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Shifting Time
In this entertaining and thought-provoking novel, a thirty-something woman wakes up one day to discover her long-lost love has come back to life. But is this new reality truly the answer to her heart’s desires?
Despite her great life in New York City as a prestigious book editor, Meade Peterson can’t shake the heartache of losing her high school sweetheart. Fifteen years after his death, she still thinks about all the things—love, family, happiness—she’ll never have, now that Daniel’s gone. That is, until a new man, Tanner, enters Meade’s life and brings her the kind of joy she hasn’t experienced in years. She’s torn, though, over whether she can bear giving her heart away again. Taking time to reflect, Meade returns to her hometown of Austin for what should be a relaxing visit—but instead, she becomes the victim of a violent crime.
Upon waking from her real-life Texas nightmare, Meade finds herself in another world where she doesn’t recognize anything, until she realizes the man in bed beside her isn’t a stranger—it’s Daniel. Meade has awakened into an alternate existence where Daniel is very much alive, and has been part of her life for the past fifteen years.
Meade can’t believe her good fortune—she’s finally experiencing the life she’s always wanted! Or is she? As Meade quickly learns, if one thing in your life changes, nothing else may stay the same. And now she’s forced to face the question: Is what she’s gained worth what she’s destined to lose?
Despite her great life in New York City as a prestigious book editor, Meade Peterson can’t shake the heartache of losing her high school sweetheart. Fifteen years after his death, she still thinks about all the things—love, family, happiness—she’ll never have, now that Daniel’s gone. That is, until a new man, Tanner, enters Meade’s life and brings her the kind of joy she hasn’t experienced in years. She’s torn, though, over whether she can bear giving her heart away again. Taking time to reflect, Meade returns to her hometown of Austin for what should be a relaxing visit—but instead, she becomes the victim of a violent crime.
Upon waking from her real-life Texas nightmare, Meade finds herself in another world where she doesn’t recognize anything, until she realizes the man in bed beside her isn’t a stranger—it’s Daniel. Meade has awakened into an alternate existence where Daniel is very much alive, and has been part of her life for the past fifteen years.
Meade can’t believe her good fortune—she’s finally experiencing the life she’s always wanted! Or is she? As Meade quickly learns, if one thing in your life changes, nothing else may stay the same. And now she’s forced to face the question: Is what she’s gained worth what she’s destined to lose?
432 pages, Paperback
First published September 22, 2015
4 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Seiler
1 book31 followersA former high school English teacher and school counselor, Kelly Bennett Seiler has written articles for such websites as eHow and Livestrong, in addition to creating questions for nationally standardized exams. She’s been featured by Woman’s Day magazine, NPR and PBS and was on the cover of Military Spouse magazine. Kelly has edited numerous books, including a New York Times bestseller. She received both her Bachelor’s degree and her Master’s degree in English from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. Shifting Time is her first novel. A native of New Jersey, Kelly currently lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 12, 2017
This is such an engaging, well written book! What an awesome beach read. I can't believe it's a debut novel. There is definitely more to come from this talented writer, so keep her on your "to read" list!!! If you like Jennifer Weiner and Emily Giffen, you will LOVE Kelly Bennett Seiler!!!
September 14, 2015
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
** I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is September 22, 2015**
This story tackles the concept of "what if?" We all have our what if questions. What if I made this decision differently, what if I went to a different school for my education, what if we never had that fight? and so on.
In the case of this story the question is what if Daniel had never died? As the reader you do have to wait a bit before you get to that point as the story is approximately 50% in when the story takes you there. In the meantime you learn the backstory. You see the story of Meade and Daniel as teenagers and their young love. You see how Daniel's illness impacts their relationship and of course you see the tragic end to his life. What you also see is fifteen years later as Meade makes it on her own and the only thing she is missing is love as she promised she would love Daniel forever.
When the story takes us to the "what if" part and we see the relationship between Meade and Daniel you get to see how strong Meade grew as a person as a result of his death (in her other reality). You also see that although love can be eternal that reality can alter it and it may not necessarily turn out as you always thought it would.
I shed a few tears while reading about Daniel's illness, something that is a little close to home at the moment. I also had a few laughs. Ultimately I found this to be a very good story that addresses the fact that we need to appreciate what we have in the here and now as tomorrow you may not have it.
I am glad I had the opportunity to read this one
** I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is September 22, 2015**
This story tackles the concept of "what if?" We all have our what if questions. What if I made this decision differently, what if I went to a different school for my education, what if we never had that fight? and so on.
In the case of this story the question is what if Daniel had never died? As the reader you do have to wait a bit before you get to that point as the story is approximately 50% in when the story takes you there. In the meantime you learn the backstory. You see the story of Meade and Daniel as teenagers and their young love. You see how Daniel's illness impacts their relationship and of course you see the tragic end to his life. What you also see is fifteen years later as Meade makes it on her own and the only thing she is missing is love as she promised she would love Daniel forever.
When the story takes us to the "what if" part and we see the relationship between Meade and Daniel you get to see how strong Meade grew as a person as a result of his death (in her other reality). You also see that although love can be eternal that reality can alter it and it may not necessarily turn out as you always thought it would.
I shed a few tears while reading about Daniel's illness, something that is a little close to home at the moment. I also had a few laughs. Ultimately I found this to be a very good story that addresses the fact that we need to appreciate what we have in the here and now as tomorrow you may not have it.
I am glad I had the opportunity to read this one
June 24, 2018
Unfortunately one star is the lowest I can give to this book. It is really a terrible book.
The writing is incredible unsophisticated and weak.
* Throughout the book the writer mentions brands way too often.
* One of the characters seems quite similar to "Abby Sciuto" from NCIS. She goes as far as describing her wearing exactly the same clothes and hairdo the character from the show has.
*All the characters are extremely one dimensional.
*Places in Austin are mentioned over and over again in what seems to be an attempt to relate to Austinites...
*There are, I hope, unfortunate descriptions of black and Hispanic people.
There is so much that is wrong with this book that is hard to pick what is truly the worst.
I will never understand how this book even got published.
The writing is incredible unsophisticated and weak.
* Throughout the book the writer mentions brands way too often.
* One of the characters seems quite similar to "Abby Sciuto" from NCIS. She goes as far as describing her wearing exactly the same clothes and hairdo the character from the show has.
*All the characters are extremely one dimensional.
*Places in Austin are mentioned over and over again in what seems to be an attempt to relate to Austinites...
*There are, I hope, unfortunate descriptions of black and Hispanic people.
There is so much that is wrong with this book that is hard to pick what is truly the worst.
I will never understand how this book even got published.
June 20, 2016
It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s first book. I loved everything about it. The theme is not new but it was written in a very different way, the “why if’s” style of going back in time or “living in another dimension”. Meade is a very strong character and I liked that she didn’t accept that her life could or would change so much if Daniel *spoilers* was still alive. The connection with Tanner was undeniable, since the beginning I thought he was the right one for her. Loved the other characters, Pantera was the perfect girlfriend. I couldn’t put this book down and I can’t wait to read more books by this author.The end with Daniel brought tears to my eyes.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this book for review.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this book for review.
September 9, 2015
Who hasn’t wondered, “What if?” The woman asking the question in this provocative first novel by Kelly Seiler is Texas native Meade Peterson, who is living the English major’s dream-come-true as a successful book editor in New York City. Despite a fulfilling professional life, she can’t stop thinking about her first love, Daniel, who died much too young … that is, until she meets Tanner. Then, on a visit to her hometown, Austin, to award the annual scholarship in Daniel’s name, Meade is shot in a random attack and awakes in a place her GPS would never take her — an alternate universe where Daniel still lives. The answers to her “What if?” are more complicated than she ever imagined. "Shifting Time" digs beneath the surface of the obvious to explore circumstance, cause, and consequence.
September 24, 2015
As someone who has a "love-hate" relationship with Nicholas Sparks (love his work, hate how it makes me cry!), this novel was right up my alley! After the first few pages you are transformed into that young adult girl you once were and recall all the memories of your first love. I found myself constantly day dreaming about “What if?” for days after reading this book and ultimately being thankful for everything I do currently have. “Shifting Time” stays with you for weeks and I cannot wait to introduce it to my book club next month. I can’t wait for the movie version of this book so I can finally talk about it! You will laugh; cry and fall in love all over again. I can’t wait to read Kelly Bennett Sealer’s next novel. I have a new favorite author!! Watch your back Mr. Sparks!
October 19, 2024
I liked it, found it to be an easy read. Interesting concept. If you have wondered "What if?" something you wished had happened in your life but didn't, actually happened, what would your life be like now.
July 8, 2017
It was just OK.
November 24, 2020
The author really loves Austin
September 25, 2015
Review Posted at HarlequinJunkie.com
It’s been fifteen years since the death of her high-school sweetheart, Daniel. Yet, the pain of losing him hasn’t faded one bit, for Meade Peterson. She’s often wondered what life would be like if Daniel had lived. At least until she meets Tanner. A man that brings excitement to her life, the sort she hasn’t experienced in a long time. But there’s no way she can give Tanner a chance, not after the promise she made Daniel. Until a visit to her hometown changes her life in a way she never expected. Read More
It’s been fifteen years since the death of her high-school sweetheart, Daniel. Yet, the pain of losing him hasn’t faded one bit, for Meade Peterson. She’s often wondered what life would be like if Daniel had lived. At least until she meets Tanner. A man that brings excitement to her life, the sort she hasn’t experienced in a long time. But there’s no way she can give Tanner a chance, not after the promise she made Daniel. Until a visit to her hometown changes her life in a way she never expected. Read More
April 6, 2016
2 thumbs up for a great read from this new author, Kelly Bennett Seiler! After reading several historical fiction war related books lately with Beyond the Page Book Club, this was a refreshing change. It’s an engaging and fast paced read with characters and locations that are familiar and relatable. I love how this book takes you on an adventure through the characters that experience everyday life, the dynamics of family and friends, and the choices that we make along the way that create the life we live. Do we dare dream of what might have been or should we accept what is and get the most out of who we can fully be?
July 9, 2016
I finished this book with tears in my eyes. As I told my mother about the ending, she began crying, and she had no relationship with the characters at all. The novel was just that touching. I loved this book because I just came back from Austin, Texas and had visited all of the places Meade mentioned. It really helped me connect to the novel. All in all a wonderful novel, especially from a first time novelist. Daniel and Meade have been one of the most hauntingly painful couples I have read about. I throughly enjoyed this book. P.S. I bought my book from The Oasis in Austin, the place where Benji and Meade had lunch. ;)
July 1, 2015
In her debut novel, Ms. Seiler perfectly captures the feelings of longing and loss that follow the premature death of a loved one. Meade is a strong, sympathetic character with a big heart, and I found myself fully immersed in her emotional journey. Set partially in Austin, TX, I was also delighted by the many references to my beautiful city! Overall, this is a magical story about finding peace and letting go of regrets. Ms. Seiler is clearly an insightful, talented author to watch.
July 12, 2015
I have a new favorite author in Mrs. Seiler! Her debut book "Shifting Time" is a heartwarming look into life’s “what ifs” and in the end, you realize that you’ve been blessed all along. I love her story and characters and I can’t wait to see what magic she weaves in her next book. My thanks to her for introducing us to a woman who learns that letting go is sometimes what you need to do to have it all.
May 21, 2015
I have a new favorite author in Mrs. Seiler! Her debut book "Shifting Time" is a heartwarming look into life’s “what ifs” and in the end, you realize that you’ve been blessed all along. I love her story and characters and I can’t wait to see what magic she weaves in her next book. My thanks to her for introducing us to a woman who learns that letting go is sometimes what you need to do to have it all.
June 16, 2015
This is book is for anyone who has ever asked the question - what if? What if our first love was our one-and-only true love? What if you could go back and change the course of time? What if you could rewrite your future?
In Shifting Time, the protagonist, Meade, asks the question - what if? - and the book follows her story as she discovers the answers.
Kelly Seiler weaves a romantic tale of hope and love through the use of magical realism. And it's tale I thoroughly enjoyed!
In Shifting Time, the protagonist, Meade, asks the question - what if? - and the book follows her story as she discovers the answers.
Kelly Seiler weaves a romantic tale of hope and love through the use of magical realism. And it's tale I thoroughly enjoyed!
August 15, 2015
Through a shift in time Meade appears to get a second chance with someone she thought she had lost forever. Is this new reality what she had expected?
One change can have a domino effect and quickly everything else Meade knows to be true changes as well. Will this new life be as wonderful as she always imagined it would be?
Meade’s story will make you think twice about your life choices. Kelly Seiler’s debut novel is funny, insightful and thought provoking.
One change can have a domino effect and quickly everything else Meade knows to be true changes as well. Will this new life be as wonderful as she always imagined it would be?
Meade’s story will make you think twice about your life choices. Kelly Seiler’s debut novel is funny, insightful and thought provoking.
October 11, 2015
I just finished and thought the book was fantastic!!! It was hard to put it down. I haven't cried this hard while reading a book in a long time. You will laugh and cry, so don't forget the tissues. It will suck you in and you won't be able to put it down. The main character is given the opportunity to answer her question of "What if?" What if her high school love hadn't died? Would it have been the life she had always dreamed of? Or did everything happen the way it was meant to?
February 5, 2017
An interesting read of something we've all thought of--"how would our life have been different if we'd made a different choice, no matter how insignificant?" Are the choices and/or tragedies impacting our life journey truly blessings in disguise? Or are they misfortunes testing us? This a great tale of grief and sacrifice contrasted with guilt and obligation. Interesting twists with moments of clarity and insight.
September 28, 2015
What a great read! I read SHIFTING TIME while visiting Austin and the book really made the city come alive for me. Bennett Seiler writes compelling, sympathetic characters worth rooting for. I laughed and cried more than once- sometimes simultaneously- and found myself looking forward to a long layover in the airport because it would give me time to finish the book. Can't wait for her next one.
March 6, 2016
If you are traveling anytime soon, add this book to your list. Great entertaining read that tackles the "what ifs" in life. The author captures the intensity of a first love and how losing someone in life can essentially keep you trapped emotionally. Great beach and airplane read. Totally recommend it.
September 28, 2015
Couldn't put it down! So many cliff hangers I just had to keep reading to see what would happen next! I genuinely liked the characters and really enjoyed the plot development. Often I can guess outcomes but Shifting Time kept, well, shifting and kept me wanting to know more.
April 7, 2016
I loved this book. I loved the characters, the dialogue, the idea of it all. A must read that I came across by accident while perusing the shelves at the local library. Sometimes the best reads just fall on to our laps not by a top seller list, or a to-read list, but by chance.
October 15, 2015
This book is amazing! I laughed and cried, and had a hard time putting it down. Can't wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews