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Gift Of Time
Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins
Leah Marks has no idea what is missing from her quiet, uneventful life until a simple change in her daily routine alters her existence. From the moment she meets antique dealer, Reagan Montgomery, Leah's world is turned upside down. A unique gift given to her by Reagan leads them on a journey that defies logic and the laws of time.
The Gift of Time is a story of love, devotion and a bond that has carried two women from one life to the next.
©2007 Intaglio Publications (P)2008 Dog Ear Audio
Leah Marks has no idea what is missing from her quiet, uneventful life until a simple change in her daily routine alters her existence. From the moment she meets antique dealer, Reagan Montgomery, Leah's world is turned upside down. A unique gift given to her by Reagan leads them on a journey that defies logic and the laws of time.
The Gift of Time is a story of love, devotion and a bond that has carried two women from one life to the next.
©2007 Intaglio Publications (P)2008 Dog Ear Audio
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 17, 2007
15 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Robin Alexander
51 books814 followersBorn in 1965, Robin Alexander grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she still resides. An avid reader of Lesbian fiction, Robin decided to take the leap and try her hand at writing. It didn't take long for her favorite hobby to become a full-time author.
Since her heritage is Scottish and Irish and she’s allergic to seafood, she’s considered an honorary Cajun. When she’s not writing, she’s exploring her state with the top off her Jeep in search of the small towns on the water that inspire her.
Robin is awkward, sometimes shy, loaded with anxieties, accident prone, dangerous with power tools, and has been known to make idiotic decisions. She has been fortunate enough to turn her shortcomings into the hilarious characters you’ll find in her novels and short stories. Her passion is writing funny tales about falling in love, being imperfect and reveling in friendship.
Robin is convinced she has the best job in the world, and she’s extremely grateful for her fans who support her and enable her to do what she loves.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Since her heritage is Scottish and Irish and she’s allergic to seafood, she’s considered an honorary Cajun. When she’s not writing, she’s exploring her state with the top off her Jeep in search of the small towns on the water that inspire her.
Robin is awkward, sometimes shy, loaded with anxieties, accident prone, dangerous with power tools, and has been known to make idiotic decisions. She has been fortunate enough to turn her shortcomings into the hilarious characters you’ll find in her novels and short stories. Her passion is writing funny tales about falling in love, being imperfect and reveling in friendship.
Robin is convinced she has the best job in the world, and she’s extremely grateful for her fans who support her and enable her to do what she loves.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 9, 2016
Deciding to kill some time during a lunch break, Leah Marks pops into an antique store near her work. She isn't really into antiques, but . . . see: boredom. While there Leah spots a rather neat looking snow globe. While examining said globe, a woman approaches - one Reagan Montgomery.
Leah is quite taken by two things - the snow globe, and Reagan. She's lived something like 35 years without finding much in the way of love, and scoffs at those who hint at the concept of instant-love. So she has something of a problem - she's feeling strange feelings towards Reagan. From glimpses seen through Leah's eyes, Reagan might feel something for Leah as well. Leah acquires two things before she leaves that store - the snow globe, and Reagan's number.
Turns out there's a reason for why Leah and Reagan seem to fall into something like 'insta-love', but I'll let the reader find out what's going on.
The snow globe has a twin, owned by Reagan. Both snow globes have neat little houses in them, quite detailed. While examining the snow globe, Leah sees something she saw while in the store and played off, in her mind, as a trick of the light. Smoke appears to be rising from the chimney in the snow globe. And then . . . a small woman baring a striking similarity to Reagan exists the house. In the snow globe. Leah, as might be expected, is freaked.
One thing leads to another, and Leah and Reagan begin investigating these snow globes. Find some rather freaky stuff. And, eventually, that 'gift of time' part of the title comes into play - both end up sucked into 1907. Roughly around the same area they reside in in 2004, just with a different date.
I'm not exactly when it occurred, but for the longest time I was thinking that this book was falling into the occasional 3 star level. Occasional for Alexander books. Some neat things started to occur, though, and I got pulled into the book. By the end I quite enjoyed it.
