An Echo in Time

An Echo in Time by Boo Walker

Charli can't catch a break and when her friend suggests a soul reader to break what feels like a family curse... she isn't convinced but after a session brings up a violent past memory, she realizes that this could be the reason the family has had issues for decades and goes about setting her family's legacy back on the right path.

The synopsis didn't inspire me to read the book. It didn't sound like my kind of book but I saw a review from another reader and I knew I had to read it. I am so glad I did. It starts off a little wobbly for me, like it is finding its footing but once Charli goes to the UK to figure out her family history, the story explodes for me. I got chills, like actual chills from the story.

The characters were amazing and I loved how all the elements of the book came together.
I do not want to spoil this book for you so just go grab a copy and thank me later.

4.5 stars

Strong Multi-Generational Tale. With this tale, Walker expands into something I've never seen from him (though I *am* a somewhat recent fan, only finding him within the 2020s or so) - a dual timeline, present day/ historical fiction tale. Both periods are executed well for their time and setting, though there are some mystical elements to the present day setting that will be harder for some to accept - and some elements of the more practical present day setup that may seem just as unrealistic to others.

Still, Walker manages to write a female lead as well as most female authors within the women's fiction space while *also* having a male lead that is also Walker's typical greatness with such characters. That he *also* manages to give both of them a compelling romance - and proving some of my points re: "romance novels" along the way! - is even more icing on the cake there.

But really, the story here is about the trauma and the seeming generational nature of it. In this respect, I didn't really see the present day issues as "trauma" so much as a lot of bad luck/ bad circumstances. Yes, any one of the things *suck*, but I didn't really see them as "trauma". (Though the one situation, part of the practical yet possibly unrealistic stuff noted above, ... well, I'll shut up now to avoid any possible spoilers.) This noted, the historical period was simply *full* of trauma, that part I absolutely got and it was 100% crystal clear - particularly as they relate to some other books I've read and raved about over the decades.

And yet, regardless of which part of which storyline's traumas hit you, the reader of this review, harder... Walker, as always, shows superb skill in bringing the characters *back from it* - which isn't really a spoiler, given this is very much Walker's style in every book I've read from him. Indeed, it is a particular strength of his that sets his tales apart from many in whichever genre you may place his books. Thus, no matter your own traumas in your "real" life and no matter how much you may identify with a particular trauma found in this tale... you're also going to find a degree of catharsis within these pages that is Walker's particular brand of real-world "magic" with his words.

Very much recommended.