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All We Have is Time
Not yet published
Expected 26 Feb 26A jaded immortal woman falls for a man out of time in this stunning new novel, perfect for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue, About Time, and The Time Traveller's Wife.
1605, London. Beatrix lives a solitary life in the shadows, wandering the city streets looking for ways to forget. Forget that everyone she has ever loved has been dead for nearly a century. Forget that, for her, love can only ever mean loss. Because Beatrix has a secret: a lifetime ago her deathbed wish was granted, making her immortal.
Until one day, whilst picking pockets amidst the raucous crowds of The Globe Theatre, she meets Oliver. They spend a single, perfect day together before he tells her that he has to leave. She’s not surprised; eternity is a lonely place.
When Beatrix and Oliver meet again by chance a century later, recognition hits her like a bolt of lightning. It’s impossible. He’s impossible. Just like her. A chance for Beatrix to truly live – and love – again sparks into existence.
Yet their bond will prove more magical than either thought possible: whilst Beatrix may be over two centuries old, Oliver won’t be born for another four hundred years...
1605, London. Beatrix lives a solitary life in the shadows, wandering the city streets looking for ways to forget. Forget that everyone she has ever loved has been dead for nearly a century. Forget that, for her, love can only ever mean loss. Because Beatrix has a secret: a lifetime ago her deathbed wish was granted, making her immortal.
Until one day, whilst picking pockets amidst the raucous crowds of The Globe Theatre, she meets Oliver. They spend a single, perfect day together before he tells her that he has to leave. She’s not surprised; eternity is a lonely place.
When Beatrix and Oliver meet again by chance a century later, recognition hits her like a bolt of lightning. It’s impossible. He’s impossible. Just like her. A chance for Beatrix to truly live – and love – again sparks into existence.
Yet their bond will prove more magical than either thought possible: whilst Beatrix may be over two centuries old, Oliver won’t be born for another four hundred years...
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 24, 2026
19 people are currently reading
10067 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
August 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions
I normally pull my punches when I'm reviewing an ARC, especially if it's a debut author. But I absolutely will not this time. If I could give this book 0 stars I would.
DNF at 50%, although I do intend to flip to the last few chapters out of morbid curiosity.
The book shamelessly calls itself, "perfect for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" and then goes on to blatantly rip off Addie LaRue at every last turn. When I started the book, my first thought was, "oh okay, so this is like a fan fiction of Addie LaRue". Seeing as I'm a huge fan of that book, I was not totally against that and kept reading. But it just got worse and worse. The premise, the characters, the "curse", entire scenes are lifted straight out of Addie LaRue. It honestly feels like someone took Addie LaRue, fed it into ChatGPT with some prompts and published what came out.
I know this is a very, very strong opinion to assert, but when I got to the scene where the FMC and the love interest are literally in a whispering gallery, a scene straight out of Addie LaRue, I could not deal with it anymore. It is unabashed and unapologetic, so I have decided I will be as well.
The in between parts, that aren't taken directly from Addie LaRue, are nonsensical, confusing, and not well written. Things are not explained. There's no motive for the actions of many of the characters.
I will come back and add to my review once I've read the end. I'm curious if the end is going to be what I think it is.
EDIT: I have skimmed the last 4 chapters of the ending. I don't know if this is a spoiler? Can you spoil a book that's ripping off another book? It ends EXACTLY THE SAME as Addie LaRue. Disgusting.
I normally pull my punches when I'm reviewing an ARC, especially if it's a debut author. But I absolutely will not this time. If I could give this book 0 stars I would.
DNF at 50%, although I do intend to flip to the last few chapters out of morbid curiosity.
The book shamelessly calls itself, "perfect for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" and then goes on to blatantly rip off Addie LaRue at every last turn. When I started the book, my first thought was, "oh okay, so this is like a fan fiction of Addie LaRue". Seeing as I'm a huge fan of that book, I was not totally against that and kept reading. But it just got worse and worse. The premise, the characters, the "curse", entire scenes are lifted straight out of Addie LaRue. It honestly feels like someone took Addie LaRue, fed it into ChatGPT with some prompts and published what came out.
I know this is a very, very strong opinion to assert, but when I got to the scene where the FMC and the love interest are literally in a whispering gallery, a scene straight out of Addie LaRue, I could not deal with it anymore. It is unabashed and unapologetic, so I have decided I will be as well.
The in between parts, that aren't taken directly from Addie LaRue, are nonsensical, confusing, and not well written. Things are not explained. There's no motive for the actions of many of the characters.
I will come back and add to my review once I've read the end. I'm curious if the end is going to be what I think it is.
EDIT: I have skimmed the last 4 chapters of the ending. I don't know if this is a spoiler? Can you spoil a book that's ripping off another book? It ends EXACTLY THE SAME as Addie LaRue. Disgusting.
