Across the Ages (Timeless #4) by Gabrielle Meyer
Summary (from the publisher): Caroline holds a deep secret. Existing in 1727 and 1927 simultaneously, each night she goes to sleep in one life and wakes up in the other. Searching for answers to her unique existence, Caroline stumbles upon a letter from her mother that hints at her own experiences as a time-crosser, sending Caroline on a quest to uncover the truth. In 1727, chasing the mysteries of her mother's past, Caroline disguises herself as a cabin boy and joins a ship sailing for the Bahamas, her mother's last known location. Amid treacherous waters, she crosses paths with Marcus Zale, a ruthless but handsome pirate, and finds herself caught in a web of secrets, deception, and unexpected alliances. Meanwhile, in 1927 St. Paul, Minnesota, Caroline grapples with her other life as the daughter of a renowned preacher. Her two older brothers have strayed from their upbringing into the corruption rampant during Prohibition, and Caroline struggles to protect her parents from the truth that could shatter her father's career. As her search for answers about her time-crossing leads her to the dangerous speakeasies of St. Paul, Caroline enlists the help of police officer Lewis Cager, a childhood friend. But when her family's future is put at risk and loyalties are tested, Caroline is faced with a life-altering decision that could reshape her destiny.
Review: Caroline lives a double life - literally. In one life, it is 1727 and she is being raised by her grandfather on a southern plantation and has never known her parents. When she goes to sleep, she wakes up in her other life in 1927, where she is the daughter of a prominent preacher and has two older brothers who have strayed from the Christian lifestyle her parents preach about. In 1727, Caroline runs away when her grandfather tries to force her into a marriage, she doesn't want. Caroline ends up at sea, where she crosses paths with Marcus Zale, a handsome pirate while also spending time with Lewis Cager, a childhood friend in 1927.
I adore this series. Such a unique time travel premise. With each new book in the series, I think Meyer cannot possibly top the plot of the last book, but she somehow always does. Meyer also does a fantastic job with the historical research behind these books. Multiple characters in this book are based on true historical figures. And she skillfully ties together the plots and historical events in both alternating storylines. These books are faith based but do so in a tender and not overbearing way. Their faith is a key part of the characters' characterization, so it feels natural that it comes up in dialogue and also thematically.
A major theme of this novel was God's forgiveness and love for everyone. No one is beyond salvation. I loved that Caroline steadily encourages Marcus to lead a better life and seek forgiveness. Similarly, in her 1927 timeline, her parents and brother must reconcile the mismatch between what they preach and their lifestyles. There is a lot of forgiveness and compassion given by many in this book, which felt very Christian and lovely. "God didn't send Jesus for the healthy, Marcus. He sent Him for the sinner. He sent Him for all of us. There is not a preacher alive who can stand blameless before God. We won't change the past, but we can change the future. No matter how long you're gone, you can always return home" (213).
I did think this was a very romantic depiction of pirates. I think in reality Caroline's life with a ship full of pirates would have been rough and violent and not one filled with talks about books and God. I also found it hard to believe how many people just easily believed that Caroline was being truthful about living two lives. It seemed too fantastical for everyone just to accept so easily.
Overall, another wonderful installment in one of my favorite series. I'm so glad the author decided to extend this with a fourth and fifth book. I look forward to reading book five!
Stars: 4
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