This was an amazing read. I hate that it took me so long to get through but it was mostly because I wanted to save this story. It's fantasy and romance with just the right balance. I highly recommend this story and by the ending the entire plot wraps up perfectly. Nothing left unfinished.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for providing a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the time travel elements and the multiple POVs.

Welcome to space time. This is a place where the memories of those who have passed are stored in books. It is accessible only with special watches, handed down from father to son. In 1938, eleven-year-old Lisavet Levy is hidden in space time by her father as the Nazis come for him. Unfortunately, he is killed before he can bring her back and she is stranded. As she grows up in space time she learns to enter and manipulate the memories in the book. Then she starts noticing government agents from several countries destroying memory books to forward their version of history. She tries to preserve what she can on principle. In a parallel storyline, sixteen year of Ameila Duquesne is mourning her uncle Ernest. Then she is approached by some government operatives. Apparently, she inherited one of the last watches that can enter time space from her uncle. They want her to go in and retrieve a book. But when she enters time space, Amelia realizes that time and truth may not be as absolute as she thought.

This book was pure magic from the first sentence to the very end. I read it in basically one sitting, unable to set it down because I had to know what was going to happen next. I have been thinking about this book ever since I finished it and it has left me firmly in a book hangover where whatever I read next will not be enough to fill the void of finishing this book.

I loved the story and I was SO impressed with the execution. It takes a lot of skill and tight editing to get a story told from so many points of view across so many timelines and still have there be mystery unraveling at a controlled pace! Each time period felt distinct and while I wasn’t around to see any of them first hand - they felt accurate to what one would expect.

There are so many other things about this book that were done so well it made me realize how long it has been since a book has truly grabbed me and refused to let go. I love that this book was a standalone, I was shocked (in the best way) that a twist was revealed in the halfway mark! Books so often save their secrets to the end leaving things feeling rushed but this book actually lets you in on bits and pieces of the story throughout the full book. This really allowed the story to breathe and stay well paced.

The language was a perfect balance between descriptive and practical, never excessively flowery or overindulgent. The author knows how to give enough to set a base stage but leaves room for the readers mind to fill in the rest.

I really enjoyed being able to see the story from so many characters perspectives. It really helped emphasize the point that everyone’s experience of the world or even of a single moment are wholly unique. The ending was exquisite, it felt earned.

HUGE thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

**This full review will be posted to my StoryGraph account closer to publication date, as requested.**

I snagged this book during NetGalley Camp - The description was so interesting to me the concept of books containing memories accesed through watches. There were parts where the story slowed and it lost my attention but it would be quickly caught again. The jumping POV also took me a bit to get settled into the story but it really picks up midway. Each story has its own distinctvoice so I was easily able to jump between POV.

I will definitley keep an eye out for any future books Hayley Gelfuso puts out! Thank you Hayley, Atria Books, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy!

I enjoyed this book! If you liked The Time Traveler's Wife, The Night Circus, or The Rewind Files, you'll most likely like this book.

It seemed almost young adult, but that might be because I'm used to reading much grittier books. Yes, there are very bad things that happen, but nothing is written in a gratuitous way or that made me feel gross for reading it. Also, if you do enjoy a gritty novel, this one will not have you constantly rolling your eyes. IYKYK.

The story kept me engaged. I did put the book down quite a bit, but I always came back. I definitely needed to know how the story ended, and I think that's a good test. If you're looking for something that is different, and you aren't looking for a silly romance or "beach read", this might be the book for you.

“I’ll take care of you. I won’t let anything happen to you. I’ll rewrite history if I have to.”

This debut novel is compared to The Ministry of Time and The Midnight Library. It is a blend of historical fiction, time traveling fantasy, and romance. The writing was extremely beautiful. The vibes were very atmospheric. The characters were extremely well written and had distinct voices. The plot twists were a bit predictably, but thankfully still very enjoyable.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for my gifted ARC copy. All opinions expressed are mine.

A historical story with a twist. An interesting concept that had a few surprises while reading it! I personally love time travel and while this was not time travel strictly it had similar vibes. I love the idea of libraries of memories. And the burning of the memories was particularly potent in this day and age.
I have to admit I loved reading about Lisavet, much more than any other character. All in all worth a read!

Genre: Sci-Fi, Magical Realism, Historical Fiction
Who would like it: Fans of The Midnight Library and The Ministry of Time (books); Timeless and Warehouse 13 (TV shows)
Rating: 4.5/5 = Would highly recommend in order to talk others about it

Synopsis: Lisavet Levy is saved by her father during Kristallnacht in 1938. In order to save his daughter he traps in Time Space - the plane of existence where time and memories coexist. Lisavet lives out of time learning about the world through memories. Until she encounters government agents who are trying to alter time and our perception of history by destroying memories.

Blurb: This was such a fun read. Magical realism/light sci-fi are my favorite genre and the historical fiction aspect was a perfect touch to create a fun spy “time heist.” The story gave me similar vibes to the show Timeless (which I also loved). I’ll definitely be purchasing a copy of the book when it is published.

Acknowledgement: Thank you Atria Books for providing this book for review consideration via @NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me access to the eARC of this book!

The Book of Lost Hours by Haley Gelfuso is a psychedelic mind-f of a book. For fans of The Ministry of Time and The Midnight Library, The Book of Lost Hours has a very interesting perspective on some historical themes.
This book is more or less what would have happened if World War One through the Cold War had been fought in an alternate space, and not here in our timeline as we know it. We follow two young women living in separate spaces and times try and navigate their histories and presents in the Time Space.
This story is very thought-provoking, and if you aren’t ready to question your existence and how memories work, I’d say pass on this one. If you are in the mood to question everything, but leave heart-warmed this book is perfect for you.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I really like the concept that the book is built around. Sort of science fiction, time travel, romance and spy story. It really has it all. I thought at some points the story got mired in the complexity and I found myself skimming. But overall, I cared about the main characters and got lost in this made up world. Also, the plot twists are enjoyable. I definitely recommend this book for those that enjoy this genre.

Truly might be my new favorite book of 2025. I was so intrigued by the premise and the execution was excellent! I spent hours reading this book and read it in one sitting because it was THAT good. If you need a good fantasy book and love books, this is definitely your book!

This was one of the more straightforward time travel/memory books I've read (once you "agree" to the rules of magical realism as the author lays them out), which was great-- sometimes I get so caught up in the rules that I lose sight of the story. That didn't happen here.

I thought Lisavet's motivation and character development wasn't as compelling as some of the other protagonists that this book has been compared to (e.g.- Addie Larue). I was glad that, by the end, Lisavet realized how much damage she had done, but the fact that she was like "and, if given the chance, I'd do it all again!" kinda irked me.

I'm not sure if the "twists" were meant to be out-of-nowhere/gasp-worthy. I caught onto them pretty early on (before 30%), but I still enjoyed the way the story unfolded-- this isn't always the case!

Gelfuso created a masterpiece on the powers of loving others and the sacrifices that are made to save them. But in the background, there was also a melancholic commentary on the loss of memories and history, through the natural passing of time and active intent, an action that can be warped when used with negative intent. But once an idea is formed, it cannot be erased.
And it is the second portion that makes this book all the more significant.
I agree with Kaitlin Olson, the executive editor; with the current political climate in the US on book bans and other forms of oppression, the government is choosing which information to keep and which to throw to the wayside.
While the story is metaphysical, it will invoke true emotion through the non-linear plot of multiple characters.
It is a reminder to live in the now and cherish memories, often difficult in the 21st century. And to stop and smell the forget-me-nots.

Where do I begin? This was such a compelling story. The premise was unique and all the characters woven together so wonderfully. I found myself needing to rush to get to the end. I’m drawn to stories that have deep connections amongst the characters and this was no different. The history and mystery kept me hooked until the very end. So well done.

The Book of Lost Hours is a historical fiction/magical realism/love story/time travel book all wrapped into one completely amazing story.

I absolutely loved this book! I could not put it down, it has so many different genre elements, and is extremely relevant to our current times. This story is tragic, yet amazing, and has such a great ending. On the night of Kristallnacht, in 1938, life as she knows it for Lisavet Levy changes forever, when her father sends her into the time space to protect her. Without a timekeeper's watch, and without her father returning, Lisavet is trapped inside the time space, a place that is filled with books of all the memories of everyone on earth from the beginning of time. Luckily for Lisavet, the time space works different, and therefore she does not need to eat or sleep, but continues to grow while in the time space. Lisavet meets a ghost, Azriel, who helps her navigate her new life living amongst the memories, and she "time walks" through other people's memories to learn about the world.

Lisavet starts seeing men entering the time space, and burning memory books, the first time this happens, Lisavet puts out the flames after the man has left, and realizes the book is of her father. She saves the memories that the fire did not consume, and makes it her mission while living in the time space to save the memories that these men are trying to erase. One day, Lisavet encounters another, Ernest Duquesne, also wanting to save the memory books from being burned, and they forge an alliance, saving memories, and getting to know each other. But, when the American TRP (Temporal Reconnaissance Program) learn of a girl who lives in the time space and is stopping memories from being burned, they want her captured. Ernest plans to protect Lisavet, but instead, Lisavet makes a sacrifice that will save Ernest, and sets her on a path in which she will do whatever it takes to save the ones she loves.

This book is so amazingly relevant to right now, and to so many, seemingly repeated times throughout history. It always seems to come down to someone in power having the misguided belief that they have the right to make choices for the people they lead. In this story, soldiers from various countries go into the time space and erase memories, which in turn erase that person from the minds of living people. Quite literally erasing history in an attempt to make sure it is told how they see fit. (Sounds scarily familiar...). I love that Lisavet takes it upon herself to save the memories that she can because as she tells Ernest ""And who died and put you in charge of deciding what's right?""

This story made me angry at times, the mere fact that people felt they had the right to erase memories, or control history, it is just scary and such a horrible thing to do, to try and control the narrative. But also, not surprising at all. How many leaders throughout time would have just relished the ability to control history? And yes, it seems to make sense that you would want an organization attempting to stop ideals that could threaten humanity, BUT again, who can really decide what is "right" and how can you really be sure that erasing the memories of one person will eliminate an idea or way of thinking?

Lisavet's journey is so amazing, you will also at times get angry with her, but I won't say more because you have to read this story and find out how it all ends!

"Time was an illusion and memory even more so."

"Time had been silenced before, but now it sang."

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Atria books, and the author for a copy of this book!

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but once I began reading it, it quickly became clear that I’d stumbled onto a gem. The book is a combination of historical, fantasy/science fiction/time travel, romance, friendship, and espionage. It begins in Nuremberg, Germany on the night of Kristallnacht. Ezekiel Levy, a Jewish watchmaker, must leave his shop to find his son, but he doesn’t want to take his eleven-year-old daughter, Lisavet with him. He uses a “magic” watch to open a portal to the time space, a place where memories of those who have passed live, mostly in books. Lizavet, he believes, will be safe there, and he plans to return to collect her. Lizavet is befriended by a living memory, Azrael, who helps her acclimate to the new environment and keeps an eye on her. It quickly becomes clear that Ezekiel will not return. The girl is stuck in the time space, avoiding the occasional appearance of timekeepers of several countries who come to destroy memories in order to rewrite history. Lizavet becomes determined to protect those memories.

I found this book engaging and enthralling. It’s a book that I didn’t want to put down, and a book I didn’t want to end. I could believe it was all real, even though much of it is fantasy. The characters are varied and realistic, well defined, and completely human, filled with flaws. It’s a clever and original story that covers two time periods.

This book is about preservation of the lives of all people. It’s about censorship, and how it must be fought. It’s about the importance of remembering those who came before us and the things they did. It’s about finding true love, about second chances. It’s about family, friendship, children, betrayal, and espionage. I’m a bit sad because I’ll never get the chance to read this book for the first time.

I highly recommend this book.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley, as part of their Camp Netgalley. I thank all involved for their generosity in sharing this book with me, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect me true and honest reactions to reading this book.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley for the free Kindle ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. I consider myself a fast reader, as it usually only takes me a few days to complete a book of any size, especially if I am enjoying it. I spent this whole month on this book and I am so glad that I took the extra time to fall into this story. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and I loved the entire concept of the story. I have already recommended this one to several people and will continue to do so. As someone who has limited space on my home bookshelf, I will be looking forward to buying a copy of this one to add to my shelf of top reads!

What if one could move between the real world and the world of time where memories are stored in books on shelves like in a library? Would there be people whose job it would be to go into the world of memories and eliminate those memories that they (or their government) determined were too dangerous to remain in existence? What if someone got trapped there and lived a chunk of their life there, altering themselves in the process and attempting to save what others wish to destroy? It's a fascinating what-if dual-time story starting in the 1930s, just before kristlenacht in Germany (for the historical aspect) & in 1965 Boston (for the more modern aspect). The story is told in 3 different voices: the daughter of a Jewish matchmaker for the historical aspect; for the modern storyline, voive 1 is a 15 year old niece of a man who works for the American time walker agency, and voice 2 is a woman working for the agency. It was fascinating to see how the storylines played out and eventually tied together to conclude the story. Definitely kept me going back for more.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

✦The Book of Lost Hours is a standalone novel that straddles fantasy, historical fiction, romance and magical realism in such a clever and captivating story.

“For fans of The Ministry of Time and The Midnight Library, a sweeping, unforgettable novel following two remarkable women moving between postwar and Cold War-era America and the mysterious time space, a library filled with books containing the memories of those who bore witness to history.”

» This was easy to get lost in. Dramatic, mysterious, twisty, with a beautiful romance, I was hooked from the moment I started. The vivid descriptions of memories and details of the actual time space (the sky!) were breathtaking.

✦Told through multiple POVs, we see events through the eyes of different characters between 1938 and 1965. Lisavet’s journey through adolescence and into adulthood guided by a kind, watchful specter is captivating. She develops a deep compassion and love for humanity that makes her a perfect heroine. In 1965, Amelia is a feisty teenager grieving her uncle and enters the time space to find a book of memories he sought, pushed by the CIA. She plays the brat to fight everyone on everything, but she has a curious mind and strong moral compass.

» This was beautifully written! Eloquent but accessible, the whimsical tone made even tense moments feel hopeful.

♡ I loved The Book of Lost Hours! It was an emotional and adventurous story, the time travel and magical elements totally locking me in. Enjoy with confidence!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⚠️ Check trigger warnings and read with care.

✨ Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada, Atria Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.