A Glimpse of Forever (Timeswept)

Rating:
Summary: In the wild west, some things never change
Review: Ever since the release of the 1981 movie SOMEWHERE IN TIME, readers and writers alike have been increasingly intrigued by the concept of time traveling and romance. However, in the romance genre, unlike Richard Matheson's mainstream fantasy love story, there is always a happy ending. A GLIMPSE OF FOREVER brings a mid-19th century woman to the late 20th century to meet the man of her dreams in what is becoming a conventional subgenre in this category of fiction.

Abby Wynne, a clairvoyant, and her family are suffering the tribulations of 19th century cross-country travel in the United States when she passes out in the hot desert fossil bed while praying for her family's salvation from thirst and exhaustion. She is rescued by Mike Danziger, who takes her to his nearby cabin, and is amazed by electric switches and indoor plumbing. She soon realizes she has advanced in time. Mike is a direct descendent of her sister and brother-in-law-to-be, and a plot is afoot to sabotage Mike and his successful business, Arlen's Kitchen. A sense of danger follows them around as Abby locates her sister's diary and learns she must return to her family to save them from another impending disaster. Unfortunately, she has fallen in love with Mike and wants to keep her relationship with him.

This reviewer finds it a bit discomforting when the heroine becomes romantically involved with a man who is descended from her own parents. It almost feels incestuous, but when one considers that it has been acceptable for first cousins to marry in several western cultures, perhaps this notion can be taken too literally. With several generations between her and Mike, it's similar to marrying a distant cousin. (FDR and Eleanor were fifth cousins, after all.)

Although this 1995 novel is generally well-constructed, it takes itself a little too seriously. A time traveler first "landing" in a different "era" can be a good setup for a few laughs. Unfortunately, Author Linda O. Johnston misses the opportunity.

On the other hand, Johnston's style flows well and has "texture." It's easy to like the characters her readers are supposed to and want to punch out the bad guys. This story's writing is above average, yet its plotting has little to make it stand out from others in this subcategory.

A GLIMPSE OF FOREVER, despite being "conventional," keeps interest. Anyone looking for light, recreational reading should enjoy its adventure and romance, as well as seeing a 19th century woman quickly adjust to the 20th.