Welcome to First Line Friday!
Today I’m featuring

Of Time and Circumstance by Ann Elizabeth Fryer.

When Benjamin MacMillen’s mother appeals to him to take a job far from his Kentucky home at the shop of a mere acquaintance, he knows it has something to do with the shop owner’s daughter, a woman he’s never met. But what? He knows his grieving, heartsick mother carries a secret and will do anything to cure her–including traipsing all the way to St. Louis.

Lydia Jannsen used to be content helping her father run Jannsen’s Book and Clock in the gentle rhythms of time and stories, but since they returned from an epic trip to Holland, she wants nothing more than to go back and be near the man she thinks she’s growing to love.

When her father announces his return, and to her dismay, leaves her behind with the hired clocksmith and his mother, life suddenly changes. Letters from her father grow scarce and his disappearance a conundrum. With the shop on the brink of ruin, she discovers a deeply hidden secret that ties her future to her past. Will she find out the truth in time? And will true love withstand it?

From Goodreads

Author Information

Discover more about Ann Elizabeth Fryer at: annfryerwrites.com.

First Line

[Graphic Text]: June 1883, St. Louis, Missouri ~ Three portraits adorn the parlor wall in the living quarters nestled within Jannsen’s Book and Clock.

My Review

Of Time and Circumstance is the next novel in Ann Elizabeth Fryer’s Hearts Unlocked collection. Set in a clock repair and book shop, the story follows Lydia as she comes to terms with the secrets of all those around her.

I loved the tone and voice of this story. Plus Ben is an amazing hero! He’s so sweet and understanding, yet strong and stalwart. Lydia has so much thrown at her, but I love how her character arc slowly reveals her growth and her ever-maturing handling of the circumstances thrown her way.

If you’re looking for a story to pull you into another time and place, then definitively grab a copy of Of Time and Circumstance. I loved it!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

Retail Links

Amazon | BN.com
Goodreads | BookBub

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Pull out the book beside you and leave a comment with the first line.

First Line Friday is hosted by Reading is my Super Power.

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