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Time
“Babe, it’s okay. Let the doctor finish.”
With those words, Isobel Smith had no idea of the months ahead. Not long married, pregnant and a wonderful future promised with her husband, Jason, her hopes and dreams die in that one simple sentence.
Follow her in her harrowing journey as Isobel learns the resilience of the female spirit, and gradually puts her life back together for the sake of their child.
James, her husband’s best friend, is the rock that keeps her together.
But will James’ own battle with his grief end up tearing them apart?
Harrowing and gritty, you must not miss this emotional read from debut author, Samantha Darling, as she takes you on a heart wrenching but ultimately uplifting journey.
With those words, Isobel Smith had no idea of the months ahead. Not long married, pregnant and a wonderful future promised with her husband, Jason, her hopes and dreams die in that one simple sentence.
Follow her in her harrowing journey as Isobel learns the resilience of the female spirit, and gradually puts her life back together for the sake of their child.
James, her husband’s best friend, is the rock that keeps her together.
But will James’ own battle with his grief end up tearing them apart?
Harrowing and gritty, you must not miss this emotional read from debut author, Samantha Darling, as she takes you on a heart wrenching but ultimately uplifting journey.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2015
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25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 27, 2014
This is the most emotional story I have read - ever! It's honest and so beautifully written that I grieved along with Izzy and ugly cried my way through the entire book.
Loved up couple Isobel and Jason should have the best years of their lives ahead of them, especially with a baby on the way. But fate deals them the cruelest blow when Jason is diagnosed with cancer. Jason's battle isn't sugar coated at all and neither are Izzy's stages of grief. As you read the grittiness of the story you ask yourself, how would you cope? And the author answers honestly - you don't. The title fits the story perfectly. With the birth of her baby, Izzy has to carry on, to muddle through, but everything else takes time.
An amazing story that could be one of my favourite reads of 2014. Heartbreaking and absolutely stunning.
*arc provided in return for an honest review*
Loved up couple Isobel and Jason should have the best years of their lives ahead of them, especially with a baby on the way. But fate deals them the cruelest blow when Jason is diagnosed with cancer. Jason's battle isn't sugar coated at all and neither are Izzy's stages of grief. As you read the grittiness of the story you ask yourself, how would you cope? And the author answers honestly - you don't. The title fits the story perfectly. With the birth of her baby, Izzy has to carry on, to muddle through, but everything else takes time.
An amazing story that could be one of my favourite reads of 2014. Heartbreaking and absolutely stunning.
*arc provided in return for an honest review*
December 29, 2014
When I was told I would need tissues that was no lie. So think also this needs a warning label stating such for the unsuspecting reader. It so starts out right off grabbing you by the throat then bam the unthinkable is told. That is the last thing that you think could happen for someone you love. This also was a close to home story in that I too have experienced similar tragedy but was with father a couple of years ago and was there all the way. The characters in this novel are so larger than life that it does suck you in right away and has you go through a wide range of emotions. It is broken up in parts with it fitting perfectly with what it really is all about. It will at times literally bring you to your knees. There is also a irony in here also- facets of life represented quite beautifully. Isobel will have you very concerned at times though especially knowing what precious cargo she carries. This author hits it right on the nail with all the stages and the honest truth is time. Received a arc for a honest review.
January 11, 2017
By far one of the best books I have read this year.! Isabel Smith life's changes when her husband is diagnosed with cancer and doesn't have long to live. Time with Jason is short, time without him is forever. Grab a tissue and experience her heart breaking, her life changing, her guilt, her anger, and her depression. izzy will reach the other side of her depression were she embraces Dylan and James. From the first page I was hooked and couldn't put it down until the very end. Beautifully written by Samantha Darling. I would highly recommend to everyone.
December 28, 2014
Time by Samantha Darling. This is the best book that I have read in a long time. It is about a husband who is dying of cancer. It is sad and I thought it was well written. It felt like you were with her all the way.
Could not quit reading had to finish it.
Could not quit reading had to finish it.
