Phantom in Time (Paperback)

by Eugenia Riley (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Bogged down with Gay Nineties descriptions, tired characterizations and wearisome dialogue, Riley's latest time-travel romance (after Timeswept Bride) revolves around stage-shy Bella De La Rosa, a modern-day opera singer who spirals back to 1896. There she confronts the living version of tenor Jacques LeFevre, whose ghost has been haunting the opera house since his murder. Bella accepts her unexpected trip to the 19th century without a peep of protest, figuring she's there to find LeFevre's murderer and will eventually be returned to her own time. What she doesn't know is that her destiny lies in the past, singing as a diva with LeFevre. But she can be successful only if she overcomes her fear of the theater and saves the man she loves. Flaws abound in this tale, but the coup de grace comes with an ending so implausible as to border on the ridiculous.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
Bella De La Rosa is meant to sing opera on the stage but she has a huge problem, Bella suffers from stage fright. In an effort to overcome her fear, Bella auditions for the chorus at the St. Charles Opera House in New Orleans which is said to be haunted by the phantom ghost of Jacques LeFevre, a womanizing rogue who was supposedly murdered almost 100 years ago. Jacques' ghost appears to Bella several times and she is intrigued by the handsome man. During a performance the kaleidoscope swirls it's light and Bella becomes dizzy, and then finds herself 100 years in the past! Bella, dressed in a Valkyrie costume, lands on the same stage where Jacques is singing a song from Carmen, but it is 1896. Jacques LeFerve is immediately appreciative of Bella's beauty, and he is in awe of her exquisite soprano voice. Jacques is set on claiming Bella as his own and she cannot resist his charm for long. But at a crucial time, Bella gets caught in the kaleidoscope lights and is sent to the present. Every time she distances herself emotionally from Jacques, she returns to 1996. Her ailing grandmother tells Bella that she must face her love for Jacques and the opera; Jacques tells Bella that she is meant to be his and to sing, that is her destiny. Bella worries that Jacques loves her voice more than he loves her, and she also worries that she could be the cause of his death. A little more research while in the present confirms that Jacques was in love with the mysterious Bella, who disappeared after he was murdered. Bella is not sure if she can save Jacques, or even return to him in the past, but she tries. While on stage again, the kaleidoscope lights swirl and she feels dizzy. Bella is on her way back and just as she lands on the stage, she sees someone throwing a knife at Jacques. This time, Bella is the phantom in time, but she is not a ghost. Can Bella save Jacques? Can Bella fulfill her destiny to love Jacques and sing on stage? And who is the real Phantom In Time? Bella goes from present to past several times with a lot more happening in the story. I became a little frustrated as every song that is performed in the present or past is mentioned by title and I found that to be a bit tedious. Aside from that, I found it a great time-travel.Phantom In Time is a wonderful time travel that is sure to delight fans of this genre, and even those who are not! A terrific story that really moves quickly! Transcends time, too! This time travel romance is sure to entertain! Good story, great characters and a unique way to travel in time! Eugenia Riley is a writing talent for all times!Gloria Miller -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

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Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Avon Books (Mm) (July 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380771586
• ISBN-13: 978-0380771585
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 3.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,427,376 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Phantom of the French Quarter, May 21, 2005

By	Sandra J Smith "reader of passionate books" (Beaverton, Oregon United States) - See all my reviews

Wow! I just finished this book this morning, and what a good one
it was. It was my 4th Eugenia Riley book, and she has yet to
disappoint me.

I was amazed by all the time travel in the book. Bella goes to
1896, not once, not twice, not three, but FOUR times, and believe
it or not, it makes perfect sense with the plot each & every time.
The first time she was propelled back to 1996, I was shocked, but
once I saw where Ms. Riley was going with her plot, I totally understood.

Bella is a woman unsure of singing capabilities, preferring to
not be in the limelight, to be a part of the chorus. If she has
to do a trio or a duet, it is too close to a solo for her & she
panics. She loves her grandmother in 1996, but is torn between
being able to sing a solo for her, and her attraction to Jacques
in 1896.

Jacques is a tenor of the highest order. He is just as well known for his womanizing ways, infamous for it, in fact. When
Bella enters his life (maybe I should say 'each time she reappears in his life), he is certain that she is the one who
will fulfill his destiny, to both be his bride and to sing
solos with him around the world.

In 1996, Bella is aware, due to her research, that Jacques is
murdered in 1896. Each time she comes back to 1996, she finds
out more information in order to try to stave off his impending
murder.

The book got a little hairy for awhile, when it looked like
Jacques was going to follow her into 1996. This never takes
place, and I understand why, although part of me would like to
have seen either them switching places in time, or perhaps
meeting half way between 1896 & 1996. But, as I said, the way
Eugenia Riley writes this, it is appropriate & well done.

Now, if you like time travel, especially a lot of time travel
hopping in your book, you will love this. If you don't like
a lot of time travel hopping or just don't like time travel,
avoid this book.

Otherwise, enjoy this beautiful romance on a rainy day. It's the perfect rainy day romance book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars typical, but good, December 2, 2003

By	Carolyn (Maryland) - See all my reviews

I read this book a few years ago when I was in college; as a voice major I may have found it more interesting than someone who is not an opera enthusiast. The story is a bit see-through and the love scenes are very typical, but it's a great story to cozy up with on a rainy day when you have nothing to do. Sure it's unrealistic, but what romance novel isn't?

2.0 out of 5 stars totally unrealistic, August 3, 2006

By	R. Nations (georgia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I absolutely love time travel romance novels. But this one is beyond me. The way the people speak, especially Bella - who's from the present, is way too proper and totally unrealistic. It actually ruined the book for me. I had to force myself to continue reading, hoping that something interesting would happen, but I was sadly disappointed. I would not recommend this book to anyone, especially as an introduction to what time-travel romance novels are usually like. I am actually afraid to waste my money on anything else by Eugenia Riley. For a terrific read, I strongly recommend Lyverle Spencer (for historical romances) and Constance O'Day Flannery (for time-travel romances). Maybe I'll have better luck next time.