Overseas

A mysterious romance spans two time periods - modern-day Wall Street and the battlefields of World War I France. Kate Wilson, a young investment banker in Manhattan, becomes involved with billionaire Julian Laurence, who harbors an impossible secret about his true identity and past. The story moves between Kate's present-day financial world and the trenches of WWI, where Julian served as a British cavalry officer. Their connection defies the laws of time, drawing them together across a century of change while forces work to keep them apart. The novel combines elements of historical fiction, time travel, and romance as Kate and Julian navigate both modern Manhattan society and the dangers of war-torn Europe. Their relationship faces obstacles from both eras as they try to bridge the gap between their two worlds. The parallel narratives explore themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the timeless nature of true love, questioning whether genuine connection can transcend the boundaries of time and social convention.

Readers describe this romance novel as predictable but entertaining beach reading. The time-travel premise and chemistry between characters kept many engaged, though the plot requires suspension of disbelief. Readers appreciated: - Strong romantic chemistry between leads - Detailed WWI historical elements - Smooth transitions between time periods - Incorporation of finance industry details Common criticisms: - Repetitive dialogue and descriptions - Overuse of endearments ("darling," "my love") - Unrealistic character reactions - Plot holes in the time travel mechanics One frequent complaint was the heroine's naivety and passive nature, with several readers noting she "acts like a teenager" despite being a Wall Street professional. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (14,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (500+ reviews) Barnes & Noble: 3.9/5 (200+ reviews) "Too much romance novel, not enough time travel," noted one Goodreads reviewer, reflecting a common sentiment among readers expecting more sci-fi elements.

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🌟 The World War I scenes were inspired by actual war poets like Rupert Brooke and Wilfred Owen, who wrote powerful verses from the trenches. 🌟 Beatriz Williams wrote this debut novel while working as a communications strategist in the corporate world, drawing from her own experience in finance. 🌟 The author completed extensive research on World War I-era cricket matches and terminology to accurately portray Julian's background as a cricket player. 🌟 The novel's time-travel element was influenced by Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series, though Williams created her own unique approach to the concept. 🌟 Despite being set partly in the financial world, Williams chose to write the book before the 2008 financial crisis, deliberately avoiding that tumultuous period in Wall Street's history.