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1983: A Year in the Life of Jenna Rae
Imagine waking up in 1983 - with the chance to live the year all over again.
At 59, Jenna Rae is one of the last born-and-bred residents of Pencarven, a small settlement on Cornwall’s rugged north coast. Forty years ago, it was a traditional fishing village, cherished by locals and holidaymakers alike. But since then, it’s been transformed into an exclusive retreat for the wealthy, stripping away everything Jenna once held dear.
Offered the chance to return to 1983, Jenna sees an opportunity to rewrite the future – and fight for Pencarven’s heritage. Along the way, she takes on a corrupt councillor, confronts a ruthless film star who threatens to tear her family apart and strives to prevent a tragedy that once cost two lives at sea. But what can she possibly do about the devastating flood she knows is heading Pencarven's way?
Join Jenna on her unforgettable journey to the past in this compelling, thought-provoking tale – set in the year that brought us breakfast television and Roland Rat, while Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, and Culture Club were at the height of their fame.
1983 is part of the anthology series, A Year in the Life. Each book revisits a different aspect of life in the 1980s, and each story can be enjoyed standalone.
At 59, Jenna Rae is one of the last born-and-bred residents of Pencarven, a small settlement on Cornwall’s rugged north coast. Forty years ago, it was a traditional fishing village, cherished by locals and holidaymakers alike. But since then, it’s been transformed into an exclusive retreat for the wealthy, stripping away everything Jenna once held dear.
Offered the chance to return to 1983, Jenna sees an opportunity to rewrite the future – and fight for Pencarven’s heritage. Along the way, she takes on a corrupt councillor, confronts a ruthless film star who threatens to tear her family apart and strives to prevent a tragedy that once cost two lives at sea. But what can she possibly do about the devastating flood she knows is heading Pencarven's way?
Join Jenna on her unforgettable journey to the past in this compelling, thought-provoking tale – set in the year that brought us breakfast television and Roland Rat, while Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, and Culture Club were at the height of their fame.
1983 is part of the anthology series, A Year in the Life. Each book revisits a different aspect of life in the 1980s, and each story can be enjoyed standalone.
- GenresFictionTime Travel
252 pages, ebook
Published April 30, 2025
About the author
Jason Ayres
186 books128 followersJason Ayres is a bestselling British time travel author whose books combine humour, nostalgia, romance, drama and imaginative science fiction.
Since publishing his first novel in 2014, he has written twenty-four books and sold more than 250,000 copies. His character-driven stories follow ordinary people caught up in extraordinary situations, whether travelling into the future, returning to the past, exploring parallel universes, or being given a second chance to change their lives.
Jason is best known for The Time Bubble, a complete fifteen-book British time travel series spanning the past, future and alternative timelines, and A Year in the Life, a bestselling anthology of standalone time travel novels set in 1980s Britain. He is also the author of The Ronnie and Bernard Adventures, which blend British comedy, mystery, horror and time travel.
His nostalgic 1980s fiction is particularly popular with readers who remember the decade, drawing on British music, television, popular culture and everyday life. Many of his books are available on Kindle Unlimited, as well as in paperback and audiobook.
Find out more at:
https://www.jasonayres.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/TheTimeBubble/
Since publishing his first novel in 2014, he has written twenty-four books and sold more than 250,000 copies. His character-driven stories follow ordinary people caught up in extraordinary situations, whether travelling into the future, returning to the past, exploring parallel universes, or being given a second chance to change their lives.
Jason is best known for The Time Bubble, a complete fifteen-book British time travel series spanning the past, future and alternative timelines, and A Year in the Life, a bestselling anthology of standalone time travel novels set in 1980s Britain. He is also the author of The Ronnie and Bernard Adventures, which blend British comedy, mystery, horror and time travel.
His nostalgic 1980s fiction is particularly popular with readers who remember the decade, drawing on British music, television, popular culture and everyday life. Many of his books are available on Kindle Unlimited, as well as in paperback and audiobook.
Find out more at:
https://www.jasonayres.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/TheTimeBubble/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 26, 2025
A Fun Time Travel Adventure
I have enjoyed reading this novel and every other one in the series and look forward to reading the next. Well done.
I have enjoyed reading this novel and every other one in the series and look forward to reading the next. Well done.
May 11, 2025
Susan Fraser
Actually would give two and a half 🌟.
I have read all the books in this series but unfortunately I found this one extremely boring.
