Hourglass by Myra McEntire

For three years, Emerson Cole has seen strange things, images and apparitions that look like they should only be in scenes from historical movies—not in Emerson’s everyday life. She wants more than anything to be rid of these visions but the pills, counseling, and psychiatric help have never worked. She’s resigned herself to praying that she won’t mess up when determining whether someone is real or an illusion when her brother brings in yet another specialist. His name is Michael Weaver, and he works for a mysterious organization called Hourglass. Emerson is hesitant at first to give Michael a chance, but she soon realizes that Michael may actually be able to help her. But the closer she gets to Michael and the truth about her past and future, the deeper she’s drawn into the mysteries and dangers of the Hourglass—dangers that threaten her life and all she’s ever known.

Hourglass is a truly fascinating look at time travel and time slips. I don’t think I’ve read a novel that deals with past, present, and future in quite the way that Hourglass does. I was drawn to this story because I was so intrigued by this girl who can see parts of the past, and I wanted to know more about how this was even possible. McEntire gives a pretty satisfying scientific explanation that isn’t quite so detailed and technical that readers forget the real strength of time travel in this story—its charm. This is the type of book that draws you deeper into its heart with each tantalizing new secret revealed. The enchanting time travel aspect of this book is only enhanced by McEntire’s well woven plot, vivid characters, and forbidden romance. In all, Hourglass is certainly a truly worthwhile read for anyone who is interested in the nature of time.

Hourglass will be enjoyed by fans of Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier, When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead, and Forgotten by Cat Patrick.

Rating: 3.75

Review copy from publisher EgmontUSA