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Timepiece
Matthew Winters is in trouble. Everything he's worked so hard to achieve, is gone. One snowy Christmas Eve in 1932, he's offered a second chance. He meets Henry, the proprietor of a thrift store. It isn't your typical thrift store. The wares Henry purveys are magical. He returns home to confess everything to his beautiful wife, Anna. He convinces her that they can start anew, and use the timepiece Henry gives him to travel through time. "Don't ever let it stop ticking," Henry warns. In this mystical tale that marries time travel, romance and psychological horror, journey with the Winters across many decades to see what happens when you let love lead the way. A grotesquely beautiful love story that will test the hands of time.
165 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2019
5 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 27, 2019
TIMELESS TRASH
If you describe your own book as a “A grotesquely beautiful love story that will test the hands of time” then I know to expect some pretentious drivel and Timepiece did not disappoint. I’m a keep this simple because I’m not even in the mood to get all up in it, and I only read about 40% of the book and I skimmed the rest because I value time and I don’t have my own magical watch to make up for the boredom and the nonsense that is this book.
The very beginning is a set up to the mess that you’re getting, we got magical and mundane smoke in the shape of a legless mare which should mean something but it’s only translation is that the author thought they had the purple prose down pat but it’s more of a muddy brown, murky and messy.
In case you forget that the main protagonist is named Matthew, you are reminded at least 3x on every page and I’m positive “oh Matthew” makes up at least 30% of the book. Fine we get it, Matthew is broke and can make magical beings with his cigarettes and he’s got a magical timepiece and his wife Anna, boring melodramatic Anna (like furniture she was there but like the ugly chair you have in the corner of your bedroom that you throw all your clothes on).
So overall, this is so bad. Anna and Mathew are like two people who met in a bar and decided to marry without knowing each other. The relationship is strained, stunted, lacks any form of chemistry and is that of wet wood that someone tried to make a fire with. I guess if you want you can say this book is about second chances and grand adventures…but Doctor Who has taught me that you don’t mess with time and Barbara Avon should maybe also take that advice (and get a fucking editor) and you can take that advice going forward 🙃.
If you describe your own book as a “A grotesquely beautiful love story that will test the hands of time” then I know to expect some pretentious drivel and Timepiece did not disappoint. I’m a keep this simple because I’m not even in the mood to get all up in it, and I only read about 40% of the book and I skimmed the rest because I value time and I don’t have my own magical watch to make up for the boredom and the nonsense that is this book.
The very beginning is a set up to the mess that you’re getting, we got magical and mundane smoke in the shape of a legless mare which should mean something but it’s only translation is that the author thought they had the purple prose down pat but it’s more of a muddy brown, murky and messy.
In case you forget that the main protagonist is named Matthew, you are reminded at least 3x on every page and I’m positive “oh Matthew” makes up at least 30% of the book. Fine we get it, Matthew is broke and can make magical beings with his cigarettes and he’s got a magical timepiece and his wife Anna, boring melodramatic Anna (like furniture she was there but like the ugly chair you have in the corner of your bedroom that you throw all your clothes on).
So overall, this is so bad. Anna and Mathew are like two people who met in a bar and decided to marry without knowing each other. The relationship is strained, stunted, lacks any form of chemistry and is that of wet wood that someone tried to make a fire with. I guess if you want you can say this book is about second chances and grand adventures…but Doctor Who has taught me that you don’t mess with time and Barbara Avon should maybe also take that advice (and get a fucking editor) and you can take that advice going forward 🙃.
August 22, 2019
Second sentence, "Matthew Winters stared at it over the rim of his eyeglasses, and watched as a legless mare pranced past."
A legless mare is prancing???
I don't think these words mean what the author thinks they mean. That's enough for me, over and out.
A legless mare is prancing???
I don't think these words mean what the author thinks they mean. That's enough for me, over and out.
August 22, 2019
Anything that includes "It isn't your typical ____" in the blurb is guaranteed to be typical and boring.
Also, that is a really ugly cover.
Also, that is a really ugly cover.
nope
August 20, 2019Doesn’t sound like I’d enjoy this book. Going to pass based on a review I saw.
nope
August 21, 2019thanks to an extremely helpful review on Amazon, I've decided this book isn't for me & therefore have opted not to read it.
May 9, 2019
"Nobody else but you"
As the turntable plays, it might as well be stuck repeating this line about love.
Matthew has lost all hope. The struggles of life have nearly crushed his soul. He is flat broke. He needs time. It's promised to him free on one condition.
My personal favorite film of all time happens to be "It's a Wonderful Life." Though, very different from this book, its similarity, does help explain why I feel "Timepiece" is a classic that will go down in history as a masterpiece. A very well written story about love, time and collateral. Would you time travel if you were only allowed to go forward?
Starting in 1932 and only moving forward (as per Henry, the time travel salesman) by the time Matthew hears the music of "The Beatles" and later, The Lizard King, the story seems to be wrapping up. Then, when the ending finally hits you, the realization that Author Barbara Avon will be remembered forever as a brilliant storyteller. Mrs Avon, your readers love you, for all your words.
If it's real, tell Henry to hold on to that Timepiece. This one however, was unforgettable. I'll treasure it.
Congratulations Mr. Avon. You married one of the greats of our time.
As the turntable plays, it might as well be stuck repeating this line about love.
Matthew has lost all hope. The struggles of life have nearly crushed his soul. He is flat broke. He needs time. It's promised to him free on one condition.
My personal favorite film of all time happens to be "It's a Wonderful Life." Though, very different from this book, its similarity, does help explain why I feel "Timepiece" is a classic that will go down in history as a masterpiece. A very well written story about love, time and collateral. Would you time travel if you were only allowed to go forward?
Starting in 1932 and only moving forward (as per Henry, the time travel salesman) by the time Matthew hears the music of "The Beatles" and later, The Lizard King, the story seems to be wrapping up. Then, when the ending finally hits you, the realization that Author Barbara Avon will be remembered forever as a brilliant storyteller. Mrs Avon, your readers love you, for all your words.
If it's real, tell Henry to hold on to that Timepiece. This one however, was unforgettable. I'll treasure it.
Congratulations Mr. Avon. You married one of the greats of our time.
August 1, 2019
Timepiece ticks at an incredible pace, marking off the horrors and fears brought on by immovable fate.
Humans can be impatient, desperate and powerfully led by strong emotions — dominant among them love and the desire to be loved. And so it is with Matthew Winters, who finds himself financially strapped and concurrently embarrassed and frightened. When a strange man offers him a way out, he resists at first; but ultimately, Matthew is persuaded to wear the magical watch and move forward in time.
The adventure, however, is not undertaken alone. His wife holds on for dear life, and soon they find themselves in a future that threatens to leave them behind.
Timepiece is a dark psychological thriller that takes on the best and worst of our passions, illustrating that even with the best intentions — or so we think — darkness can shroud us despite, or perhaps because of, our striving. Be prepared for heart-wrenching scenes, some perhaps horrifying to a gentle reader.
But also be prepared to turn the pages madly and obsessively. It is hard to turn away from Matthew’s travels, the lessons they teach us, and Barbara Avon’s remarkable words.
Beware the future, they remind us, for it is shrouded from our eyes.
Humans can be impatient, desperate and powerfully led by strong emotions — dominant among them love and the desire to be loved. And so it is with Matthew Winters, who finds himself financially strapped and concurrently embarrassed and frightened. When a strange man offers him a way out, he resists at first; but ultimately, Matthew is persuaded to wear the magical watch and move forward in time.
The adventure, however, is not undertaken alone. His wife holds on for dear life, and soon they find themselves in a future that threatens to leave them behind.
Timepiece is a dark psychological thriller that takes on the best and worst of our passions, illustrating that even with the best intentions — or so we think — darkness can shroud us despite, or perhaps because of, our striving. Be prepared for heart-wrenching scenes, some perhaps horrifying to a gentle reader.
But also be prepared to turn the pages madly and obsessively. It is hard to turn away from Matthew’s travels, the lessons they teach us, and Barbara Avon’s remarkable words.
