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Step Back in Time
How many lifetimes would you travel to find a love that lasts for ever?
When single career girl Jo-Jo steps onto a zebra crossing and gets hit by a car, she awakes to find herself in 1963. The fashion, the music, her job, even her romantic everything is different. And then it happens three more times, and Jo-Jo finds herself living a completely new life in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. The only people she can rely on are Harry and Ellie , two companions from 2013, and George , the owner of a second-hand record store.
If she's ever to return from her travels, Jo-Jo must work out why she's jumping through time like this. And if she does make it back, will her old life ever be the same again?
Step back in time with this fabulously fun and feed-good comedy of time travel and romance, from the author of From Notting Hill with Love . . . Actually
When single career girl Jo-Jo steps onto a zebra crossing and gets hit by a car, she awakes to find herself in 1963. The fashion, the music, her job, even her romantic everything is different. And then it happens three more times, and Jo-Jo finds herself living a completely new life in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. The only people she can rely on are Harry and Ellie , two companions from 2013, and George , the owner of a second-hand record store.
If she's ever to return from her travels, Jo-Jo must work out why she's jumping through time like this. And if she does make it back, will her old life ever be the same again?
Step back in time with this fabulously fun and feed-good comedy of time travel and romance, from the author of From Notting Hill with Love . . . Actually
448 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2013
77 people are currently reading
2831 people want to read
About the author
Ali McNamara
34 books1,242 followersAli McNamara is a writer and author.
Her debut novel, From Notting Hill with Love...Actually, the first of three 'Notting Hill' books, became an instant bestseller.
Ali has had much overseas success with her books - particularly Breakfast at Darcy's which was a Top Ten bestseller in Italy. Her novels Step Back in Time and Letters from Lighthouse Cottage were nominated for the Romantic Novel of the Year.
Ali lives in Cambridgeshire with her family and beloved dogs. In her spare time she likes to visit antique shops and people watch, more often than not accompanied by a good cup of coffee!
Ali suffers with two chronic illnesses: M.E./CFS and UCTD and is a disability and invisible disability advocate.
To find out more about Ali visit her website: www.alimcnamara.co.uk
or follow her on Twitter: @AliMcNamara, Facebook and Instagram.
Her debut novel, From Notting Hill with Love...Actually, the first of three 'Notting Hill' books, became an instant bestseller.
Ali has had much overseas success with her books - particularly Breakfast at Darcy's which was a Top Ten bestseller in Italy. Her novels Step Back in Time and Letters from Lighthouse Cottage were nominated for the Romantic Novel of the Year.
Ali lives in Cambridgeshire with her family and beloved dogs. In her spare time she likes to visit antique shops and people watch, more often than not accompanied by a good cup of coffee!
Ali suffers with two chronic illnesses: M.E./CFS and UCTD and is a disability and invisible disability advocate.
To find out more about Ali visit her website: www.alimcnamara.co.uk
or follow her on Twitter: @AliMcNamara, Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 332 reviews
November 30, 2013
Originally on I Heart.. Chick Lit.
If you've not heard of Ali McNamara, please hide underneath your bed and don't come out until you've read her books. She's one of my favourite authors and when I found out that she's working on a music-themed book, I was very excited (that was a year ago when I finished reading From Notting Hill to New York.. Actually - loved it!). Then.. Step Back In Time arrived a few days ago and here I am, penning my thoughts about it. Please don't shoot me if my review doesn't do the book justice!
Step Back In Time follows the story of Jo-Jo McKenzie, who is a thirty-year-old accountant in 2013, but when she crosses the zebra crossing on King's Road one day, she gets hit by a car, and wakes up in the 60's, followed by the 70's, 80's, 90's and up to the present day. Time travelling through London by decades, she must figure out how to get back to 2013, but as easy as it sounds, it isn't. So she has to rely on the only constants in her life through out her time travels, her friends Ellie and Harry as well as the wise owl that is George!
OK, how do I write a review on a book that has completely blown me away? Let's start with the time travelling. If you're a fan of The Beatles, then you will absolutely love this gem. Or if you're a die-hard Take That fan, that is. I can't tell you how much research Ali McNamara has gone into writing this book, but I have to give her credit. It's like reading a fabulous music memorabilia filled with the loveliest characters and wonderful settings of different eras where the fashion, music and culture are ever-changing. It was an absolute treat to read about the gorgeous fashion trends and absorb the sensation of experiencing different eras!
The characters in the book are very cleverly written! Each one of them is named after a person either from The Beatles or affiliated to the Fab Four! I thought Jo-Jo was a fabulous protagonist, and Harry and Ellie are equally wonderful to read about! Not to forget the lovely, kind George. He would give your favourite relative a run for their money, George is the benevolent uncle you would want to have!
I can't tell you how much I adored Step Back In Time. It's funny, fresh and filled with humour and fun facts about music throughout the decades. I grew up listening to The Beatles (my mum and aunts are huge fans!) and reading about the Fab Four does bring back memories! You'll definitely want to take a day off so you could Step Back In Time with Jo-Jo to a time where nothing matters but good music and wonderful company!
Step Back In Time is a sparkling, magical love story which you will no doubt love and have the strongest urge to get hit by a car while you're on the zebra crossing so you could escape to the glamorous music scene! Pure escapism at its best - Ali McNamara has outdone herself and I cannot wait for her next one! Bring it on, Ali!
Rating: 10/10
If you've not heard of Ali McNamara, please hide underneath your bed and don't come out until you've read her books. She's one of my favourite authors and when I found out that she's working on a music-themed book, I was very excited (that was a year ago when I finished reading From Notting Hill to New York.. Actually - loved it!). Then.. Step Back In Time arrived a few days ago and here I am, penning my thoughts about it. Please don't shoot me if my review doesn't do the book justice!
Step Back In Time follows the story of Jo-Jo McKenzie, who is a thirty-year-old accountant in 2013, but when she crosses the zebra crossing on King's Road one day, she gets hit by a car, and wakes up in the 60's, followed by the 70's, 80's, 90's and up to the present day. Time travelling through London by decades, she must figure out how to get back to 2013, but as easy as it sounds, it isn't. So she has to rely on the only constants in her life through out her time travels, her friends Ellie and Harry as well as the wise owl that is George!
OK, how do I write a review on a book that has completely blown me away? Let's start with the time travelling. If you're a fan of The Beatles, then you will absolutely love this gem. Or if you're a die-hard Take That fan, that is. I can't tell you how much research Ali McNamara has gone into writing this book, but I have to give her credit. It's like reading a fabulous music memorabilia filled with the loveliest characters and wonderful settings of different eras where the fashion, music and culture are ever-changing. It was an absolute treat to read about the gorgeous fashion trends and absorb the sensation of experiencing different eras!
The characters in the book are very cleverly written! Each one of them is named after a person either from The Beatles or affiliated to the Fab Four! I thought Jo-Jo was a fabulous protagonist, and Harry and Ellie are equally wonderful to read about! Not to forget the lovely, kind George. He would give your favourite relative a run for their money, George is the benevolent uncle you would want to have!
I can't tell you how much I adored Step Back In Time. It's funny, fresh and filled with humour and fun facts about music throughout the decades. I grew up listening to The Beatles (my mum and aunts are huge fans!) and reading about the Fab Four does bring back memories! You'll definitely want to take a day off so you could Step Back In Time with Jo-Jo to a time where nothing matters but good music and wonderful company!
Step Back In Time is a sparkling, magical love story which you will no doubt love and have the strongest urge to get hit by a car while you're on the zebra crossing so you could escape to the glamorous music scene! Pure escapism at its best - Ali McNamara has outdone herself and I cannot wait for her next one! Bring it on, Ali!
Rating: 10/10
November 15, 2013
I’m a huge fan of Ali McNamara’s novels and have loved every single one, so I was really looking forward to jumping in to Step Back In Time.
When Jo-Jo is hit by a car, the last thing she expects is to wake up and find herself in 1963. The world around her is suddenly very different – from the fashion to the music, even her romantic life. But then it happens three more times, and Jo-Jo finds herself living in the 70′s, 80′s and the 90′s! Why is Jo-jo jumping through time? And if she gets back to her old life, will it be the same?
I really enjoyed this. I wanted to read on because I was really intrigued about how and why Jo-Jo was jumping through time. I particularly enjoyed that there were characters who appeared in all of the ‘times’, as it felt a bit more familiar, even if they were different in each time, I liked knowing that they were there and it felt as though I knew them so it made the novel more enjoyable for me.
I like the idea of stepping through time. I’ve recently become more interested in time travel novels and so this aspect was particularly fascinating for me. Being born in the late 80′s, I can only really remember the 90′s, but it was fantastic re-living this time with Jo-Jo! Even though I wasn’t around for the other ‘times’ I enjoyed them too and really immersed myself in the 60′s, 70′s and 80′s, the feeling and the atmosphere really came to life and I felt as though I had travelled back with Jo-Jo. I especially loved the many Beatles references, I found myself singing their songs for hours after reading this!
Step Back In Time is a delightful, funny, romantic, and truly wonderful read which I’m sure will bring back memories for many readers, as well as putting smiles on many faces like mine. So buy this and enjoy travelling through time with Jo-Jo!
When Jo-Jo is hit by a car, the last thing she expects is to wake up and find herself in 1963. The world around her is suddenly very different – from the fashion to the music, even her romantic life. But then it happens three more times, and Jo-Jo finds herself living in the 70′s, 80′s and the 90′s! Why is Jo-jo jumping through time? And if she gets back to her old life, will it be the same?
I really enjoyed this. I wanted to read on because I was really intrigued about how and why Jo-Jo was jumping through time. I particularly enjoyed that there were characters who appeared in all of the ‘times’, as it felt a bit more familiar, even if they were different in each time, I liked knowing that they were there and it felt as though I knew them so it made the novel more enjoyable for me.
I like the idea of stepping through time. I’ve recently become more interested in time travel novels and so this aspect was particularly fascinating for me. Being born in the late 80′s, I can only really remember the 90′s, but it was fantastic re-living this time with Jo-Jo! Even though I wasn’t around for the other ‘times’ I enjoyed them too and really immersed myself in the 60′s, 70′s and 80′s, the feeling and the atmosphere really came to life and I felt as though I had travelled back with Jo-Jo. I especially loved the many Beatles references, I found myself singing their songs for hours after reading this!
Step Back In Time is a delightful, funny, romantic, and truly wonderful read which I’m sure will bring back memories for many readers, as well as putting smiles on many faces like mine. So buy this and enjoy travelling through time with Jo-Jo!
November 8, 2013
I have really, really enjoyed Ali McNamara's both books in the "From Notting Hill... Actually" but her stand - alone "Breakfast at Darcy's" didn't belong to my favourites and so I was curious how it is going to be with "Step Back in Time".
First of all I must say that I am totally in love with the cover of the book. I have a proof copy and its cover is black with four Jo - Jo's on it, while the new cover is dark blue with only one Jo - Jo and I guess it is Henry, and while it is also great I must admit that I like the proof copy cover much better.
Nevertheless, to the book itself. "Step Back in Time" introduces us to Jo - Jo who is an accountant with her own firm and who is actually a workaholic. She has time for nothing else, either for her parents, her friends nor for her herself. Then one day she is hit by a white sports - car when she's on zebra crossing and here starts her time - travelling adventure. She will find herself in the 60s, then 70s, 80s and finally 90s. There are some people who are travelling with her although they don't seem to be aware of this fact, maybe later. She gets to know new people and she starts to learn herself and sees what she misses in her real life, back in 2013. One of the things that she is for sure to meet while time - travelling are also the Beatles clues which should help her to find an answer why is she travelling.
It didn't work for me so, so much, I think it is the idea of time - travelling itself that I have a problem with, too unrealistic and while refreshing and funny it isn't my idea of entertaining. And I was very curious how Ali is going to explain why Jo - Jo is actually travelling in time. In the end I would say it was not too novelicious, not too original, and even George's explanations were not helping me at all.
It is also hard for me to judge Jo - Jo because we have so many versions of her, and every one is different, that there wasn't enough chances for me to get to know the real Jo - Jo. She is either a teenie, or an adult but with different jobs, different background and in the end I really don't know who she was. Yes, I know she is a hard - working woman with her own business and she doesn't have time at all, but that's all about her.
I couldn't also warm to Henry, doesn't matter what times, he was too meh for me, to smooth, more like a baby boy and not a man. And I couldn't imagine him as a sour, unhappy punk as well, oh my, too exaggerated for my liking.
Altogether it was not a bad book. It was light and in some ways funny, and also different with the time - travelling idea. Not my favourite but nevertheless worth reading.
I received a copy of this book from a publisher in exchange for a review.
First of all I must say that I am totally in love with the cover of the book. I have a proof copy and its cover is black with four Jo - Jo's on it, while the new cover is dark blue with only one Jo - Jo and I guess it is Henry, and while it is also great I must admit that I like the proof copy cover much better.
Nevertheless, to the book itself. "Step Back in Time" introduces us to Jo - Jo who is an accountant with her own firm and who is actually a workaholic. She has time for nothing else, either for her parents, her friends nor for her herself. Then one day she is hit by a white sports - car when she's on zebra crossing and here starts her time - travelling adventure. She will find herself in the 60s, then 70s, 80s and finally 90s. There are some people who are travelling with her although they don't seem to be aware of this fact, maybe later. She gets to know new people and she starts to learn herself and sees what she misses in her real life, back in 2013. One of the things that she is for sure to meet while time - travelling are also the Beatles clues which should help her to find an answer why is she travelling.
It didn't work for me so, so much, I think it is the idea of time - travelling itself that I have a problem with, too unrealistic and while refreshing and funny it isn't my idea of entertaining. And I was very curious how Ali is going to explain why Jo - Jo is actually travelling in time. In the end I would say it was not too novelicious, not too original, and even George's explanations were not helping me at all.
It is also hard for me to judge Jo - Jo because we have so many versions of her, and every one is different, that there wasn't enough chances for me to get to know the real Jo - Jo. She is either a teenie, or an adult but with different jobs, different background and in the end I really don't know who she was. Yes, I know she is a hard - working woman with her own business and she doesn't have time at all, but that's all about her.
I couldn't also warm to Henry, doesn't matter what times, he was too meh for me, to smooth, more like a baby boy and not a man. And I couldn't imagine him as a sour, unhappy punk as well, oh my, too exaggerated for my liking.
Altogether it was not a bad book. It was light and in some ways funny, and also different with the time - travelling idea. Not my favourite but nevertheless worth reading.
I received a copy of this book from a publisher in exchange for a review.
February 27, 2015
Hay historias que llegan a ti casi por casualidad, sin saber muy bien cómo has llegado hasta ellas ni por qué te decidiste a comprarla cuando nunca habías oído hablar de ella. Eso mismo me pasó con Step Back in Time: llegó a mis manos prometiendo ser una lectura entretenida y poco más, y aunque tuve que esperar tres meses en mi estantería, al fin sentí que era el momento. ¡Y vaya si lo era! Lo he terminado hace escasamente quince minutos, y no sé qué decir. Qué lectura tan especial y qué gran descubrimiento he hecho con Ali McNamara.
La historia de Jo-Jo me ha llevado del 2013 a los 60, saltando de década en década hasta llegar a los 90. El tema de los viajes en el tiempo queda un poco difuso, no sabes realmente por qué está ocurriendo, pero Jo-Jo tampoco lo sabe y tras terminarlo entiendo que sea así. La trama es cada vez más y más compleja, y cuando llegan los últimos capítulos te das cuenta de todo el trabajo hecho por la autora, porque todo, absolutamente todo, encaja. Leer Step Back in Time ha sido como ver una comedia romántica de las buenas, de las que te dejan con una sonrisa en el rostro, de las que te hacen creer en el destino y en que la magia, tal vez, existe. Londres, viajes en el tiempo, Beatles y personajes maravillosos que construyen entre todos una historia entretenida, dulce, divertida y emocionante. La he disfrutado muchísimo ♥
La historia de Jo-Jo me ha llevado del 2013 a los 60, saltando de década en década hasta llegar a los 90. El tema de los viajes en el tiempo queda un poco difuso, no sabes realmente por qué está ocurriendo, pero Jo-Jo tampoco lo sabe y tras terminarlo entiendo que sea así. La trama es cada vez más y más compleja, y cuando llegan los últimos capítulos te das cuenta de todo el trabajo hecho por la autora, porque todo, absolutamente todo, encaja. Leer Step Back in Time ha sido como ver una comedia romántica de las buenas, de las que te dejan con una sonrisa en el rostro, de las que te hacen creer en el destino y en que la magia, tal vez, existe. Londres, viajes en el tiempo, Beatles y personajes maravillosos que construyen entre todos una historia entretenida, dulce, divertida y emocionante. La he disfrutado muchísimo ♥
September 20, 2014
Step back in time is an absolutely entertaining journey through the past 5 decades.
I absolutely loved JoJo's adventures in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Jojo is a loveable character as well as her companions Ellie, Harry and George. The trends of those times, be it fashion, music and styles, recall lots of memories, even for the reader. The idea of embedding the Beatles into the story is totally unique (at least to me). Being a teenager of the 90s, I felt totally at home in that story part.
The only thing I was missing, is a tiny bit more romance. You could feel that there was something going on but I would have liked it go into a bit more details.
Make sure to read the notes of the author at the end of the book.
I absolutely loved JoJo's adventures in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Jojo is a loveable character as well as her companions Ellie, Harry and George. The trends of those times, be it fashion, music and styles, recall lots of memories, even for the reader. The idea of embedding the Beatles into the story is totally unique (at least to me). Being a teenager of the 90s, I felt totally at home in that story part.
The only thing I was missing, is a tiny bit more romance. You could feel that there was something going on but I would have liked it go into a bit more details.
Make sure to read the notes of the author at the end of the book.
August 6, 2015
Apoteósico. Brillante. He disfrutado muchísimo de la lectura, ha sido un viaje maravilloso. Todo está perfectamente hilado, vas descubriendo poco a poco las piezas del puzzle, y solo al final encajan. Qué manera de mantener la intriga, está interesante hasta el mismísimo final. Un simple resumen no le hace justicia de lo que puedes encontrar entre sus páginas, incluida alguna reflexión interesante. Un diez.
July 30, 2020
Another entertaining Ali McNamara story with a cute HEA. I’m so happy I stumbled across this author. All of the connections to The Beatles was very clever.
October 9, 2023
Påminde lite om The Midnight Library fast mer feelgood.
May 24, 2016
Londres, viajes en el tiempo, personajes de los que te encariñas rápidamente, sobre todo George, y una trama que no decae en ningún momento. Este libro ha sido un gran descubrimiento.
April 17, 2020
It's been a long time since I just got lost in a book, let alone a chick-lit. This was just what I needed - an easy story about finding love, with silly time travel ♡
March 14, 2024
I’m speechless. I loved every sentence and it’s gonna be hard for all the upcoming books I’m gonna read this year to beat this one as “My favourite book of 2024”. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 29, 2018
It's a delightful read, a perfect book for time travel fans. When Jo-Jo is hit by a car she suddenly finds herself travelling through time. Three people seems to be everywhere she ends up, Ellie, George, and Harry. She desperately wants to go back to her time, but more than that she wants to solve this mystery. Why did she traveled in time? And why are only few people from her original life are there with her? What is it that she needs to understand before things can go back to normal? Maybe things will never go back to the way they were. All she can hope is that whatever is to come happens to be better than what already was.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for a light, heartwarming, mysterious story. If you're a music fan that's an added plus. But I am not so all the music references were nothing special to me other than part of the story.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for a light, heartwarming, mysterious story. If you're a music fan that's an added plus. But I am not so all the music references were nothing special to me other than part of the story.
April 19, 2018
I love time travel books so was instantly drawn to this. The premise for the book is a great one but with the added effort of inserting Beatles song titles and references it became a little corny in places. The dialogue was also a little stilted again due to incorporating references like when a young Richard comes into the record shop with the intention of one day owing one and his father is ...Mr Branston.
May 11, 2018
I really struggled with this. I'm about a third of the way through and giving up. The plot is witty and engaging and the characterisation is deep enough for what is basically a pleasant and inventive rom-com. What I can't get through is the terrible sub-editing. There are some real stinkers of repeated grammatical mistakes; the worst is linked to usage of 'me, myself and I'. There are also some real anachronisms - a character winning the lottery in London in 1963? It's all finally too much irritation for one reader to bear.
August 7, 2018
I love the time travelling and the main characters Jo-jo, Harry and Ellie. I like the music links in particular The Beatles I like how the story ended in Liverpool. Just this book took me a while to read compared to others by this author but it wasn't bad just not my favourite. 3.5 stars
January 18, 2020
"It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way".
July 6, 2023
I wanna get back, to the old days...
Don't read this book if you hate the Beatles. Then again, who really 'hates' the Beatles?
Time travel in a way I actually like. Yes, awesome!
It's never too late to change
Don't read this book if you hate the Beatles. Then again, who really 'hates' the Beatles?
Time travel in a way I actually like. Yes, awesome!
It's never too late to change
August 7, 2022
https://clife.blog/2022/02/02/book-re...
First of all, Rom-Com movie references to the best ones, to cute light house feel good reads, and now Beatle references? Is Ali reading my mind with her novels? Each novel has been perfect and this one is no exception.
In 2013 Jo-Jo McKenzie is an accountant, although she seems to have no real friends or life outside work. It appears she has spent most of her working life building up her business and is consequently a majorly successful career girl in London at the age of only 29 (how stereotypical for chick lit books!) and there is no time, or life, left over for her. Who is she, as a person? We don’t find much out about that, and I am not sure Jo-Jo herself even knows. Working on the books for Groovy Records, a retro record shop on the Kings Road, Jo-Jo likes the personal touch so takes the books back herself to chat with George, the owner, who she is very friendly with. Now, from page 15 I knew exactly how this story would end. But getting there could be a lot of fun…
Stepping outside, Jo-Jo is knocked down by a car on a zebra crossing right outside the Worlds’ End pub and here we get into Life on Mars territory. She wakes up in 1963 and lives an alternative life there with three people she has met in her 2013 life, in very different personas, along with some genuine 1960s music industry people who have a real influence on the future. She seems to really embrace 60s life and have a good time, which she doesn’t have any time for in her real 2013 existence. The one link to the time travel aspect – George, the record shop manager – knows what is going on, but doesn’t tell her why, other than giving her somewhat cryptic explanations. Jo-Jo has no sooner got into her new life than she gets whacked by a car again – waking up in 1977. She hasn’t done all she needed to in 1963 – which was not what she thought (attempting to prevent JFK getting shot) but rather to help people move on in life and make the most of their talents.
It is clear that Jo-Jo is back in time to learn a lesson, but what lesson, really? She seems to have led a very straight, ordered, planned and uneventful life so far, with no real mistakes to put right. This purpose, the whole core of the story, is never fully explained or explored. We also gallop through each retro segment very quickly without really leaving time to catch breath; the 1985 and 1994 elements seemed particularly rushed. Although Jo-Jo learns bite-sized lessons about the personalities of the different characters she meets in the various time periods, I am not clear how she puts this into practice in real life. My favourite time periods were the 60s in particular was superb.
The Beatles references, whilst fun, were overdone; however my major criticism is there are too many unforgiveable irregularities with dates – throughout the decades, actually. Jo-Jo and her friends are 16 in 1977 and Ellie dresses in tartan as homage to the Bay City Rollers, who were no longer making Top 10 singles by then. No 1977 teenage girl would have Donny Osmond on the wall for the same reasons – and surely silver platform boots went out in 1973? Jo-Jo and Harry go to see Star Wars just before the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in June. Except they wouldn’t have, as Star Wars wasn’t released in the UK until Christmas 1977. Ellie meets Neil Tennant just before Live Aid, although we had never heard of the Pet Shop Boys until the very end of 1985 when the remixed West End Girls charted. Nobody would have watched Friends in September 1994 as it didn’t air in the UK until April 1995. I have clearly learned something from my younger days and a bit of research! I would have expected more thorough research or at least a good editor to sort this out. This is a real shame. I think in many books with time travel themes the authors feel almost obliged to cram in as many retro and pop culture references as possible.
I really did enjoy this book. I love all things retro and vintage and have always fancied the idea of going back in time so it played to all my passions. As with most good chick lit books, it all comes together in the end, Jo-Jo gets some much needed “me” time, though I couldn’t help feeling that the ending was bittersweet, and I also felt it was rushed. Altogether, however, an exciting, fun, rollercoaster read that has cultural references that everyone 30 and above will recognise mainly, I’m under 30 and I recognise a good few of these. Highly recommended as always from this author.
First of all, Rom-Com movie references to the best ones, to cute light house feel good reads, and now Beatle references? Is Ali reading my mind with her novels? Each novel has been perfect and this one is no exception.
In 2013 Jo-Jo McKenzie is an accountant, although she seems to have no real friends or life outside work. It appears she has spent most of her working life building up her business and is consequently a majorly successful career girl in London at the age of only 29 (how stereotypical for chick lit books!) and there is no time, or life, left over for her. Who is she, as a person? We don’t find much out about that, and I am not sure Jo-Jo herself even knows. Working on the books for Groovy Records, a retro record shop on the Kings Road, Jo-Jo likes the personal touch so takes the books back herself to chat with George, the owner, who she is very friendly with. Now, from page 15 I knew exactly how this story would end. But getting there could be a lot of fun…
Stepping outside, Jo-Jo is knocked down by a car on a zebra crossing right outside the Worlds’ End pub and here we get into Life on Mars territory. She wakes up in 1963 and lives an alternative life there with three people she has met in her 2013 life, in very different personas, along with some genuine 1960s music industry people who have a real influence on the future. She seems to really embrace 60s life and have a good time, which she doesn’t have any time for in her real 2013 existence. The one link to the time travel aspect – George, the record shop manager – knows what is going on, but doesn’t tell her why, other than giving her somewhat cryptic explanations. Jo-Jo has no sooner got into her new life than she gets whacked by a car again – waking up in 1977. She hasn’t done all she needed to in 1963 – which was not what she thought (attempting to prevent JFK getting shot) but rather to help people move on in life and make the most of their talents.
It is clear that Jo-Jo is back in time to learn a lesson, but what lesson, really? She seems to have led a very straight, ordered, planned and uneventful life so far, with no real mistakes to put right. This purpose, the whole core of the story, is never fully explained or explored. We also gallop through each retro segment very quickly without really leaving time to catch breath; the 1985 and 1994 elements seemed particularly rushed. Although Jo-Jo learns bite-sized lessons about the personalities of the different characters she meets in the various time periods, I am not clear how she puts this into practice in real life. My favourite time periods were the 60s in particular was superb.
The Beatles references, whilst fun, were overdone; however my major criticism is there are too many unforgiveable irregularities with dates – throughout the decades, actually. Jo-Jo and her friends are 16 in 1977 and Ellie dresses in tartan as homage to the Bay City Rollers, who were no longer making Top 10 singles by then. No 1977 teenage girl would have Donny Osmond on the wall for the same reasons – and surely silver platform boots went out in 1973? Jo-Jo and Harry go to see Star Wars just before the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in June. Except they wouldn’t have, as Star Wars wasn’t released in the UK until Christmas 1977. Ellie meets Neil Tennant just before Live Aid, although we had never heard of the Pet Shop Boys until the very end of 1985 when the remixed West End Girls charted. Nobody would have watched Friends in September 1994 as it didn’t air in the UK until April 1995. I have clearly learned something from my younger days and a bit of research! I would have expected more thorough research or at least a good editor to sort this out. This is a real shame. I think in many books with time travel themes the authors feel almost obliged to cram in as many retro and pop culture references as possible.
I really did enjoy this book. I love all things retro and vintage and have always fancied the idea of going back in time so it played to all my passions. As with most good chick lit books, it all comes together in the end, Jo-Jo gets some much needed “me” time, though I couldn’t help feeling that the ending was bittersweet, and I also felt it was rushed. Altogether, however, an exciting, fun, rollercoaster read that has cultural references that everyone 30 and above will recognise mainly, I’m under 30 and I recognise a good few of these. Highly recommended as always from this author.
June 2, 2016
After a year of buying this, I finally read it. I bought this on the Book Depository’s Bargain shop for only $7 and when I saw the cover page, I was immediately hooked! That “How many lifetimes would you travel to find a love that lasts for ever?” made me add this book at my cart and checkout as soon as possible. With the title itself, I knew it has a touch of time travel and I haven’t read any time travel books so this would be the first one.
I was really curious about the time travel thing since I haven’t read any book about that topic. This book opened my eyes to time travel and I love it. I love how Jo-Jo travels from decades to decades. With different decades comes different whole new world, the fashion, the trends, the music and more. Hands down to Ali McNamara for perfectly showing us how each decade looks like, I mean I can imagine perfectly each decade, and feels like I was there too.
And The Beatles was mentioned a lot of times, and another band Take That, bands that were really popular in their time. I never heard any songs from The Beatles, but because of this book I will try to listen to them. This book is not just about traveling through time just because Jo-Jo wants to, but because she needs to find and realize about some things that will help Jo-Jo with her future life.
If I could just travel through time, I would. If you guys want to read some fun and feel-good comedy of time travel and romance, then I suggest you definitely read this book.
I was really curious about the time travel thing since I haven’t read any book about that topic. This book opened my eyes to time travel and I love it. I love how Jo-Jo travels from decades to decades. With different decades comes different whole new world, the fashion, the trends, the music and more. Hands down to Ali McNamara for perfectly showing us how each decade looks like, I mean I can imagine perfectly each decade, and feels like I was there too.
And The Beatles was mentioned a lot of times, and another band Take That, bands that were really popular in their time. I never heard any songs from The Beatles, but because of this book I will try to listen to them. This book is not just about traveling through time just because Jo-Jo wants to, but because she needs to find and realize about some things that will help Jo-Jo with her future life.
If I could just travel through time, I would. If you guys want to read some fun and feel-good comedy of time travel and romance, then I suggest you definitely read this book.
February 7, 2017
Well, I usually don't read in English- beyond the academic books (because unfortunately i have to) but last month i went to a BBW book sale, and prices were ranging from $2-4 so I felt i might have a look! So I bought a dozen of books through a two-day visit, and this was one of them.
The cover is really catchy and the title as well. The language is quite "childish" but it's not a disadvantage for us as non-native English speakers (Or at least for me). I really liked the main characters: Jo-Jo(the kind girl) , George (The wise-man), Ellie (The Naughty-girl) and Harry (ugh.. so-many-things).
I've always been wondering if there could be any possibilities towards stepping back in time, and fixing out whatever wrong I've done through my lifetime, but then- and after reading this novel- I've understood that this won't change our original life, or delete certain events, but it will surely improve it. And this can be even without time-travelling.
I feel enthusiastic to go out of my "comfort zone" and try doing stuff i'm not familiar with, even though i'm introvert and this kind of "adventures" are not my type.
I didn't like linking the novel, characters and dialogue words to "The Beatles", I haven't heard about them since I'm not into pop or rock music, but it was OK to be introduced to them :) ..
The cover is really catchy and the title as well. The language is quite "childish" but it's not a disadvantage for us as non-native English speakers (Or at least for me). I really liked the main characters: Jo-Jo(the kind girl) , George (The wise-man), Ellie (The Naughty-girl) and Harry (ugh.. so-many-things).
I've always been wondering if there could be any possibilities towards stepping back in time, and fixing out whatever wrong I've done through my lifetime, but then- and after reading this novel- I've understood that this won't change our original life, or delete certain events, but it will surely improve it. And this can be even without time-travelling.
I feel enthusiastic to go out of my "comfort zone" and try doing stuff i'm not familiar with, even though i'm introvert and this kind of "adventures" are not my type.
I didn't like linking the novel, characters and dialogue words to "The Beatles", I haven't heard about them since I'm not into pop or rock music, but it was OK to be introduced to them :) ..
November 22, 2014
I'm surprised to see how many people liked this book. Now I don't make any secret of the fact that I love me a good chick lit book - done right they can be funny, heartwarming, moving and full of astute observations and acerbic wit. Unfortunately this book isn't one of them. After one chapter, I can't go on. My life is too short to spend any more time with the blandest, most inconsistent, most boring main character imaginable. There's nothing interesting or likeable about Jo-Jo, or the other two characters we meet. All three of them are hackneyed. The writing is dull, childish and clunky. Also, while grammatical rules can be broken to brilliant effect, when I start counting the sentences that start with "but" or "and" in the first few pages, there's something wrong. It also appears as if a bag of dashes, semicolons, colons and ellipses spilled and scattered themselves haphazardly through sentences that really don't need them.
The only good thing to come out of starting this book was that I learned it's possible to hand someone a business card cheesily, Just how does someone hand something over cheesily?
In short, don't waste your time with this. Go read a Marian Keyes novel if you want a really brilliant chick lit!
The only good thing to come out of starting this book was that I learned it's possible to hand someone a business card cheesily, Just how does someone hand something over cheesily?
In short, don't waste your time with this. Go read a Marian Keyes novel if you want a really brilliant chick lit!
April 21, 2015
How many lifetimes would you travel to find a love that lasts for ever?
When single career girl Jo-Jo steps onto a zebra crossing and gets hit by a car, she awakes to find herself in 1964. And then it happens three more times, and Jo-Jo finds herself living a completely new life in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. The only people she can rely on are Harry and Ellie, two companions from 2013, and George, the owner of a second-hand record store.
If she's ever to return from her travels, Jo-Jo must work out why she's jumping through time like this. And if she does make it back, will her old life ever be the same again?
I was excited to read this book one, because I love From Notting Hill to Love Actually and two, the ratings and reviews but I didn't love it. I thought Jo-Jo needed to stay longer in the different years to really make a difference in her life and others. Everything went too fast.
Also, I didn't really buy that half the people she met were experiencing the same thing. It was just odd and kinda stupid.
When single career girl Jo-Jo steps onto a zebra crossing and gets hit by a car, she awakes to find herself in 1964. And then it happens three more times, and Jo-Jo finds herself living a completely new life in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. The only people she can rely on are Harry and Ellie, two companions from 2013, and George, the owner of a second-hand record store.
If she's ever to return from her travels, Jo-Jo must work out why she's jumping through time like this. And if she does make it back, will her old life ever be the same again?
I was excited to read this book one, because I love From Notting Hill to Love Actually and two, the ratings and reviews but I didn't love it. I thought Jo-Jo needed to stay longer in the different years to really make a difference in her life and others. Everything went too fast.
Also, I didn't really buy that half the people she met were experiencing the same thing. It was just odd and kinda stupid.
November 23, 2013
Yet another fantastic book from Ali. I swear we love all the same things. Places, films, (other) books, food and drink. I can't put the into words the bounds of love I had for this book just like the previous three. A little nod to something I love or another film to add to my list of films I must watch and I think Ali's done it again this book can't get any better but it does every time there's always another line or mention of something that'll literally make my jump for joy or gasp.
November 17, 2013
What a fantastic novel! I love the idea of traveling back in time and any book that references The Beatles is a added bonus. I loved reading about the main character Jo Jo as she tries to adapt to each decade she travels to. A beautiful story, a fab book cover, this has been the best book I've read this year hands down!
August 24, 2014
I started this last night and finished it tonight. It is very easy to read, perhaps even simplistic. I love books about time-travel and that's what made me buy it, but it was not well-written. The style was a bit 'fan-fiction' like - and not in a good way.
Interesting premise spoiled by too much wordage - quantity over quality.
Interesting premise spoiled by too much wordage - quantity over quality.
September 28, 2014
This was a fun romp through the decades, with a truly sweet love story. Had to keep turning pages to find out what happened next! Loved all the Beatles references and thought the time travel element was really well done.
June 16, 2017
Liked it for the most part but I get the distinct feeling I'd have enjoyed it more if I were a Beatles fan. I found it a bit confusing in places but it was explained adequately at the end. I was left wishing I could follow the characters' stories a bit longer. But in a good way!
November 5, 2013
<3 <3 <3
November 14, 2013
the most awesome book ever!love it!love it!!
March 28, 2016
A fun time travel story. The references are spot on (if you are British) and bring back so many great memories.
I loved the characters interactions as they 'lived' different lives.
Highly recommended
I loved the characters interactions as they 'lived' different lives.
Highly recommended
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