The novel, a stand-alone/follow-up to the book Waking in Time, is an intriguing time-travel romance that I enjoyed reading.
The story revolves around Will, a young man who begins his college education in 1927, much to the chagrin of his father. However, as he embarks on this new journey, he receives a telegram informing him that his family has succumbed to a smallpox outbreak. As he attempts to return home, he is inexplicably thrust forward in time. Lost and bewildered, in 1930 after his second thrust forward in time, he meets Abbi, an attractive young woman from 2022, who pleads with him for assistance. Together, they form a bond and fall deeply in love. However, Will finds himself being propelled further and further into the future, while Abbi is always traveling backward in time. Will spends decades searching for her, all the while struggling to navigate the hazards of modern life.
Despite the similarities between this novel and its predecessor, Waking in Time, I found the story to be engaging and thought-provoking. I was particularly impressed by the author's ability to maintain a sense of novelty, even within a familiar framework. Will's perspective on his relationship with Abbi was a source of intrigue, as was his exploration of contemporary technology, such as the cell phone and television. The ending was also satisfying, as it deviated from that of the previous book.
I am unable to find any significant flaws in the book. I found it illuminating to gain insight into Will's thoughts and emotions, especially in scenes when he was inebriated.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy time-travel romance or star-crossed lover stories. Angie Stanton's book is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a well-crafted and captivating story.