January 3, 2015
So.....you're definitely going to need a few tissues or if you're like me, more like half a box. Time by Samantha Darling is one of the most emotional reads I've ever read. This author captured all the emotions perfectly and did a great job at writing this beautiful story. Time shows us that not everything goes as planned. Sometimes people are taken from us too early and we have to learn to get past it. Not forget them, but learn to grow without them. You will have your bad days, but with time, the good moments can appear again. Isobel and Jason really gutted me. I tried to picture myself as Isobel and my husband as Jason, but that only made the tears come in more frequently. It makes you wonder if this were to happen to you, if you could get past it or more importantly how you would get past it. I know that I hope I never have to go through what Isobel went through, but with real life, things beyond our control happen, like they did with Jason. One of the scenes toward the end of the story really spoke to me. There is a part when Isobel goes to see one of those psychic mediums, who can reach out to people who are no longer with us and I can relate to wanting to believe in that. After my mom died a couple years ago, I remember seeing John Edwards, just hoping to hear about her. The emotions told through this story are completely honest and riveting. I never felt as though I was reading a story, but rather watching Izzy, Jason & James come alive in front of me. I prefer books to movies but I will tell you, that if this was ever made into a movie, I'd be the first one lined up to buy a ticket. Time by Samantha Darling is a must read!
December 23, 2014
What an amazing story! I often worry about reading authors from other countries. Worry that I'll not understand their lingo and I'll lose interest trying to figure it all out. This was not the case! The slang terms used had me cracking up and the story flowed brilliantly.
Though this plot was tragic and heartbreaking, I feel it was written in such a way that you can actually "feel" the life, emotion, guilt, fear, depression, grief and love. Yes, this was a year-jerker, but the happily ever after was well worth the read!
Though this plot was tragic and heartbreaking, I feel it was written in such a way that you can actually "feel" the life, emotion, guilt, fear, depression, grief and love. Yes, this was a year-jerker, but the happily ever after was well worth the read!
November 15, 2015
Quite simply one of the best books I have ever read. Absolutely outstanding. A start to finish read that I managed to complete without stopping except to get another box of tissues. A brilliantly told story that will have you crying from the first to last chapters. Believable characters and wonderful secondary story lines.
January 5, 2015
Amazing book, a heart rending page turner. Best not to read in public as you will need tissues. Seriously. Very, very emotional. Very, very good.
December 26, 2014
Isobel was newly married and pregnant with their first child when Jason (her husband) was diagnosed with cancer at its last stages, having just 4 weeks to live. The story has lots of scenes about how Isobel's life was as Jason continues to be really sick during those 4 weeks and when he eventually passed away.
It is basically about Isobel's life as she deals with grief, depression, pregnancy, being alone and the day-to-day stuffs.
This has got to be the most depressing book I've read to date especially since I was reading it during the festive period. The plot was just tragic and heartbreaking. The issues faced by Isobel were really genuine although there were times I felt she was being a little too whiney about it.
James, her husband's best friend was a rock to her during those times. I felt more could have been mentioned about James. I felt he was overshadowed by all that was happening to Isobel. There was no mention about why he did the things he did in a scene that I felt was redundant. How he was coping with the loss of his best friend? And the feelings with Isobel was also unsaid. Did he or did he not have feelings for Isobel? Was it out of duty and promise? I wish the story developed more in that aspect; no doubt the scene with the clairvoyant gave closure to Isobel.
I give this book 3.5 stars for all the emotions; pain, angst, resignation, denial, acceptance, etc that could be felt as I read the book but I wish there was more development for story to feel more completed.
I was given an advance copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
It is basically about Isobel's life as she deals with grief, depression, pregnancy, being alone and the day-to-day stuffs.
This has got to be the most depressing book I've read to date especially since I was reading it during the festive period. The plot was just tragic and heartbreaking. The issues faced by Isobel were really genuine although there were times I felt she was being a little too whiney about it.
James, her husband's best friend was a rock to her during those times. I felt more could have been mentioned about James. I felt he was overshadowed by all that was happening to Isobel. There was no mention about why he did the things he did in a scene that I felt was redundant. How he was coping with the loss of his best friend? And the feelings with Isobel was also unsaid. Did he or did he not have feelings for Isobel? Was it out of duty and promise? I wish the story developed more in that aspect; no doubt the scene with the clairvoyant gave closure to Isobel.
I give this book 3.5 stars for all the emotions; pain, angst, resignation, denial, acceptance, etc that could be felt as I read the book but I wish there was more development for story to feel more completed.
I was given an advance copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2015
Time is an emotional story about what it’s like to live with your loved one who has terminal cancer, seeing them deteriorate before your eyes, and how you cope with the loss and try and move on with your life. Often not easy to do.
Everything the author describes about what you go through when you live with someone with cancer who is close to dying, all the details, the emotions, are very realistic, and of course very sad.
With the story being in the first person, from the heroine’s point of view, it really draws you in, engages you, and you really feel for everything she goes through, all the different emotions experienced during her husband’s illness, after his death, and the varying emotions that also arise because she’s carrying his baby. All of this is very well written and described by the author.
The story has a real to life secondary storyline with the heroine’s sister who lives with a drunken, cheating husband, father to their two girls, and how even though the sister is very unhappy, she can’t leave, because she loves him. This is echoed in so many similar situations in real life, and once again the way the author has described this, is very well done.
This story is wonderfully emotional, realistic to life, and of course sad. The author doesn’t gloss over anything, you get both the good with the bad. She’s made the story believable and engaging. I would highly recommend this book.
Everything the author describes about what you go through when you live with someone with cancer who is close to dying, all the details, the emotions, are very realistic, and of course very sad.
With the story being in the first person, from the heroine’s point of view, it really draws you in, engages you, and you really feel for everything she goes through, all the different emotions experienced during her husband’s illness, after his death, and the varying emotions that also arise because she’s carrying his baby. All of this is very well written and described by the author.
The story has a real to life secondary storyline with the heroine’s sister who lives with a drunken, cheating husband, father to their two girls, and how even though the sister is very unhappy, she can’t leave, because she loves him. This is echoed in so many similar situations in real life, and once again the way the author has described this, is very well done.
This story is wonderfully emotional, realistic to life, and of course sad. The author doesn’t gloss over anything, you get both the good with the bad. She’s made the story believable and engaging. I would highly recommend this book.
January 1, 2015
Samantha Darling's debut is an emotional rollercoaster reminiscent of the gritty north of England 'kitchen sink' dramas written between the 1930s and the end of the 1950s -of the type of Stan Barstow, among others.
The first person narration is highly effective here. Your heart will break as we watch this young wife become a widow through witnessing the evil that is cancer steal the father of her unborn baby.
The secondary characters too are very well drawn. The tension between Isobel and her mother are realistic and the burgeoning romance between Isobel and her husband's best friend James really works.
The subplots run the risk of being soap opera-ish but within the context of gritty realistic drama, they add to the grinding emotional burden our heroine is forced to navigate.
The only thing which stops me from giving Time 5 stars is the final two chapters.
One is left with the impression that Ms Darling was trying to force a happy ending when none was needed, not in stories of this type. Leaving the reader emotionally wrung out with only a 'happy for now' is entirely appropriate.
Keep that box of tissues close. Lock yourself in a quiet place for a few hours because once you've finished you will want to give those you love a big hug.
The first person narration is highly effective here. Your heart will break as we watch this young wife become a widow through witnessing the evil that is cancer steal the father of her unborn baby.
The secondary characters too are very well drawn. The tension between Isobel and her mother are realistic and the burgeoning romance between Isobel and her husband's best friend James really works.
The subplots run the risk of being soap opera-ish but within the context of gritty realistic drama, they add to the grinding emotional burden our heroine is forced to navigate.
The only thing which stops me from giving Time 5 stars is the final two chapters.
One is left with the impression that Ms Darling was trying to force a happy ending when none was needed, not in stories of this type. Leaving the reader emotionally wrung out with only a 'happy for now' is entirely appropriate.
Keep that box of tissues close. Lock yourself in a quiet place for a few hours because once you've finished you will want to give those you love a big hug.
December 27, 2014
Time. That’s all it is.
We step through Isobel’s life-shattering moment and we’re with her every inch of the way. We walk by her side as she experiences one of life’s deepest lows which overshadows one of life’s greatest highs.
We hold her hand, and reach out to hold the hands of those in our lives we value as we walk her journey. From the beginning of this wonderful debut novel, we have seen hope for Isobel’s future as it walked beside her - even when she didn’t see it - and despite her sorrow and her guilt.
We saw it hold her steadfast as she regained her feet. We saw her grow and become a stronger person, more aware of the lives of others around her, and the life she finds herself totally responsible for.
We walked every step because it could have been any of us. In the minutiae of our lives we recognised her struggle and saw her finally triumphant.
Time. That’s all it takes.
Well done, Samantha Darling.
We step through Isobel’s life-shattering moment and we’re with her every inch of the way. We walk by her side as she experiences one of life’s deepest lows which overshadows one of life’s greatest highs.
We hold her hand, and reach out to hold the hands of those in our lives we value as we walk her journey. From the beginning of this wonderful debut novel, we have seen hope for Isobel’s future as it walked beside her - even when she didn’t see it - and despite her sorrow and her guilt.
We saw it hold her steadfast as she regained her feet. We saw her grow and become a stronger person, more aware of the lives of others around her, and the life she finds herself totally responsible for.
We walked every step because it could have been any of us. In the minutiae of our lives we recognised her struggle and saw her finally triumphant.
Time. That’s all it takes.
Well done, Samantha Darling.
January 4, 2015
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
In Time, by Samantha Darling, Isobel's world collapses when her new husband Jason is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Through Samantha's words, we follow Isobel on this unenviable journey she has no choice but to take. Mostly with the support of Jason's best friend James, Isobel must deal with more than any young woman wants to or should have to...a terminally ill husband, his pending death, the small life she carries inside of her, and how she can possibly carry on without Jason.
Time is all about Isobel, her reactions, her actions, her emotional upheaval, and how much her life changes. Written in first person POV, this favors the emphasis on Isobel. However, I felt that I would have liked to have POV's from some of the other characters in Time to add dimension to the story, and the first person narration limits this. For example, James was an endless source of strength for Isobel no matter how she treated him, and I would have liked to know more about him.
The emotions Samantha evokes in Time are honest and raw, and it is easy to feel Isobel's pain, anger, her everything. Although I honestly can not say I felt strongly one way or another about Isobel, Samantha drew me into the plot with strong, memorable characters, family dynamics, and heart break. There are a lot of secondary characters in Time who are all important to the story, although it seemed to take quite a while before other characters besides Jason, Isobel and James were introduced into the plot. I liked the sub plot with Isobel's family and I really liked Frank, Jason's father, and Samantha's descriptions of him make him real in my mind.
Not all heart break, Samantha does give some happy moments in Time that make the plot believable and I really liked how she brought things together at the conclusion. I'd recommend Time to women's fiction readers who don't mind a 'happy for now' ending.
In Time, by Samantha Darling, Isobel's world collapses when her new husband Jason is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Through Samantha's words, we follow Isobel on this unenviable journey she has no choice but to take. Mostly with the support of Jason's best friend James, Isobel must deal with more than any young woman wants to or should have to...a terminally ill husband, his pending death, the small life she carries inside of her, and how she can possibly carry on without Jason.
Time is all about Isobel, her reactions, her actions, her emotional upheaval, and how much her life changes. Written in first person POV, this favors the emphasis on Isobel. However, I felt that I would have liked to have POV's from some of the other characters in Time to add dimension to the story, and the first person narration limits this. For example, James was an endless source of strength for Isobel no matter how she treated him, and I would have liked to know more about him.
The emotions Samantha evokes in Time are honest and raw, and it is easy to feel Isobel's pain, anger, her everything. Although I honestly can not say I felt strongly one way or another about Isobel, Samantha drew me into the plot with strong, memorable characters, family dynamics, and heart break. There are a lot of secondary characters in Time who are all important to the story, although it seemed to take quite a while before other characters besides Jason, Isobel and James were introduced into the plot. I liked the sub plot with Isobel's family and I really liked Frank, Jason's father, and Samantha's descriptions of him make him real in my mind.
Not all heart break, Samantha does give some happy moments in Time that make the plot believable and I really liked how she brought things together at the conclusion. I'd recommend Time to women's fiction readers who don't mind a 'happy for now' ending.
January 7, 2015
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
I received a copy of this book from Annie Seaton and the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
This author starts her story off with a sad beginning. It’s something most of us have had some kind of contact with. This book just shows that no matter how much you think you can plan your life; nothing ever goes as planned.
Isobel Smith knows personally how hard life can be and something good can come out of pain. She puts a voice to the frustration some people have for circumstances that they cannot change. You can’t help getting emotional yourself when you “see” what is unfolding and I’m sure the author won’t mind if you have to step away to grab a tissue.
It’s a hard read but you can understand where the title came from. This author reminds her readers that none of us is invincible. Some of the scenes must have been hard to write because they were certainly hard to read. But the author reminds us that it’s ok to be human and it’s also ok to rely on others for strength. The author then puts in a twist that I’m not creative enough to think that it was coming. Then in a blink of an eye a surprise happens – just like in real life.
If you’re part of a book club, I think this would be a great book to discuss. There’s just so much going on and for some it just might even be cathartic. It also gives hope that from pain comes love and don’t be afraid to reach out and grab it. If you have a list of those books you want to read again; you may want to have this at the top. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work and I think you will feel the same.
I received a copy of this book from Annie Seaton and the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
This author starts her story off with a sad beginning. It’s something most of us have had some kind of contact with. This book just shows that no matter how much you think you can plan your life; nothing ever goes as planned.
Isobel Smith knows personally how hard life can be and something good can come out of pain. She puts a voice to the frustration some people have for circumstances that they cannot change. You can’t help getting emotional yourself when you “see” what is unfolding and I’m sure the author won’t mind if you have to step away to grab a tissue.
It’s a hard read but you can understand where the title came from. This author reminds her readers that none of us is invincible. Some of the scenes must have been hard to write because they were certainly hard to read. But the author reminds us that it’s ok to be human and it’s also ok to rely on others for strength. The author then puts in a twist that I’m not creative enough to think that it was coming. Then in a blink of an eye a surprise happens – just like in real life.
If you’re part of a book club, I think this would be a great book to discuss. There’s just so much going on and for some it just might even be cathartic. It also gives hope that from pain comes love and don’t be afraid to reach out and grab it. If you have a list of those books you want to read again; you may want to have this at the top. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work and I think you will feel the same.
January 6, 2015
Isobel Smith's perfect life is torn apart when the doctor gives his diagnosis. Her husband, Jason, is dying of pancreatic cancer. There is no help. Why? They just got married and are having a baby. This story broke my heart. Samantha Darling's writing is so emotionally intense that I couldn't stop crying. I loved Isobel. She's a strong woman. She keeps moving forward one step at a time. Her courage was remarkable. Jason and his best friend, James, were well-defined and genuine characters. They were best friends and mates. They each loved Isobel in their own way. I haven't read such a powerful, gut-retching story in a very long while. Time is a story that will stay in your heart long after you finish reading it. Samantha Darling is a talented author. Her writing ability is amazing.
January 25, 2015
An different type of romance novel, written in an engaging and intimate style, like the secret diary of Isobel's most personal thoughts. The story is emotional and the characters are well written so that you actually care very much about them. Grandad Frank and Isobel's nieces were lovely additions which you could rely on to make you smile through a pretty harrowing story at times!
The East Ender language and dialogue was researched and used well, and was something a bit different.
A good read, and a great début.
The East Ender language and dialogue was researched and used well, and was something a bit different.
A good read, and a great début.
February 1, 2015
Jason Smith and his wife Isobel learn that he has pancreatic cancer. Isobel is expecting their first child. The story details his battle with cancer while Isobel tries to stay strong for him. She finds it hard to bond with the baby that she is carrying.; she can seem to find no joy. James, Jason's business partner and best friend, helps them both through it and is there for Isobel and the baby after Jason dies. James helps Isobel to find her way and to show her that love did not die with Jason
January 12, 2015
Good
This book was a surprise, I cried for most of the book. Isobel is a true heroine. Losing her husband to cancer and trying to get over her loss.
This book was a surprise, I cried for most of the book. Isobel is a true heroine. Losing her husband to cancer and trying to get over her loss.
January 18, 2015
Wow. Wish I'd written it. Very emotional read and I loved every moment.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews