Kirkus:

Fans of classic time-travel narratives will find much to love here. Though the concept of going back into the past to meet younger versions of family members has been done, Jacobs and Birnbach’s characters are distinctive enough to keep this work feeling fresh. Tori’s unique humor—she refers to summer camp as “New York with mosquitoes”—and the author’s smooth prose make this solid, lighter SF yarn a delight. A classic SF trope, well rendered.

New York Times bestseller M.J. Rose:

Stealing Time, a whip-smart, time-travel novel, is as clever and inventive as it is fascinating and compelling. Filled with facts about gemstones, quantum physics, nostalgic scenes of 1980s New York City, a zany female thief and her cohorts, and heartwarming family scenes, this is a tale for readers from fifteen to ninety. Highly recommended! --New York Times bestseller M.J. Rose

Hidden Sci-Fi: Find Your Next Favorite Sci-Fi Book:

A teenage girl named Tori travels back in time to 1980 and meets her teenage father, Bobby, to prevent a jewelry heist that sent her grandfather to jail, unraveling family secrets and strengthening their bond. The story blends time travel, mystery, and family dynamics, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the 1980s while exploring themes of redemption, resilience, and the impact of choices across generations.

The protagonists, Tori and Bobby, are incredibly well-crafted and endearing characters. Tori, a teenager grappling with the challenges of 2020, finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the past, where she encounters her father, Bobby, as a fellow teenager. Their interactions are a highlight of the novel, as they develop a deep bond while working together to prevent a jewel heist that could alter the course of their family's history. The authors masterfully capture the complexities of their father-daughter relationship, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and cheer for their success.

The time-travel elements are handled deftly, striking a perfect balance between scientific explanations and narrative momentum. The authors avoid bogging down the story with overly complex theories, instead focusing on the characters' emotional journeys and the thrilling heist plot. The suspense builds steadily, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Tori and Bobby race against time to unravel the mystery surrounding the coveted Desert Sun gemstone.

Stealing Time is a true delight for readers seeking a fresh and engaging time-travel tale. With its charming characters, intricate plot, and heartwarming themes, this novel is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. Jacobs and Birnbach have crafted a masterpiece that expertly blends genres, creating a truly unforgettable reading experience.

Metastellar: Speculative Fiction and Beyond:

Stealing Time by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs and Norman Birnbach is…a young adult-time-travel-jewelry-heist book. It’s also a lot of fun.

Stealing Time is multi-layered. The authors obviously did a lot of research in order to make their depiction of 1980s New York City feel authentic for era and place. The time-travel science is believable and the ending is satisfying. The story is so riveting, I couldn’t put the book down, despite needing to get up early for work in the next morning. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys time-travel stories, not just young-adult readers.

“Book Nook,” WYSO 91.3 with Vick Mickunas:

One very cool aspect about books is that they can take you back in to the past, forward in to the future, or keep you right here inside the moments we are living right now. I absolutely loved this time travel novel. I hope that you do, too.

The Denver Post:

Tori and her 1980s teen counterparts are quick-witted, funny and believable as they contend with differences (dial phones! cigarettes everywhere!), discover similarities, and race to avert a tragedy. The novel's dialogue, descriptions, and details all sparkle. And its exploration of how past experiences can shape present lives adds depth and poignancy. Good for YA audiences, but a fun read for adults, too. (four out of four stars)

The Jewish Journal:

Tilia Klebenov Jacobs and Norman Birnbach, two Boston-area writers, have teamed up for Stealing Time, an action-packed, time-travel, cross-generational crime novel that also will appeal to teens and young adults.