Sage, Rosemary, and Time Book Review
It was a delicate dance of secrets and trust,
and I couldn’t afford to stumble.
Synopsis
In 1967 as a gifted pianist with a scholarship awaiting her at the prestigious Curtis Institute Of Music, Rosemary Scott’s future seems bright. However, her world is shattered when her brother is drafted into the Vietnam War, and her mother receives a devastating cancer diagnosis. Forced to abandon her aspirations and care for her ailing mother, Rosemary's world becomes a blur of responsibilities and sacrifices. While running an errand, Rosemary stumbles upon a mysterious bookshop that transports her to the year 1764. In this unfamiliar world, she narrowly escapes a carriage accident and finds refuge with the dashing Leo Abernathy. Amidst political tensions and personal struggles, Rosemary finds herself torn between her affection for Leo and the responsibilities awaiting her in her own time. Yet, when the owner of the magical bookshop presents Rosemary with a choice, she must confront the ultimate decision. Will she forsake everything she knows and remain in 1764, or will she summon the strength to return to her own time, prioritizing her family above all else?
REVIEW
A standalone prequel to Harmke Buursma’s A Magical Bookshop Novel series, Sage, Rosemary, and Time is a tale that whisks us into Rosemary Scott’s world, a talented young pianist whose life takes an unexpected turn in 1967 due to family obligations and a mysterious discovery in a magical bookshop. This historical romance with a time-travel twist pulls you in with some wonderful world-building, transporting you effortlessly between eras. Yet, while the author’s writing style is enchanting, the story’s pace is a tad uneven, and perhaps too many threads are left untied. There’s a bit of a struggle with some deductions and quick relationships that also feel slightly unrealistic. However, what sets this novella apart is its unique approach to a well-known trope; unlike typical books on time-travel, it begins in the past (1967) before introducing a secondary timeline in 1764, and despite the rushed narrative, the immersive experience of the past era is undeniable. The book’s abrupt ending leaves a lot unresolved, and while the story captivates, it falls short in delivering a satisfying closure. If you’re into historical romances with time-bending elements, this short read could appeal to you!
Expected publication date is 7 December 2023.
Author Profile
Harmke Buursma is an author with a background in journalism. Originally born and raised in The Netherlands, Harmke now lives in Las Vegas together with her husband Matthew and two dogs. To find out more about Harmke and her books, visit www.harmkebuursma.com or follow her on FB and IG @harmkebuursmabooks.
TL;DR
- Rating: 2.5 stars | Genre: Historical Romance | Pages: 134
- Standalone prequel to A Magical Bookshop Novel series
- From Vietnam War-era America to 18th-century England
- The Good: Unique approach to time-travel, wonderful world-building, enchanting writing style
- The Bad: Pacing uneven, many threads left untied, relationships felt slightly unrealistic, abrupt ending
- Ideal for fans of romance and time-bending elements!
