In Loving Memory

Starred review from May 30, 2016
Kent combines time travel, mystery, and romance in a delightful sequel to Persistence of Memory that’s easily accessible for new readers. Shaun Deeley of the 19th century and Charlie Collins (or Mrs. Collins, as Shaun insists on calling her) of the 21st century, a pair of unpracticed, accidental time travelers, have returned to Charlie’s present-day English-countryside home to begin their lives together. However, as they are putting together an exhibit at the Stoneford Village Museum, they unexpectedly transport back to 1940 London during the Blitz, where they meet Charlie’s grandmother, then a young woman. They quickly understand that this meeting is not a chance occurrence: Charlie and Shaun’s family history and the future they’ve already lived all depend on protecting Charlie’s grandmother from a killer who is crisscrossing through the centuries. Kent’s wonderfully complex and charming mystery asks interesting questions about how individual actions might change outcomes, but these heavy thoughts do not detract from Charlie and Shaun’s romance as their delightful banter reveals their solid devotion to each other.