I loved all the previous books.
Not sure if series has run its course or if the subject just wasn’t for me.
Easy to read but not a page turner.
Actually would give two and a half 🌟.
I have read all the books in this series but unfortunately I found this one extremely boring.
I loved all the previous books.
Not sure if series has run its course or if the subject just wasn’t for me.
Easy to read but not a page turner.
February 19, 2026
1983 A Year In The Life Of Jenna Rae by Jason Ayres
Rating : ⭐
Format : eBook 💻
Pages : 278
Duration : 2 Days
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These books are fast becoming comfort reads for me, they leave me feeling a bit warm and fuzzy.
And yes I think I was overly harsh on previous reviews, sorry Jason I owe you a apology and a re-review or 3.
This time we head back to sunny Cornwall 1983 and Jenna Rae is out to save the boy she loves, her family and her community, so not too much then!
Armed with memories and her magical bracelet she is out to fix the timeline and expose wrong doings at every opportunity and change the trajectory of her life.
As with all the books in the series the nostalgia is rife and felt throughout and it does make you smile and miss the old days a little bit. I mean I was born in '82 so this isn't my nostalgia, but it does make me think back fondly of my own family days out to the beach and caravan holidays
This isn't a masterpiece, there are a few bits that stick out unpolished but it is a bloody good time and exactly what I needed at this moment
Now on to 1984!
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You can find more reviews on my blog here : https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/
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Rating : ⭐
Format : eBook 💻
Pages : 278
Duration : 2 Days
----------------
These books are fast becoming comfort reads for me, they leave me feeling a bit warm and fuzzy.
And yes I think I was overly harsh on previous reviews, sorry Jason I owe you a apology and a re-review or 3.
This time we head back to sunny Cornwall 1983 and Jenna Rae is out to save the boy she loves, her family and her community, so not too much then!
Armed with memories and her magical bracelet she is out to fix the timeline and expose wrong doings at every opportunity and change the trajectory of her life.
As with all the books in the series the nostalgia is rife and felt throughout and it does make you smile and miss the old days a little bit. I mean I was born in '82 so this isn't my nostalgia, but it does make me think back fondly of my own family days out to the beach and caravan holidays
This isn't a masterpiece, there are a few bits that stick out unpolished but it is a bloody good time and exactly what I needed at this moment
Now on to 1984!
----------------
You can find more reviews on my blog here : https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/
----------------
June 2, 2026
“Cornwall, 1983: Sent back in time to the year her life fell apart, Jenna Rae fights to protect the only home she has ever known and save the man she loves.
At 59, Jenna Rae is one of the last born-and-bred residents of Pencarven, a beautiful seaside village on Cornwall’s rugged north coast. Forty years ago, it was a cherished seaside community, enjoyed by locals and holidaymakers alike, but since then it’s been transformed into an exclusive retreat for the wealthy, stripping away everything Jenna once held dear.
Returning to her younger body in 1983, Jenna finds herself reunited with her childhood sweetheart, and surrounded by family, friends, and colourful locals she thought had gone forever. Determined to rewrite the future, she sets out to protect those closest to her and defend Pencarven from those who would strip away its heritage, from corrupt councillors to a charming but ruthless film star who sets out to seduce both her and her mother.”
At 59, Jenna Rae is one of the last born-and-bred residents of Pencarven, a beautiful seaside village on Cornwall’s rugged north coast. Forty years ago, it was a cherished seaside community, enjoyed by locals and holidaymakers alike, but since then it’s been transformed into an exclusive retreat for the wealthy, stripping away everything Jenna once held dear.
Returning to her younger body in 1983, Jenna finds herself reunited with her childhood sweetheart, and surrounded by family, friends, and colourful locals she thought had gone forever. Determined to rewrite the future, she sets out to protect those closest to her and defend Pencarven from those who would strip away its heritage, from corrupt councillors to a charming but ruthless film star who sets out to seduce both her and her mother.”
May 4, 2025
This is one of those books I was waiting eagerly for, and now I'm disappointed as I couldn't wait to read it, and it's now over. I have to wait again for the next instalment. I absolutely love this series. Who wouldn't wish they could go back in time and correct things or improve things to make their lives more meaningful or satisfying? Jenna was a delight and it was also nice to have a guest part for Keith Diamond. Probably my only real gripe is that I'd love to hear how Jenna went a little bit later on, having consolidated her memories together. I want an epilogue that describes her joy at her great life events that would not have otherwise happened. So, Jason, please keep this series going, it's an absolute gem.
