“In The Right Back to the 80s, Lena Gibson deftly blends women’s fiction, romance, and magical realism to craft a can’t-miss story of love and identity.” –Travis Tougaw, author of the Marcotte/Collins Investigative Thrillers
Thirty-year-old Andie is struggling. Despite a fresh start—escaping an abusive ex and making a new home—her old life reaches out to reclaim her. In desperation, she makes a wish and slips back in time.
The 80s are safer and have a reputation as simpler, but everything is different and new. Despite her strange situation, Andie navigates finding work, making friends, and learning how to live in 1985. Along the way, she challenges herself to make more connections and enjoy life.
Paramedic Zack believes love leads to heartache. He has no time for or interest in having a girlfriend—until he meets awkward and irresistible Andie. He resists her charm and pushes her away—afraid to lose someone the way his father did.
Andie’s been given a second chance. If she doesn’t grasp it, she might as well have stayed in her original time. Zack might be the answer to Andie’s wish—if only she could make him believe they belong together.
A blast from the past, The Right Back to the 80s, reminds us to be careful what you wish for—you just might get what you want.
Award-winning author Lena Gibson is a storyteller as an elementary school teacher and keeper of the family lore. As someone with autism, she often creates characters that reflect this experience.
A voracious reader from childhood onward, Lena seeks wonderful books in which to escape. She loves interesting characters and fast-paced, emotional narratives, leading her to write genre-defying stories in multiple categories. While her books are disaster romance, time slip, dystopian adventure, and sports romance, all are about love, resilience, and hope.
When Lena isn't writing, she reads, practices karate, and drinks a ton of tea. She resides in New Westminster, Canada, with her family and their fuzzy overlord, Ash, the fluffiest of gray cats.
The MMC, Zack, is a fucking moron and doesn’t unmoron himself until the 80 percent mark of the book. That’s too late in the game for me. His moronness is due to the badly utilized ‘I’ve seen others get hurt and heartbroken, so I’m going to preemptively avoid that by never dating or fall in love.’ Stupid. Zack get’s there eventually, but he yanked the FMC’s chain several times along the way.
I liked the FMC, Andie. She’s strong and self reliant, and kudos to her for leaving her abusive husband. But after she does, the author puts her in the same peril two more times, with bad men threatening her. It felt unfair to the character, because she was strong enough to leave her abusive husband. I call lazy writing on going back to the same conflict point. Come up with something different, Gibson.
For a book about time travel, it’s not at all about time travel. Andie even points out that the correct term for her being thrown back in time is a time slip. That’s fine, but once she gets to 1985 the story becomes just a boring Contemporary Romance. I loved all the references to my favorite mid-80s movies, but that’s not enough to carry the plot.
The best part of the entire book is the best friend side-character, Val. She’s the MVP of the story.
This book felt like home. And also made me wish time travel was actually an option...
I had way too much fun with this book, and I BINGED it.
So, anywho, Andie lands back in 1985 after some troubling times, and she has to figure out how to deal without modern comforts or a form of income. And of course, there's romance coming... While it takes its time, when it hits... WOWZA. Zack and Andie, they get spicy, and I love them. SO much.
This book is warm, flirty, and full of heart. It was the perfect book to unwind with.
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Five out of five stars.
And for once, I managed to BUY A BOOK AND READ IT RIGHT AWAY. Someone give me a medal.
Andie Sterling knows how to change her life. After a fractured childhood, she escapes into the arms of a man who seems to have it all, and she moves to the other side of the country. When she discovers she’s traded one nightmare for another, she seeks counseling. The results are not what she expected—her current problem is resolved, but now she finds herself trapped in a world she never asked for, with no friends and little money.
Always the survivor, Andie struggles to make ends meet. Money remains an issue, but new friends are a surprise. She finds herself drawn towards paramedic Zack. It’s a good thing he only wants to be friends because she’s uncertain how long she’s staying.
But is “just friends” really the relationship Andie and Zack need?
