cliff hanger of the extreme kind, Alexandra tied up the story neatly leaving me feeling pretty fulfilled. I felt like all of the high flying emotions that made the book what it was settled down, despite the bittersweet conclusions, and paved the way for time to give back to Michele for all it took from her.
Timeless is truly a timeless tale which Alexandra Monir vividly brings to life two different times and a connection that can't be denied. This is a book which doesn't bring today's fads into the forefront making it a fabulous read now and twenty years from now. Only time will tell what the rest of Michele's story and the story of the Windsors and the Walkers truly ends up being, after all the last page To Be Continued.
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LibraryThing member millett23
I loved loved loved this book. It was SUCH a breath of fresh air!!! I was so glad that it didn't have a vampire, werewolf or fairy anywhere in sight. Don't get me wrong, I love my mythical creatures, but I loved this story. I loved how Michele and Phillip found each other and completed each other's
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lifes. The only disapointing thing is waiting for the story to continue. Show Less
LibraryThing member Coranne
I keep going back and forth about this book. I love the premise. It reminds me of a reverse "Time Traveler's Wife" or "Kate and Leopold" (the movie not the book). I was hooked by the exhausting pace of the book and the main characters (especially Phillip). However, I was a little let down by this
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book when I finished reading it. The book seemed to go in so many different directions- I felt unsatisfied. I really felt as though each section of this book could have been put into its own novel- it felt very rushed and sometimes jumbled. And to be honest- the main love story started out very sweet, but then was completely unbelievable (is that giving away too much?) I would say this is a borrow book, not a buy book. I hope that the next one that comes out is better! Show Less
LibraryThing member HarkiQuinn
2.5 stars.
I picked this book up because I love time travel and because of its fabulous reviews. Two days later all I can say is that it has potential.
My main problem with this book is that the author did not know how to write feelings. I felt absolutely nothing for the characters, except for maybe
Also the book jumped around way too much. Towards the end I felt like she was going back in time every day. It would have been great if she balanced the time travel with Michele's modern day adventures. More about her life with her distant grandparents, her school life, anything! The book also could have used some more balance in the past. There wasn't enough time to get to know the people she was visiting because of all of her ridiculous time traveling.
But like I said, the book has potential. The story is a good idea it's just that the delivery fell flat. If the author can better hone her writing skills I'm sure I would love the next book to come.
I picked this book up because I love time travel and because of its fabulous reviews. Two days later all I can say is that it has potential.
My main problem with this book is that the author did not know how to write feelings. I felt absolutely nothing for the characters, except for maybe
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Lily who had the most personality. It isn't only the characters who need tweaking, the emotions between the characters are so...flat. I never felt that Michele had a close relationship with her friends, the relationship with the housekeeper was awkward, and I don't know what to say about the awkward semi-distant relationship with her grandparents. Even her love story was boring. Philip was a two dimensional hottie who lived pretty much only for her. I would have loved to SEE more about his life, not just his life with her. Also the book jumped around way too much. Towards the end I felt like she was going back in time every day. It would have been great if she balanced the time travel with Michele's modern day adventures. More about her life with her distant grandparents, her school life, anything! The book also could have used some more balance in the past. There wasn't enough time to get to know the people she was visiting because of all of her ridiculous time traveling.
But like I said, the book has potential. The story is a good idea it's just that the delivery fell flat. If the author can better hone her writing skills I'm sure I would love the next book to come.
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LibraryThing member VykiC37
Find this review and more at On The Shelf
In Timeless, Michele Windsor has a wonderful life with her mother until a car accident takes her mother from her and she is thrown into a life with the rich Windsor family she never met. Her mother’s parents take her in and she has a giant life change in
I was very excited about a romantic story between two people from very different times; surprisingly, not as much of the story was focused on this aspect like I had hoped. Most of the book is centered around her trips to the past and helping her long gone relatives, so I would have liked to have seen more of the love story. I enjoyed the author’s descriptions of old New York when Michele was in the past; she does a great job in her imagery.