May 2, 2025
3 stars. Very similar to previous books (1980/1981/1982) in that the story is simply about what the MC does in the one year she has to change her history. When I say simply, I mean that the events are told almost in the fashion of a diary...a simple recitation of events with little suspense, excitement, or even emotion. Now the story concept is somewhat interesting, it's just not something that's memorable, exciting, or emotionally gripping. In fact, I suspect that in another few months I won't even be able to tell anyone what the storyline of the book is.
July 10, 2025
Another great read from Jason
I have currently read everything Jason has written. All the time bubble series, a year in the last of series and the 2 Bernard stories. Jason is the only author of whos books I have read all as an adult. He is one of my favorite authors and I never get bored with his easy to read style. The plots are interesting and the year in the life of series includes nostalgic reminders of my earlier adult life. Looking forward to reading about Nobby Clark in September. Thank. you Jason for keeping up my enjoyment for reading.
I have currently read everything Jason has written. All the time bubble series, a year in the last of series and the 2 Bernard stories. Jason is the only author of whos books I have read all as an adult. He is one of my favorite authors and I never get bored with his easy to read style. The plots are interesting and the year in the life of series includes nostalgic reminders of my earlier adult life. Looking forward to reading about Nobby Clark in September. Thank. you Jason for keeping up my enjoyment for reading.
May 10, 2025
Wonderful
What a dream to re-live 1983 although not in my life but with Jenna the year I myself turned 15. Younger than the main character and those memories of my life were were just awesome even though it took place access the pond as they say. I can't wait for more and a day in 1984 coming soon. That was my favorite year and then hopefully to 1985 where I probably made my worst mistake but everything has been as it should.
What a dream to re-live 1983 although not in my life but with Jenna the year I myself turned 15. Younger than the main character and those memories of my life were were just awesome even though it took place access the pond as they say. I can't wait for more and a day in 1984 coming soon. That was my favorite year and then hopefully to 1985 where I probably made my worst mistake but everything has been as it should.
May 29, 2025
Another great trip
It's awesome being back in the 80's and Ayres has really done his research. I was immediately drawn to Jenna and so admired her tenacity and spirit. I especially liked the way this story connected to the previous ones, almost with a wink to the reader. Who knew that the future of an entire community would end up in the hands of someone barely out of her teens? I can't wait for 1984.
It's awesome being back in the 80's and Ayres has really done his research. I was immediately drawn to Jenna and so admired her tenacity and spirit. I especially liked the way this story connected to the previous ones, almost with a wink to the reader. Who knew that the future of an entire community would end up in the hands of someone barely out of her teens? I can't wait for 1984.
August 15, 2025
Definitely loving this series
What a ride. Going from being kicked out of your own town by your step brother to being instrumental in the future success your town would see. Plus saving a few lives along the way. A lot goes on here. Not as much red and green time travel bracelet flashes as the other books but definitely a great story about overcoming adversity and stepping into your power.
What a ride. Going from being kicked out of your own town by your step brother to being instrumental in the future success your town would see. Plus saving a few lives along the way. A lot goes on here. Not as much red and green time travel bracelet flashes as the other books but definitely a great story about overcoming adversity and stepping into your power.
May 18, 2025
Another great year in the past from Jason Ayres
Poor old Jenna. What a truly unfortunate life she has had, and here's the opportunity to try and put it right. There's nothing else I can write here without revealing lots of spoilers. I won't, you'll just have to read it yourself and enjoy the story.
In terms of characters, you have local yokels, movie stars, gossipmongers and a few upstanding people.
Now I've got 5 months to wait for the rerun of the year that was 1984.
Poor old Jenna. What a truly unfortunate life she has had, and here's the opportunity to try and put it right. There's nothing else I can write here without revealing lots of spoilers. I won't, you'll just have to read it yourself and enjoy the story.
In terms of characters, you have local yokels, movie stars, gossipmongers and a few upstanding people.
Now I've got 5 months to wait for the rerun of the year that was 1984.
May 26, 2025
loved it
After Wendy's story in 1982, which I liked (did not love), I *really* enjoyed Jenna's story! The premise of someone going back 40 years to make changes to the timeline seems to keep developing, and I particularly liked that Keith Diamond (from 1980) made a couple of appearances here! I'm quite looking forward to 1984!
After Wendy's story in 1982, which I liked (did not love), I *really* enjoyed Jenna's story! The premise of someone going back 40 years to make changes to the timeline seems to keep developing, and I particularly liked that Keith Diamond (from 1980) made a couple of appearances here! I'm quite looking forward to 1984!
October 21, 2025
1983: A Year in the Life of Jenna Rae, By Jason Ayres.
This series just seems to get better with each instalment. 1983: A Year in the Life of Jenna Rae is a brilliant listen, filled with likeable, and sometimes not-so-likeable characters that feel wonderfully real.
Peter J. Matthews delivers another outstanding narration, bringing warmth and personality to every chapter.
Highly recommended!
This series just seems to get better with each instalment. 1983: A Year in the Life of Jenna Rae is a brilliant listen, filled with likeable, and sometimes not-so-likeable characters that feel wonderfully real.
Peter J. Matthews delivers another outstanding narration, bringing warmth and personality to every chapter.
Highly recommended!
May 15, 2025
Such Great Ideas…
The premise and concept are excellent, but written more like a short story than a novel. Everything is explained rather than evolved; this is common throughout all of Jason’s books and it’s a real shame as his ideas are great but their execution is frustrating.
The premise and concept are excellent, but written more like a short story than a novel. Everything is explained rather than evolved; this is common throughout all of Jason’s books and it’s a real shame as his ideas are great but their execution is frustrating.
June 7, 2025
I have loved all these time travel books. I loved the 1980's and enjoy reminiscing about them. There wasn't as much action in this book as the previous ones, but it still was put together nicely. I look forward to 1984.The MC in this book was scrappy and very likeable.
September 1, 2026
Twists and turns aplenty
Its only been a week but this is my third read of this series. I am thoroughly engrossed and enjoying every page turning experience. You might think its predictable at times but then it drops the reader down another path with surprises. On to 1984!
Its only been a week but this is my third read of this series. I am thoroughly engrossed and enjoying every page turning experience. You might think its predictable at times but then it drops the reader down another path with surprises. On to 1984!
May 2, 2025
enjoyable read!
Like the other books in the series, 1983 was enjoyable, the characters engaging, and the end result satisfying - a quick read
Like the other books in the series, 1983 was enjoyable, the characters engaging, and the end result satisfying - a quick read
May 5, 2025
History Saved
Again this did not disappoint a wonderful series continuing the theme small changes can lead to larger impacts in later life.
September cannot come quick enough.
Again this did not disappoint a wonderful series continuing the theme small changes can lead to larger impacts in later life.
September cannot come quick enough.
May 12, 2025
my new favorite type of story
I love the second chance time travel genre! So much fun and so satisfying! I can’t wait for the next one!
I love the second chance time travel genre! So much fun and so satisfying! I can’t wait for the next one!
May 15, 2025
another amazing story
I love all of these books. Can’t wait for the next one to come out!!! Thank you Jason Ayers! I hope you keep them coming.
I love all of these books. Can’t wait for the next one to come out!!! Thank you Jason Ayers! I hope you keep them coming.
May 27, 2025
A good read
Superb holiday reading..couldn't really put it down looking to read more of Jason Ayres books...very relaxing excellent concept and informatively written
Superb holiday reading..couldn't really put it down looking to read more of Jason Ayres books...very relaxing excellent concept and informatively written
August 1, 2025
I can't wait for the 1984, loving this series of books!
August 2, 2025
Loved it! One of two best of the series so far, can't wait for 1984.
September 28, 2025
another good read, a proper page turner of a book
January 1, 2026
Another excellent tale from Jason Ayres. Loved the interactions with a character from the first book. Onto the next one in the series!
February 7, 2026
back on track
Very good story. Plenty of adventure and back in line with the first two books. I enjoyed the story. It was a good read. I’m looking forward to the next one.
Very good story. Plenty of adventure and back in line with the first two books. I enjoyed the story. It was a good read. I’m looking forward to the next one.
Read
September 6, 2026Enjoyed this
This book and the two that proceeded it were an interesting trip to the past. I am looking forward to 1984.
This book and the two that proceeded it were an interesting trip to the past. I am looking forward to 1984.
September 17, 2026
Good but darker
A few more "dark" experiences and I felt like many experiences were to a personal gain. But a fun read
A few more "dark" experiences and I felt like many experiences were to a personal gain. But a fun read
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews