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Time After Time #2
If I Could Turn Back Time
She’s a spectral cynic. He’s a time traveler racing the clock.
Amelia Peters doesn’t believe in ghosts. After outing her late paranormal investigator parents as con artists, the natural skeptic wants nothing to do with anything even supposedly spooky. But her long-held disbelief in the supernatural crumbles when she inherits a small-town cabin… and keeps bumping into a handsome specter in the night.
Shaken by the mysterious hunk’s disturbing ability to vanish into thin air, Amelia is stunned to discover he’s no ghost, but a traveler who has slipped through time… and is destined to die within days. When their relationship takes an intimate turn, she vows to save his skin. But altering history means confronting her own guilty secrets first.
Can they undo the mystical mayhem scaring away their happily ever after, or will the time-space continuum keep them apart forever?
This is book two in the Time After Time series and can be read as a stand-alone novel! Each book features completely different characters, but both involve time twisty shenanigans.
Amelia Peters doesn’t believe in ghosts. After outing her late paranormal investigator parents as con artists, the natural skeptic wants nothing to do with anything even supposedly spooky. But her long-held disbelief in the supernatural crumbles when she inherits a small-town cabin… and keeps bumping into a handsome specter in the night.
Shaken by the mysterious hunk’s disturbing ability to vanish into thin air, Amelia is stunned to discover he’s no ghost, but a traveler who has slipped through time… and is destined to die within days. When their relationship takes an intimate turn, she vows to save his skin. But altering history means confronting her own guilty secrets first.
Can they undo the mystical mayhem scaring away their happily ever after, or will the time-space continuum keep them apart forever?
This is book two in the Time After Time series and can be read as a stand-alone novel! Each book features completely different characters, but both involve time twisty shenanigans.
First published October 29, 2021
16 people are currently reading
1166 people want to read
About the author
Mary Frame
34 books742 followersMary Frame writes romantic comedies with quirky characters, steamy moments, and banter that will make you blush and snort-laugh at the same time. She’s a full time mom with a full time job and has no idea how she manages to write novels, but it probably helps that she's a dedicated introvert. She doesn't enjoy writing about herself in third person, but she does enjoy reading, writing, dancing, and damaging the ear drums of her co-workers when she randomly decides to sing to them.
She LOVES hearing from readers and will not only respond but likely begin stalking them while tossing out hearts and flowers and rainbows! If that doesn't creep you out, e-mail her at: maryframeauthor@gmail.com
www.maryframe.com
Instagram: @maryframeauthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryFrame
Bookbub: @MaryFrame
She LOVES hearing from readers and will not only respond but likely begin stalking them while tossing out hearts and flowers and rainbows! If that doesn't creep you out, e-mail her at: maryframeauthor@gmail.com
www.maryframe.com
Instagram: @maryframeauthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryFrame
Bookbub: @MaryFrame
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
November 8, 2023
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I have read the other books Mary Frame has written and I really enjoy her writing. She's an excellent storyteller, with imaginative plots, likeable characters, and a great command of language. I always feel happy when I finish one of her books, and this one is no exception.
The whole time travel aspect was such an interesting twist (and I admit to being a bit of a sucker for a good time travelling character) and she handled it quite well. She laid down the parameters for how it worked and stuck to them, which was excellent--there's nothing worse than an author who sets out rules for how the supernatural works and then ignores them for the sake of expediency in getting the story told. Grey and Amelia were engaging and believable and the other characters in the story were also well-written. The actual mystery was interesting, but not terribly complex and there were no real surprises. That being said, this is a romantic suspense novel, not a hardcore mystery, so those weaknesses didn't particularly bother me. The only real issue I had was that the scene at end of the story where the mystery was solved and the villains identified and thwarted, was really confusing, very fast-paced, and a little rushed, which is why I withheld one star from my rating. I wish she had taken a little more time with the scene to describe the action a little more clearly.
But I was still happy for how the story resolved itself, happy for the characters as they moved forward, and emotionally satisfied after finishing the book. And I'm eager for Frame to write more books because I still love being immersed in her storytelling.
UPDATE: I re-read this book at the end of October (almost a month after the first read) and enjoyed it tremendously the second time. Those issues that bothered me with the first read didn't bother me at all the second time and I had no trouble with being confused over the final scene. On this basis, I have added back the star I took away the first time, and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
I have read the other books Mary Frame has written and I really enjoy her writing. She's an excellent storyteller, with imaginative plots, likeable characters, and a great command of language. I always feel happy when I finish one of her books, and this one is no exception.