Monir is a first time novelist, and she is a song writer; I like how she wove some lyrics and musical elements into the story since I am a music person myself (I was in band all throughout school). She does well with the relationships between characters and breaking down their emotional barriers. The sequel will be released sometime next year and I can’t wait to see how the love story aspect plays out and to see how the rest of the mysteries unfold.
Not a lot in the love department, lovely descriptions, mysterious.
In Timeless, Michele Windsor has a wonderful life with her mother until a car accident takes her mother from her and she is thrown into a life with the rich Windsor family she never met. Her mother’s parents take her in and she has a giant life change in
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this new upper class society she never thought she would experience. Michele comes to possess a key that matches one from a dream she had and finds herself hurled into the past after reading a diary she found. Not only does she meet other Windsor’s from the past, but also a boy she can’t help feeling a magnetism toward.I was very excited about a romantic story between two people from very different times; surprisingly, not as much of the story was focused on this aspect like I had hoped. Most of the book is centered around her trips to the past and helping her long gone relatives, so I would have liked to have seen more of the love story. I enjoyed the author’s descriptions of old New York when Michele was in the past; she does a great job in her imagery.
Monir is a first time novelist, and she is a song writer; I like how she wove some lyrics and musical elements into the story since I am a music person myself (I was in band all throughout school). She does well with the relationships between characters and breaking down their emotional barriers. The sequel will be released sometime next year and I can’t wait to see how the love story aspect plays out and to see how the rest of the mysteries unfold.
Not a lot in the love department, lovely descriptions, mysterious.
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LibraryThing member MrsBoswellBooks
Michele Windsor lives with her single mother in California. She has never known her father, who disappeared before she was born, nor has she ever met her grandparents, who practically disowned her mother when she was a teenager. When tragedy strikes home for Michele, she is uprooted to live with
When she discovers an old diary, Michele is hurtled back in time to 1910. There she happens to meet a handsome young man who is achingly familiar. Where does she know him from? Yes, Phillip has been haunting her dreams for years.
How could this be happening? How can she fall in love with a man in a time where she doesn't even exist? In 2010 when Michele stumbles upon a terribly discovery, she is determined to go back in history and save the man she loves.
While I liked the premise of the story, it didn't hold my interest as much as I would have liked. While the beginning wasn't altogether boring, it didn't grab my attention. I wasn't really dedicated to the story until about 100 pages in.
There wasn't much character description in the novel. The entire time I read, I couldn't get a clear picture of the characters in my head. While I assume that Michele probably looks like the cover model, I couldn't grasp the characters in their settings.
The relationship did seem a little rushed for me, but I did enjoy it. I liked how Michele and Phillip had both seen each other in their "dreams" before.
I enjoyed the premise of the time travel, even if the "language" of the book didn't exactly make me feel like I was in that time period. The novel had me thinking of "The Time Traveler's Wife" as I was reading.
I wasn't bored and I didn't hate the book, but it just didn't convey what I thought it could have. I think it could have been so much more! The last page says, "To be continued"... so I'm assuming there will be a sequel to this book. I'm interested in finding out what exactly happens between Michele and Phillip, and how they will bridge this gap in time.
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her wealthy grandparents in their New York mansion.When she discovers an old diary, Michele is hurtled back in time to 1910. There she happens to meet a handsome young man who is achingly familiar. Where does she know him from? Yes, Phillip has been haunting her dreams for years.
How could this be happening? How can she fall in love with a man in a time where she doesn't even exist? In 2010 when Michele stumbles upon a terribly discovery, she is determined to go back in history and save the man she loves.
While I liked the premise of the story, it didn't hold my interest as much as I would have liked. While the beginning wasn't altogether boring, it didn't grab my attention. I wasn't really dedicated to the story until about 100 pages in.
There wasn't much character description in the novel. The entire time I read, I couldn't get a clear picture of the characters in my head. While I assume that Michele probably looks like the cover model, I couldn't grasp the characters in their settings.
