In 1870s Scotland, Christian Maclagan-one of Britain's first female archaeologists-struggles for recognition in a world determined to silence her. Encouraged by her acquisition of a rare Neolithic carved stone ball, she becomes obsessed with unlocking its ancient secrets. But as she studies the mysterious artifact, she begins to experience disturbing dreams. When she finally recognizes them as memories, Christian must grapple with shocking truths she has unconsciously buried for decades.
One hundred and fifty years later, graduate student Ellen Byrne arrives in Scotland to research her thesis. Reeling from a devastating betrayal and haunted by her father's suicide, Ellen discovers a Victorian journal leading her to an extraordinary find-a mate to Scotland's most famous carved stone ball. As Ellen races to authenticate her discovery, her increasing obsession with the stone threatens to derail her promising career-and destroy her faith in herself.
An intriguing blend of historical and contemporary fiction, inspired by a true archaeological mystery, What Time Has Kept explores the emotional power of objects and the resilience of the human spirit.