I recently finished In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer, the second book in her Timeless series, and I’m eager to share my thoughts on this captivating blend of history, romance, and time travel, which I find utterly enthralling. As someone with a strong affinity for historical fiction, I was drawn to the unique premise of following the protagonist, Maggie, through her three distinct lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001, each filled with its own set of challenges and intricacies.
From the very beginning, I was hooked as Maggie grapples with the reality that she will have to forfeit two of her lives when she turns twenty-one. The stakes are incredibly high, and this tension propels the narrative forward, making it hard to put the book down. The duality of Maggie’s existence—influenced by her time-crossing parents—creates a rich landscape of possibility, as she navigates life as a senator’s daughter in the Civil War era, a Navy nurse during World War II, and a medical student in the modern day.
Meyer does an exceptional job of weaving historical accuracy with fiction. I particularly appreciated how she captured the atmosphere of each time period, with vivid descriptions that brought the settings to life. The attention to detail regarding the 1940s, for example, allows readers to feel the tension and uncertainty of that era, especially as Maggie prepares to join a hospital ship bound for Pearl Harbor. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war, which is well illustrated by how Maggie, with her contemporary knowledge, must cope with the brutal realities of her roles throughout history.
One of the highlights of the book is how the characters are developed. Maggie’s internal conflicts regarding her identities and romantic interests across timelines resonate deeply. She has sworn off romance until she makes her choice—something that adds complexity to her character. As mentioned in one review, while there are several pivotal male characters in her life—each representing a different facet of love and partnership—Meyer handles this without veering into overly romantic territory or creating an obvious polyamorous angle.
However, I did find a few drawbacks that slightly dampened my overall enthusiasm. Some readers noted that the emotional stakes felt somewhat less pronounced compared to its predecessor, When the Day Comes, and I have to agree. While the book is engaging, the twists and turns seemed fewer in number. Additionally, there were moments when the romantic tension felt a bit forced, and some descriptions—particularly those involving affection—were bordering on excessive, which detracted from the overall narrative flow.
Despite these minor quibbles, In This Moment met my expectations in many ways. I found the thoughtful exploration of choice and consequence particularly relevant, as Maggie wrestles with her decisions. The philosophical undercurrents—especially regarding faith and free will—were intriguing and well explored, prompting thoughtful reflection. The emotional depth of the characters parallels their historical contexts in a way that feels both personal and universal.
Overall, I would wholeheartedly recommend In This Moment to fans of historical and time-travel fiction. The story artfully balances the richness of varying time periods while examining timeless themes of identity, love, and sacrifice. While it may not have the same emotional punch as the first book, it offers enough profound insights and lush storytelling to keep readers both entertained and thoughtful. I’m looking forward to diving into the next book in the series, and I encourage anyone intrigued by the concept to pick this up. It’s worth the read!
Discover the captivating journey in In This Moment: Timeless, Book 2. >>