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If She Had Stayed
Sometimes the past is better left alone.
Kaley Kline is thrilled to have landed a job as director of the new Tesla Museum in Colorado Springs. To make the museum successful, she searches for undiscovered works to display. When she finds an old safe that might have been Tesla’s, she’s shocked to find some diary pages supposedly written by the inventor himself.
Kaley initially thinks either that the journal is a fraud or Tesla was experiencing a nervous breakdown when he wrote it. However, if his experiments were real, the world will never be the same. She decides to secretly build Tesla’s time machine and attempt to go back into her own life to change a decision she has always regretted.
She prepares for a trip to the past, not knowing whether she will electrocute herself or travel back to the Boulder of her sophomore year in college. But an old boyfriend might have hidden some secrets from her—secrets that could have her fighting for her life.
Kaley Kline is thrilled to have landed a job as director of the new Tesla Museum in Colorado Springs. To make the museum successful, she searches for undiscovered works to display. When she finds an old safe that might have been Tesla’s, she’s shocked to find some diary pages supposedly written by the inventor himself.
Kaley initially thinks either that the journal is a fraud or Tesla was experiencing a nervous breakdown when he wrote it. However, if his experiments were real, the world will never be the same. She decides to secretly build Tesla’s time machine and attempt to go back into her own life to change a decision she has always regretted.
She prepares for a trip to the past, not knowing whether she will electrocute herself or travel back to the Boulder of her sophomore year in college. But an old boyfriend might have hidden some secrets from her—secrets that could have her fighting for her life.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2020
61 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
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September 26, 2020
If you had the chance to do something over from your past, would you?
Kaley has always felt a connection to Nikola Tesla, because her grandfather once worked for the famous inventor. Now she’s the acting director of a soon-to-be-opened Tesla Museum in Colorado Springs, a job she hopes will become permanent. (Only if she can raise enough money.)
After meeting with a potential donor, she is given an antique safe, in which she finds some long-lost papers which appear to be written by Tesla himself. She can’t believe what she reads. Was he delusional or did he really time travel? Imagine how this discovery could impact the world!
Even though her mind is telling her that time travel isn't possible, Kaley’s curiosity gets the best of her, so she builds Tesla’s time machine in order to see whether his words are true. She plans to go back to her college days to change her actions around one major decision in her life.
Will she get to her past? Will she kill herself in the process? What she doesn’t count on is someone less-than-honest from her past hiding things from her.
I’m a fan of anything time travel-related so this was an interesting read, meshing science and action and character development. At times it got a little confusing, but the story definitely hooked me, and I love the nuances Diane Byington brought to the story.
I was pleased to be part of the blog tour for this book. Kate Rock Blog Tours and Diane Byington provided me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Kaley has always felt a connection to Nikola Tesla, because her grandfather once worked for the famous inventor. Now she’s the acting director of a soon-to-be-opened Tesla Museum in Colorado Springs, a job she hopes will become permanent. (Only if she can raise enough money.)
After meeting with a potential donor, she is given an antique safe, in which she finds some long-lost papers which appear to be written by Tesla himself. She can’t believe what she reads. Was he delusional or did he really time travel? Imagine how this discovery could impact the world!
Even though her mind is telling her that time travel isn't possible, Kaley’s curiosity gets the best of her, so she builds Tesla’s time machine in order to see whether his words are true. She plans to go back to her college days to change her actions around one major decision in her life.
Will she get to her past? Will she kill herself in the process? What she doesn’t count on is someone less-than-honest from her past hiding things from her.
I’m a fan of anything time travel-related so this was an interesting read, meshing science and action and character development. At times it got a little confusing, but the story definitely hooked me, and I love the nuances Diane Byington brought to the story.
I was pleased to be part of the blog tour for this book. Kate Rock Blog Tours and Diane Byington provided me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
March 22, 2020
This has a little of everything. Suspense, romance and my favorite,time travel. The Tesla plot really drew me right to it. Kaley Kline lands the job of a lifetime as the director of the Tesla museum. When she finds a diary written by Tesla she decides to build a time machine and go back in time to change her past. This was a good read and I enjoyed it.
Dawnny-BookGypsy
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny-BookGypsy
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
February 4, 2020
If She had Stayed is Ms. Byington’s sophomore book, and it was such a joy to read I whizzed through it in one sitting. She successfully blends women’s fiction with time travel while fan-girling scientist Nikola Tesla. Kaley Kline, a mid-thirties woman, having never lived up to her potential, feels she is a “dud”. When she discovers pages from Tesla’s journals detailing time travel, she resolves to prove his assertions are correct. Tesla, too, is a bit of a dud, never living up to his potential as a scientist nor never achieving the success of his contemporaries. As the director of the new Tesla Museum in Colorado Springs, Kaley hopes to make her museum successful and envisions the old journal as the means to do it—plus she’ll get personal kudos for being the second person to travel through time.
The tone is upbeat but with some darker undertones of madness and abuse, but revealing those would disclose the plot. The characters—from Kaley to her boyfriend to Tesla—all have appropriate growth during their character arcs.
The tone is upbeat but with some darker undertones of madness and abuse, but revealing those would disclose the plot. The characters—from Kaley to her boyfriend to Tesla—all have appropriate growth during their character arcs.
January 2, 2024
This is a very good book! I thought the plot was exceptionally creative on how it used the Tesla Museum to tell some of the story about Tesla himself. Bravo! I always enjoy people that are authors that have the ability to take a someone normal idea/process and turn it into an interesting book.
I absolutely loved the character Ms. Kline, and was cheering her on that she went through the process of digging out the old paperwork. Very clever, by Byington! The time machine was a bit of a stretch but it was a novel, after all.