Want to read
August 21, 2025"Debut novel that is perfect for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue"
...absolutely YES. I am a sucker for a good time travel story.
Thank you, Atria Books, for sending me this ARC!!! 😊
Pub Date Feb 24 2026
As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤✨
...absolutely YES. I am a sucker for a good time travel story.
Thank you, Atria Books, for sending me this ARC!!! 😊
Pub Date Feb 24 2026
As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤✨
December 3, 2025
I just… wow. I finished this book completely in awe and honestly heartbroken.
All We Have Is Time grabbed me from the very first page and did not let go. It is one of those rare books that feels huge and sweeping yet so intimate, like you are right there living every moment with the characters.
Beatrix is unforgettable, lonely, guarded, and immortal, yet somehow still hopeful in ways she does not even realize. And Oliver, their connection is just everything. Every time their paths cross, my heart literally ached.
The story moving from 1605 London to Woodstock in 1969 and beyond is done so perfectly. I felt like I was really there, walking the streets, feeling the crowds, living the history.
And the ending, oh my god. I cried like a baby. It was heartbreaking, beautiful, and somehow so full of hope all at once. This is the kind of book that will sit with me for a long time.
If you love stories about time, fate, and love that refuses to let go even across centuries, this book is a must-read.
Provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
All We Have Is Time grabbed me from the very first page and did not let go. It is one of those rare books that feels huge and sweeping yet so intimate, like you are right there living every moment with the characters.
Beatrix is unforgettable, lonely, guarded, and immortal, yet somehow still hopeful in ways she does not even realize. And Oliver, their connection is just everything. Every time their paths cross, my heart literally ached.
The story moving from 1605 London to Woodstock in 1969 and beyond is done so perfectly. I felt like I was really there, walking the streets, feeling the crowds, living the history.
And the ending, oh my god. I cried like a baby. It was heartbreaking, beautiful, and somehow so full of hope all at once. This is the kind of book that will sit with me for a long time.
If you love stories about time, fate, and love that refuses to let go even across centuries, this book is a must-read.
Provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
October 19, 2025addie larue-esque?? I'M SAT
October 1, 2025
This book was an incredible blend of fantasy, time travel, and historical fiction. I honestly loved this book because it had all of the elements I enjoy in a story. It has also been a while since I have cried so much while reading a book.
Beatrix was born in the late 1400s. She has lived a life as an outcast from her village and even her family because she has two different colored eyes. others see her as something unnatural. She eventually meets someone and falls in love but her life is cut too short. She makes a wish to live and her wish is granted with a twist. She is immortal and forever stuck in her twenties. Her life becomes one of survival until she meets a man named Oliver in London and then sees him again in Italy more than 100 years later. Beatrix and Oliver form a bond that will span centuries and endure so many challenges. This story was heartbreaking but powerful.
I had to give this book 5 Stars because I was so invested in these two characters. It was hard to even fathom being alive as long as Beatrix and to deal with everything she had to go through. The book just stuck with me as I could not stop thinking about life and what it would mean to live that long. Oliver was another fascinating character in a different way. His story was just as heartbreaking. If you love time travel, history, and books that will make you think, this is the book for you.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
Beatrix was born in the late 1400s. She has lived a life as an outcast from her village and even her family because she has two different colored eyes. others see her as something unnatural. She eventually meets someone and falls in love but her life is cut too short. She makes a wish to live and her wish is granted with a twist. She is immortal and forever stuck in her twenties. Her life becomes one of survival until she meets a man named Oliver in London and then sees him again in Italy more than 100 years later. Beatrix and Oliver form a bond that will span centuries and endure so many challenges. This story was heartbreaking but powerful.
I had to give this book 5 Stars because I was so invested in these two characters. It was hard to even fathom being alive as long as Beatrix and to deal with everything she had to go through. The book just stuck with me as I could not stop thinking about life and what it would mean to live that long. Oliver was another fascinating character in a different way. His story was just as heartbreaking. If you love time travel, history, and books that will make you think, this is the book for you.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
August 31, 2025
I am undeniably devastated and heartbroken. A fictional story has no right to hurt me this way.
*Full review to be posted closer to official publication date, as requested by the publisher!
*Full review to be posted closer to official publication date, as requested by the publisher!
![Profile Image for ari [gin’s vrsn 🩵] [semi ia].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1757265812i%2F180071670._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
Want to read
August 21, 2025thank you atria publishing for sending me a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
September 19, 2025
Okay, but where's the flavor? Literally where?
Beatrix is cursed with immortality. Oliver is a time traveler trying to get the most out of his short life. Time as old as time (haha). Only able to meet intermittently over the course of decades, their relationship spins into a messy romance, complicated by their circumstances and inescapable connection.
