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Time Sensitive
In 1968, a terrible tragedy—
In 2018, a secret government agency—
One slim chance to travel back in time—
One terrifying week to change the past.
“A gripping, intimate story, profoundly human and relentlessly surprising.”
—Felicity Jennings
In 1968, Charlotte Vance was one of the few women employed by the National Security Agency in Washington, D.C. She put in long hours and was working when a fire started in her home. Her daughters and husband were killed. For fifty years, she has felt responsible for their deaths.
In 2018, when a former colleague from the NSA mentions a top secret government agency that is experimenting with time travel, she decides to apply.
She discovers that TEMPUS has many secrets. The scientists are mind-bendingly strange and brilliant. She must endure grueling physical, emotional and psychological tests. She fears her age and weak heart might disqualify her.
After a difficult time travel journey, Charlotte learns a shocking truth: TEMPUS has hidden motives for sending her. She struggles to change the tragedy of her personal past while also struggling to stop TEMPUS from violently altering history.
In 2018, a secret government agency—
One slim chance to travel back in time—
One terrifying week to change the past.
“A gripping, intimate story, profoundly human and relentlessly surprising.”
—Felicity Jennings
In 1968, Charlotte Vance was one of the few women employed by the National Security Agency in Washington, D.C. She put in long hours and was working when a fire started in her home. Her daughters and husband were killed. For fifty years, she has felt responsible for their deaths.
In 2018, when a former colleague from the NSA mentions a top secret government agency that is experimenting with time travel, she decides to apply.
She discovers that TEMPUS has many secrets. The scientists are mind-bendingly strange and brilliant. She must endure grueling physical, emotional and psychological tests. She fears her age and weak heart might disqualify her.
After a difficult time travel journey, Charlotte learns a shocking truth: TEMPUS has hidden motives for sending her. She struggles to change the tragedy of her personal past while also struggling to stop TEMPUS from violently altering history.
- GenresTime TravelFiction
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2019
276 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Elyse Douglas
45 books342 followersElyse Douglas is the pen name for the husband and wife writing team of Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse began writing poems and short stories at an early age and graduated with a Master's Degree in English Literature. Douglas grew up in a family of musicians, astrologers, and avid readers. Some of Elyse Douglas' novels include: "Time Change," The Summer Letters," "Daring Summer," The Christmas Eve Series" and "Time Stranger." They reside in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 12, 2019
A very interesting, albeit brief story involving time travel. It's primarily a human interest and relationship story, with time travel as a vehicle. It avoids most of the difficulties of writing time travel into a more comprehensive adventure or hard-core Sci-Fi book. Here, the process of time travel is very briefly explained by some weak techno-babble joined with weak psycho-babble, avoiding any sense of plausibility. Perhaps more importantly, the common paradoxes and major ethical dilemmas associated with time travel into the past are simply shrugged off. This might make the major twist in the story unacceptable to some readers. Some major plot holes pop up later in the story. This isn't a big problem if you accept the book as a short, simple essay on humanity and our choices, with time travel as a sideshow. I enjoyed it for what it is.
January 14, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with its focus on the year 1968. For those of us who lived it, 1968 was a year like no other. The political & cultural turmoil was portrayed without judgment but it was a fun trip down memory lane for me. All of the action takes place in Washington, D.C. so if you've lived there, you make instant connections with the main character. If you like time travel romances, you probably won't like this book. If you remember 1968, it's a great ride.
February 3, 2019
Interesting time travel story
Very much worth the read. I enjoy Elyse Douglas' writing style and the way she takes readers from the present to the past, but " Time Sensitive" was very different from her other book I have read.
The purpose of Charlottte's travel to the past is to save her family and in doing so save here self. What a better reason to go back it time.
Very much worth the read. I enjoy Elyse Douglas' writing style and the way she takes readers from the present to the past, but " Time Sensitive" was very different from her other book I have read.
The purpose of Charlottte's travel to the past is to save her family and in doing so save here self. What a better reason to go back it time.
February 9, 2024
Hello, book lovers! I'm thrilled to share my latest review of one of Elyse Douglas's books.
It's called 'Time Sensitive,' a blend of historical fiction, romance, and sci-fi that will keep you hooked until the end. The story follows Charlotte Vance, a dedicated pioneer woman who worked for the NSA in Washington, DC, in 1968. Still, it came at the cost of losing her family to a deadly fire, leaving Charlotte devastated and guilt-ridden. Fifty years later, Charlotte is still haunted by her loss and regrets. She has no one left except for her old friend Luke, who tells her about a mysterious company called Tempus, claiming to have invented a time machine; she wonders if she could use this opportunity to return and save her family. Could she change the course of history? What would be the consequences? She decides to take the risk and meets the company's representatives, who promise to send her back shortly before the night of the fire.
What follows is a gripping adventure that will test Charlotte's courage, love, and loyalty. She will face dangers, secrets, and surprises as she tries to alter the past and create a new future. She will also discover things about Tempus. Will she succeed in saving them? Time Sensitive' is a fascinating novel exploring fate, choice, grief, and redemption. It's also a touching tribute to the women who worked for the NSA in the 1960s and faced discrimination and career challenges. Elyse Douglas has created a compelling, strong, intelligent, sympathetic heroine in Charlotte. The author also does a great job of portraying the different eras and settings of the story, from the Cold War era to the present day. The plot is well-paced, suspenseful, and full of twists and turns. The writing is engaging, passionate, and descriptive. I highly recommend 'Time Sensitive' to anyone who loves a good story with various genres and emotions. It's a book that will make you think, feel and wonder.
• ASIN: B07M8T2T5F
• Publisher: Broadback
• Publication Date: 1/22/2019
• File Size: 4338 KB
• Print Length: 176 pages
• Genre: Time Travel Science Fiction, Time Travel Romance, Time Travel Romances
It's called 'Time Sensitive,' a blend of historical fiction, romance, and sci-fi that will keep you hooked until the end. The story follows Charlotte Vance, a dedicated pioneer woman who worked for the NSA in Washington, DC, in 1968. Still, it came at the cost of losing her family to a deadly fire, leaving Charlotte devastated and guilt-ridden. Fifty years later, Charlotte is still haunted by her loss and regrets. She has no one left except for her old friend Luke, who tells her about a mysterious company called Tempus, claiming to have invented a time machine; she wonders if she could use this opportunity to return and save her family. Could she change the course of history? What would be the consequences? She decides to take the risk and meets the company's representatives, who promise to send her back shortly before the night of the fire.
What follows is a gripping adventure that will test Charlotte's courage, love, and loyalty. She will face dangers, secrets, and surprises as she tries to alter the past and create a new future. She will also discover things about Tempus. Will she succeed in saving them? Time Sensitive' is a fascinating novel exploring fate, choice, grief, and redemption. It's also a touching tribute to the women who worked for the NSA in the 1960s and faced discrimination and career challenges. Elyse Douglas has created a compelling, strong, intelligent, sympathetic heroine in Charlotte. The author also does a great job of portraying the different eras and settings of the story, from the Cold War era to the present day. The plot is well-paced, suspenseful, and full of twists and turns. The writing is engaging, passionate, and descriptive. I highly recommend 'Time Sensitive' to anyone who loves a good story with various genres and emotions. It's a book that will make you think, feel and wonder.
• ASIN: B07M8T2T5F
• Publisher: Broadback
• Publication Date: 1/22/2019
• File Size: 4338 KB
• Print Length: 176 pages
• Genre: Time Travel Science Fiction, Time Travel Romance, Time Travel Romances
November 7, 2025
Enjoyable time travel novel with interesting character study of a life wasted on the less important and the decision to correct things through time travel. The secondary characters are valid ones. The major historical people of the time period are off stage, which better fits the plot. I did notice that one minor character decided to solve perceived historical wrong turns by murder and that type of action so much fits what is wrong now days when people take it upon themselves to play god likewise. I doubt that character knew their intent was exactly the problem that needs solutions in today's world. In my personal view, murder does not solve anything but actually makes things worse. This book's main character was the opposite of that minor character and tried to solve the wasted life problem though positive means. Read the book to see which character succeeded and enjoy the fun while they work on the solution. Recommended.
April 20, 2020
I had previously read "The Christmas Letter" by this author and didn't care much for it. I didn't intend to read another book by Ms. Douglas but as I love time travel books and it was on Kindle Unlimited, I decided to try it. I actually liked this book. The 'hook' was very intriguing and the story moved along at a good pace. However, what I didn't like was the ending. I honestly don't know how I would have liked it to end; I just know I found it a let-down and unsatisfying.
It's so hard to find a really good time travel story, something like Jack Finney's masterpiece "Time and Again". There are a couple of contemporary writers that put out pretty good TT books, but I sure wish I could find more!
It's so hard to find a really good time travel story, something like Jack Finney's masterpiece "Time and Again". There are a couple of contemporary writers that put out pretty good TT books, but I sure wish I could find more!
October 19, 2023
I am surprised at the rating. I had difficulty with being at 41 percent and being bored out of my mind. I get setting up a character and story line but 41%? The book didnt really get going til I was at 60 percent. I think she could have done a lot more in developing characters than describing the social customs and dress. I got slightly tired of her repeating herself. I have read other books by her and thought they were great. I just think this one missed the mark big time. I resent wasting time reading books like this. Makes me cautious to pick up another of her books.
July 22, 2020
Time Sensitive
Charlotte Vance at 76 years was able to go back to the past from 2018 to 1968. Her reason was to save her husband and children from a fire. She met her young self and tried to reason with her to leave with her family on a little trip. Her young self did not like her but after a series of things happening young Charlotte hurried home from work and saved her family. Meanwhile older Charlotte had a heart attack and passed away but accomplished her task.
Charlotte Vance at 76 years was able to go back to the past from 2018 to 1968. Her reason was to save her husband and children from a fire. She met her young self and tried to reason with her to leave with her family on a little trip. Her young self did not like her but after a series of things happening young Charlotte hurried home from work and saved her family. Meanwhile older Charlotte had a heart attack and passed away but accomplished her task.
March 12, 2022
The mechanism of time travel
Few authors dealing with time travel find a convincing way to get their characters in and out of time. Most don’t even try. Elyse Douglas is no real exception, but she is a good writer able to hold her reader’s attention. I found that if I wanted a believable way for my hero to travel into time, I would have to write it myself. Then at least I would be happy.
Few authors dealing with time travel find a convincing way to get their characters in and out of time. Most don’t even try. Elyse Douglas is no real exception, but she is a good writer able to hold her reader’s attention. I found that if I wanted a believable way for my hero to travel into time, I would have to write it myself. Then at least I would be happy.
August 29, 2019
Enthralling story
Time travel is so brilliantly used as a backdrop for this novel. unusual in that it clearly brings up the consequences of changing the course of history. Serious ethical issues reside in this novel. There were a lot of "what ifs?" But the biggest one for me is can history truly be chanfed! Just a phenomenal read.
Time travel is so brilliantly used as a backdrop for this novel. unusual in that it clearly brings up the consequences of changing the course of history. Serious ethical issues reside in this novel. There were a lot of "what ifs?" But the biggest one for me is can history truly be chanfed! Just a phenomenal read.
April 16, 2021
Excellent Book
I have read a lot of time travel books, but I have to say this one was very well written. The author made sure it included great research, a solid belief among the characters, and an excellent conclusion. I doubted the reality of using a 76-year-old lead character, but it eventually made sense, and the story was excellent!
I have read a lot of time travel books, but I have to say this one was very well written. The author made sure it included great research, a solid belief among the characters, and an excellent conclusion. I doubted the reality of using a 76-year-old lead character, but it eventually made sense, and the story was excellent!
August 26, 2021
Throughly enjoyed.
I had just read another book by this author and decided to try another. I liked the characters, the plot and the description of events and characters. Too many times I find myself skipping parts in a book with long self dialogue and useless descriptions that add nothing to the story line. The description helped set the stage like you are there in the moment with everyone.
I had just read another book by this author and decided to try another. I liked the characters, the plot and the description of events and characters. Too many times I find myself skipping parts in a book with long self dialogue and useless descriptions that add nothing to the story line. The description helped set the stage like you are there in the moment with everyone.
February 2, 2022
A really great read.
This is a very interesting read. This book has a fantastic and a well developed plot. I totally fell in love with the main character and kept cheering for her throughout the novel. I didn't even want to eat lunch or dinner! Read it. You will not want to put it down!
This is a very interesting read. This book has a fantastic and a well developed plot. I totally fell in love with the main character and kept cheering for her throughout the novel. I didn't even want to eat lunch or dinner! Read it. You will not want to put it down!
April 21, 2023
Holds your attention.
Pretty good time travel story. I wonder why the TEMPUS team didn't have Charlotte put the minalla envelope in a safe deposit box at a bank that would still be there in 2018. Or given to a prominent law firm to hold in trust until Cryano came for it in 2019.
Pretty good time travel story. I wonder why the TEMPUS team didn't have Charlotte put the minalla envelope in a safe deposit box at a bank that would still be there in 2018. Or given to a prominent law firm to hold in trust until Cryano came for it in 2019.
August 13, 2024
another great Elise Douglas time travel book
This is a fascinating storyline, very complex and interwoven. I found it entirely entertaining, but would have liked a different outcome for the old Charlotte. However, the new Charlotte is the old Charlotte so perhaps she did get her happily ever after.
This is a fascinating storyline, very complex and interwoven. I found it entirely entertaining, but would have liked a different outcome for the old Charlotte. However, the new Charlotte is the old Charlotte so perhaps she did get her happily ever after.
October 24, 2025
Time and Again
This was a second reading for me, an older reader, who might be excused for a memory lapse. The Douglas team has entertained me with each of their time travel novels. Usually, Amazon alerts me when I have chosen a book already purchased but I am happy that no warning alerted me. This one stood the test of time, pun intended.
This was a second reading for me, an older reader, who might be excused for a memory lapse. The Douglas team has entertained me with each of their time travel novels. Usually, Amazon alerts me when I have chosen a book already purchased but I am happy that no warning alerted me. This one stood the test of time, pun intended.
February 1, 2026
Another great tale featuring time travel
Loved the read. Typically intricate story, featuring fully formed heroes and villians, like all of Elyse Douglas's characters, with an unexpected twist at the end ending! Whilst challenging the reader to consider the ethics of attempting to change the past.
Loved the read. Typically intricate story, featuring fully formed heroes and villians, like all of Elyse Douglas's characters, with an unexpected twist at the end ending! Whilst challenging the reader to consider the ethics of attempting to change the past.
March 15, 2019
Brief but good story!
A simple time travel story centering around a woman trying to wrong an error in her past. A well done, quick read with an original idea about how to get to the past.
Recommended.
A simple time travel story centering around a woman trying to wrong an error in her past. A well done, quick read with an original idea about how to get to the past.
Recommended.
August 27, 2019
An interestng read
I really liked this book. It's well written and I believe in the characters. An old lady is given the oppoftunity to travel back in time to try to save her husband and daughters from a fire.
I really liked this book. It's well written and I believe in the characters. An old lady is given the oppoftunity to travel back in time to try to save her husband and daughters from a fire.
November 20, 2019
This was well written and enjoyable!
I really enjoyed this novel, the first I've read from this author, but certainly not the last. I recommend this book for a good time travel story without a lot of hard SciFi.
I really enjoyed this novel, the first I've read from this author, but certainly not the last. I recommend this book for a good time travel story without a lot of hard SciFi.
April 21, 2020
Read this in a morning...
...and that is just about the fastest I have ever read a book. The time travel plot was very engaging, although not very deep. The characters were very interesting and memorable. I loved it.
...and that is just about the fastest I have ever read a book. The time travel plot was very engaging, although not very deep. The characters were very interesting and memorable. I loved it.
October 21, 2020
Interesting
If I could rate it a 3.5 stars I would. It's an interesting read, however unrealistic. Old Charlotte sacrificed a lot to rectify her absence from her family. I would read other books by this author.
If I could rate it a 3.5 stars I would. It's an interesting read, however unrealistic. Old Charlotte sacrificed a lot to rectify her absence from her family. I would read other books by this author.
September 30, 2021
Quite disappointed with this book wanted more contact with Charlotte older between Charlotte younger the story seemed to drag getting Charlotte ready for going into the past would have liked more interaction in the past for both Charlottes.
November 25, 2021
Convincing unusual, creative plot
Highly original, kept surprising me with unusual, unexpected plot turns. Convincing characters, and great science fiction. Best novel I've read in 4 years.
Highly original, kept surprising me with unusual, unexpected plot turns. Convincing characters, and great science fiction. Best novel I've read in 4 years.
February 22, 2024
Recommend reading this Novel
I have yet to read a Novel by Elyse Douglas that I did not enjoy! I do encourage reading her Novels, I believe you will become a fan of this author and her books!!
I have yet to read a Novel by Elyse Douglas that I did not enjoy! I do encourage reading her Novels, I believe you will become a fan of this author and her books!!
April 21, 2024
terrific story!
This time travel story is quite different than many others I’ve read. It approaches it from a government research project trying to go back in time to correct a horrible fire but at the same time to correct history. Fun, interesting book.
This time travel story is quite different than many others I’ve read. It approaches it from a government research project trying to go back in time to correct a horrible fire but at the same time to correct history. Fun, interesting book.
May 31, 2024
good read
Excellent plot. Hang in there because it starts out a little slow to lay the groundwork for a very creative story. One of my pet peeves is when a time travel plot has holes in it, but this story has a very logical flow of explanations. 👍👍👍🔮
Excellent plot. Hang in there because it starts out a little slow to lay the groundwork for a very creative story. One of my pet peeves is when a time travel plot has holes in it, but this story has a very logical flow of explanations. 👍👍👍🔮
September 13, 2024
a time well spent
Time travel. So much made sense in this one and i liked how unlike others i have read it was ok to share with the intended the fact that the heroine was a time traveler. Fast paced. Easy reading
Time travel. So much made sense in this one and i liked how unlike others i have read it was ok to share with the intended the fact that the heroine was a time traveler. Fast paced. Easy reading
September 26, 2024
A great time travel read
Loved the characters, the story line was riveting, couldn't put it down and went through every emotion possible, sadness, grief, love, devotion, shock, fear, hope and satisfaction.
Loved the characters, the story line was riveting, couldn't put it down and went through every emotion possible, sadness, grief, love, devotion, shock, fear, hope and satisfaction.
August 15, 2025
Excellent time travel romance tale
As lover of time travel tales this one keeps the reader involved.
Elyse Douglas creates nice clean stories without the usual steamy bedroom scenes. Keep it up
As lover of time travel tales this one keeps the reader involved.
Elyse Douglas creates nice clean stories without the usual steamy bedroom scenes. Keep it up
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews