Once Upon a Time Machine

by Peggy Gerber

A grieving mother steps into a time machine with a gun in hand, determined to rewrite history. A lonely woman finds a mysterious craft in her backyard with a uniquely alluring-and out of this world-passenger. An aging beauty queen learns that the price of eternal youth might be more than she bargained for. After adopting a baby under mysterious circumstances, a young woman is stunned by how extraordinary-and unsettling-her new child truly is. And when Robin, the Boy Wonder, reads a poem mocking his legacy, he must confront the harsh truth and reclaim his story.
Once Upon a Time Machine is a journey through the eerie and enchanting, where ghosts linger, aliens visit, and time itself is a plaything. A collection of speculative fiction shorts from author Peggy Gerber, each page is an invitation to step into a world where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary. Prepare to be enchanted, unsettled, and thoroughly entertained...because we could all use a little magic in our lives.
 
Finalist in the 2024 American Writing Awards

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2024

Reviews

[Manuela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a refreshing read. The book consists of several short stories and I really enjoyed how the author was able to create such unique stories and characters in just two pages. If you're looking for fun and unique stories, definitely check this book out.
My favorites were:
Halloween Horror House
A Bloody- Good Christmas Surprise
What's a Grandma
Metamorphosis of a Former Beauty Queen

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon a Time Machine by Peggy Gerber is a dazzling anthology of short stories that traverse genres, from time travel to alien encounters, with themes ranging from heartbreak to whimsical absurdity. The collection captures human emotions in fantastical scenarios, like a grieving mother rewriting history in “Saving Aaron” or the humorous alien misunderstandings in “Necessary Exclusion.” These tales brim with creative twists that keep you wondering what might come next.

One thing that really stood out to me is how these stories manage to be relatable while being wildly imaginative. In “Saving Aaron,” the protagonist’s grief over her child’s death feels raw and visceral. Her desperate use of a time machine to undo her pain raises haunting questions about morality and consequences. I found myself heartbroken and conflicted, wondering if I’d make the same choice. The story’s bittersweet resolution stuck with me long after I closed the book.

Another favorite was “The Mystical Rock,” which had an almost fairy-tale charm to it. The protagonist’s life changes when she discovers a seemingly enchanted stone that only she can see as special. It was such a lighthearted and feel-good tale, especially after the darker entries. The story’s message about self-belief and hard work resonated with me. It reminded me of how small affirmations can make a world of difference if we let them.

While I enjoyed the book overall, not every story landed perfectly. “Necessary Exclusion,” while funny and satirical, felt a little on the nose with its commentary on human violence and hubris. I liked the aliens’ baffled observations, but some of the humor felt stretched. That said, the cleverness of weaving in cultural references, like the “supreme leader Taylor Swift,” made me chuckle despite myself. Even the less polished tales had moments that sparked a reaction—whether laughter, introspection, or disbelief.

This collection is a fantastic fit for lovers of speculative fiction who enjoy the unpredictability of short stories. Each story brings something unique; humor, suspense, or heart-wrenching emotion. While the tones and styles vary, they reflect a shared curiosity about life, choices, and humanity’s quirks.

[amanda_coffee_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying I received a complimentary ebook arc. In return for my honest thoughts and review.
This book is short stories to which some I really enjoyed and have some favorites. Sometimes it’s nice to get into a book that just little short stories. Yes this book did take me a little long to finish. But not because I wasn’t enjoying it. But sometimes life that’s it.
I want to thank the author for the opportunity to read her book. Will be adding more books from this author.
Here is a list of my favorite short stories from this book. I highly recommend.
Saving Aaron True Love’s (or not)
The Mystical Rock The Girl who barked
The doll saved Christmas What’s a grandma
Magical Cowboy Boots
Remembering Bella The Cancer Whisperer The doll with the creepy Glass eyes
Halloween horror house

[Hope (boba.nbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5

Lovers of speculative fiction will eat up Once Upon a Time Machine. This anthology is full of short stories that will leave you haunted and unsettled, and others that will leave you feeling enchanted and enthusiastic about life. Each story is unique in its commentary of humanity and how often the ordinary can be extraordinary.

While reading this anthology, I found myself reflecting on what all comes with living and being a human on this earth. Once Upon a Time Machine brought up a lot of emotions, made me sad, but also made me laugh. I thought each story was unique and well-crafted with plenty of thought and care. I highly recommend this anthology to lovers of science fiction and speculative fiction.

[Kylee Eastwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is a compilation of short stories. To say I was nervous about reading this is an understatement because I did not know if the short stories would do it for me because I am a dark romance and high fantasy reader.

But let me tell you. This was 100% worth the read. The stories were entrapping and interesting. They kept me on my toes and I never knew what the next one would bring and I loved that! They were well thought out and the cliffhangers left me wanting a finished story. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!

[Alice Shaps · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first story with a twist ending that I couldn’t predict, then all through the book I was captivated. The author manages in few words to develop the characters so you really feel like you know them. Not just know them, but care about them. With some humor sprinkled in, the book is a great read

[Tania Pearl Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peggy Gerber brings to life a magical array of strong female characters in her latest book of short stories. I was hooked right away. Each short narrative is full of rich characters who all offer a hint of realism despite the fantastical themes. The ordinary meets the extraordinary. I recommend this book to any reader who wishes to embark on a journey through time, meet concerned aliens, wish on lucky charms, or receive sage advice form magic mirrors. All I can say, get this book!

[Javierthearcnovice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you looking for a collection of short stories that’ll make you think??? The stories are short and clear. They make you think, laugh, and cry. If you only have a few minutes each day to read, I recommend this book.

Thank you to Peggy and Whitlock Book Marketing for this excellent book.

[Brynn | _travelingpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon a Time Machine is a wonderful collection of interconnected short stories all set in the distant (I hope) future! Each story is very well crafted that I never felt like I was left hanging at the end of each story.

I highly recommend adding this to your TBR and checking it out! You will laugh, think, cry and can speed read through it all or take your time and enjoy each story.