Love Knows No Time Barriers
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy form Author
(Note: Potential readers should be made aware that this the third book in the Yours by Design trilogy and that it is necessary to read Book 1: Accidentally Yours and Book 2: Sincerely Yours prior to reading this one.)
If you are unfamiliar with the Yours By Design trilogy by Robin Helm, it is a time/body swap series that illustrates what happens if a modern-day descendant of a Mr. Darcy were to swap bodies with the real Fitzwilliam Darcy of 1795 after he makes his ill-fated proposal to Elizabeth Bennet. All three books of this series follow both Darcys (yes, there are two!!) as they adjust to their new lives in different time periods and countries. Both men seek love and happiness, and both men fall in love with a woman named Elizabeth. Modern-day Will Darcy needs to convince Regency Era Elizabeth Bennet that he is an honorable man worthy of her love and completely different from his ancestor who treated her with arrogance, conceit, and disdain. And Regenecy Era Fitzwilliam Darcy, who encounters and falls in love with modern-day Liz Bennet, has the difficult task of overcoming his flaws and misconceptions and helping Liz move on from her painful past.
Taking on a trilogy that has dual plots, takes place during two different time periods, and infuses themes of faith and God is no small feat! I’m greatly impressed with how well all these different aspects of the story where combined and how skillfully Ms. Helm executed them all. I loved the premise of the time/body swap – it worked and was believable. I thought the alternating chapters and dual story-line easy to follow and engaging. And I felt the Christianity elements to be well-balanced and inspiring.
I loved how this story showed us a reverse time-swap. So many times we see a hero or heroine brought back in time to another time period or body. This series showed us what happens when a person/character from Jane Austen’s Era travels to our world. I loved seeing Regency Darcy adapt to our modern world – our technologies, modern conveniences, relaxed customs, freedoms. Witnessing Regency Darcy’s reactions, adjustments, and attempts to adapt to our world were equal parts adorable and laugh out loud funny.
I also loved the culmination of these two romances we’ve seen begin and develop throughout the first two books of this series. Seeing both Darcys and their Elizabeths grow closer was heart-warming and sweet. However, both couples face opposition and dilemma when our not-so-favorite antagonist makes his final move to destroy their happiness and further his own aims. Yes, unfortunately double the Darcy means double the Wickham… And since the dual plots alternate with each chapter there is a good chunk of the book where Wickham (or Greg Whitman) and their dastardly deeds both receive a lot of consecutive page time.
When comparing the two story-lines, I often found myself much more interested and engaged by Regency Darcy and Modern-day Liz. These characters felt real, their issues and challenges were understandable and accessible, and their personal growth was inspiring. They have struggles and baggage, and I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing them overcome all their internal and external obstacles. While Modern-day Will Darcy and Regency Elizabeth had a loving and beautiful romance, I felt their world seemed a little too perfect and easy. Will Darcy has sooooo many advantages over Fitzwilliam Darcy. The knowledge he has of the future and the extensive preparations made for his life made me feel that their lives were a little too convenient and problem-free.
Looking for a take on Pride and Prejudice that is challenging, inventive, and thought-provoking? Love stories with time-travel or body/time swap premises? Then I recommend Robin Helm’s Yours By Design trilogy to you, my friends! When you read Ms. Helm’s books you cannot help but feel they come straight from her heart and soul, and that is truly what I love most about her writing!
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Because she is awesome, Robin Helm has offered two lovely copies of her newly released novel, Forever Yours: Yours By Design, Book 3 (1 paperback and 1 ebook), for me to giveaway to TWO lucky winners!
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment about my review.
- The giveaway of the ebook is open worldwide, the giveaway of the paperback is open to US residents. Thank you, Robin!
- This giveaway ends May 18th!
I have read all three so can only agree that I would recommend these books. I have read her other books as well and enjoyed all.
Thank you so much, Sheila. I’m happy to hear that you’ve enjoyed my books!
Glad you enjoyed both series, Sheila! 🙂
I love this series! I literally could read a whole book about Regency Darcy’s reactions to 21st century life. lol I mean, it must seem like being on another planet. I’ve read the online versions and look forward to adding the paperbacks to my shelves.
Thank you, Monica! I did envision Fitzwilliam’s transfer to modern times as his waking in a different world. It was especially trying for him because he was used to being waited on hand and foot and having his own way in all things. I do think his story could have been a good book all by itself. I love writing comedy!
Me too, Monica! So many hilarious and lol moments!
What a great review, Meredith! I am really intrigued by the premise here, and I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to write something like this. The trilogy is now officially on my to read list. Thanks!
Thank you, Ginger. I confess it was more difficult to write than I thought it would be. I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you, Ginger! Hope you enjoy this trilogy as much as I did!
This was a great interview and if anyone has not begun this series they certainly should. I have read the first two
I’m glad to hear you read the first two, louannlajeunesse. I also thought Meredith did a wonderful job with her review. Thanks!
So happy to hear you commend this series! 🙂
I read the first one. I was not impressed with the 21st century Darcy (I liked the Georgian Darcy, flaws and all). I’ve found that imperfect characters are far more interesting and are not really “black” (except for Wickham!). Anyway, I would prefer being considered for the book as I already have the eBook on my Kindle. Thank you for the give-a-way.
I loved both of my Darcys. While Fitzwilliam was certainly the most flawed, Will had his own set of troubles. Once the story veered from the original, Will’s life became much more interesting. In my mind, he wasn’t perfect. He wrote a letter to Fitzwilliam in the first book in a fit of temper before he found out what had really happened with Lady Catherine and the money. In the final book, he did not forgive Lady Catherine for her treachery. As a Christian, he would know that those behaviors conflicted with his faith.
Thank you for commenting! I hope you like the third book better than you did the first.
It’s funny how my feelings for Regency Darcy did a complete 180 – in book 1 I didn’t really like him (but I think that ws intentional), in book 2 and three he definitely grew on me!
I spotted this series when she wrote the first one and I was interested right off the bat then I put it on my wish list and waited. Now its a complete trilogy. Maybe that was my plan all along to get it all together. Haha!
The time swap is a big draw for sure. Glad it stayed strong through this third book.
I know exactly what you mean about starting to read a series before it is completed. I started reading the Penryn: End of Days last year and read the first two volumes twice, finishing in January. I pre-ordered the third book, waiting eagerly for it. I received an e-mail today notifying me that the book had been sent to my Kindle. That’s a long time to wait, though I’m really excited about reading the ending.
I read a second series that has never been finished. Very frustrating.
I’m glad that you like the time swap idea. I knew many Janeites wouldn’t be interested in such a departure from the original.
Thanks, Sophia Rose!
It is always hard to read a series with several months in between each book…I’m glad Robin Helm gave clues about what happened in previous volumes throughout the series. I needed the reminders! If you love time swaps, I think you will love this one, Sophia!
As usual great review Meredith! I really liked her first trilogy (which was also very unique). It sounds like an interesting (but challenging) premise. I will definitely be putting this on my to read list 🙂
I also enjoyed Meredith’s review, and I appreciate that agreed to read and review the series.
Shannon, I can’t seem to write anything that isn’t challenging. Ha! My stories will probably always have a paranormal or supernatural element. I like the exploration of the unknown.
I hope you enjoy the story! Thanks for commenting.
Thank you, Shannon! I think you will love this series. I love how unlike any other it is and it is fun to have such a different premise!
I’ve been waiting for this one before I started the trilogy. It was good to read your review Meredith.
I can’t blame you for waiting, Brenda, as you see by my above comments. It’s a shame that some series writers don’t finish their stories.
I hope you enjoy the books! Thank you for commenting.
Now you can begin! Happy reading! 🙂 Thanks for reading my review!
I wasn’t sure about this series, because I usually like Regency Darcy to end up with Regency Elizabeth, but it sounds like things unfolded in a very satisfactory way! I will certainly add them to my TBR list. Please don’t enter me for the giveaway, as I don’t have the previous books.
Actually, the final book can stand alone (according to what reviewers said on Amazon). I tried to drop bits of the previous books in the next books of the series so that readers would know what was happening without reading all three books. In my reading, I’ve noticed that other series writers do that. It also helps the reader to remember what happened previously if it’s been a long time since they read the earlier books.
In my mind, the Darcys each ended up with the Elizabeth who was most suited to them. Will Darcy wouldn’t have fit with the modern Elizabeth, and Fitzwilliam Darcy had already struck out with Regency Elizabeth.
Thanks for commenting!
I know what you mean, Ceri! It was very satisfying though to have the couples arranged asa they are. 😉
I have read another triology of Robin Helm’s and was thoroughly engaged in it. This premise sounds intriguing. This was an excellent review as it has given the background of the Will and Fitzwilliam switch. I would think that Fitwilliam in the modern era would have great difficulty! Thank you for the giveaway.
Fitzwilliam’s waking up in a modern Atlanta hospital is the funniest part of the story to me. I had a riot writing it. He couldn’t control anything. Everything was strange to him, and nobody kowtowed to him. I loved it.
Thank you for your comments, Eva!
Very true, it really is such a different world for him! Hope you get the chance to read this series soon, Eva!)
I’m really looking forward to reading this! I have the first two books, but I’ve been waiting to read them until the last one was available. Very intriguing story line!
Thanks so much, coleen561. I’m glad you enjoyed the first two books!
Awesome! I hope you enjoy reading the whole series!
I have read the first and loved it. The second is on my TBR and is now next in line to be read. And book 3 is also there. I love the time travel/body swap premise. The difficulties both Darcys face as they change places are humorous and realistic. Thank you for the generous give away.
Thank you, Deborah. I remember that you won the first one in a giveaway. I overtaped it so much, you probably needed pruning shears to get into the package. (snort)
Happy reading, Deborah! I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
How can you not love the double Darcy & Elizabeth! Looking forward to ready both of your trilogies!
Those were my thoughts exactly, Dung! I hope you enjoy reading them.
So true! 🙂
I have been saving to read all together. Great review. Thank you for the giveaway.
I understand completely, Becky. I really hate to start a series only to find that the author never finishes writing it. The long waits in between the book releases are tough, too.
Another great review, Meredith. The premise remind me of Lost in Austen mini-series and Laurie Viera Rigler’s books,Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict and Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict.
I was fortunate to have won the second book in a previous giveaway and I’m hoping to get Book 3 and then Book 1.
Good luck, Luthien! There are several giveaways out there. Be sure to enter them all.
That was a wonderful review,and I will be
so excited to read this! The “reverse” time travel is really intriguing. Thank you for the giveaway.
I had a wonderful time writing the series. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
I’d prefer to win the paperback (U.S.). Sounds like a good book and interesting premise. Haven’t heard of the series before. For me, it’s not necessary to read the earlier books first. I love to read series out of order.
You will understand more if you read the books in order, but I think Forever Yours has enough of the previous plot written into it that you could read it as a stand alone. Thanks for commenting!