Title: The Flowers of Time
Series: Lost in Time Book Three
Author: A.L. Lester
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Time Travel
LGBTQ+ Category: Non-Binary
Publisher: JMS Books
Pages: 154
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Jones is determined to find out what caused the unexpected death of her father whilst they were exploring ancient ruins in the Himalayas. Along with a stack of books and coded journals, he’s left her with the promise she’ll travel back to England for the first time since childhood and try being the lady she’s never been.
Edie and her brother are leaving soon on a journey to the Himalayas to document and collect plants for the new Kew Gardens when she befriends Miss Jones in London. She’s never left England before and is delighted to learn the lady will be returning to the mountains she calls home at the same time they are planning their travels. When they meet again in Srinagar, Edie is surprised to find that, out here, the Miss Jones of the London salons is “just Jones” the explorer, clad in breeches and boots and unconcerned with the proprieties Edie has been brought up to respect.
The non-binary explorer and the determined botanist make the long journey over the high mountain passes to Little Tibet, collecting flowers and exploring ruins on the way. Will Jones discover the root of the mysterious deaths of her parents? Will she confide in Edie and allow her to help in the quest? The trip is fraught with dangers for both of them, not least those of the heart.
The Review
A.L. Lester has impressed me with the abundance of research she did to take readers on an amazing adventure surrounding the beauty and danger of the Himalayas and India in “The Flowers of Time”. I was so intrigued, I found myself with a map of India to find Srinagar to Leh, the route Jones, Edie and their companions journeyed. There is also information on the flora and fauna of the region, as Edie is a botanist and artist for the Kew Gardens. A.L. Lester introduces readers to Frances “Jones” Jones and Edith “Edie” Merton. Two women who are not afraid to step outside the box of society and face life head-on. As opposite as these two women are they have a connection that grows to be wonderful. I have to admit this is my first time reading about a non-binary character and Lester does amazing with Jones’ character.
Jones is adventurous and courageous and and her heart lies in India. She’s not a lady of society but respects her fathers last wishes and does experience the social life of London. Deep down inside she knows London is not the life she craves. She knows she’s different and is at times confused and scared.
Edie is just the opposite. Being brought up in society she is charming and sweet and likes her comforts but she’s willing to explore especially when it comes to new discoveries of exotic flora. She’s also patient, caring and understanding, especially when it comes to Jones.
As Jones and Edie become deeper involved with Jones’ father note books and the green book they are faced with mystery, danger and terror of the Border hidden in the Himalayas.
“The Flowers of Time” starts out in Little Tibet in the year 1779 and Lester gives us a very concise picture of the life that Jones lives in this far away country. The author gives a clear understanding of Jones’ close relationship with her father and the importance of his works. Jones also deals with a great tragedy that she witnessed as a child that leads back to the mysterious Border. There’s emotional moments of sadness, grief, guilt and a budding love between Jones and Edie. There’s also secondary characters: Sonam, Dechen, Robert Merton and Bennett Carruthers that add interesting moments to the story. This novel is certainly an action packed adventure with danger and unknown terror that the mystery of the Border brings.
“The Gate” is a short novella that led to the start of the “Lost In Time” series. It’s followed by “Lost In Time”, “Shadows On The Border” and the snipets for “Inheritance of Shadows”. “The Flowers of Time” is an outstanding addition to this continuing series and I can’t wait for more!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.