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Unscheduled Departure
Rowan Elliott is devastated when her boyfriend, Finn, tells her he’s moving across the country to take over the family business, and thrilled when he changes his mind at the last minute and gets off the plane. But then things get . . . weird. Finn’s acting strange, and Ro’s getting mysterious phone calls that have her questioning if her boyfriend’s really who she thinks he is. As Ro races to figure out what’s going on, she discovers it’s more complicated than she could have ever imagined. And if she’s not careful, she could lose her Finn forever. ----- Originally part of the Frequent Flyers Collection - now available as a stand-alone short story.
87 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2015
8 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
T.M. Franklin
40 books491 followersT.M. Franklin writes stories of adventure, romance, & a little magic. A former TV news producer, she decided making stuff up was more fun than reporting the facts. Her first published novel, MORE, was born during National Novel Writing month, a challenge to write a novel in thirty days. MORE was well-received, being selected as a finalist in the 2013 Kindle Book Review Best Indie Book Awards, as well as winning the Suspense/Thriller division of the Blogger Book Fair Reader's Choice Awards. She's since written four additional novels and several best-selling short stories...and there's always more on the way.
Connect with T.M. Franklin
Web site: http://www.TMFranklin.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TMFranklinAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TM_Franklin
Email: TMFranklinAuthor@gmail.com
Connect with T.M. Franklin
Web site: http://www.TMFranklin.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TMFranklinAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TM_Franklin
Email: TMFranklinAuthor@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 14, 2015
This one is FREE today!!! (always check, even though THIS one is worth the $$$, too!
THIS WAS FABULOUS!!! Yes, all caps. Ms. Franklin caught me with the intrigue, with the questions, with the paranormal, with the shivers she made me feel. I loved this. I sincerely love how she leads us through the twists and turns of the mystery.
Then...when you think you have it figured out...she throws more twists at you! It was delicious. While I enjoyed all of the books in this anthology, this is the one that I loved the most. Ms. Franklin is a wonderful writer and I'll read everything she writes. I hope you enjoy it, too!
THIS WAS FABULOUS!!! Yes, all caps. Ms. Franklin caught me with the intrigue, with the questions, with the paranormal, with the shivers she made me feel. I loved this. I sincerely love how she leads us through the twists and turns of the mystery.
Then...when you think you have it figured out...she throws more twists at you! It was delicious. While I enjoyed all of the books in this anthology, this is the one that I loved the most. Ms. Franklin is a wonderful writer and I'll read everything she writes. I hope you enjoy it, too!
July 2, 2022
I don’t know what’s going on but I’m stuck on 3 star books. I’ve had a couple 4 and 5 star reads but not as many as I usually do.
This one had a decent storyline with some “oh my gosh” moments. It was a short quick read & I did enjoy the characters. I went with 3 stars because it wasn’t a bad read but it wasn’t anything grand.
This one had a decent storyline with some “oh my gosh” moments. It was a short quick read & I did enjoy the characters. I went with 3 stars because it wasn’t a bad read but it wasn’t anything grand.
November 26, 2015
When Rowan’s boyfriend Finn has to move across the country to run the family business, she’s understandably unhappy. But after parting with him at the airport, he suddenly changes his mind—or does he? Rowan begins to notice differences in the Finn in front of her and “her Finn,” and strange phone calls from him make her question who he really is.
Rowan and her best friend figure out what’s really going on, but then they have to convince Finn … and the other Finn … and try to put things right again. When that doesn’t work, Rowan realizes that not everything is as it seems.
Unscheduled Departure is a short work of science fiction that will have you question what you know about your own life. It’s an interesting read, although it left me with a few more questions than answers. We don’t hear about how Finn figured out what was going on, and the fact that he figured everything out so quickly had me scratching my head. I never understood the phone calls either. Somehow Finn was able to call Rowan and speak to her, but I thought the phone calls should have been going to “other Rowan.” We know what was going on with both Finns, but there was this other Rowan hanging out somewhere in the universe and that’s not really addressed. I realize some of these things need to be left to the imagination in such a short story. I just wanted a little more of the information.
There was a fair amount of formatting errors in the book. Nothing too distracting, but I expected better quality so I was a little disappointed.
Overall this was a decent story with a little intrigue. The author did a good job of establishing the characters in a short amount of time. I only wish there were more to the story. I’d likely read more by this author.
For more of my reviews, please visit https://rachlawrencebooks.wordpress.com/.
Rowan and her best friend figure out what’s really going on, but then they have to convince Finn … and the other Finn … and try to put things right again. When that doesn’t work, Rowan realizes that not everything is as it seems.
Unscheduled Departure is a short work of science fiction that will have you question what you know about your own life. It’s an interesting read, although it left me with a few more questions than answers. We don’t hear about how Finn figured out what was going on, and the fact that he figured everything out so quickly had me scratching my head. I never understood the phone calls either. Somehow Finn was able to call Rowan and speak to her, but I thought the phone calls should have been going to “other Rowan.” We know what was going on with both Finns, but there was this other Rowan hanging out somewhere in the universe and that’s not really addressed. I realize some of these things need to be left to the imagination in such a short story. I just wanted a little more of the information.
There was a fair amount of formatting errors in the book. Nothing too distracting, but I expected better quality so I was a little disappointed.
Overall this was a decent story with a little intrigue. The author did a good job of establishing the characters in a short amount of time. I only wish there were more to the story. I’d likely read more by this author.
For more of my reviews, please visit https://rachlawrencebooks.wordpress.com/.
March 4, 2015
Unscheduled Departure is the story of Rowan and Finn, or at least a version of the two. One decision creates a parallel universe and Ro ends up with a Finn that is not her Finn. Strange phone calls from a private number are from her Finn in another dimension. Franklin kept my mind engaged and my heart pounding as I read every word. A few twists and turns surprised and delighted me. I wouldn't expect anything less from the Paranormal Pro Franklin. She wrote a transcendental adventure that will keep me thinking for years to come.
February 6, 2017
Unscheduled Departure is Rowan and Finn's story. A delightful creepy short story.
One decision somehow opened up a parallel universe and Ro ends up with a Finn who isn't her Finn. She begins getting strange phone calls from a private number from Finn who is calling her from the parallel universe! What can she do? How can she get him back? An amazing but unsettling read. Reminded me of a Twilight Zone episode.
One decision somehow opened up a parallel universe and Ro ends up with a Finn who isn't her Finn. She begins getting strange phone calls from a private number from Finn who is calling her from the parallel universe! What can she do? How can she get him back? An amazing but unsettling read. Reminded me of a Twilight Zone episode.
April 1, 2015
THE CHOICES WE MAKE.
This book is amazing. The choices we make and the ones we don't define our timeline .Join Ro as she navigates her way through the unsettling and strange choice she didn't realize she made.Edge of your seat intensity that will leaving you guessing.
I recommend this book to everyone.
This book is amazing. The choices we make and the ones we don't define our timeline .Join Ro as she navigates her way through the unsettling and strange choice she didn't realize she made.Edge of your seat intensity that will leaving you guessing.
I recommend this book to everyone.
February 1, 2015
Delightfully creepy short story! Fantastic writing and story-telling pleasantly reminiscent of The Twilight Zone.
April 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. It was a fun read and I can't stress enough how much I love it when a book can surprise me. This is a super fast read so why not check it out? You won't be disappointed!
March 22, 2015
Very well done, just wished there was more. I was enjoying it lol
November 24, 2020
Finn has decided to move from his Seattle home to Washington, D.C. where he will take over the family business. And while his girlfriend, Rowan, understands, she is decidedly upset at the thought of him moving across the country. When, at the last minute, he changes his mind and decides to stay, Ro is overjoyed.
But there’s something a bit strange about Finn, little things that just don’t make sense. And then the strange phone calls from Private Caller begin . . . and Private Caller sounds like Finn.
As Ro investigates, she discovers things are much more complicated than she’d imagined . . . and she’s in danger of losing Finn forever.
Readers will have no problem figuring out exactly what’s going on in this intriguing, albeit slightly creepy, short story. But, be forewarned: the author leaves some important questions unanswered. How did those phone calls work? How was other-Finn able to reach Rowan? Why is there no information about other-Rowan?
And then there’s the elephant in the room: Who was on the phone at the end of the story? [Setting up for a sequel, perhaps?]
But none of those questions can dampen the cleverness of this alternate universe tale. Cue the “Twilight Zone” music and settle back to enjoy this interesting story.
Recommended.
But there’s something a bit strange about Finn, little things that just don’t make sense. And then the strange phone calls from Private Caller begin . . . and Private Caller sounds like Finn.
As Ro investigates, she discovers things are much more complicated than she’d imagined . . . and she’s in danger of losing Finn forever.
Readers will have no problem figuring out exactly what’s going on in this intriguing, albeit slightly creepy, short story. But, be forewarned: the author leaves some important questions unanswered. How did those phone calls work? How was other-Finn able to reach Rowan? Why is there no information about other-Rowan?
And then there’s the elephant in the room: Who was on the phone at the end of the story? [Setting up for a sequel, perhaps?]
But none of those questions can dampen the cleverness of this alternate universe tale. Cue the “Twilight Zone” music and settle back to enjoy this interesting story.
Recommended.
April 11, 2023
I could easily see this as a Twilight Zone short. The concept of multiple dimensions has been around a while, but I like the mental grappling Rowan goes through as her lover changes personality a little, and she must splice through the possibilities to conclude something truly outlandish. Her friend Lyndsay and her lover Finn help her along, as they can.
Plus, their attempts to return to their own realities are truly epic without becoming Dumb and Dumber.
In this day, the concept is no longer new, but the story kept me entertained enough that 1) I am glad I read it and 2) I wouldn't read it again. It was better than average, since the story engaged my thinking cap.
Plus, their attempts to return to their own realities are truly epic without becoming Dumb and Dumber.
In this day, the concept is no longer new, but the story kept me entertained enough that 1) I am glad I read it and 2) I wouldn't read it again. It was better than average, since the story engaged my thinking cap.
December 26, 2016
This was a nice and short read. It was entertaining, but since I read a lot of paranormal and urban fantasy books the bit where she took forever to cotton on to what was happening was a bit frustrating.
I didn’t really get how they were able to look up theories on what might’ve happened and like going to the right spot … and basically wishing real hard to get the switch done.
Despite all of my complaints and nit-picking I did enjoy the read, even though it doesn’t sound like it.
I didn’t really get how they were able to look up theories on what might’ve happened and like going to the right spot … and basically wishing real hard to get the switch done.
Despite all of my complaints and nit-picking I did enjoy the read, even though it doesn’t sound like it.
October 26, 2017
If anyone can tell a paranormal story it's TM. Because let me tell you, this story was like nothing I've ever read. In fact, that's how most of TM's stories are. She mixes romance in just right to make you root for the couple while throwing loops and turns in all over with some out of this world story telling. Now I'm left wondering two things.
1 - Who called at the end?
2 - Is this the real me or an alternate version of me?
1 - Who called at the end?
2 - Is this the real me or an alternate version of me?
September 28, 2017
Wow! This was an amazing book. This novella had an amazing story line that keeps you glued to the pages from start to finish! I definitely need a book two to know who was on the other line when she answered. The character were very well developed and the story was easy to follow. It definitely wasn't what I expected, but definitely reading more from this author.
September 26, 2020
What an interesting and unusual read.
A short story and not my usual type of story but I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't read it fast enough. It makes you wonder and think.
I'll definitely be checking out all of this Authors works.
A short story and not my usual type of story but I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't read it fast enough. It makes you wonder and think.
I'll definitely be checking out all of this Authors works.
December 3, 2020
T.M. Franklin did a fantastic job of keeping me on the edge of my seat with this book. I was wowed by all the I didn't see that coming moments. Ro and Finn for sure need a follow-up story if they don't already have one!!!!
February 28, 2021
'Unscheduled Departure' really messed with my brain. This is over of those books that makes you question the possibilities. Very thought provoking, at least for me. The story line pulled me in and didn't let go. Definitely a great add to your tbr list.
April 6, 2018
Very, very short read. College student gets calls from a blocked number supposedly from her boyfriend. He says he hasn't called, this is never really settled.
December 22, 2017
A fun and crazy book that makes you believe that they are going insane, or you yourself are insane. Well written with a fast paced and fun story. I enjoyed it a lot more than I was expecting to. Definitely a worthwhile read.
December 29, 2017
Great read!
Short and very interesting! I was pleasantly surprised to see Franklin's take on this story. Finn and Rowan were great! Loved it! 4 stars!!!
Short and very interesting! I was pleasantly surprised to see Franklin's take on this story. Finn and Rowan were great! Loved it! 4 stars!!!
August 28, 2020
This was a quick read. I liked the twist in the story. This was a free read from the Author through BookFunnel.
September 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this short story. It has several twists that I didn't see coming and loved it!
July 21, 2016
This book was a quick and captivating read. The story takes place over just a few days and centers around Rowan and Finn. Due to a family emergency, Finn has to return to his hometown of Chicago to – hopefully temporarily – take over his family’s business. Rowan is devastated but determined to be supportive.
The morning of his departure, she drives him to the airport. While waiting for his flight to take off, she debates texting him not to go. In the end, she settles on just telling him she’ll miss him. Imagine her surprise when she turns around and sees Finn standing there, having changed his might. Relieved, the couple returns home.
However, Rowan can’t help but notice subtle differences in Finn. She also receives mysterious calls from a private number, the voice on the other end eerily resembling Finn. He is adamant that he hasn’t been calling her, and her friend Lindsay only hears static when she plays the voicemail messages…
I liked how the author didn’t give away too much information too soon in the story. Just when you think you have it figured out, she adds in some more details that change the angle of the story. I enjoyed this one very much and was pleasantly surprised at the outcome. The slight cliffy leaves me wanting more.
The morning of his departure, she drives him to the airport. While waiting for his flight to take off, she debates texting him not to go. In the end, she settles on just telling him she’ll miss him. Imagine her surprise when she turns around and sees Finn standing there, having changed his might. Relieved, the couple returns home.
However, Rowan can’t help but notice subtle differences in Finn. She also receives mysterious calls from a private number, the voice on the other end eerily resembling Finn. He is adamant that he hasn’t been calling her, and her friend Lindsay only hears static when she plays the voicemail messages…
I liked how the author didn’t give away too much information too soon in the story. Just when you think you have it figured out, she adds in some more details that change the angle of the story. I enjoyed this one very much and was pleasantly surprised at the outcome. The slight cliffy leaves me wanting more.
July 24, 2016
Ro's life is about to change - her boyfriend is moving across the country to run the family business. As he's leaving, she hovers in indecision, not wanting him to go, but not wanting to be the needy girlfriend. So she plays it safe, and just tells him she loves him. He unexpectedly returns, but something's not quite right. He kisses her... weirdly. She's can't identify why, and she slips into life as usual, but things just keep getting weirder. What's her boyfriend hiding, and can she get to the bottom of it all without landing in the loony bin?
This was a charming story, and very well done. My only complaint is that it was so heavily foreshadowed, I figured out the ending long before it arrived. There was one well thought-out twist, but again, it was obvious a little too soon for me. May just be me. Other than that, loved the eerie Twilight Zone vibe of the story, and it was very well written.
This was a charming story, and very well done. My only complaint is that it was so heavily foreshadowed, I figured out the ending long before it arrived. There was one well thought-out twist, but again, it was obvious a little too soon for me. May just be me. Other than that, loved the eerie Twilight Zone vibe of the story, and it was very well written.
September 25, 2016
I would like to thank T. M. Franklin for my free e-book of "Unscheduled Departure" in exchange for an honest review. This was a short exciting novel. Rowan didn't want to be the needy girlfriend when Finn needed to move across the country to help with the family business but on the other hand she wanted him to stay with her so so badly. Did her desires create some kind of paradox? This is a great book and has a great storyline. The subject it brings up has been debated by many people. I recommend this book as a great read.
February 5, 2017
This book started off a little slow for me, but about half way through, it got really interesting. My mind was really intrigued with all that was going on and the bits and pieces of details I was gathering and trying to put together about Ro and Finn and these life dimensions. It had a little bit of romance, some mystery, suspense, and science. It also was a little short for me as it left a lot of unanswered questions and I really just wanted to know more about the characters. Although short it was still an interesting read and would definitely be into reading more from this author.
December 24, 2015
Loved it! I really enjoyed this story. Our lives are built on the many choices we make--some little and some big. What if you decided to take a job away from your home, family, and friends? What if you didn't? Where would your choice take you? In this one snapshot of a life's choice, you get to see a little of both sides. Reminiscent of the Twilight Zone and Stephen King's short stories, this one will have you turning pages late into the night to see what happens.
October 6, 2016
A young woman takes her boyfriend to the airport waiting for him to leave. Instead he comes back but he's a drastically different person than the one she knows. This sets up a chain of events with improbable circumstances. What are these circumstances? Your answers await you in Unscheduled Departure.
The concept for this book is truly unique and intriguing too. The author pulled it off flawlessly. I'm definitely considering more of this author's work in the future and you should too.
The concept for this book is truly unique and intriguing too. The author pulled it off flawlessly. I'm definitely considering more of this author's work in the future and you should too.
November 3, 2015
I favor the Everett interpretation.. you'd probably have to read the story to know what that means. I like the author's writing style. Just the right details and just the right amount of detail to make you feel as though you're actually there without getting too wordy. Real science is bent into fantasy to create a great little story I couldn't put down.
November 16, 2016
I received Unscheduled Departure as a free copy from the author (via InstaFreebie). The gifting did not determine the review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion. "Oddly intriguing" was how I described this short story to my sister. While the plot was unusual, the writer kept me interested and wondering what would come next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews