5 shining stars from me * * * * * 
 It was actually my Madre who discovered this story, after one of our frequent and recent library visits.. 
 What can I say? Being the Back to the Future fans that we are, this book was a match made in heaven! (view spoiler)[Even if it does leave off on a cliffhanger ending; I typically have a sort of love/hate relationship with 'em. But I mean hey, who doesn't? (hide spoiler)] 
 The premise intrigued me but it's the characters themselves that really drew me in and kept the pages turning. I found Lydia to be a solid main character. She's got a strong heart and the best of intent, along with an edge I can personally relate to. It is clear she will stop at nothing to protect the ones she loves. Grandpa knew just how to tug at my heartstrings and make me feel for him so (view spoiler)[(as an old man and as young Peter Bentley) (hide spoiler)]. Wes is rather mysterious and I wasn't sure what to make of him much at first, but he'd well grown on me by the end. Mary? An absolute delight! Aside from Lydia she's probably my very favorite. What I'd give to have someone like her in my life. Lucas is a total sweetheart who charmed me right away (view spoiler)[and I felt so badly for him when Lydia had to reject him for the sake of Mary and, frankly, the safety of the future. Dean had me worried at first, but once he warmed up to Lydia being there, I couldn't bring myself to believe that he was 'a bad guy' for the Montauk Project (hide spoiler)]. The rest of the family and friends are great and I'm sure I could write at least a paragraph for each of them, but I think I've made my point. 
 One other aspect of the story that brings it all together is the time period. (view spoiler)[The 40's are a perfect choice for these characters to dwell in. On the one hand you've got the constant presence of a world war that's not shied away from. But then you also dive into the lighter moments of the time. The pastimes, the sayings, the music, the food, the attire. (hide spoiler)] You really get a feel of the world that surrounds them, the world that is destined for the drastic changes of the here and now. 
 Bottom line...I think I've fallen in love with it all. Great scott! 
 If I really had to nitpick about something, it'd be the fact that the rest of the trilogy is NOT available in our local libraries or bookstores, and both my Madre and I are dying to read what happens next.. D': degodeg