New Release: The Root of the Matter by Lynn Basham Tagawa

 She’s terrified.

Time travel. The North Atlantic in winter. Which is worse?

Geneva Fielding is a researcher in the Archives of the Applied History department, prepping time travelers for their destinations. She loves the smell of old paper and chocolate croissants.

One day, a Traveler fails an important test and cannot go. Instead of canceling the Trip, the dean appoints Geneva and her friend Peter Donatelli, a physicist, to take his place. They have three days to prepare to Travel to 1630s New England.

Geneva’s always wanted to know more about John Winthrop. Maybe she can even get a dissertation topic from the Trip. But the truth is, she’s scared stiff. No one knows her private struggles. And she’s not about to tell.

Geneva and Peter are dumped into an early, struggling Massachusetts, the Puritan inhabitants having escaped the persecution of the Crown only to face a howling wilderness. Roger Williams’s arrival sends shockwaves through the frail colony.

Can the Bay Colony afford to allow a critic of the king to dwell among them?

And what will Geneva do when she discovers Peter’s secret?

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My Review

The Root of the Matter is a wonderfully written book about the life and theology of John Winthrop and Roger Williams who had differing opinions in 1601 New England. Geneva Fielding and Peter Donatelli take a time travel trip to 1631 to investigate.

The characters are exciting and are well fleshed out. The combination of historical details and time travel made for an amazing read. I was engrossed from the first chapter and couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book in the series. This book is highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. A positive review is not required, and all opinions are my own.