Book Review: A Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel Harris

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Publication Date: 8/6/2013

Alessandra D’Angeli misses her long lost distant relative. When Cat traveled back through time a couple of centuries, she completely rocked Alessandra’s world. She taught her brand new things and gave her ideas that women of that era didn’t entertain. Now that Cat has returned to her own time, life’s pretty boring for Alessandra. Except for that engagement to that handsome man. But even that’s a little off. When Alessandra discovers that her intended is no longer hers – or intended – her life takes an even more dramatic turn towards anti-drama. In other words, boredom.

But soon she gets a visit from the same strange woman that Cat described to her. The woman that helped Cat travel back through time. Could this be the opportunity that Alessandra needed? Is it possible for her to make that trip forward to see Cat again? Experience life outside of her current world?

YES! Though she’s not nearly as adventurous as Cat, Alessandra sees her chance and snags it. Soon she’s in the middle of her own crazy time travel experience and it doesn’t take long for her to realize how very different our world is from hers.

Taking the idea from the first book and turning it onto its head, Rachel Harris brings back these beloved characters and allows us another chance to delve more into who they are. Typical teens, they experience shopping, drama, gossip and romance. Now Less (as Cat calls her) gets to be free in ways she never could have in her own time. But when she meets a boy, will she be able to love him or will she hold back? Can she stay? Or could he go with her?

Big questions for a big book. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love time travel adventures. This one was fun, interesting and engaging. I can see it being enjoyed by teens and their parents. My only concern for younger teens who aren’t really grounded in right and wrong would be a scene that takes place in a bar. Unfortunately Less learns how to drink and how to get someone to buy her drinks. As a parent, I wish that scene weren’t in there. Teens don’t need to be out at bars and have that be considered a ‘normal’ thing.

Other than that, this was a good read that easily keeps you engaged for the duration.

Publisher provided!