Nancy Houser-Bluhm's The Nickel Loop is a romantic tale that follows the journeys of a woman and a man from different eras whose paths converge in 1938. Emmeline travels back in time from 2022, whereas Nicholas travels forward in time from 1898. This unexpected time travel takes them both by surprise. Emmeline is more concerned about her predicament than Nicholas. She worries about the lack of progressive opportunities for women in 1938. Quite the opposite, Nicholas is amazed by the improvements and expansions in 1938 compared to 1898. Emmeline and Nicholas lean on each other for support, causing a budding romance to evolve between them. Nicholas gradually adjusts to 1938, but Emmeline misses her life in 2022. Edmund, a very discerning psychic, believes he can help them return to their respective times. Will Emmeline or Nicholas leave 1938, or will their love keep them together?

I enjoyed reading Nancy Houser-Bluhm's exploration of the different eras through Emmeline's and Nicholas' points of view and experiences. Each era meant something different to the main characters and the secondary characters they interacted with. Emmeline viewed 1938 as an oppressive period for women, whereas Nicholas saw 1938 as an era of opportunity. Even though Emmeline was introduced as a strong-willed and uncompromising character in earlier chapters, her interactions with Nicholas and their acquaintances revealed a more vulnerable and relatable side to her. Nevertheless, it was intriguing watching these opposing personalities—Emmeline and Nicholas—let their guard down and warm up to each other. The author did a magnificent job of presenting the differences of each era, such as the language variations, clothing styles, and historical changes. Fans of historical romance will enjoy reading The Nickel Loop.

The Nickel Loop by Nancy Houser-Bluhm is a beautifully written time travel romance about accepting what you cannot change and cherishing what you have. Emmeline is still grieving her father, who passed away three years ago due to a terminal illness. Emmeline finds it hard to move on and feels isolated; her sister Hannah and their mother seem to be doing just fine but she has a hard time connecting with them. As Emmeline disembarks from the train to Hannah’s for their annual get-together, she is impressed by the town’s accurate capture of the early 1900s. At first glance, it seems that the vintage outfits are part of the cosplay. But soon she discovers that this is anything but cosplay – she has traveled back in time! And she’s not the only one. There’s a strange man who claims he is from a different period too. What is happening? More importantly, how will she get out of this crazy nightmare? And can she trust this handsome stranger who is so eager to help?

The Nickel Loop has important life lessons for those who’ve lost loved ones and can’t let go of their grief. Love is a powerful thing, but not being able to move on can destroy even the most beautiful memories one has until all that’s left are bittersweet memories of a time past. Nancy Houser-Bluhm highlights the fact that there’s no time like the present and that one has to make the most of it. The narrative was engaging with its even pace complementing the gentle tone. The characters were interesting and unique, especially Emmeline, who went from being resentful and bitter to discovering the joy in life and everything it had to offer. Reading The Nickel Loop was pleasant and deeply thought-provoking. I recommend this heartwarming novel to fans of contemporary romance and everyone who’s ever lost a loved one and had trouble moving on.