As another review says, this is a pretty blatant play on The Invisible Life of Addie Larue. The details of Beatrix's deal for her immortality is actually shockingly similar, as is the ending. They aren't exactly the same what with the time traveling element but also this book is just desperately lacking in what I call flavor. Neither Oliver nor Beatrix are particularly unique or compelling characters, and they would really need to be since this book by nature skips around a lot in a way that evades a really tangible plot or setting. I was hoping for at least some sci-fi stuff but they really don't touch on the details of the time travel or what the future is like. There's not a lot of internal tension or conflict, nothing particularly special about Beatrix and Oliver's relationship, no real flair to the writing, and a noticeable lack of world-building.
I'm not sure I would even recommend this for fan of Addie Larue because it is evidently a lackluster version of the same story. Maybe if you want a pretty straightforward romance with some fantasy/sci-fi elements but really don't expect much because you won't get it.
Thank yo to Amy Tordoff and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
Beatrix is cursed with immortality. Oliver is a time traveler trying to get the most out of his short life. Time as old as time (haha). Only able to meet intermittently over the course of decades, their relationship spins into a messy romance, complicated by their circumstances and inescapable connection.
As another review says, this is a pretty blatant play on The Invisible Life of Addie Larue. The details of Beatrix's deal for her immortality is actually shockingly similar, as is the ending. They aren't exactly the same what with the time traveling element but also this book is just desperately lacking in what I call flavor. Neither Oliver nor Beatrix are particularly unique or compelling characters, and they would really need to be since this book by nature skips around a lot in a way that evades a really tangible plot or setting. I was hoping for at least some sci-fi stuff but they really don't touch on the details of the time travel or what the future is like. There's not a lot of internal tension or conflict, nothing particularly special about Beatrix and Oliver's relationship, no real flair to the writing, and a noticeable lack of world-building.
I'm not sure I would even recommend this for fan of Addie Larue because it is evidently a lackluster version of the same story. Maybe if you want a pretty straightforward romance with some fantasy/sci-fi elements but really don't expect much because you won't get it.
Thank yo to Amy Tordoff and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
September 28, 2025
As a huge fan of VE Schwab's Invisible Life of Addie LaRue I am having a really hard time rating this book. I was so excited for the advanced copy from Net Galley. I love the idea, but it felt like a rip off. Like I have read and loved this book already but it was Schwab's version.
The similarities are undeniable. Swap gods of the Dark for fairies, freckles for 2 different colored eyes, and another terminal love interest who is a time traveler instead of bookshop owner.
Even the places they visit and times they live are almost identical. I can say I loved reading it but I love Addie LaRue so much that ofcourse I love a book just like it. I'd say skip the rip off and read the beautiful original which has way more heart and intrigue anyway.
The similarities are undeniable. Swap gods of the Dark for fairies, freckles for 2 different colored eyes, and another terminal love interest who is a time traveler instead of bookshop owner.
Even the places they visit and times they live are almost identical. I can say I loved reading it but I love Addie LaRue so much that ofcourse I love a book just like it. I'd say skip the rip off and read the beautiful original which has way more heart and intrigue anyway.
September 25, 2025
if you liked addie larue, this felt like a way better version to me. I loved the story and the time jumps. the characters were loveable. I love that the characters' story took place over so many years and places.
The concept of this book is great. clean book no smut.
The concept of this book is great. clean book no smut.
August 23, 2025
I didn’t expect this book to evolve the way it did. It starts with a young girl shunned for her different colored eyes in a small village in the 1400s. It ends with so much heartbreak and joy and love.
An immortal and a time traveler falling in love is a fantastical notion and the author captures the very real human emotions tied up in an impossible situation.
If all we do is survive are we living? If all we have is memories are they enough? These questions and so many more are answered and explored in this story about how desperately we need human connection no matter who we are. This book made me cry like a baby. It made me appreciate history all the more. And it definitely made me feel like Bea and Oliver’s story was being told to me by them.
I received an ARC courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
An immortal and a time traveler falling in love is a fantastical notion and the author captures the very real human emotions tied up in an impossible situation.
If all we do is survive are we living? If all we have is memories are they enough? These questions and so many more are answered and explored in this story about how desperately we need human connection no matter who we are. This book made me cry like a baby. It made me appreciate history all the more. And it definitely made me feel like Bea and Oliver’s story was being told to me by them.
I received an ARC courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2025
All We Have Is Time is a beautifully written story that drew me in right away. Early on, it reminded me so much of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue that it was hard not to make comparisons, but as the story unfolded, it developed its own unique voice and direction. I really enjoyed the characters, and the romance between Oliver and Beatrix was especially sweet and heartfelt. If I hadn’t already read Addie LaRue, I think I would have enjoyed this even more, but regardless, it’s an engaging and emotional read that stands well on its own.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing the arc
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing the arc
September 3, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️
I’m in love with Bea and Oliver and their sweeping adventure through time.
This book is a lovely dance between two characters who meet, part ways, and then come together throughout history for seemingly brief moments to share a space in time. Their reunions find them at significant points in history, that as the reader you’ll want to research and explore on your own. Each character living along their own time line, one moving forward through time… the other visiting from the future.
Bea is cursed to live as an immortal, and Oliver is a time traveler from the future. You’ll want to read on through the centuries with them, experiencing moments that bring them happiness, to terrifying periods of war and disease. They return to each other time and again, feeling the warmth of reunion, the heartaches of goodbyes, to the longing through the years apart.
I loved the characters, traveling through time with them, and learning about moments lost to the past. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it, especially to those who have loved books such as Addie Larue, and the movie The Time Traveler’s Wife.
**If you’re a very big fan of Addie Larue you might be conflicted with the resemblances between this and Addie. I was a bit challenged in writing my review for this, and just wanted to note it.
I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to read this prior to release. Thank you Netgalley for the early read!
I’m in love with Bea and Oliver and their sweeping adventure through time.
This book is a lovely dance between two characters who meet, part ways, and then come together throughout history for seemingly brief moments to share a space in time. Their reunions find them at significant points in history, that as the reader you’ll want to research and explore on your own. Each character living along their own time line, one moving forward through time… the other visiting from the future.
Bea is cursed to live as an immortal, and Oliver is a time traveler from the future. You’ll want to read on through the centuries with them, experiencing moments that bring them happiness, to terrifying periods of war and disease. They return to each other time and again, feeling the warmth of reunion, the heartaches of goodbyes, to the longing through the years apart.
I loved the characters, traveling through time with them, and learning about moments lost to the past. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it, especially to those who have loved books such as Addie Larue, and the movie The Time Traveler’s Wife.
**If you’re a very big fan of Addie Larue you might be conflicted with the resemblances between this and Addie. I was a bit challenged in writing my review for this, and just wanted to note it.
I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to read this prior to release. Thank you Netgalley for the early read!
September 27, 2025
I was bamboozled by the premise but this was such a slog to get through and overall underwhelming. I really don’t want to leave a negative review but I forced myself to read this. I wanted to dnf at 25% but I trudged on.
Ultimately this book is incredibly boring. Bea is such a boring character. She has immortal life and nothing happens? Like she doesn’t even try to save some money and amass some wealth for herself? 100 years sometimes pass between chapters and the chapters we get just some stuff happens.
It’s such a boring romance. Oliver and Bea have no chemistry. I’m not rooting for them. I literally didn’t care nor wanted to finish reading this but I forced myself to DNF. It doesn’t get better.
I was hoping for some cool subplots. Nope… literally nothing is happening. It’s ok writing and the author clearly likes history. It just didn’t work for me.
I really do hate to be critical because I wanted to love this book but it wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ultimately this book is incredibly boring. Bea is such a boring character. She has immortal life and nothing happens? Like she doesn’t even try to save some money and amass some wealth for herself? 100 years sometimes pass between chapters and the chapters we get just some stuff happens.
It’s such a boring romance. Oliver and Bea have no chemistry. I’m not rooting for them. I literally didn’t care nor wanted to finish reading this but I forced myself to DNF. It doesn’t get better.
I was hoping for some cool subplots. Nope… literally nothing is happening. It’s ok writing and the author clearly likes history. It just didn’t work for me.
I really do hate to be critical because I wanted to love this book but it wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2025
Ta książka to arcydzieło 😭😭😭
November 27, 2025
Wow. Just wow. I read this book in one sitting.. just over 7 hours of being completely lost in this world. What a wonderful book, so full of life and beauty whilst also being completely soul crushing and devastating at the same time. You felt like an outsider looking in on the relationship between Beatrix and Oliver and it almost felt like a privilege to have a window in to their lives, or many in Bea’s case.
This book is a masterpiece, I can already tell it will stay with me a long time. I feel haunted by it as much as thrilled to have read it. I’ve never felt so happy whilst simultaneously being close to tears, and that’s how it felt for the final 10% of this book. Never had a book where I was nervous to read the next page but absolutely could not stop myself from turning.
A five star read for me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ thank you Amy for writing such a magnificent book.
Thank you to Viking for the ARC of this book, and NetGalley for the eARC.
This book is a masterpiece, I can already tell it will stay with me a long time. I feel haunted by it as much as thrilled to have read it. I’ve never felt so happy whilst simultaneously being close to tears, and that’s how it felt for the final 10% of this book. Never had a book where I was nervous to read the next page but absolutely could not stop myself from turning.
A five star read for me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ thank you Amy for writing such a magnificent book.
Thank you to Viking for the ARC of this book, and NetGalley for the eARC.
November 23, 2025
Netgalley - ARC review
I loved this book. I enjoyed the premise of the story and travelling along with the character to significant events in time that we have all heard of felt whimsical. I felt the book was well paced and balanced the POVs well; I prefer multiple POV writing so this was a massive plus for me. Character development was done really well; I feel like you really get to know and understand Bea and her decisions, however frustrating some of them were. Oliver's character is as equally developed with insights into his past shaping his present actions and views. I particularly like the differences in passage of time and what that means for each character and how it echoes their individual circumstances. I felt the end was built up well and because of this found it very emotional. It's not often a book makes me cry! Thank you so much for sending me this e-arc, it was an absolute (emotional) pleasure to read.
I loved this book. I enjoyed the premise of the story and travelling along with the character to significant events in time that we have all heard of felt whimsical. I felt the book was well paced and balanced the POVs well; I prefer multiple POV writing so this was a massive plus for me. Character development was done really well; I feel like you really get to know and understand Bea and her decisions, however frustrating some of them were. Oliver's character is as equally developed with insights into his past shaping his present actions and views. I particularly like the differences in passage of time and what that means for each character and how it echoes their individual circumstances. I felt the end was built up well and because of this found it very emotional. It's not often a book makes me cry! Thank you so much for sending me this e-arc, it was an absolute (emotional) pleasure to read.
September 9, 2025
I highly recommend this book! It has a similar tone and style to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, which I personally enjoy. If you're okay with books that share a similar vibe, you'll likely appreciate this one too. However, if Addie LaRue wasn't your thing, this might not be either.
I’m personally a huge fan of time travel romances and cozy mysteries with a magical touch, and this book brought exactly that. The writing was beautifully lyrical, drawing me right into Beatrix’s world and making it feel truly immersive.
I absolutely loved this story and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys enchanting, atmospheric reads.
Thank you so much for the ARC :)
I’m personally a huge fan of time travel romances and cozy mysteries with a magical touch, and this book brought exactly that. The writing was beautifully lyrical, drawing me right into Beatrix’s world and making it feel truly immersive.
I absolutely loved this story and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys enchanting, atmospheric reads.
Thank you so much for the ARC :)
August 28, 2025
3.5/5 Stars
All We Have is Time is marketed as perfect for fans of " The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" and while that is true, it is in ways almost too much like Addie LaRue. Parts of it read the same as Addie, and that can be infuriating when you're expecting something to be slightly like it not almost exactly like it.
I will say the characters weren't bad, I do feel that some of their actions and decisions were EXTREMLY questionable and made absolutely no sense whatsoever but like, everyone makes some questionable decisions I guess. They needed more backstory to become fully likeable characters. And the faerie backstory? I needed wayyy more. The use of actual history and going through time was interesting and I did like that.
Now what really got me with this one was the formatting and the way paragraphs where and maybe the arc didn't translate that great on my Kobo but there were times that the dialogue wouldn't start in a new paragraph it'd be in the same one as another character was speaking and it was a guessing game of who was actually communicating.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
All We Have is Time is marketed as perfect for fans of " The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" and while that is true, it is in ways almost too much like Addie LaRue. Parts of it read the same as Addie, and that can be infuriating when you're expecting something to be slightly like it not almost exactly like it.
I will say the characters weren't bad, I do feel that some of their actions and decisions were EXTREMLY questionable and made absolutely no sense whatsoever but like, everyone makes some questionable decisions I guess. They needed more backstory to become fully likeable characters. And the faerie backstory? I needed wayyy more. The use of actual history and going through time was interesting and I did like that.
Now what really got me with this one was the formatting and the way paragraphs where and maybe the arc didn't translate that great on my Kobo but there were times that the dialogue wouldn't start in a new paragraph it'd be in the same one as another character was speaking and it was a guessing game of who was actually communicating.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2025
As requested by the publisher, I will be publishing my review a week before release date.
September 23, 2025
Jak szukacie Addie LaRue 2.0 to przeczytajcie (chyba, że za bardzo kochacie, to pomyślicie, że to plagiat)
October 20, 2025
It kills me to say it, but this one just didn’t hit for me. It’s being marketed as The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue’s spiritual twin—and sure, there’s the whole “made a deal with a supernatural being and now immortal” thing—but what Addie had that this one doesn’t is the “nobody remembers her” hook. That was the emotional anchor, the heartbreak, the magic. Without it, we’re just following a jaded immortal wandering through European history, and… yeah. The spark wasn’t there. I was bored and just couldn’t connect with the characters or love story. Beautiful idea (if done before), but flat execution.
DNF at 40%.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All expressed opinions are my own.
DNF at 40%.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All expressed opinions are my own.
November 1, 2025
Thank you to Amy Tordoff, Atria, and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my true opinion of the book.
I found this book very enjoyable and such a beautiful story. I love historical fiction, time travel, and romance, so this was a perfect match. It was such a gripping tale and it even made me cry - which not many books do now. Looking forward to seeing this on the shelves!
