Times Square

by Rich Walls

An unexpected scavenger hunt forces a woman to confront her past and present loves in New York City. Featuring a sparkling Manhattan lit late at night, Times Square is the novella which pinpoints what it means to live and love in a city that readily challenges and astonishes, so often in the same breath.

Genres: Contemporary

ebook

Published March 8, 2018

About the author

Rich Walls graduated from Villanova University in 2006. He recently released Times Square, a novella inspired by his years living and working in New York City. He is also the author of Standby, Chicago and creator of One Page Love Story. He currently lives in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Reviews

[Nikki (Saturday Nite Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ♥ NY.

And, I loved the vibe of this book.

Newly married Angie is back in NYC for the night. (She relocated to Delaware for her husband. New Yorkers understand just how nostalgic that could make a person.) She receives an anonymous letter that will send her on a scavenger hunt throughout NYC – only thing is she doesn’t really know what she is looking for. Oh, and who she thought sent the note was not whom she thought. (interesting!)

It is a short book, only 102 pages and probably best read in one or two sittings. Just like Angie, you will find yourself confused a bit when each chapter starts. Who is she thinking about, who are these people, what will she find? I only fully appreciated it once I finished: it was like “oh, I totally get it now!” And, I won’t give anything away but will just say that: I loved the ending.

I am all about vibe and writing style and this one sucked me in. Even during those times where I was scratching my head in confusion, I was kept wanting to know more. You can’t help but fall in love with all the characters. I only wish that the chapters were labeled past or present, so I knew where I was in the story in the beginning of the chapter rather than figuring it out by the end.

The book cover is sleek and eye-catching. Illustrator, Rebecca N. Johnson did a brilliant job.

New Yorkers and lovers of NYC – go out and grab this book for your library. It also makes great side/coffee table art. #booksarehomedecor

I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars!

This review will be short and sweet, since Rich Walls' novella is under 100 pages. Time Square introduces us to Angie, a New Yorker, and takes her on a ride through the city. If you have ever visited New York, it's nostalgic and fun. Time Square pays homage to the city that I've always known and loved, and it made me smile to see how the city incorporates the main character's life and balance in her day-to-day. Go in blind, only read the blurb provided, and make sure to read this in one sitting (it's more fun that way)! Let Time Square take you on the joyride through Manhattan that you've always wanted.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out my review on my blog here: https://booksonthebookshelf.wordpress...

This book was a quick and fun read. It is a heart-warming story of love and follows the main character Angie throughout the city of New York as she is sent on a scavenger hunt by a past love. Which past love is sending her on this journey of love? She will have to get to the end of the scavenger hunt to find out.

Angie receives a letter which starts her on her scavenger hunt journey. Each place she goes she gets a new clue to where she has to go next. We learn about some of her past loves and her present love. I loved reading about the journey she was on as she is taken throughout many parts of New York. 

This book was cleverly written, and keeps your interest throughout. A great story of love.

I especially loved the ending, when you find out who was sending her on this journey. What a terrific story of love, both past and present.

Thank you to the author Rich Walls for sending me the free copy of this book. It was a pleasure to read.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the shifting time periods very confusing - including the date at the start of each chapter would have gone a long way. I got halfway through the book, was very confused, and had to start over. Upon the second read, the time periods/story line made more sense, but still wasn't clear. Sometimes I think vague time periods are helpful to the story (such as in psychological thrillers), but in this case, I think it took away from the story. I enjoyed the ode to NYC, but it got lost in the confusion of the storyline.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

If this hadn't been such a short read, I wouldn't have bothered. It's drifting, pointless and boring. I powered through it since it's less than 100 pages long, but even considering that, I regret it. I'm hoping that pretty soon here I'll hit on a book that really blows me away, because lately I've had a string of bad luck and this definitely did nothing to change that.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25
Times Square a novella is an unexpected star in NYC that I wouldn’t have otherwise seen. Rich’s prose is sunshine! I underlined many passages and made notations in the margins. The premise is a woman’s search for her place. The protagonist Angie try’s to identify if NYC is where she’s destined to be, at the same time discerning if the man shes chosen is the right one. I related to some of Angie’s doubtfulness and longing. Through mysterious, romantic and magical occurrences she’s finally able to find her truth and see the wonder in her reality. I experienced sky scrapers and a billion endless lights. In the span of a novella Rich created the entire spectrum of emotions, I don’t cry in books and I cried. This novella is a starry sky on a clear warm night.

[Jacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway and it's 3.5/5 stars for me

Reading about the scavenger hunt as the main character, Angie, experiences it is interesting. Her confusion and thought process feels very real with the chapters going back and forth between past and present. She finds a clue, remembers a strong moment from the place, who she was with, questions if the scavenger hunt is from them, then goes onto her next clue.