The whole time travel aspect was such an interesting twist (and I admit to being a bit of a sucker for a good time travelling character) and she handled it quite well. She laid down the parameters for how it worked and stuck to them, which was excellent--there's nothing worse than an author who sets out rules for how the supernatural works and then ignores them for the sake of expediency in getting the story told. Grey and Amelia were engaging and believable and the other characters in the story were also well-written. The actual mystery was interesting, but not terribly complex and there were no real surprises. That being said, this is a romantic suspense novel, not a hardcore mystery, so those weaknesses didn't particularly bother me. The only real issue I had was that the scene at end of the story where the mystery was solved and the villains identified and thwarted, was really confusing, very fast-paced, and a little rushed, which is why I withheld one star from my rating. I wish she had taken a little more time with the scene to describe the action a little more clearly.
But I was still happy for how the story resolved itself, happy for the characters as they moved forward, and emotionally satisfied after finishing the book. And I'm eager for Frame to write more books because I still love being immersed in her storytelling.
UPDATE: I re-read this book at the end of October (almost a month after the first read) and enjoyed it tremendously the second time. Those issues that bothered me with the first read didn't bother me at all the second time and I had no trouble with being confused over the final scene. On this basis, I have added back the star I took away the first time, and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
June 12, 2022
3.5 stars Time travel romance is a favorite genre for me. Would've loved an epilogue, ended sort of abruptly for me.
November 7, 2021
3.5 "supercalifragilisticexpiali-damn-sis" stars
For anybody who read A Stitch in Time or Outlander during the pandemic and thought "that could be us, but I don't fu*k with real people clothes right now, or leaving my house".
I guess I've gone a little bit...
😂 But—for real.
This story was the perfect escapism, because it's the kind of fictional craziness that I feel like I could actually handle. I mean, Amelia was an every woman's woman. She wasn't special, she didn't embark on some crazy epic journey. She was just kind of minding her own business and the hot men and shenanigans came to her.
I'm here for that low-effort, high-reward shit.
The story revolves around a relatively small cast of characters. There's primarily Amelia and Grey, but also spunky Lexi—Grey's childhood best friend & hilarious shit-disturber extraordinaire—and the wealthy and mysterious Blake family, including heir apparent and ex-friend of Grey, Preston Blake.
The author didn't take her tropes too seriously, but she definitely played into them in an entertaining way. Instead of Lexi being a challenge to Grey and Amelia's relationship, she's a badass lesbian player who strikes up a fast friendship with Amelia from the get-go. And Preston, despite coming off as a pretentious rich kid with eyes for Amelia, has some unexpected layers as well.
Overall, this book was just straight up fun. I did have some mini-grievances—hence the semi-average rating; it was a bit rushed, the writing wasn't as strong as I'd have wished, and certain things like Amelia and Grey feeling familiar upon meeting weren't properly explained...
But, overall, the author delivered on promises of a quick & light-hearted rom-com and I won't fault it for not bringing the epic angst or expertly twisted plot of a legitimate novel on par with the likes of Outlander.
Also, a time-travel romance that doesn't connect the heroine to some toothpaste-devoid Renaissance man? Thank you Jesus.
For anybody who read A Stitch in Time or Outlander during the pandemic and thought "that could be us, but I don't fu*k with real people clothes right now, or leaving my house".
I guess I've gone a little bit...
😂 But—for real.
This story was the perfect escapism, because it's the kind of fictional craziness that I feel like I could actually handle. I mean, Amelia was an every woman's woman. She wasn't special, she didn't embark on some crazy epic journey. She was just kind of minding her own business and the hot men and shenanigans came to her.
I'm here for that low-effort, high-reward shit.
The story revolves around a relatively small cast of characters. There's primarily Amelia and Grey, but also spunky Lexi—Grey's childhood best friend & hilarious shit-disturber extraordinaire—and the wealthy and mysterious Blake family, including heir apparent and ex-friend of Grey, Preston Blake.
The author didn't take her tropes too seriously, but she definitely played into them in an entertaining way. Instead of Lexi being a challenge to Grey and Amelia's relationship, she's a badass lesbian player who strikes up a fast friendship with Amelia from the get-go. And Preston, despite coming off as a pretentious rich kid with eyes for Amelia, has some unexpected layers as well.
Overall, this book was just straight up fun. I did have some mini-grievances—hence the semi-average rating; it was a bit rushed, the writing wasn't as strong as I'd have wished, and certain things like Amelia and Grey feeling familiar upon meeting weren't properly explained...
But, overall, the author delivered on promises of a quick & light-hearted rom-com and I won't fault it for not bringing the epic angst or expertly twisted plot of a legitimate novel on par with the likes of Outlander.
Also, a time-travel romance that doesn't connect the heroine to some toothpaste-devoid Renaissance man? Thank you Jesus.
