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7 Hours #2
Escapement
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."Mattie Bigham has lost his job, is losing his wife, and is not losing any weight. At just under four hundred and fifty pounds, he figures his doctor's prediction that he's going to drop dead any second is about to come true. He is right.When Thomas Constant appears, Mattie chooses murder--to carry out revenge on the bully who tormented him all through school. Except when he arrives for the showdown, he's shocked to find this man in a scenario not unlike his own. Things get complicated quickly, and time is running out.The clock is ticking. What will you do with the time you have left?
- GenresChristian FictionFiction
70 pages, ebook
First published April 27, 2012
4 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Rene Gutteridge
44 books270 followersRene Gutteridge is the award-winning and best-selling author of more than eighteen novels, including the beloved Boo Series and Heart of the Country, her novelization release with director John Ward and Tyndale House Publishers. Her recent suspense titles include Listen, Possession and the award-winning Seven Hours project Escapement. She's been published by Bethany House, Tyndale House, WaterBrook Press, Thomas Nelson and B&H and novelized the successful motion picture The Ultimate Gift. She is teaming again with screenwriter Cheryl McKay for the romantic comedy Greetings from the Flipside from B&H and releasing her new suspense title, Misery Loves Company from Tyndale in 2013. Her romantic comedy Never the Bride won the 2010 Carol Award for Best Women’s Fiction. Her upcoming literary projects include the novelization of the motion picture Old Fashioned with Tyndale House Publishers and filmmaker Rik Swartzwelder.
Her adaptation of her novel My Life as a Doormat is in development with Kingdom Pictures and she is also a creative consultant for Boo, a film based on her best-selling novel, in development at Sodium Entertainment with Cory Edwards attached as director and Andrea Nasfell as screenwriter. She is also co-writer in a collaborative comedy project called Last Resort with screenwriters Torry Martin and Marshal Younger. Her screenplay Skid is currently in production and scheduled to begin filming in April of 2013. Find her on Facebook and Twitter or at her website, www.renegutteridge.com
Her adaptation of her novel My Life as a Doormat is in development with Kingdom Pictures and she is also a creative consultant for Boo, a film based on her best-selling novel, in development at Sodium Entertainment with Cory Edwards attached as director and Andrea Nasfell as screenwriter. She is also co-writer in a collaborative comedy project called Last Resort with screenwriters Torry Martin and Marshal Younger. Her screenplay Skid is currently in production and scheduled to begin filming in April of 2013. Find her on Facebook and Twitter or at her website, www.renegutteridge.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 11, 2012
I struggled with Mattie Bigham for the first 20 or so pages. The author appeared to be trying to hard to make him funny or someone we would have sympathy for but I wasn't buying it. But to my surprise Mattie grew on me. As did the story.
It is a strange story but the idea of a someone killing the bully that caused them so much grief years ago at school makes sense. Mattie's world has fallen apart. He's lost his wife, his job and his hope. Receiving Thomas Constant at his doorstep one morning is in an ironic way, a God-send, as far as Mattie is concerned. Death is a good option.
But Mattie still has 7 hours to negotiate before the inevitable.
And it's in the final 2 hours of Mattie's journey where this short story grabs you. Life can be mean to all of us. Pain and suffering are not discerning and there are many people that get a triple serving of them for no apparent reason.
Even though this story involves death, it is filled with hope and carries the same essence that the first story in this series (Rearview) does - live every day like it's your last and grab a hold of the hope that can only come from the one who loves us like no other: our Creator.
Good job Rene!
Now to the third instalment.
It is a strange story but the idea of a someone killing the bully that caused them so much grief years ago at school makes sense. Mattie's world has fallen apart. He's lost his wife, his job and his hope. Receiving Thomas Constant at his doorstep one morning is in an ironic way, a God-send, as far as Mattie is concerned. Death is a good option.
But Mattie still has 7 hours to negotiate before the inevitable.
And it's in the final 2 hours of Mattie's journey where this short story grabs you. Life can be mean to all of us. Pain and suffering are not discerning and there are many people that get a triple serving of them for no apparent reason.
Even though this story involves death, it is filled with hope and carries the same essence that the first story in this series (Rearview) does - live every day like it's your last and grab a hold of the hope that can only come from the one who loves us like no other: our Creator.
Good job Rene!
Now to the third instalment.
July 20, 2013
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2G54M5M...
Review on my blog: http://www.christianbookshelfreviews....
I really liked Escapement! After reading Rearview, I thought I knew what to expect with the 7 Hours series (regarding Thomas), but Escapement was way different, yet still very good. I liked all the references to the makings of a clock and thought the characters were nice, although not that gripping to me.
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 really liked Escapement! After reading Rearview, I thought I knew what to expect with the 7 Hours series (regarding Thomas), but Escapement was way different, yet still very good. I liked all the references to the makings of a clock and thought the characters were nice, although not that gripping to me.
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.*
September 21, 2013
The interesting thing about this multi-author series is that with each new book you get an entirely different experience. Escapement was a particularly unique read for me. The chatty first-person narrative bordered on breaking the fourth wall at times, but somehow really suit the character. This book had quite a unique tone to it, almost like a black comedy.
In most of the 7 hours books that I have read, the character chooses to go back and re-live a time from their past, in order to correct something. This book took a different tack. The protagonist chose to continue his life for another 7 hours. How did he choose to spend those hours? Well I'm not going to give it away but it's really interesting.
Escapement was an entertaining and thoughtful read. I look forward to continuing this series.
In most of the 7 hours books that I have read, the character chooses to go back and re-live a time from their past, in order to correct something. This book took a different tack. The protagonist chose to continue his life for another 7 hours. How did he choose to spend those hours? Well I'm not going to give it away but it's really interesting.
Escapement was an entertaining and thoughtful read. I look forward to continuing this series.
June 12, 2020
A great Christian fiction novella. Part of the 7 hours series but can be a standalone. I considered this to be a "dark comedy" with some suspense and surprises. The main character's comedic view of his life was enjoyable to read. I liked the two younger characters he meets along his travels at the beginning. It made me see kindness towards this "depressed" main character. The story had redemption and forgiveness. Well done!
January 7, 2021
Given the chance to live for seven more hours, Matthew Bigham decides to use his time to murder his high-school tormentor, Abbott McClain. But when Matthew confronts McClain, he finds a man suffering from terminal cancer. And Matthew's seven hours are almost up ...
(There was one word missing in the Kindle version. On page 15, the text says "I stared back him" instead of "I stared back AT him".)
(There was one word missing in the Kindle version. On page 15, the text says "I stared back him" instead of "I stared back AT him".)
November 26, 2019
Quick and fun read
Very quick read. I like that it’s almost an internal conversation enmeshed in a string of instances & conversations. Really neat twist on the ideas of time, death, destiny, etc.
Very quick read. I like that it’s almost an internal conversation enmeshed in a string of instances & conversations. Really neat twist on the ideas of time, death, destiny, etc.
November 26, 2023
Great story
Time is a gift we've been given that we rarely appreciate. This story addresses that and how God provides even when we aren't aware of our needs. Definitely worth the read.
Time is a gift we've been given that we rarely appreciate. This story addresses that and how God provides even when we aren't aware of our needs. Definitely worth the read.
December 2, 2020
A very different short story but very thought provoking.
October 25, 2013
It's difficult to be the second book in a multiple author saga. It's almost impossible when the first book is Rearview. Rene Gutteridge pulls back the curtain on a character she's been thinking about for some time. By the end of this read you'll have figured out that Mattie is incredibly overweight and has serious issues.
When presented with Thomas Constant's proposal, he decides to use his seven hours to murder a man who gave him grief in school. This could be an interesting dialogue as to whether bullying can actually curse you later in life.
As with most hair-brained murder plots, Mattie is due for some unexpected hiccups.
The ending was abrupt but I guess this is what happens when you are given only seven hours of additional life.
It was hard for me to get the first story out of my head so I was, unfairly, comparing the two. Gutteridge weaves an excellent tale in short story format. It might not be worth it as a stand alone but it is a fine addition to the 7 Hours world.
This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Tyndale House Publishing
When presented with Thomas Constant's proposal, he decides to use his seven hours to murder a man who gave him grief in school. This could be an interesting dialogue as to whether bullying can actually curse you later in life.
As with most hair-brained murder plots, Mattie is due for some unexpected hiccups.
The ending was abrupt but I guess this is what happens when you are given only seven hours of additional life.
It was hard for me to get the first story out of my head so I was, unfairly, comparing the two. Gutteridge weaves an excellent tale in short story format. It might not be worth it as a stand alone but it is a fine addition to the 7 Hours world.
This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Tyndale House Publishing
June 23, 2012
Rene Gutteridge's contribution to the 7 Hours project was in some ways the hardest for me to read. Sizewise, I am Mattie Bigham, but I don't remember being teased to the extent he was.
As his world crumbles around him, Brigham is approached by Thomas Constant, who tells him he has seven hours left to live. Bigham decides to get revenge on the person who made his life miserable only to discover things aren't always as you expect.
The conclusion to Escapement was probably the least satisfying to me, yet the story ended as it should have. Gutteridge's storytelling ability shines, however, and I look forward to reading more by her.
As his world crumbles around him, Brigham is approached by Thomas Constant, who tells him he has seven hours left to live. Bigham decides to get revenge on the person who made his life miserable only to discover things aren't always as you expect.
The conclusion to Escapement was probably the least satisfying to me, yet the story ended as it should have. Gutteridge's storytelling ability shines, however, and I look forward to reading more by her.
April 2, 2016
I've not read many short stories, but Rene Gutteridge is one of my favorite authors, so picking this one up was a no brainer. What I like most about Gutteridge's writing are her characters and this short story is no exception. In Escapement, we are introduced to a character who we come to grow with throughout the story. In my opinion, the character makes the story, which is really Mattie's story. Gutteridge illustrates beautifully how we can allow something in our past to dominate our lives and how easily people and situations can be misunderstood.
August 28, 2015
Revenge is a waste of time
The first of the '7' stories I have read that doesn't involve going back in time to undo or redo. In this tale Thomas Constant 's victim chooses an extension. If you are any kind of a John Candy fan, you will enjoy this little tale. Another installment in the '7' series where selected individuals on the verge of death are offered a 'mulligan'. A chance to undo, redo or tie loose ends.
The first of the '7' stories I have read that doesn't involve going back in time to undo or redo. In this tale Thomas Constant 's victim chooses an extension. If you are any kind of a John Candy fan, you will enjoy this little tale. Another installment in the '7' series where selected individuals on the verge of death are offered a 'mulligan'. A chance to undo, redo or tie loose ends.
August 17, 2013
3.5 Stars!
April 4, 2015
This was one of my favorite in the series, it was very touching and she made sure you kept reading.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews