PRESS
The 21st Annual "Best Book" Awards
Sponsored by American Book Fest™, October, 2024
Fiction: Romance Finalist | "Into the Lure of Time" by Vera Bell
"LOS ANGELES, OCTOBER 2024 – American Book Festannounced the winners and finalists of THE 21st ANNUAL BEST BOOK AWARDS (BBA), one of the world’s largest international book award programs for mainstream, indie, and self-published titles.
Winners and Finalists of the 2024 American Legacy Book Awards™, April, 2024
Fiction: Romance Finalist | "Through the Veneer of Time" by Vera Bell
"LOS ANGELES, APRIL 2024 – American Book Fest announced the winners and finalists of 2024 AMERICAN LEGACY BOOK AWARDS. Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in over 100 categories.
Georgia Author of the Year | 2024 Nominee
FIRST NOVEL category
Through the Veneer of Time by Vera Bell
Midwest Book Review: "Through the Veneer of Time" by Vera Bell, August 12, 2024
By Diane Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
"Libraries seeking fantasy explorations that contain more depth and thought-provoking discoveries than the majority of books billed as either time travel, thriller, or romance genres will find the combination here to be absolutely enthralling."
Midwest Book Review: "Into the Lure of Time" by Vera Bell, August 12, 2024
By Diane Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
"Hard to put down and impossible to resist, while Into the Lure of Time can serve as a stand-alone read, it's best imbibed by Bell's prior fans, who will enjoy the added value and treat of a second book that builds wonderfully complex insights and attractions from the first title's foundations."
2024 The Historical Fiction Company Editorial Review, August, 2024
"Into the Lure of Time" by Vera Bell
“Into the Lure of Time” by Vera Bell is a passionate and heartfelt love story that echoes through time and place. The references to the past and the continuing impact it has on characters’ decisions adds a haunting aspect to a vividly written novel. Siena and Ryan, and Neave and Aedan, will stay in the reader’s mind as characters long after the last page – surely the mark of a wonderfully immersive read!"
The Bookish Historian Book Review: "Into the Lure of Time" by Vera Bell, July 9, 2024
Wander through the rolling Irish hills and bustling streets of D.C. in this time traveling historical romance! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Vera's brilliant storytelling comes out in full force again in this exceptional and dramatic sequel. The author explores and examines Siena and Neave's motivations and flaws through a gripping psychological lens, something not often utilized in fiction."
BookLife Prize - 2024 | Into the Lure of Time, July 2, 2024
Bell's vision is imaginative, sexy, and sweeping. The author offers a distinctive voice for the two time periods (and) populates the novel with complex and flawed characters.
Plot/Idea: 8 out of 10
Originality: 9 out of 10
Prose: 8 out of 10
Character/Execution: 8 out of 10
Overall: 8.25 out of 10
BookLife Prize - 2024 | Through the Veneer of Time, July 1, 2024
Bell mixes romance, mystery, and history to take the reader on an adventure across centuries.
Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10
Originality: 8 out of 10
Prose: 8 out of 10
Character/Execution: 8 out of 10
Overall: 8.25 out of 10
Five-Star Review, Reader Views Book Review Blog, May 21, 2024
"Into the Lure of Time" by Vera Bell ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"There is an edgy, seductive tone, enticing the darker themes of obsession, jealousy, manipulation, and the psychological depths of romantic and sexual relationships. Bell had me feeling 'all the feels' as I feverishly turned each page."
Cobb Life Magazine, April 27, 2024
Q&A | Meet the Author Vera Bell
CL: How did the idea for "Into the Lure of Time" come about?
VB: “Into the Lure of Time” is a second book in the “Always and Forever” trilogy. The story takes place across the characters’ past and present lives in sixteenth-century Gaelic Ireland and present-day Washington, D.C. The medieval timeline is anchored in the events preceding the English crown's plantation of Ulster and in the life of the legendary Irish hero and adversary of Elizabeth I, Shane O'Neill.
Bookstagram | @kindle.babe, April 25, 2024
Book Review: Into the Lure of Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"BEWARE…this book will leave you with an awful hangover and thinking about the book for days long after you’ve finished. Vera was one of my very first authors I ever ARC read for and I will forever reach for her work."
Bookstagram | @Carol_Doscher_Reader, April 23, 2024
Book Review: Into the Lure of Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I am trying to recover from a book hangover. After reading and loving the first book, Through the Veneer of Time, I went into reading Into the Lure of time thinking there is no way this book could be as good. I was so wrong!"
Bookstagram | @Irish_Booklover89, April 21, 2024
Book Review: Into the Lure of Time, Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Vera you had me feeling all the emotions with this one! It’s literally taking me a few days to finally come down from the rollercoaster to write this (I mean that in the best way 🥰)."
A Novel Idea, Author Showcase, Vera Bell
"Through the Veneer of Time" by Vera Bell
With Brenda Sevcik and Julie Spierto.
2023 Time Travel/Dual Timeline Category Bronze Winner
The Historical Fiction Company, December 2023
"Through the Veneer of Time" by Vera Bell
Category Winners for the 2023 HFC Book of the Year contest
Top Pick for 2024 from Author Shout Reader Ready Awards, December, 2023
"Through the Veneer of Time" by Vera Bell
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Author Shout is proud to announce the winners in the Reader Ready Awards.
2023 Highly Recommended Award of Excellence from The Historical Fiction Company, December, 2023
"Through the Veneer of Time" by Vera Bell
Bell has brought the past and present together with a masterful stroke of her quill. "Through the Veneer of Time is a captivating story that will leave a lasting impression on the reader. It is a book that once read, is impossible to forget.
2023 American Writing Awards Category Winners and Finalists, November, 2023
Fiction — Romance Finalist | "Through the Veneer of Time" by Vera Bell
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AmericanWritingAwards.com announces the winners in the 2003 American Writing Awards.
The 20th Annual "Best Book" Awards
Sponsored by American Book Fest™, November, 2023
Fiction: Romance Finalist | "Through the Veneer of Time" by Vera Bell
LOS ANGELES, NOVEMBER 2023 – American Book Fest announced the winners and finalists of THE 20th ANNUAL BEST BOOK AWARDS (BBA), one of the world’s largest international book award programs for mainstream, indie, and self-published titles.
East Cobber Magazine, October, 2023
East Cobb Author Novel Debut
"Imagine doing Past Life Regression (PLR) for the first time and emerging with a crazy book idea! Vera Bell is the author of the time-travel romantic suspense trilogy, Always & Forever, set in sixteenth-century Ireland and present-day United States. Book One, Through the Veneer of Time, is her debut novel, and that was exactly how she came to write it."
Bookstagram | @BooksAndCoffeeMx, October 24, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨!
"Oh wow, what a chilling ride. I love dual timelines but in this story they take you to a whole new level. Once you start you won’t be able to put it down."
Bookstagram | @RajivsReviews, October 21, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time
"This story had me hooked right from the start. The plot was interesting and had a unique vibe that made me think, "I gotta dive into this book!" It promised a mix of mystery, suspense, and even a dash of romance. What's lovely is how Bell effortlessly blends those two timelines and crafts characters you can really connect with."
Bookstagram | @ChristinaLuvs2Read, October 20, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"From the beautiful cover to the intriguing title this book had me in it's grips from the very beginning. I had a hard time putting it down to do things like cooking dinner or even walking my dogs."
Bookstagram | @BooksLoveAndUnderstanding, October 20, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"This debut novel and the start to a trilogy is delightfully unputdownable. The book follows two timelines that are interwoven and I love the way the author combines history with present day and the fantasy aspect."
Bookstagram | @Just_Another_Mother_With_Books, October 19, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I am a sucker for any book that discusses past lives. It’s just a fascinating subject that isn’t used in literature nearly enough! I mean…what a twisting and turning plot! I loved it!"
Bookstagram | @Bookish.Heidi, October 14, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“History told with a side of mystery and a dash of magical realism. Plot twists to keep you on your feet and the fascinating history of medieval times. A beautifully written and well researched novel. Hard to believe it’s a debut!”
Bookstagram | @Subakka.Bookstuff, October 14, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A stirring and suspenseful debut. This is the first book in the Always & Forever Trilogy, so I’m excited to see where the author takes the series.”
Bookstagram | @Sarahs.Bookish.Reviews, October 11, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I could feel the characters emotions and was totally immersed into 1559 Ireland. Well written and I can’t wait to see where the series goes.”
Bookstagram | @ReadingWithMere, October 11, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time
“For me this was more of a unique read and honestly I love that. I love reading things that push me outside my comfort zone and this is one of those books. It’s wonderfully written and one most people will enjoy!”
Bookstagram | @RozierReadsAndWine, October 6, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The audio has fabulous narration. I loved the way many of the 2009 characters had a tie into the 1559 timeline. Past lives, past loves, and past crimes all combine to make a great present day read!”
Bookstagram | @Nurse_Bookie, October 4, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The world building and rich Gaelic Irish history truly made this novel hard to put down. This is the first book in the series and I just cannot wait for the next saga.”
Bookstagram | @Reading.Late.Into.The.Night, October 2, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time
"I got lost in Neave, Aedan, Siena, and Ryan’s story. Revenge and reincarnation are front and center in this unique and imaginative book.”
Bookstagram | @Plains_Reading, October 1, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time
“This was a unique story unlike any other I’ve read! I loved the detail and historic touches. Recommend this for anyone wanting a suspenseful historical fiction.”
Bookstagram | @Carol_Doscher_Reader, September 30, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The descriptive writing brings you into the story with the complex and flawed characters. I fell in love with the 1559 romance story between Neave and Aedan.”
Bookstagram | @NovelsNLatte, September 27, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"This was creative and unusual and really had me engaged. It left me curious about my past life. Excellent debut. I will definitely be on the look out for more coming from this author."
Five-Star Review, Reader Views Book Review Blog, September 15, 2023
“Through the Veneer of Time” by Vera Bell ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I will be very anxiously awaiting book 2 in the Always and Forever series. My guess is that anyone who picks up this book will feel the same way when they are finished. 5 Stars!!"
Bookstagram | @MissWBookReviews, September 14, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This is at its core a love story that is beautiful and crosses lines of time and place.”
Bookstagram | @ACourtOfSpinesNPages, September 10, 2023
Book Review: ⏳️Through the Veneer of Time - Vera Bell⏳️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I can't put into words how much I loved this book. Think of Outlander but better (yes, I said better) This book has everything!"
Historical Novels Review, Issue 105, August 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time (Always and Forever Book 1)
"Vera Bell's novel successfully combines historical fiction, romance, and a contemporary thriller. The flashbacks to Ireland are particularly engaging, with detailed and vivid descriptions."
Bookstagram | @Irish_Booklover89, July 19, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time, Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, Spice: 🌶️
"This book has become my new obsession. I loved every second of it from page one straight to the end.This is Vera’s debut novel and WHAT a novel! I completely fell in love with the world she has created."
BookBub Featured Deal, June 4 - June 10, 2023
Time Travel Romance: Through the Veneer of Time by Vera Bell
Trying to break her creative block, artist Siena Forte instead finds herself connecting with a past life — and the dangerous foe who wants to destroy her and the man she loves. A passionate time travel romance set in medieval Ireland!
If These Pages Could Talk, June 3, 2023
Author Interview with Vera Bell
Authors Kiersten Marcil and Sevannah Storm are hosting Vera Bell and her editor and fellow author, Jodi Christensen. Past lives, 16th century Ireland, a famed Irish chieftain, all things marketing, and book discussion abound.
The Bookish Historian Book Reviews, May 19, 2023
Book Review: Through the Veneer of Time by Vera Bell ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Experience parallel story lines as Siena Forte and Neave McConway fight for their loves and survive the horror of a terrible enemy in this spell-binding tale. From the bustling streets of Washington D.C. to the rolling Irish hills, this is a story you won’t want to miss.
That's What I'm Talking About, April 30, 2023
Sunday Snippet: Through the Veneer of Time by Vera Bell
“Ah, here you are,” he said without preamble, voice low and brooding. “Come.”
He was pulsing with dangerous energy—something between anger, disgust, and poorly curbed violence...
Country Mamas with Kids Book Reviews, April 27, 2023
Through the Veneer of Time Book Tour!
"What a twist in the book after the tragedy, and then it comes out all right in the end. READ THE BOOK!"
Celtic Lady's Reviews, April 23, 2023
Through the Veneer of Time by Vera Bell Review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"A tantalizing medieval time travel novel. I give it 5 stars and hope to read more by Vera Bell!"
Vera Bell | Past Life Visions and a Serial Killer
How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I hope this isn’t too weird. It was my first experience with Past Life Regression (PLR). I’ve always had this inexplicable (slightly weird) fascination with Ireland. As long as I...