Time Folds for Us

by Natalie Sol Gallagher

Time travel is hell on a marriage . . . But it just might save theirs.

Rhiannon and George Rosen are trapped in separation too broke to file for divorce, but too broken to be together. When they inherit a cottage in northern England, the Rosens believe selling the unexpected asset is the solution that will allow them to finally part ways. But when the eerie cottage drops them in the early 15th century, they realize their problems don’t hold a candle to surviving in medieval England.
As they stumble through a world lit by fire, where the threats of illness and injury shadow every day, George and Rhiannon learn they cannot escape their past . . . no matter how far back they go. The only way for them to survive long enough to get home is by working together. But to do that, they must confront the grief that drove them apart in the first place.
If George and Rhiannon can’t find their way back to each other, they risk being trapped in the past forever.

461 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2026

Reviews

[S. Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I am not typically into reading romance, but I have enjoyed time travel stories in the past. However that has usually been sci-fi. In sci-fi the messy details of time travel usually get glossed over in favor of the characters spending far too long working out the mechanics of their time travel instead of experiencing the time they have landed. The effect of that is time travel seems like a fun adventure with some minor inconveniences like no electricity to power the Time Machine or other devices. It feels like a fun jaunt through time. This book has me changing my opinions on that though. Her realistic portrayal of living in the 15th century does not hold back or gloss over the gruesome realities of mundane life in that era. I’m definitely a product of my time and would not adjust well to Middle Ages living as I’m barely adjusting to being Middle Aged and all the gruesome realities of mundane life in this time.

The emotional honesty of the characters adds dimension and texture to their story. I loathe flat one dimensional characters that are thrust into bad situations. Their stories never ring true. George and Rhiannon have dimension. They are put through serious trials that test them every step of the way on their journey back to their respective time and to each other. Their journey and their experiences have an authenticity and emotional impact that I appreciate and kept me invested in them to the end. There were moments I was yelling at George to get it together like he could possibly hear me coaching from the sidelines.

Time Folds for Us is an immersive page turner with a satisfying end. Much like Rhiannon, I love knowing things and The pacing of the story kept me engaged throughout and I enjoyed the sense of discovery in every chapter. I’m looking forward to the next reread.

[Joanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Natalie Sol Gallagher’s debut novel, Time Folds For Us, as this month’s book club pick and it is everything I love about great historical fiction. I covet being transported to a different place and time and learning about it through the lens of a great story (rather than force feeding myself dry history books). This book is SO well researched in terms of life in 15th century England. (I heard the author speak recently in Atlanta and she mentioned re-writing details of the book after learning that the pockets and buttons she had given to her characters wouldn’t have been invented yet – I can’t help but adore those small details). Beyond her commitment to historical accuracy, the author has a very witty writing style, offering several laugh out loud moments (ex. At one point she describes the climate as feeling like being inside a mouth).

In terms of a critique, I’d say that I enjoyed this book more as historical fiction than as a romance (it’s positioned as both). The characters are written to be extremely believable as everyday humans (with all your everyday couple quirks and foibles). I think some people will love how relatable Rhiannon and George are and root for them while others may miss the escapism and fantasy that comes from centering larger than life hero/heroine archetypal characters (more typical of the Romantasy genre). This is just a matter of expectations and what you’re looking for when you pick it up.

Though the book definitely has some serious spots, the humor, surprises and occasional absurdity gives it emotional range without being too heavy for a summer read. It’s very well organized and thought through and you have the sense that the author really knew where she wanted to take it which lent itself to a great book club discussion. If you’re looking for your next summer read or book club pick, highly recommend!

[Mary Muramatsu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wild journey into medieval times is a masterful way of telling this unusual story about a relationship on life support. George and Rhiannon are two very relatable characters, and the author creatively unfolds their story in non-chronological segments. As we learn about this couple through these slices, we are treated to dialogue filled with sharp wit and humor even as we witness cringeworthy moments, misunderstandings and things generally gone wrong. These moments offer insights into some profound sadness that is later revealed and which makes clear just how heavy a lift it is for these two to stay together. The writing is excellent and the characters are instantly alive, with their flaws and defects in full tow. But our window into the lives of George and Rhiannon quickly gets sucked into a vortex as we see them swirled into a series of dramatic events that interrupt their story and upend the immediacy of their marital conflict. The effect is stunning as the two are forced to live through a different reality altogether. This creative story is a remarkable vehicle through which the author describes unresolved grief, relationship conflict and redemption.

[Ronald Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story, though I'm not sure what most captivated me. On the one hand, the time travel framing was so intriguing, and ultimately conceivable if not plausible, that the mechanics geek part of my personality was pretty enthralled at how well it hangs together. (As an author, I'm a sucker for the craft work, which is substantial in the novel.) On another hand, I liked the obvious humanity of the characters. These are very real characters, which for me as a reader makes it all the more pleasurable. (A writing mentor told me years ago that characters need to be relatable, and these are certainly that.) Then one more aspect stood out for me, and that was the surprise element, i.e. a couple of really good plot twists nicely executed. I guess I have one more thought. I liked that it caused me to really contemplate my own life and life course, which is a real bonus. A very fun and intriguing story, in a most unusual packaging. Should make for good summer reading for many!

[Regina Puccetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel grabbed me from the beginning with relatable characters, an engaging plot and very believable time travel. I was intrigued with how well the author revealed the relationship struggles of Rhiannon and George blended with the logistics of time. She wove her story with an abundance of research and details that made it believable and made me wonder how I would handle such situations. Her writing style flows with humor and depth that made this a captivating novel. From the beginning, I didn't want to stop reading about Rhiannon and George. Their story is our story, real and from the heart. I can't wait to read it again.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not typically a fan of time travel, but this was so tenderly written with such compelling main characters that I was drawn into their world. In the midst of their crisis, I found myself laughing out loud and marveling at the dry humor and wit throughout the book. There's time travel, yes, but there's intrigue and puzzles and mystery too. I loved that the characters are real imperfect grownups with real issues to contend with, in the most unlikely of circumstances. I laughed, I cried, and I called the husband over to share my favorite moments - this book goes the distance.

[Stacey McGahee Nitsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time Folds for Us is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you’ve finished. I found it to be a deeply emotional story about love, timing, and the choices that shape us.

What I appreciated most was the authenticity of the characters. They felt like real people—imperfect, hopeful, and sometimes heartbreakingly relatable.

The writing is beautiful without feeling overdone. There were several moments that made me stop and reflect, which is something I always hope to find in a great novel.

[NR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! So much research must have gone into all the historically accurate details of daily life in medieval England. I thought the characters were realistic and relatable, unlike so many romances built around perfect people. I also appreciated the honest portrayal of the couple's marital journey. Easy read, and you'll have a hard time putting it down!

[Chris Butsch]

Time Folds for Us is the first fiction book that I've gone out of my way to recommend to friends in years.

Without spoiling *any* of the plot, what makes TFfU such an addictive and engaging read is its raw and hyper-realistic portrayal of medieval living through the eyes of a modern couple. Imagine, for a second, that you and your partner had to live in a castle 800 years ago - with ZERO modern amenities. How would you tell time? Make friends? Treat wounds? Deal with feminine hygiene?

Gallagher answers all of these questions in her writing, and as a result, you feel increasingly connected with the characters and their trials and tribulations.

Equal parts black comedy, romance and historical drama, Time Folds for Us is a must-read for fans of:

- Game of Thrones
- When Harry Met Sally
- Outlander
- Marriage Story
- Everything Everywhere All at Once

And more. If you appreciate realistic portrayals of historical living - and modern marriage - and just good writing in general, add it to your list.

[Marakrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting read I couldn't put down!

This book was delivered to me on June 9 and in less than 48 hours I had read the entire thing. I was captivated by both the characters and the mystery behind the time travel story. George and Rhiannon are written as deeply flawed but ultimately loving people who are meant to be together, unable to see past their own pain and coping mechanisms but drawn together nonetheless. Their chemistry is undeniable.

And the historical aspects of the book are clearly well-researched. I particularly loved the detail about them getting so sick from medieval food, though I must admit the descriptions of the feasts made me a bit queasy.

And though I cannot get behind George's fathers's ultimately dangerous ploy to send them back in time to force them back together, the device made for a wonderfully compelling story that I had to finish.

If you like historical mysteries, you like romance, and you like character-driven stories - this book is a must-read!