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7 Hours #1
Rearview
In each installment of 7 Hours, a character is visited by the enigmatic Thomas Constant, who makes a heart-stopping statement: "You are about to die. But you may choose from one of three options: Live seven more hours, travel back in time and relive seven hours, or accept the inevitable and die now." Professor Dan Blakely has it all . . . until a false accusation leaves him in financial ruin with nothing to fall back on and little hope. In a moment of desperation, he decides to do the unthinkable. But when he loses control of his SUV and careens down the side of a mountain, his plans take another turn. Trapped beneath the frame of his mangled vehicle, Dan is visited by a mysterious stranger who offers him three choices. Filled with regret, Dan makes a decision . . . but little does he know that his troubles have only just begun. The clock is ticking. What will you do with the time you have left?
88 pages, ebook
First published April 27, 2012
22 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Mike Dellosso
30 books189 followersMike Dellosso is the author of numerous novels of suspense, including Kill Devil, Centralia, Darkness Follows, Darlington Woods, and Scream. Mike is a popular conference and workshop teacher and an adjunct professor of creative writing. He lives in Hanover, PA, with his wife and five daughters. Mike is also a healthcare worker and survivor of colon cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 20, 2017
This was a wonderful story about never taking life for granted and really soaking in every minute of it. Tell the people you love that you love them and do it often!
I like Mike Dellosso's writing style and I was drawn into the story immediately. It was fast-moving, which I enjoyed.
I'll definitely have to find another one of his books to read.
I like Mike Dellosso's writing style and I was drawn into the story immediately. It was fast-moving, which I enjoyed.
I'll definitely have to find another one of his books to read.
March 27, 2023
This is my first book by the author and it was enjoyable. The premise of having seven hours to live in the past or the present before death comes is fascinating. Though Dan starts out with anger and fear, wanting to desperately run from an impossible situation, he turns regrets into self-realizations and strives to make the most of the seven hours he has. It’s a thought-provoking novella that will have you wondering what you would do in Dan’s situation.
January 29, 2020
This was an interesting premise but I found myself skipping through the paragraphs of description.
January 3, 2018
For such a comparatively short story, this was profoundly moving. And the ending was not what I expected AT ALL. (Though I would still like to know what happened to Dan after he was hit by a car in New York City...)
May 14, 2017
The first of the 7 Hour books where someone about to die receives a choice of three options: Live seven more hours, travel back in time and relieve seven hours, or die right now.
Really kind of sad story especially when you know this person didn't choose the best option.
Really kind of sad story especially when you know this person didn't choose the best option.
May 9, 2017
7 Hours to live. What would you do different?
Excellent book. Heartbreaking message.
Excellent book. Heartbreaking message.
July 16, 2012
This is the second book I’ve read by Mike Dellesso and it is just as fantastic as the first.
I really am intrigued about the idea of this series called 7 Hours and wanted to read all of the books. Also it is in my favorite genre, suspense/mystery.
From the very first page until the last I was spell bound and wanted to read it at one time, but life always gets in the way. So with interruptions it only took me a couple of days to read.
Besides being suspenseful this book is a very tender story of love and family life. We never know how one word from us can change someone else’s life., as it did in this book.
I love the title of the book Rearview and how it is explained in the story. The characters, events and dialogue in Rearview all work together brilliantly and make this book one very interesting, exciting read that will leave you wanting more.
I highly recommend this book and it is one of my favorites for the year 2012. A fantastic book.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
I really am intrigued about the idea of this series called 7 Hours and wanted to read all of the books. Also it is in my favorite genre, suspense/mystery.
From the very first page until the last I was spell bound and wanted to read it at one time, but life always gets in the way. So with interruptions it only took me a couple of days to read.
Besides being suspenseful this book is a very tender story of love and family life. We never know how one word from us can change someone else’s life., as it did in this book.
I love the title of the book Rearview and how it is explained in the story. The characters, events and dialogue in Rearview all work together brilliantly and make this book one very interesting, exciting read that will leave you wanting more.
I highly recommend this book and it is one of my favorites for the year 2012. A fantastic book.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
July 20, 2013
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2G54M5M...
Review on my blog: http://www.christianbookshelfreviews....
I found Rearview to be a really good read! I did, at times, think it was a bit too descriptive/wordy which made it hard to get into the story. The characters were good and there were some surprising things that made the book all the more interesting to read.
Overall thoughts on the series:
All in all, this was a very interesting series that I extremely enjoyed reading! I loved how so many of my favorite authors came together with this series and I really enjoyed all the installments, though my two favorites were The Last Night of Alton Webber by Robin Parrish & Teardrop by Travis Thrasher.
I recommend the 7 Hours Series if you enjoy quick reads with some intriguing and supernatural aspects.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this series for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Review on my blog: http://www.christianbookshelfreviews....
I found Rearview to be a really good read! I did, at times, think it was a bit too descriptive/wordy which made it hard to get into the story. The characters were good and there were some surprising things that made the book all the more interesting to read.
Overall thoughts on the series:
All in all, this was a very interesting series that I extremely enjoyed reading! I loved how so many of my favorite authors came together with this series and I really enjoyed all the installments, though my two favorites were The Last Night of Alton Webber by Robin Parrish & Teardrop by Travis Thrasher.
I recommend the 7 Hours Series if you enjoy quick reads with some intriguing and supernatural aspects.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this series for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
July 1, 2012
Rearview started with a bang. Dan Blakely is a professor who is able to have a very bad day. Through a false accusation, his life will soon unravel. The loss of his job as well as his reputation is only the beginning. I really felt for this character right from the beginning. I felt his despair, his sense of hopelessness.
Trouble leads to tragedy and soon Dan is laying in his car dying. That is when he meets the mysterious Thomas Constant who offers him three options. 1) Go back a relive seven hours of your life, 2) Continue living for another 7 hours, or 3) Die now.
Not really believing that Thomas can really do what he says, Dan makes a less than ideal choice, but he's stuck with it now. The clock is ticking and Dan doesn't have long to make things right. After doing what he can to resolve the problems that led to his downfall, Dan makes the quest to try and reach his family, so he can spend his last moments with those he loves.
This turns out to be a thrilling ride, with lots of twists and turns.
Rearview is a very satisfying story about living a life without regrets. It is a great 'pilot episode' to the 7 hours series.
Trouble leads to tragedy and soon Dan is laying in his car dying. That is when he meets the mysterious Thomas Constant who offers him three options. 1) Go back a relive seven hours of your life, 2) Continue living for another 7 hours, or 3) Die now.
Not really believing that Thomas can really do what he says, Dan makes a less than ideal choice, but he's stuck with it now. The clock is ticking and Dan doesn't have long to make things right. After doing what he can to resolve the problems that led to his downfall, Dan makes the quest to try and reach his family, so he can spend his last moments with those he loves.
This turns out to be a thrilling ride, with lots of twists and turns.
Rearview is a very satisfying story about living a life without regrets. It is a great 'pilot episode' to the 7 hours series.
May 23, 2012
Rearview is a good reminder for anyone that we can't live our life while looking back.
Dellosso's character, Dan Buckley, decides he only has one option after being falsely accused by one of his college students. After a car accident, Blakely is visited by Thomas Constant (the only character who appears in each 7 HOURS novella) and given three choices: relive any seven hours of his life, live for the next seven hours, or die then. Blakely chooses to relive seven hours starting at the time he woke up.
Following Blakely as he tries to change what he knows is history is interesting. Instead of being reactive in the day's events, he takes a proactive stance and works to change the outcome of the day. To say that Blakely is determined to make the most of his seven hours is an understatement, especially as he works to rectify the situation he finds himself in at the beginning of the book and his attempts to spend part of his last hours with his family.
This novella was an introduction to Mike Dellosso's writing. I'm looking forward to reading more.
Dellosso's character, Dan Buckley, decides he only has one option after being falsely accused by one of his college students. After a car accident, Blakely is visited by Thomas Constant (the only character who appears in each 7 HOURS novella) and given three choices: relive any seven hours of his life, live for the next seven hours, or die then. Blakely chooses to relive seven hours starting at the time he woke up.
Following Blakely as he tries to change what he knows is history is interesting. Instead of being reactive in the day's events, he takes a proactive stance and works to change the outcome of the day. To say that Blakely is determined to make the most of his seven hours is an understatement, especially as he works to rectify the situation he finds himself in at the beginning of the book and his attempts to spend part of his last hours with his family.
This novella was an introduction to Mike Dellosso's writing. I'm looking forward to reading more.
May 30, 2012
Mike Dellosso at his best! Mike Dellosso is a master of mystery!
Dan Blankey has a good life but it is being taken away from him after a string of events cuase a falsified acusation against him. Feeling pushed off the edge Dan deicides to take the plunge-off a cliff. Facing death in the eyes, Dan is offered 7 hours of extended life by a strange man know as Thomas Constant. Given 7 hours to live the choice is, does he relive 7 hours of his past or start where he left off? In haste he decides to restart his day and try to right what has been wronged.
He wakes up at 7am of his last day and now has 7 hours to do what he thinks is right.
Will he be able to save his career, reputation and family from a horrible acusation?
Will he get to tell his wife and sons that he loves them?
Will he find peace?
Find out in the 7 remaining hours of his life...
The ending will bring a tear to your eyes.
Btw be sure to read the note from the author, it is a great insight to who Mike Dellosso is.
Dan Blankey has a good life but it is being taken away from him after a string of events cuase a falsified acusation against him. Feeling pushed off the edge Dan deicides to take the plunge-off a cliff. Facing death in the eyes, Dan is offered 7 hours of extended life by a strange man know as Thomas Constant. Given 7 hours to live the choice is, does he relive 7 hours of his past or start where he left off? In haste he decides to restart his day and try to right what has been wronged.
He wakes up at 7am of his last day and now has 7 hours to do what he thinks is right.
Will he be able to save his career, reputation and family from a horrible acusation?
Will he get to tell his wife and sons that he loves them?
Will he find peace?
Find out in the 7 remaining hours of his life...
The ending will bring a tear to your eyes.
Btw be sure to read the note from the author, it is a great insight to who Mike Dellosso is.
January 23, 2013
MY SUMMARY
In REARVIEW Professor Dan Blakely is falsely accused of sexual assault by a student whom he is going to flunk for cheating. Seeing that his career and family are going to be destroyed Dan takes a wild ride in the snow thinking to end it all. An accident that renders him moments from death has him regretting his rashness. When Thomas Constant shows up and offers Dan his three options Dan doesn't believe anyone can turn back time, but he figures he has nothing to lose by choosing an option. Requesting to live the last 7 hours over again, Dan hopes to change the events of the day and meet his wife and sons to tell them how much he loves them. REARVIEW is about the regrets that Dan has in his life and what he does to hopefully change those regrets into a life well-lived.
MY THOUGHTS
This is the third 7 Hours book that I have read. And it is the first one that I have cried over! While it wasn't my favorite out of the series so far, there were touching scenes and a message that speaks to a person's heart.
In REARVIEW Professor Dan Blakely is falsely accused of sexual assault by a student whom he is going to flunk for cheating. Seeing that his career and family are going to be destroyed Dan takes a wild ride in the snow thinking to end it all. An accident that renders him moments from death has him regretting his rashness. When Thomas Constant shows up and offers Dan his three options Dan doesn't believe anyone can turn back time, but he figures he has nothing to lose by choosing an option. Requesting to live the last 7 hours over again, Dan hopes to change the events of the day and meet his wife and sons to tell them how much he loves them. REARVIEW is about the regrets that Dan has in his life and what he does to hopefully change those regrets into a life well-lived.
MY THOUGHTS
This is the third 7 Hours book that I have read. And it is the first one that I have cried over! While it wasn't my favorite out of the series so far, there were touching scenes and a message that speaks to a person's heart.
August 20, 2013
For lack of cliche's I'll say this one is a nailbiter. Imagine being confronted with your certain death, but then given a chance to prolong or relive seven hours of your life. Dan gets this opportunity to beat certain fate and make it up with his presence, and it's a race against time to get what he intended within those seven hours.
Our time on earth is limited. We all die at some point, and Mike Dellosso wakes you up to the fact of this limit of life. Once you grasp that, he paints a story that it's not what's behind you that counts, its about being intentional and forward thinking to the relationships that matter most in each precious moment we are granted here that matters. And once you realize this in the story, the pages turn very quickly as you hope against each obstacle Mike writes in to this story to see if Dan can get it done.
Despite your best guessing you won't predict the end, but it will leave you choked up and reconsidering your seven hours left. Even though you don't know when Thomas Constant sets your timer.
Time is ticking....
Our time on earth is limited. We all die at some point, and Mike Dellosso wakes you up to the fact of this limit of life. Once you grasp that, he paints a story that it's not what's behind you that counts, its about being intentional and forward thinking to the relationships that matter most in each precious moment we are granted here that matters. And once you realize this in the story, the pages turn very quickly as you hope against each obstacle Mike writes in to this story to see if Dan can get it done.
Despite your best guessing you won't predict the end, but it will leave you choked up and reconsidering your seven hours left. Even though you don't know when Thomas Constant sets your timer.
Time is ticking....
June 16, 2012
One of a series of novels in the 7 hours series - Rearview is a very different kind of story. Introducing us to Dan Blakely - a high flying professor at a local university - who finds himself suddenly under suspician and false accussation.
In a series of wrong decisions - Dan finds himself involved in a series car crash and on the edge of death - when a stranger approaches and offers him the chance to life another 7 hours.
This story was a different one to say the least. But for such a short and quick read it certainly packed an emotional punch. It posses the question we all need to ask - if I knew when I was going to die would I live the final 7 hours differently?
Favourite quote for me - "He'd spent too much time staring in the rearview mirror of his life and beating himself up over what he found there." (Daniel - Rearview by Mike Dellosso)
A story to challange and encourage and ultimately challenge your perspective on life.
In a series of wrong decisions - Dan finds himself involved in a series car crash and on the edge of death - when a stranger approaches and offers him the chance to life another 7 hours.
This story was a different one to say the least. But for such a short and quick read it certainly packed an emotional punch. It posses the question we all need to ask - if I knew when I was going to die would I live the final 7 hours differently?
Favourite quote for me - "He'd spent too much time staring in the rearview mirror of his life and beating himself up over what he found there." (Daniel - Rearview by Mike Dellosso)
A story to challange and encourage and ultimately challenge your perspective on life.
October 25, 2013
Rearview is the first installment of a seven-book series called 7 Hours. Each of the seven stories is written by a different author that revolves around Thomas Constant.
Dellosso tells of Professor Dan Blakely - an upstanding man who has been falsely accused by a female student. This accusation sends his life and career in a tailspin.
Contemplating the horrific life he will now lead, Dan decides to end his own life. This is when he's visited by Thomas Constant who offers him the choice.
I was incredibly impressed by this first story. It sets the perfect tone for what to expect from this 7 Hour endeavor. Dellosso provides an outlet for every emotion without it feeling cliched or forced. I actually found my eyes watering at the end of this book. A fully satisfying end to an excellent 88-page read.
Jump into the 7 Hour experience with this inaugural short tale that will have you thinking long after it's over.
This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Tyndale House Publishing
Dellosso tells of Professor Dan Blakely - an upstanding man who has been falsely accused by a female student. This accusation sends his life and career in a tailspin.
Contemplating the horrific life he will now lead, Dan decides to end his own life. This is when he's visited by Thomas Constant who offers him the choice.
I was incredibly impressed by this first story. It sets the perfect tone for what to expect from this 7 Hour endeavor. Dellosso provides an outlet for every emotion without it feeling cliched or forced. I actually found my eyes watering at the end of this book. A fully satisfying end to an excellent 88-page read.
Jump into the 7 Hour experience with this inaugural short tale that will have you thinking long after it's over.
This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Tyndale House Publishing
January 25, 2016
Mike Dellosso brings you into that world. Only seven hours. Seven hours for anytime you choose, and then death. And time is always on his side.
The story amazes me with the depth of symbolism it shows: from town names and mirrors to the importance of the number seven. Above all it shows how one moment in time in which you choose a path it can forever alter not only your life but the life of someone else--a type of pay it forward, if you will.
With a Stephen King flair and a Dean Koontz mastery, Mike Dellosso captures the reader and sends them traveling down a road where time speeds past and your only glimpse of it is through the rearview mirror.
Read more of the review at www.rebelbookreviews.blogspot.com
The story amazes me with the depth of symbolism it shows: from town names and mirrors to the importance of the number seven. Above all it shows how one moment in time in which you choose a path it can forever alter not only your life but the life of someone else--a type of pay it forward, if you will.
With a Stephen King flair and a Dean Koontz mastery, Mike Dellosso captures the reader and sends them traveling down a road where time speeds past and your only glimpse of it is through the rearview mirror.
Read more of the review at www.rebelbookreviews.blogspot.com
June 7, 2012
Loved this from Mike. Power-packed 80+ pages that I couldn't put down.
Mike is a wonderful story-teller and is so clever how he seduces the reader into each of his scenes. His descriptive powers are so strong you always feel like you are part of the story standing alongside the protagonist.
Rearview has a beautiful message too. One that was timely for me to hear! Stop looking in the rearview mirror of your life and look forward grabbing every last breath of each day you can swallow.
And gee was I surprised with the last chapter. Always good as a reader to be tripped up by the ending.
Read this. It costs nothing and will take a couple of hours.
Mike is a wonderful story-teller and is so clever how he seduces the reader into each of his scenes. His descriptive powers are so strong you always feel like you are part of the story standing alongside the protagonist.
Rearview has a beautiful message too. One that was timely for me to hear! Stop looking in the rearview mirror of your life and look forward grabbing every last breath of each day you can swallow.
And gee was I surprised with the last chapter. Always good as a reader to be tripped up by the ending.
Read this. It costs nothing and will take a couple of hours.
December 11, 2013
Their were a few different scenarios from Dan waking up at 7am and seeing how his life went down the toilet. Given the 7 hours to start over the morning brought a couple different angles. However the train didn't go any faster just seemed eat away the time.
To evaluate what was important in your final moments and not to scare anyone but be with the people you love and tell them their loved often.
To evaluate what was important in your final moments and not to scare anyone but be with the people you love and tell them their loved often.
August 21, 2012
This short story raises the question of how one chooses to live life. Do we let life happen to us or do we live intentionally? Dellosso does a great job of illustrating this question. Rearview is a great addition to the Seven Hour series bringing yet another angle on Thomas Constant and his offer of another seven hours before death.
August 3, 2013
Prof Dan Blakely, falsely accused of sexual assault, is dying in a car wreck. Thomas Constant appears and gives him the chance to relive any 7 hours of his life, live next 7 hours, or die now. He chooses to relive 7 but which will he choose? Will it make any difference? What happens at the end of the 7 hours? Interesting story. I would not have written it this way but it worked.
August 28, 2013
From the time I started reading, I couldn't put this book down. I felt that I was Dan, the main character, watching my life disintegrate on every page.
Fabulous book! I could picture this as a movie and would pay to go see it, even though I know how it ends.
Great job, Mike!
Fabulous book! I could picture this as a movie and would pay to go see it, even though I know how it ends.
Great job, Mike!
February 1, 2014
Excellent book!
It reminded me that to life today. Enjoy the moment and don't let regrets hold you back. Change and forgive where and when you can. We only have this life and we don't know when our Father will call us home, so make the most of it.
It reminded me that to life today. Enjoy the moment and don't let regrets hold you back. Change and forgive where and when you can. We only have this life and we don't know when our Father will call us home, so make the most of it.
April 4, 2015
I really like all the books in this series, the only negative thing I have to say is that they really only right about 7 hours and it means each book is only about 150 pages. But I would still recommend it!
February 4, 2016
Non-stop action and full of twists. Quick and easy read. Easy to follow along and understand. Great character development. Essentially a modern day version of, "It's a Wonderful Life". Had a good ending but a bit of a disappointment. The main character missed so much... I'll leave it at that.
July 9, 2012
Awesome read!
Check out my video review for Mike Dellosso's Rearview http://youtu.be/sxt9cD1qDsc
July 8, 2012
Fantastic descriptions. A true "what if" plot.
August 15, 2012
#BoutofBooks
May 9, 2013
Excellent read. One of the few time where I didn't suspect the ending. Good mystery and suspense
July 28, 2013
Very clever story which I really enjoyed. It had me hooked from the beginning and I read it in a few hours. I'd definitely like to read more in the series.
August 3, 2013
ok, had a good plot but could have been better. Short book, that was good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews