I was hooked from the beginning! This is my first book by this author, and I'm starting her backlist now. I loved how the story just jumps right into it. Isla finds herself in a quirky costume shop looking for something that the owner says she doesn't really need. One second she is in the changing room with what Mrs. McQuivey says she needs and the next she is in 1605 London. Isla meets Martha, Lord Maidstone, Sam, Will and Simon (insert heart eyes). Together, they find themselves on a quest to save the King. I didn't know about Guy Fawkes and his conspirators and their gunpowder. Always fun to learn something new about history.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

With vivid historical details, author Sian Bessey makes the story of Guy Fawkes and his plans against the British government come alive. I didn’t know anything about this event or period of time, so it was interesting to learn about it. I liked how it was presented as a time traveler story and the way the events unfolded made you feel as though you were part of the story. It is a clean romance and I can recommend it to readers of all ages to enjoy it.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

On the hunt for a costume to wear to a ball, Isla enters a costume shop. Despite only wanting a Wendy (from Peter Pan) costume, the shop owner insists she try on an Elizabethan ball gown. After putting the dress on, Isla finds herself transported back in time to 1605, right before Guy Fawkes’ infamous Gunpowder Plot.

Time travel stories are usually a hit or miss for me but this one fell somewhere in the middle. I appreciate the amount of research that went into the making of this story, it is so evident that the author put in a lot of effort.

Several plot points in this story felt a bit disjointed - specifically Guy Fawke’s POV. It provided insight into the time period but did not feel like an intricate part of the story.

This story just didn’t quite capture what I love about historical fiction and romance novels but I’m still really glad I read it.

I am really excited for this series! I didn't know much about the historical event that happens during book, so that was fun to discover. The main characters were likeable and I really liked the story.

I was drawn into the story about the origins of Guy Fawkes day in the UK. I didn't know much about it and was proud of myself for not giving into my native librarian tendencies to look everything up and thus spoil the story. One of the things I loved most was how Sian worked the real life historical events into the story and even made some of our characters part of the happenings. It worked so well with the time slip and I loved it!

One of the hard things for our FMC, Isla, was having to adjust her speech to the 17th century. It really got me thinking about all the things we say and take for granted (like Okay!) that just wouldn't work back then. It was impressive to me that our author could write both time periods. I also wouldn't have thought the handwriting would be so hard. I sort of want to try it now?

One thing that always makes me nervous in time slip novels is the choice to leave one time period behind. I loved how that actually worked out here! It made sense and I was actually surprised (since I thought it would go a different direction).

Lastly, the romance - I did like how the relationship grew from a willingness to listen, understand, and support each other. (If you're looking for tension filled enemies to lover banter, this might not be for you.) It was sweet and I loved the moments they had together with riding, nephews, and learning the 17th century.

4.25 stars
Content: kissing only, one fight scene

Sian Ann Bessey's latest novel masterfully blends historical fiction with romance, immersing readers in the tension of the Gunpowder Plot while kindling a love story that defies the boundaries of time. Simon is the perfect counterpart to Isla—chivalrous and logical, yet drawn to her modern sensibilities and unwavering resolve. Their dynamic is engaging, filled with witty exchanges, growing trust, and a slow-burning romance that keeps readers enthralled.

Beyond the romance, the novel shines in its historical detail. The author paints 1605 London with rich descriptions of Tudor manors, courtly etiquette, and the ever-present danger of political treason. The suspense of Isla and Simon’s mission to thwart Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators adds an edge of urgency, making the novel more than just a love story—it’s a thrilling race against time.

For fans of time travel romances, historical adventures, and star-crossed love stories, this book delivers in every way. With compelling characters, a well-researched backdrop, and a plot that keeps the pages turning, it’s a novel that lingers in the heart long after the final chapter.

This was such an interesting book, I loved the melding of modern and historical, and fact and fiction. I also liked that Guy Fawkes got his own POV. I learnt a lot about this historical event that I didn't know before, and I loved that Isla fit seamlessly into the story.
I also thought Isla and Simon were great together, although I felt like their relationship happened maybe a little too fast.
Overall, this book was very enjoyable.

This is a kisses only time travel romance. It is the first book in the A McQuivey’s Costume Shop Romance series by Sian Ann Bessey.

I love a time travel story that doesn't feature mystical or paranormal elements. I knew that this was a "clean" time travel romance and didn't read the blurb to know what time periods were featured. I just knew that the cover was beautiful and I wanted to read it!

The historical time that is featured in this story is one that I had heard of and knew small amounts about, but I found this book very informative and fascinating. I was thoroughly invested in the characters and the events going on around them. I loved the story!

I was given an opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book by Shadow Mountain Publishers and Netgalley. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The one thing that bothered me about this book follows....It doesn't affect my rating, because as I said, I loved it.
On several occasions characters remark on the speech of the person that traveled to their time period. It actually plays a part in several scenes. My issue comes from the time period this takes place. These characters should be speaking Old English, like what the King James Bible is written in. Yet their speech sounds more like Regency books I have read. I know that it wouldn't be advisable to have a book written for today's audiences in KJV English. People have a hard time understanding the Bible written in that manner and would not be willing to read a novel for fun in it. I just thought drawing attention to a few words that were not understood in this historical setting when the dialog we read from then isn't accurate was a bit ironic.

I’m honestly torn about how to review this book. While I enjoyed certain aspects of it, in the end, it left me wanting more.
Historical fiction, time travel, and romance are some of my favorite genres, so I was excited to dive into this story. However, I felt that it didn’t fully deliver on any of those fronts.

We follow Isla, political assistant in the 2025 London who finds herself unexpectedly transported to 1605, right before Guy Fawkes’s infamous Gunpowder Plot. As someone unfamiliar with this time period, I appreciated learning about the historical events through the story, especially since, according to the author's note, it is really close to the actual events.. That said, I didn’t connect with Guy Fawkes’s POV and felt the story could have done without those chapters.

The romance between Isla and Simon was sweet and had a slow-burn charm. Their conversations were lovely, but I found myself wanting more—more interactions, more discussion about the future, and more of Isla using her modern knowledge in the past. The twins, however, were delightful!

One of the biggest things missing for me was the usual insight I expect from time travel stories. Elements like hygiene, food, and clothing struggles—things that would naturally be jarring for a modern person in the 17th century—were barely touched on. The two times clothing was mentioned, was mostly about how difficult it was to wear or ride a horse in, but I kept wondering: Does Isla miss modern comforts? How does she adapt to daily life? These details would have helped immerse me in the world more fully.

Additionally, certain plot points—such as the plague, the dramatic ex, and even Isla’s mission—felt somewhat disconnected, like a series of events that didn’t quite flow together. And one of my biggest disappointments was that after everything, we don’t get to see Simon’s experience once he’s saved—the book jumps three years into the future for the epilogue, skipping over what could have been an emotional part of his journey.

Overall, while this book had interesting moments, it didn’t fully capture what I love about time travel, historical fiction, or romance. However, I do appreciate the historical research and the quieter moments between Isla and Simon, which brought warmth to the story.


*Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

"A Time Traveler's Masquerade" offers a compelling exploration of temporal displacement through the lens of a female character who unexpectedly finds herself in a historical context. The narrative intricately weaves themes of societal integration, identity concealment, and the intricacies of past romantic entanglements. As she endeavors to assimilate into an 18th-century high society rife with intrigue, the protagonist unravels complex secrets that define the era.

The text meticulously examines the dynamics of time travel's impact on personal relationships, challenging the notion of love as a constant across temporal boundaries. It raises profound questions about the nature of passion and commitment when juxtaposed against the ephemeral nature of time.

The pacing of the narrative is commendable, maintaining reader engagement through its well-structured plot development and character arcs. The characterization is particularly notable; both primary and secondary characters are crafted with depth, contributing significantly to the thematic resonance and overall impact of the story. This book is a noteworthy addition to the time travel genre, blending adventure, emotion, and the philosophical complexities that accompany the quest for love through the ages.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book and read it with pleasure. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Shadow Mountain, Proper Romance, and NetGalley.

Fascinating bit of history written into a delightful story of true love. I appreciate all the research the author put into this to make it historically accurate so I could learn more about the event while enjoying the romance on the side. I knew what Guy Fawkes day was, but didn’t know a lot of the details. The little girl with the Black Plague broke my heart; it makes you grateful to be alive with all our knowledge of modern medicine. I also enjoyed the author’s notes and learning a bit more. Time Travel hasn’t really been my forte, but the author may convert me. The ending was perfect, and I look forward to what McQuivey’s Costume Shop will come up with in the next book. Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing, I received a complimentary ARC copy with no obligation to post a positive review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley & Shadow Mountain Publishing for the arc!

**2.5 stars** I was drawn to this book because of the beautiful cover but alas, this was a pretty mid book.

Set in present day London, Isla Crawford is at her workplace discussing her costume for an upcoming office party with her coworker and is given an address to a costume shop. Upon visiting, Isla notices the peculiar shop owner and is given a set of Jacobean-style clothing to try on in the shop’s dressing room. When she tries on the dress to show the shop owner, the minute she steps out of the dressing room, she is thrust into the past, specifically 1605, Surrey, England. Which happens to be when the event of the Gunpowder plot took place. Enter our mmc, Simon Hartworth runs into our damsel in distress and together, finds a way to stop this historical event, all while Isla learns to adapt to her new reality.

At first, I LOVED the writing. It was so whimsical and elegant, but the story wasn’t executed well. The book is split into a few povs, one being Guy Fawkes. Reading his perspective was quite dull even though the story is central to this historical event.

It was also very jarring to read about COVID and Isla explaining the pandemic to her caretakers. It just was not done well. What does the telling of the future do? Will it affect the future in any way? Will it stop something from happening or? What was the point?

