A History In Love: A History In Love, #1

By MS Naughtee

In the quaint town of Salem, where history and mystery intertwine, John, a curious researcher, stumbles upon a secret teleporter that transports him back in time. In the 17th century, he encounters Mary, and a profound connection blossoms amidst the echoes of Salem's dark past. As John grapples with the challenges of time travel, including the looming return to his own era, their love story unfolds against the backdrop of historical intrigue. However, as the couple delves into the secrets of Salem's witches, their journey takes an unexpected turn, testing the limits of their love and the consequences of tampering with the threads of time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MS Naughtee
• Release date: Dec 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223895121

Book preview

Chapter 1: A Way to Way Back

The corridors of Harvard's historic halls echoed with the hushed voices of scholars and the occasional squeak of leather shoes on polished wooden floors. John Clarksworth, a distinguished history professor known for his expertise in uncovering historical mysteries, navigated the labyrinthine passageways of the university. Little did he know that the very walls around him concealed secrets beyond his wildest imagination.

He had been called down to one of the science labs in a very strange fashion. This was unusual of course, because he was in the History Department. Additionally, most of these work meetings were set up by email. But this time, he had only received a call to his office telephone. He never received calls to his office phone. ‘I can’t remember the last time I’ve even used that thing,’ John had thought to himself. Peculiar, but not impossible, he guessed. ‘Maybe the person setting up the meeting had not had my email address?’ he wondered.

In a secluded laboratory tucked away from prying eyes, a group of scientists and historians huddled around a peculiar device. It hummed with an otherworldly energy, the culmination of years of research into the mysteries of time itself.

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as John Clarksworth, a man of scholarly demeanor with salt-and-pepper hair and sharp, inquisitive eyes, joined the assembly. Dr. Margaret Cunningham, one of the brilliant minds behind the temporal experiment, explained their groundbreaking endeavor.

John, we've unlocked the secrets of time travel, she declared, her eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

John Clarksworth blinked in disbelief as the weight of Dr. Cunningham's words settled upon him. Time travel? he repeated, his voice tinged with a mix of skepticism and awe. You're suggesting that we could traverse centuries, witness history unfolding before our very eyes?

Dr. Cunningham met his gaze with a confident nod. Precisely, John. This device, years in the making, manipulates temporal forces to create a conduit through which you can observe and interact with the past.

John's mind raced with incredulity, but a spark of curiosity ignited in his eyes. How does it work? What period of history are we exploring?

Dr. Cunningham held up her hand, her expression taking on a more serious tone. John, it's not 'we' as a collective. It's you. We want to send you back in time.

John's brows furrowed in surprise. Me?!? Why? I'm just a historian!

We've carefully considered the candidates, John, and your expertise is unparalleled. The decision is not made lightly, but we believe in your ability to navigate the complexities of history, Dr. Cunningham explained.

His mind whirred with incredulity. But the risks, John interjected, What if something goes wrong? What if my presence alters the course of events? We're tampering with forces beyond our comprehension.

Dr. Cunningham took a deep breath. We're aware of the risks, John. However, we believe the potential gains are immeasurable. Now, as for the period, we suggest the late 17th century, during King Philip's War.

His eyes widened in surprise. King Philip's War? Why that era?

"The 1670s were a tumultuous time in New England, with conflicts between Native