The Helpful Lives of Gris Morley: The Cheviot Hills Time Travel Series - A Middle Falls Universe Novel

Cheviot Hills Time Travel #2

by Shawn Inmon, Kirsten McKenzie

Gris Morley is the most helpful man in Cheviot Hills. Just ask anyone.

He’s on every volunteer list, covers for every colleague, and has never once said no to a neighbour in need. He’s a devoted husband and father, a mostly reliable friend, and the first person anyone calls in a crisis.

He’s also dead.

When Gris wakes up in 1992, back in his teenage bedroom with his whole life ahead of him, he’s certain the universe has made a terrible mistake. He has things to do. Projects to finish. People who need him.

And that’s rather the problem.

The Helpful Lives of Gris Morley is the second book in The Cheviot Hills time travel series, a Middle Falls Universe novel. It can be read as a standalone or as part of the series.

380 pages, Paperback

Published March 14, 2026

Reviews

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Recovering people pleaser is what came to mind reading Gris' book.. his growth was slow but believable, changing bit by bit over each reset.

One particular reset I wanted to smack him so many times even though I understood his emotional stuff and thought processes.

There was an unexpected connection to someone from the first book and at the end.. was relieved, sad, and angry but also glad her story wouldn't be forgotten.

Would recommend 👌 this series and universe is BookFamily for me and I always have a good time among these people.

These books make you think too... what would do in the same circumstances?

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. I’m a long time fan of Middle Falls and am excited by Kirsten McKenzie’s expansion of the series. The Helpful Lives of Gris Morley did what this series does so spectacularly and in a short number of pages takes us through many diverse and divergent lives. This one was wonderful. It’s been a bit since I read Dianna Penn and I’d want to go back and see what Easter eggs I missed. I caught a few but know there were more.

[Deborah Marriott · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is too helpful?

This book takes the kindness most of us have and skyrockets it into something you'd never dream of. I learned some things about myself along the way I didn't even know I needed to read about. I imagine you might too

[Mrs T Shaban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Time Travel Story

Written along the same lines as Shawn Inmon books that I love this clever story shows many lives (given chance after chance by death) to finally work out a happy life balance. Well written & really takes you on a journey.

[Teresa Bruntz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad I don't have to wait for more Shawna books

I'm glad someone else is getting to carry on the concept, I just love the easy

I'm so glad someone else is carrying on the concept, it's amazing how a different a country can include the concept of the universal world, this was a great story, can't wait for more!!!








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[Mrs Susan Bickerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read

I really like the story lines in these books, which run along The middle falls series. I'm looking forward to the next one. What a surprise too about Ellen, I did wonder about her, at the end of book one!

[Michael Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story!

Really enjoyed Gris and all the other characters, great storyline and just enough intrigue to follow up with the next book!

[Janet Leather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

Once again a book keeping me up at night with just one more chapter until I can finish it absolutely brilliant

[John Loyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gris helps people. An extra look over a report, filling in for the Santa who called in sick, staying late to help clean up, etc. He's so busy with other activities that he's missing his children's events. When he gets a MFTT do over, we see that even as a teen he'd help clear the neighbor's driveway, and then the next neighbor, so that he's constantly late to meet up with his friends.

He got pulled away from university when his father was seriously injured. Has he been sent back to save Dennis Morley? Maybe, but for sure it's for his self-improvement.

In one of his chances he does a one-eighty. In the end it's striking a balance. Same MFTT universe flavor, but with a British setting. 4.5 stars.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Cheviot Hills book. I think I enjoyed this one more than the first one because Gris is much more relatable as a regular everyday person compared to Diana Penn. As someone who also struggles with saying no and setting boundaries this book was entertaining and relatable.

[Debra Chiaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time Travel? Who Could Have Thought It?

Time travel back to being a teenager, dealing with high school, relationships, siblings and parents. Such responsibilities. But that's what we have with this book that is along the same lines as Shawn Inmons' other books. Being able to go back and save a friendship or even a life. That's what is possible in this series. I'm loving reading these books since the beginning and wait as patiently as I can for new ones to come out. I highly recommend the books. Many thanks to the authors.

[Keith Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gris was one of the most likeable characters in this series. He was helpful to a fault … neglecting his family and friends, always to be the one who lends a helping hand. The author did a spectacular job of building tension as he offered one more service after another while time slipped away to see his son's soccer match, etc. This book is highly recommended.

[gini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagination at it's best

I never think another unique plot in time travel is possible but somehow Shaen makes it happen. Kristen brings in all the English language that sets this apart from the USA. Some of which I was unfamiliar with. Great job!

[Timothy M. McCann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this novel a 2 star rating because the author is comitted to beating a dead equine.

In the Lives of Middle Falls (United States version) there are 50 stories of people reliving their lives in the same town. (You would think they would run into each other and discuss the situation.)

Now the author introduces the Cheviot Hills Time Travel series (UK version) of similar stories.

The other half of my two star rating is that after three stories - the reader must start paying for the stories - even though they know how they are going to turn out.

Sadly - it's like watching Back to the Future - over and over and over again.

But not me. 51 stories is all I can take!

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning, I thought the premise was a little boring? It definitely picked up. I don't know if any character in the Middle Falls series had as varied replays as Gris did, that was great. I also really appreciated that Gris consciously made choices for his life paths knowing it meant that people from other paths would not be there.

[Lauren Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the story of Gris. He was very relatable. I was really rooting for him. I have really enjoyed the Cheviot Hills addition to the Middle Falls world.