Book Review: Stuck in Time (Dancing Through Time Book 1) #newrelease

Stuck in Time by Heather Manning
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ember Appleton (how cute is that name!?) is about to learn a whole lot more about the history of her hometown of Kansas City, MO than she bargained for. A unique chain of events during a thunderstorm throws her decades into the past. Like, WAAAAAAAAY BACK INTO THE 1930s. Now she's "Stuck in Time" with no way back home. Her modern-day clothes make her stand out like a sore thumb, now that she's in a more conservative time period.

Crime and corruption run amuck in the 1930s! Ember's new life (in the past) hits hard and hits fast. She's dodging bullets straightaway. Ember takes it all in stride though and becomes the true heroine of her story, even if her story has led her down a path she would have never envisioned.

The chapter about Electric Park was simply riveting! All the amazing rides and fun things to do. (The original inspiration behind Walt Disney's Disneyland!) Electric Park is a lost and forgotten American treasure that can only be experienced through a unique setting like this.

The ending of this book though... left me hanging. Heather Manning, I'll be waiting for a sequel.

Contains at least mild cursing. Also, is not Christian fiction. Otherwise, this is a clean romance.

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My Top 10 Favorite Reads of 2023

If you've followed my blog for a while now, you probably know that I just LOVE making a list of my top 10 favorite reads every year. These books were NOT all published this year -- they were published in any year of days gone by. But 2023 is when I personally got to read them.

And these 10 books in particular put an extra sparkle in my eye (and made my heart pitter-patter a little faster). In no particular order...

Tarissa's bookshelf: 2023-top-favorite

Kilmeny of the Orchard

by L.M. Montgomery

A sentimental love story, yes, perhaps quite flowery, but... it is Montgomery, after all. It's not quite the captivating tale of Anne Shirley, or Emily Byrd Starr, etc., but I just can't give anything less than 5 stars to a Montgomery no...

Heart of the Nile

by Will Thomas

Absolutely fascinating mystery!! I loved every chapter as Barker and Llewellyn got into tough scrapes, tried to gather intel, and piece together the reasoning behind a needless murder. I so relished in the Holmes and Watson-esque comrade...

Bridge of Gold

by Kimberley Woodhouse

I loved the historical intrigue and the modern day drama playing out, twisting together, piecing together a decades old murder surrounding the creation of the Golden Gate Bridge. Yep, I liked it! A clean read with some sweet romance. It...

Box of Butterflies: Discovering the Unexpected Blessings All Around Us

by Roma Downey

WOW! I love this book so much! This will be one of my top favorite reads for this entire year. Roma Downey shows us the beauty of seeing God's hand in all circumstances of our lives. She shares stories from her own life, personal stories...

The Golden One

by Elizabeth Peters

I clipped right through this Amelia Peabody novel at quite an alarming rate. Because it's such an enjoyable read. I love hearing about the adventures of every single person in the Peabody-Emerson family. This time around, they've survive...

Mind Games: Winning the Battle for Your Mental and Emotional Health

by Paul Daugherty

What a Godsend this book was to me. I can claim victory in my life! You can claim victory in your life! Read this book. Paul Daugherty's voice rings loud and true throughout this book. He wants his readers to overcome their struggles. J...

The Lost Library

by Rebecca Stead

For kids (and hey!... adults like me) who LOVE books. And libraries. And Little Free Library boxes. And for anyone who loves reading books ABOUT books. (>>> This is one of those really good ones.) I love the whole story of The Lost Libr...

Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd

by Alan Bradley

Flavia strikes again in another beautifully written mystery novel filled with delightful scientific tidbits, intriguing characters, and the end of an era for Flavia. I don't know where the next book will lead her, but I do believe that...

Currents

by Jane Petrlik Smolik

A masterfully written book. Three stories are interwoven so beautifully and delicately. Each story is so interesting on its own, comes with its own fascinating characters, and yet contributes to the growing plot. Kids or adults can enjoy...

The Loch Ness Papers

by Paige Shelton

Aw! A lovely installment in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. In it we find man who's just a bit kooky over his Nessie collection. Maybe he has proof of the otherwise mythical creature. Maybe he doesn't. Regardless, murder strikes! D...

Previous years of top favorite books:

2022 // 2021 // 2020 // 2019 // 2018 // 2017 // 2016 // 2015 // 2014 // 2013 // 2012 // 2011 // 2010

So, dear reader, what are your favorite books that you got to read this year?


If you've posted your 2023 favorites list, drop your link in the comments so we can all see it!