GAH! I fell headfirst into this book and never wanted to come back up for air. Lena pulled me straight into 1985, wrapped me up in it completely, and I could’ve stayed there forever. I adored Zach and his wonderfully alphabetical family, and the way every character’s story intertwined. And let’s not forget Andie; I’d happily be in Andie’s shoes for a week just to spend some time in the ’80s! If you love time travel or have even a hint of nostalgia for the ’80s, ‘I wish’ you’d pick up this book.
This was great! I really enjoyed it! A fun idea, really well written, lightly amusing at times, with good levels of tension & stress when needed. I really liked the little twist & will look for more by this writer. I do recommend!
First of all, this book automatically earned an extra 1/2 star because the day she goes back in time is my literal birthday. Day, month, and year! So, Lena, thank you for honoring the greatest day ever exactly as it deserves. 🫶
I loved that Andie jumps from 2033 back to 1985, because experiencing all that culture shock right along with her was half the fun. It made me laugh because there are definitely things I’d love to revisit, but wow, there’s also a lot I do not miss.
I’ll admit, for a good chunk of the book I was riding the nostalgia wave and wondering where we were headed. I enjoyed the journey, but I couldn’t quite see the destination yet.
And then…THEN!!!
One single, casually dropped sentence detonated my brain. Suddenly everything clicked. The entire story snapped into focus, the purpose became crystal clear, and I screamed so loudly my dad thought I’d hurt myself. I immediately called a friend just to yell about how one sentence completely changed my experience of this book.
So I'll quote the great Lloyd Dobler in Say Anything: “I love you, and I’ll do anything to make you love me.”
Consider this my attempt to make you love this book too. 💫
Thank you, Lena Gibson and BookSirens for the ARC.
I was a bit sceptical about this one, because I was scared it would be too much like “The Wish”, so the first chapter was hard to get through. But after breaking the ice, it was such a good read. I flew right through it, and it didn’t feel like work. I genuinely wanted to pick up my ebook reader to begin every time. No, I just need to push through the first 15 minutes before hitting flow state.
I think it was super cozy. Maybe it was because of Andie’s mindset or Gibson’s overall portrayal of the 80s (which also, I really liked). Either way, it was great .
And talking a tiny bit about The Wish again, I liked how Dr. Maeve tied the two of them together (as in the books, though I could say the same about the characters). I also was curious while reading The Wish about her personal life and her powers, so that was nice to see more of.
5 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lena Gibson has an amazing gift for writing stories that touch the heart. In her latest time slip novel, The Right Time, Andie and Zack go on a rollercoaster ride of fear, loneliness, friendship, abuse, desperation and true love. The Right Time leaves you feeling like you live those emotional moments along with them.
The 80’s references are accurate and a lot of fun, along with the beginning of chapter quotations that are especially apt and memorable.
You won’t be disappointed if you try Gibson’s latest! It has characters you cheer and cry for and an enticing story. Five stars for sure!
4/5 STARS! I listened to the audiobook and was so into it, I listened in a day. This is book 2, but can be read as a standalone. Andie is a relatable character that you can root for & I honestly felt for her throughout the story. You just want her to have a happy ending. I enjoyed the romance and time travel, & really liked how it tied together in the end. Very sweet story. *Thank you to the author for the free review copy!
I love me a good story set back in the 80’s. Makes this Dowager Dutchess feel nostalgic for fluorescent clothes and my youthful glow. Unfortunately The Right Time- Back to the 80’s missed its mark with me. The pacing was so slow, the first 28% filled with mundane things like grocery marketing or going to a store to rent VHS movies. The mc’s don’t even meet until after that. The circumstances didn’t feel like they happened organically with the flow of the story, more like written in to show nostalgia. Andie and Zack were great m/c and I enjoyed their meet cute where he comes to her rescue. Not badly written, just needed some tightening to plot line. Thanks to BookSirens for this ARC, these opinions are my own.
I read this book as an ARC reader for Lena Gibson. I absolutely adored this book.
This book brought back so many memories of the 80s for me and it had me enthralled from page one all the way through. I love time travel stories and this one did not disappoint. The Protagonist Andie starts off in a DV relationship which right away gets you rooting for her. As Andie deals with her situation and seeks help, things go off the beaten path, the humor and resilience that see her through makes for a great story. Oh to wake up in the 1980s when you are a young woman from the future Year 2033. This slow burn romance is charming and magical and Gibson does a great job bringing the ‘80s back to life. For me it was a trip down memory lane. The characters are well rounded and well written and just invite you into their world . If you like time travel and romances give this one a shot, you won’t be disappointed.