Beware the future, they remind us, for it is shrouded from our eyes.
July 19, 2019
Poignant and poetic, Timepiece is a love story, a story of loss and the fallout resulting from that grief. But there's a twist. The mysterious wristwatch that makes everything turn from simple and wholesome to nightmarish and surreal.
I was fascinated with this story in much the same way as one is fascinated with tragedy in everyday life. You can't look away, even though you want to. I loved it and hated it in equal measure, because I knew the story would not end the way I wanted it to. That is not the author's fault, but rather my penchant as a reader to prefer a more favourable outcome for myself.
This story will polarise you as you duel with it to the end. It is lyrical and off-beat at the same time - like a warped record.
For fans of horror, surrealism and dark fantasy, this one is certainly for you.
I was fascinated with this story in much the same way as one is fascinated with tragedy in everyday life. You can't look away, even though you want to. I loved it and hated it in equal measure, because I knew the story would not end the way I wanted it to. That is not the author's fault, but rather my penchant as a reader to prefer a more favourable outcome for myself.
This story will polarise you as you duel with it to the end. It is lyrical and off-beat at the same time - like a warped record.
For fans of horror, surrealism and dark fantasy, this one is certainly for you.
September 20, 2019
Wow. I'm not sure where to start.
The author knows what a story needs, but isn't showing the ability to execute. The craft of writing isn't forgiving when the author uses repetitive words and phrases throughout the book. In order to be considered a good story-teller, it isn't enough to have a good story in your head. You need to be able to put it onto paper (or a computer screen) and show a good understanding of the craft of writing.
I read every genre of book there is, from non-fiction to PNR, and I have learned over the years to depend upon the author's ability to not only TELL the story, but to CREATE it with prose that will be understood and remembered. This book fell short of that.
I will say that the legless horse caught my attention, although it did nothing for my imagination, or enjoyment, continuing forward.
The author knows what a story needs, but isn't showing the ability to execute. The craft of writing isn't forgiving when the author uses repetitive words and phrases throughout the book. In order to be considered a good story-teller, it isn't enough to have a good story in your head. You need to be able to put it onto paper (or a computer screen) and show a good understanding of the craft of writing.
I read every genre of book there is, from non-fiction to PNR, and I have learned over the years to depend upon the author's ability to not only TELL the story, but to CREATE it with prose that will be understood and remembered. This book fell short of that.
I will say that the legless horse caught my attention, although it did nothing for my imagination, or enjoyment, continuing forward.
August 8, 2019
Timepiece is a masterpiece.
Some early spoilers: Matthew is desperate and penniless. Gifted a supernatural wristwatch from the devil's son, Matthew takes us on a journey through time. Nothing is as it seems considering the source of the gift.
I was intrigued by the love these 2 people possessed and the depths they sunk to have a better life. The author fills the 5 senses with prose that's sure to delight. You can feel yourself in the scene as the author paints the story around you.
The characters are believable with many foibles. They fight and love and hope. They go through hell and still find a way to love each other.
This is an amazing story. Pick it up.
Some early spoilers: Matthew is desperate and penniless. Gifted a supernatural wristwatch from the devil's son, Matthew takes us on a journey through time. Nothing is as it seems considering the source of the gift.
I was intrigued by the love these 2 people possessed and the depths they sunk to have a better life. The author fills the 5 senses with prose that's sure to delight. You can feel yourself in the scene as the author paints the story around you.
The characters are believable with many foibles. They fight and love and hope. They go through hell and still find a way to love each other.
This is an amazing story. Pick it up.
September 26, 2019
Be careful what you wish for.
On the brink of financial ruin, Matthew Winter makes a deal with a devil of sorts and transports both himself and his beloved wife, Anna, into the future. But will they live happily ever after?
I love magic shops and deals with mysterious men, and the character of Henry and his dog Zeus did not disappoint.
Matthew and Anna’s story is reminiscent of a Twilight Zone episode. I couldn’t get behind their characters, but I enjoyed going along for the ride.
On the brink of financial ruin, Matthew Winter makes a deal with a devil of sorts and transports both himself and his beloved wife, Anna, into the future. But will they live happily ever after?
I love magic shops and deals with mysterious men, and the character of Henry and his dog Zeus did not disappoint.
Matthew and Anna’s story is reminiscent of a Twilight Zone episode. I couldn’t get behind their characters, but I enjoyed going along for the ride.
September 13, 2019
From the beginning, I knew that Matthew Winters would be a character that I would fall in love with. While life has been unkind to him, his love - his wife, has been the centre of his world. His devotion to his wife fuels his decisions while also being the reason for his downfall. You feel all of his emotions through his journey, in an effort to live a happy marriage at the expense of time.
August 17, 2019
Beautifully written time travel story about a young couple who are trying to escape their travels. Instead, they find themselves in a future they have no connection to and are increasingly becoming strangers to each other. It's a devastating look at a relationship that is being torn apart by time and may only be saved by the deepest love and strength. The story is haunting, unique and well told.
June 17, 2019
Timepiece was a brilliantly written, yet tragic love story. It had a unique and intriguing premise along with lovely prose. Avon did a tremendous job of pulling me into the story with likable characters and kept me hooked with lots of twists & turns in the plot that kept me guessing until the end.
August 11, 2019
First, I have to say I adore the time periods chosen for this book. The way of life, the language, the way people lived, and the picture the author paints are divine.
I loved that each chapter begins with a quote from Matthew Winter’s Journal. It just sets the tone for what is to come and gives us a glimpse inside of his mind. I was pulled in from the first page of the book with the amazing imagery and scene-setting. I was immediately in the story of what the characters were experiencing. I felt the emotions that they felt and it really allowed me to dive into the story being told and shut out the world around me.
I’m enthralled with Matthew and Anna’s story and the trajectory of what moves them forward. The relationship he has with his wife is incredibly sweet and complicated. His connection with Henry throws a wrench into his plans but the entire story was so engaging.
As far as the characters go, I love how endearing Matthew is and devoted to his wife despite events thrust upon them. Anna has a bit of sass that I find entertaining at times. I also found her character to be relatable in terms of her emotions and the way she deals with situations that arise. Henry was mysterious and otherworldly and something about him drew me into his interesting worldview.
I found the effects of the time travel were explained perfectly and it kept me with them on their journey. The times of strife were all the more important and the people they encountered all the more interesting. The emotions explained by the author are done so eloquently and with such intention, that we are wrapped up in their story right up to the end.
I loved that each chapter begins with a quote from Matthew Winter’s Journal. It just sets the tone for what is to come and gives us a glimpse inside of his mind. I was pulled in from the first page of the book with the amazing imagery and scene-setting. I was immediately in the story of what the characters were experiencing. I felt the emotions that they felt and it really allowed me to dive into the story being told and shut out the world around me.
I’m enthralled with Matthew and Anna’s story and the trajectory of what moves them forward. The relationship he has with his wife is incredibly sweet and complicated. His connection with Henry throws a wrench into his plans but the entire story was so engaging.
As far as the characters go, I love how endearing Matthew is and devoted to his wife despite events thrust upon them. Anna has a bit of sass that I find entertaining at times. I also found her character to be relatable in terms of her emotions and the way she deals with situations that arise. Henry was mysterious and otherworldly and something about him drew me into his interesting worldview.
I found the effects of the time travel were explained perfectly and it kept me with them on their journey. The times of strife were all the more important and the people they encountered all the more interesting. The emotions explained by the author are done so eloquently and with such intention, that we are wrapped up in their story right up to the end.
December 19, 2019
This is a gem. The writing is lyrical and evocative, it draws the reader in and connects them to the characters and locations. Normally I prefer simpler and more direct language but it worked on me anyway. The premise is original but with interesting similarities to classic fairy tales like Rumpelstiltskin or Rapunzel. The plotting and structure of the story is simple and effective and it packs an emotional punch. l will definitely remember it.
However, the gem could use a little more polishing. The word choice can be over complex, the language sometimes jars with complex formal sentences when a character is under stress, sometimes period items to create background are introduced to the point it becomes a distraction, very occasionally words are misused. It also seems like the depth of description in each scene gradually decreases as the story progresses: this is effective in creating pace and tension but it is perhaps overdone. The last few scenes appear almost rushed in comparison to the first and would benefit from a little more explicit detail to make clear what exactly has happened.
This is an excellent and memorable short novel: I would buy more of the author's work without hesitation.
However, the gem could use a little more polishing. The word choice can be over complex, the language sometimes jars with complex formal sentences when a character is under stress, sometimes period items to create background are introduced to the point it becomes a distraction, very occasionally words are misused. It also seems like the depth of description in each scene gradually decreases as the story progresses: this is effective in creating pace and tension but it is perhaps overdone. The last few scenes appear almost rushed in comparison to the first and would benefit from a little more explicit detail to make clear what exactly has happened.
This is an excellent and memorable short novel: I would buy more of the author's work without hesitation.
November 15, 2019
Barbara Avon has a penchant for historical settings and makes use of era-specific nuances to add some spice to her worlds. Timepiece is no exception, introducing a clever plot device in the form of a faustian purchase that keeps perfect time… at least when one is not leaping through it.
Timepiece is foremost a character-driven love story, and the author shows her talent by rendering multiple iconic time periods for her characters to interact with. The slang, clothing, and mannerisms all change to accommodate the era and give every period an authentic feel. It is an aspect of this story that I enjoyed.
Of note, there are Easter eggs for those who have read Barbara's previous works. Alas, any mention of Clara or The Grand in this work of fiction is purely coincidental!
I thoroughly loved this story and it comes highly recommended. Barbara has a wonderfully descriptive writing style that suits the stories she weaves. The ending fits in perfectly with the overall theme of the book and eluded me until the very end.
Timepiece reminded me of a dramatic film and was well-worth the price of admission!
Timepiece is foremost a character-driven love story, and the author shows her talent by rendering multiple iconic time periods for her characters to interact with. The slang, clothing, and mannerisms all change to accommodate the era and give every period an authentic feel. It is an aspect of this story that I enjoyed.
Of note, there are Easter eggs for those who have read Barbara's previous works. Alas, any mention of Clara or The Grand in this work of fiction is purely coincidental!
I thoroughly loved this story and it comes highly recommended. Barbara has a wonderfully descriptive writing style that suits the stories she weaves. The ending fits in perfectly with the overall theme of the book and eluded me until the very end.
Timepiece reminded me of a dramatic film and was well-worth the price of admission!
July 2, 2019
I can recommend this book. As well as a well plotted story, the descriptive writing is excellent, as is the dialogue. The characters are well defined and believable. I will caution the reader to not anticipate upcoming events. I did and I was wrong, but not disappointed.
Because of my schedule, I read the story one chapter a day. I should have on a Saturday afternoon sat down and read it straight through. Sherlock Holmes, with his keen and practical mind, might have scoffed at the premise. Doctor Watson however, may well have enjoyed it.
Buy the book and give it a rating. It deserves a wide audience.
Because of my schedule, I read the story one chapter a day. I should have on a Saturday afternoon sat down and read it straight through. Sherlock Holmes, with his keen and practical mind, might have scoffed at the premise. Doctor Watson however, may well have enjoyed it.
Buy the book and give it a rating. It deserves a wide audience.
July 13, 2019
Unique twisty psychological horror
Timepiece is a psychologically twisty thriller/horror tale that I could not put down. Definitely one of my favourite books of the year.
The simple premise, a magical timepiece embued with the ability to offer the solution to all life’s troubles, should you care to consider the consequences, evolves as a compelling and unique tale. Tension and darkness increase throughout - built by excellent pacing and world-building. The author has a masterful way of weaving the tale so you become ensnared in the horror of it before you even realize.
Timepiece had me laughing, crying and holding my breath - what more could you want from a great story?
Timepiece is a psychologically twisty thriller/horror tale that I could not put down. Definitely one of my favourite books of the year.
The simple premise, a magical timepiece embued with the ability to offer the solution to all life’s troubles, should you care to consider the consequences, evolves as a compelling and unique tale. Tension and darkness increase throughout - built by excellent pacing and world-building. The author has a masterful way of weaving the tale so you become ensnared in the horror of it before you even realize.
Timepiece had me laughing, crying and holding my breath - what more could you want from a great story?
June 8, 2019
Another excellent novel by at amazing author! The novel was perfectly woven to keep you reading! And wanting more from this excellent author. Love all Barb's books.
March 30, 2023
I've had this novel on my Kindle for so long that I forgot about it. Well, I finally read it and I'm glad that I did. Timepiece by Barbara Avon is a breathtaking novel that delves into the complexities of human nature and the power of time. This bitter-sweet story follows the lives of Matthew and Anna as they navigate through time, holding onto their love as they face the challenges of the future.
Barbara Avon's skill in crafting dialogue and evocative imagery creates a vivid and atmospheric world that immerses readers in the story. As Matthew encounters a strange man who offers him a magical watch that allows them to move forward in time, readers will be on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.
The characters in Timepiece are complex and flawed, adding to the depth of the story. As Matthew and Anna face the challenges of the future, they are forced to confront their own passions and desires, revealing the darker aspects of their personalities.
The ending of Timepiece is haunting and will stay with readers long after they finish the book. The heart-wrenching scenes throughout the novel are, at times, horrifying, making it a dark psychological thriller that is not for the faint of heart. However, despite the struggles and hardships that Matthew and Anna face, their love for each other endures, making Timepiece a powerful and emotional read.
Overall, Timepiece is a stunning novel that showcases Barbara Avon's incredible talent for storytelling. With its intricate plot and unforgettable characters, this book is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and love stories alike.
Barbara Avon's skill in crafting dialogue and evocative imagery creates a vivid and atmospheric world that immerses readers in the story. As Matthew encounters a strange man who offers him a magical watch that allows them to move forward in time, readers will be on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.
The characters in Timepiece are complex and flawed, adding to the depth of the story. As Matthew and Anna face the challenges of the future, they are forced to confront their own passions and desires, revealing the darker aspects of their personalities.
The ending of Timepiece is haunting and will stay with readers long after they finish the book. The heart-wrenching scenes throughout the novel are, at times, horrifying, making it a dark psychological thriller that is not for the faint of heart. However, despite the struggles and hardships that Matthew and Anna face, their love for each other endures, making Timepiece a powerful and emotional read.
Overall, Timepiece is a stunning novel that showcases Barbara Avon's incredible talent for storytelling. With its intricate plot and unforgettable characters, this book is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and love stories alike.
April 3, 2023
Can you trick Time? What if magic existed and people could manipulate time as they pleased to suit their needs? Would it solve their problems?
Barbara Avon gives answers to these questions. And the essence of these answers is that no matter where – or to when – one goes, one can’t escape their own self. Even when you cross the ocean trying to leave something behind, you often realise that the only thing you’ve left is the land. Your true self always travels with you. There are things that don’t succumb even to magic.
Matthew Winters escapes the Great Depression by taking a mysterious timepiece from Henry, the thrift store owner. He even persuades his beautiful wife Anna to run away with him, leaving everything and everyone she loves behind. Still, Matthew can’t escape something intangible but powerful – something that makes him who he is. By running away from one trouble, Matthew dooms himself to endless others.
With her lyrical prose, the author draws a dark and haunting picture of two people losing themselves in the net of lies and restrained emotions. Matthew and Anna have only each other. But for Anna, her husband is the one who reminds her of her biggest loss. She can’t forget what she has lost, and it doesn’t let both of them start looking for something new that might heal them.
“Timepiece” is a fascinating read. With every page, it pulled me deeper and deeper into the darkness of its characters’ struggling souls. I tried to imagine how it would feel to travel in time, knowing that you can’t ever go back to your previous life. Would the fleeting moment of excitement be worth the long stretch of life filled with regrets?
Barbara Avon gives answers to these questions. And the essence of these answers is that no matter where – or to when – one goes, one can’t escape their own self. Even when you cross the ocean trying to leave something behind, you often realise that the only thing you’ve left is the land. Your true self always travels with you. There are things that don’t succumb even to magic.
Matthew Winters escapes the Great Depression by taking a mysterious timepiece from Henry, the thrift store owner. He even persuades his beautiful wife Anna to run away with him, leaving everything and everyone she loves behind. Still, Matthew can’t escape something intangible but powerful – something that makes him who he is. By running away from one trouble, Matthew dooms himself to endless others.
With her lyrical prose, the author draws a dark and haunting picture of two people losing themselves in the net of lies and restrained emotions. Matthew and Anna have only each other. But for Anna, her husband is the one who reminds her of her biggest loss. She can’t forget what she has lost, and it doesn’t let both of them start looking for something new that might heal them.
“Timepiece” is a fascinating read. With every page, it pulled me deeper and deeper into the darkness of its characters’ struggling souls. I tried to imagine how it would feel to travel in time, knowing that you can’t ever go back to your previous life. Would the fleeting moment of excitement be worth the long stretch of life filled with regrets?
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May 19, 2022Captivating. Tragic. Beautiful.
I bought this book because I love time travel novels and felt the cover was so well done that I might find something special inside. And I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, what I found was something unique to this genre. Beautiful, relentless, prose.
Rhythmic, intimate descriptions and dialogue linked seamlessly to etch the characters and their plights deeply into my mind, where they remain, still. There were so many beautiful lines to choose from, all of them really, but here is one I fancied:
Death had found her, wielding his scythe, and with words laced in pure ecstasy Death said:
“I know how to take the pain away.”
The story built and built, the pressure ever escalating, until I was afraid I couldn’t make it to the end without bursting with empathy. But made it I did, more quickly than I wanted to, and what I found was…POWERFUL!
The best news for me is that the author has written many, many books, so I have something to look forward to when I select my next read. Barbara Avon can write!
SCD
I bought this book because I love time travel novels and felt the cover was so well done that I might find something special inside. And I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, what I found was something unique to this genre. Beautiful, relentless, prose.
Rhythmic, intimate descriptions and dialogue linked seamlessly to etch the characters and their plights deeply into my mind, where they remain, still. There were so many beautiful lines to choose from, all of them really, but here is one I fancied:
Death had found her, wielding his scythe, and with words laced in pure ecstasy Death said:
“I know how to take the pain away.”
The story built and built, the pressure ever escalating, until I was afraid I couldn’t make it to the end without bursting with empathy. But made it I did, more quickly than I wanted to, and what I found was…POWERFUL!
The best news for me is that the author has written many, many books, so I have something to look forward to when I select my next read. Barbara Avon can write!
SCD
July 13, 2025
This book shook me. It's like watching a car crash and you are a passenger in the crashing car. The book is well written and the characters are fleshed out beautifully. The journal entries are a beautiful touch that added to the story and a guide in the descent of the tale. I've read several reviews on here of the book and one even saying they couldn't finish it. Honestly, I had the opposite reaction; I couldnt put it down til I finished it. Loved this book and the ending... well I wont offer any clues as it should it be read and experienced without the slightest hint.
May 3, 2022
I truly enjoyed reading this wonderful creepy little book and read it in one big gulp! I couldn’t put it down until the last page and I thought the ending was perfection. What a unique idea involving time travel. I do enjoy stories that involve time travel and this one didn’t disappoint. The main characters were so interesting and the despair they feel is so real. I loved the way the author took them into the despair that their lives became so perfectly. Thank you for sharing your words!
August 20, 2025
This book is truly haunting. A time travel story, grounded in the possibility, what if I could move forward in time. How would that feel and what would be the consequences? The ending of this book left me speechless.
December 9, 2019
Matthew Winters is at his wits end. He and his wife are destitute, and he is desperately searching for a way to fix their situation. He winds up coming across an old man named Henry who leads Matthew back to what appears to be a quaint little antique shop. He finds the timepiece, and it’s not just any old watch. With it, he and a loved one may travel through time. He only receives one warning, and it’s to never let it stop ticking, and to never take it off.
In summary, this was a character-driven love story that traveled through time. While the love for one another was clear, it could occasionally get a little too cheesy. By a little too cheesy, I mean a bowl of mac and cheese with just the cheese sauce. I mean, cheese is good sometimes but I would still rather have the noodles with it, you know what I mean? Regardless, the love story was decent, but I really enjoyed the different historical settings.
I really wanted to love this book, but it fell a little short for me. I was a little disappointed in the lack of any horror even though it was described as a psychological horror, so that was a bit of a let down for me. After the first bit of the book, the story sort of dragged on for me. A lot of things happened with no real explanation or any sort of reasoning behind it. It had the feel that some of these events were added in to show what the characters were going through emotionally, but at the very same time felt like they were thrown in there in a patchy way to add to the story. They sometimes felt random and often had no closure of any kind even though it came off as something potentially important.
Overall, the story wasn't bad. It felt patchy and more like a string of events sometimes, but it still had a fair number of good qualities and was an okay read. I only wish that things would have felt just a little more complete and connected.
In summary, this was a character-driven love story that traveled through time. While the love for one another was clear, it could occasionally get a little too cheesy. By a little too cheesy, I mean a bowl of mac and cheese with just the cheese sauce. I mean, cheese is good sometimes but I would still rather have the noodles with it, you know what I mean? Regardless, the love story was decent, but I really enjoyed the different historical settings.
I really wanted to love this book, but it fell a little short for me. I was a little disappointed in the lack of any horror even though it was described as a psychological horror, so that was a bit of a let down for me. After the first bit of the book, the story sort of dragged on for me. A lot of things happened with no real explanation or any sort of reasoning behind it. It had the feel that some of these events were added in to show what the characters were going through emotionally, but at the very same time felt like they were thrown in there in a patchy way to add to the story. They sometimes felt random and often had no closure of any kind even though it came off as something potentially important.
Overall, the story wasn't bad. It felt patchy and more like a string of events sometimes, but it still had a fair number of good qualities and was an okay read. I only wish that things would have felt just a little more complete and connected.
September 17, 2019
Author Avon is a genuine wordsmith. Her command of the language creates a melodic tone that lulls you into a different time and place. The quotes from the protagonist's diary are revealing of the character's intelligence and carriage. We are guided through the love affair of a couple who travel through time and give up so much due to the love they have for one another and because of what they have been compelled to do by the fate they chose. 'Damned if you do and damned if you don't,' is not a state of being that they wanted but were caught up in nonetheless. This journey is about a marriage of fates that calls for their ultimate sacrifice. I started it late Friday night and upon waking up the next morning went and pour myself a cup of hot coffee, and for breakfast, devoured the novel as it was food for my soul and reader's mind.
October 28, 2019
In a generation of writers pursuing to publish a new franchise, it is so refreshing to come across such daring and originality. Timepiece draws you in with its loveliness and keeps you by its desirability. Splendidly written with eloquent historical-appropriate language, it swept me across the fabric of time as true love was put to the “ultimate” test.
Barbara has displayed everything that is truly wonderful and unique about indie authors. Her self published world is where the literary meets the fantasy, the contemporary meets the classic, merging, to becomes a tour d’ force for the imagination.
Barbara has displayed everything that is truly wonderful and unique about indie authors. Her self published world is where the literary meets the fantasy, the contemporary meets the classic, merging, to becomes a tour d’ force for the imagination.
November 24, 2019
I've noticed some bad reviews but has me scratching my head. Everyone has a right to their opinions. This is the third book I've picked up from Barbara Avon and I think it's my favourite. A dark love story with elements of horror, magic, loneliness and time travel. Matthew Winters is a desperate man during desperate times. A stranger offers him an easy way out of his dilemma and he takes him up on the offer only things don't turn out the way he had planned. I don't want to spoil it for readers. It's a well written and beautiful story.
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