Author Gabrielle Meyer’s Timeless series has been delighting readers of historical romance and Christian fiction since 2022. Now, she’s back with the latest installment in this epic time-hopping saga. Every Hour until Then follows a young woman torn between two timelines as she struggles to save her sister from a notorious serial killer. Here’s everything you need to know before the book drops on May 20!
Synopsis
Born with the ability to time-cross, 23-year-old Kathryn lives two tumultuous lives: one in Victorian-era London, and the other in World War II–era Washington, D.C. In 1938, she accepts an invitation to serve as a guest curator for a sensational new Jack the Ripper exhibit at the London Museum. As the threat of war looms over London, Kathryn uncovers a shocking revelation about the infamous Whitechapel Murderer: Decades earlier, Kathryn’s sister is fated to become his final victim.
In 1888, Kathryn and her childhood best friend, Austen, race to unmask one of history’s most elusive killers and save Kathryn’s sister from a gruesome death. As they get closer and closer to the truth, Kathryn realizes she’ll have to divert the course of history to ensure her sister’s safety — which, according to the rules of time-crossing, means she’ll never be able to return to her life in 1888. Now, she’s faced with a devastating decision: Can she alter the past to spare her sister, even if it means forfeiting a future with the man she loves?
A Captivating Time-Travel Story With a Twist
There was a web of secrets, power, and illusions casting its shadow on 1888 and 1938.
— Gabrielle Meyer, Every Hour until Then
Gabrielle Meyer’s Every Hour until Then examines the lengths we’ll go to protect the ones we love when confronted with unimaginable situations and choices. The novel imagines a world where “time-crossers” like our protagonist, Kathryn, can live dual lives in parallel places and times. At the story’s outset, Kathryn has lived in both 19th-century London and 20th-century Washington, D.C., for 23 years. In each timeline, she has a different set of parents, a different sister, and different friends, each of whom she loves uniquely. But on her 25th birthday, she’ll be forced to choose which timeline she wants to live in forever and which she wants to forfeit — if changing the future to save her sister doesn’t make that choice for her, that is. This creative premise raises the stakes of the typical time-travel narrative, forcing the protagonist to grapple with what saying goodbye to half her life would mean.
An Electrifying Friends-to-Lovers Romance
‘You came,’ I finally whispered, clasping my gloved hands in my lap.
— Gabrielle Meyer, Every Hour until Then
‘I couldn’t stay away,’ he said just as quietly.
Kathryn and Austen were childhood best friends, but when they reunite again as young adults, it’s clear they both want more than friendship from each other. However, their mission to save Kathryn’s sister from Jack the Ripper complicates these feelings. What will happen if they give in to their desires and embrace their love for each other? If Kathryn alters history and her 1888 timeline is severed, will they be forced to mourn the future they could’ve shared? Knowing their romance is on borrowed time, they make the most of what few moments they have left together. And perhaps, they find a way for their love to endure, even in the face of insurmountable odds.
A Fresh Take on the Jack the Ripper Legend
History claimed my sister would be Jack the Ripper’s last victim. For the first time in my life, I hated history. And I wouldn’t let it win, no matter what it cost me.
— Gabrielle Meyer, Every Hour until Then
Over a century after the grisly Whitechapel murders took place, Jack the Ripper remains one of the most infamous serial killers of all time. The mystery surrounding his identity enraptures historians and amateur sleuths to this day; hence, theories about who this elusive killer could’ve been continue to thrive. When writing this book, Meyer pulled from research into these conspiracies to concoct her own narrative. Meshing fact and fantasy, she crafted a compelling story that not only offers a new perspective on Jack’s identity but also illuminates the political and interpersonal contexts that could’ve driven him to murder.
A Love Letter to Faith
‘We might make plans, but God is the one who determines our steps. His plans are far better than ours.’
— Gabrielle Meyer, Every Hour until Then
As her worlds begin to crumble around her, Kathryn experiences a crisis of faith. Why has God saddled her with the burden of living double lives? Why has He given her the knowledge needed to save her sister if it will force her to make such a painful choice? But as the danger comes to a head, she learns to put her trust not only in God but also in herself and her loved ones. Through the power of belief, she regains the inner fortitude required to face her challenges head-on, forging a path forward with divinity, self-empowerment, and the unbreakable bonds of love as her guiding lights.
Final Thoughts
Each book in Gabrielle Meyer’s Timeless series takes readers on an era-hopping adventure full of sharp heroines, spellbinding twists, and striking settings; her latest work is no exception. Every Hour until Then is an inspiring romp through 19th- and 20th-century London that gives time-travel fiction a new spin. Complete with rich historical research, lovable characters, and swoon-worthy romance, this book is perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome love story.
You’ll love Every Hour until Then if you enjoyed these titles:
- Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
- Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
- The Belles of London series by Mimi Matthews
- The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green
- While the City Sleeps by Elizabeth Camden
Bookstr’s Every Hour until Then Dream Cast
This is a story fit for the big screen, and we know just who we want to see as the leading man and lady!
Madelaine Petsch as Kathryn
Madelaine would make a picture-perfect Kathryn, from gorgeous red hair to toe! Plus, we just know she would be show-stopping in a Victorian-era gown.
Freddy Carter as Austen
Freddy’s got everything he needs to play a perfect Austen: the dashing good looks, the dreamy blue eyes, and of course, the charming accent!
If you want to add Every Hour until Then to your TBR, you can preorder it on Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and Amazon! Thank you to Baker Publishing Group for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For another Bookstr starred review, click here!
To browse more books like this, check out Bookstr’s Romance shelf on Bookshop!