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the beginning of this, and even though I called certain things, it was worth the read. I would have liked it if this had more focus on Zack and Andie instead of the fundamentals of Andie settling into the 80s. More run-ins with Zack and fewer day-to-day mundane things. This is definitely a slow burn but it's still a fun read.
There are stories about starting over… and then there are stories about getting a second chance in a completely different time. The Right Time: Back to the 80s by Lena Gibson is both.
We meet Andie at one of the lowest points in her life. She’s just left her abusive husband, moved into a run-down rental in the Seattle area, and is trying to steady herself after years of pretending everything was fine. From the first chapters, her fear feels real — the bruise on her cheek, the shaking hands as she blocks Dylan’s number, the anxiety that never fully settles. One moment that really stood out to me was when Dylan texts Andie and asks her why she was across town in Redmond. That’s when she realizes she left her location turned on. That hit hard. It’s such a small, modern detail, but it says everything about control. Even when she thought she had space, he was still watching. That scene didn’t feel dramatic — it felt unsettling in a very real way.
The school hallway scene is another one that stays with you. When Dylan drops to his knees in front of staff and students and turns the situation into a public spectacle, you can feel how manipulative it is. It’s not a vulnerability. It’s a strategy. And when the principal sends Andie home instead of supporting her, the isolation deepens. Those early chapters are heavy, but intentionally so. Andie isn’t portrayed as weak — she’s exhausted, shaken, trying to rebuild quietly while still untangling years of emotional control. Then there’s Andrea, her older neighbor, who becomes a grounding presence. Their tea conversations are gentle and meaningful. Andrea’s advice about using the good china now instead of saving it for someday feels symbolic without being forced. It plants the idea that life shouldn’t be postponed.
Without giving away spoilers, the story shifts in a surprising and magical way, sending Andie back to the 1980s — the decade her name came from. The time shift doesn’t feel flashy. It feels connected to Andie’s emotional state and her need for healing. Suddenly, she’s in a world without smartphones and tracking apps — and that contrast matters. The slower pace of the 80s gives her room to breathe in ways she couldn’t in her present life. The 80s setting is nostalgic but not overwhelming. There are pop culture references, music, movie quotes, and small details that ground the era. But what stands out more than the nostalgia is the emotional reset it offers Andie. The pacing softens once she arrives in the past. The tension shifts from survival to possibility.
Andie’s character development is the heart of this novel. In the beginning, she reacts — to Dylan, to her principal, to coworkers who disappoint her. She internalizes blame. But as the story unfolds, especially in the 80s timeline, she starts making choices based on what she wants rather than what she fears. That shift feels gradual.
The romance that develops in the past has a steady, respectful build. After everything Andie endured, seeing her experience kindness and emotional safety feels deeply satisfying. It’s not flashy or overdramatic — it’s thoughtful.
Some of the themes you’ll notice throughout include identity, timing, second chances, and reclaiming one's sense of self, particularly in the case of Andie. The title feels intentional — sometimes the right person isn’t enough if it isn’t the right time in your life to recognize what you deserve. Style-wise, Lena Gibson’s writing is very clear. The emotions are direct. The early chapters are tense and heavy, but the story opens up into hope and reflection as it progresses. It blends women’s fiction, romance, and light magical realism in a way that feels immersive.
Overall, this is a story about reclaiming yourself — not just from a person, but from the version of yourself shaped by fear. It’s heartfelt, reflective, and ultimately hopeful. Readers who enjoyed The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston may find a similar appeal here — both use a time shift to explore healing and love — though The Right Time leans more deeply into recovery from emotional abuse and rebuilding self-worth.
The Right Time; Back to the 80's was a walk down nostalgia lane and a story that transported Andie, a woman who needed a helping hand, to the right place and right time (pun intended😉) right when she needed it most. This book was both irresistible and impossible to put down.