I recommend stories I like for other media, especially movies, and this is one that I think would be a spectacular series on one of the streaming networks. The time machine concept would capture audiences, if it was done well.
Enjoy this book and I recommended it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely loved the character Ms. Kline, and was cheering her on that she went through the process of digging out the old paperwork. Very clever, by Byington! The time machine was a bit of a stretch but it was a novel, after all.
I recommend stories I like for other media, especially movies, and this is one that I think would be a spectacular series on one of the streaming networks. The time machine concept would capture audiences, if it was done well.
Enjoy this book and I recommended it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2020
This was a different read for me and I found it to be an enjoyable read. Our protagonist Kaley Kline is the new Tesla museum director in Colorado Springs, who discovered Tesla’s diary. Kline was resolved to recreate a time machine to attempt to go back into her own life to change a decision she has always regretted.
I enjoyed Byington’s writing - it was clear, easy to read, and with the addition of thrilling elements made for a quick paced read. If She Had Stayed proves to answer the questions of right and wrong and when faced with the ability to change your past, would you do it?
I enjoyed Byington’s writing - it was clear, easy to read, and with the addition of thrilling elements made for a quick paced read. If She Had Stayed proves to answer the questions of right and wrong and when faced with the ability to change your past, would you do it?
March 16, 2020
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story starts out rather uneventful which made me wonder why it was labeled a suspense thriller. Kaley Kline is working hard to make a name for herself and be successful. She feels like the “dud” in her family of successful parents and siblings. Her interest in the research and work of Nikola Tesla leads her to Colorado Springs to conjure donors for the Tesla Museum opening.
Her complete dedication to her job left little time for a her boyfriend Kevin who finally calls it quits. Unaffected by the breakup, Kaley sees this as an opportunity to concentrate on her work. While trying to secure a wealthy donor she is given some artifacts from the Tesla home including an old safe. Thinking that it could be added to the other items relevant to the museum she accepts the kind donation. Once the safe was transferred to the museum Kaley begins to fantasize about the possible contents if any. She does some research about the safe and eventually deciphers a combination which successfully opens the old safe.
Kaley is fascinated with her discovery; an old diary belonging to Tesla regarding his research into time travel. She has thoughts for fame and fortune by attempting to successfully recreate his device for time travel. She begins to reminisce about a college boyfriend she left behind to pursue her dream of being a singer.
Kaley remembers that Scott had been an engineering student in college and decides see if they can reconnect. When Kaley sees Scott again it seems that both their lives had moved in different directions after their split. She felt guilty for not letting him know she was leaving and he felt resentful for being left without explanation.
The two seem to be able to work through issues from their past to work together on this secret project. They each have their own intention for wanting this to succeed. As they prepare for their adventure into the past, Kaley wakes up to discover that Scott has left her behind. She soon realizes that Scott is not the same person she used to know. Kaley goes on a frantic search for him which proves to be dangerous as he seeks revenge for the past.
The story starts out rather uneventful which made me wonder why it was labeled a suspense thriller. Kaley Kline is working hard to make a name for herself and be successful. She feels like the “dud” in her family of successful parents and siblings. Her interest in the research and work of Nikola Tesla leads her to Colorado Springs to conjure donors for the Tesla Museum opening.
Her complete dedication to her job left little time for a her boyfriend Kevin who finally calls it quits. Unaffected by the breakup, Kaley sees this as an opportunity to concentrate on her work. While trying to secure a wealthy donor she is given some artifacts from the Tesla home including an old safe. Thinking that it could be added to the other items relevant to the museum she accepts the kind donation. Once the safe was transferred to the museum Kaley begins to fantasize about the possible contents if any. She does some research about the safe and eventually deciphers a combination which successfully opens the old safe.
Kaley is fascinated with her discovery; an old diary belonging to Tesla regarding his research into time travel. She has thoughts for fame and fortune by attempting to successfully recreate his device for time travel. She begins to reminisce about a college boyfriend she left behind to pursue her dream of being a singer.
Kaley remembers that Scott had been an engineering student in college and decides see if they can reconnect. When Kaley sees Scott again it seems that both their lives had moved in different directions after their split. She felt guilty for not letting him know she was leaving and he felt resentful for being left without explanation.
The two seem to be able to work through issues from their past to work together on this secret project. They each have their own intention for wanting this to succeed. As they prepare for their adventure into the past, Kaley wakes up to discover that Scott has left her behind. She soon realizes that Scott is not the same person she used to know. Kaley goes on a frantic search for him which proves to be dangerous as he seeks revenge for the past.
May 2, 2020
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Haven’t you ever wondered “what if?” What if you could go back in time, maybe to repair mistakes, maybe to find out if they weren’t mistakes after all, or maybe, to make a mark in history? Do you know which would be the driving force?
Kind of light, kind of fluffy, but certainly an interesting take on Tesla and time travel, IF SHE HAD STAYED by Diane Byington has successfully blended a little science fiction, a little fantasy and even some women’s fiction as one woman makes an amazing discovery and uses what she has found to go back in time. Will she fix what she considers her mistakes, prevent a nightmare or will she discover that history should be left alone and life is what we make it?
I was entertained, I did get frustrated with how flat many of the characters were, but on the whole, if you are looking for a brief escape into fantasy with a touch of true history mixed in, this is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
I was invited to receive a complimentary copy from Red Adept Publishing! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing, LLC (February 17, 2020)
Publication Date: February 17, 2020
Genre: Time Travel Fantasy | Women's Fiction
Print Length: 251 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Haven’t you ever wondered “what if?” What if you could go back in time, maybe to repair mistakes, maybe to find out if they weren’t mistakes after all, or maybe, to make a mark in history? Do you know which would be the driving force?
Kind of light, kind of fluffy, but certainly an interesting take on Tesla and time travel, IF SHE HAD STAYED by Diane Byington has successfully blended a little science fiction, a little fantasy and even some women’s fiction as one woman makes an amazing discovery and uses what she has found to go back in time. Will she fix what she considers her mistakes, prevent a nightmare or will she discover that history should be left alone and life is what we make it?
I was entertained, I did get frustrated with how flat many of the characters were, but on the whole, if you are looking for a brief escape into fantasy with a touch of true history mixed in, this is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
I was invited to receive a complimentary copy from Red Adept Publishing! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing, LLC (February 17, 2020)
Publication Date: February 17, 2020
Genre: Time Travel Fantasy | Women's Fiction
Print Length: 251 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 20, 2020
I'm a sucker for a book where the characters take a jump to another time period! I just love the possibilities of where the story can go and the problems the characters solve.
If She Had Stayed had such an interesting mix of excitement, suspenseful scenes, some romance, and (of course) time travel! I loved that Kaley, the MC, was struggling with her self-worth. She feels like she's not achieving what she should be. As the new director of the Tesla Museum, she stumbles across a journal of Tesla's, and decides to build his time machine. I loved that the story sends Kaley back in time, but within her own lifetime. She's trying to undo the actions of another before time runs out on her. Overall, I thought this was a good story that had just the right amount of excitement. It was a fast-paced, easy read!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
If She Had Stayed had such an interesting mix of excitement, suspenseful scenes, some romance, and (of course) time travel! I loved that Kaley, the MC, was struggling with her self-worth. She feels like she's not achieving what she should be. As the new director of the Tesla Museum, she stumbles across a journal of Tesla's, and decides to build his time machine. I loved that the story sends Kaley back in time, but within her own lifetime. She's trying to undo the actions of another before time runs out on her. Overall, I thought this was a good story that had just the right amount of excitement. It was a fast-paced, easy read!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 16, 2020
Thus was/is a mind_bending tale
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this tome! The plot must have given the author headaches to have worked it all out! A great read if time travel and a good paradox is to your liking! Thank you Mrs. Byington for a very fine reading experience!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this tome! The plot must have given the author headaches to have worked it all out! A great read if time travel and a good paradox is to your liking! Thank you Mrs. Byington for a very fine reading experience!
September 8, 2020
"Our virtues and our failings are inseparable, like force and matter. When they separate, man is no more." // Nikola Tesla
• ABOUT THE BOOK
Kaley Kline is promoted to be the director of the new Tesla Museum at Colorado Springs. While searching for donors and items to display, she comes across Tesla’s journal papers recalling his disturbing yet successful experiments with time-travel. Motivated by an urge to secure her job and seek her family’s approval, Kaley decides to travel into the past and become the second time-traveler. But driven by her emotions, she gets back together with her high-school lover Scott. He somehow convinces Kaley to take him along, all the while hiding a vicious past which could put Kaley in immense danger.
• MY TAKE
Diane Byington brings together women's fiction and sci-fi together in this book with a smooth and fast-paced narrative which lived up to my expectations and had me biting my nails throughout. Though she blends the genres perfectly, the sci-fi part seemed a bit hard to accept. She takes a lot of liberties with sci-fi rules, which made me read on in amazement but also question the credibility of those rules. Despite that, the author does a great job in mixing togther so many genres which makes it possible to overlook the sci-fi anomalies. And anyhow, by the end, I loved the way she culminated the book by altering Kaley's decision. That was really an impressive sci-fi touch. Apart from this, though the book was plot-driven, Diane explores the psyches of the characters in great detail but she fails to make any of them likable.
• CONCLUSION
With If She Had Stayed, you have romance, thriller, sci-fi, drama and even YA for that matter. You may not hail this book as the best book ever, but it's vey hard not to like it. It's a light read with a very satisfying ending. Except, don't analyze the sci-fi elements too much. It's fiction, and Diane is allowed to do absolutely anything!
• I thank the author and @katerockbooktours for the e-copy!❤
• ABOUT THE BOOK
Kaley Kline is promoted to be the director of the new Tesla Museum at Colorado Springs. While searching for donors and items to display, she comes across Tesla’s journal papers recalling his disturbing yet successful experiments with time-travel. Motivated by an urge to secure her job and seek her family’s approval, Kaley decides to travel into the past and become the second time-traveler. But driven by her emotions, she gets back together with her high-school lover Scott. He somehow convinces Kaley to take him along, all the while hiding a vicious past which could put Kaley in immense danger.
• MY TAKE
Diane Byington brings together women's fiction and sci-fi together in this book with a smooth and fast-paced narrative which lived up to my expectations and had me biting my nails throughout. Though she blends the genres perfectly, the sci-fi part seemed a bit hard to accept. She takes a lot of liberties with sci-fi rules, which made me read on in amazement but also question the credibility of those rules. Despite that, the author does a great job in mixing togther so many genres which makes it possible to overlook the sci-fi anomalies. And anyhow, by the end, I loved the way she culminated the book by altering Kaley's decision. That was really an impressive sci-fi touch. Apart from this, though the book was plot-driven, Diane explores the psyches of the characters in great detail but she fails to make any of them likable.
• CONCLUSION
With If She Had Stayed, you have romance, thriller, sci-fi, drama and even YA for that matter. You may not hail this book as the best book ever, but it's vey hard not to like it. It's a light read with a very satisfying ending. Except, don't analyze the sci-fi elements too much. It's fiction, and Diane is allowed to do absolutely anything!
• I thank the author and @katerockbooktours for the e-copy!❤
July 24, 2020
I was not sure if I should give it 3 or 4 stars. In the end, I decided to give 4 stars.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the story about Kaley and her time travel adventure! It provided a good mixture of all genres I like to read about with a bit of slice-of-life, romance, thriller and sci-fi(?). The writing was good and I bonded quickly to Kaley and other characters such as her best friend Hannah. It was a good entertaining book overall and a fast-read.
To be honest, I have not yet many books involving time travel or any sci-fi themed things. But I was surprised how well the Tesla ideas and notes fit into the whole story without making it too heavily loaded with technical details. Tesla's notes were actually a really nice addition and support to the whole plot and it was great to read these inbetween. Even though the book was dealing with time travel, it was never confusing at any point and cleanly written.
The reason why I couldn't decide to give it 3 or 4 stars was because even though I really liked it, I was missing the special something which would make me think about it over and over again. But as mentioned above, if you are looking for a light adventure read with an interesting twist, this will be definitely something for you. In the end, what impacts my decision is how entertained I was during the whole read after all.
**I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens for leaving an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.**
I have thoroughly enjoyed the story about Kaley and her time travel adventure! It provided a good mixture of all genres I like to read about with a bit of slice-of-life, romance, thriller and sci-fi(?). The writing was good and I bonded quickly to Kaley and other characters such as her best friend Hannah. It was a good entertaining book overall and a fast-read.
To be honest, I have not yet many books involving time travel or any sci-fi themed things. But I was surprised how well the Tesla ideas and notes fit into the whole story without making it too heavily loaded with technical details. Tesla's notes were actually a really nice addition and support to the whole plot and it was great to read these inbetween. Even though the book was dealing with time travel, it was never confusing at any point and cleanly written.
The reason why I couldn't decide to give it 3 or 4 stars was because even though I really liked it, I was missing the special something which would make me think about it over and over again. But as mentioned above, if you are looking for a light adventure read with an interesting twist, this will be definitely something for you. In the end, what impacts my decision is how entertained I was during the whole read after all.
**I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens for leaving an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.**
April 19, 2020
Diane Byington is a new-to-me author. I enjoy her style of writing. I have very little knowledge of Nikola Tesla. I did not know how eccentric he was. I have heard that many great thinkers are said to be eccentric. Perhaps they are just ahead of their time?
The character development was spot-on as well as the world-building. I like the idea of Anna Kaley Kline working in a Tesla museum. Breaking into a house, formerly inhabited by the Nikola Tesla, to find Tesla artifacts definitely intrigued me. Kaley's determination is wonderful. However, her one-direction mind does come with disadvantages: she doesn't give enough or dedication to her relationships. It always takes a backseat to her work. That's really sad. Kaley is in her mid-thirties. To me, Kaley would be a great wife and mom. She can have it all. I'd hate for someone with this personality to be too focused on a career and miss out on life!
The time-traveling adds a great element to the story. I know we can't time-travel, but I really like to have fun with the imagination.
Good book. If you like famous inventors/great thinkers, this book would be worth your time.
The character development was spot-on as well as the world-building. I like the idea of Anna Kaley Kline working in a Tesla museum. Breaking into a house, formerly inhabited by the Nikola Tesla, to find Tesla artifacts definitely intrigued me. Kaley's determination is wonderful. However, her one-direction mind does come with disadvantages: she doesn't give enough or dedication to her relationships. It always takes a backseat to her work. That's really sad. Kaley is in her mid-thirties. To me, Kaley would be a great wife and mom. She can have it all. I'd hate for someone with this personality to be too focused on a career and miss out on life!
The time-traveling adds a great element to the story. I know we can't time-travel, but I really like to have fun with the imagination.
Good book. If you like famous inventors/great thinkers, this book would be worth your time.
April 29, 2020
Holy cow was this book ever amazing. Classified as women's fiction/thriller. It had a little bit of everything, time travel, love story, thriller. The writing style was so enjoyable, going from the story line with letters from the scientist thrown in.
Kaley is opening a museum all about Tesla and his inventions. While putting the exhibits together she stumbles across a diary no one knows about. Inside this diary is letters about Tesla's adventures in time travel. Could this be real or truly just fantasy. As Kaley digs deeper she is sure that time travel is possible, and she is going to tru and prove it to go back to her past. Before she tries she needs one more oscillator and she knows just the person from her past to help. Her college boyfriend, Scott. Kaley confides in Scott her plan and their relationship seems to begin to blossom again. Except things don't quite too plan. Some major twists happen that end up changing present day. Will Kaley keep the time travel a secret like Telsa or will she become a huge celebrity sharing her findings with the world.
This novel sucked me right in, I felt for Kaley and her intentions of wanting to prove time travel. I felt her sorrow when she was ultimately betrayed by Scott and got a glimpse of who be truly was. The twists and turns I really didn't see coming. This was a fun thrilling read that I would definitely recommend.
Kaley is opening a museum all about Tesla and his inventions. While putting the exhibits together she stumbles across a diary no one knows about. Inside this diary is letters about Tesla's adventures in time travel. Could this be real or truly just fantasy. As Kaley digs deeper she is sure that time travel is possible, and she is going to tru and prove it to go back to her past. Before she tries she needs one more oscillator and she knows just the person from her past to help. Her college boyfriend, Scott. Kaley confides in Scott her plan and their relationship seems to begin to blossom again. Except things don't quite too plan. Some major twists happen that end up changing present day. Will Kaley keep the time travel a secret like Telsa or will she become a huge celebrity sharing her findings with the world.
