The Hourglass Door

When I read the synopsis of this book I just knew that I wanted to have it. The premise sounds unique and captivating. After reading the story I knew for sure that it is all of this and more. I would say that aside the pretty well done romantic story, I was hooked by the major theme of the story: "time traveling". The way the author manages to create the world in present time with the complicated themes that surrounded the story is just exquisite. The mayor compliments I can give to Mangum is how she introduces a real historical character that is "part" of the story without carrying away the main story itself. All the rules related to spiritual themes are magnificent. I liked Abby as a character. She is one those characters that is simply genuine. The way the story is related between the characters is surprisingly good and interesting. The ending was just like: "I want the sequel NOW". The Hourglass Door is a story with an unique premise that has something about everything: romance, time traveling and spiritual themes. The Hourglass Door is the first of a three book series.

I got started reading this book while on a trip. My plane was delayed and at first I was irritated, but then I pulled out The Hourglass Door. The 2 hour delay went by in a flash as I was absorbed in the book. Lisa Mangum has done an excellent job. Others have given good descriptions of the plot, so I won't do that here; but let me just say that my only gripe is that I have to wait another year for the story to continue! Definitely recommended!

Ok, so . . . I'm a guy. And guys aren't supposed to LIKE, let alone READ this kind of fiction book. Well, I haven't read TWILIGHT, but I did see the movie. However, I DID read THE HOURGLASS DOOR by Lisa Mangum. This is really a wonderfully creative story, and you really feel like to get to know and relate to the characters. Abby and Dante feel like real people, and I really cared about them and their growing relationship. I'm WAY out of high school age, but reading this story took me back to the emotions and experiences of that time. Lisa Mangum is a brilliant new writer, and I'm sharing this book . . . and her future books . . . with three of my daughters who love to read, and who love romantic fiction. I cannot tell you how MUCH I loved this book. Bravo, Lisa! I can't wait to read the next one!

Abby's senior year is going well with college plans, good friends, and a perfect boyfriend. But something seems to be missing. And when a mysterious Italian foreign-exchange student shows up during play practice, Abby begins to feel things she's never felt before. But there is something strange about Dante. Time seems to behave strangely when Abby is with him. And Abby must discover a centuries old mystery in order to save her friends and stop a dangerous traitor. Abby is a smart and well-adjusted girl with a bright future. She has a mature relationship with her boyfriend, though Abby realizes that something is missing. Jason is the perfect guy - sweet, thoughtful, and patient. But there's a lack of chemistry and spontaneity that Abby begins to miss. Then Dante shows up. With his steamy looks and Italian accent, Abby is immediately attracted to him. But in getting to know him, even when strange occurrences happen, Abby finds it easy to trust him and begins to fall for this boy with an extraordinary secret. The Hourglass Door is fun and wonderfully surprising. Fans of the Twilight series should appreciate this trilogy. Combining time travel and romance, this novel geared towards young adults is captivating and refreshingly age-appropriate. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to any teen who's into light romance and science fiction. I read this over the course of just a few hours and wasn't able to put it down till I finished.

Abby is enjoying her senior year of high school. She has a cute boyfriend, great friends, and the possibility of a college education. But everything in her world changes when Dante Alexander, a foreign exchange student from Italy, walks into the auditorium during play rehearsal. Abby is drawn to Dante and, before she knows it, their lives are intertwined. But Dante isn't who Abby thinks he is, and she is drawn into a mystery reaching all the way back into sixteenth-century Florence. Everything she's worked so hard for, everything she thought she wanted, is threatened by the dangerous truth of Dante's past. Only Abby can make things right, but is she strong enough to open THE HOURGLASS DOOR? The premise of the book sounded interesting, but I never imagined the adventure I'd find when I opened THE HOURGLASS DOOR. Abby and Dante's world is intoxicating and I didn't want to leave. Though the beginning was a bit rough for me, the rest of Mangum's book flowed smoothly and effortlessly and led me through a tale I'll not soon forget. Abby and Dante are characters I look forward to meeting again in the upcoming continuation of THE GOLDEN SPIRAL. Its release date can't come soon enough for me! Reviewed by: Joan Stradling