I first fell in love with time-slip novels after reading Susan Meissner’s THE SHAPE OF MERCY, quickly
followed by Rachel Hauck’s THE WEDDING DRESS. I felt I
had discovered a whole new world—and I had. There’s just something about a story
with both a contemporary and historical timeline that I love. And now, with
summer upon us (and maybe some days by the pool or the beach with a good book!),
I’m hoping you might give time-slip novels a chance, too. But just in case you
need a little convincing, here are three reasons you might be interested in this
genre. J
1) With time-slip novels, you get two books for the price of one.
Who doesn’t want a bargain? And while I love a good contemporary story, I also
love a good historical one. With time-slip novels, we can experience both in one
book. Yes, the two stories will be connected, but they are, in essence, also
very separate from one another.
2) They help us think outside the box.
Time-slip novels bring a unique element to the table. Literary components can
merge with romance, mystery, and contrasting time periods to create a different
type of story, a different type of satisfying ending. They can stretch our minds
in new ways and give us an appreciation for the real people who lived in a
different time period than we do.
3) Time-slip novels help us see how the past can influence the
future.
Who doesn’t long to leave some type of legacy, some type of meaning, after they
are gone from this world? Most of the time, we will not be able to witness
firsthand how this might be so for us. But in a time-slip novel, we get to see
how characters, living generations apart, can impact one another. In
Freedom’s Ring, we meet two heroines, one from present day and one from
Revolutionary Boston, both struggling with the very same thing—fear. The
circumstances surrounding their struggles are different, but the underlying
battle is the same because we, as humans, have experienced this challenge since
the beginning of time.
Stories from the past are worthwhile and very much alive. They live on in us.
They inspire us. Which, in some ways, is a time-slip story all within itself!
Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace-clinger who
could spend hours exploring Boston’s Freedom Trail. She writes women's fiction
and won the 2014 ACFW Genesis contest in the historical category. Her debut
novel, Freedom’s Ring, releases from Tyndale House Publishers in August
2017. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and
Howie, her standard poodle. Visit her online at HeidiChiavaroli.com.
Two years after nearly losing her life in the Boston Marathon bombing, Annie
David is still far from “Boston strong.” Instead she remains isolated and
defeated—plagued by guilt over her niece, crippled in the blast, and by an
antique ring alongside a hazy hero’s face. But when she learns the identity of
her rescuer, will he be the hero she’s imagined? And can the long-past history
of the woman behind the ring set her free from the guilt and fears of the
present?
Boston, 1770
As a woman alone in a rebellious town, Liberty Caldwell finds herself in a
dangerous predicament. When a British lieutenant, Alexander Smythe, comes to her
rescue and offers her employment, Liberty accepts. As months go by, Alexander
not only begins to share his love of poetry with her, but protects Liberty from
the advances of a lecherous captain living in the officers’ house where she
works.
Mounting tensions explode in the Boston Massacre, and Liberty’s world is
shattered as her brother, with whom she has just reunited, is killed in the
fray. Desperate and alone, she returns home, only to be assaulted by the
captain. Afraid and furious toward redcoats, Liberty leaves the officers’ home,
taking with her a ring that belonged to Alexander.
Two women, separated by centuries, must learn to face their fears. And when
they feel they must be strong, they learn that sometimes true strength is found
in surrender.
Time-slip is a new word for me. Although the writing style isn't. Not something I'm usually interested in, unless the stories are connected in some way. (Cynthia Netherton 6:00pm August 9, 2017)
I love time-slip novels. Susan Meissner is the first time I read one also. I can't wait to read your book. Sounds wonderful. Carol L Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com (Carol Luciano 2:22pm August 11, 2017)
Thanks for stopping by, Cynthia and Carol!
Yes, the stories connecting is vital to a time-slip--that's one of my favorite parts...seeing how the author ties them together!
Thank you for your kind words, Carol! (Heidi Chiavaroli 12:04pm August 14, 2017)
wow i must say this cover is just gorgeous! I love to read Time- travel/(time slip is a new term for me)just to shake things up when i looking for excitement. Love that my mind can travel far more places and time than I can. What a great idea for a story, this is a first i have heard of with anyone writing about the boston bombing in 2015.. Much luck to you! (Christy Mckenney 3:26pm August 14, 2017)
Thank you so much, Christy, for your kind words and compliments on the cover and the premise. Yes, time slip is definitely good for shaking things up! ;) (Heidi Chiavaroli 9:27pm August 14, 2017)
I loved that British time-slip Jane Austen series, and now this looks like an interesting read! (John Smith 9:55pm August 14, 2017)
I don't usually read time-slip novels. But I do love all types of romance novels. This story sounds amazing, definitely not like anything I've ever read. Thanks for the chance. (Tanja Dancy 10:17pm August 14, 2017)
I didn't know they are called time-slip novels. I have read a few and loved them. I especially love how the stories can intertwine with the places or events past and present. (Pam Howell 8:18am August 15, 2017)
I've never heard the phrase "time-slip novels" but it's the perfect description. Your book sounds like a great read. And the cover is beautiful. I'm already on the waiting list for your book at my local library. Thanks for this chance to win a copy. Best of luck with the book - and all you do. (Nancy Reynolds 10:07am August 15, 2017)
Thanks you so much for stopping by, John, Tanja, Pam, and Nancy!
Pam, that is my favorite part of time-slip too!
Tanja and Nancy, thank you so much for your sweet words! I hope you enjoy the book! (Heidi Chiavaroli 10:52am August 15, 2017)
Time slip novels are captivating, meaningful and memorable. I have read many which have become favorites and are unforgettable. (Sharon Berger 11:55am August 15, 2017)
Yay for time slip books, Sharon! Thank you so much for stopping by. :) (Heidi Chiavaroli 2:50pm August 15, 2017)
Boston Strong will forever hold a place in my heart and soul. Thank you for writing such an important story for your readers, Heidi. (Susan Coster 5:53pm August 15, 2017)
Oh, thank you so much for your encouragement, Susan, and your kind words. :) (Heidi Chiavaroli 9:20pm August 15, 2017)
This time slip novel caught my attention. Seems. Like it would be a very interesting book.thank u for this opportunity. (Christina Cantrell 2:36am August 16, 2017)
Thanks for stopping by, Christina! (Heidi Chiavaroli 9:43am August 16, 2017)
I've never read a time slip novel before. It sounds interesting. Thanks for the post. (Patti Pusateri 1:05am August 19, 2017)
Love reading yo books. (Alma Beraza 11:31am August 19, 2017)
Time-slip is a most interesting concept! Can't wait to read one! (Laura Klassen 11:49am August 19, 2017)
I had never heard of a time slip novel before (where have I been?). I love the colonial historical period and growing up a bunch of my cousins lived right outside Boston. Sounds like a great book. Would love to win! (Margaret OConnor 6:16pm August 19, 2017)
sounds like great reading thank for the chance (Philip Halter 8:16pm August 19, 2017)
What a fascinating book! I love time slip novels and have added Freedom's Ring to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing. (Bonnie H 8:38pm August 19, 2017)
I love the idea of a time slip novel. I love the settings for this one. Looks like a wonderful read. Being from Massachusetts I'm particularly interested. (Mary Songer 10:35pm August 19, 2017)
Time slip is a new term for me but I have read and really enjoyed books before that would be time slip. Thanks for the great post. (Debra Guyette 10:40am August 20, 2017)
I've read and enjoyed a few time-slip novels and am looking forward to reading Freedom's Ring. The cover is beautiful. (Anna Speed 1:14pm August 20, 2017)
I'm glad to be seeing more time- slip novels, they are fun to read :) (Brandy Blake 2:07pm August 20, 2017)
i find it hard to switch back and forth in this type of novel and remember what happened at an earlier point in the book. i sometimes put down books for weeks at a time and like to pick it up and after a moment remember what was going on. it's just harder for me with a time slip novel. (Lynn Anderson 7:18pm August 20, 2017)
Love your books! Thanks for the contest!! (Teresa Ward 8:39pm August 20, 2017)
Time slip is a novel idea to me, but it sounds interesting and so does the book. (Deb Pelletier 9:59pm August 20, 2017)
Patti, Alma, Laura, Margaret, Philip, Bonnie, Mary, Debra, Anna, and Brandy, thank you all so much for stopping by, and for your kind words. It is truly a blessing to read your comments.
Lynn, I can understand the challenge--even with one time period, if I put the book down for too long, I get confused! ;)
Thank you for stopping in, Teresa and Deb! (Heidi Chiavaroli 3:04pm August 21, 2017)