This novel sucked me right in, I felt for Kaley and her intentions of wanting to prove time travel. I felt her sorrow when she was ultimately betrayed by Scott and got a glimpse of who be truly was. The twists and turns I really didn't see coming. This was a fun thrilling read that I would definitely recommend.
April 17, 2020
This was a great book! Diane Byington brings a little bit of everything suspense, thrill, time travel and gives you one spectacular story! Sometimes things that are kept buried in the past might just be best stayed in the past....or are they!?! Thank you to the author for this ARC this review is based on my opinion.
January 27, 2021
Great read! Didn’t know much about Tesla and I learned a lot about him.
March 23, 2020
Kaley is working to obtain funds for the new Tesla museum in Colorado. If she is successful, she will become the executive director of the museum, a job she covets. Her Mom wants her to move back home, as her father is helping to pay her school debt, and she wants that to stop. Kaley thinks she can really do this, and is not going to move home, until all hope is lost.
Things begin to look up when she is given property of Tesla's to put in the museum. She ultimately finds information about time travel within. Is time travel truly possible? Kaley does her best to find out if it is, despite possible peril or death in doing so.
Diane Byington does a nice job of creating a likable and interesting character in Kaley. On occasion, she became a bit annoying in some of her musing, but overall, she maintained this readers interest. Some of the other characters were less likable but no doubt by design, and those characters were also fleshed out in a way that they were of interest to this reader. In addition, who is not intrigued by time travel and the amazing inventions of Nikola Tesla, one of the greatest engineers and inventors of his time? I did not know a ton about Tesla before I read this book, but I walk away with a lot of information (most of it accurate) and wanting to know more about him.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I would recommend it for individuals who enjoy authors like Jame Patterson and Suzanne Collins.
Things begin to look up when she is given property of Tesla's to put in the museum. She ultimately finds information about time travel within. Is time travel truly possible? Kaley does her best to find out if it is, despite possible peril or death in doing so.
Diane Byington does a nice job of creating a likable and interesting character in Kaley. On occasion, she became a bit annoying in some of her musing, but overall, she maintained this readers interest. Some of the other characters were less likable but no doubt by design, and those characters were also fleshed out in a way that they were of interest to this reader. In addition, who is not intrigued by time travel and the amazing inventions of Nikola Tesla, one of the greatest engineers and inventors of his time? I did not know a ton about Tesla before I read this book, but I walk away with a lot of information (most of it accurate) and wanting to know more about him.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I would recommend it for individuals who enjoy authors like Jame Patterson and Suzanne Collins.
October 12, 2020
I think most of us have made decisions that in hindsight we wonder. what if I'd decided differently? What if I'd taken that other job or studied a different major in college? What if I could go back and change my mind? In other words, what if I could time travel? That's the premise of this book.
Fifteen years ago Kayley made the decision to quit college and join her brother's rock band in Europe when their singer was injured. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision and she did so without telling many people, including her boyfriend, Scott. Now, 15 years later and suffering from a breakup with her current boyfriend, she think back longingly and wonders how would her life have been different if she hadn't treated that long ago relationship so carelessly. She finds Scott on social media and they agree to meet. The meeting is tense. Scott is still angry over her disappearance in college and is secretive about his life since then. They semi-patch things up but Kaley is still guilt tripping.
Meanwhile, Kayley is also trying to get a museum dedicated to the inventor Nikola Tesla up and going. While putting together some artifacts, she come across a secret diary of Tesla's that details an invention for time travel and notes on his use of it. She decides to recreate the invention and go back and fix her decision to suddenly disappear from Scott's life. She tells Scott about the secret plans and he agrees to help her create the invention if he can go back with her under the guise of being a witness to her time travels. What could possibly go wrong?
This is an entertaining read, especially if you're a sucker for time travel books like I am. The author does a good job of explaining the invention and how it works without getting too technical. The interactions of Scott and Kayley while they are in the past is also intriguing, although a bit confusing at times. All in all, it is a good read.
Thank you BookSirens and Red Adept Publishing for the review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fifteen years ago Kayley made the decision to quit college and join her brother's rock band in Europe when their singer was injured. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision and she did so without telling many people, including her boyfriend, Scott. Now, 15 years later and suffering from a breakup with her current boyfriend, she think back longingly and wonders how would her life have been different if she hadn't treated that long ago relationship so carelessly. She finds Scott on social media and they agree to meet. The meeting is tense. Scott is still angry over her disappearance in college and is secretive about his life since then. They semi-patch things up but Kaley is still guilt tripping.
Meanwhile, Kayley is also trying to get a museum dedicated to the inventor Nikola Tesla up and going. While putting together some artifacts, she come across a secret diary of Tesla's that details an invention for time travel and notes on his use of it. She decides to recreate the invention and go back and fix her decision to suddenly disappear from Scott's life. She tells Scott about the secret plans and he agrees to help her create the invention if he can go back with her under the guise of being a witness to her time travels. What could possibly go wrong?
This is an entertaining read, especially if you're a sucker for time travel books like I am. The author does a good job of explaining the invention and how it works without getting too technical. The interactions of Scott and Kayley while they are in the past is also intriguing, although a bit confusing at times. All in all, it is a good read.
Thank you BookSirens and Red Adept Publishing for the review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2020
In her latest novel, If She Had Stayed, author Diane Byington introduces the reader to Kaley Kline, a woman who works as the director of a Nikola Tesla museum in Colorado Springs. Kaley is likable and relatable, yet feels she’s not living up to her potential, so when she finds an old Tesla journal that outlines how to travel through time, Kaley is intrigued. If She Had Stayed is a fast-paced, romantic, time-travel novel that’s hard to put down.
April 9, 2020
Having recently moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kaley was excited about her new job at the Tesla Museum, that was not yet opened. She was on a fund-raising mission as well determined to collect as much information about Nikola Tesla, including anything that once belonged to him. She was willing to go to great lengths to find anything about him, including a night-time visit to a dilapidated Victorian home where he once lived in Colorado Springs.
Although Kaley started out with plans to be a Rock Star, and had attended the University of Colorado in Boulder studying music, she quit college to tour with a band in Europe and eventually completed her education with a history degree. She was slated to be named the Executive Director of the museum, if she met a fund raising goal. In her search, she was given a safe that had once belonged to Tesla, who was known for hiding his inventions in unusual places. Kaley discovered his description of his experience with time travel which intrigued her. This is a lively, fast-moving story, that is delightful. Kaley looks up her old college boyfriend, who still lives in Boulder and together then make plans for more adventures in the pursuit of experiencing and learning more about the well-known scientist and inventor. An interesting book that was engaging until the very unexpected end.
Although Kaley started out with plans to be a Rock Star, and had attended the University of Colorado in Boulder studying music, she quit college to tour with a band in Europe and eventually completed her education with a history degree. She was slated to be named the Executive Director of the museum, if she met a fund raising goal. In her search, she was given a safe that had once belonged to Tesla, who was known for hiding his inventions in unusual places. Kaley discovered his description of his experience with time travel which intrigued her. This is a lively, fast-moving story, that is delightful. Kaley looks up her old college boyfriend, who still lives in Boulder and together then make plans for more adventures in the pursuit of experiencing and learning more about the well-known scientist and inventor. An interesting book that was engaging until the very unexpected end.
April 19, 2020
Special thanks to Diane Byington, the publisher and Kate Rock, for allowing me a copy of this really wild and adventurous read!
It started off a little slow for me but, quickly picked up speed and I was hooked! Time travel, we’ve all thought about it at some point right? Hindsight’s 50/50 so could we change something I’m our past that we regret? Kaley gets that opportunity and it quickly turns dangerous, what will happen if she returns to her past? Will it turn out better or worse?
You’ll HAVE to pick this book up and see for yourself!! I can assure you, you’ll enjoy this read just as much as I have! A definite must read!!
Tell me, is there something in your past you regret? Do you think it’d be fun or do you think you’d be playing with Fire trying to return and fix things?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It started off a little slow for me but, quickly picked up speed and I was hooked! Time travel, we’ve all thought about it at some point right? Hindsight’s 50/50 so could we change something I’m our past that we regret? Kaley gets that opportunity and it quickly turns dangerous, what will happen if she returns to her past? Will it turn out better or worse?
You’ll HAVE to pick this book up and see for yourself!! I can assure you, you’ll enjoy this read just as much as I have! A definite must read!!
Tell me, is there something in your past you regret? Do you think it’d be fun or do you think you’d be playing with Fire trying to return and fix things?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 25, 2020
Kaley finds the journal of Tesla and instantly decides that she can reenact what Tesla did to time travel. Once she decides where she is going it is full speed ahead. I felt like the part leading up to the time travel went slow. There was a lot of information, a lot of details concerning Tesla that I did not follow or understand but it all led up to a great story of Kaley going back to undo a wrong that led to someone she cares for getting hurt.
Diane Byington told a story that made me stop and think about what I would change it I could time travel. Would it change my future? Make my life better?
If you are looking for a fun book to read If She Had Stayed is a book I’d recommend. I’ve read both of her books and enjoyed them both.
Diane Byington told a story that made me stop and think about what I would change it I could time travel. Would it change my future? Make my life better?
If you are looking for a fun book to read If She Had Stayed is a book I’d recommend. I’ve read both of her books and enjoyed them both.
March 19, 2020
Thank you to BookSirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I will admit I grabbed this book, If She Had Stayed, simply due to the mention of Tesla.
What an interesting and novel idea. I was worried because the first quarter was a little slow and very simply written, but when it picked up, it was awesome. Then it turned to complete whiny confusing drivel that read like YA. Overall, not a horrible book, but not one I would read again or suggest to modern readers.
Semi-spoiler...
I didn't know a broken leg could prevent someone from singing.
I will admit I grabbed this book, If She Had Stayed, simply due to the mention of Tesla.
What an interesting and novel idea. I was worried because the first quarter was a little slow and very simply written, but when it picked up, it was awesome. Then it turned to complete whiny confusing drivel that read like YA. Overall, not a horrible book, but not one I would read again or suggest to modern readers.
Semi-spoiler...
I didn't know a broken leg could prevent someone from singing.
May 4, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this story about regret, what we'd do differently if we got a second chance, and learning lessons the hard way sometimes. If you are a fan of Tesla, you will be thrilled at how he is woven throughout the story. I could have done without the detailed sex scenes, however. They felt out of place with the style of the rest of the story, and I kept thinking what a great book it would be for even middle school classrooms (all the fun what-if assignments!) without becoming so graphic. Sometimes fade to breakfast is best. I still enjoyed the read and stayed up to get through the last chapters. Very suspenseful!
July 14, 2020
This was an interesting book. Is it a thriller, romance or time travel story? Yes,yes and yes to all three! Quick read, really enjoyed story. This was my first book by this author, won't be my last!
September 5, 2020
I got If she had Stayed by Diane Byington for free from Booksirens for a fair and honest review
If she had stayed tells the story of Kaley Kline, who is trying to get funding for a museum dedicated to the Inventor Nicola Tesla, in Colorado Springs. While looking for exhibitors she stumbles on an undiscovered journal by Tesla saying that he had discovered Time Travel.
All though Kaley does not feel she has regrets, she thinks what would have happened if he had told her boyfriend that she was going to tour Europe with a band, as a replacement for their lead singer.
Using Facebook to find Scott her boyfriend, kayle tells him that she may be able to travel in time. Scott says he would like to go with her and buy some apple shares, however this may not be his only motive.
This time travel novel was done really well, examining what would have happened if we have had done things differently. For one thing having the past and future Kaley being able to be in the same body, although the one in the correct time lne had more control.
This led to some interrelating almost conversations between the past and present Kaley, which for ease of the reader was now using her middle name rather than her first name Anna she used in college.
Although I liked the time travel element in the story, for me the only downside was because they only went back on her own timeline and merged with old self fairly soon there was very little of having to get to know a new world. It world also have been nice if there was a bit moo and there was very little setting the scene of the world of 2003.
However Having said what I feel was some of the weakness in the time travel element of the story I really did enjoy the pacing as well as Diane’s writing style which made this an enjoyable read.
Obviously I would recomend this book to any one you likes, nice and light time travel stories, but in adition to this I would recomend it for people who enjoy books about regret and second chances. All in all Diane Byington has written a good enjoyable book in If She Had Stayed.
If she had stayed tells the story of Kaley Kline, who is trying to get funding for a museum dedicated to the Inventor Nicola Tesla, in Colorado Springs. While looking for exhibitors she stumbles on an undiscovered journal by Tesla saying that he had discovered Time Travel.
All though Kaley does not feel she has regrets, she thinks what would have happened if he had told her boyfriend that she was going to tour Europe with a band, as a replacement for their lead singer.
Using Facebook to find Scott her boyfriend, kayle tells him that she may be able to travel in time. Scott says he would like to go with her and buy some apple shares, however this may not be his only motive.
This time travel novel was done really well, examining what would have happened if we have had done things differently. For one thing having the past and future Kaley being able to be in the same body, although the one in the correct time lne had more control.
This led to some interrelating almost conversations between the past and present Kaley, which for ease of the reader was now using her middle name rather than her first name Anna she used in college.
Although I liked the time travel element in the story, for me the only downside was because they only went back on her own timeline and merged with old self fairly soon there was very little of having to get to know a new world. It world also have been nice if there was a bit moo and there was very little setting the scene of the world of 2003.
However Having said what I feel was some of the weakness in the time travel element of the story I really did enjoy the pacing as well as Diane’s writing style which made this an enjoyable read.
Obviously I would recomend this book to any one you likes, nice and light time travel stories, but in adition to this I would recomend it for people who enjoy books about regret and second chances. All in all Diane Byington has written a good enjoyable book in If She Had Stayed.
May 6, 2020
The premise of this novel had me from the beginning. Tesla discovering a means of time travel that he never made public? You got me, I’m in.
What prevented me from really enjoying the story was the lack of a strong character to identify with. Kaley, the intended protagonist and a supposedly well educated and independent young woman, was a complete ditz. She consistently made bad decisions and trusted a man she really didn’t know.
Scott was Kaley’s college boyfriend. She left him and her studies when her brother offered an opportunity to be the lead singer for his rock band on tour in Europe. The answer, of course, was hell yes. Unfortunately she made the decision to not say anything to Scott, believing she would write to him and explain her abrupt departure later. Being young and high on rock and roll, she never did write that letter. She also did not attempt to contact him again for fifteen years, right about the time she made the discovery of Tesla’s papers.
Not only did Kaley think that this would be a good time to reconnect with Scott, she was willing to immediately enter into a romantic relationship with him although he acted suspiciously. She even allowed him to invite himself along on her planned attempt to replicate Tesla’s time travel experience. For most of the book I was screaming “NO” over and over as Kaley ignored Scott’s shady behavior. I can only say that any reader would agree with me, and we would all be right.
This was an okay novel, but I wish the author gave her readers a bit more credit for knowing a well developed plot and a well-drawn character. Perhaps I would have enjoyed this book more.
What prevented me from really enjoying the story was the lack of a strong character to identify with. Kaley, the intended protagonist and a supposedly well educated and independent young woman, was a complete ditz. She consistently made bad decisions and trusted a man she really didn’t know.
Scott was Kaley’s college boyfriend. She left him and her studies when her brother offered an opportunity to be the lead singer for his rock band on tour in Europe. The answer, of course, was hell yes. Unfortunately she made the decision to not say anything to Scott, believing she would write to him and explain her abrupt departure later. Being young and high on rock and roll, she never did write that letter. She also did not attempt to contact him again for fifteen years, right about the time she made the discovery of Tesla’s papers.
Not only did Kaley think that this would be a good time to reconnect with Scott, she was willing to immediately enter into a romantic relationship with him although he acted suspiciously. She even allowed him to invite himself along on her planned attempt to replicate Tesla’s time travel experience. For most of the book I was screaming “NO” over and over as Kaley ignored Scott’s shady behavior. I can only say that any reader would agree with me, and we would all be right.
This was an okay novel, but I wish the author gave her readers a bit more credit for knowing a well developed plot and a well-drawn character. Perhaps I would have enjoyed this book more.
September 18, 2020
Did you say
mystery – time travel – Tesla?
Oh yes! I’m all in!
What It’s About: Kaley Kline is on a fund-raising mission for the yet to be opened Tesla Museum in Colorado, and will be the new executive director of the museum if everything works out great. Things are starting to look up for her when she stumbles upon Tesla’s journal entries about his time travel journeys.
Kaley decides to build Tesla’s time machine as she intends to travel back to her past to change a decision she has always regretted. How much will her decision alter the future for everyone?
My thoughts: I am a big sucker for time travel story ever since I was a kid. There is just something about time travel that is alluring. I enjoy reading the theories about the possibilities of time travelling, and in this book, the concept or how the time tunnel works is interesting.
I also enjoyed the writing – clear, simple and engaging – which held my interest. So, for a sci-fi-ish story it is easy to read, with great plot and character development. I do like Kaley and Hannah a lot!
In a nutshell, this is one enjoyable read that also explores the concept of regrets and second chances. If you’re looking for an engaging time travel story, with some mystery and romance, this may be the book for you!
***Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours and author Diane Byington for having me in If She Had Stayed Book Tour, and for this gifted review copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
What It’s About: Kaley Kline is on a fund-raising mission for the yet to be opened Tesla Museum in Colorado, and will be the new executive director of the museum if everything works out great. Things are starting to look up for her when she stumbles upon Tesla’s journal entries about his time travel journeys.
Kaley decides to build Tesla’s time machine as she intends to travel back to her past to change a decision she has always regretted. How much will her decision alter the future for everyone?
My thoughts: I am a big sucker for time travel story ever since I was a kid. There is just something about time travel that is alluring. I enjoy reading the theories about the possibilities of time travelling, and in this book, the concept or how the time tunnel works is interesting.
I also enjoyed the writing – clear, simple and engaging – which held my interest. So, for a sci-fi-ish story it is easy to read, with great plot and character development. I do like Kaley and Hannah a lot!
In a nutshell, this is one enjoyable read that also explores the concept of regrets and second chances. If you’re looking for an engaging time travel story, with some mystery and romance, this may be the book for you!
***Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours and author Diane Byington for having me in If She Had Stayed Book Tour, and for this gifted review copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
May 13, 2020
Kaley has worked hard and is now on the verge of achieving her ambitious desire to become Director of the new Tesla Museum being built in Colorado Springs. She just needs to persuade more people to donate money and Tesla artifacts to the project. She even considers breaking the law to secure the items she desires. But what she discovers is so far beyond her expectations that her imagination runs wild, and she starts to believe she can go back in time and change her past.
I found the premise fascinating, after all Nikola Tesla was a genius who was responsible for world-changing innovations. Could he have discovered a way to travel in time and not revealed it to the world? But I found Kaley to be annoying and lifeless. A rather simple character who acts on the spur of the moment without cause or reason. And Scott was suspicious right from his introduction into the story, a rude and self-centered boor who Kaley readily accepts back into her life.
This story could have been so much more. Nikola Tesla and Time Travel are both intriguing and sought-after subjects that have the ability to catch a reader’s imagination. But Kaley’s antics and Scott’s persona were so lame it distracted from the story and had me flipping pages to get to the end.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2021
If She Had Stayed is not my typical read, but it was indeed a decent break. Kaley Kline is a young director at the ground level of developing a museum in honor of the long dead Nikola Tesla. Tesla was a gifted inventor, and Kaley is fascinated by his work. She is working hard to find everything she can from his writings to his inventions, even going so far as to break into the house he where he used to live in Colorado Springs to see if she can find anything of his man. A potential donor to the museum has an old safe that belonged to Tesla's attorney, and he gives this to her for the museum. After long weeks, she cracks the safe combination, and what she finds inside is golden. Tesla had found a way to travel back in time. Kaley decides to build the time machine as he described in his journals that were kept in the safe. During this, her old college boyfriend returns to her life, and she decides to share with him the secret journals about time travel. Kaley is incredibly intelligent and methodical, but for whatever stupid reason, Kaley takes Scott back in time with her to their late college years, and things go downhill from there. Diane Bylington has woven an incredible story here showing us a small piece of what going back in time and changing things in the past can do to the future. The book was hard to put down because I had to know how this mess turned out.
June 30, 2020
I do enjoy sci-fi books, and I'd call this one sci-fi lite. It has the sci-fi elements of time travel, but doesn't go deep into the science part (which I appreciate). Rather, the focus is on Kaley Kline, who comes across secret journal pages that once belonged to Tesla. (There is a lot of suspending reality in this book). In those journal pages, he describes how he was able to travel through time and why he chose to keep his time travel invention a secret.
Kaley has to decide if she is going to travel through time herself, or at least attempt to, and where she would go and what she would change. She also has to consider what she would change in the present if she changed the past. This was well done, not going deep into the rules of time travel or other things, just following the basics that Tesla had laid out.
The one character that bothered me was Scott, Kaley's ex-boyfriend. He was such an unlikeable character, in every single scene. I couldn't understand why a seemingly intelligent woman would keep going back to him, especially as an adult. She seemed too trusting, and this bothered me.
I read the author's note in the back though and saw that she wrote the first draft during NaNoWriMo, which I find awesome.
Kaley has to decide if she is going to travel through time herself, or at least attempt to, and where she would go and what she would change. She also has to consider what she would change in the present if she changed the past. This was well done, not going deep into the rules of time travel or other things, just following the basics that Tesla had laid out.
The one character that bothered me was Scott, Kaley's ex-boyfriend. He was such an unlikeable character, in every single scene. I couldn't understand why a seemingly intelligent woman would keep going back to him, especially as an adult. She seemed too trusting, and this bothered me.
I read the author's note in the back though and saw that she wrote the first draft during NaNoWriMo, which I find awesome.
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