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!
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
Now it’s your turn.
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.
This sounds so good! I love that it’s set in a clock repair and book shop. Thanks for sharing! Hope you have a great week! 🙂
Thank you Ashley!
The cover is fantastic! Sounds like a great book. Great review!
Thanks Nicole!
I have not heard of/read this author. I like the cover, not too many books feature a male lead. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend!
Thanks Cindy! You, too!
I’ve seen this cover before and the book looks very intriguing!
My first line comes from All That It Takes by Nicole Deese:
As the door to our new life swung open and my ten-year-old son rushed across the threshold to explore the second-story apartment, the you-break-it- you-buy-it policy flashed across my mind like a hazard warning.
All That it Takes is coming up on my TBR list! I hope you’re enjoying it!
I agree with Mareli’s comments regarding this book ~ it sounds great, Danielle!
Thank you!
I’m not familiar with this author, but this sounds like a really good book! Thanks for sharing! 😊
You’re welcome!
Ha, I don’t know this series. But everything about the book that you’ve highlighted draws my attention. I will take a closer look at it.
Thanks for sharing and have a good weekend!
Elza Reads
Yay! I hope you have a good weekend, too!