January 30, 2023
How I wished I could travel in time to read future installments in this Time after Time series! I absolutely love genius level non-linear time stories, especially when the One True Love is at stake.
Amelia lives in the same cabin as Grey, three years apart but still, they keep bumping into each other. The time portal must be somewhere in the cabin, but it’s not entirely resolved in the end how this time traveling worked. I didn’t mind, though,
because there was a mystery to be solved, a romance to root for, and a cat-boss named Bob, that should have its own spinoff series ♥️
I really enjoy Mary Frame’s writing, the characters are always interesting, the plots compelling, and I really, really, really hope there will be a third (and a fourth, and a fifth, and a sixth, and a seventh, and a forever-th) book in this wonderful series full of time shenanigans!
Amelia lives in the same cabin as Grey, three years apart but still, they keep bumping into each other. The time portal must be somewhere in the cabin, but it’s not entirely resolved in the end how this time traveling worked. I didn’t mind, though,
because there was a mystery to be solved, a romance to root for, and a cat-boss named Bob, that should have its own spinoff series ♥️
I really enjoy Mary Frame’s writing, the characters are always interesting, the plots compelling, and I really, really, really hope there will be a third (and a fourth, and a fifth, and a sixth, and a seventh, and a forever-th) book in this wonderful series full of time shenanigans!
October 8, 2021
Wow! I love this Super, Fabulous, Entertaining, Time Travel story! I honestly am overwhelmed by how much I do love this book. I am not a person that seeks out a fantasy book, but I read this book since I have enjoyed this author’s work in the past. I am so glad that I read it!
The plot is well developed and makes perfect sense to me. Maybe time travel is possible after all. I definitely think that would be a pretty neat thing in the world, especially if it worked as it did in this book.
While for the most part, this is a light-hearted romantic story of a meant to be couple, it is also at the same time quite emotional. So many themes are interwoven: friendship, loneliness, guilt, jealously, and unresolved misunderstandings to name just a few.
I was immediately drawn into the story with the first paragraph and did not want to put it down, and was sad when I reached the end. That is a sign of a great book, I want it to continue. Also, I am still thinking about the characters and how their lives will go on, even if the book has ended. I feel like I know them and miss “most” of them. Of course, every story has the bad guys, but that just makes you cheer on the good guys and are happy when the bad guy are put in their place.
I rarely re-read a book, but I am already thinking about re-reading this one. Now that I have finished it, I want to go back and enjoy it once again knowing the ending. I read the advanced reader copy, but pre-ordered the book also after finishing it. I think I have a plan for October 29th, the release date. I will be reading this book again! It will be a bit like time traveling back to the first time I read it.
The plot is well developed and makes perfect sense to me. Maybe time travel is possible after all. I definitely think that would be a pretty neat thing in the world, especially if it worked as it did in this book.
While for the most part, this is a light-hearted romantic story of a meant to be couple, it is also at the same time quite emotional. So many themes are interwoven: friendship, loneliness, guilt, jealously, and unresolved misunderstandings to name just a few.
I was immediately drawn into the story with the first paragraph and did not want to put it down, and was sad when I reached the end. That is a sign of a great book, I want it to continue. Also, I am still thinking about the characters and how their lives will go on, even if the book has ended. I feel like I know them and miss “most” of them. Of course, every story has the bad guys, but that just makes you cheer on the good guys and are happy when the bad guy are put in their place.
I rarely re-read a book, but I am already thinking about re-reading this one. Now that I have finished it, I want to go back and enjoy it once again knowing the ending. I read the advanced reader copy, but pre-ordered the book also after finishing it. I think I have a plan for October 29th, the release date. I will be reading this book again! It will be a bit like time traveling back to the first time I read it.
July 23, 2022
3.5 stars
October 14, 2021
I really, really want to give more than 5 stars to this book. The entire concept to the time travel in this book gripped me in a way that I haven't felt since watching Back to the Future. Quirky, witty and immensely fun, I devoured this story. Amelia is a hugely endearing character, an oddball in a cute way and still raw from her parents' deceit. Lexi and Grey are also wonderful, and I loved the way Preston turned out. Very excellent read.
October 10, 2021
If I Could Turn Back Time by Mary Frame is a ghost story, a mystery, a romance and a very enjoyable read. The cabin that Amelia inherits from her grandfather has a lot of secrets and strange things going on. Amelia is hesitant to accept that the cabin has a time portal, but when the evidence becomes overwhelming she and Gray, the former, now dead tenant must work together to try to change his future…and perhaps hers. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend.
October 12, 2021
If I Could Turn Back Time I would go back and re-read every single Mary Frame book so I could enjoy them again for the first time. It is impossible not to fall in love with Amelia and Grey and watch with bated breath as they figure out a way to right the wrongs of the past and be together. Sweet, funny, charming and just darn entertaining, this book will have you chuckling and swooning and smiling the whole time.
October 7, 2021
Wow this book knocked my socks off!
I have read a couple of books by this author before, and while I really enjoyed them, this one was on a whole different level.
It's a delicious mix of mystery, romance and it's very funny - there's a dash of paranormal, I would say enough to keep PNR fans happy and not too much to put off those who aren't keen on it.
The pacing in the book is SPOT ON. I couldn't stop reading it, desperate to find out what happens next. It's not very long which means there's a lot happening all the time. Also the ending was great. I was nervous that it wouldn't be but it was brilliant.
I really recommend this book!
I received and Advanced Reader Copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I have read a couple of books by this author before, and while I really enjoyed them, this one was on a whole different level.
It's a delicious mix of mystery, romance and it's very funny - there's a dash of paranormal, I would say enough to keep PNR fans happy and not too much to put off those who aren't keen on it.
The pacing in the book is SPOT ON. I couldn't stop reading it, desperate to find out what happens next. It's not very long which means there's a lot happening all the time. Also the ending was great. I was nervous that it wouldn't be but it was brilliant.
I really recommend this book!
I received and Advanced Reader Copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 10, 2021
I got this book as an ARC and I loved it! It is cute Romance. I had no idea what it was about going and I’m glad because it was a surprise. I would recommend this book to everyone.
January 20, 2022
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
For a fantasy/science fiction-heavy book, If I could Turn Back Time felt very light and easy to read. There could have been a little more information about the MC in the beginning, I didn't know her name for a little bit. But once I got into the story, it flew by quickly.
I liked the slight mystery aspect and the romance was so cute, it's like I just ate four sparkly cupcakes. In a good way, of course. And even though a majority of the plot was focused on a science fiction/fantasy element, there was only one small moment that made me realize it wasn't possible, and that was the quote about the universe moving everything/doing everything if there was true love involved.
This book was funny, adorable, and the romance and plot were exquisite.
For a fantasy/science fiction-heavy book, If I could Turn Back Time felt very light and easy to read. There could have been a little more information about the MC in the beginning, I didn't know her name for a little bit. But once I got into the story, it flew by quickly.
I liked the slight mystery aspect and the romance was so cute, it's like I just ate four sparkly cupcakes. In a good way, of course. And even though a majority of the plot was focused on a science fiction/fantasy element, there was only one small moment that made me realize it wasn't possible, and that was the quote about the universe moving everything/doing everything if there was true love involved.
This book was funny, adorable, and the romance and plot were exquisite.
February 21, 2022
4.5 stars- I love time travel stories and this was a good one! The way the town people “greeted” Amelia with suspicion and yelling mean things at her, wouldn’t say hello in the grocery store, etc didn’t make sense to me and I felt like it was too over the top and unnecessary (why I didn’t give this a full five stars). However, all of the parts involving Grey and the mystery of why the time travel was happening and everything involved with it I really loved. This story was cute, warm, sexy and satisfying. I liked the end, wished for a little more, but over all it was great. There is also a pretty hilarious part in here where Amelia is trying to collect a DNA sample from someone and pretends they have a bee flying around their head that I thought was pretty funny. I’d recommend this one, and I hope there are more books to come in this series.
February 1, 2022
This book was exactly what I thought it would be, and that is incredibly satisfying. If I Could Turn Back Time follows Amelia as she inherits her grandfather’s “haunted” cabin and tries to settle in a new town in a bit of a rough part of her life.
This book is light, but not shallow, funny, romantic, and all-in-all just the type of book that leaves a smile on my face. The time-traveling elements are well done, and the characters were likable, developed naturally, and had great chemistry. In general, the plot just flowed super well. The romance moves fast, but I think it skirted insta love territory (Steam level maybe a 4 out of 5.)
Basically, I think this would make a stellar chick flick, and I’d be stoked to watch it. I totally recommend this for romance fans who like a little steam, and I’ll definitely be reading more by this author.
Thanks to the publisher and Booksirens for the free copy!
This book is light, but not shallow, funny, romantic, and all-in-all just the type of book that leaves a smile on my face. The time-traveling elements are well done, and the characters were likable, developed naturally, and had great chemistry. In general, the plot just flowed super well. The romance moves fast, but I think it skirted insta love territory (Steam level maybe a 4 out of 5.)
Basically, I think this would make a stellar chick flick, and I’d be stoked to watch it. I totally recommend this for romance fans who like a little steam, and I’ll definitely be reading more by this author.
Thanks to the publisher and Booksirens for the free copy!
March 8, 2022
This was everything i thought it would be and more. The haunting cabin part lured me in because i love me some paranormal books but then the romance, the time travel aspect, and the murder mystery just cinched the whole thing for me. It was amazing from the get-go. I knew in my gut it was Claire the minute they refused again and again of her involvement in the whole thing. The overly sweet is always the number one suspect. At least in my book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2022
This is a well written book with strong characters and an intriguing story line. The author does a great job pulling you in with all the twists and turns as well as the romance between Amelia and Grey. The story moves fluidly with her descriptive scenes and I enjoyed reading. Beautiful ending!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
October 20, 2021
I really liked this story! I am always a bit suspicious and worried about romances with science-fiction in them because they can irk me pretty fast but I LOVED this one. It reminded me of The Lake house movie in all the best ways with a bit of mystery added.
And I loved the fact that the story kept changing going on. The way the characters evolved knowing new things was fascinating and involving and I really liked Grey and Amelia and their connection.
And I loved the fact that the story kept changing going on. The way the characters evolved knowing new things was fascinating and involving and I really liked Grey and Amelia and their connection.
October 14, 2021
What a wonderfully fun and refreshing book! I really liked the time travel premise, especially since it was set around Halloween and I read it then too.
Amelia and Grey were so sweet together, you can’t help but root for them to break through that wee little barrier of existing in separate times. The whodunnit was well done and kept me guessing. The ending was perfect!
Mary Frame has a great sense of humor, a unique way of describing sexy times, and a knack for writing complete and well thought-out stories using a reasonable amount of words. I’m such a fan!
Amelia and Grey were so sweet together, you can’t help but root for them to break through that wee little barrier of existing in separate times. The whodunnit was well done and kept me guessing. The ending was perfect!
Mary Frame has a great sense of humor, a unique way of describing sexy times, and a knack for writing complete and well thought-out stories using a reasonable amount of words. I’m such a fan!
October 16, 2021
First of all, I don’t read paranormal books. I mostly stick to contemporary romance. I’m so glad I chose to read this book because it had me intrigued from the first word till the last. Love all the twist and turns and the ending is beautiful.
October 29, 2021
The premise of this book is so unusual, it left me pondering a good while after finishing the book. It's actually a puzzle, but in the beginning it's not noticeable, and then you slowly realize it's a sum of its pieces, each as important as the others, with star-crossed lovers at the heart of it.
It's interesting and maybe a bit sad how people find value in different things - love, family, image, money or resentment. The writing is so good it makes you live in the characters' skin - unable not to cheer for the good ones and take their side.
Well done again, Mary!
It's interesting and maybe a bit sad how people find value in different things - love, family, image, money or resentment. The writing is so good it makes you live in the characters' skin - unable not to cheer for the good ones and take their side.
Well done again, Mary!
October 28, 2021
This is another enjoyable and entertaining book from author Mary Frame. Her books never fail to keep you turning pages, laughing, and wondering what might happen next. This book is no exception.
If I Could Turn Back Time is the perfect book for the Halloween season, or any season, but it’s much more. If you enjoyed The Time Travelers’ Wife, and if you enjoy humorous romance mixed with mystery, this is definitely the book for you.
Amelia inherits a small house from her grandfather. She’s surprised, but happy to finally have a place of her own where she can pursue her writing career. What she doesn’t expect is to have a man popping in and out of the house from the ether, a supposedly dead man. She’s not sure if he’s a ghost, a dream, or what, but she’s drawn to him in a way she’s never been drawn to anyone. As he pops in and out, and as they get to know each other, they manage to work together to solve the mystery of his death. And as they do, there’s a passion growing between them. But how can you fall in love with a dead man?
A fun read that will keep you turning pages and eager to see what happens next. It is definitely an adult read, but it's highly entertaining.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
If I Could Turn Back Time is the perfect book for the Halloween season, or any season, but it’s much more. If you enjoyed The Time Travelers’ Wife, and if you enjoy humorous romance mixed with mystery, this is definitely the book for you.
Amelia inherits a small house from her grandfather. She’s surprised, but happy to finally have a place of her own where she can pursue her writing career. What she doesn’t expect is to have a man popping in and out of the house from the ether, a supposedly dead man. She’s not sure if he’s a ghost, a dream, or what, but she’s drawn to him in a way she’s never been drawn to anyone. As he pops in and out, and as they get to know each other, they manage to work together to solve the mystery of his death. And as they do, there’s a passion growing between them. But how can you fall in love with a dead man?
A fun read that will keep you turning pages and eager to see what happens next. It is definitely an adult read, but it's highly entertaining.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
Read
April 24, 2023If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further than Mary Frame's If I Could Turn Back Time. The second installment in the Time After Time series is a thrilling blend of romance, time travel, and mystery that will leave you turning pages well into the night.
The story centers on Amelia Peters, a self-proclaimed skeptic who inherits a cabin in a small town and soon finds herself falling for a mysterious man who turns out to be a time traveler. As Amelia and her love interest become more involved, they discover that his time-hopping abilities may be leading him to an untimely demise. Amelia is determined to save him, but doing so means confronting her own secrets and altering the course of history.
Frame's writing is both witty and heartfelt, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. The romance between Amelia and her time-traveling beau is electric, and their banter is sure to make readers swoon. But what really sets this book apart is its unique blend of genres: it's a romance, a mystery, and a sci-fi adventure all rolled into one.
Overall, If I Could Turn Back Time is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of all genres. Whether you're in the mood for a thrilling mystery or a heartwarming romance, this book has something for everyone. Highly recommended!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story centers on Amelia Peters, a self-proclaimed skeptic who inherits a cabin in a small town and soon finds herself falling for a mysterious man who turns out to be a time traveler. As Amelia and her love interest become more involved, they discover that his time-hopping abilities may be leading him to an untimely demise. Amelia is determined to save him, but doing so means confronting her own secrets and altering the course of history.
Frame's writing is both witty and heartfelt, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. The romance between Amelia and her time-traveling beau is electric, and their banter is sure to make readers swoon. But what really sets this book apart is its unique blend of genres: it's a romance, a mystery, and a sci-fi adventure all rolled into one.
Overall, If I Could Turn Back Time is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of all genres. Whether you're in the mood for a thrilling mystery or a heartwarming romance, this book has something for everyone. Highly recommended!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 24, 2021
First off, please tell me I’m not the only one who hears Cher belting it out in their mind when they read the title of this book? Just me, huh ok. Moving on.
I like to think of this book as a good mix of The Time Travelers Wife meets Back to the Future with a hint of who done it mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was a fast read as I really couldn’t put it down (I stayed up till 2am the night I started the book).
I appreciated the undertones of dealing with big emotions such as grief, loneliness and the need for community. The romance was a nice mix of rom-com fun with steamy passion on top. The language was tactfully placed thru out the book which I appreciated, nothing worse then characters that can’t articulate themselves with nothing more than profanity. I will say the steamy scenes were just that, quite steamy so perhaps a book better suited to an older audience (thou that could just be the mom in me talking).
The only thing I found wanting with this book was I wish the ending had been a tad longer. Not that the chapter needed to drag on, I just wish there was more closure to the characters. It just felt a tad rushed at the end and perhaps I just wasn’t ready for it to be over.
Other then that it was five stars for me and I look forward to reading more of Mary’s books in the future as this was my first taste.
I like to think of this book as a good mix of The Time Travelers Wife meets Back to the Future with a hint of who done it mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was a fast read as I really couldn’t put it down (I stayed up till 2am the night I started the book).
I appreciated the undertones of dealing with big emotions such as grief, loneliness and the need for community. The romance was a nice mix of rom-com fun with steamy passion on top. The language was tactfully placed thru out the book which I appreciated, nothing worse then characters that can’t articulate themselves with nothing more than profanity. I will say the steamy scenes were just that, quite steamy so perhaps a book better suited to an older audience (thou that could just be the mom in me talking).
The only thing I found wanting with this book was I wish the ending had been a tad longer. Not that the chapter needed to drag on, I just wish there was more closure to the characters. It just felt a tad rushed at the end and perhaps I just wasn’t ready for it to be over.
Other then that it was five stars for me and I look forward to reading more of Mary’s books in the future as this was my first taste.
November 25, 2021
There were strong shades of The Lake House (with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves) here, with the exception of Grey having been murdered and Amelia having to solve his murder.
We find, early on, that Amelia’s parents were “ghostbusters” and defrauded people out of money. Unfortunately, they were world renowned, and she was the only one who knew they were crooks. At the beginning of the book, she arrives in the small town where her grandfather has recently died and left her a cabin that has been in her family for years. Unfortunately, she didn’t know her grandfather existed and thought that when her parents died she was alone in the world.
She makes her first true friend in Lexie, her grandfather’s lawyer’s daughter. She is the best friend of the man who died in Lexi’s cabin. She is shunned by most of the town because she is her parents’ daughter.
The story goes on with Grey showing up intermittently at the cabin and he and Amelia trying to determine how he died while they fall in love. Lexi is also working with Amelia on this puzzle.
The book is well worth reading. The mystery is interesting, but it is fairly obvious early on in the “whodunit” portion as to what happened. It becomes more of a question of how the happily ever after will happen in the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We find, early on, that Amelia’s parents were “ghostbusters” and defrauded people out of money. Unfortunately, they were world renowned, and she was the only one who knew they were crooks. At the beginning of the book, she arrives in the small town where her grandfather has recently died and left her a cabin that has been in her family for years. Unfortunately, she didn’t know her grandfather existed and thought that when her parents died she was alone in the world.
She makes her first true friend in Lexie, her grandfather’s lawyer’s daughter. She is the best friend of the man who died in Lexi’s cabin. She is shunned by most of the town because she is her parents’ daughter.
The story goes on with Grey showing up intermittently at the cabin and he and Amelia trying to determine how he died while they fall in love. Lexi is also working with Amelia on this puzzle.
The book is well worth reading. The mystery is interesting, but it is fairly obvious early on in the “whodunit” portion as to what happened. It becomes more of a question of how the happily ever after will happen in the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 30, 2021
Amelia Peters doesn't believe in ghosts. After growing up with paranormal investigators for parents, she knows that anything spooky is just for show. When she moves to the small town where her grandfather lived, she realizes she may not be alone in her grandfather's cabin, but rather than being accompanied by a ghost, she discovers that there's a time slip in her home and she's meeting a man who is doomed to die within a few weeks.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I appreciated the unique take on a time travel story. I liked that that it was a mash up up of genres which included romance, science fiction, and a bit of mystery. I think some elements were better done than others. The characters were interesting and likeable. The mystery was overall satisfying, but it may not be complex enough for anyone who regularly reads mysteries. I also didn't love the romance between Amelia and Grey which was a disappointment. Things happened quickly and I just didn't fully believe the trajectory of their relationship even with some of the explanations thrown in. I would have loved to see more relationship development which would have made it more satisfying especially at the end.
Overall, it was a cute, quick read, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for something fluffy!
Thanks to Mary Frame and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and honestly review this ARC.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I appreciated the unique take on a time travel story. I liked that that it was a mash up up of genres which included romance, science fiction, and a bit of mystery. I think some elements were better done than others. The characters were interesting and likeable. The mystery was overall satisfying, but it may not be complex enough for anyone who regularly reads mysteries. I also didn't love the romance between Amelia and Grey which was a disappointment. Things happened quickly and I just didn't fully believe the trajectory of their relationship even with some of the explanations thrown in. I would have loved to see more relationship development which would have made it more satisfying especially at the end.
Overall, it was a cute, quick read, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for something fluffy!
Thanks to Mary Frame and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and honestly review this ARC.
November 4, 2021
All I know is that you have to be REALLY SMART to write a time bending/time travel novel and have it all make sense. Mary Frame is clearly a genius!
Ok, I might be a sucker for time travel romances (a la Time Traveler's Wife) and I already am a huge Mary Frame fan, so I was not surprised to love this book.
However, this novel was definitely darker and more suspenseful than other books I have read by this author- she had me on the edge of my seat! (I actually had to read it twice...sped through once because I was so anxious about the outcome; I indulged in a second reading to really soak in all the random 80's references and random shout out to Brooklyn 99).
If I Could Turn Back Time has a protagonist you will immediately want to befriend and hug, outlandish yet relatable supporting characters, scenarios that are just a little too crazy not to be believable, and witty observations I will totally use in real life: "I know what's gotten into her, She's a total ...." Throw in the super hot love interest and I am sold. I did not at all mind the steamy scenes, either! I recieved an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily- but I'm totally buying this book for my sister for Christmas!
Ok, I might be a sucker for time travel romances (a la Time Traveler's Wife) and I already am a huge Mary Frame fan, so I was not surprised to love this book.
However, this novel was definitely darker and more suspenseful than other books I have read by this author- she had me on the edge of my seat! (I actually had to read it twice...sped through once because I was so anxious about the outcome; I indulged in a second reading to really soak in all the random 80's references and random shout out to Brooklyn 99).
If I Could Turn Back Time has a protagonist you will immediately want to befriend and hug, outlandish yet relatable supporting characters, scenarios that are just a little too crazy not to be believable, and witty observations I will totally use in real life: "I know what's gotten into her, She's a total ...." Throw in the super hot love interest and I am sold. I did not at all mind the steamy scenes, either! I recieved an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily- but I'm totally buying this book for my sister for Christmas!
Read
October 29, 2021Normally, I am not one to read paranormal romance but I make exceptions. I can't help but love anything Mary Frame writes. She has such an intelligent and humorous way of writing a story. She did it once again with this book. If I Could Turn Back Time is a bit of a mix. It's a ghost story, it's a mystery, and, of course, it's a romance.
Here we have Amelia and Gray who meet under less than ideal circumstances. He's dead, after all, and there's a mystery that surrounds his death. The two have great chemistry and are a lot of fun but they can't be together until they figure out a way to break that time barrier that keeps them apart. This is where the mystery starts and keeps you guessing right along with them...and Bob, the cat. I don't want to leave out Bob.
This story has a well thought out plot, great flow, laugh out loud fun, and wonderful characters. It's everything that a good rom-com should be and it has a wonderful HEA.
This book is a great addition to the Time After Time series. I'm giving it four fun stars and my seal of approval. Give it a go. You won't be sorry that you did.
Here we have Amelia and Gray who meet under less than ideal circumstances. He's dead, after all, and there's a mystery that surrounds his death. The two have great chemistry and are a lot of fun but they can't be together until they figure out a way to break that time barrier that keeps them apart. This is where the mystery starts and keeps you guessing right along with them...and Bob, the cat. I don't want to leave out Bob.
This story has a well thought out plot, great flow, laugh out loud fun, and wonderful characters. It's everything that a good rom-com should be and it has a wonderful HEA.
This book is a great addition to the Time After Time series. I'm giving it four fun stars and my seal of approval. Give it a go. You won't be sorry that you did.
October 30, 2021
If I Could Turn Back Time ARC Review
by: Mary Frame
First off, I have never read a book featuring time travel and romance. I found this book a good if not fast read. I really like both the Female and Male lead. I really enjoyed how their time hopes interloped and characters noted changes.
Without revealing any spoilers, I really enjoyed the mystery and suspense. I felt like it was easy to connect to both characters and their tragedy. I also felt like they had many parallels in each others story. My only complaint is not having any POV from the Male lead.
December 4, 2021
Steamy, sweet mystery romance
Amelia is a woman without connections or family, new in town. Grey is the man who died three years ago in her house. But this isn't a ghost story, because Grey is very much alive. He can talk and eat - and make love. Together, he and Amelia must figure out how to stop Grey's death, even if it means Amelia's past is changed and the two never meet.
This book is adorable. The premise is really unusual, and the mystery is compelling without being spooky or uncomfortably suspenseful. The side characters are quirky and every bit as interesting as the main ones. Amelia and Grey's relationship doesn't seem to be based on much beyond chemistry, but their scenes together are so well-written that I didn't mind.
Although there is some serious subject matter (Grey's death, and that of several of the main characters' relatives) the novel's tone is light . I finished it in about two days because it was so readable, fun, and eventually page-turning that I didn't want to stop. 4.5 stars!
(I received an ARC of this novel for free in exchange for my honest review.)
Amelia is a woman without connections or family, new in town. Grey is the man who died three years ago in her house. But this isn't a ghost story, because Grey is very much alive. He can talk and eat - and make love. Together, he and Amelia must figure out how to stop Grey's death, even if it means Amelia's past is changed and the two never meet.
This book is adorable. The premise is really unusual, and the mystery is compelling without being spooky or uncomfortably suspenseful. The side characters are quirky and every bit as interesting as the main ones. Amelia and Grey's relationship doesn't seem to be based on much beyond chemistry, but their scenes together are so well-written that I didn't mind.
Although there is some serious subject matter (Grey's death, and that of several of the main characters' relatives) the novel's tone is light . I finished it in about two days because it was so readable, fun, and eventually page-turning that I didn't want to stop. 4.5 stars!
(I received an ARC of this novel for free in exchange for my honest review.)
February 15, 2022
This is my first Mary Frame novel and it was fantastic! Amelia moves into a new home and encounters the previous owner, Grey, only he has been dead for the last three years. As the two begin to explore the reasons behind their ability to see one another, they also start to look into Grey's death and whether or not it truly was the accident it seemed to be.
Amelia was relatable as an early twenty something trying to figure out her way in the world with no family or friends to speak of. I felt her loneliness and enjoyed watching her relationship with Grey evolve as they got to know one another. Her antics with her new friend Lexi were hilarious and had me laughing out loud. I also got very emotionally invested, not only in Amelia's relationships with others, but with her and Grey trying to figure out his death. The mystery aspect of the book was great and had me turning the pages to see what would happen.
I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to go back to read Frame's previous novels as well. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Amelia was relatable as an early twenty something trying to figure out her way in the world with no family or friends to speak of. I felt her loneliness and enjoyed watching her relationship with Grey evolve as they got to know one another. Her antics with her new friend Lexi were hilarious and had me laughing out loud. I also got very emotionally invested, not only in Amelia's relationships with others, but with her and Grey trying to figure out his death. The mystery aspect of the book was great and had me turning the pages to see what would happen.
I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to go back to read Frame's previous novels as well. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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