Sam Time by Donna Balon | Book Review ~ $25 Gift Card Available ~ Excerpt | #HistoricalFiction #TimeTravel #USGrant #VictorianEra | @GoddessFish
A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.
Book Details
Sam Time: History Professor Slips into the Past and Befriends Ulysses S Grant
by Donna Balon
Sam Time: History Professor Slips into the Past and Befriends Ulysses S. Grant by Donna Balon Published by Desert Day Press LLC on September 19, 2023
Genres: Historical Fiction, Time-Travel
Format: Audiobook, eBook, Paperback
Pages: 323
Source: Goddess Fish PromotionsSamantha (Sam) Hunter is living two lives.
When her fiancé is away on business, lonely Samantha despairs and absorbs herself in historical research. At night her dreams are so vivid, Samantha believes she’s traveling to the 19th century.
As she navigates the Victorian era rules of dos and even more don’ts, she charms Ulysses S Grant while struggling to maintain her present-day romance.
The plot traverses between the present and past as Samantha seeks purpose and proof of her extraordinary adventures. The time-travel story follows the life of Ulysses S. Grant; the dates, places, and events closely align with his real life.
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Excerpt from Sam Time
Samantha approached a horse stable and heard a man say,
“Lieutenant Grant.” Another said, “Ulysses.” She snapped her head around.
Oh my God, Samantha thought. Grant was promoted to captain in the middle of the decade, so if he’s a lieutenant, it’s 1850-ish. And this must be northern California.
The two men approached Grant, and Samantha watched. She no longer cared about keeping her unbonneted head down. This was her dream, and she wanted at least a glimpse of Grant. He was wearing an army uniform: an above-the-knee-length navy coat, with a stand-up collar closed by a single row of brass buttons down the center front; baggy pants; square-toed boots with a one-inch heel; and a black felt slouch hat with a wide brim.
The three men spoke for a few minutes and then the other two left, leaving Grant and the horse he was tending.
Samantha hesitated and recalled what she had learned of American history. Although the United States had separated from its mother country, the former colony still followed many of Britain’s customs. Named after Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, this period is called the Victorian era—with social rules: many dos and even more don’ts.
But Samantha wanted to have fun. So she approached Grant while thinking about all the customs she should abide by.
At age thirty and unmarried, Samantha was an old maid. Without a hat or a bonnet, she could be mistaken for a prostitute, and there were plenty of those women around any town adjacent to an army fort.
Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.
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Purchase Links for Sam Time
Amazon – OneLink for every country
Sam Time: History Professor...Shop on Amazon
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My thoughts on Sam Time
“Sam Time” by Donna Balon is a captivating historical time-travel fiction novel that takes readers on a journey through two distinct worlds. The story revolves around Samantha Hunter, who leads a double life. During her fiancé’s absences, Samantha immerses herself in historical research, seeking solace in the past. However, her vivid dreams transport her to the 19th century, blurring the lines between her present and the Victorian era.
The book excels in its meticulous research, evident in the accurate portrayal of the 19th century’s dos and don’ts. Samantha’s interactions with historical figures, notably Ulysses S. Grant, are both charming and intriguing, offering readers an engaging narrative. The plot seamlessly shifts between the past and present as Samantha grapples with the purpose and authenticity of her extraordinary adventures.
Donna Balon’s storytelling is filled with excellent imagery, painting vivid pictures of the past and present, and her imaginative plot keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The book’s dialogue is not only entertaining but also serves to bring the characters to life.
“Sam Time” is a well-researched, visually rich, and imaginative historical time-travel novel that will delight readers with its captivating blend of the past and present. Balon’s storytelling makes this book a must-read for those who enjoy the intrigue of time travel and historical fiction.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!
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About Donna Balon
Donna Balon believes the best vacations transport her back in time. So can a good book. During a trip to Colorado’s old mining towns, Donna conceived the Sam Time story.
Her recent life has been consumed with reading and researching Ulysses S Grant and Victorian customs. She sought out top talent from the publishing industry to collaborate in the book’s production.
As a former accountant and tax attorney, Donna may be an unlikely author who has published a likable novel.
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Guest Post by Donna Balon, Author of Sam Time
Sam Time Story Takes Shape
The Sam Time story was conceived during a trip to Colorado. My husband and I visited ghost towns with running creeks and old mining towns. Our guide drove us to Central City, and we learned of the story in which the miners laid a silver ingot sidewalk for President Ulysses S Grant. Traveling from Central City to Denver our driver took the Oh-My-God road, a mostly unpaved road with white-knuckle switchbacks on steep cliffs. Grant had been on this road too.
Having watched a PBS multi-part series on Grant, I was intrigued about his life and read books about him. When we returned home from that Colorado vacation, I began an outline for the book.
In the early days of creating the story, I felt like an actor who embodies a character. Nighttime was a good time to contemplate what my protagonist would say, do and feel. I had some sleepless nights. In later drafts, I added to scenes based on ideas that popped in my head while I was in the kitchen making lunch.
The first version of the manuscript was reviewed by Sarah Chrisman, my Victorian consultant for the book. Sarah is the author of Victorian Secrets, This Victorian Life (Skyhorse Publishing), and the book series The Tales of Chetzemoka.
Sarah had over 200 comments and many reading suggestions. For example, she insisted my protagonist Samantha Hunter wear a corset, as all women did in the 19th century. Also, the style of dresses changed: Samantha wears a dress with a domed skirt when traveling in 1850s. By 1876, however, Samantha’s dress is altered so the skirt front is flatter while the skirt back is fuller with a bustle-like look.
I strived to be respectful of Grant and portray him in scenes based on anecdotes taken from biographies about him. In real life, Grant’s wife Julia liked dresses with back bows. Grant would pull on the tails untying the bow to Julia’s amusement. In the novel, Grant playfully holds onto Samantha’s center back-of-the-head braid tail.
Although the book follows the adult life of Ulysses S Grant, the novel is not Forrest Gump-like; that is, a story in which the protagonist is inserted into major historical events. Instead, Samantha meets Grant before he becomes a winning general and president; once he becomes famous, she continues to meet him in isolated settlings. I wanted readers to get to know Grant as a person. I’m pleased when readers say he came alive.
Throughout the editing phase, I often added minor details for a deeper view of the 19th century. One late addition was when Samantha is helping Grant into his officer’s coat. While she’s talking with him, she pauses to look at the brass buttons; each was embossed with a spread eagle.
The book traverses between the present and past as Samantha seeks purpose and proof of her extraordinary adventures. The assessment editor advised me on transitioning between the present and past chapters for a smoother flow.
Ultimately, Sam Time readers learn some American history and Victorian customs while wondering if Samantha will jeopardize her future for her dalliances in the past.
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Easy Amazon Info Link
Amazon – OneLink for every country
If the above link does not take you to your country, here are a few more:
Please send me a note if your country isn’t listed and you would like to purchase using my links. Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
Sam Time: History Professor...Shop on Amazon
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Giveaway!
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $25 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
Visit more stops on this Goddess Fish tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for Sam Time
Full Tour Schedule:
September 19: Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
September 26: Sandra’s Book Club
September 26: Straight From the Library
September 28: Westveil Publishing
October 3: The Writer’s Blog
October 5: Boys’ Mom Reads!
October 10: Natasha Brooks’ Favorite Books
October 12: Readers Roost
October 17: Literary Gold
October 19: Hope. Dreams. Life… Love
October 24: Gina Rae Mitchell – review
October 26: Fabulous and Brunette
October 31: Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!
November 2: Beyond Romance
November 7: The Key of Love
November 9: Iron Canuck Reviews & More
November 14: The Avid Reader – review only
November 16: Books Blog
November 21: Author C.A.Milson
November 28: The Faerie Review
November 30: Wendi Zwaduk – Romance to Make Your Heart Race
December 5: A Wonderful World of Words
December 7: Celticlady’s Reviews
December 12: Inkspired
December 14: The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
December 19: Dawn’s Reading Nook
December 21: Welcome to My World of Dreams
January 2: Long and Short Reviews
January 4: It’s Raining Books
January 9: travel the ages
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Goddess Fish Virtual Book Tour Host
Looks like a good read.
Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed the excerpt.
What’s your favorite childhood memory?
Our family went to a drive-in theater. My father had jammed a twin-sized mattress on top of the car’s back seat. My sisters and I could see the movie screen on our elevated bed.
Your review of Sam Time warms my heart. So pleased you liked the book and shared your opinion. I am thrilled that you are hosting my book on this lovely website. Thank you Gina Rea!
Thank you for your kind words, Donna. I’m happy to have you here. Good luck with your tour.
Thank you so much for featuring this book and reviewing today.
[…] Gina Rae Mitchell […]