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The Ripple Effect #1
The Ripple Effect
Gen Z girl with a time travel disorder. A gorgeous 1980’s guy. Can she resist their love and avoid rewriting history?
When Caitlyn Richter turns twenty-one, she learns she’s inherited a disorder that causes her to travel through time uncontrollably. To make matters worse, one small change to the past can have massive consequences for the present. Caitlyn must do whatever it takes to leave the past unchanged.
Enter Toby Beech, a hot 1980’s carpenter who wants to spend as much time with her as possible, and who she finds herself falling hopelessly in love with.
Can she can force herself to stay away from Toby and keep her life in the present intact? Or will she follow her heart and risk the ripple effect, wreaking havoc on everything and everyone she loves?
This time travel romance is the first book in an addictive new series by Australian author, Cally Jackson. Get your copy now.
When Caitlyn Richter turns twenty-one, she learns she’s inherited a disorder that causes her to travel through time uncontrollably. To make matters worse, one small change to the past can have massive consequences for the present. Caitlyn must do whatever it takes to leave the past unchanged.
Enter Toby Beech, a hot 1980’s carpenter who wants to spend as much time with her as possible, and who she finds herself falling hopelessly in love with.
Can she can force herself to stay away from Toby and keep her life in the present intact? Or will she follow her heart and risk the ripple effect, wreaking havoc on everything and everyone she loves?
This time travel romance is the first book in an addictive new series by Australian author, Cally Jackson. Get your copy now.
- GenresTime TravelRomance
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2023
288 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Cally Jackson
8 books64 followersCally Jackson grew up in the small country town of Gatton, Australia, and has been telling stories for as long as she can remember. After deciding at 17 that a Hollywood acting career was sadly out of reach, Cally turned to a career in professional communication with fictional writing as her labour of love.
In grade two, Cally’s passion for fictional writing proved a little problematic when she got in trouble for penning her own tale instead of copying directly from a story book as she was supposed to be doing – it was a handwriting exercise, after all.
Cally’s first novel, The Big Smoke, was published in 2012. A decade and two children later, The Ripple Effect series was born.
Cally now lives in Brisbane with her husband and children, where she continues to entertain herself and others by letting her imagination run wild.
In grade two, Cally’s passion for fictional writing proved a little problematic when she got in trouble for penning her own tale instead of copying directly from a story book as she was supposed to be doing – it was a handwriting exercise, after all.
Cally’s first novel, The Big Smoke, was published in 2012. A decade and two children later, The Ripple Effect series was born.
Cally now lives in Brisbane with her husband and children, where she continues to entertain herself and others by letting her imagination run wild.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 2, 2024
So glad this is a series. Can't wait to see what happens next!
UPDATE:
I was looking for a pallet cleanser, a break from the dark and dangerous. A simple love story…But is love ever simple? Especially when you are a time traveler like Caitlyn in The Ripple Effect by Cally Jackson.
Caitlyn is a Gen Z girl, totally unprepared for what befalls her on her twenty first birthday. She finds she has inherited a disorder that causes her to time travel. She has no control over when it will happen. Imagine, you are here, then, POOF, you are gone.
She will have a tough choice to
make, seeing the condition is not permanent. It usually passes after a period of time. So, what would you do? Grasp every second in the past with the man you love? Throw caution to the wind, regardless of your present life? Could you even threaten your own life? Could it cause you to never to have been born?
What a quandary The Chaos Theory is and I appreciate a book that can get my mind spinning.
The Ripple Effect by Cally Jackson is a series, so be prepared for answers to be found at a later date. C’est la vie.
UPDATE:
I was looking for a pallet cleanser, a break from the dark and dangerous. A simple love story…But is love ever simple? Especially when you are a time traveler like Caitlyn in The Ripple Effect by Cally Jackson.
Caitlyn is a Gen Z girl, totally unprepared for what befalls her on her twenty first birthday. She finds she has inherited a disorder that causes her to time travel. She has no control over when it will happen. Imagine, you are here, then, POOF, you are gone.
She will have a tough choice to
make, seeing the condition is not permanent. It usually passes after a period of time. So, what would you do? Grasp every second in the past with the man you love? Throw caution to the wind, regardless of your present life? Could you even threaten your own life? Could it cause you to never to have been born?
What a quandary The Chaos Theory is and I appreciate a book that can get my mind spinning.
The Ripple Effect by Cally Jackson is a series, so be prepared for answers to be found at a later date. C’est la vie.