Quite strange book. Mix of fantasy/science fiction/romance/historical fiction, etc. Fantasy has to do with the snow globes and the mini people in them; science fiction has to do with the time travel and how the snow globes came to be (though there's a mix of fantasy in there as well).
October 9 2016
Leah is quite taken by two things - the snow globe, and Reagan. She's lived something like 35 years without finding much in the way of love, and scoffs at those who hint at the concept of instant-love. So she has something of a problem - she's feeling strange feelings towards Reagan. From glimpses seen through Leah's eyes, Reagan might feel something for Leah as well. Leah acquires two things before she leaves that store - the snow globe, and Reagan's number.
Turns out there's a reason for why Leah and Reagan seem to fall into something like 'insta-love', but I'll let the reader find out what's going on.
The snow globe has a twin, owned by Reagan. Both snow globes have neat little houses in them, quite detailed. While examining the snow globe, Leah sees something she saw while in the store and played off, in her mind, as a trick of the light. Smoke appears to be rising from the chimney in the snow globe. And then . . . a small woman baring a striking similarity to Reagan exists the house. In the snow globe. Leah, as might be expected, is freaked.
One thing leads to another, and Leah and Reagan begin investigating these snow globes. Find some rather freaky stuff. And, eventually, that 'gift of time' part of the title comes into play - both end up sucked into 1907. Roughly around the same area they reside in in 2004, just with a different date.
I'm not exactly when it occurred, but for the longest time I was thinking that this book was falling into the occasional 3 star level. Occasional for Alexander books. Some neat things started to occur, though, and I got pulled into the book. By the end I quite enjoyed it.
Quite strange book. Mix of fantasy/science fiction/romance/historical fiction, etc. Fantasy has to do with the snow globes and the mini people in them; science fiction has to do with the time travel and how the snow globes came to be (though there's a mix of fantasy in there as well).
October 9 2016
May 27, 2018
This is such a great book. Being sent back to the past and such. I love how Robin Alexander’s books (not sure if all of her books are like this, but it from what i reads her books so far) always involve family friends, heart warming, even though this book doesnt really have humour like her other books, i still enjoy it. Rofus and his family are such a great family and friends. They are such a great people. There are some scene moved to tear, some heartwarming as well. It took me so long, like 3 days to finish it. And manage a few pages during break and lunch at work. Haha nvm
Again, i really enjoy this book :)
Again, i really enjoy this book :)
August 3, 2020
Reread /audiobook /8-3-2020
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Great adventure romance, written by an author that has proven herself diverse and immensely creative. Writing and editing are A+. Character and story development are astounding as usual.
This story is very interesting and fun. The romance is love at first sight from the beginning of the book and heartwarming throughout. No dragging out of characters not communicating their feelings here. I love that about Robin Alexander's books. They are always enjoyable from beginning to end. you wont spend 90% of the book waiting for the admissions of love you know are coming. In this book you have two women who realize they love each other and endure quite the adventure in order to be together.
At one point i started picking out problems with the time travel/portal, bodies disappear from here but not there, then there, and overlapping spirits and ...stuff... then i reminded myself to shut up. Time Travel and Portals do not exist. It is completely the author's right to create the impossible in whatever manner she sees fit, and we just have to stop thinking and enjoy the ride. ;)
_______________________________
Great adventure romance, written by an author that has proven herself diverse and immensely creative. Writing and editing are A+. Character and story development are astounding as usual.
This story is very interesting and fun. The romance is love at first sight from the beginning of the book and heartwarming throughout. No dragging out of characters not communicating their feelings here. I love that about Robin Alexander's books. They are always enjoyable from beginning to end. you wont spend 90% of the book waiting for the admissions of love you know are coming. In this book you have two women who realize they love each other and endure quite the adventure in order to be together.
At one point i started picking out problems with the time travel/portal, bodies disappear from here but not there, then there, and overlapping spirits and ...stuff... then i reminded myself to shut up. Time Travel and Portals do not exist. It is completely the author's right to create the impossible in whatever manner she sees fit, and we just have to stop thinking and enjoy the ride. ;)
February 12, 2017
This is for the audio version of the book.
I must say I love books about time travel and I do enjoy a historical yarn. So this book ticked quite a few boxes.
What did I like about the book? I really started to enjoy it when both women were transported back in time. The depiction of the difficulties there in 1907 for two women who love each other, the encounter with the Jacksons (black family), the bond of friendship that springs up between them - all made me wish that they stay together in the past despite the difficulties. But I must confess I'm a sucker for history.
I also loved the way both characters seemed so sure of their love for each other. There was just a little bit of angst that had as much to do with all the supernatural stuff going on as with accepting instant love.
What kept rubbing me the wrong way were some of the inconsistencies that I always seem to encounter when reading about time-travel. If you really start to look at the whole thing logically then you will notice some lapses that will not make sense or don't seem to fit with things that have already happened, are still happening or will happen in the future. But as I said time-travel is usually a paradox that is better taken for granted than scrutinized too carefully.
What I don't like so much is that, turn it as you may, the ultimate moral of the book is that both women can only become happy in today's world without having to face the "dark ages". To me it feels like the easy way out, a little like cheating.
Last I have to say that I did not enjoy the narrator so much. She was just too monotonous for my liking and did not make much differentiation between the voices.
All in all it's a nice tale, I think I'll even listen to it again. If you enjoy time-travel, history and a good yarn pick it up and read it.
I must say I love books about time travel and I do enjoy a historical yarn. So this book ticked quite a few boxes.
What did I like about the book? I really started to enjoy it when both women were transported back in time. The depiction of the difficulties there in 1907 for two women who love each other, the encounter with the Jacksons (black family), the bond of friendship that springs up between them - all made me wish that they stay together in the past despite the difficulties. But I must confess I'm a sucker for history.
I also loved the way both characters seemed so sure of their love for each other. There was just a little bit of angst that had as much to do with all the supernatural stuff going on as with accepting instant love.
What kept rubbing me the wrong way were some of the inconsistencies that I always seem to encounter when reading about time-travel. If you really start to look at the whole thing logically then you will notice some lapses that will not make sense or don't seem to fit with things that have already happened, are still happening or will happen in the future. But as I said time-travel is usually a paradox that is better taken for granted than scrutinized too carefully.
What I don't like so much is that, turn it as you may, the ultimate moral of the book is that both women can only become happy in today's world without having to face the "dark ages". To me it feels like the easy way out, a little like cheating.
Last I have to say that I did not enjoy the narrator so much. She was just too monotonous for my liking and did not make much differentiation between the voices.
All in all it's a nice tale, I think I'll even listen to it again. If you enjoy time-travel, history and a good yarn pick it up and read it.
September 5, 2015
I mostly enjoyed this story, but here were a few places that it fell flat for me. Still, I give it 3.5, if only for an idea that's not touched on much in lesfic, and because the past storyline was fairly interesting.
Time travel stories are often frustrating, due to the complexities involved and whether or not they work. Here, we have two people who meet through the ownership of snow globes and unravel their own past in the process. The leads spend a lot of time together (no pun intended) and their interactions, though mostly those in the past, are fairly well drawn. The Jackson family are lovely, and also not something we often see in lesfic. Robin also doesn't shy away from how a same sex relationship would have been treated then, and the consequences of such.
The past storyline was enough to keep me engaged, the ending could have been stronger, but it's still an interesting book.
Time travel stories are often frustrating, due to the complexities involved and whether or not they work. Here, we have two people who meet through the ownership of snow globes and unravel their own past in the process. The leads spend a lot of time together (no pun intended) and their interactions, though mostly those in the past, are fairly well drawn. The Jackson family are lovely, and also not something we often see in lesfic. Robin also doesn't shy away from how a same sex relationship would have been treated then, and the consequences of such.
