Time of My Life: A Novel (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In her latest novel, Scotch tackles an oft-asked question—what if I had held on to the one that got away?—with an engaging, fast-moving, high-concept drama. Endearing Jillian Westfield seems to have it all: a loving lawyer husband, a healthy infant daughter, and a lovely home in Westchester County, N.Y. But cleaning spit-up and dealing with her husband's long office hours have begun to wear on Jill, and it hardly helps that she's just learned that her post-college boyfriend, Jackson, is getting married. The day after a deep, chi-clearing massage, Jill wakes up and finds herself seven years in the past, giving her the chance to revisit her life with Jack in Manhattan, when she worked as an advertising executive. Hindsight, of course, is anything but 20/20, and Jill's new choices hold unforeseen consequences for herself and those she loves. As Jill, through trial and error, rethinks her biggest decisions—such as her choice not to reconcile with her estranged mother—Scotch keeps one dexterous step ahead of page-flipping readers eager to guess the outcome. (Oct.)
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From School Library Journal

Jillian has what seems to be a perfect life—a beautiful house in the suburbs, a loving husband, and an adorable baby girl. But she also has a nagging feeling that something isn't quite right. Could it have something to do with Jackson, her past boyfriend, who couldn't be more different than her solid, stable, and perfectly predictable husband, Henry? One morning, Jillian wakes up seven years in the past, in bed with Jackson, and she has the chance to live her life again—a do over, complete with the knowledge of what her future will become. Will she still quit her job right on the cusp of making it big? Will she run for the hills when she meets Henry or be drawn to him again? Or will Jackson's easygoing, wild lifestyle pull her back from her future baby, the adorable Katie? So many life choices come at Jillian, and she can go forward as she pleases, knowing the outcome of one direction. If you've ever wanted your own do over, this cute, light read by a debut novelist will keep you guessing 'til the end. Recommended for women's fiction collections.—Beth Gibbs, Davidson, NC
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Shaye Areheart Books; 1 edition (October 7, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307408574
• ISBN-13: 978-0307408570
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #150,028 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I've read in a very long time, October 13, 2008

By	Pam Cabrera (Plymouth, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This book wowed me in a way that I haven't been wowed in years. I read a lot, and don't say that lightly. What's so great about this book? So many things. At first it seems very high concept, that a woman who seems to have it all, slips back in time after a relaxing massage and then has the chance to reconsider choices made earlier.

So, you might expect a light and fluffy read like a Sophie Kinsella story. Not that there's anything wrong with that, as I enjoy her books too. This is not light and fluffy. The high concept falls by the wayside as we get into the real meat of this story, looking at what's most important in one's life and how every action has a ripple effect on the lives of others.

This books flows along like a fast moving current, pulling the reader through. I don't remember the last time I raced through a book so quickly, feeling such a sense of urgency to know what would happen next, yet enjoying the ride so much too. I think many people will relate to different moments and scenes in this story, all of which feel very real and not at all romanticized. There were a few things that felt a bit too predictable, but that's a minor quibble. Overall, this was a satisfying story, and one that stayed with me so much that I've raved about it to a handful of people already.

Prediction, this is the kind of book that makes an author 'break out'. I wouldn't be at all surprised if she hits the New York Times list and stays there for awhile, as I expect word of mouth on this to be very strong.

Final word...if you liked Emily Giffin's novels, Something Borrowed, Something Blue and her most recent one Love the One you're With, you'll enjoy this book.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What Ifs, October 7, 2008

By	Larramie - See all my reviews

Time of My Life may be initially thought of, chosen and read for its "what if" fantasy, yet the story is actually grounded in diverse and discomforting universal issues that are not limited to marrying the right man. Writing in a strong, confident and smart voice, Allison Winn Scotch is in total control of her protagonist's indecisiveness and this is what gives the book a well-earned reality check mark. Whatever time of life you may be in, this novel is a reminder that the past holds the lure of potential but the present is where all things are created possible for the future. A most entertaining and thoughtful read, you'll enjoy the escape into second chances

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Second Novel a HIT!, October 7, 2008

By	Manic Mom "Stephanie" (United States) - See all my reviews

I read Time of My Life while on vacation and I had to keep sneaking away to read because I HAD to finish it! It's one of those books you cannot put down because you're dying to find out what happens next.

I was expecting the book to have alternating chapters of the then and the now, but most of it does take place in the THEN. While I was tearing through the pages of Time of My Life I kept thinking, "This so has to be made into a movie!" It reads just like a movie on the big screen as it unfolds before your eyes.

Allison Winn Scotch's characters are so real, the plot so believable, you may just be making an appointment to get your chi unblocked very soon as well! (Read the first chapter and you'll know what I mean!)