Into a Golden Era by Gabrielle Meyer

Into a Golden Era

by Gabrielle Meyer

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: Timeless

ISBN: 9780764243035

Every year I eagerly (and impatiently) wait for the next book in Gabrielle Meyer's Timeless series! I absolutely wanted to devour Into a Golden Era once I sat down with it, but life was so crazy when I did that I didn't have a choice but to read it over a 3-day period. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it! Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me a copy of the book.

Summary:

Two eras. One future. An impossible choice that will determine the course of history.

As a time-crosser, Ally lives in two worlds. In 1849, in an attempt to secure her family's future during the California Gold Rush, she finds herself penniless and stranded in San Francisco. Forced to take shelter in a dangerous boardinghouse owned by an infamous gang member, Ally is desperate to escape. But when she discovers that history has changed around her, and it now claims she will do something unthinkable, she must use her time-crossing knowledge to find answers. 

In 1929, Ally is an up-and-coming starlet during the Golden Age of Hollywood, but her family's film studio is on the brink of ruin, and their remaining resources are invested into a production of Little Women. If the endeavor fails, Ally's family will lose everything. To ensure their success, she agrees to stage a fake romance with a notorious Hollywood heartthrob in hopes of using his fame for their movie, but she risks her heart in the process. When history doesn't play by the rules, Ally must decide if she will throw all caution aside and risk everything for the people she loves. But which path will be worth sacrificing to save the other? 

My Review:

What do you do when you love a book so much that you're speechless, but you also need to write a review. On top of having to write a review, you have not give any spoilers. I'm honestly at a loss, but I'll give it a shot.

You may think, book 7 in a time crossing series? Is it possible for any of it to be fresh, new, compelling, etc? If I gave Into a Golden Era a 10 out of 5 stars, would that convince you that the author has done it once again?! There's such an incredible anticipation for "the next book" that when it finally arrives I'm apprehensive to read it. I know it's going to be exciting, I'm going to have opinions on who I think is the best love match, and I'm not going to want it to end, which it always does much too quickly.

Ally lives a completely different life in 1849 than she does in 1929. In 1849 she's at the mercy of others along with her sister and father. In 1849 she lives a life of glamour in Hollywood. I honestly loved her in both timelines. I think either would've worked well for her, but she had no choice other than living in only one at the age of 25.

I had so much hope for the men in this story! I was holding out hope for both of them. Ally was such a strong influence to those around her. 

There were some great twists and turns in the story. One had my jaw dropped! How the author keeps all of the moving parts organized is mind boggling to me. The story is rich in faith, which is such a huge draw for me. Ally's family in 1929 is (mostly) a wonderful support. Her sister got on my nerves throughout the entire story, and appropriately so. She was selfish and self-centered. The way she treated Ally made me want to reach into the pages and give her a shake.

Needless to say, I had pretty strong reactions as I read the story. There were times when my heart was so sad, other times I felt so much compassion for what Ally was going through in both times, and wanted to shake my fist at one of the main characters!

This is a story I absolutely did NOT want to end! I want someone to pull a Men in Black on me so I can read it again like it was the first time! Now, I'm eagerly anticipating book 8!

About the Author:

Gabrielle Meyer is a Christy Award-winner and ECPA bestselling author of the Timeless series. She has worked for state and local historical societies and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides along the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota with her husband and four children. By day, she's a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and nonfiction filled with hope. Sign up for her newsletter at GabrielleMeyer.com.