The Secret About Time

The Firemark Series, Book 1

By: Kathryn K. Murphy

Narrated by: Frances Anderson

He’s lived for a century. She might be the one worth breaking the rules for.

Austin Brooks has carried the weight of World War II for nearly a hundred years—but thanks to Brightrock Island’s secret fountain of youth, he hasn’t aged a day. As the town’s easygoing teacher and handyman, Austin has learned to keep his past—and Brightrock’s secret—buried.

Until Caitlyn Landry arrives.

Fresh from heartbreak and desperate for a new start, Caitlyn isn’t looking for love. But her new colleague is infuriatingly charming, and the spark between them is impossible to ignore. Only Brightrock doesn’t welcome outsiders…and someone beyond the island has already begun to uncover the truth.

Now Austin must choose: protect his community’s greatest secret—or risk everything for the only woman who’s ever made forever feel like it wasn’t long enough.

A steamy, small-town romance with a twist of immortality, a forbidden love, and a danger that could unravel everything.

©2019 Kathryn Hershberger (P)2025 Kathryn Hershberger

A great first novel and a special start!

As I came into this story, I didn’t know what to expect. But thankfully this journey to Bright Rock Island, Mass. is definitely worth your while. Listening to the relationship between Austin and Caitlyn develop as naturally as it did was wonderful - they work and learn together and it feels real, honest and in the end delightful - especially with the great twist! This is a complete and satisfying story on its own, and the sequel is a great read too. Well worth the read and the listen!

Great Story and Narration!

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started listening to this book, but I really enjoyed it!  I live in MA so I loved that the story takes place here and I love the complexity and suspense of the story.  It was fun finding out all about Brightrock Island, the fountain of youth and the great characters in the story, especially Austin!  Austin is very sweet, and I loved the romance that bloomed between him and Caitlyn.  The narration was fantastic in this book!! This is a great story, and I definitely recommend it.  I can’t wait to listen to the next book in the series.

Outstanding Debut Novel!

This was my first Kathryn K. Murphy's book, and won't be my last. This is the first book in The Firemark Series. Austin and Caitlyn's slow burn romance is well written, original, and captivating. The Brightrock Island is highly intriguing with its secrets, and mystery. The storyline is complex, filled with suspense, romance, and twists and turns. Frances Anderson did a fantastic job with the narration. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to listen to the next book in the Series. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Captivating storyline that keeps you wanting more!

This author is a born storyteller! The storyline is so intriguing and leaves you wanting to know more about what happens to these fascinating characters! It has a little bit of everything, from steamy romance to mystery and suspense! Can’t wait to start the next book!

loved it

Even though this is not my usual go-to book, I loved it.
The unique story and characters made it a captivating audiobook.
the narrator did a great job narrating this book.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.