The relationship did seem a little rushed for me, but I did enjoy it. I liked how Michele and Phillip had both seen each other in their "dreams" before.
I enjoyed the premise of the time travel, even if the "language" of the book didn't exactly make me feel like I was in that time period. The novel had me thinking of "The Time Traveler's Wife" as I was reading.
I wasn't bored and I didn't hate the book, but it just didn't convey what I thought it could have. I think it could have been so much more! The last page says, "To be continued"... so I'm assuming there will be a sequel to this book. I'm interested in finding out what exactly happens between Michele and Phillip, and how they will bridge this gap in time.
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LibraryThing member graceschumann
When Michele's mother dies in a tragic car accident, she is forced to move across the country to live with her wealthy, socialite grandparents who she's never met until now. The house they live in though is a hold for secrets beyond Michele's wildest dreams and when she encounters a diary that can
I liked this book, mostly for the time travel part. It was a good read with Michele going back to several different time periods and meeting her distant relatives. I loved the use of imagery for the time periods. It really brought those places to life. Monir definitely did her research for those parts of the book. Other than that, it was kind of predictable. I didn't like the main character that much. She seemed way to damsel-in-distress until the end which annoyed me. I'm not sure how Monir is going to make a second book with this since it seemed pretty rounded up to me at the end, but I guess we'll see.
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send her back through time to the 1910's she meets the one man who could change everything. While fighting for the romance she so strongly believes in, she must also embark on a journey to discover her true self and where she fits in the world.I liked this book, mostly for the time travel part. It was a good read with Michele going back to several different time periods and meeting her distant relatives. I loved the use of imagery for the time periods. It really brought those places to life. Monir definitely did her research for those parts of the book. Other than that, it was kind of predictable. I didn't like the main character that much. She seemed way to damsel-in-distress until the end which annoyed me. I'm not sure how Monir is going to make a second book with this since it seemed pretty rounded up to me at the end, but I guess we'll see.
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LibraryThing member yearningtoread
Michele Windsor lives an ordinary life on the coast of California. Her mother, Marion, is her best friend and confidant. But when Marion dies in a car crash, Michele is sent to live with her wealthy and prestigious grandparents, Walter and Dorothy, in New York City. She’s kindly treated, but she
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This book fluctuated for me: first, I loved it; then, I wasn’t sure about how the author was going to finish it (I still liked it, though). But at the end, and toward the last quarter of the book, I was so surprised and amazed at the turn things had taken that I couldn’t help but love it again.
This book starts and something and turns into something completely different. The execution, and even the plot line, were super unpredictable and I can only sit here and admire the author for her outstanding job at pulling it all together like that. (But there’s more to be told…oh, there’s so much more!) Alexandra Monir’s writing style wasn’t my absolute favorite, but it was easy to read and clear. I understood everything that was going on, even with the would-be confusing time-travel and such. I really liked Michele and thought she was a relateable character. Her emotions came across perfectly – I really did feel everything she felt.
There were a few conversations/paragraphs in which I thought the word choice was a bit cheesy (part of the reason why I didn’t love her writing), but it didn’t bother me too badly. While I appreciated the love between Michele and the boy in her dreams (who she meets), I didn’t exactly like their love story. I didn’t think that part of the execution was carried out very well. For one, Philip wasn’t the strongest character ever. Likeable, but not strong. He and Michele fall in love almost instantly (which I didn’t mind exactly), but I thought for the amount of time they were together, there was too much kissing going on and not enough bonding. When she wants to sleep with him the first time, he declines, saying he respects her too much to put her into that position. Then it implies that they sleep together later in the story. There are a few references to a couples having affairs.
Favorite character: Michele…although, even though Philip isn’t the strongest character, he is very likeable and does some very brave and virtuous things in Michele’s honor. I also really liked Henry Irving, for what very small amount of time he was in the story (promises for the next book!).
Favorite aspect: Michele’s affect on Time…though I can’t say anything else without spoiling the story.
Summing it up with one word: flowy. It’s true – it very much flowed, like ripples on the surface of a lake.
