Renegade Timeline Officer (Harper Wells #1) (Bethany Loveridge, Wombat)

Harper Wells: Renegade Timeline Officer, the first book in the Wollemi trilogy by Bethany Loveridge, introduces a reluctant young time traveller thrust into a world of missing persons, mysterious portals and tangled timelines. Harper Constance Wells – known as Harrie – lives with her father and brother in a home frozen in time since her mother vanished six years ago. Her father, obsessed with preserving everything as it was on the day his wife disappeared, finally allows Harrie to move into her own room, complete with a vintage bed that turns out to be a time-travel portal. Her first mission in the past is to ensure that Edie Cowan, the 1900s suffragette on the Australian $50 note, stays firmly on her historical path. Loveridge’s debut is an engaging mix of adventure and heart. Harrie is a relatable and determined heroine – sharp-witted, resourceful and unafraid to question the rules. Loveridge explores grief and family tension with nuance, while also raising thoughtful questions about how history is recorded and who gets to shape it. The inclusion of real historical figures and Australian landmarks adds richness to the story and the blend of mystery, humour and emotional insight makes this a standout series opener for middle-grade readers. While some narrative threads remain unresolved, they build momentum for the next book. A clever, character-driven time-travel adventure for readers aged 8+ and a promising start to an intriguing new series. 

Books+Publishing reviewer: Michelle Knynenburg has been an educator for 30 years and segued into the wonderful world of libraries and community programming where she is surrounded by books – a dream world. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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