The Passage (The Wonderland Series: Book 1)

So our heroine is a 21st-century single Londoner in her mid-20s who has twice “unintentionally” gotten pregnant out of wedlock with two different men. Is she sexually depraved? Mentally deficient? Does she figure it’s easier to risk pregnancy than do a little research on the birth control methods available today? Does she secretly hope that sooner or later pregnancy will induce a man to marry her? Really?

Neve Ashley is suffering from the loss of a child and the insensitivity of her former boyfriend of many years. She needs to move on with her life and find someone who shares her dream of having a family someday. Neve is currently a scout for an independent film production company. She is scouting locations in England for a film set in the time period of Charles II. Neve finds the perfect location for the film in the village of Cranleigh at Everly Manor. She is invited by the current Lord Everly to stay at his estate. It is there that she discovers the story of Lord Hugo Everly who went missing in late 1685 and was never heard from again. Coincidentally, the current Lord Max Everly is strikingly similar in appearance to the former Lord Hugo Everly. While exploring the church Neve discovers a hidden door in the crypt that takes her back in time prior to May of 1685. She quickly comes to know Lord Hugo and finds him to be nothing like she imagined. Neve returns to her own time only to travel back to warn him of his future. Lord Hugo does not know what to believe but he feels for Neve in a way he hasn’t in many years. He plans to keep her around. The story is fast passed and travels both into the past and back to the present. Neve and Hugo form strong feelings for one another but as with most relationships finding a happy ending is not going to be easy. This is only book one in their journey. I was not disappointed where the book left off but was quick to load the next in the series. If you enjoy historical fiction with present day characters you will love this series and author.

theromancejunkie

One can't help thinking Outlander; premise is identical, as ncluding the exile to France and introduction to the French court.
Interesting and well written, great story. Characters were very well developed, except the fiercely passionate relationship between the two lead characters was not as gripping as Jamie and Claire's. That relationship drove the Outlander series. One understood why Claire would give up everything forJamie, not so clear why Neve would do so for Hugo, who had to be the unluckiest political pawn in the history of the world.
But I read all five books and thoroughly enjoyed them, particularly the HEA at the end of book 5.
Highly recommend.

I have just finished book 1, & am absolutely hooked on it. I just love it! I've now downloaded #2, & can't wait to read it. First, I have a couple other books to read,but I look forward to continuing the story of Neve and Hugo. I will likely wait til I've read all 5 to give a complete review, though I'll say a bit at the end of each book.
I quickly lost myself in the story. This presentation of the past is far better than some others I have read. I like the comparisons between lifestyles. More than that, the story of star crossed lovers and the intrigue of those that surround them in both times is so compelling that I can't wait to continue the saga. More after book#2!

I found this story rather boring. Personally, I feel like there is too much information that does not enhance the story. Neve is in a dead end relationship with Evan but has a close relationship with Evans ex-wife? Close enough to talk about a pregnancy and how Evan does not want the child. There are so many other instances of the story being drawn out.

Time travel romance fans will enjoy this story where the modern day heroine falls in love with lord of the manor, Hugo, when she accidentally finds a passage back to the 17th century in the middle of a plot to overthrow King James. It starts a little slowly as the author sets up the scene for this failed rebellion but picks up steam as the plot unfolds. The past and the characters from the past are more interesting and more developed than present day London and the present Lord of the manor, Max. The hair-raising finale leaves you waiting breathlessly for the next installment in this trilogy. Not as long or involved as Gabaldon's books, but definitely entertaining! I am in the middle of the second book, Wonderland, and am finding it full of suspense - even better than the first book!

The story was good. There was romance , mystery, intrigue, betrayal and brutality. All good. But the story does not end. For several more books it does it end. I don't like reading books that don't end UNLESS I know it ahead of time. I will not continue the series.

I was overcome by ennui and could not finish. Also, the author thinks that someone could "borrow" 17th century clothing from a museum and wear it. What a laugh. Obviously she knows nothing about textiles - they'd be far too fragile to be worn.

What a terrific time travel novel! I love the way this author puts a story together, and I found myself reading as fast as I could to find out what would happen next. Now I can't wait to read the next book in the series! Thanks for a wonderful novel, will be waiting impatiently for the next one to find out what happens next!

Fantastic series! I couldn't "put it down" good except I listened to the series on my long daily commute so it swept me away! Th characters are well thought out and the story line is worthy of a tv series!

This time travel series is well written with great characters, suspense, and historical themes. If you liked Outlander series, you would probably like these books. I highly recommend the author and this series.

While I enjoy some time travel fiction, I can sometimes be a bit picky. If a character is going to travel back in time I want to experience the time their travelling to fully. That means more then just detailed costume descriptions and a few references to custom or questionable hygiene habits. With regards to this, The Passage was totally satisfying. Details about the political and religious climate of the late 17th century were delved in to, along with the usual details and it gave me a much better understanding of the setting. The plot was absorbing, the characters were engaging and I was left wanting to discover more of this authors work. I loved this book from start to finish and from someone as picky as me, thats saying something.