The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the first 25% or so was very slow and made me unsure of carrying on. I have to admit I wasn’t gripped until I was a quarter of the way in, but after that I was invested. I think the beginning bounced back and forth too much and too quickly, making it a bit confusing, too.
Overall, however, this book stole my heart and I will be busy in the upcoming days thinking about Beatrix and Oliver and their tragic story.
I found this book very enjoyable and such a beautiful story. I love historical fiction, time travel, and romance, so this was a perfect match. It was such a gripping tale and it even made me cry - which not many books do now. Looking forward to seeing this on the shelves!
The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the first 25% or so was very slow and made me unsure of carrying on. I have to admit I wasn’t gripped until I was a quarter of the way in, but after that I was invested. I think the beginning bounced back and forth too much and too quickly, making it a bit confusing, too.
Overall, however, this book stole my heart and I will be busy in the upcoming days thinking about Beatrix and Oliver and their tragic story.
October 6, 2025
DNF at 16%. Is is possible to take too much inspiration from something? This was marketed as perfect for lovers of Addie LaRue which I am but it felt too on the nose for me. While I love dual timelines, this story felt like it didn’t need it. I think the flow would’ve been better if we got the information chronologically or even through flashbacks instead of through different chapters. I also didn’t connect with the characters at all, they were...boring.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Just because the book wasn't for me doesn't mean others won't love it.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Just because the book wasn't for me doesn't mean others won't love it.
October 25, 2025
A romance story across time mixed with traces of speculative fiction and fantasy, Amy Tordoff’s debut novel All We Have Is Time is an accessible story filled with interesting historical fiction snapshots spread over the course of four hundred years. Time-travelers and immortal beings are two common elements separately, but this book’s unorthodox cross of the two gives it a unique spin and for its characters, different repercussions from its genre’s norm. Easy to follow and generally fast-paced in nature, All We Have Is Time is a safe pick for historical romance readers, though those looking for a strong speculative fiction storyline or deeper introspective character work may find this book underwhelming and bland.
Marketed for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, at first glance All We Have Is Time appears to fly too close to the sun with what is clearly one of its inspirations and at risk of being highly derivative. Both books feature a withdrawn female protagonist cursed by a fantasy being with immortality and walking through history a shadow of a person. Both books also feature a tragic romance with an unexpected love interest who is not what they seem. And despite this book's more speculative fiction lean vs the other’s stronger literary fiction elements, both stories feature similar beginnings and endings; other reviews have highlighted their similarities in far more colorful detail, particularly those that have DNF’d this book early on. Despite having a start that could be a retelling of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, All We Have Is Time quickly diverges from the other as soon as Oliver is introduced that shifts the story in a completely new direction.
While Beatrix’s immortal condition carries much of the book’s narrative content, I personally found the historical fiction elements of the book to be the biggest highlight and selling point instead. From the rural village of Lancaut, to the rough yet urban excitement of London, to even key moments in American history, Tordoff portrayals of various historic events are varied, visual, and often quite unexpectedly chosen. Given the story’s setting primarily takes place in Britain, certain events are to be expected like World Wars or certain iconic performing arts. However, far outnumbering the predictable historic moments chosen are some that are less common yet still notable, my personal favorite being the Frost Fair of the River Thames. The book smartly avoids coming off as a history lesson that’s consistent with one of the story’s recurring themes of Oliver’s personal interest, and instead is a walk through different romanticized moments that serve as fitting framework for the book’s couple to fill in.
Without giving away any notable spoilers, I also was pleasantly surprised by the backstory of Oliver’s character which was far from what I had been expecting. While not as extensively presented as Beatrix’s perspective, Oliver’s story is where the book gets its speculative fiction edge and provides interesting food for thought. A story involving an immortal falling in love with a mortal is nothing new but the plot mechanism and unique gimmick explaining Oliver’s presence in 1605 London creates an interesting scenario that I haven’t seen explored before, particularly as Beatrix’s journey through history moves towards present day.
While I found the book’s concepts and general storyline interesting, unfortunately the execution and depth of the story stay pretty surface level and simple. The exploration of Beatrix’s isolation and monotonous years, Oliver’s desperation for more time, and the ramifications of their ill-fated bond provided really compelling narrative material that consistently fell flat due to their lackluster handling. Beatrix’s entire backstory with the curse felt very underdeveloped (the fantasy being in particular being sorely underutilized), her journey filled with emotional reactions that could’ve benefited from better setup, not to mention nearly all of Oliver’s backstory and time-traveling mechanism has so many conflicting issues and plot holes that can give veteran scifi/speculative fiction readers a case of trypophobia (spoilers omitted here but included on the full version of this review on my reading blog TheBookGrind).
Additionally, despite finding the read underwhelming, the character development and pacing of the story felt quite rushed and far too fast for the material. As an immortal, Beatrix reflects about how time blends together, her memories of her family painful, and closing herself off to the world. But the reader isn’t given enough time or reflective moments to feel her experiences, the book largely telling rather than showing. The recurring theme of Beatrix having to patiently wait while longing for Oliver over time also lacks the punch it should as the book’s sense of time jumps rushes on or jumps so quickly. These weaknesses likely are not as detrimental to the reading experience for those picking up this book for a historical fiction romance, but for others, the closer you look and pay attention, the bigger the missed opportunities of this story become.
Featuring great concepts and an unexpectedly creative twist with Oliver’s presence and backstory, All We Have Is Time is a respectable book that is highly accessible and has a lot of mainstream appeal. The historical elements are great, there’s enough character moments to satisfy book club style readership without being upsetting, and its romance across time is unique enough to set itself apart. Yet despite Tordoff's polished prose and overall good plotting, I found this to be a disappointing read due to how much better it could’ve been with stronger character writing and deeper introspection. The story consistently feels fine but lacks a sense of urgency, literary touch, or more solid speculative fiction crafting to take it further, the story’s intensity growing as it progresses as does its missed potential. While this book certainly scratches the same narrative itch as The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Ministry of Time as advertised (two of my favorite books I might add), doing so sets up this novel against expectations it more than likely will not meet. That said, this is still a well-intentioned, heartfelt, and light story that’s a great pick for those looking for a quick and easy book to read.
This review is based on a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by Atria Books via Netgalley.
*For more reviews, book lists and reading updates, check out my blog TheBookGrind!
Marketed for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, at first glance All We Have Is Time appears to fly too close to the sun with what is clearly one of its inspirations and at risk of being highly derivative. Both books feature a withdrawn female protagonist cursed by a fantasy being with immortality and walking through history a shadow of a person. Both books also feature a tragic romance with an unexpected love interest who is not what they seem. And despite this book's more speculative fiction lean vs the other’s stronger literary fiction elements, both stories feature similar beginnings and endings; other reviews have highlighted their similarities in far more colorful detail, particularly those that have DNF’d this book early on. Despite having a start that could be a retelling of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, All We Have Is Time quickly diverges from the other as soon as Oliver is introduced that shifts the story in a completely new direction.
While Beatrix’s immortal condition carries much of the book’s narrative content, I personally found the historical fiction elements of the book to be the biggest highlight and selling point instead. From the rural village of Lancaut, to the rough yet urban excitement of London, to even key moments in American history, Tordoff portrayals of various historic events are varied, visual, and often quite unexpectedly chosen. Given the story’s setting primarily takes place in Britain, certain events are to be expected like World Wars or certain iconic performing arts. However, far outnumbering the predictable historic moments chosen are some that are less common yet still notable, my personal favorite being the Frost Fair of the River Thames. The book smartly avoids coming off as a history lesson that’s consistent with one of the story’s recurring themes of Oliver’s personal interest, and instead is a walk through different romanticized moments that serve as fitting framework for the book’s couple to fill in.
Without giving away any notable spoilers, I also was pleasantly surprised by the backstory of Oliver’s character which was far from what I had been expecting. While not as extensively presented as Beatrix’s perspective, Oliver’s story is where the book gets its speculative fiction edge and provides interesting food for thought. A story involving an immortal falling in love with a mortal is nothing new but the plot mechanism and unique gimmick explaining Oliver’s presence in 1605 London creates an interesting scenario that I haven’t seen explored before, particularly as Beatrix’s journey through history moves towards present day.
While I found the book’s concepts and general storyline interesting, unfortunately the execution and depth of the story stay pretty surface level and simple. The exploration of Beatrix’s isolation and monotonous years, Oliver’s desperation for more time, and the ramifications of their ill-fated bond provided really compelling narrative material that consistently fell flat due to their lackluster handling. Beatrix’s entire backstory with the curse felt very underdeveloped (the fantasy being in particular being sorely underutilized), her journey filled with emotional reactions that could’ve benefited from better setup, not to mention nearly all of Oliver’s backstory and time-traveling mechanism has so many conflicting issues and plot holes that can give veteran scifi/speculative fiction readers a case of trypophobia (spoilers omitted here but included on the full version of this review on my reading blog TheBookGrind).
Additionally, despite finding the read underwhelming, the character development and pacing of the story felt quite rushed and far too fast for the material. As an immortal, Beatrix reflects about how time blends together, her memories of her family painful, and closing herself off to the world. But the reader isn’t given enough time or reflective moments to feel her experiences, the book largely telling rather than showing. The recurring theme of Beatrix having to patiently wait while longing for Oliver over time also lacks the punch it should as the book’s sense of time jumps rushes on or jumps so quickly. These weaknesses likely are not as detrimental to the reading experience for those picking up this book for a historical fiction romance, but for others, the closer you look and pay attention, the bigger the missed opportunities of this story become.
Featuring great concepts and an unexpectedly creative twist with Oliver’s presence and backstory, All We Have Is Time is a respectable book that is highly accessible and has a lot of mainstream appeal. The historical elements are great, there’s enough character moments to satisfy book club style readership without being upsetting, and its romance across time is unique enough to set itself apart. Yet despite Tordoff's polished prose and overall good plotting, I found this to be a disappointing read due to how much better it could’ve been with stronger character writing and deeper introspection. The story consistently feels fine but lacks a sense of urgency, literary touch, or more solid speculative fiction crafting to take it further, the story’s intensity growing as it progresses as does its missed potential. While this book certainly scratches the same narrative itch as The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Ministry of Time as advertised (two of my favorite books I might add), doing so sets up this novel against expectations it more than likely will not meet. That said, this is still a well-intentioned, heartfelt, and light story that’s a great pick for those looking for a quick and easy book to read.
This review is based on a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by Atria Books via Netgalley.
*For more reviews, book lists and reading updates, check out my blog TheBookGrind!
November 28, 2025
ARC Review: All We Have Is Time
I absolutely loved the premise and the descriptive elements of this book—they were vivid and full of promise. I went in really wanting to enjoy it, but I found myself struggling with the continual swapping between years. While I appreciate the ambition behind the structure, the frequent time shifts made it hard for me to stay fully engaged with the story.
The writing style was another challenge for me. It didn’t quite click, and despite my best efforts to push through to the end, I couldn’t immerse myself enough to truly connect with the characters or the narrative. This is definitely a case of “it’s not you, it’s me”—I can see how others might love it, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me.
I absolutely loved the premise and the descriptive elements of this book—they were vivid and full of promise. I went in really wanting to enjoy it, but I found myself struggling with the continual swapping between years. While I appreciate the ambition behind the structure, the frequent time shifts made it hard for me to stay fully engaged with the story.
The writing style was another challenge for me. It didn’t quite click, and despite my best efforts to push through to the end, I couldn’t immerse myself enough to truly connect with the characters or the narrative. This is definitely a case of “it’s not you, it’s me”—I can see how others might love it, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me.
December 27, 2025
4.5 stars
I will need 3-5 weeks to recover. This hurt, a lot. The beginning was sometimes a little too quick to hop through time, but that settled down and then it was just a beautiful story. I loved how it took us through time and how we attended important events and the way architecture was highlighted. I cried a lot a lot a lot(I literally had to stop reading multiple times, because I couldn't see the words properly anymore) the closer we came to the ending and pfff that ending. Yeah I will not recover from this for a while.
I do think that marketing it as a romance isn't really on par, because for me this is not really a hea.
I will need 3-5 weeks to recover. This hurt, a lot. The beginning was sometimes a little too quick to hop through time, but that settled down and then it was just a beautiful story. I loved how it took us through time and how we attended important events and the way architecture was highlighted. I cried a lot a lot a lot(I literally had to stop reading multiple times, because I couldn't see the words properly anymore) the closer we came to the ending and pfff that ending. Yeah I will not recover from this for a while.
I do think that marketing it as a romance isn't really on par, because for me this is not really a hea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
I am absolutely wrecked. All We Have Is Time is a gorgeous story spanning centuries, with the most pure and beautiful love story woven throughout.
I cannot wait to read this book again and again. My heart is bursting, and I miss Beatrix & Oliver already.
Amy Tordoff has written a wonderful novel and if you love historical fiction, romance, and time travel, you will adore this book as much as I did.
Thank you Atria Books for the ARC via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.
I cannot wait to read this book again and again. My heart is bursting, and I miss Beatrix & Oliver already.
Amy Tordoff has written a wonderful novel and if you love historical fiction, romance, and time travel, you will adore this book as much as I did.
Thank you Atria Books for the ARC via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2025
She quite enjoyed this time travelling ARC. Filled with little moments of adventure and all the whimsy of a lifetime spent waiting for small moments. This was a soft story and I found myself rooting for our couple. Of course, we had our frustrated moments, but overall what a lovely way to spend a few days.
December 9, 2025
‘She will exist forever and always, and not at all.’
I read this book in one sitting, completely lost in this story that spans centuries. I feel so deeply moved by these characters and this story and it was beautiful. An immortal woman and a time traveller fall in love, what an incredible premise. And the book definitely delivered. 5 stars, so many emotions, what a beautiful story.
I read this book in one sitting, completely lost in this story that spans centuries. I feel so deeply moved by these characters and this story and it was beautiful. An immortal woman and a time traveller fall in love, what an incredible premise. And the book definitely delivered. 5 stars, so many emotions, what a beautiful story.
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