The past storyline was enough to keep me engaged, the ending could have been stronger, but it's still an interesting book.
July 15, 2023
I listened to this Robin Alexander book and for the first time could not get into the groove of it. I don't know if it was the story or the narrator. Her voice was monotone and somewhat AI like. But the story didn't interest me too much either. I don't know if it was the time travel or what. I didn't find myself caring for the MCs like I usually do. I wouldn't say this is a bad book, because it's not. It just wasn't for me.
March 28, 2020
I think if I would have read the book instead of listening to it I would have liked it a lot more. The narrator really messed things up for me, I just can’t stand it when someone tells a story in the most monotonous way and doesn’t show any kind of emotion in their voice, not even when talking about deeply emotional events.
All in all I did like the storyline a lot I just have a small issue with the Jackson story since it seems to me a bit like white savior syndrome and it made me feel quite uncomfortable.
All in all I did like the storyline a lot I just have a small issue with the Jackson story since it seems to me a bit like white savior syndrome and it made me feel quite uncomfortable.
December 12, 2022
I started this thinking the snow globe meant holiday...it doesn't. So, I wasn't completed ready for the intensity of this story. I also don't like time travel storylines...it messes with my logic. And, the narrator was NOT good. However, given these three strikes against it, I stuck with it because I really like the author's books. And, although this is different from her other books I have read, this was a powerful read. The story gives us an opportunity to compare and contrast life in 2004 and 1907. Maybe it hit me a little harder given the number of people today trying to take us back to 1907 or before...
February 1, 2021
Ever read a book by a favourite author and felt that the book you’re reading is totally not written by them? We felt that very, very strongly about this one – and not in a good way.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
January 30, 2022
This was such a change for me from other Robing Alexander books I've read. She writes funny, usually southern, likable leads, who are great at banter and take time getting to know you. In this case she writes an instant love, time traveling -soul mates story. She does it well, I was just surprised.
Leah Marks is a tax CPA living a quiet life. She meets Reagan Montgomery at Reagan's antique store where she gets a beautiful snow globe. At home Leah is looking closely at the snow globe when it comes to life and she can see Reagan in it coming out of the house. Together Leah and Reagan try to solve the mystery of the globes and their connection which takes them into the past. Time travel is always confusing to me and I just have to take the authors explanation and not question it too much. The relationship is sweet between the MCs. There is some menacing and physical threats in the past. Also any intimacy beyond kissing off the page.
Leah Marks is a tax CPA living a quiet life. She meets Reagan Montgomery at Reagan's antique store where she gets a beautiful snow globe. At home Leah is looking closely at the snow globe when it comes to life and she can see Reagan in it coming out of the house. Together Leah and Reagan try to solve the mystery of the globes and their connection which takes them into the past. Time travel is always confusing to me and I just have to take the authors explanation and not question it too much. The relationship is sweet between the MCs. There is some menacing and physical threats in the past. Also any intimacy beyond kissing off the page.
September 3, 2020
* Read for the '2020 Professional Book Nerds Reading Challenge' task: Book written by an LGBTQ+ author
July 14, 2017
Obvious comparison to Octavia Butler's Kindred, though not as good as the classic obviously there are quite a number of parallels. I imagine Kindred inspired this story at least indirectly. Though unlike kindred this book is first and foremost a romance, just in an unique setting (for lesfic). I don't read romance usually so I don't know how to judge this book by its genres standards. It was hard to care about to romance as it was hard to care about the characters individually or together. They had some semblance of personality at first, but later they just blended together.
The fantasy elements weren't well thought out at all, I had a lot of questions about how some elements worked.
The fantasy elements weren't well thought out at all, I had a lot of questions about how some elements worked.
November 24, 2014
What can I say? I love time travel stories!
July 30, 2018
I really liked the premise of the story. The execution was lacking for me. It felt like a very early writing attempt. I can't even compare it to the writing style and storytelling quality of Just Jorie, which I adored. I would like to see this story re-written with all of Robin's current skills. I think it would be an outstanding story.
this book came to me at the perfect time of my life though and it's an interesting premise. I will keep reading this author because I know how great Just Jorie was.
this book came to me at the perfect time of my life though and it's an interesting premise. I will keep reading this author because I know how great Just Jorie was.
March 11, 2018
Loved this one! Part modern day romance, part historical romance, Alexander very cleverly joins the past and present to create an enjoyable story. A little bit of everything mixed into this one, some mystery, some fantasy, some history, and lot of heart. Alexander is one of my favorite authors in the genre, and this story doesn't disappoint. When you want to suspend reality and get lost in a great story, then pick this one up!
March 25, 2020
This was a surprising story that included two of my favorite genres - fantasy and WLW. Two women who meet in 2004, find out they have a past together in 1907, and are transported via magical snow globes. Once I realized it wasn’t a contemporary romance, I was hooked. Two interesting main characters, friends and villains that transcend time and very good writing, make this a fun and engrossing read. Will read more by Ms. Alexander for sure.
December 12, 2019
3.6 me gustó mucho, es algo diferente al estilo de Alexander lo que es refrescante luego de que algunos parecieran copia. A si que me pareció un muy buen libro, algo light para leer en un rato y relajarse. En este no hubo el famoso humor y la vieja loca que siempre aparecen en sus libros pero no era tampoco un libro para eso. Genial muy recomendado
December 23, 2019
Well, this was a surprise. Not a funny Alexander book, but very enjoyable. Time travel between early 2000’s and early 1900’s. Listened to this one as part of Audible’s Escape membership. Narrator had deep voice and flat but didn’t discourage me from listening.
Love that lasts for a century plus...more or less.
Love that lasts for a century plus...more or less.
January 29, 2022
The story was cute and imaginative, so I found myself wanting to finish it.
Now, I don't mind a bit of suspension of disbelief, but this book was basically one large plot hole, and that bothered me. It wasn't very well researched either, which tends to bug me in a historical setting.
Now, I don't mind a bit of suspension of disbelief, but this book was basically one large plot hole, and that bothered me. It wasn't very well researched either, which tends to bug me in a historical setting.
May 12, 2020
Entertaining.
September 21, 2022
Although I don't normally read 1st person books, I decided to read this. It was wonderful.
October 10, 2022
It was pretty plain.
December 24, 2023
2 stars. Time travel should not be this damn boring oh my goodness.
July 6, 2025
An odd concept of snow globes that allow time travel.
November 17, 2025
This story was not what I have come to expect from Robin Alexander. I felt there were too many plot holes with the time traveling. I also listened to the audio book and Karen Anten is a boring narrator- while soothing her voice is mostly monotone and there was no real differentiating between characters.
January 14, 2023
The premise of the story was entertaining, but I just couldn't get into it. It wasn't one of my favorite books from Robin Alexander.
November 5, 2021
An interesting story. It was a completely different tone compared to the other books i've read by Robin Alexander. It did not have the amusing banter of her other books but it was a sweet story. My only issue was the narrator for the Audible edition was not as good as the others that have read Ms Alexander's books. He inflections were a bit monotone and at time it was a little hard to figure out who was "speaking". All in all it will be a book I re-visit on a cold winter day snuggled by a heat source.
October 9, 2019
Robin Alexander never disappoints
I think I have read every one of Ms. Alexander’s books and have loved each one for the heart and humor they contained. Gift of Time more than lived up to that legacy. The story of snow globes and time travel might have seemed too fanciful but for the one thing that always bring magic in a Robin Alexander book, the hearts of the characters she creates.
I think I have read every one of Ms. Alexander’s books and have loved each one for the heart and humor they contained. Gift of Time more than lived up to that legacy. The story of snow globes and time travel might have seemed too fanciful but for the one thing that always bring magic in a Robin Alexander book, the hearts of the characters she creates.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews