by Kelley Armstrong
Series: Thorne Manor #1
Genres: Paranormal, Time Travel
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Thorne Manor has always been haunted...and it has always haunted Bronwyn Dale. As a young girl, Bronwyn could pass through a time slip in her great-aunt’s house, where she visited William Thorne, a boy her own age, born two centuries earlier. After a family tragedy, the house was shuttered and Bronwyn was convinced that William existed only in her imagination.
Now, twenty years later Bronwyn inherits Thorne Manor. And when she returns, William is waiting.
William Thorne is no longer the boy she remembers. He’s a difficult and tempestuous man, his own life marred by tragedy and a scandal that had him retreating to self-imposed exile in his beloved moors. He’s also none too pleased with Bronwyn for abandoning him all those years ago.
As their friendship rekindles and sparks into something more, Bronwyn must also deal with ghosts in the present version of the house. Soon she realizes they are linked to William and the secret scandal that drove him back to Thorne Manor. To build a future, Bronwyn must confront the pas
I read a post from Kelley Armstrong about her newest book, A Stitch in Time, and knew I had to read it. Time-travel, ghosts, suspense, mystery and romance await you in this stellar novel.
The cover you are looking at is for the hardcover edition through Subterranean Press. It’s limited edition and beautiful. However, it’s also available in ebook and audiobook format. I’ve added that covers below the review because they’re gorgeous.
I love time travel romances and this one adds a ghostly mystery, creeptastic suspense and a murder-mystery. Even the neighbors in the present are brilliant, but I am getting ahead of myself.
The tale takes place at Thorne Manor, in the English countryside near a small village whose property backs up to the moors. As a young girl, Bronwyn Dale could pass through a time slip in her great-aunt’s house, where she visited William Thorne, a boy her own age, born two centuries earlier. One night tragedy struck and Bronwyn never returned.
Now, twenty years later, she inherits the manor and returns for the summer. She has convinced herself that William was just an imaginary childhood friend. The tale that unfolds had all the elements of a fireside ghost story and time-travel romance.
William Thorne is no longer a young teenage boy, but a man who lives alone in the manor (in his time).
In Bronwyn’s room, there is a stitch in the fabric of time that allows her to slip into William’s time. As the two renew their friendship and possibly more, Bronwyn is seeing ghosts in the present who seem to warn her and the town shares history about the mad lord of the manor.
The characters and setting came to life through the author’s writing. She perfectly balanced the romance and suspense. In fact, she had me in quite a tizzy as I tried to sort facts and look for clues that would make me happiest.
I loved Bronwyn. She is sweet, faces her fears and is quite clever. William, while not always even-tempered, was sweet, romantic and was clearly hurt when Bronwyn didn’t return.
Sometimes an element suffers when you combine them in a story. Kelley Armstrong wove mystery, paranormal and romantic elements together masterfully giving each their full measure. It was brilliant.
Armstrong said it was a story she longed to write, and I cannot thank her enough. This was hands down one of my favorite reads of the year.
This is book one of Thorne Manor, but it wraps up nicely. That doesn’t mean I won’t have grabby hands when book two releases. I cannot wait!
I read this for Fraterfest, a Fall spooky readathon, and it was perfect for it. If you love time-travel romances, paranormal ghost stories and murder-mysteries you’ll want to devour this.
I ended up grabbing both and cannot wait to do a re-read on audio.
A Stitch in Time by Kelley Armstrong brings readers a time-traveling romance filled with discovery, paranormal mystery and murder… perfect for Halloween weekend #NewRelease #ThorneManor Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Vi @Inkvotary
Great review. Thank you, Kimberly. And because of your review I got so curious that I bought the novel. Hopefully I will enjoy it as much as you did.
Kimberly
Sweet! I cannot wait to hear what you think.
Kim
I am a big fan of Kelley Armstrong’s writings. I try to read everything she’s put out. I cannot wait to dive into this new book!! Thanks for the write-up
Jen
This one sounds interesting and your review has me thinking about picking up the audiobook. I don’t always love the time travel romance trope, but this one sounds pretty good. Thanks!
Kimberly
I grabbed it and will use relisten before next book 🙂
Hena Tayeb
I’m not usually a fan of time travel stories.. The Time Traveler’s Wife put me off and I haven’t read another time travelling book since.
But this sounds interesting. Maybe time to get time traveling another chance.
Kimberly
Oh, that was one of my favorites back in the early 20s. This is very different with mystery and ghostly elements.
RO
I’m not always a fan of time travel novels, but I love how Armstrong has mixed things up a bit with a murder mystery, suspense and romance. Very cool, and glad you enjoyed it! Hugs, RO
Kimberly
I loved the slip in time and yes; she did a stellar job weaving all the elements together.
Ailyn Koay
i am attracted to this like Bronwyn is to William! Well, not really but I’m going to ask my library to buy one XD
Kimberly
Woot! I hope you love it!
Tammy @ Books, Bones & Buffy
I’ve read about three glowing reviews for this book now, and I’m regretting not requesting a review copy. Must buy!
Kimberly
Library. I ended up buying the Kindle and audiobook editions.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I have this from the library so I only skimmed the review. I’ll come back once I’ve read it. I’m glad to see you liked it though.
Kimberly
Happy reading!
Mary Kirkland
I love the cover for this one. Have a wonderful Halloween, I hope you get some candy too.
Kimberly
Me too. Happy Halloween!
Lola
I bought this one on release day and hope to read it soon. It sounds awesome and it sounds like the mix of genres works well here. I also read the authors post about this one and that made me even more curious about this one. Great review!
Kimberly
Sweet! I hope you enjoy it Lola!
Sophia Rose
This blend of elements has become a favorite. And, with such a writer doing it. I really must.
Kimberly
I imagine you will devour this!
Katherine
Yes please! I love all the Gothic-y goodness and how can I resist a book that has moors?? This sounds creepy and eerie and gloriously Halloween-y.
Kimberly
Right! Enjoy Katherine.
Nadene
Sounds delightful. I agree the covers are indeed gorgeous.
Kimberly
It truly was one of my favorites this year.
Jen at Introverted Reader
This sounds like something I would enjoy. Thanks for sharing!
Kimberly
Yay. I hope you pick it up Jen 🙂