Book 1 in the Timelight Tales Series
A laugh-out-loud, exciting time-travel adventure filled with humor, friendship, courage, and one unforgettable dog!
Jenny isn’t exactly thrilled about starting a new year at Timelight Grove Middle. Between Taylor, the queen bee of seventh grade, and her Selfie Squad, Jenny’s confidence is running on fumes. Things look grim until Jenny’s sassy Pomeranian, Monica, steps in with her sharp tongue, fearless attitude, and boundless energy.
But when a mysterious discovery in Jenny’s attic sends the duo spinning into eighteenth-century Central Asia, their world changes forever. Suddenly, Jenny and Monica are caught in a daring mission to save a group of Kazakh scouts, outsmart an ill-tempered enemy khan, and escape from his cunning army.
As Jenny learns to face danger with newfound bravery, she discovers true courage comes from believing in yourself. Will she bring that new strength home and stand tall in her own world?
Bursting with heart, humor, and high-stakes adventure, The Khan’s Secret is perfect for young middle-grade readers (ages 7-11) who love learning about the world, believable characters, and timeless tales.
Bonus: Taste the adventure! Includes an authentic recipe for Kazakh donuts, straight from a chef in Kazakhstan.
Book 2 in the Timelight Tales Series
Here come Jenny and Monica, the unstoppable time-traveling duo, ready to light up another adventure.
When a hurricane hits a nearby town, Timelight Grove Middle turns upside down. The annual Winter Ball is suddenly reimagined as the Neon Ball—a dazzling fundraiser for a good cause, bursting with strobe lights, disco balls, and every shade of neon you can imagine. Excitement buzzes through the halls… except for Taylor and her not-so-merry Selfie Squad.
Between eco-friendly projects, fashion show chaos, and nonstop school spirit, Jenny barely notices the call of magic until it sweeps her and her fearless Pomeranian sidekick, Monica, straight into the year 2075.
In this bizarre speculative future, the world is gasping after a massive tech disaster. To bring back Aether and heal this crumbling world, Jenny and Monica must face a giant monster, mend broken trust, and unite rival clans just in time to make it back for the Neon Ball.
Can clever thinking, courage, and a sprinkle of holiday magic really save the world?
A heartwarming and thrilling adventure for young middle-grade readers (ages 7-11) who love time travel, brave friendships, and inspiring stories with an environmental twist.
Bonus: Try the eco-friendly seed ball recipe featured in the story. This hands-on activity is great for families and friends to share the magic of growing new life together.
Saving the World, One Crisis at a Time
"Timelight Tales: The Neon Ball, 2nd in the Timelight series, does not disappoint. The story finds our duo being, once again, swept off to another time and place. This time, they are far off in the future where they work to reunite rival clans, face off with a monster and risk certain death all while desperately trying to save a world destined to end by poison. Yikes!
The story blends a fast paced read with all the twists and turns mystery readers crave. All of the series’ main characters return, perhaps even a bit more developed, as this book continues with its trademark canine wit and focus on the importance of teamwork, family and belief in oneself. Without being at all preachy or dour, it’s a story that skillfully reminds its readers of the importance of hope and of coming together. Both books would make great Christmas gifts for young readers and I look forward to the next book in this bright new series."
~ Reader Review
A Fun Read!
"This was a fun read. Great storyline and I look forward to book #2, which I already ordered. I hope there will be more to come!"
~ Reader Review
Another Win!
"I got this book immediately after finishing the first book in the series (Khan’s Secret). We certainly were as impressed with this book as we were with the first. I love how the author puts a little surprise in the back of the book for families to do together. This really allows kids to continue talking about the book while engaging in screen-free time. Another win by X. V. Shannon. We will be buying book three as soon as it’s available!"
~ Reader Review
Charming!
"There is some time travel in this story. The author connects the present to the future in a seamless story that combines personal and environmental issues without being preachy. This is a story that is fun to read! Parents will definitely enjoy it, too!"
~ Reader Review
A Must Read!
"My 9-year old son received this book as a gift. As soon as we finished, we instantly bought the second in the series (Neon Ball). We read the book together and couldn’t put it down. The book is beautifully written and will appeal to younger kids as well as middle-aged readers alike. I bought copies of both books for my son’s classroom library and school library."
~ Reader Review
Content Quality
"The Khan's Secret is a fun and wholesome book that will take a young reader through some time travel and leave them back home feeling better for it. Fun fact...there's a recipe at the end! Great follow up family activity! The seller says ages 7-11 but it's terrific for a read aloud to younger kids, too."
~ Reader Review
Delightful Storytelling
"A truly captivating story! Delights and entertains its readers, while simultaneously encouraging them to believe in their own worth."
~ Reader Review
Hidden Secrets and Mystery
"Timeline Tales: The Kahn's Secret is a fun and mysterious adventure that hooks you from the very first page. The characters work together to solve clues and uncover hidden secrets, all the while providing suspense and a quick moving plot. The bravery and curiosity of characters show young readers the importance of believing in one’s self and the power of teamwork. Overall, it's a great book for young readers who enjoy mystery and adventure, as well as the wit and humor of a certain canine sidekick.
The Kahn’s Secret will leave you eager for the next book in this magical series."
~ Reader Review