Vintage Romance: Windmills in Time by Victoria Bruce
“She might have traveled here by mistake, but no one could tell her that she didn’t belong in Jesse’s arms.”
The Basics
Title: Windmills in Time (Timeswept)
Author: Victoria Bruce
Published: 1998
Publisher: Lovespell — Dorchester Publishing Co.
Pages: 359
Format: Paperback, mass market
Genres: Fiction — Romance, Historical fiction, Western, Historical romance, Vintage romance, Western romance, Time travel
This book is part of my Vintage Romance Series, in which I review romance books from the 1960s to early 2000s.
Book Synopsis
Deirdre Brown is a historian living in 1990s New York City. One day while reading a 19th-century journal from a homesteader named Sarah Morgan, she experiences a seizure, and when she awakens the following morning, she finds herself in Sarah Morgan’s body, having traveled back in time over a hundred years. Determined to return to her own time and convinced that Sarah’s diary is the key to do so, she sets out to find it. Sarah’s handsome neighbor, Jesse Colburn, however, throws a wrench into her plans, for the more she comes to know him, the less inclined she becomes to leave this newfound world behind.
My Review & Overall Thoughts
TLDR: Lame cover? Yes. Great story? Also, yes.
Windmills in Time is a case study in why to never judge a book by its cover. As you are no doubt doing this instant, I took one look at its clinch cover featuring a bare-chested man and assumed that the story contained within would be at best mediocre and at worst, titillating drivel. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Windmills in Time is a captivating read that draws you in from the get-go and takes you on a thrilling adventure back through time to the Old West. A dashing hero, a quick-witted heroine, a cunning villain, a ruggedly beautiful setting, and a slow-burn, tension-filled romance: this book has it all. I so enjoyed this book that I felt rather sad upon finishing it, a fact which I would have been hard pressed to believe when I first beheld it.
The highlight of this book is the romance between Dierdre and Jesse. It is well-paced, with a buildup to when they get together. We are able to learn about the two characters as individuals, as well as observe them interact with one another, before their relationship transitions from amicable to romantic. This allows for relationship buy-in. One of my biggest pet peeves with regard to romance novels is when the relationship is not allowed any time whatsoever to develop – the characters simply meet and instantly fall in love. I cannot stand these insta-romances, so needless to say, I was quite pleased to see that the relationship between Jesse and Dierdre progresses at a realistic rate. There is also great chemistry between the two characters; you can sense the sexual tension, as well as deeper connection, between the two of them.
While Jesse and Dierdre’s romance is at the heart of this book, there are other subplots, such as Dierdre’s effort to return to her own time, that comprise the story. These subplots help to flesh out the story, injecting conflict and suspense into the narrative. If the book were focused solely on Dierdre and Jesse’s romance, it might be entertaining, but with these additional storylines, it is a true page turner. The fast pace of the plot further amplifies this riveting quality, as does one big twist that gets sprung upon you. If you are anything like me, you will be sneaking away at every available opportunity to read this book so that you can see what happens next.
Further contributing to the story’s draw is its setting. The story takes place in the plains of Nebraska, a desolate yet starkly beautiful location. The remote, expansive locale makes for the perfect backdrop for Dierdre and Jesse’s story. After all, what better tinder for romance is there than being alone together in a scenic and secluded spot?
Another laudable aspect of this book is its take on time traveling. Rather than simply have Diedre travel back in time, the story has Diedre swap places with Sarah, a woman living in the 1880s. Dierdre travels back in time; Sarah jumps forward in time. Like many stories that deal with time travel, the two timelines move roughly in parallel; although, time seems to move a tad more quickly in the future. These dual timelines mean that we get dual points of view. Dierdre’s point of view is by far the primary one, but we are still given the occasional chapter from Sarah’s point of view. Sarah’s chapters provide nice breaks in the narrative and allow us to see how things are progressing in the present day. I, for one, enjoyed being able to see and compare the experiences of the two women.
Pulling everything together is Bruce’s writing. She writes in an engaging, easy-to-understand manner, and she paces the story ideally, such that it never drags nor feels rushed. Moreover, she provides just enough of a description to set a scene without ever going overboard and becoming mired down in detail.
The not so good
Sadly, there is no sequel to Windmills in Time. We are provided with an epilogue that does nicely tie things up, but I selfishly want more. I would love another book that continues Jesse and Dierdre’s story, but given that this book was published over 20 years ago, I think the chances of that happening are between slim and none.
Overall
If you can look past Windmills in Time’s over-the-top cover, you will discover within its pages an enthralling story. From a slow-burn romance to time travel and a fast-moving plot, it has everything you could want and then some in a historical romance.
Have you ever read Windmills in Time? If so, let me know in the comments section below!
