Time After Time

by Constance O'Day-Flannery

A young widow is transported to post–Civil War New Orleans—and a second chance at love—in this time travel romance from the New York Times–bestselling author. Kelly Brennan, a beautiful young widow, arrives at the door wearing a horrible lime green silk and organza bridesmaid’s dress. She seems confused and talks about strange devices like “telephones” and “cabs”—things that don’t yet exist in this post–Civil War New Orleans. You see, Kelly has traveled backward through time to an era of gentle southern manners and a calm pace of life she had only dreamed of in her modern, hectic world. Adding to Kelly’s confusion is the uncanny resemblance of her charming gentleman host, Daniel Gilmore, to her late husband Michael. Is this all a dream? Are Daniel and his precocious daughter Lizzie real? As Kelly begins to adjust to life in the past, she faces an even greater challenge--opening her heart to a man who himself has known great loss and sadness. Can Kelly and Daniel find love not in the past nor in the future, but in this jumbled present? In Time After Time, Constance O’Day-Flannery, the original “Queen of Time Travel Romance,” proves that true love can never be lost. It simply waits to be found in another time, at the perfect time. 

Genres: Time Travel, Romance, Time Travel Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fantasy

390 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2001

About the author

Constance O'Day-Flannery is a best-selling American author of romance novels.

Constance O'Day-Flannery has never taken a writing course or attended college. She began writing in 1986 when her son entered school. While reading romance novels during her recovery from a hysterectomy, O'Day-Flannery began to think about the type of book she would want to read. She finished her manuscript 18 months later and sold it quickly. Since then, she has published over twenty novels, all of which have appeared on a national best-seller list. Many of her novels are paranormal or time-travel romances. She has been awarded the Romantic Times BookClub Award for Best Time Travel for Timeswept Lovers and the Romantic Times BookClub Award for Best Contemporary Fantasy Romance, Second Chances.

In 2001, O'Day-Flannery took a hiatus from writing. She spent three years living in Ireland before returning to the United States and continuing her writing career.

O'Day-Flannery currently lives in Pennsylvania. She has two children.

Reviews

[Thuan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 35%.

When I pick a time travel book to read, I want to read about time travel and how the story progresses from there. What I don't want to read about is how the heroine continuously denies time travel for 35% of the book and still makes NO STORY PROGRESS. That is just plain BORING.

I have to give this a 1/5 stars. I came to read time travel story and all I got, for 35% of the book, was about denying time travel.

[Mackey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 almost a 4 but with reservations...

I have struggled writing a review for Time After Time, a book that I read for Pop Sugar Challenge 2021. The premise for the story is a woman who has traveled back in time to the post-civil war south, New Orleans and the surrounding area to be exact. It is well written, insightful and I truly loved the characters. I don't read a lot of romance, a good rom-com during the holidays is all, and this is straight up an old fashioned romance/love story in the vein of Somewhere in Time. And that is exactly why I liked it. I think. The fact is that I really did like this book more than I want to admit.
Why?
I was torn with various sexisms that the author included. Here is a woman from the 2000s thrown back to the late 1800s. She struggles with things like tight fitting dresses, cotton nightgowns (she eventually has her own pajamas made) and with the role of their African American housekeeper. She finds trousers to wear around the house, does chores that women of this time apparently did not do and she loves shocking people with her progressive thinking. But then the author has this character talking about how wonderful it is to be a real woman, using sex and beauty to get what she wants, to dress in beautiful clothes as long as you understand that true beauty is on the inside. It all was just a bit confusing to me as a die-hard feminist. (sigh)
The bottom line, however, is that I did enjoy the book and if you like old fashioned romances this is one you will enjoy.

[Katharine Ott · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Time after Time" - written by Constance O'Day-Flannery and published in 2001 by Avon Books. A not-so-good time-travel romance.

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope

[Jeannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed

I was thoroughly enjoying this book, until coming to the scene in which Kelly & Daniel consummate their marriage. Having no voyeuristic tendencies toward other couples engaging in sexual activity, I have no desire to read about my "new friends" (characters I've invested my time and emotions getting to know) doing the same. In addition, I found the dialogue between the above mentioned couple to be unnecessarily over-the-top drippy in expressing their feelings toward one another - not to mention the frequency of said expression interspersed within everyday conversation. Indeed, I found it rather mawkish. I will not be reading any more of this author's books, which is quite a pity considering how much I enjoy time travel romances, but the inclusion of sex with the proverbial bedroom door open is a deal-breaker for me.
All of that being said, Constance O'Day Flannery is, in my opinion - admittedly, based upon this one book - an exceptional writer of time travel. I would whole-heartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys time travel, or/as well as romance leaning toward the schmaltzy, yet doesn't mind (or even enjoys) the sex scenes.

[Aubrey Brangham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I expected too much from this book from the description on the back. The heroine at first is in denial about landing back in 1888 from 2001, but not once does she try to figure out how to get back to her own time. The romance could've been very sweet but there was a whole lot of talk and thinking about talking instead of action. Much more chaste than I expect from my romance novels I guess. I didn't necessarily like the suffragist subplot either. It just seemed kinda tacked in there to fill up space

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why was I even reading this?! This book is more like a slice of life instead of romance. The interactions were very lacking between the two mains. Also, I feel like the main guy didn't get many parts and just like an additional character to make this book "romance" (you know what I mean?!)

Overall, bored me to death =.=

[Karen Hogan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope. Can't do. Time travel romance that's truly sophomoric. Kelly a young widow time travels back to post civil war south. Cheap on my kindle, but not worth the 1.99 I paid for it. DNF.....

[Thereadingbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story starts with Kelly Brennan as she's donning a hideous bridesmaid's dress at an, at best, acquaintance's wedding in Louisiana. The wedding ends and Kelly is meandering around the estate when she comes to a tree in the woods that seems to call out to her. Making up her mind to not be afraid, Kelly touches the tree and is transported back to post-Civil War times. She is met immediately by a precocious little girl named Lizzie Gilmore, who believes her to be a fairy, and ends up taking her home. When Kelly meets Lizzie's father, she is unprepared for the physical similarities between Daniel Gilmore and her late husband, Michael. We find out later that Daniel is similarly shocked by Kelly's resemblance to his late wife, Lillian. Daniel is a lonely man who has shut off his heart to those around him following his wife's passing from Yellow Fever a number of years earlier. Kelly ends up with few options but to stay with Daniel, Lizzie, and their maid, Mammy Clara, as she is unable to return to her time.

This is a time travel story that is in the civil war era. It was a decent read. The thing that I did not like is that the main character seem to not accept her time travel.

[Heather(Gibby) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read a LOT of time travel books and this is not one of the better ones.

Although the character uses her experience from the future to promote rights for women, she does really little to nothing else except deny that she really has time travelled, and try to fit into her new life. Of course she falls madly in love with the first male she comes across. It really is just too simple a story, with little character development. The saving grace is the house servant Clara who shows some depth of character.

[Lynn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time After Time

I really can't believe I had never read this book before. Constance O'Day Flannery was one Author I waited impatiently for her next book. Over 30 years ago I started reading her time travel books and fell in love.
This one does not let me down. It is a clean romance and so sweet. The characters are realistic and so loveable. You can picture the story as you read.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

** I found this book through Open Library.**

This book leans more toward the romance but there is enough of the “woman out of her own time” aspect to keep me happy. There is only one real sex scene and it is not at all graphic; it leans more toward the flowery “two souls joining” type of description. The flirty banter was fun, though. I can’t wait to try other books by this author.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless

Beautiful story of love. Although Kelly was transported back in time to Louisiana where people were still digging themselves out of the civil war and where prejudices still existed she finds true love.

[Pat Welte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and the time travel with all the changes that go along with ending after the Civil War. All the differences in behavior, clothing, and with no modern amenities makes for a fun read. This is the first book I have read by this author but not the last.

[Karen Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Love Story

A woman goes back in time while attending a friend’s wedding. She is found by a young girl who believes her to be a fairy. She meets the girl’s family and he father, a widower. He accepts her time travel eventually and her life becomes fuller and happier.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I had read all of Constane O'Day-Flannery's books a long time ago. Loved them then. Love them now. I love all the emotion.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book

I enjoyed reading this book. I picked it out yesterday and finished it today. It is a very enjoyable story.

[Reese · Rating 3 out of 5]

**2.5 stars**

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Ashley-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. i don't like when people from the future bring modern ideas to the past.

[Alda Delicado · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story but a bit slow at times.

[Els · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm bored. Not as engaging.

[Sara Hastings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Low angst, even lower steam. An easy read that you don’t have to think much about.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute feel good story with a little spice and romance. Time travel and being in the beautiful south made for gorgeous imagery. Definitely worth the read!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted on Romance Around The Corner (http://romance-around-the-corner.blog...

I've been on the lookout recently for some more established historical authors to sink my teeth into and came across Constance O'Day-Flannery. She's best known for her time travel romances, so being a newbie to this type of historical, I thought I'd give her a shot.

The book begins with Kelly Brennan as she's donning a hideous bridesmaid's dress at an, at best, acquaintance's wedding in Louisiana. The wedding ends and Kelly is meandering around the estate when she comes to a tree in the woods that seems to call out to her. Making up her mind to not be afraid, Kelly touches the tree and is transported back to post-Civil War times. She is met immediately by a precocious little girl named Lizzie Gilmore, who believes her to be a fairy, and ends up taking her home. When Kelly meets Lizzie's father, she is unprepared for the physical similarities between Daniel Gilmore and her late husband, Michael. We find out later that Daniel is similarly shocked by Kelly's resemblance to his late wife, Lillian. Daniel is a lonely man who has shut off his heart to those around him following his wife's passing from Yellow Fever a number of years earlier. Kelly ends up with few options but to stay with Daniel, Lizzie, and their maid, Mammy Clara, as she is unable to return to her time.

This story was interesting and I loved the time travel element of the book. Daniel seemed quite a progressive hero, too, and it was interesting to see his reactions to Kelly's description of things in the future. Concepts like cars, telephones, computers, and rockets all came up in the course of the book.

**This may be a spoiler, but basically I spent the whole book waiting for Kelly to either be forced forward in time or to have to make some sort of choice about staying in this time period. That seems to be the general conflict in other time travel books I've read. This book's conflict ended up being something else entirely, which I won't mention. I was a little confused on that point by the time I finished the book, but the writing was so good that I had a hard time putting the book down. I spent the whole time reading basically waiting for the other shoe to drop, so I was a little disappointed when what I expected didn't really happen. [end possible spoiler]**

Overall, the book was very well written, the characters were interesting, and I enjoyed the time travel aspect. I think I would have liked to see more of what Kelly actually did as a suffragette, rather than only finding out bits and pieces when she was initially meeting people in New Orleans. That part of the story interested me and I would have liked to see more of the reaction of others to her progressive ways. I also would have liked more with Lizzie's character, especially at the end of the book, because I thought that part of the story tied things together more than the actual time travel did. I wasn't a big fan of both Kelly and Daniel looking like the other's former spouse, but I was willing to overlook that in light of a well-told story. Despite my criticisms, I did enjoy this book and this is an author I'll check out again in the future.

Note from Brie: this book is currently out of print but you can get the e-book edition in all the different retailers.

[Paranormal Romance · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very straightforward and simple story. We start with a prologue that sets up Kelly’s character and as of chapter one, she’s traveled back in time. In the early 1800’s, she meets up with a pretty and adventurous little girl who believes Kelly to be a fairy. Taking Kelly back to her home, she introduces Kelly to her father. A man who has a striking resemblance to Kelly’s dead husband. Turns out, Kelly too has an uncanny similarity to Daniel’s dead wife.

Kelly, stranded in a time and place she’s unfamiliar with, marries Daniel for convenience. Kelly has a place to stay and being Daniel’s wife, she won’t arouse suspicion by the townsfolk by staying in the house with an unmarried man.

Slowly, Kelly and Daniel begin to evolve their friendship into true love. Kelly becomes a mother figure to Daniel’s daughter and a suitable wife for Daniel, although she doesn’t lose her own adventurous spirit. Kelly also brings with her the mindset of a woman from the 1990’s. A strong independent woman who can live her own life and dress how she wants, but she’s always courteous to how Daniel feels about such things such as women’s rights. Daniel is very open-minded to most of Kelly’s ideas.

What my issue with this book was the pacing. It was very slow. There was very little meat on the bones of the story, and I longed for drama and excitement. There was a teenage body who sexually assaulted Lizzy, there was the period where the grandparents came to visit and when Clara, the old housemaid dies. But all of these things did little to improve the dullness.

I’ll rate it as 2 stars because, while I will likely not read the book again, it wasn’t horrible. Just boring.

[Samyann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook. Time After Time is a romance-time-travel novel set in 1888. In modern day 2001, a beautiful girl from Philadelphia takes a flight to New Orleans to stand up for an old college friend at a wedding. During the reception, Kelley Brennan takes a stroll into the moss-draped woods of the south dressed in her key-lime-pie bridesmaid dress. Within moments she is transported to 1888, believed by a young girl to be a fairy. The story proceeds to a romance with the little girl’s widowed father.

About mid way through the book, I was hoping for more serious fictional conflict, but it’s pretty much a formulaic girl-meets-boy story and is limited to the two lead characters overcoming their pasts and succumbing to their love. Kelley easily slipped back in time to 1888, so I thought the author might make her easily slip back to modern day, as well, thereby increasing tension. I guess I was hoping for a little more to the story.

Regarding the audio production, the voices were great with the exception of the child, which was awful.

[Markel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time After Time by Constance O’Day-Flannery hooked me from the start with its intriguing premise: Kelly Brennan, a widow lost in grief, suddenly finds herself swept from her foggy existence into post-Civil War New Orleans. She’s not sure if she’s dreaming or losing it, especially when she meets Daniel Gilmore—a charming Southern widower who looks eerily like her late husband. Daniel, meanwhile, has been closed off since his wife’s death, unable to connect even with his spirited daughter, Lizzie. That is, until Lizzie drags home Kelly, a strange woman in an odd dress, babbling about “automobiles” and “telephones,” and bearing an uncanny resemblance to his lost love. As Daniel grapples with his past, he’s drawn to Kelly, hoping she’ll stay to heal his heart and become the mother his daughter needs—if only he can convince her his time is where she belongs.

I loved this book! It’s a fast, fun read with characters that stick with you long after the last page. For a free Kobo find, it’s an absolute gem. Highly recommend!

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because it was listed on goodreads.com as one of the best 100 time travel novels written. Since I haven't read nearly enough time travel books to judge "Time After Time" fairly, I will say that I probably won't read anymore of O'Day-Flannery's time travel books. The reason is that I didn't find it that engaging. Granted, it was written 16 years ago and she may have improved as a writer since then, but I have so many books on my Want to Read list that I want to concentrate on those. (Like all readers, my list grows on an almost daily basis.)

And several times while reading this book, I seemed to recognize parts of it or was able to predict what was going to happen, so, I'm thinking I may have already read it, which means that if I have read this book, it didn't resonate or stick with me then either.

Long story short, if your Want to Read list is as long as mine, or longer, save yourself some time and don't read "Time After Time."

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional Time Travel Romance

I think this may be the most beautiful romance I have read. The beginning starts with a bit of time travel from 2001 to 1888 and after the shock of this wears off and reality, strange as it is, sets in, a beautiful romance begins. Not only between a man and a woman but also a friendship with a elderly former slave and a young lonely girl. Each of these relationships grow deeper and change the people involved leading to a inevitable conclusion that is sensitive and beautiful. I will be purchasing more books from this wonderful author.