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All This Time
Syrian-American, Lydia Fadoul, has spent a year waiting for her fiance’ to return from war in Iraq, only to discover that he is broken by trauma and the devastating effects of PTSD. Just when he finally agrees to seek help, he takes his own life and leaves behind a story of murder, betrayal, and mystery. In her second, contemporary fiction novel since Budapest, Tiffani Burnett-Velez weaves a fast-paced literary tale about the rumors we believe and the prejudices we create in order to protect our hearts from the truth.
146 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2015
5 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Tiffani Burnett-Velez
6 books36 followersTiffani Burnett-Velez has been a freelance since 1996. Her non - fiction work has appeared in magazines and newspapers in the US and Europe, including Pennsylvania Magazine, Country Discoveries, St . Anthony Messenger, Health.com, Yahoo! News, and many more online and in print publications.
Her first novel, Budapest, was featured in the New York Book Festival and the 4 2nd Annual Conference of Jewish Librarians and it's re-release became a 2014 Amazon Bestseller in Literary and Inspirational Fiction.
Her second contemporary novel, All This Time, will be released by Booktrope in 2015, and the second, A Berlin Story, in her bestselling WWII novella series, Embers of War, is an Amazon Historical German Fiction Bestseller.
She has studied English Literature at Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania and holds a BA in Cognitive Science from Ashford University and an MFA from Lindenwood University
Readers can find out more about Tiffani through her website www.tiffanivelez.com
Her first novel, Budapest, was featured in the New York Book Festival and the 4 2nd Annual Conference of Jewish Librarians and it's re-release became a 2014 Amazon Bestseller in Literary and Inspirational Fiction.
Her second contemporary novel, All This Time, will be released by Booktrope in 2015, and the second, A Berlin Story, in her bestselling WWII novella series, Embers of War, is an Amazon Historical German Fiction Bestseller.
She has studied English Literature at Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania and holds a BA in Cognitive Science from Ashford University and an MFA from Lindenwood University
Readers can find out more about Tiffani through her website www.tiffanivelez.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 1, 2015
All This Time is a very touching story that follows Lydia Fadoul on her quest for answers behind her fiance Thomas' suicide upon returning home from his tour in Iraq.
Author Tiffani Burnett-Velez weaves a riveting and emotional tale that easily draws the reader into Lydia's quest for answers behind the mystery surrounding Thomas' actions while in Iraq that ultimately led to his traumatic spiral downwards from the effects of PTSD and tragic suicide. The story takes the reader on a thrilling roller coaster ride that will have them experiencing the gamut of emotions as the tragic tale of mystery, murder, and betrayal unfolds. You can't help but sympathize with Lydia as she stands by the memory of her fiance while shouldering the burden of searching for the truth.
The author weaves a realistic and intense tale that delves into the issues of PTSD, suicide, racism, prejudice, discrimination, murder, and the politics of war. All This Time is a thought provoking story that will make the reader pause and ponder the harsh realities and the tragic cost of war that is placed upon our military service people and their families.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Author Tiffani Burnett-Velez weaves a riveting and emotional tale that easily draws the reader into Lydia's quest for answers behind the mystery surrounding Thomas' actions while in Iraq that ultimately led to his traumatic spiral downwards from the effects of PTSD and tragic suicide. The story takes the reader on a thrilling roller coaster ride that will have them experiencing the gamut of emotions as the tragic tale of mystery, murder, and betrayal unfolds. You can't help but sympathize with Lydia as she stands by the memory of her fiance while shouldering the burden of searching for the truth.
The author weaves a realistic and intense tale that delves into the issues of PTSD, suicide, racism, prejudice, discrimination, murder, and the politics of war. All This Time is a thought provoking story that will make the reader pause and ponder the harsh realities and the tragic cost of war that is placed upon our military service people and their families.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
May 26, 2015
Stunning! Exhilarating! Vibrant! I was privileged to read this book on Memorial Day weekend, and it was quite fitting.
Tiffani Burnett-Velez reaches right in to the core of all of the mangled emotions that stir inside both; the Service Members and the families that await their return, as our US military serves time in battle over in Iraq and Afghanistan. I read this story with my mouth agape, I bet you will, too.
Lydia Fadoul is laying her Marine (ex..) fiancé, Thomas to rest after he has committed suicide just days after finding out that photographs of him shooting two other Marine’s execution style in Iraq are being released. The strangeness of this was quite astonishing, not only because the incident had happened one month prior to the revelation of these photographs; but because no one knows who took the photographs, and no one speaking about it. Thomas did not even have a proper Military funeral.
“All This Time”, is about putting this strangeness factor to rest and getting to the truth.
What an adventure!
Yet, Somehow through all of this mayhem, Lydia pursues all avenues necessary to find out why Thomas shot these two men. She knew that there was not a simple answer; but, she knew it was not because he went crazy on his second Iraqi Tour. She was vigilant in her quest for the truth, and I admired her for that.
Lydia is unsafe, and has to be very careful. Everyone is watching her. Will she get to the truth before they get to her?
Lydia is one of the strongest heroines I ever read about! Her father is from Syria and her mother is from an Irish American family. Yet, it was the Syrian culture that ruled her family…therefore, Lydia, as well. Once she decided to date Thomas, her family and community banished her completely. He was American, born and bred. This was not acceptable by any means. But, after Thomas’ death, she wants her family back in her life.
I was truly enamored with Tiffani Burnett-Velez’s character and landscape descriptions. She uses the word, red (and other colors similar, like garnet) so often that I was seeing “red” the entire time I read this story…but, that made it more real. I had to keep reminding myself that this is a work of fiction. Seeing red was so appropriate, as I think it put me in the correct mindset for feeling Lydia’s emotions on each page. I wonder if that was done on purpose?
Wow. Just. Wow. A great story for our times! One that will make you think long after you close the book. And, just as close to your heart when you watch the Evening News.
This is a wonderful piece of written work. “All This Time” has been added to my top list of books I would recommend. I love that I am discussing this storyline with my husband. That is how I know this is a book that needs to be read.
Tiffani Burnett-Velez reaches right in to the core of all of the mangled emotions that stir inside both; the Service Members and the families that await their return, as our US military serves time in battle over in Iraq and Afghanistan. I read this story with my mouth agape, I bet you will, too.
Lydia Fadoul is laying her Marine (ex..) fiancé, Thomas to rest after he has committed suicide just days after finding out that photographs of him shooting two other Marine’s execution style in Iraq are being released. The strangeness of this was quite astonishing, not only because the incident had happened one month prior to the revelation of these photographs; but because no one knows who took the photographs, and no one speaking about it. Thomas did not even have a proper Military funeral.
“All This Time”, is about putting this strangeness factor to rest and getting to the truth.
What an adventure!
Yet, Somehow through all of this mayhem, Lydia pursues all avenues necessary to find out why Thomas shot these two men. She knew that there was not a simple answer; but, she knew it was not because he went crazy on his second Iraqi Tour. She was vigilant in her quest for the truth, and I admired her for that.
Lydia is unsafe, and has to be very careful. Everyone is watching her. Will she get to the truth before they get to her?
Lydia is one of the strongest heroines I ever read about! Her father is from Syria and her mother is from an Irish American family. Yet, it was the Syrian culture that ruled her family…therefore, Lydia, as well. Once she decided to date Thomas, her family and community banished her completely. He was American, born and bred. This was not acceptable by any means. But, after Thomas’ death, she wants her family back in her life.
I was truly enamored with Tiffani Burnett-Velez’s character and landscape descriptions. She uses the word, red (and other colors similar, like garnet) so often that I was seeing “red” the entire time I read this story…but, that made it more real. I had to keep reminding myself that this is a work of fiction. Seeing red was so appropriate, as I think it put me in the correct mindset for feeling Lydia’s emotions on each page. I wonder if that was done on purpose?
Wow. Just. Wow. A great story for our times! One that will make you think long after you close the book. And, just as close to your heart when you watch the Evening News.
This is a wonderful piece of written work. “All This Time” has been added to my top list of books I would recommend. I love that I am discussing this storyline with my husband. That is how I know this is a book that needs to be read.
April 29, 2015
Superbly written and very touching
By Eleanor Parker Sapia on April 29, 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
All This Time by Tiffani Burnett-Velez is a superbly written and very touching contemporary story of Syrian-born, Lydia Fadoul, who is searching for answers into her husband Thomas’ suicide after his return from war in Iraq. This is the second novella I’ve read by Burnett-Velez, and I was not disappointed. Here again is the author’s clear, bold, and beautifully-descriptive writing style that I so appreciate and enjoy; my attention was immediately peaked from page one with rich descriptions such as, “Whey they hit, they temporarily silence the elderly minister who is shielding his words as though the cold air has literally snatched them from his mouth.” The reader is instantly drawn into a new world of Lydia’s initial confusion and grief-stricken thoughts-we become a voyeur.
Burnett-Velez possesses an intuitive, writerly knack for creating deep emotion in the reader--you care what happens to this wonderful character, and in this story, the author adds a whirlwind of tension, adventure, and intrigue that doesn’t let go. Lydia stands by the memory of her man amidst intrigue, cover-ups, and her rich Syrian culture that I enjoyed learning more about. I was reminded that all is not black and white in life; there are many shades of gray. We learn more about PTSD, an important issue today affecting thousands of military members returning from war, and the author sensitively highlights the high suicide rates among our returning veterans.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I look forward to reading Tiffani Burnett-Velez’ Budapest
By Eleanor Parker Sapia on April 29, 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
All This Time by Tiffani Burnett-Velez is a superbly written and very touching contemporary story of Syrian-born, Lydia Fadoul, who is searching for answers into her husband Thomas’ suicide after his return from war in Iraq. This is the second novella I’ve read by Burnett-Velez, and I was not disappointed. Here again is the author’s clear, bold, and beautifully-descriptive writing style that I so appreciate and enjoy; my attention was immediately peaked from page one with rich descriptions such as, “Whey they hit, they temporarily silence the elderly minister who is shielding his words as though the cold air has literally snatched them from his mouth.” The reader is instantly drawn into a new world of Lydia’s initial confusion and grief-stricken thoughts-we become a voyeur.
Burnett-Velez possesses an intuitive, writerly knack for creating deep emotion in the reader--you care what happens to this wonderful character, and in this story, the author adds a whirlwind of tension, adventure, and intrigue that doesn’t let go. Lydia stands by the memory of her man amidst intrigue, cover-ups, and her rich Syrian culture that I enjoyed learning more about. I was reminded that all is not black and white in life; there are many shades of gray. We learn more about PTSD, an important issue today affecting thousands of military members returning from war, and the author sensitively highlights the high suicide rates among our returning veterans.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I look forward to reading Tiffani Burnett-Velez’ Budapest
May 1, 2015
Lydia’s whole life had been lived behind the lens of Syria, until the day she met Thomas Miller, who for good or bad introduced her to everything else.
Lydia our protagonist didn’t think she would be attending the funeral of her fiancé Thomas Miller a marine that was taken away from her because of war. What else did the war cost? Miller is now being charged with the murder of two other marines. Lydia with the help of Marcus a journalist who is a former marine himself is seeking the truth of what really happened. Knowing that Lydia is part Syrian, he fears that she will take the brunt of what Thomas is accused of and that nothing will come good of false accusations.
Lydia not knowing who to trust, takes on the help of Marcus to make sense and have peace with Thomas taking his own life. With the help of a fellow Marine that served with Thomas, they begin to uncover the awful truth on the cost of war.
Emotional read not with tears but with grief of what war brings. It brings the reader to what our armed forces go thru emotionally while serving our country. Marcus and Lydia have a connection but it really is not developed within the story as much as I would have liked it. It does bring up issues that we may have not experienced such as Lydia’s family being Americans but looked at as a threat because they are Syrians.
A Special Thank you to Booktrope Publishing and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Lydia our protagonist didn’t think she would be attending the funeral of her fiancé Thomas Miller a marine that was taken away from her because of war. What else did the war cost? Miller is now being charged with the murder of two other marines. Lydia with the help of Marcus a journalist who is a former marine himself is seeking the truth of what really happened. Knowing that Lydia is part Syrian, he fears that she will take the brunt of what Thomas is accused of and that nothing will come good of false accusations.
Lydia not knowing who to trust, takes on the help of Marcus to make sense and have peace with Thomas taking his own life. With the help of a fellow Marine that served with Thomas, they begin to uncover the awful truth on the cost of war.
Emotional read not with tears but with grief of what war brings. It brings the reader to what our armed forces go thru emotionally while serving our country. Marcus and Lydia have a connection but it really is not developed within the story as much as I would have liked it. It does bring up issues that we may have not experienced such as Lydia’s family being Americans but looked at as a threat because they are Syrians.
A Special Thank you to Booktrope Publishing and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
April 27, 2015
See all of my reviews @ https://gloriouspanic.wordpress.com/
The various cultures brought through in this book drew me in very quickly. In the first few pages I started feeling for Lydia. After getting more and more information my heart really broke for her. In the same way though, I felt for the various difficulties that each character was going through. Because some of these events in the book could so realistically be happening in the world, it’s a book that got me thinking which I really enjoyed. At times I felt the way it was written was a bit over done and it would push me back from the story somewhat. The internal thoughts and dialogue at times didn’t feel natural. What I was most impressed by with this novel is how many serious topics were touched upon – and quite well. While I wanted a more wrapped up ending, it left a lot of room for thought on some serious topics the book brought up. I would highly recommend this for a book club as I think it would spark many discussions.
Disclosure: I received this free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
The various cultures brought through in this book drew me in very quickly. In the first few pages I started feeling for Lydia. After getting more and more information my heart really broke for her. In the same way though, I felt for the various difficulties that each character was going through. Because some of these events in the book could so realistically be happening in the world, it’s a book that got me thinking which I really enjoyed. At times I felt the way it was written was a bit over done and it would push me back from the story somewhat. The internal thoughts and dialogue at times didn’t feel natural. What I was most impressed by with this novel is how many serious topics were touched upon – and quite well. While I wanted a more wrapped up ending, it left a lot of room for thought on some serious topics the book brought up. I would highly recommend this for a book club as I think it would spark many discussions.
Disclosure: I received this free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
April 30, 2015
This book was orgnally reviewed on Sara's Books and Things .
This book was so incredibly touching. Throughout enormous hardships Lydia stands by her fiancee's memory as she searches for the truth.
I love that this book deals with some harsh realities. The fact that if you happen to be the same race as a small group that has caused atrocities, you will be judged even blamed for their actions. That our military has and will cover up things that don't paint them in the best of lights. Life is a spectrum of grays and this book portrays that exceedingly well.
Lydia is an incredible character. Dealing with the repercussions of going against her family's wishes, reconnecting with them, and dealing with who her fiancee became after coming home from his tour in Iraq, her strength is incredible.
All in all an amazing book that I recommend for everyone.
This book was so incredibly touching. Throughout enormous hardships Lydia stands by her fiancee's memory as she searches for the truth.
I love that this book deals with some harsh realities. The fact that if you happen to be the same race as a small group that has caused atrocities, you will be judged even blamed for their actions. That our military has and will cover up things that don't paint them in the best of lights. Life is a spectrum of grays and this book portrays that exceedingly well.
Lydia is an incredible character. Dealing with the repercussions of going against her family's wishes, reconnecting with them, and dealing with who her fiancee became after coming home from his tour in Iraq, her strength is incredible.
All in all an amazing book that I recommend for everyone.
May 20, 2015
All This Time is an emotionally engaging story of Lydia's journey to understand why her fiance took his own life after returning from a deployment to Iraq. It explores lots of difficult topics such as mental health, suicide, murder and racism.
The type of racism against anyone who appears to be of middle eastern descent described in this novella is prolific. I wish more people could understand that not all Muslims are terrorists and not all people of middle eastern descent are Muslims. There is so much misunderstanding and prejudice about this topic. I hope books like this one can help raise awareness and tolerance in society.
I really connected with Lydia's character as I also work with children on the autism spectrum and my husband is in the military. I enjoyed the writing style, descriptive but not overwritten.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
The type of racism against anyone who appears to be of middle eastern descent described in this novella is prolific. I wish more people could understand that not all Muslims are terrorists and not all people of middle eastern descent are Muslims. There is so much misunderstanding and prejudice about this topic. I hope books like this one can help raise awareness and tolerance in society.
I really connected with Lydia's character as I also work with children on the autism spectrum and my husband is in the military. I enjoyed the writing style, descriptive but not overwritten.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2015
Heart-breaking, intense, bewildering and moving. Those are the emotions that I've struggled to contain while reading All This Time. Imagine the pain of coming to your fiance's funeral instead of marching down the aisle. Imagine the shock of knowing the unpleasant truth that came with the war. Lydia had to deal and accept everything thrown into her face, including the discrimination she had to endure, just because she was part-Syrian. If I were in Lydia's shoes, I might have broken down.
Overall, All This Time was an eye-opening story and Tiffani Burnett-Velez is a brilliant author to watch out for.
Overall, All This Time was an eye-opening story and Tiffani Burnett-Velez is a brilliant author to watch out for.
June 3, 2020
Loved it
To be honest reading thus book in its entirety it wasn't what I was expecting but surprisingly enough was better than intended. Very interesting book kept my attention with each passing chapter. Editing could use some work but doesn't take away from how well written this book was. During a time of where racism is actively discussed this is a great book to help others see the other sides point of view and what really is important. I do although see this book as more of a suspense and less as a romance. All the same I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended!
To be honest reading thus book in its entirety it wasn't what I was expecting but surprisingly enough was better than intended. Very interesting book kept my attention with each passing chapter. Editing could use some work but doesn't take away from how well written this book was. During a time of where racism is actively discussed this is a great book to help others see the other sides point of view and what really is important. I do although see this book as more of a suspense and less as a romance. All the same I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended!
March 19, 2015
"All This Time" is a roller coaster ride of adventure and emotion. The detail with which the characters and scenes are described provide an intricate picture, almost movie-like.You'll want to turn off your cell phone and find a comfortable spot to absorb the author's rich storytelling style. I could not put this book down.
April 27, 2015
All This Time is not the sort of book I usually read. It's more about war and the politics that goes along with it. I enjoyed the book but doubt I'll ever reread it. There were a couple of plot points that I could've done without but it didn't derail the story for me.
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2017
A page-turning examination of the devastating effects of war and prejudice
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews