Step into the enchanting world of A Stitch in Time, where time slips, ghosts, and gothic romance weave a spellbinding tale! Kelley Armstrong’s beloved series transports readers to Thorne Manor, a haunted Yorkshire estate brimming with mystery and love that transcends centuries. Perfect for fans of paranormal romance and Victorian intrigue, this series is a delightful blend of spooky and swoon-worthy moments that keeps you turning pages.
Kelley Armstrong, a Canadian powerhouse known for her paranormal fiction, crafts a world where the past and present collide in the most thrilling ways. From her ‘writing dungeon’ in southwestern Ontario, she spins stories that captivate with their vivid settings and heartfelt characters. A Stitch in Time is no exception, offering a fresh take on time-travel romance that’s as cozy as it is chilling.
How A Stitch in Time Began
Kelley Armstrong, already a star with her Women of the Otherworld and Darkest Powers series, ventured into gothic romance with A Stitch in Time, inspired by her love for historical settings and supernatural twists. Launched in 2020, the series was a passion project, blending her signature suspense with a softer, romantic vibe. Armstrong envisioned a story where time travel isn’t just a plot device but a bridge for love and mystery, set against the moody Yorkshire moors.
The idea sparked from her fascination with Victorian England and haunted manors, drawing on classics like Jane Eyre but with a modern, feminist twist. Published through K.L.A. Fricke Inc. and Subterranean Press, the series grew from a standalone novel into a trilogy with novellas, each adding new characters and ghostly adventures.
The Heart of A Stitch in Time
The series kicks off with A Stitch in Time (2020), where history professor Bronwyn Dale inherits Thorne Manor and rediscovers a time slip to the 19th century. There, she reconnects with William Thorne, her childhood friend turned brooding romantic hero. Ghosts and murders complicate their love, creating a gripping mystery. A Twist of Fate (2021) follows Rosalind Courtenay, who time-travels to the 21st century and returns to find her family believes she’s dead, posing as her son’s governess to unravel the truth.
A Turn of the Tide (2022) and A Castle in the Air (2023) introduce new time-travelers, each facing ghostly threats and romantic entanglements, while novellas like Ballgowns & Butterflies and Ghosts & Garlands add festive charm. Themes of love across time, female independence, and solving historical mysteries shine through, set in a vividly atmospheric Thorne Manor that feels like a character itself. Armstrong’s style—witty, suspenseful, and heartfelt—makes the series a cozy yet thrilling escape.
The blend of gothic romance, paranormal elements, and time-travel mechanics creates a unique vibe, often compared to a lighter Crimson Peak. Readers praise the strong heroines, like Bronwyn’s refusal to abandon her career, and the chemistry that sparks across centuries, though some note the time-travel rules can feel loose.
Why A Stitch in Time Resonates
A Stitch in Time has carved a niche in paranormal romance, appealing to readers craving spooky yet heartwarming stories. Its mature protagonists—often over 35—offer a refreshing change, resonating with fans who love nuanced characters. The series’ blend of historical detail and supernatural chills has earned high praise, with the first book hitting 4.15 stars on Goodreads from over 12,000 ratings. Armstrong’s ability to balance romance, mystery, and ghostly intrigue keeps fans hooked, with novellas adding festive delight.
Its impact lies in its escapist charm, offering a cozy gothic retreat during uncertain times like the 2020 pandemic. The series’ growing fanbase eagerly awaits potential adaptations, with readers dreaming of a film or miniseries to bring Thorne Manor to life.
- First Book Published: October 2020
- Total Books: 4 novels, 3 novellas
- Setting: Yorkshire, England
- Genres: Gothic romance, paranormal, time-travel
Dive into A Stitch in Time and let Kelley Armstrong whisk you away to Thorne Manor’s haunted halls! Whether you’re a gothic romance fan or just love a good mystery, this series is your next cozy, thrilling read.