Some of my questions were left unanswered and a few parts felt unrealistic. Though, for a hundred page story I did enjoy reading it.

[Katie Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my new favorite Novella. As someone who loved and left New York City (particularly The Strand), the combination of nostalgia and idyllic description made me want to visit again very soon. The plot is not told in a linear timeline but the snapshots in each chapter provide context for the ultimate conclusion, which is lovely and satisfying. I would highly recommend this quick read if you don’t mind alternating timelines, and would like to be reminded of what it’s like to fall in love with New York City.

[Jill | jills_book_obsession · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you @rich_walls for sending me this beautiful book!
.
A woman is sent on a scavenger hunt by her past love, but the question is which past love? At first I had a hard time following what was going on and the jumping between past and future characters and settings was confusing. However, once I finished several pieces clicked into place. I think if I were to go back and read it again I’d enjoy it even more.

[Christi M · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I will admit to getting lost in the several characters and what was going on throughout this book. HOWEVER, the ending made all that confusion TOTALLY worth it. It all came together and made sense in such a profound, touching way. If only we all had declarations of love like this in our lives, wouldn't the world be a much happier place? Fantastic read!!

[JPC · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching romance novella where a scavenger hunt through New York City takes a woman on a walk down memory lane of her experiences with those she's loved. I had a hard time following in the beginning, but enjoyed the way her story was pieced together in the end.

** I received a copy of this novella from the author/publisher through a Goodreads giveaway **

[Patrycja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this eBook through GoodReads giveaway.

I really enjoyed this novel. It has great story line and is so well written. I read it in one sitting. It is fresh and playful novel. I recommend it! Especially if you like New York city and you are looking for some romance tell.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline. Read this book in one sitting.

[Matt Gastall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivid and vivacious ... Walls is always a great read. Rising star

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Times Square was an interesting read. An unusual book. Worth the time to read.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the characters in this book. First time reading of this author and plan to find more of his books. Recommend this book

[TheReadingCornerforAll Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read that depicted the streets of New York City in a colorful manner.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good romance novella.

I received this book as part of the good reads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Ginger Pollard · Rating 1 out of 5]

An unfortunate Goodreads win....

[Lisa Waller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. I enjoyed the way the author kept me tuned in with just enough details to keep me guessing. Nice love story, Angie's love of NY and of some unique men she encountered along the way.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title is what initially drew me to this book. If you know/love NYC there are definite locales on display throughout. I found the first 1/3 to 1/2 pretty confusing... really not sure where it was headed or what was going on. I'd best describe it as almost dream like-- where memories converge in a surreal, pretty unrealistic chain of events. (Elements of the ending could ONLY happen in a dream.) I'm not sure if the author intended the reader to find the story as a reconciliation with the past, a homecoming, an acceptance of the present? The scavenger hunt aspect became clearer as the story progressed but the early meeting of characters was completely confusing. The author has writing skill-- just not sure this was a book for me.

I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Kirk Weikart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like books organized and sequential, but I also like to challenge these preferences. This book was a conundrum, as it was sometimes scatter brained and at other times it was strangely lucid.. I would classify this as a "relationship mystery". The main character introduces us to her romantic interests from her adult life as she examines and reflects on whether she has made correct decisions. There is a tacit uncertainty as to who she truly loves, and by the way, who is leading her around the burrough on a kind of scavenger hunt?

[Eve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confusing novella

This book drops you in the middle of circumstances as many stories do, but this one never provides clarification about what is going on. I was confused the entire book about who was being discussed and when events were occurring. In addition, I did not have any sympathy or liking for the protagonist.

[Kathy Stibal · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a book I won through Goodreads - would not have been a book I would have bought. I finished the book but several times considered not continuing as I was totally confused as to what they story was. After finishing the book the story made more sense and I think I would have enjoyed it if I'd known earlier what was happening. Too disjointed for me - sorry!

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short book (novella) that was an easy, quick read. For me maybe too quick as I was confused and unsure of what I just read. I plan on re-reading to give the story a fair assessment.

I received this book through a goodreads giveaway.

[Judy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Have no idea

Started reading and was so confused. Almost read like a stream of consciousness and a stream I couldn’t wade through. Stopped and went onto something else. It may have gotten better but I wasn’t interested in finding out

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, but didn't quite "love" it. I do appreciate the style in which this was written - the flow was different and refreshing.

Overall it was a fast and endearing read which I really enjoyed.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this.. but I think the lack of labels for the past/present tenses ruined it for me. It was difficult to see the difference, and this is not a novella in which blending the two tenses together makes sense to the storyline.

[Sherrie Howey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is extremely short, 92 pages. I found it confusing, especially as it went back and forth between the past and the present. Toward the end, it all became clearer but I would have preferred clarity early on in the book. It was a nice tribute to New York.

[Doreen Ashbrook · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just didn't get this book..........