Love comes when least expected.
Nobody would blame widowed doctoral student Eliza James for giving up on Happily Ever After; at twenty-nine, she’s suffered more loss than most people do in a lifetime. But Eliza’s convinced her own hero is still out there, waiting for her, just like in the beloved romance novels she devours. Every girl deserves a Darcy, right?
Only Eliza doesn’t dream of a … right?
Only Eliza doesn’t dream of a modern-day affair: she wants the whole Regency experience. When a magical manuscript thrusts her back two hundred years into the arms and life of one Deveric Mattersley, Duke of Claremont, however, Eliza soon realizes some fantasies aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, especially when her duke proves himself less than a Prince Charming.
Deveric Mattersley has no interest in women, much less marriage. Determined to atone for his sins after convincing himself he’s at fault for the death of his first wife, he decrees himself content to focus on running his family’s estates, and on raising his son–until the mysterious Mrs. James appears. Who is she? What does she want? And why does she make Dev’s blood run hot in a way no woman ever has?
Can a man with a past and a woman from the future forge a love for all time?
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“I fell in love with this book, just as I did with the Jane Austen classics. There’s a new Mr. Darcy in town.” – Annie, ARC reader, reviewer for The Write Review and ChickLitPlus.com.
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No one would blame twenty-nine year old Eliza James for giving up on dreams of love and “Happily Ever After.” She lost her first husband, Greg, to 9/11, and she has also lost her parents. Eliza is determined to find her own Prince Charming, just like Cinderella found hers, and just as Elizabeth Bennett found her Mr. Darcy. Who doesn’t dream of having their own Arthur Pendragon, their own Mr. Darcy, or their own Jude Law? I know I have- more than once. 😉
One problem, though- Eliza’s man isn’t in the modern-day era of 2012. He’s back in 1812, waiting for his true love to find him. When a magical manuscript sends Eliza back into the arms of Deveric Mattersley, Duke of Claremont, she quickly realizes that the fairytales she read growing up are true. Especially when Deveric begins to show Eliza that he is less than a Prince Charming toward her.
Deveric has no interest in women or marriage since the tragic loss of his wife, Mirabelle, and their infant daughter. Decreeing himself off-limits to women, he throws himself into taking care of the family’s multiple estates, parties, and of young Frederic- his son. That is, until, Miss Eliza James appears in his arms after quite a magical kiss. But there are hundreds of questions racing through Deveric’s mind: Who is she? What does she want? What is a “tele-phone,” “McDonald,” “pizza,” and a “Cat?” And why does Eliza make Dev’s blood and passion run hotter than it ever did with his former wife?
Can a man with a heartbreaking past and a woman from the future create a steady, true love? Will that love last for all time, or will Dev lose this woman back to the distant future forever?
I was very fortunate to win a gift copy of this novel from the author in a contest. I am so glad I did. If I could give A Matter of Time more than 5 stars I would gladly do so. This read was so satisfying. It was wonderful, romantic, and heartwarming and a very nice change from what I normally read. Now I feel compelled to search out more time travel romances similar to this one.
Our contemporary heroine, Eliza James, a widow with a Ph.D. in literature, has been a lifelong enthusiast of Jane Austen and the Regency period. She would like nothing better than to go back in time and find her own Mr. Darcy. Without going into detail, her best friend is able to make Eliza’s wish come true.
Our Regency period hero, Deveric Mattersley, Duke of Claremont, is a widower and has no plans to remarry. He is only intent on handling his estate and raising his son. His life is upended when Eliza James appears. She knows she has found her Mr. Darcy but Deveric fights his growing attraction to Eliza. Their story has it’s twists, turns, and heartache but is filled with humor, romance, and passion. This is definitely one that I will re-read time and again.
I fell in deep love with the first book in this series; called “A Man of Character”, so the anticipation of this release was exciting to say the least. Margaret Locke quickly went on to my list of favorite authors to follow!!!
This book can be a stand-alone read, but I have to say that you should not miss out on “A Man of Character” because it is such a wonderful story. Her new book, does not disappoint, either.
This is not your typical love story. Margaret Locke is a true gift to romance lovers everywhere. This is a magical romp not to be missed.
In her book, “A Matter of Time”, she takes us to England in the year 1812, right in the middle of what we call the Regency Period. In the present day, 2011, Eliza has always dreamed of meeting her “Duke” and living a life like a character in one of Jane Austen’s books. So, when a magical manuscript shows up in the hands of her best friend, Cat…what more could Eliza wish for.
Eliza is thrust back two hundred years, and she enters the lives of the Mattersley family like a tornado!! Is Deveric Mattersley, her Mr. Darcy? Either way, there is certainly a new Mr. Darcy in town. He is the Duke of Claremont, after all…her dream man! Right? Or, maybe this is not really her dream?
Watching her integrate in to this new lifestyle was very entertaining. Margaret Locke really did her research on this time period, because I really felt like I was back there. Seeing her struggles were real…like not using the proper words or etiquette.
Once again, Margaret Locke took me on a journey that I enjoyed thoroughly. Her characters are awesome, and you will find yourself invested in them. You will be disappointed when the book ends, wondering when her next one will be released.
I am TEAM ELIZA!!