This book is an enjoyable and easy read, perfect for a relaxing weekend. The characters are well-developed, and the plot keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Within the pages of this captivating narrative lies a world waiting to be explored. With its compelling characters, vivid settings, and thought-provoking themes, this book offers a journey that transcends the ordinary. From the highs of triumph to the lows of despair, the story weaves a tapestry of emotions that resonate deeply with readers. As the plot unfolds, it unveils layers of mystery, intrigue, and revelation, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Whether seeking adventure, solace, or simply a momentary escape, this book promises to captivate and inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of its readers.

Thank you Storm Publishing and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

A brilliant read you won't want it to end once you start. A gripping historical and heartbreaking read looking forward to reading more in this series when it comes out

I'm not crying... says this book reviewer between sobs.

A heart-felt tale that will sweep you away. Get ready for ALL the feels.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read an arc of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book blurb -
Present Day. Louisa Arnold has always loved Hill House. As a little girl she played in the derelict manor’s overgrown gardens and peered through its cracked ballroom windows, hoping to glimpse spectral lords and ladies dancing within. The tragic story of the wealthy former owners, the Mandevilles, even inspired her to want to teach history. But, trapped by the hardship she grew up in, Lou fears that dream is forever out of reach.

After a terrible loss, Lou runs to hide within the house’s ruined halls. To her astonishment, Hill House begins to transform around her – in place of rotting floors and sagging ceilings, are vast silk rugs of embroidered roses and majestic crystal chandeliers. Maids and footmen flit busily around her – is Lou dreaming, or could she actually be standing in this place as it was a hundred years ago?

Lou is mystified by the warm welcome she receives as a guest of the illustrious Mandeville family. Over tea parties and shoots, banquets and dancing, she’s suddenly living the life she always dreamed of. And, though she tries to fight it, she’s increasingly drawn to the Mandeville heir, Thomas – whose heart-breaking fate she knows well from the pages of history.

As Lou falls more in love with this world that she never imagined could be hers, the truth about Hill House and the destiny of its family begins to unravel around her. Will the past run its stubborn course, swallowing Lou in its wake, or can she save this beautiful place and the people she’s come to treasure from certain ruin?

A heart-breaking, beautiful, emotional and unputdownable read, for fans of The Time Traveller’s Wife, Fiona Valpy and Lucinda Riley.

This left me breathless. The story spoke to me on multiple levels as I lost my mom at a young age myself. How wonderful it would have been to be able to escape to this magnificently described world and be able to give good things to this world and beyond. I fell in love with the family and their servant family.
I won’t give too much away but this is a must read.
Oh I wish I wish there would be a little Tom….

Just finished this gorgeous timeslip novel by Callie Langridge. I honestly couldn't put it down - except I had to. I started it last night expecting to read a chapter or two and ended up staying up until gone two in the morning. Then as soon as I went downstairs this morning I picked it up again and didn't start work until I'd finished it. So yes, I was an hour late starting work but it was worth it. I was drawn in from the beginning, and found it a brilliant read from start to finish.
I loved Lou and had every sympathy for her situation, so immediately I was on her side. When she went into Hill House I actually got goosebumps. It was a real "Tom's Midnight Garden" vibe which I remembered from childhood, and I was turning the pages so fast to find out what happened next.
There were some moments which made a shiver run down my spine (not scary, just spooky) and I loved that. I was uncertain about Tom at first, judging him by the portrait of him in the hall and worrying that he'd be a villain, but I couldn't have been more wrong. I completely fell in love with him.
I was intrigued the whole way through as to how the author was going to resolve this story, and I think the way she did it was just perfect and (almost) everything I'd hoped for. I'll admit I did shed some tears at the end, both happy and sad.
A beautiful story of love, family, friendship, and belonging.
I'm now looking forward to reading the second in the series. Can't wait!

