I must start out by saying that I rarely give five stars. I reserve them for books that I believe will stand the test of time, those that future generations will pick up and be enthralled by. I sincerely believe this is one of them.I'm a big fan of time travel in literature because I believe it expands the writers opportunities and the readers imagination.A well crafted time travel book stands the test of time if those in the future read a book such as this and have the same insight into our present day as we have for Independence, Missouri, in 1852, where much of this book takes place.Upon the death of her parents, Kit MacKlenna learns via a letter written to her by her father (given to her upon his death), that she was found on his doorstep wrapped in a bloody shawl, with a ruby brooch pinned to it. While in deep mourning, Kit learns that all she has been taught to believe, family mottos and traditions, don't truly belong to her. In the letter, Kit is provided with a few details and a date. For Kit, the only way to move forward is to investigate the past.Most of the time travel books that I have read require the traveler to leave all evidence of the future behind. Ms. Logan's version of time travel allows Kit to be a smart and well prepared individual. Kit brings with her all the things she thinks she could possibly need, but fit inside a travel size bag. There are some very entertaining passages as a result.Initially this book felt more paranormal in nature - with ghosts and altered states, but as I read on, I realized that Kit is not the only time traveler. I really enjoyed this component!A definite must read.(Oddly, until I wrote this review, I never considered Time travel to belong to the Paranormal genre. I'll have to look into this... in the future!) I do love time travel books, and though I shouldn't compare to Outlander, I always do so nothing measures to that. I wasn't sure I would like this book at the start, given the mode of "travel", but wound up enjoying the storyline which doesn't leave me hanging with lingering questions. The characters are a bit too "perfect" where the flaws aren't as plausible as I would like, but I did find myself empathizing and rooting for Kit to find her happiness. This is an easy and quick read.
What do You think about The Ruby Brooch (2012)?
Really liked this. It reminded me a lot of the Outlander series with its time travel love affair.
—patty
A twisted Time travel, Wagon Train to Oregon with Celtic and Scottish roots. Just my cup of tea!
—amac10
