She never expected to confront deadly villains…let alone fall in love with one…
An injured Civil War survivor, James Adams departs for home with a war-fatigued companion he’s determined to help. After pilfering a horse and kidnaping a woman, he never dreamed his hostage would steal his heart.
Kenzi and James must unravel a deadly plot, while helping York save his ghost woman from a brutal death. But can she leave York in a violent past to save James’s life?
A Gripping Novel By Award-Winning Author Casi McLean
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I’ve not read books in the time travel genre, but after reading this one, which was highly recommended to me, I can see that I’ve overlooked a fascinating genre.
It was one of the most innovative books I’ve read in a long time with superb characters. The author’s literary ability to weave a compelling story totally overtook my initial suspended disbelief in time travel.
If you’re in the mood for an original page turning story, I highly recommend this one!
Between the Shadows is written with the precision of historical fiction coupled with wild imagination that stems out of asking, what if? This is a dual-romance story that makes lovers long for each other across the ages. Using time travel, they are faced with all the complexity and risk it would take to change the course of history.
Kenzie Reynolds, a doctor, is at a loss to save the life of her dying grandmother. The sense of impeding grief is already paralyzing her—until she finds a new purpose. She uses the time machine, dubbed Tess, developed by her grandmother for helping her friend, York, in a risky adventure going from 2018 back to 1865 Georgia. Kenzie never expected to fall in love there with an injured soldier from the past, James Adams. Love and friendship are in the balance, when she fears making a decision. To save his life, would she leave York behind?
York, who is from the future, falls in love with a ghastly apparition of Izzy (Isobel), a girl who beckons him from the past and who has been wandering the shores of Lake Lanier for centuries. The present is not where they belong, but it is where they meet. He wants to save her from her fate. Can he leap into the past to do that, at the risk of being trapped there or even worse, erasing himself forever as he attempts to change the flow of history in his attempt to rescue her?
Five stars.
I don’t usually read time travel romances, but after reading Casi McLean’ Between the Shadows, I travel anywhere with her and I know I’ll enjoy the journey! She casts a spell with compelling characters and fast moving action with plenty of unexpected twists and turns.
I literally felt palpitations when they brought out Tess the time machine–I was so excited for York to save Izzy and see them have their romance. A very satisfying end to a magical story woven by a master storyteller. Thank you Ms. McLean.
Between the Shadows is the final book in the Lake Lanier Mysteries. I loved how this book ties up the loose ends of the Reynolds family. It was a quick, easy read.
The characters and storyline were phenomenal in this book. I enjoyed how the story took place in the 1900’s at the end of the civil war era. This book is Drew’s daughter Mckenzie & James story & also York & Izzy’s story. York popped up at the end of the second book. I honestly feel this series is best read in order instead of as individual standalone’s. I’m glad that I took the time to read Lake Lanier Mysteries. I was not disappointed. I hope the next reader enjoys it as much as I have.
“Don’t live your life crying over what you’ve lost, dear. Embrace each day, by living in the present and tuck the tears away.”
just missing that little something to make 5stars
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed this one just as much, but a bit more than the first two of this series. I am certain because I went back to re-listen to them before starting this one. I had to go back . . .
Back to the shores of Lake Lanier. Back to another gripping mystery through the times. Back to another romance that was once separated by time and space. Adventure. Intrigue. Intensity. Opportunity. Fate.
There was more here than just Kenzi and York making that trip back to historical Georgia. They were there for a purpose, but was that the same one or one of the heart. How much of there trip back was fate pushing them in the right direction? How much of that was their chance to right a wrong or find love?
Kristin James did a good job with the diction and tone of the audio. I could feel emotions coming through the audio. I could make a connection with the characters through her emphasis of the words of Casi McLean. McLean brought to life another time travel mystery by the lake that makes you almost want for the same opportunity. That one chance you may have at your lifetime of love and connection.
I think I can definitively say this was my favorite book of the whole series. It’s like everything finally clicks into place, and the story which has been building for the past three novels comes full circle.
Based on the synopsis you sort of get the sense that Kenzi and James would be the main leads of the novel, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth! In my mind, this story revolves around York and Izzy, and they were an undoubtedly intriguing duo with a unique allure that sets them apart from any of the other characters we’ve seen so far throughout the entire series. York is from the future. Izzy is from the past. And yet we see them connect in what we know as the present. It was such a smart way of storytelling that distinguishes it from practically any other time travel romance. And my goodness have I read a few of those. They may meet in the present, and feel an undeniable link to each other, but both can sense that the present is not where they belong.
Discovering she’s in 2018 rather than the 1800s induces no fear for Izzy, and instead she attempts to see the entire episode as an adventure. She’s definitely braver than myself, lemme tell ya! York is set on saving this woman from whatever fate befell her in the past. She knows she was attacked by a black-bearded man in an abandoned stone cellar in the wilderness of North Georgia at the end of the Civil War. Since her blackout she’s been stuck in the area around Lake Lanier, and can’t move beyond it’s perimeter. When York and his dog come along, she’s shocked that this man can hear her, touch her, feel her. For York, he too is surprised at the immediate connection with this woman from the past, and also by the fact that he feels they’ve met before in his future. That’s all it takes for him to become convinced their destinies are linked, and that he was meant to travel back in time to save her.
York is set and determined to risk his life to save Izzy from her sad, wandering fate. He can’t do it alone though, and relies heavily on Kenzi’s help. She knows how to activate Tess, her grandmother’s time travel device which can help them pinpoint a destination in time by channeling the fantastical energy surrounding Lake Lanier. Not only that, Kenzi also has medical training, which just might be the most useful time travel knowledge to have. Although the synopsis sort of sets Kenzi up as the main focus of the story, in my opinion she took on more of a supporting role.
The importance of her character was undeniable, as well as her romantic link with a soldier from the past, James. However, I just didn’t feel the same connection with them as I did with York and Izzy as a lead couple. Kenzi and James’ attraction came across as a bit more surface level, whereas with York and Izzy I felt their fear, their sadness, their desire for each other so much more. There was depth to their connection that was the beating pulse of the whole story. Again, this isn’t to say I didn’t like this other story with James and Kenzi, but it wasn’t the shining feature for me.
What made this novel stand out for me when compared to the others in the series is that we see a perfect balance of time eras. We start things off in the present. Izzy is from the Civil War era and somehow infiltrates the solitude of York’s existence after he traveled back in time from the future. York then decides to travel back to Izzy’s time with Kenzi in the hopes that they can save her from whatever tragic fate apparently trapped her to wander the shores of Lake Lanier for centuries. And then we see the ideal culmination of events where Kenzi returns to the future with a companion in tow, while York remains in the past in an attempt to save Izzy. It’s a beautiful story arch of going from the present to the past, and then having the final scenes alternate back and forth between the two. Almost like a song or dance where we have two separate performances which finally blend into a cohesive duet. It made sense, it flowed, and you constantly questioned when and where our characters might end up.
It may have taken me the entire series to finally comprehend, but I’ve ultimately come to the realization that this tale can’t be explained by just science or fantasy alone. Rather, it’s a melding of the two. We have the mysterious time travel element of Lake Lanier which really can’t be explained. This fantastical element can also influence some of our characters to have premonitions of future events, as well as communicate with people in the past. However, the power of the Lake can be harnessed and focused with scientific precision into Tess, which thereby becomes the entrance to the time travel portal. The mystery of Lake Lanier is sprinkled with magic, yet also built upon with science. You sort of need to allow your mind to open up to these possibilities, and realize that it’s not a case of just one or the other. The melding of these two characteristics is so much clearer in this final book that I finally feel like I understand how it all works.
This author just keeps bringing out hits. I was never really a fan of historical/time travel romance but these changed all that.
This was an interesting story, but it made me confused. Kenzi and York took Tess on a trip back to the Civil War days. They got caught up in a mystery that they try to run from, but also try to help the others. It’s a neat concept, but strange how people and objects can transport back or forth into time and not interrupt history.
Between the Shadows
By Casi Mclean
This is Ms. McLean’s third book in the Lake Lanier Mysteries. I have read all three. She never disappoints. This time we are following York Attaway and Mackenzie Reynolds trip to the end of the Civil War. They are trying to save Izzy. After a split second choice, Kenzie may have changed the past, present, and future.
I love it. This was a great way to wrap up the series. I am always hopeful that the end of a great set will be a good as the first. She always makes the first part of the book a great hook. After that, she reels you in. I am hoping to read a few of the other books she has written. From the first book until the last she can wrap you in a story and setting that you wouldn’t normally go.
I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
Celtic
Casi McLean Did it Again with BETWEEN THE SHADOWS! This is the 3rd book and it perfectly tied up the loose ends in the series which makes you believe in Time Travel possibilities….well Casi did!
From the Very Beginning of the Book, it keeps you on your toes and you wanna know what is going to happen next! It is a Rollercoaster ride of TWISTS AND TURNS INTO the UNKNOWN that you are not where it’s going to take you. The adventures of Time Travel/Romance at its Best!
Brilliant finish to the series. Little did I think I would enjoy this series as much as I did. It takes some thought on your part to sort through the characters, their relationships and the different time periods but is well worth the effort. I strongly suggest you read this series in the correct order as much of the back story continues throughout and you will miss out on a great deal understanding without reading them in order. Book 2 follows on pretty much immediately (in time) from book 1, however book 3 leaves a 2 year gap before it starts which I personally feel would have been good to fill, however it doesn’t detract from the story line, which is full of life changing/threatening action right from the start and initially centres around York and Izzy, but very soon develops around Kenzi and James as well. You can feel the chemistry between the characters as you see the relationships develop and I really wasn’t sure until near the end if some of these characters would actually survive or if the relationships would survive the journey that they had undertook. Without giving anything away, i can say I thought the ending was the spot on.
Third book in series. Lake Lanier, time travel, ghostly visitor, danger, brutality, intrigue, romance. Wonderful storyline, well written, developed characters.
Another great story based around Lake Lanier and its mysterious time travel portal. Third in the series this book is about Kenzi who time travel back to 1865 during the civil war when tried to help a young girl. Crossing paths with James an injured survivor of the civil war. Jumping in to help James does not expect to fall for Kenzi, a woman with secrets from the future. This book is full of adventure and mystery. This is defiantly a series to add to your TBR list.
This is the third book in this series, but the first one I have read. I will definitely go back and read the first two!! This story immediately sucks you in from the very beginning and keeps you invested until the end. It is fast paced, but pay attention so you don’t miss out on any of the goodness this story brings.
York and Kenzi, Drew’s daughter have to take a trip back in time to save Izzy, a woman who has come to York in a time loop. This book was full of adventure, drama, time travel, and lie discovered. The heat level is g rated. It’s a great addition to the Lake Lanier Mystery Series.
Wow what an interesting book this is. I love time travel and this was better then most. Not reading to the first two did make it a tad confusing in the beginning so if you are in to time travel I would pick up at least the first one as I have no doubt you will be back for this one. For example it took me half the book to figure out if York was from the past or the future, it didn’t matter which it was as it makes no difference in the book I am just one of those readers who wants all the answers. Anyway. I loved the storyline, I can’t wait to get the first two books and meet Sandy and to find out York’s story. The ending was PERFECT! Definitely recommend
Time travel at its finest! This book is the 3rd in the Lake Lanier Mysteries series. While it can be enjoyed as a stand alone, it is definitely more mind blowing when the books are read/listened to in order.
The present day mystery of the ghost of the lake has prompted a time jump to over 160 years in the past. Saving one person could lead to sacrificing another and possibly changing the future (present) as it is known.
Casi McLean has woven a very detailed tale. The twists and turn kept me guessing and the mind blowing reveal at the end was awesome!
The narration by Kristin James was very enjoyable. Great timing, emotion and differing voices. I would not hesitate to listen to more of her performances.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
York was a man, settled into a new life. Ripped from the past, York had quickly, if reluctantly, adjusted to the 21st century. He had everything he needed: a lovely home, more money than he could spend in his lifetime, a close circle of friends, a dog… but he was empty, his life was empty… until he saw Isobel.
She appeared out of a blue mist but was as real as the trees or his home. Her scent ensorcelled his, and all he wanted to do was to hold her in his arms and worship her. But first he must get her to safety, out of the woods and into his home. But wretched Fate had other plans. Ripped from his arms, Isobel disappeared in a raging tornado of that same mysterious blue mist….
Isobel awoke in the cold, deserted root cellar, alone and disoriented. Badly beaten, in terrible pain and frightened, Isobel knew no one would find her before she died. Determined to free herself from the bonds placed upon her by her captor, she struggled and prayed…
Kenzie Reynolds was at a loss; her grandmother was dying, and there wasn’t anything she could do about it. But what was Kenzie to do once her grandmother passed? She was a doctor, but as a doctor, why couldn’t she save her grandmother? There was so much her grandmother had yet to tell her, to explain to her; more adventures to have and to unfold. Kenzie was lost in her grief, until York approached her with his tale of the ghostly Isobel, and his belief she was in terrible danger… in the past.
Taking the initiative, Kenzie and York decide to use Tess, the time machine Kenzie’s grandmother had built, and go back into the past to help Isobel. Fully aware of the danger, they return to 1865 and begin their attempt to save Isobel. But they know they cannot alter history, for they would chance erasing themselves forever.
This story grabbed my attention from the first. Fast paced, complex, and sometimes a bit difficult to track, it switches from past to present to past in a rapid-fire manner. Very enjoyable read, with a kiss of danger and a dash of romance. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a time travel romance/adventure.
Kenzi has her grandmother’s heart, her sense of adventure and her time machine at her disposal, so when York encounters a young woman clearly from the past and clearly in trouble, these two will throw caution to the wind and leap through time to save her. Landing in 1865, Georgia, they will find more than a brutalized woman clinging to life, they will uncover a tale of death, greed and the twisted aftermath of too much bloodshed and battle as they must decide who to trust with their lives and for Kenzi, with her heart.
Decisions must be made, danger is everywhere and through it all, will both Kenzi and York find their true soulmates in another time? Will they be able to make it back to their time or will Fate have another plan for them both?
Casi McLean’s BETWEEN THE SHADOWS is another magical romantic adventure through time on the shore of Lake Lanier! Filled with tension, some sadness in the present and the pull to the past to prevent actions that MUST be stopped, because why else would a ghost from the past call for help? Brilliant storytelling that feels as if Fate is dabbling with the hearts of four people who lives are mystically connected!
From start to finish, Ms. McLean tells a good story filled with darkness, the unknown and employing the pluck of Kenzi and the honor of York to bring it all together! What if we could travel through time, what would we find? Space-time continuum be damned, Casi McLean gives me romance that was meant to be!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Casi McLean!
Kinzie’s story now completes the circle but I felt the circle of how everyone is related is a little strange. It’s like the question of what came first, the chicken or the egg? So if York didn’t go into the future and then back to the past, would Lacey ever existed? Plus there were so many other questions that was bought up in this story but no answers.