I'm a massive fan of historical fiction, however, this is the first time I have read a book about time travel. The book, in my opinion, would be just as good without it, it's not really my thing.
I did really enjoy the historical aspect of the book and the Mandeville's story, I wouldn't dismiss another book about them even with time travel.
The attention to detail from the author was very good, I liked the majority of the characters and despised those who were deserving of it!

I really liked this story. I'm a time travel fan so this was right down my alley. The main character was likable, but I had hoped she could be more forward with her relationship with Tom. But in that era, it wasn't done. I recommend this book to time travel fans. I'm glad I chose it. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.

A Time to Change is a fascinating and compelling time travel historical fiction novel. Following Louisa Arnold, the story follows her accidental travel back to Hill House in 1913 just before World War I breaks out and the relationships she creates along the way. Langridge weaves in thriller and romance elements into this historical fiction novel, and her characters and relationships really carry the narrative forward. Langridge’s characters are dynamic and motivated, and the relationships characters have and build are heartwarming, realistic, and engrossing. Langridge’s prose, too, is vibrant -- her settings are detailed and carry a lifelike quality throughout the book, especially with Hill House acting as its own character throughout the novel. Louisa and the other female characters are incredibly powerful and dynamic, yet they maintain their softer sides, and Langridge handles the period differences and Louisa’s adaptation to 1913 with grace. The male characters are equally dynamic, vacillating between kind and loving to defensive and violent, and this shift feels equally natural. Langridge’s most recent novel inhabits a vibrant and immersive world with equally lifelike characters, and future Mandeville Mystery books (set in this world) have a strong foundation to continue to expand upon this world and the localized time travel events.

I have mixed feelings about this one. I was excited about it being a ti e travelling book but, it didn't deal with it that much. The story was good, sad and at times confusing so I'm only giving it 3 stars. It could have dealt more with the time travel more. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review

The story starts in 2013, and Hill House is a dilapidated ruin. Louisa finds herself exploring the building amidst the grief of losing her mother. As she moves deeper into the house, it transforms around her, and she is transported back to 1913. Can she figure out what the house needs her to do, and can she figure out how to do it?

I really enjoyed this historical dual timeline time travel story. A good book to lose yourself in, the author manages to keep the two time periods true to themselves in terms of clothing, manners etc. I look forward to the next book by the author.

It's well written and well plotted but I wasn't a fan of the characters and the story fell flat.
Not my cup of tea
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Oh my heart!
I’m a big fan of both Victorian literature and contemporary drama and this timeslip novel by Callie Langridge is hugely satisfying on both fronts. In both timelines, Louise is a believable and relatable protagonist and I was rooting for her from the beginning. Langridge’s attention to detail is enough to transport the reader to the grandeur of Hill House while keeping the plot moving at a pace and I stayed up late to get to the ending which was both immensely satisfying and poignant. I understand that there is a second book coming and I can’t wait!

A Time to Change by Callie Langridge

Louisa Arnold would often find herself playing in the grounds of Hill House , a sad derelict former mansion.
After the loss of her mum in a tragic accident that Louisa feels part responsible for , she goes to the place that used to make her feel safe as a child.
In what feels like a dream the house holds her in a big and transforms into the palatial home it once was.
Immersed into the inhabitants life , she lives the era of the past. How will it end for her ?
Great idea for a book , loved the characters and the time it was set in .

A Time to Change is an amazing historical dual time travel story that captured my full attention, moved me to tears and kept me glued to its pages. What an intriguing plot of mystery, mayhem and magic! The characters are real, focused and sometimes unpredictable. They get inside your head and heart and play merry havoc with your emotions. There were times I felt great sadness at the losses, prompted by anger at the treatment of women in the early 1900s, challenged by the impossibilities that arose from various events and full of compassion for those who desperately wanted to make things better.

