reviewed by
ANNA C. BOWLING
A would-be though not-yet romance writer heroine and her fictional hero who does more than merely talk back, his true life modern day counterpart and a pair of shoes that really can change a woman’s life go Tumbling Through Time to the early 18th century in Gwen Cready’s rollicking debut.
Though published as romance, Tumbling Through Time often reads more like chick lit, especially with heroine Seph’s (short for Persephone) breezy first-person narration. Still, the romantic elements are certainly present as Seph navigates, pun intended, the romantic waters of choosing between Phillip, the hero of her as yet unwritten historical romance novel, and her co-worker, Tom, whose looks were Seph’s inspiration for Phillip It’s on a business trip with Tom that Seph tries on her very own magic slippers and the fun begins.
This story is full of colorful characters, at times perhaps too many, as readers may find themselves with questions about some of the supporting players. While Tom and Seph are in the past, doing their best to fix what once went wrong with the real historical Phillip, they have “twins” in the present who get the real Tom and Seph into interesting pedicaments, though the issue of the “twins” does not seem to have as strong an emphasis as some readers might like. The humor is quick, dry and plentiful, with several pop culture references.
Tom is an engaging hero and readers will enjoy seeing his sensible side tested when pulled into Seph’s flights of fancy. Phillip provides enough of a counterpoint that he is believable as a historical hero, and will tug at heartstrings without slowing the pace.
Tumbling Through Time is a light, entertaining read for those who like a good serving of levity with their adventure. Readers of chick lit may find the ending more satisfying than those looking for a straight romance, but this book offers a little something for everyone.