Overall, this is a very original and interesting story, with several twists in the end that will leave you pining for more!
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doesn’t like the high society life they lead, and misses home – and her dear mother – more than she can say. But when mysterious things begin to happen, Michele only has more questions. She’s had the same dream for years – the one with the strikingly handsome boy in it - but now this boy is appearing it new dreams. And after overhearing a strange conversation between her grandparents, Michele begins to wonder more about her father. Who was he? Is he somehow connected to her dreams? And the boy…she has such a strong desire to be with him. It is up to Michele – and Michele alone – to face these strange questions. __________________________________________
This book fluctuated for me: first, I loved it; then, I wasn’t sure about how the author was going to finish it (I still liked it, though). But at the end, and toward the last quarter of the book, I was so surprised and amazed at the turn things had taken that I couldn’t help but love it again.
This book starts and something and turns into something completely different. The execution, and even the plot line, were super unpredictable and I can only sit here and admire the author for her outstanding job at pulling it all together like that. (But there’s more to be told…oh, there’s so much more!) Alexandra Monir’s writing style wasn’t my absolute favorite, but it was easy to read and clear. I understood everything that was going on, even with the would-be confusing time-travel and such. I really liked Michele and thought she was a relateable character. Her emotions came across perfectly – I really did feel everything she felt.
There were a few conversations/paragraphs in which I thought the word choice was a bit cheesy (part of the reason why I didn’t love her writing), but it didn’t bother me too badly. While I appreciated the love between Michele and the boy in her dreams (who she meets), I didn’t exactly like their love story. I didn’t think that part of the execution was carried out very well. For one, Philip wasn’t the strongest character ever. Likeable, but not strong. He and Michele fall in love almost instantly (which I didn’t mind exactly), but I thought for the amount of time they were together, there was too much kissing going on and not enough bonding. When she wants to sleep with him the first time, he declines, saying he respects her too much to put her into that position. Then it implies that they sleep together later in the story. There are a few references to a couples having affairs.
Favorite character: Michele…although, even though Philip isn’t the strongest character, he is very likeable and does some very brave and virtuous things in Michele’s honor. I also really liked Henry Irving, for what very small amount of time he was in the story (promises for the next book!).
Favorite aspect: Michele’s affect on Time…though I can’t say anything else without spoiling the story.
Summing it up with one word: flowy. It’s true – it very much flowed, like ripples on the surface of a lake.
Overall, this is a very original and interesting story, with several twists in the end that will leave you pining for more!
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LibraryThing member AnnaKay21
** spoiler alert ** I liked this book a lot more than I was expecting to! I found it sometimes funny and ALWAYS interesting that the main character, Michele, could travel back in time and converse with her female relatives! It was an interesting time-travel plot/premise. At first I read it
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thinking, 'Oh, its another predictable time-travel romance...urgh' Then I got further into it and the revelations about Michele's father and the books ending truly surprised me! I had kind of guessed about the Father but I had it backwards, it turned out. I liked the romantic portions of the book and the music was well done [song lyrics and descriptions of melodies - I could almost hear them in my mind :)] There is one star deducted from this book because at times Michele was just a tad bit too 'dreamy' of a personality for me. And she came across as slightly whiny. Other than that, this book was awesome and I can't wait for the next one in this series to find out what happens!!! That ending nearly killed me! It reminded me a lot of the Time Travel Quartet by Caroline B. Cooney - except this book had slightly more complicated concepts, in that it encompasses more periods in time. Show Less
LibraryThing member dreamydryad
Timeless fits into one of my favorite genres – time travel. As soon as I read the blurb I was hooked and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.
Taking place in New York City, this story centers around Michele who is forced to move in with her wealthy grandparents after a shock accident. Friendless
It was clear from the get go that this was written by a first time author. The prose and story are in parts clumsily written, but it was one of those books that even though you saw faults you still enjoyed the journey. The author managed to inject such sheer enthusiasm and passion into the story that you just can’t help but go along for the ride page by page.
The plot is intriguing and I loved the author’s originality weaving music especially written for the novel into the storyline. Unfortunately the prose felt quite rushed and would have benefited from a slightly more leisurely pace especially lengthening out descriptions and slowing the characters down, Michele especially always seemed so rushed I don’t know when the poor girl actually slept! I also found I had to go back over specific paragraphs a couple of times to work out the very logistics of the time traveling it didn’t always flow easily and at times seemed quite awkward.
While I liked the protagonist, Michele, I was disappointed by how lacking her character development was. And if I’m quite honest Michele’s development is lush and full when you consider the blank canvas that plays her male lead and love interest Phillip! The instant connection they apparently feel for one another just doesn’t ring true – I really didn’t buy the star crossed lovers thing at all and I hope that book 2 really focuses on developing their relationship with one another.
While most people wouldn’t consider a location as a character, I think in this book you really must. New York city plays such a huge part in the telling of the story and the rich detail of the different periods Michele travels to in the 20th century makes this book completely worth reading. I never had any interest in traveling to New York but after reading this story I caught the travel bug! The descriptions given are so dimensional – you can almost taste and feel the very textures of the sights, sounds and history of the different time periods.
While there are many problems with this novel, the overall story was so unique and enjoyable you can only expect the series to improve as Monir gains further writing experience. If you’re looking for a fun, light read I would suggest you pick it up!
Taking place in New York City, this story centers around Michele who is forced to move in with her wealthy grandparents after a shock accident. Friendless
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and alone in a new and completely unfamiliar world she discovers a diary which sends her back in time to 1910 where she meets the man quite literally from her dreams.It was clear from the get go that this was written by a first time author. The prose and story are in parts clumsily written, but it was one of those books that even though you saw faults you still enjoyed the journey. The author managed to inject such sheer enthusiasm and passion into the story that you just can’t help but go along for the ride page by page.
The plot is intriguing and I loved the author’s originality weaving music especially written for the novel into the storyline. Unfortunately the prose felt quite rushed and would have benefited from a slightly more leisurely pace especially lengthening out descriptions and slowing the characters down, Michele especially always seemed so rushed I don’t know when the poor girl actually slept! I also found I had to go back over specific paragraphs a couple of times to work out the very logistics of the time traveling it didn’t always flow easily and at times seemed quite awkward.
While I liked the protagonist, Michele, I was disappointed by how lacking her character development was. And if I’m quite honest Michele’s development is lush and full when you consider the blank canvas that plays her male lead and love interest Phillip! The instant connection they apparently feel for one another just doesn’t ring true – I really didn’t buy the star crossed lovers thing at all and I hope that book 2 really focuses on developing their relationship with one another.
While most people wouldn’t consider a location as a character, I think in this book you really must. New York city plays such a huge part in the telling of the story and the rich detail of the different periods Michele travels to in the 20th century makes this book completely worth reading. I never had any interest in traveling to New York but after reading this story I caught the travel bug! The descriptions given are so dimensional – you can almost taste and feel the very textures of the sights, sounds and history of the different time periods.
While there are many problems with this novel, the overall story was so unique and enjoyable you can only expect the series to improve as Monir gains further writing experience. If you’re looking for a fun, light read I would suggest you pick it up!
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LibraryThing member 607605
Alexandra's Timeless is a hard book not to like. The main character Michele was a perfect heroine. I admired her ability to face all the challenges thrown in her way and the sacrifices she made for love. The secondary characters in this book really surprised me. I expected Michele's grandparents to
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be arrogant and rude and was quickly proven wrong. this book is full of mystery and is not hard to get into, the ending is a cliffhanger that left me wondering what would happen in the next book. However I really wish that Alexandra would have described the time traveling more thoroughly since it left me confused. I also didn't like the instant love between Michele and Philip. Although Philip was a great character his love for Michele seemed superficial since he fell in love with her before he even knew who she was. Alexandra does a great job describing racism in the 1900's and the music and lyrics evident throughout Timeless was unique and different from anything I ever read before. Show Less
LibraryThing member foggidawn
Michele loves her laid-back California lifestyle, just her and her mother in a home as far removed from her mother's upper-class New York childhood as possible. When tragedy strikes and Michele must live with her grandparents in their New York City mansion, she wonders how she will be able to cope
This is Monir's first novel, and there are some rough corners on this generally enjoyable story. While the writing is not as polished as it could have been, the plot is strong. Character development is minimal, and Michele and Philip's romance follows the love-at-first-sight pattern so prevalent in young adult literature right now. The ending does consititute a cliffhanger, but the sequel will be available in January 2013.
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with her restrictive new lifestyle, snobbish school, and lack of close friendships. When Michele discovers an old diary, she finds that she has the ability to travel back in time. In the New york City of the early twentieth century, she meets Philip, the boy who has haunted her dreams for as long as she can remember. Michele and Philip can't deny their instant connection, but there are numerous roadblocks before them, not the least of which being the fact that they are from two different times, and Michele can't always control when she will be pulled back to the present day.This is Monir's first novel, and there are some rough corners on this generally enjoyable story. While the writing is not as polished as it could have been, the plot is strong. Character development is minimal, and Michele and Philip's romance follows the love-at-first-sight pattern so prevalent in young adult literature right now. The ending does consititute a cliffhanger, but the sequel will be available in January 2013.
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LibraryThing member TeamDewey
This is a well written books about time travel and it's effect on the future.
LibraryThing member DeweyEver
Michele Windsor is just a regular teenager, living her life in sunny California with her caring and creative mom. This typical lifestyle is forever changed when tragedy hits, and Michele soon finds herself in a world she's never known: NYC's aristocracy. Still grieving, she encounters new
There is something about this book that kept me reading, even though I found quite a bit of it too mushy to read closely [and as a hopeless romantic, that's saying a lot!]. I also felt there was just too much stuffed into the pages [i.e. Michele travels to several different eras], making the transitions kind of jumpy for my taste. But, I find myself wanting to know more about her grandparents, friends, and Michele herself...especially what happens with a certain someone...so yeah, I'll be reading the next book in the series!
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experiences around every corner including her estranged [and guarded] grandparents, opulent surroundings, private school cliques, and last but most definitely not least, time travel. It's through her travels that she uncovers family secrets, helps new friends heal, and ultimately discovers the will to live her own life to the fullest.There is something about this book that kept me reading, even though I found quite a bit of it too mushy to read closely [and as a hopeless romantic, that's saying a lot!]. I also felt there was just too much stuffed into the pages [i.e. Michele travels to several different eras], making the transitions kind of jumpy for my taste. But, I find myself wanting to know more about her grandparents, friends, and Michele herself...especially what happens with a certain someone...so yeah, I'll be reading the next book in the series!
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LibraryThing member StefanieGeeks
It was cute. I enjoyed the descriptions of 1920's life and dress, but the main character seemed shallow to me. Reminded me a lot of Hush Hush in tone and depth (mysterious boy, doomed romance, time and/or space keeping them separated), so if you liked that than you'll love this. I may pick up the
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second book, but there are too many other richly written teen books out there for me to waste much time (pun intended). Show Less
LibraryThing member books_n_tea
Book hype can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it certainly draws attention to a book, and it can help drive sales. On the other hand, the more the book is built up, the farther it has to fall. Such was the case with Timeless by Alexandra Monir. I had high hopes for Timeless. Every review I
As an individual who loves character development and character driven plot, Timeless left me feeling disappointed. All of the characters in this book read a little generic to me. Michele was alright as a protagonist because she wasn’t annoying, whiny, weak, or any other negative personality trait that really grates my nerves. But, she didn’t really stand out to me either. She wasn’t the kind of character I could relate to or empathize with. Unfortunately, I felt that way about most of the other characters in this book except for Lily, one of the Windsor ancestors Michele meets during a time travel episode. Even though Lily is essentially a caricature of a 1920s flapper girl, I couldn’t help fall in love with her boldness and her sass.
Then there is the issue of the romance. Michele has been having dreams of a handsome boy with astonishing blue eyes all her life. During one of her time travel episodes, she comes across him. This boy! He’s real! His name is Phillip Warren! And then they start a cross-time love affair. I mean that kind of literally since Michele’s presence causes Phillip to break off his engagement with another one of Michele’s ancestors. And then ever since, the Windsors have hated the Warrens. Way to go Michele. You’ve started at century long family feud. Anyway, I digress. I get the feeling that Michele falls in love with the idea of Phillip and not Phillip himself. I understand she’s been having dreams of him forever, but that’s all they really are– dreams. Throughout Michele’s time travel episodes, she probably has only spent literally 2 or 3 days total with Phillip. And yet, she professes her love to him! And he breaks off an engagement! I mean, if ever there were a case of insta-love, it’s present in Timeless. And, the whole time I’m wondering, if 100-year-old Phillip Warren were still alive in Michele’s time, with his wrinkles, grey hair, and liver spots, would she still love him? I mean, that’s the kind of thing you have to take in consideration when time travel is involved!
When Phillip and Michele weren’t professing their love to each other, they were writing and composing songs together. As a music lover, I should have appreciated this, but it just came across as really cheesy. Especially when the song lyrics were included in the book. Song lyrics out of context make me cringe. On the plus side, Alexandra Monir actually had these songs produced, and you can listen to them on her website. In this context, the songs are wonderful! Especially Bring the Colors Back. Monir’s vocals and the jazz band sound really capture the 1920s atmosphere. Unfortunately, this isn’t a review on Monir’s singing abilities.
The final aspect of the book that struck me as problematic was the time travel. Time travel is pretty neat, but I imagine it’s difficult to write about. There seemed to be a lot of inconsistencies in the time travel in Timeless. Michele has no control over her time travel episodes. All we know is that it involves a special key necklace and maybe an old Windsor relic (most of the time). Except for that one time when Michele suddenly hopped back in time when she was watching a Broadway show. Uh wut? But, then Monir tries to go scientific on her readers. One of Michele’s new, smart friends brings up Einstein’s theories of time travel as a way to justify her belief that Michele is actually traveling through time. But, it just doesn’t work for me as a reader. Because there is no scientific basis for Michele’s experience. A key necklace does not even have the physical properties to bend space-time, so don’t try to convince me that it does. Also, there are inconsistencies in the way Michele meddles with the past. At first, she has no problem stealing the heart of her great-great-great aunt’s fiance. But, she’s too afraid to tell her aunt from the 1940s that America wins WWII. She thinks if she spills the beans America will lose the war. Really? Telling one insignificant person that there is hope will ruin the world? But, boyfriend fiance-stealing is okay.
I’m sure by now you’re wondering why I stuck around for 304 pages. I thought the characters were alright, I hated the romance, and I pointed out all the inconsistencies in Monir’s time travel. But honestly, at the end of it all, I simply loved Monir’s writing. The descriptions were beautiful, and I could see the events unfold in my head. Even more, Monir’s accounts of America in the past were stunning. The atmosphere she created and the descriptions of new Ford Model Ts along side horse and carriages just struck a chord in me. It’s so evident that Monir put a lot of time and research into the eras she wrote about, and I whole-heartedly appreciate that as a reader. Also, Monir wrote about the Gilded Age. The only time I’ve read about the Gilded Age was in 10th grade, and I read about it in a school textbook. I found Monir’s inclusion of this time period to be absolutely fascinating!
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read about the book seemed to rave about it. But, after I finished the book I was left scratching my head and wondering why. Now wait just a tick! This is already starting to sound like a negative review. I promise you, it’s not really. It’s just one of those books that made me wonder why there was all the hype.As an individual who loves character development and character driven plot, Timeless left me feeling disappointed. All of the characters in this book read a little generic to me. Michele was alright as a protagonist because she wasn’t annoying, whiny, weak, or any other negative personality trait that really grates my nerves. But, she didn’t really stand out to me either. She wasn’t the kind of character I could relate to or empathize with. Unfortunately, I felt that way about most of the other characters in this book except for Lily, one of the Windsor ancestors Michele meets during a time travel episode. Even though Lily is essentially a caricature of a 1920s flapper girl, I couldn’t help fall in love with her boldness and her sass.
Then there is the issue of the romance. Michele has been having dreams of a handsome boy with astonishing blue eyes all her life. During one of her time travel episodes, she comes across him. This boy! He’s real! His name is Phillip Warren! And then they start a cross-time love affair. I mean that kind of literally since Michele’s presence causes Phillip to break off his engagement with another one of Michele’s ancestors. And then ever since, the Windsors have hated the Warrens. Way to go Michele. You’ve started at century long family feud. Anyway, I digress. I get the feeling that Michele falls in love with the idea of Phillip and not Phillip himself. I understand she’s been having dreams of him forever, but that’s all they really are– dreams. Throughout Michele’s time travel episodes, she probably has only spent literally 2 or 3 days total with Phillip. And yet, she professes her love to him! And he breaks off an engagement! I mean, if ever there were a case of insta-love, it’s present in Timeless. And, the whole time I’m wondering, if 100-year-old Phillip Warren were still alive in Michele’s time, with his wrinkles, grey hair, and liver spots, would she still love him? I mean, that’s the kind of thing you have to take in consideration when time travel is involved!
When Phillip and Michele weren’t professing their love to each other, they were writing and composing songs together. As a music lover, I should have appreciated this, but it just came across as really cheesy. Especially when the song lyrics were included in the book. Song lyrics out of context make me cringe. On the plus side, Alexandra Monir actually had these songs produced, and you can listen to them on her website. In this context, the songs are wonderful! Especially Bring the Colors Back. Monir’s vocals and the jazz band sound really capture the 1920s atmosphere. Unfortunately, this isn’t a review on Monir’s singing abilities.
The final aspect of the book that struck me as problematic was the time travel. Time travel is pretty neat, but I imagine it’s difficult to write about. There seemed to be a lot of inconsistencies in the time travel in Timeless. Michele has no control over her time travel episodes. All we know is that it involves a special key necklace and maybe an old Windsor relic (most of the time). Except for that one time when Michele suddenly hopped back in time when she was watching a Broadway show. Uh wut? But, then Monir tries to go scientific on her readers. One of Michele’s new, smart friends brings up Einstein’s theories of time travel as a way to justify her belief that Michele is actually traveling through time. But, it just doesn’t work for me as a reader. Because there is no scientific basis for Michele’s experience. A key necklace does not even have the physical properties to bend space-time, so don’t try to convince me that it does. Also, there are inconsistencies in the way Michele meddles with the past. At first, she has no problem stealing the heart of her great-great-great aunt’s fiance. But, she’s too afraid to tell her aunt from the 1940s that America wins WWII. She thinks if she spills the beans America will lose the war. Really? Telling one insignificant person that there is hope will ruin the world? But, boyfriend fiance-stealing is okay.
I’m sure by now you’re wondering why I stuck around for 304 pages. I thought the characters were alright, I hated the romance, and I pointed out all the inconsistencies in Monir’s time travel. But honestly, at the end of it all, I simply loved Monir’s writing. The descriptions were beautiful, and I could see the events unfold in my head. Even more, Monir’s accounts of America in the past were stunning. The atmosphere she created and the descriptions of new Ford Model Ts along side horse and carriages just struck a chord in me. It’s so evident that Monir put a lot of time and research into the eras she wrote about, and I whole-heartedly appreciate that as a reader. Also, Monir wrote about the Gilded Age. The only time I’ve read about the Gilded Age was in 10th grade, and I read about it in a school textbook. I found Monir’s inclusion of this time period to be absolutely fascinating!
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LibraryThing member FaithLibrarian
May be OK for us. Pretty well worn theme with time travel .....Didn't finish
Call number
YA B Mon