The agony of knowing the future, living and trying to change the past, would create a burden for anyone but Louisa Arnold handles it all with such care, hopefulness and humility that I felt she was a heroine to be admired. She learns that sacrifice goes hand in hand with change. Not everything will happen as she wishes or in the way she hopes but she meets people who will radically alter her views and outcomes.

This old house on the hill is magical. But what makes it possible to travel back in time? It seems only certain individuals can enter its transport domain. The house has a past story and its key players come from the future. Lou (Louisa) has been chosen. After suffering a terrible loss in the present, she runs into the old ruins to escape her grief but as she moves further into its walls, the Hill House begins to transform around her. She starts to think she is dreaming as this is something outside of reality: something you might actually experience in your dreamworld. But she is not asleep and finds herself one hundred years into the past where she must quickly fall into step with those around her. This whole scenario is quite an eye opener as many things and opinions of modern day are quickly challenged and unacceptable in the past. Women’s roles and freedoms for example. But as she meets various members of the household, develops friendships and other attachments, she realises there is also something sinister happening. Yes, there is a villain in the midst. As she steps back into the present, does her research and makes a plan, she is able to return to the past to help Hill House and its beloved family, the Mandeville’s, from ruin.

This is very much a rescue mission and watching it all unfold was an exciting on the edge of your seat experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the history, mystery, romance and passion for the old house and its inhabitants. Like Louisa, I was transported to 1913 and back to 2013. The descriptions were exceptional making it possible to feel perfectly placed as Louisa moves back and forth for a period of time.

Like its title, this story is about change. And how one alteration can affect a series of events and lives. It also shows how you may lose someone and yet gain another. Friendships may develop, love may blossom as purposes realign for different outcomes. Sounds cryptic? Yes, it is and this story takes you on a journey you will never forget, that will hurt, make you think, cheer and cry. But there will be bubbles of laughter, too. Along with appreciation, admiration and amazement. I adored A Time to Change and like others who have read it, did not want this lovely tale to end. It is Book one of a mystery series so we may meet some of these characters again. If so, I will dive in once again to the wonderful world Callie Langridge has created. I highly recommend this moving novel. Without hesitation, I give it 5 timeless Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy.

A Time to Change is a detailed socio-political historical fiction with a believable timeslip element. Lou has always loved the rundown home of the tragic Mandeville family. Rumoured to be haunted, but Lou doesn't care, and when tragedy fractures her family, it is there she runs. Stepping back in time is difficult for Lou, who alternates between believing she is dreaming or experiencing the aftermath of an accident that left her in an imaginary world. The historical world is well-researched and immerses the reader in it. There is a credible family drama and believable characters. Her family's grief defines Lou's present-day world and is poignantly written. The story evokes the two periods in time with sensory imagery and detailed characterisation. The pacing is gentle, in keeping with this type of mystery.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Lou has always been obsessed with the rundown estate behind The house she grew up in although thought to be home with it she never feared the house so after the death of her mom when her and her brother is getting an argument on Christmas Eve she take solace in the abandon building only for it to transform to the previous beautiful house it once was greeted like a long lost traveler expected at the Home she doesn’t know how to act but soon she finds herself falling in love with the residence and being intertwined in the drama and the outcome of their happiness. she also find herself falling in love with one person in particular. I love this book so much I even read the acknowledgments this is a great time slip novel that felt authentic deathly plotted and an intriguing read it is a book I highly recommend for fans of romance time slip in historical fiction I think the author did a phenomenal job and although I hadn’t heard much about this book I am so glad I stumbled onto it it was so so good! I want to thank NetGalley and storm publishing for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

In a Nutshell: A decent story but somehow, it didn’t live up to the promise. Outlier opinion coming up.

Story Synopsis:
2013. Louisa has always loved the neighbouring Hill House. Currently dilapidated, it was once house to the wealthy Mandeville family, who were beset by a series of tragedies resulting in their ruin.
When Louisa faces a personal tragedy of her own, she runs to Hill House for comfort. To her surprise, the house transforms and she finds herself a hundred years in the past. Even more shocking is the fact that the Mandeville family is expecting her as they have been informed of her arrival through some distant relative. As Louisa finds herself caught in ballrooms and tea parties, she also gets to know the Mandeville family. The more she learns about them, the more determined she is to save them from their fate.
The story comes to us in the third person perspective of Louisa from the two timelines.

The start of this book captivated me. Louisa’s initial tragedy, her wandering into Hill House seeking a respite, and the way the house transformed into the historical timeline – all were excellently written. Unfortunately, soon the story went into a different direction.

I enjoy timeslip stories, and was hoping that this would satisfy me on that aspect. Unfortunately, the timeslip elements are barely used until the halfway mark. Most of the historical timeline focusses on Louisa’s interactions with the Mandevilles, their opinion on the then current socio-political issues (giving Louisa a chance to spout 21st century feminist ideas), and their personal troubles with certain family members. There is also the mandatory romantic track. This makes the book feel more like generic historical fiction than a timeslip novel. After the 50% mark, the timeslip back-and-forth happens more often. But it’s a long wait, and for a book that is extremely slow-paced, I had a tough time keeping my patience waiting for more switches between the timelines.

As someone who is suddenly transferred from 2013 to 1913, Louisa should have been more confused or worried about her predicament. Her initial feelings are explained by the fact that she thinks she is dreaming. But when days go by and she is still in 1913, her response doesn’t change to a more anxious one. She seems to fit into the historical society without any problem whatsoever. Even the Mandevilles seem to accept Louisa’s atypical behaviour without any questions. Further, Louisa seems more concerned about the Mandevilles than about her own brothers who are left behind in the 2013 timeline. Her emotions seemed pretty off to me. This lack of an emotional connect with Louisa meant that I couldn’t get myself to feel concerned for her. This same is applicable to all the main characters – though a few of them were quite interesting, something in the way they were written meant that I simply didn’t feel invested in them.
(I have to add: four-year-old Bertie creeped me out at times!)

For speculative phenomena such as timeslips, I don’t expect any logical explanation to be provided in the content. However, when there is some justification provided, it has to make sense. In this novel, the explanation provided for the timeslip is quite weak. The “one in, one out” premise was stretched too far. For a house that seems to have magical abilities, Hill House is very underutilised. I think reading Charlie Holmberg’s ‘Keeper of Enchanted Rooms’ has spoiled me for life because every time I read about a magical house, I expect it to match up to that brilliant experience.

The romantic track was also disappointing – utterly clichéd and needlessly sentimental. As it is, I don’t like romance to be shoved into every single book, but if it has to be there, it has to be handled better.
What saves the book to a great extent was the final quarter. The ending is tied too neatly, but still, it is better than the rest of the book. I like that it is a bittersweet finish, which adds a nice touch of realism to what would otherwise have been picture-perfect.

If I had read this as a typical historical story, the Mandevilles would have offered enough of reading satisfaction through their familial issues. But as I wanted a timeslip story, I am disappointed by how flat the experience was for me.

Overall, I think this will work better if you are looking for a historical romance than a timeslip story. If the initial 50% had been trimmed down, if Louisa’s initial emotions were more genuinely presented, and if the sappy romance had been written in a more realistic manner, I am sure I would have liked this book more.

Unfortunately, these ‘ifs’ are too great for me to overlook, and hence my rating will be rounded down. Then again, most readers seem to have loved this book, so mine is very much an outlier opinion. Do read the other positive reviews before you take a call about this book.

2.5 stars.

My thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC of “A Time to Change”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

A riveting time travel adventure full of hope and despair. Rich descriptions and genuine people. A well crafted story. I was reeled in from the start.
I enjoyed this book immensely.

This is a suspenseful, intriguing and romantic story. Every character is interesting in their own way, and the storyline weaves a tale of love, tragedy and miracles. I was on the edge of my seat until the end.