August 5, 2024
Actually a really good read. Reviewed this on Amazon and it didn’t travel to GoodReads like it was supposed to. My main problem was with the cliffhanger. I hate them. The good thing is that the next two books are already out there. Anyway-good characters and as it’s time travel, the usual plot holes-how does the disorder know exactly when the victim(of the disorder)turns 21, why does she travel back to the exact same time period(not exact date)every time, lots of other stuff too. And why on earth would one person traveling back cause other people to never exist in the future? I know it’s fantasy but even fantasy needs to make some sense. I liked the romance even if it happens quickly.
September 15, 2023
How far would you go for love? And what if the consequences could change your whole world?
I love a good time travel story, and this one is a little unique and brings in the Butterfly Effect. Any small change made in the past could have a huge impact on the present.
Caitlyn discovers her abilities when she turns 21, but sadly, no one has given her the heads up like Grandma, who experienced the same thing in her youth. The downside is that Grandma has dementia and isn't always in the right frame of mind to answer Caitlyn's questions. Caitlyn does have a very supportive family; however, she can't tell them what is going on with her. She plays it off as being dizzy, losing friends, and whatever else she can come up with to pacify them. This is hard because I know she wants to tell them the truth, especially her sister, who will most likely experience the same thing when she turns 21.
I'm not sure how or why this disorder picks the year that she returns to. But it is 1983, and the house she lives in is just being built. This is how she meets Toby and falls head over heels for him. Remember that Butterfly Effect I mentioned? Her interactions with Toby do cause some ripples in her present when she returns. You will have to read the book to find out what exactly.
This was a very engaging book, and each time she jumped, I wondered what she might do that could change her world in the present. We see the small changes, but I think there is more to come based on her actions near the end of the book. This is obviously going to be a series because the book ends and leaves you hanging. This is one of those times that I wanted to throw the book across the room because I wanted to know what was going to happen in her present day based on this event. But alas, I will have to wait for the second book to discover the answer. But it is a doozy.
There are many unique events that happened that were surprising, and it led me to believe how some things might turn out. I don't know if I am right or not. I will have to wait for book 2.
If you enjoy time travel novels, you might enjoy this one. We give it 4 paws up.
I love a good time travel story, and this one is a little unique and brings in the Butterfly Effect. Any small change made in the past could have a huge impact on the present.
Caitlyn discovers her abilities when she turns 21, but sadly, no one has given her the heads up like Grandma, who experienced the same thing in her youth. The downside is that Grandma has dementia and isn't always in the right frame of mind to answer Caitlyn's questions. Caitlyn does have a very supportive family; however, she can't tell them what is going on with her. She plays it off as being dizzy, losing friends, and whatever else she can come up with to pacify them. This is hard because I know she wants to tell them the truth, especially her sister, who will most likely experience the same thing when she turns 21.
I'm not sure how or why this disorder picks the year that she returns to. But it is 1983, and the house she lives in is just being built. This is how she meets Toby and falls head over heels for him. Remember that Butterfly Effect I mentioned? Her interactions with Toby do cause some ripples in her present when she returns. You will have to read the book to find out what exactly.
This was a very engaging book, and each time she jumped, I wondered what she might do that could change her world in the present. We see the small changes, but I think there is more to come based on her actions near the end of the book. This is obviously going to be a series because the book ends and leaves you hanging. This is one of those times that I wanted to throw the book across the room because I wanted to know what was going to happen in her present day based on this event. But alas, I will have to wait for the second book to discover the answer. But it is a doozy.
There are many unique events that happened that were surprising, and it led me to believe how some things might turn out. I don't know if I am right or not. I will have to wait for book 2.
If you enjoy time travel novels, you might enjoy this one. We give it 4 paws up.
May 20, 2025
3.5 stars
December 14, 2024
Not Christian Friendly
Honestly disappointed. 😔
The storyline had great potential, but this is not a Christian friendly book. The direct quote listed below is why I gave a one star.
A direct quote: “If there is a God, it’s a Greek one; full of malevolence and a desire to torment.”
I feel like the author could have gave some more insight on what was included in this book.
Other Possible Trigger Warnings for those who might be sensitive:
LGBTQ Friendly
Sex before marriage *not graphic*
Foul language
Honestly disappointed. 😔
The storyline had great potential, but this is not a Christian friendly book. The direct quote listed below is why I gave a one star.
A direct quote: “If there is a God, it’s a Greek one; full of malevolence and a desire to torment.”
I feel like the author could have gave some more insight on what was included in this book.
Other Possible Trigger Warnings for those who might be sensitive:
LGBTQ Friendly
Sex before marriage *not graphic*
Foul language
June 19, 2025
Loved This
A new author to me and Cally's book held my interest from start to finish. Cait's story spans over 40 year as she navigates past and present and the potential consequences of living in two different timelines but who's to say her past isn't her destiny!
I loved that this was set in Toowong. What a blast as this was the suburb l grew up in. It really brought back some memories.
It was so refreshing to read an Aussie author who's not changed her writing to suit the American market as most have. It really made the read that more enjoyable. This ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and book #2 is not on kindle unlimited. Personally I never buy books and only read on KU but I've bought book #2 as l need to know what happens to Cait and Toby.
A new author to me and Cally's book held my interest from start to finish. Cait's story spans over 40 year as she navigates past and present and the potential consequences of living in two different timelines but who's to say her past isn't her destiny!
I loved that this was set in Toowong. What a blast as this was the suburb l grew up in. It really brought back some memories.
It was so refreshing to read an Aussie author who's not changed her writing to suit the American market as most have. It really made the read that more enjoyable. This ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and book #2 is not on kindle unlimited. Personally I never buy books and only read on KU but I've bought book #2 as l need to know what happens to Cait and Toby.
October 30, 2025
The 150 Prompt Doctor Who Reading Challenge - Seventh Doctor - 3) Everything Has Its Time - Read a story that explores the consequences of meddling with time, destiny or memory.
This is such a cute plot, and I loved the idea of it a lot. However, I wasn't really a fan of the execution. The two main characters are really boring, and Caitlyn spends a lot of time complaining and focusing on the negatives of the situation. It gets old fast.
The book itself feels a little split, like the author couldn't figure out if the book should focus on the love aspect or the time travel aspect, and as a result, it feels a little rushed.
Also, not a fan of the cliffhanger ending.
This is such a cute plot, and I loved the idea of it a lot. However, I wasn't really a fan of the execution. The two main characters are really boring, and Caitlyn spends a lot of time complaining and focusing on the negatives of the situation. It gets old fast.
The book itself feels a little split, like the author couldn't figure out if the book should focus on the love aspect or the time travel aspect, and as a result, it feels a little rushed.
Also, not a fan of the cliffhanger ending.
June 7, 2024
Gah! I loved this soo soo much! I need book 2 now!
July 23, 2023
Cally has a gift for coming up with an interesting story. While there have been other time travel love stories, the concept of the immediate ripple effect on Caitlyn's life is gripping. A small and sometimes seemingly insignificant change in the past, can have huge effects in the current, as Caitlyn experienced. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A real feel good read that'll have you guessing till the end.
October 9, 2023
I loved this book and devoured it needing to know what happened next. For me it was heartfelt, thought-provoking, unpredictable and entirely unique. Being constantly surprised was an extra delight and I was engrossed with all the characters and their experiences. I enjoyed it so much I read it again to make sure that I hadn't missed any details and it was even better the second time. Eagerly awaiting Book 2.
January 17, 2024
I enjoyed the concept of time traveling and seeing/visiting a time/place that you've never seen before. Having the ability to take a peek into history, it's pretty dope. BUT I began to dislike the book the more I read it. First of all, i felt a little misled w some of the reviews for this book because the relationship between Caitlyn and Toby was so boring. I wasn't drawn to them as much as I would have hoped. Someone had mentioned "The Time Traveller's Wife" here, and I absolutely loved that movie, but I wasn't feeling that same love/drama here like the movie. Also, I began to feel sorry for Caitlyn because of her disorder and how little control she had over her traveling. I think Caitlyn focused too much on the negatives than on the positives of this rare disorder that she inherited from past relatives. This book reminded me a little bit of Back to The Future, in the sense of "making changes to your past you will make changes to your future". I also feel like maybe this book was a little rushed? Because Caitlyn and Toby had very little time together. Like what is the reason for this book? Was it the romance? Or is it mainly about how her life will change drastically in the present time? I will now start Book 2 Lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2025
2022 to 1983 A Girl Who finds Herself Time Travelling & Struggling Finds Love
A Ripple in Time may just be one of the best time travel novel I’ve ever read.
I don’t normally read stories with Australian contemporary settings, but I LOVED this one with all the references .
Cally is great with setting the mood.
It’s very atmospheric when we get Caitlin’s traumatic transitions from 2022, to 1983.
The premise also, I found very believable.
And using her Gran, in a nursing home, with dementia, to help her bridge the gap, and cope with her newly discovered condition, was a stroke of genius!
I was completely, immersed in these characters, AND what a great way to understand how society’s views have changed over the last fourth odd years.
( I always hear the stories about Queensland politics, and old JBP weird policies.
It’s quite another to read about them here.)
But!
The real stars of this book are Caitlin and Toby’s slow burn romance.
Some of their moments that will break your heart
( not telling )
Can’t wait to start book two
A Ripple in Time may just be one of the best time travel novel I’ve ever read.
I don’t normally read stories with Australian contemporary settings, but I LOVED this one with all the references .
Cally is great with setting the mood.
It’s very atmospheric when we get Caitlin’s traumatic transitions from 2022, to 1983.
The premise also, I found very believable.
And using her Gran, in a nursing home, with dementia, to help her bridge the gap, and cope with her newly discovered condition, was a stroke of genius!
I was completely, immersed in these characters, AND what a great way to understand how society’s views have changed over the last fourth odd years.
( I always hear the stories about Queensland politics, and old JBP weird policies.
It’s quite another to read about them here.)
But!
The real stars of this book are Caitlin and Toby’s slow burn romance.
Some of their moments that will break your heart
( not telling )
Can’t wait to start book two
August 9, 2025
It doesn’t end here…
This is a unique take on a time travel story. Written in present tense, you look over Caitlyn’s shoulder as she deals with a rare and unexplained disorder that sends her unexpectedly back and forth between 2022 and 1983. She needs to be careful about not changing her present time through her actions in the past, but what to do about housing, food, and that extremely hunky carpenter who makes her feel like none other?
It’s a cute premise. The story ends abruptly and you HAVE to read book two to see what happens. So be prepared.
This is a unique take on a time travel story. Written in present tense, you look over Caitlyn’s shoulder as she deals with a rare and unexplained disorder that sends her unexpectedly back and forth between 2022 and 1983. She needs to be careful about not changing her present time through her actions in the past, but what to do about housing, food, and that extremely hunky carpenter who makes her feel like none other?
It’s a cute premise. The story ends abruptly and you HAVE to read book two to see what happens. So be prepared.
December 29, 2025
I actually really enjoyed this book and read it pretty quickly. It was interesting and I haven’t read many time traveler books before. I finished the whole series on this, and while the first book is still my favorite they were all pretty decent. She travels back in time and meets someone she likes from the 1980’s, the boy next door to the house she crashes at. The author was very good with all the brain teasers having to do with time travel and making it make sense.
January 23, 2026
Time travel has consequences, are they worth it!
This is a great story, full of interest and surprises. In this book time travel is a disorder and you see the effects both good and bad. In the midst of it, there is a love story, but can you keep that up over a 40 year span.
There have to be so many secrets which mean you can’t have honesty. Then a discovery from the future alters everything.
This book good for all who like history, romance and a bit of sci- fi!
This is a great story, full of interest and surprises. In this book time travel is a disorder and you see the effects both good and bad. In the midst of it, there is a love story, but can you keep that up over a 40 year span.
There have to be so many secrets which mean you can’t have honesty. Then a discovery from the future alters everything.
This book good for all who like history, romance and a bit of sci- fi!
September 24, 2023
A well written book and easy to follow without too many technical disturbances interfering with the story. Caitlyn slips back in time and promptly falls in love with Toby a young carpenter but is afraid of altering events which could cause catastrophic effects on her family in the future. I would like to see a sequel as the ending appears to warrant one. "The Ripple effect" is actually set in my home City of Brisbane here in Australia and a bit of nostalgia pops up for me as I was working as a young (ish) carpenter/cabinet maker in the 80s after arriving here from the UK in 1972. I remember those days well Cally Jackson.
September 4, 2024
There were cute parts and the general idea is very cute. I also loved reading a book set in my own country.
I just couldn’t get past the vegan situation! It felt like it had nothing to do with the plot but kept getting brought up in the cringiest and most annoying ways.
Also some of the interactions were frustratingly cringe as well to say the least! But I’m going to have to keep reading.
I just couldn’t get past the vegan situation! It felt like it had nothing to do with the plot but kept getting brought up in the cringiest and most annoying ways.
Also some of the interactions were frustratingly cringe as well to say the least! But I’m going to have to keep reading.
January 16, 2025
I love a good time travel romance and this one is exceptional. The mechanics and concept of time travel are well thought out and credible and the characters’ reactions are believable. This is quite a short book, with good pacing, but it does end on a cliffhanger, which I hate. The good news is that the next two books are already out there ….. moving straight on to book 2 now …..
April 9, 2025
Exciting Book!
This book could be called a whirlwind. It moves quickly and one never knows where our girl will end up. I like how her mind works, how she eventually learns what to do. Of course she has some help from her grandmother, but having to be so careful not to make those ripples. I highly recommend this series and can’t wait to read the next two books.
This book could be called a whirlwind. It moves quickly and one never knows where our girl will end up. I like how her mind works, how she eventually learns what to do. Of course she has some help from her grandmother, but having to be so careful not to make those ripples. I highly recommend this series and can’t wait to read the next two books.
December 31, 2025
I loved this book—absolutely inhaled it. I couldn’t stop reading because I had to know what came next. The story is emotional, layered, surprising, and refreshingly original, with twists that kept catching me off guard.
The characters pulled me in completely—I was invested in their journeys from beginning to end.
Definitely keen to devour the other books in this series
The characters pulled me in completely—I was invested in their journeys from beginning to end.
Definitely keen to devour the other books in this series
December 20, 2023
Enjoyable!
I like time travel books so I found this book charming. A few holes in the story; but you get that in any time travel book. The writing is a bit simplistic, but I didn't need to skip any parts, so I recommend. Just about to download book 2 now!
I like time travel books so I found this book charming. A few holes in the story; but you get that in any time travel book. The writing is a bit simplistic, but I didn't need to skip any parts, so I recommend. Just about to download book 2 now!
January 4, 2024
The Ripple Effect ( Book 1 )
At the age of twenty one Caitlin begins to time travel. Never knowing when. It just happens. Always to the nineteen eighties and back to twenty twenty two. She fall in love in the past. How can she tell him how she disappears.
At the age of twenty one Caitlin begins to time travel. Never knowing when. It just happens. Always to the nineteen eighties and back to twenty twenty two. She fall in love in the past. How can she tell him how she disappears.
February 12, 2024
I love time travel books! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance, time traveling & the 80s. The book left as “to be continued”. So I downloaded the second book right away. Otherwise, it’s like leaving in the middle of the book!
March 21, 2024
Awesome
This is absolutely the best hands down time travel book I have ever read. Kept me on the edge of my chair I was skipping paragraphs and pages to find out what happened. Come on ripple 2!
This is absolutely the best hands down time travel book I have ever read. Kept me on the edge of my chair I was skipping paragraphs and pages to find out what happened. Come on ripple 2!
April 13, 2024
As a fan of time travel sagas this does not miss the mark
A now time traveler finds herself jumping back and forth from her current time in 202 to 1983. She discovered her grandmother has the same problems who helps her somewhat. It come with problems also.
A now time traveler finds herself jumping back and forth from her current time in 202 to 1983. She discovered her grandmother has the same problems who helps her somewhat. It come with problems also.
July 23, 2024
It was was boring in some parts
The book is ok. I was really bored in parts of it. The whole vegan part almost made me stop reading it. We get it. She’s vegan. I felt like vegan was it’s own character.
The book is ok. I was really bored in parts of it. The whole vegan part almost made me stop reading it. We get it. She’s vegan. I felt like vegan was it’s own character.
November 22, 2024
More Please!
Cally Jackson does a wonderful job exploring the ramifications of time travel through the adventures of a well-drawn character it is impossible not to like. More, please!
Cally Jackson does a wonderful job exploring the ramifications of time travel through the adventures of a well-drawn character it is impossible not to like. More, please!
December 29, 2024
wonderful concept!
This is a really good book. It is a variation on any other time travel book I’ve come across. The concept of creating ripples is so intriguing and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
This is a really good book. It is a variation on any other time travel book I’ve come across. The concept of creating ripples is so intriguing and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
February 17, 2026
time travel tips
What an intriguing concept, I’m not sure I would be any good at time travel, all the movies make it seem glamorous, this pointed out the possible consequences of actions in great detail.
What an intriguing concept, I’m not sure I would be any good at time travel, all the movies make it seem glamorous, this pointed out the possible consequences of actions in great detail.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews