Customer Reviews

Out of Time

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I recommend making time for Out of Time. This story focuses on the physical and emotional journey of two lost souls, but it's so much more than that. The author cleverly incorporates a fascinating history lesson on the revolutionary-era (with an incredible feel for period detail) and an examination of 21st century culture, amidst an intriguing love story. It kept my interest and attention to the very end AND I learned many new things without even trying. I wish history in high school had been this interesting!

I'm a sucker for time-travel stories, but most simply aren't very well written. This one engaged me from the start and held my interest to the end. In fact, I read the whole book in one sitting, which says a lot for the book's quality. Engaging me for a full ten pages is difficult, but to engage me for an entire novel is an Herculean task! The characters are believable and likable, and I very much enjoyed the way the historical tidbits and scientific theory were woven seamlessly into the narrative and dialogue. As a writer myself, I recognize how difficult that is to do, and I heartily applaud Ms.Truscott's skill in getting it right. My only quibble is that some of Robert's speech sounded a bit too modern, but it was not modern enough to break my suspension of disbelief. I loved the story anyway. "Out of Time" has become one of the few modern books I have labeled a favorite,and I will definitely read it, again!

I'm only 61% through the book but I couldn't wait to review it. When I start reading a free book, I usually lose interest quickly. But this is a well written book with good character development. I very much recommend this great story.
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Later, It's romantic without being silly. I've finished it now and still think it's a great book. I'm looking forward to another book from Deborah Truscott!!!

I love a good time travel story, and this one is no exception. The attention to history make it even better. I am not the biggest fan of first-person narrative, but I think this story is well told just the same. Other readers who love that style of writing will love this one.

There were a few minor caveats that kept me from giving it five stars.

1. The small number of grammatical errors and typos, especially towards the end, are somewhat distracting.
2. The book does drag a small amount in the middle when it seems that all the action revolves around Robert remembering things and learning about everything that's transpired in the past 200 years. His delight in modern inventions is entertaining, but it does get a little old after a while. Still, it doesn't take long for things to get interesting again.
3. The sudden switch from Kathleen's point of view to that of Lila at the end is, frankly, jarring. I kept getting confused, thinking it was Kathy Lee talking, when it was Lila. I almost didn't want to finish that last chapter for that reason alone.
4. *Spoiler Alert* While I am glad the book has a happy ending, it does almost seem too easy as if more time should have elapsed where Kathy Lee was learning to move on alone but still hopeful. She hardly has enough time to accept that he is even gone before he shows up again.
5. This is minor, but her name drove me crazy. I loved it that Robert calls her "Kathleen" and "Kitty" so I didn't have to read "Kathy Lee" any more than necessary. The name "Kathy Lee" has other associations for me (and I'm sure others) that I found distracting every time I read her name.

(I did have some ethical concerns with some of the actions of the characters [particularly involving Kathleen and Robert's relationship before her divorce was official], but I do realize that those concerns may be unique to me, so I don't hold that against the story itself. I just wanted to mention it for any other readers who may come from similar moral backgrounds who might have some of the same misgivings as myself over the matter. There is also some fairly minor sexual content that may not be appropriate for young readers.)

Overall, though, this is a very enjoyable read!

Out of time is my first reading of a Deborah Truscott publication. It will not be the last. (I quickly confess to having read several of her son's excellent novels which revolve around the political arena, Stumbling Forward (The Perpetual Campaign; Book 1) and A Referendum on Conscience (The Perpetual Campaign; Book 2).

While Out of Time is not my standard genre, either writing or reading, my initial foray into Ms. Truscott's novel held me from page one. The term "couldn't put it down," is overused and has become trite. In this case, for me personally, it was absolutely true. In fact I skipped my daily writing schedule to continue this enthralling, lightly literary story.

It was not so much the genre, time travel romance, but the writing style of the author that held my interest. The relationship she created between her two primary characters, antagonistic initially, evolving (predictably) into respect, admiration, and eventually love, was excellent. Like sabre to scabbard, they merged into a compatible, even dependent, but comfortable association.

It would not be fair to address the plot themes or twists other than to say Ms. Truscott's knowledge of historical facts, speech patterns and societal mores added credibility to the story - both eras. I was amused by the relative ease with which the historical character adapted to his leap forward, culturally, mechanically, even emotionally, but then his original occupation aided in his adaptability. I highly recommend this story to anyone seeking an outstanding read and the discovery of yet another quality author.

Thank you, Ms. Truscott for an enjoyable escape. I look forward to your next effort.

Gordon Ryan

This is my favorite kind of read - time travel period piece with tons of interesting history built into the plot!
I'm a huge fan of fictional period pieces that I learn in the process of enjoying a love story intertwined between centuries. This one delivers on all levels!

For another much loved "time travel star crossed lovers" read, you should check out the OUTLANDER series written by Diana Gabaldon. I still miss Jamie and Claire. There are 7 volumes in the series, and I devoured them all!

Outlander (20th Anniversary Edition): A Novel

Wonderful story, well written, the characters are amazing. Romantic, quirky and fun!
I enjoy books like this and this one raised the bar for sure!

I read most of the free books offered by Amazon and very rarely do I review. This one was awesome, loved the story line. It could have used a little more at the end, but maybe I just didn't want it to end!

I love, love, love this book. I have read several books with time travel elements in it and past one particular series, it is at the very top of my list. I cannot speak enough about how well the author pulled off the plot and had me believing in it, hook, line, and sinker. I was on the edge of my seat to reach the ending. The romance was fabulous. Never in my thoughts have a fictional couple more needed to be together than Kathy Lee and Robert. I simply could not put this book down. The dialogue was funny and quirky and so believable. There were a few minor editing problems, but I see those in most books nowadays. This is a simply fabulous read; I cannot recommend it highly enough.

This was a great story! Very well researched,great characters, wonderful story line. One thing is the editing, lots of mistakes. Really enjoyed the story, flows well. This story focuses on the physical and emotional journey of two lost souls, but it's so much more than that. The author cleverly incorporates a fascinating history lesson on the revolutionary-era (with an incredible feel for period detail) and an examination of 21st century culture, amidst an intriguing love story. I received a free copy for review, so glad I did. Thank you...