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Out of Time #10.1
In Time for Christmas
At a time when interest in the Christmas holiday was waning, Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol and inspired the world. But now, history is changing, and the book is never written. When the Council for Temporal Studies asks time travelers Simon and Elizabeth Cross to "save Christmas," they think he's joking. But it's anything but a laughing matter. Simon and Elizabeth must go back to 1843 London and convince Dickens to write his endearing story, or the Christmas holiday we all know and love will cease to be--forever.
164 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2016
61 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Monique Martin
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Monique was born in Houston, Texas, but her family soon moved to Southern California. She grew up on both coasts, living in Connecticut and California. She currently resides in Southern California with her naughty Siamese cat, Monkey.
Monique attended the University of Southern California's Film School where she earned a BFA from the Filmic Writing department. Monique worked in television for several years before joining the family business. She now works full-time as a freelance writer and novelist. Her novels Out of Time, When the Walls Fell, Fragments & The Devil's Due are the first three books in the Out of Time series.
She's currently working on an adaptation of one of her screenplays, her father's memoirs about his time in the Air Force's Air Rescue Service and the next book in the Out of Time series.
Monique was born in Houston, Texas, but her family soon moved to Southern California. She grew up on both coasts, living in Connecticut and California. She currently resides in Southern California with her naughty Siamese cat, Monkey.
Monique attended the University of Southern California's Film School where she earned a BFA from the Filmic Writing department. Monique worked in television for several years before joining the family business. She now works full-time as a freelance writer and novelist. Her novels Out of Time, When the Walls Fell, Fragments & The Devil's Due are the first three books in the Out of Time series.
She's currently working on an adaptation of one of her screenplays, her father's memoirs about his time in the Air Force's Air Rescue Service and the next book in the Out of Time series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 8, 2016
I've read all the books in this series except #10. I think you would enjoy this novella as a standalone but having read at least some of the books would make it better.
The story is nice. Our 2 main characters take Charles Dickens on his own tour through time of what Christmas would be like if he doesn't write his story, A Christmas Carol. They visit his past, present and future. A nice twist on his story. It was fun and enjoyable. I always love the Victorian England setting!
The story is nice. Our 2 main characters take Charles Dickens on his own tour through time of what Christmas would be like if he doesn't write his story, A Christmas Carol. They visit his past, present and future. A nice twist on his story. It was fun and enjoyable. I always love the Victorian England setting!
September 15, 2017
A short Christmas novella in which Elizabeth and Simon have to go back in time to save Christmas by persuading a disenchanted Charles Dickens to write A Christmas Carol.
I liked this but my enjoment was slightly hampered by the fact that I loathe A Christmas Carol in all its shapes and forms. It's too schmaltzy and sickly sweet and unfortunately as Elizabeth and Simon show Dickens Christmases past and future in an attempt to Scrooge him they followed the same path.
So my rating of three stars is more indicative of the fact that this is an imaginative retelling of a story I dislike than of anything intrinsically wrong with the novella. It's all just a bit too Hallmark Christmas for me.
I liked this but my enjoment was slightly hampered by the fact that I loathe A Christmas Carol in all its shapes and forms. It's too schmaltzy and sickly sweet and unfortunately as Elizabeth and Simon show Dickens Christmases past and future in an attempt to Scrooge him they followed the same path.
So my rating of three stars is more indicative of the fact that this is an imaginative retelling of a story I dislike than of anything intrinsically wrong with the novella. It's all just a bit too Hallmark Christmas for me.
March 1, 2017
I actually found this one to be pretty boring. It was supposed to be a feel good type of story but it just didn't grab me. In addition I get really irritated with authors who seem to throw continuity out the window in series filler short stories. Case in point, Charlotte's birth. Are we to assume that we don't get that story at all after it was teased in a previous novel? I'm really disappointed. Secondly, the key. The key was lost in a previous book and Teddy indicated that he could not create another one and yet it has magically appeared in this story. So overall, I thought this one was more of a distraction than an enhancement to the series.
January 19, 2022
At a time when interest in the Christmas holiday was waning, Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol and inspired the world.
But now, history is changing, and the book is never written. When the Council for Temporal Studies asks time travelers Simon and Elizabeth Cross to "save Christmas," they think he's joking.
But it's anything but a laughing matter. Simon and Elizabeth must go back to 1843 London and convince Dickens to write his endearing story, or the Christmas holiday we all know and love will cease to be--forever.
This time travel book is a wonder. Reminiscent of A Christmas Carol it is the story of Charles Dickens and how he came to write his Christmas story.
But now, history is changing, and the book is never written. When the Council for Temporal Studies asks time travelers Simon and Elizabeth Cross to "save Christmas," they think he's joking.
But it's anything but a laughing matter. Simon and Elizabeth must go back to 1843 London and convince Dickens to write his endearing story, or the Christmas holiday we all know and love will cease to be--forever.
This time travel book is a wonder. Reminiscent of A Christmas Carol it is the story of Charles Dickens and how he came to write his Christmas story.
January 2, 2020
As I was nearing the end of the book I began to think about how many stars this book would get and I was vacillating thinking that I wish I could give it 4.5 and then maybe only 4 because the story seemed a little rushed (probably because it wasn't a full novel) and secondly due to a couple continuity items with the series in general that others have mentioned in other reviews. Then I read the last couple pages ... BAM!! 5 stars it is!!! It isn't often that an author can make me cry at the end of a book (not because any beloved characters had misfortune) but because of my personal life experience that it caused me to reflect on. Well done Monique! I'm not normally a crier, but I'll be contemplating this for days to come.
January 26, 2020
In Time for Christmas is Monique Martin’s first installment of her Out of Time for Christmas series. In this time travel Christmas novella Elizabeth and Simon, young parents of a new infant, time travel by means of a pocket watch, from modern-day California to Victorian England to save Christmas by persuading Charles Dickens to write A Christmas Carol when he’s in danger of not writing it and consequently erasing our current feelings of generosity and warmth about Christmas from the time-line. It’s a clever idea, and if you like it you may want to check out some of her many other time travel novellas.
February 2, 2020
A must read
Who hasn't heard of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" and been reminded of the need for Christmas cheer and good will to all. Its alot of what Christmas is about, right? Now imagine what Christmas would be like without that. In this story our time travellers head back to 1843 to help save Christmas by steering Dickens back on the right track to write his famous book. Think of the consequences if they fail.
A lovely story about how the season of Christmas can meet many needs. The only down side to this story was how quickly it was over. I read it all at once. Love love loved it!
Who hasn't heard of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" and been reminded of the need for Christmas cheer and good will to all. Its alot of what Christmas is about, right? Now imagine what Christmas would be like without that. In this story our time travellers head back to 1843 to help save Christmas by steering Dickens back on the right track to write his famous book. Think of the consequences if they fail.
A lovely story about how the season of Christmas can meet many needs. The only down side to this story was how quickly it was over. I read it all at once. Love love loved it!
December 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this tale about Charles Dickens! From reading other books about him, I recognized facts woven into the fictional tale where the writer experiences a Scrooge journey through time of his own! The ending touched my heart! This is a wonderful story giving tribute to Dickens and his contribution to Christmas. It also brings The spirit if the holiday into one’s own heart! I will have to check out the series.
December 28, 2018
Fun little Christmas story
Having just finished A Christmas Carol, I decided this novella from the Out of Time series would be a perfect companion piece. Imagine a world without Charles Dickens' classic, then imagine a pair of time travellers going back to try to change his mind. It's as complex as an episode of Quantum Leap, but that's ok. In Time for Christmas is predictable, but fun.
Having just finished A Christmas Carol, I decided this novella from the Out of Time series would be a perfect companion piece. Imagine a world without Charles Dickens' classic, then imagine a pair of time travellers going back to try to change his mind. It's as complex as an episode of Quantum Leap, but that's ok. In Time for Christmas is predictable, but fun.
December 30, 2021
This was a perfect light read for Christmas. What made it even better for me was that I had just finished watching Alastair Sim’s A Christmas Carol on television and could not imagine a world where A Christmas Carol – both the book and movie did not exist. No this is not a piece of great literature but it is a fun, captivating and interesting twist on the effect that Charles Dickens and his famous story had on future generations.
October 7, 2019
Kobo epub (1230001412970) 68 pages
An amusing slight piece of seasonal fare - with some comment on Victorian poverty and the modern commercialisation of Christmas - bu involving Charles Dickens in his personal 'Scrooging' in order to persuade him to actually write A Christmas Carol to avoid time changing to obliterate the season...
An amusing slight piece of seasonal fare - with some comment on Victorian poverty and the modern commercialisation of Christmas - bu involving Charles Dickens in his personal 'Scrooging' in order to persuade him to actually write A Christmas Carol to avoid time changing to obliterate the season...
February 1, 2022
A heartfelt tale
What would the world be if people did not care about each other? At a time when we almost got there, it is easy to see and relate to what simple caring for and about each other; as human beings with all our flaws means for the advancement,not stagnation of the human race! Caring about each other matters. This story, though fiction, points that out poignantly!
What would the world be if people did not care about each other? At a time when we almost got there, it is easy to see and relate to what simple caring for and about each other; as human beings with all our flaws means for the advancement,not stagnation of the human race! Caring about each other matters. This story, though fiction, points that out poignantly!
December 23, 2021
A Christmas Quantum Leap
Time travellers Charlotte and Simon must go to to London 1843 to get Dickens to write
A Christmas Carol. Just wish it would have explained why the time line was thrown off. But reminded me of the show Quantum Leap!
Time travellers Charlotte and Simon must go to to London 1843 to get Dickens to write
A Christmas Carol. Just wish it would have explained why the time line was thrown off. But reminded me of the show Quantum Leap!
December 7, 2022
Short, sweet, poignant tale of what if Dickens never wrote the Christmas Carol. This novella delivers Dickens' sentiment and some much needed clarity as much needed now as it ever was. Read it in one sitting. It will tug your heartstrings.
December 5, 2016
Merry Christmas
Wow! This short novella was excellent. What is the true meaning of Christmas? Read and find out. You' ll have misty eyes at the end!
Wow! This short novella was excellent. What is the true meaning of Christmas? Read and find out. You' ll have misty eyes at the end!
December 24, 2016
A perfect little story for Christmas.
My only complaint was that it was too short. I just love the Out of Time series. Can't wait for the next book.
My only complaint was that it was too short. I just love the Out of Time series. Can't wait for the next book.
September 3, 2017
Definitely ready for the coming season
Nice ending, and it kept me thinking what is next for this lucky dual! Can't wait to read another one of this series
Nice ending, and it kept me thinking what is next for this lucky dual! Can't wait to read another one of this series
October 24, 2017
It was good
May 7, 2018
Excellent short story for Christmas!
July 17, 2018
A very quick novella read only 60 pages. Christmas is changing and Elizabeth & Simon must leave baby Charlotte to go back to help Charles Dickens write his classic "Christmas Carol" book.
December 11, 2019
Lovely story but didn't follow the continuity of the main series
February 1, 2020
These time travel stories with Simon and Elizabeth are just plain fun to read.
December 19, 2021
Short but nice
Simon and Elizabeth are at it again--Saving Christmas for all of us. They had to leave their baby behind, but no danger threatens anyone.
Simon and Elizabeth are at it again--Saving Christmas for all of us. They had to leave their baby behind, but no danger threatens anyone.
January 6, 2022
Beautiful Story
I’ve always enjoyed books about time travel. This one truly touched my heart. It is a lovely story that embraces the true meaning of Christmas.
I’ve always enjoyed books about time travel. This one truly touched my heart. It is a lovely story that embraces the true meaning of Christmas.
February 10, 2023
Oh the feels
Wow. I love this story so much and the ending... I'm in tears. What a happy ending! My heart is definitely feeling it.
Wow. I love this story so much and the ending... I'm in tears. What a happy ending! My heart is definitely feeling it.
January 22, 2022
This is a Christmas Novella in the Out of Time Series by Monique Martin.
The main characters, Simon and Elizabeth Cross are sent back to 1843 to encourage Charles Dickens to write his book, A Christmas Carol. It has to be written, because if he does not write and publish it, the Christmas spirit will die out and December 25 will become just another day of the week.
Simon and Elizabeth accomplish this by basically taking Dickens himself on the same journey that Scrooge goes on. Dickens is taken to his own past, his present and to a future where he sees what the world will be like with no Christmas Spirit.
A well researched story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were lots of details about Charles Dickens and his family, both his father and also his wife and children. We also got to learn more about Simon and Elizabeth's own backstories as well. This is a novella, a quick read. I gave this 5 stars.
The main characters, Simon and Elizabeth Cross are sent back to 1843 to encourage Charles Dickens to write his book, A Christmas Carol. It has to be written, because if he does not write and publish it, the Christmas spirit will die out and December 25 will become just another day of the week.
Simon and Elizabeth accomplish this by basically taking Dickens himself on the same journey that Scrooge goes on. Dickens is taken to his own past, his present and to a future where he sees what the world will be like with no Christmas Spirit.
A well researched story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were lots of details about Charles Dickens and his family, both his father and also his wife and children. We also got to learn more about Simon and Elizabeth's own backstories as well. This is a novella, a quick read. I gave this 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2017
Amusing and enjoyable. Good enough that it makes me want to take a look a the series from the start.
Going back in time to take Dickens on his own spiritual journey, an interesting hypothesis of the "behind the scenes" elements of A Christmas Carol.
Going back in time to take Dickens on his own spiritual journey, an interesting hypothesis of the "behind the scenes" elements of A Christmas Carol.
January 19, 2022
A fast, fun, thought-provoking little story. Don’t read it in July; it’s a must-read for December!
December 13, 2025
Christmas Magic
There are some books that stay with you for various reasons and this is one of mine. A short read I think may have been a freebie standalone in the MM series and I did indeed go read the rest of the series but this is still my favorite. I first read this book in 2020 and have read it every year since. Update 12/13/25
I thought and thought to find some clever heading for this review and failed. This short story was so much more than I expected. What is Christmas? Why is Christmas? I found this simple short story about one person's, Charles Dickens, effect on Christmas thought provoking, inspirational, and magical. An awful lot to find in so little time and so few words. I have definitely found a new Christmas favorite. Strongly recommend.
There are some books that stay with you for various reasons and this is one of mine. A short read I think may have been a freebie standalone in the MM series and I did indeed go read the rest of the series but this is still my favorite. I first read this book in 2020 and have read it every year since. Update 12/13/25
I thought and thought to find some clever heading for this review and failed. This short story was so much more than I expected. What is Christmas? Why is Christmas? I found this simple short story about one person's, Charles Dickens, effect on Christmas thought provoking, inspirational, and magical. An awful lot to find in so little time and so few words. I have definitely found a new Christmas favorite. Strongly recommend.
June 22, 2017
A good dose of hope that is desperately needed after trump's election.
Sappy with a large infusion of hope. Although it would be nice to go back in time and correct a few things! lolol Ah, well. Here's to hope!
Sappy with a large infusion of hope. Although it would be nice to go back in time and correct a few things! lolol Ah, well. Here's to hope!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews