Hildred Billings' novel, Maybe Some Other Time, is a captivating exploration of identity, love, and the relentless march of time. Set against the backdrop of a time-travel narrative, the book deftly combines elements of women's fiction and romance, creating a story that is both thought-provoking and heartwarming.

The protagonist, Thelma Van der Graaf, is introduced as the quintessential 1950s housewife. Her life is a carefully curated tableau of charm and propriety, with her immaculate garden and tasteful jokes serving as the perfect veneer for the secrets she harbors. Thelma's clandestine relationship with Sandy, her secret lover, adds a layer of complexity to her character, revealing a woman who is both constrained by and quietly rebelling against the societal norms of her time.

Billings' decision to thrust Thelma from the 1950s into 2018 is a masterstroke that allows for a rich exploration of change and adaptation. Thelma's journey through time is not just a physical one; it is a profound personal transformation. Stripped of her familiar surroundings and the people she once knew, Thelma is forced to confront the realities of a world that has moved on without her. Her struggle to understand modern technology, new social norms, and even something as mundane as seatbelt laws, is both humorous and poignant, highlighting the dissonance between her past and present.

Thelma's interactions with her now-elderly son are particularly compelling. His bitterness and confusion at her sudden reappearance add emotional depth to the narrative, illustrating the long-lasting impact of her disappearance. This strained relationship serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the scars it can leave behind.

One of the novel's most significant themes is the rediscovery of self. In the 21st century, Thelma finds herself in a world where she no longer has to hide her true self. Her friendship with her college-aged granddaughter and her involvement in a support group for accidental time travelers provide her with a sense of community and belonging. These relationships are instrumental in her journey of self-discovery, allowing her to explore her identity beyond the confines of her past.

Gretchen, Thelma's neighbor, is a standout character whose down-to-earth views and affable personality offer Thelma a new perspective on life and love. Their relationship is a testament to the novel's exploration of unconventional love and the idea that it is never too late to find happiness. Thelma's romance with Gretchen is tender and genuine, providing a refreshing take on love that transcends time and societal expectations.

Billings' writing is both evocative and accessible, capturing the nuances of Thelma's internal and external struggles with grace and sensitivity. The novel's pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of introspection and character development while maintaining a sense of momentum that keeps the reader engaged.

In comparison to other time-travel narratives, such as Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife or Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, Maybe Some Other Time stands out for its focus on personal growth and the exploration of identity. While these other works often emphasize the mechanics of time travel and its impact on romantic relationships, Billings' novel is more concerned with the internal journey of its protagonist and the ways in which time can be both a barrier and a bridge to self-discovery.

The novel's low-spice romance and unconventional happy ending (HEA) are refreshing departures from traditional romantic tropes. By allowing Thelma to find love and fulfillment on her own terms, Billings challenges the notion of what a happy ending should look like, offering readers a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of love and happiness.

Overall, Maybe Some Other Time is a beautifully crafted novel that resonates with readers on multiple levels. Its exploration of themes such as identity, love, and the passage of time is both insightful and moving, making it a standout addition to the genre. Billings' ability to weave a compelling narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking is a testament to her skill as a writer.

For readers seeking a story that combines the intrigue of time travel with the emotional depth of women's fiction and romance, Maybe Some Other Time is a must-read. It is a novel that invites reflection on the choices we make, the lives we lead, and the possibility of second chances, all while celebrating the enduring power of love and self-discovery.