How often have I wished for simpler days, to disconnect from technology and immerse myself in everything that was wonderful about my childhood. Reading The Right Time felt like I was doing exactly that. It was like stepping into a time machine and reliving one of the best decades all over again. It was reliving big hair, classic movies, rotary dial telephones, and a time when everyone in the neighborhood looked out for everyone else. On top of geeking out over what was hot and what was not, from back in the 80's, by far my favorite part of this book was the movie quotes listed at the top of each chapter. I knew every single one and those, more than anything, brought me back to that decade.
Andie, at first, isn't sure about living in a time without modern day conveniences, after all, having a cell phone is everything nowadays. It holds our currency, it looks up information, gives us directions, recipes, so on and so forth. She definitely feels lost without that "touch of a button" feeling, but she also realizes how alone she really was in a world where everyone lives glued to their phone. It doesn't take long to see that without it human interaction is needed to...well, do everything. There are no on-line services to order food, or pay bills, or even find out information on what movie she wants to watch because that doesn't exist. Each tidbit of information like this was complete nostalgia for me and a fun bit of history for young readers to discover.
This book captured my heart for so many reasons, but mostly for the journey Andie took in discovering herself while living back in a new time. She was finally able to start fresh while away from distractions, away from abuse, and away from disappointment. Andie was free to re-imagine herself and find out who she wanted to be which in itself was a magical journey. The romance was almost secondary which is not to discredit what she was building with Zack, because the ending was amazingly sweet and I loved it, but the entire journey, which included Zack, her friendships, and the life she built for herself was everything.
Thank you to Booksirens for the advance review copy and all opinions are my own.
The Right Time is a time-slip romance that follows Andie, a woman trying to escape an abusive marriage by starting over in an unexpected way, nearly fifty years earlier, in the 1980s. She finds herself grappling with heartbreak, survival, and the strange blessing of a second chance. The book weaves together themes of self-discovery, nostalgia, and the longing for safety and love, all wrapped in a blend of magical realism and women’s fiction.
The writing pulled me in right away. Gibson writes with a straightforward style that’s easy to sink into, yet she layers in emotion without ever making it feel heavy-handed. I found myself rooting for Andie almost instantly. Her struggles felt raw, sometimes painfully so, but that’s what made the story stick. There were moments that made me angry at the unfairness of her situation, then others that made me smile with relief when she carved out a sliver of peace for herself. The details of the 80s setting added charm, but they never overshadowed the deeper story, which is what really mattered.
I felt the pacing meandered, lingering on small domestic details, but oddly enough, I didn’t mind. Those slower scenes gave the book a lived-in feel, almost like watching someone rebuild their life one messy, ordinary moment at a time. The romance element had a soft touch. It wasn’t all swoon and sparks, but more about the ache of possibility, of whether Andie could trust herself again. That restraint worked for me. It felt authentic, not like a fairy tale.
By the end, I closed the book with a sense of satisfaction. It’s not flashy or grand, but it’s heartfelt. I’d recommend The Right Time to readers who enjoy character-driven stories, especially fans of women’s fiction with a hint of magic. If you’ve ever wondered about do-overs or if you simply love a slow-burn story rooted in courage and hope, this book will speak to you.
Thirty-year-old Andie Marks, a reserved public school teacher in Seattle, had had enough of her abusive husband, Dylan Marks. He had hit her again, and she knew this would not be the last time. Hellbent on freeing herself from this toxic union, Andie flees to a rental across town and begins the separation process. However, it’s not long before Dylan comes knocking, chaotically trying to get back into her life and disrupting her attempt at a fresh start. Thanks to her new neighbour, Andie is introduced to Dr. Maeve, an unconventional therapist, who offers to help deal with her plight. Soon, Andie finds herself sent back in time to 1985, where she is offered a clean slate and another chance at love. Find out how it all goes down in Lena Gibson’s The Right Time: Back to the 80s.
If you are looking for a slow-burning romance novel with a touch of drama, suspense, fantasy, and sci-fi, Lena Gibson’s The Right Time is the perfect pick. Featuring a fascinating, dynamic cast, Gibson unfolds the intriguing plot through a multi-perspective timeline. The evocative depictions colorfully brought the scenes to life on the pages. It felt like I was next to the cast in every scene, experiencing every moment alongside them. Gibson has a way with words, profoundly conjuring emotions straight from the heart. Coupled with the juxtaposition of the cast’s complex traits, which gave the story a firm grip on reality, it was easy to connect with them. I found myself rooting for Andie and Zack as I related to their desires, fears, flaws, trauma, and more.
Lena Gibson writes a memorable story, especially if you knew the 1980s.
In The Right Time Back to the 80s the reader is brought into the life of Andie, who is so unhappy in her life, that she wishes she could go back in time. I'm not sure why she picked the 80s, maybe it seemed like a simpler time, with big hair, for boys and girls, parachute pants, Michael Jackson and Madonna, not to mention high tops flopping off your feet. Yes, this brought back a lot of memories, however, it's now Andie's world. I am a big fan of Lena Gibson and want to read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Lena Gibson tells a gripping story, pulling in the reader, knowing that each character is relatable in some way. Lizzie has her struggles with trauma, and Andie, wants to desperately escape an abusive relationship. We can't all start over, but it would be nice if we could change some mistakes we made without a magnitude of consequences in the future. The story brings together friendship, love, and determination. Not just for self discovery, but her own life's path. I can't forget the magnificent twists, mysteries and heartfelt plotlines. What a enthralling story. This story is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. So, basically, for a little while, I got lost in the 80s. The Right Time Back to the 80s is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that readers of this book, be kind, and also write a review.
The Right Time instantly became one of my favorite reads of the year. I was already excited after loving the author’s first time-slip novel, and this book did not disappoint. The plot is engaging, the pacing is perfect, and the characters feel so real that you can’t help but experience every emotion right alongside them.
There were so many moments that made me smile, and even more that made me feel deeply connected to the main character's journey. The author has a gift for writing characters who are relatable, warm, and human—flawed in meaningful ways, but strong in ways they don’t always see yet. The romance, nostalgia, and emotional growth woven throughout the story come together beautifully.
This book has heart, charm, and a storyline that stays with you long after the last page. I truly hope the author continues writing more time-slip stories because they’re becoming an instant-read genre for me. At this point, I feel like this author can do no wrong, no matter what direction they choose next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In The Right Time: Back to the 80s, Lena Gibson deftly blends women’s fiction, romance, and magical realism to craft a can’t-miss story of love and identity. On the run from an abusive husband and in danger of losing her job, Andie seeks help from a therapist. Unaware of the therapist’s unconventional tactics, Andie soon finds herself in another world: 1985. With no way to contact the therapist and no idea of how to return to her time in 2033, Andie settles into a new life and finds herself on a surprising journey of recovering her true identity and falling in love.
Gibson’s writing shines in The Right Time, drawing the reader further into the story with each page and including enough 80s nostalgia to give the novel a distinct flavor without overdoing it. The plot is original and perfectly executed, but character development is the real star. Andie and Zack are expertly drawn, and Gibson uses the tension between them to show the complexities of each and the pitfalls of a 2033 woman looking for love in 1985. I highly recommend this book!
I love how Lena Gibson opens each chapter with a quote from an ‘80s movie. It is original and fun, as she weaves these moments into her story. Back to the ’80s begins with Andie, a woman trapped in an abusive relationship. After her husband beats her, not for the first time, she is done. She leaves him for a fresh start, but it isn’t so easy. He cuts off the money and demands she return. But she hires a lawyer and meets a very special counselor who magically sends her back in time, giving her a new identity in the ‘80s. Suddenly, the world is entirely different, and she has no idea how she arrived there. Her handsome neighbor Zach, a paramedic, insists on patching her up after an injury. In her previous life, his persistence might have scared her, but this guy is genuine and kind. His sister befriends Andie too, and slowly, things start to get better. There's a clear attraction between them, but Zach pushes her away, afraid to risk his heart. She has to figure out why she’s gone back to the ‘80s and if she wants to stay or return to her own time.
When Andie gathers the courage to leave her abusive husband, she hopes her future will be brighter, but it’s not working out that way. Everything is going from bad to worse. She’s broke, about to be without a job, her husband isn’t going away, there’s no one who cares about her, and she’s reached the end of her rope. She needs a Fairy Godmother if she’s ever going to have a shot at happiness. Enter Dr. Maeve Fossey with a plan for a do-over, the matching of kindred souls, and the offer of a chance at happily ever after.
Zach Mirabelli is a paramedic with female avoidance issues. He’s an unlikely and unwilling candidate for the Prince Charming to Andie’s Cinderella, but stranger things have happened. It’s just going to take some…magic. If the year 2033 isn’t going so well, there are other options.
I’m a fan of Lena Gibson, and she is at her best in this novel. It’s a love story that isn’t possible, but then again, who’s to say? Do you believe in magic? You might want to have the Kleenex handy.
It's hard to start your life over again, especially with getting away from an abusive relationship, but that is exactly what Andie is doing. Her old life keeps reaching out to claim her, and in desperation Andie makes a wish, never expecting to actually go back in time. Suddenly Andie finds herself back in the 80s, supposedly safer and simpler. Andie is now starting over again but in 1985 and makes herself a promise that she'll make more connections and to enjoy life. Zach has no intentions of having a love life because it'll only lead to heartache but he just can't seem to resist Andie. Can both Andie and Zach figure out this life together or will their pasts push them apart? Absolutely fantastic book! Slipping in time just gives starting over a new spin and I love it! These characters are fantastic and just pulled me in. I had to know more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Right Time: Back to the 80s transported me with fond nostalgia, and admittedly, maybe even a tad of yearning for simpler times. Video movie rentals for family night Fridays, the surge of pop culture, great television shows and music...it all came back. How did we do without cell phones, navigational systems, and our handheld computers? Author Gibson’s time-slip novel brought it all back with wonderful simplicity and with characters I rooted for from the very beginning. Andie, who finds the eighties decade more suitable to her; Zack, who’s afraid to give his heart to someone since he saw what losing his mother did to his father; Val, the sister/friend everyone wishes they had; and the mysterious Aunt M. An enjoyable and touching story that will linger on your mind long past the final page is turned.
Love, love, love! Andie has just left an abusive relationship and is trying to make it on her own. Only the rest of her world won't seem to let her move on. When she takes the advice of her new neighbor and seeks out a therapist, her whole live changes. Literally. Finding herself in 1985, Andie has a chance to see her life in a whole different way. Friends, a cute guy, what more could she need. Except maybe to go back to her own time period….Nah!
I am an 80s girl so this was the perfect book in my opinion. From the movie quotes at the beginning of each chapter, to the trip down memory lane for me, I was hooked from the start. The friendship and love interests held equal weight and made this an irresistible, almost impossible to put down book. Highly recommend.
I received an advanced copy from BookSirens and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
“The Right Time” by Lena Gibson is a delightful tale of second chances. Andie is determined to leave her manipulative and abusive husband. She had already mistakenly given him two chances, but the third time was it. No more. She rents an old rundown house, sight unseen, determined to make a fresh start with her life. But she has no idea exactly how fresh that start is going to be until after she meets with the therapist recommended by her new elderly neighbor, who by chance, shares the same name. Will Andie learn to trust again? Will she find a community in which she feels she truly belongs? Will she ever find love?
If you believe in magic, even just a little bit, then this book is for you! I’m grateful to have received an ARC of this wonderful book and my opinions are my own.
Gibson has done it again! This is another unputdownable book that had me hooked from the first page. With her unquestionably excellent writing skills she has created another genre-defying novel that has something for everyone. Time-travel, romance, action, tension, suspense. I loved every minute of it. I first became a fan of her post-apocalyptic Train Hopper Series (you’ve got to read this series!) but I have to say, no matter what genre she’s writing, she knows how to capture and hold onto her readers. Highly recommended!
All Andie wants is a way to escape her abusive husband and start a new life, but she never expected that path to include a trip to the past. The Right Time is an emotional tale of growth and survival as Andie looks to begin a new life in a past she barely recognizes. Gibson leaves readers pondering how they would live their own life if given a chance to start fresh fifty years earlier. Smart writing, deep characters and fascinating story lines will keep you engaged to the end.