Though I mentioned, I was drawn from the cover, it is very misleading. There was no masquerade taking place in any capacity–it was merely mentioned. I was looking forward to reading a magical masquerade ball only for it not to be a part of the story.

The ending was very abrupt. It just so happens to conveniently wrap up after a huge event and then the end. This was way too short! Why couldn’t we read more about the connection between Isla and Simon? Their romance felt so unnecessary at this point! Such a shame.

Readers who loved Outlander (the show AND the books) might like this. Albeit, this is a very YA take on a time travel romance set in a historical event, reading the romance was still somewhat sweet. I wished this was longer so we could have read more about them.

It has been a long time since I couldn't put down a book. The Time Traveler's Masquerade definitely delivers!! I was captivated to the very end, only pausing to consult Wikipedia to compare to the real events involving Guy Fawkes.

I can't imagine being set back in the 1600s, but Sian Besseey navigates this story flawlessly. Isla and Simon's story is compelling and kept me up far into the night to finish. I have the ebook, but this is a book I want to add a physical copy when it is released!!

You will not regret this read!

A Time Traveler’s Masquerade was a cute historical fantasy romance. I loved the attention to detail this story brought to real life English events. The character development was great and the story progression was very natural. This was a nice cute cozy read.

I throughly enjoyed this story! The concept of time travel is alwayss fun and with plenty of twist and turns and this story is no exception. I loved the fast pace of the reading, the relatable characters, and of course the “swoon” romance.

Isla enters a quiet costume shop in London to get a Wendy costume, but after being tricked by the shop owner to try on a period dress, she steps out of the dressing room and right into 1605. Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, she remembers from her history classes what happens during that year. Working together with the family who’s “doorstep” she lands on, maybe she can change the course of history and find love on the way.

Goodness, how do I even begin to put into words just how much I loved A Time Traveler’s Masquerade? This book completely swept me off my feet in the most delightful way! The concept alone was enough to pull me in, and it did not disappoint.

Being familiar with Guy Fawkes Day thanks to my husband (who’s from the UK), I thought I knew a little bit about the historical significance of November 5th. But getting a closer look at the days leading up to the event was an absolute treat! Sian Ann Bessey brings the era to life with such fun and fascinating detail.

Isla and Simon... sigh. These two were absolutely amazing together. Truly. Reading their dialogue and how they interacted with Simon’s nephews was delightful. Watching their relationship unfold was such a joy, and it added so much depth to the already great story.

I also have to point out the dedication to Marilee—it’s well deserved. She truly is a wonderful person! Marilee has the skill to make everyone feel seen and appreciate which is a rare and beautiful gift.

Sian Ann Bessey has truly created something special here. I couldn’t get enough of this time-traveling adventure, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good historical twist with plenty of romance. (Only kisses) ;) A Time Traveler’s Masquerade is an absolute gem!

A Time Traveler's Masquerade: A McQuivey's Costume Shop Romance by Sian Ann Bessey is an excellent historical fiction and romance that is the first in a time travel series. This book is amazing!

I am going to be honest, I had given up on time travel, multiple time frames, and anything of that sort for quite a while…but something about the cover or the summary just intrigued me. I am so glad I took a chance. This will undoubtedly be one of my favorite books this year. I am not sure how anything can measure up to this!

This novel is based on the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, and the author has taken immense time, effort, and dedication to create a story that is real, emotional, legitimate, romantic, gripping, and just awesome. I went through all the emotions…I even found myself gripping my sweater and my heart racing at several points. The pacing, content, and outcome were spot on. Isla and Simon are wonderful MCs and their chemistry was perfect. There was romance without the ick, history to boot, and small messages of hope, faith, and the promise that we are more to Someone than we ever thought possible.

I am so thrilled that this is the first in a new series, and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Bessey cooks up next.

5/5 stars enthusiastically

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing for this wonderful physical arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/1/25.

This book lived up to the hype! I loved learning more about Guy Fawkes' plot and the culture in England at the time of the Black Death. The comparisons to 1605 England with modern day highlighted contrasts - I felt that the time slip element was handled well. I enjoy Bessey's writing style and this fun story did not disappoint!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I love a good time travel and this one did not disappoint. It is s set in a century and during a time that is so rich with history. Well written, with interesting and clever characters. Highly recommend and interested to see where and when the costume shop will send the next traveler!

A Time Traveler's Masquerade follows a woman who finds herself unexpectedly thrown back in time, caught in a world of intrigue, hidden identities, and, of course, romance. As she navigates this unfamiliar era, she must unravel secrets, blend into high society, and figure out if the love she's found across time is worth the risk of never returning home. I loved, loved, loved this book! I've always adored time-travel romances, but lately, I haven't picked up many because they tend to be so long. This one? The perfect length! The pacing was spot on—no slumps, no moments where I wanted to put it down. It completely captured my attention from start to finish. I also loved the characters, both the main and the secondary ones. They were so well-written and added so much to the story! If you love time-traveling historical romance with the perfect balance of adventure and romance, this one is a must-read!