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True Time #1
Pivot Point
Floodwaters rise. Time is a weapon. Second chances demand the ultimate sacrifice.
In a storm-battered town, U.S. Marshal Blake Everhart faces a dangerous fugitive who escaped custody, leaving a trail of dead bodies in his wake. The relentless chase forces Blake to confront ethical dilemmas and the shadows of her past in a mysterious twist that challenges her perception of reality.
Alongside her task force, Blake teams up with Naomi Preston, a local doctor whose compelling mix of resilience and vulnerability threatens to crack Blake’s guarded walls. As heavy rains and a devastating flood strike the town, Blake unravels a criminal organization that goes deeper than she ever imagined. With time itself becoming as treacherous as the rising waters, Blake collides with past and present, learning that some moments can be altered, while others claim ruinous choices.
Will Blake find justice amidst the chaos, or will the people she cares about get caught in the crossfire?
Pivot Point is a pulse-pounding crime thriller, weaving together catastrophic events, time drifts, and high-stakes pursuit. Perfect for readers who love a relentless pace combined with the suspenseful, mind-bending elements of déjà vu and an ominous killer.
Pivot Point is book 1 of the True Time series by Tess Manchester.
In a storm-battered town, U.S. Marshal Blake Everhart faces a dangerous fugitive who escaped custody, leaving a trail of dead bodies in his wake. The relentless chase forces Blake to confront ethical dilemmas and the shadows of her past in a mysterious twist that challenges her perception of reality.
Alongside her task force, Blake teams up with Naomi Preston, a local doctor whose compelling mix of resilience and vulnerability threatens to crack Blake’s guarded walls. As heavy rains and a devastating flood strike the town, Blake unravels a criminal organization that goes deeper than she ever imagined. With time itself becoming as treacherous as the rising waters, Blake collides with past and present, learning that some moments can be altered, while others claim ruinous choices.
Will Blake find justice amidst the chaos, or will the people she cares about get caught in the crossfire?
Pivot Point is a pulse-pounding crime thriller, weaving together catastrophic events, time drifts, and high-stakes pursuit. Perfect for readers who love a relentless pace combined with the suspenseful, mind-bending elements of déjà vu and an ominous killer.
Pivot Point is book 1 of the True Time series by Tess Manchester.
- GenresMystery
186 pages, Kindle Edition
15 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 10, 2017
When I was younger, I enjoyed the Choose Your Own Adventure books - I'd read them while sticking a scrap of paper in pages where there was a decision to be made, in case I choose poorly and wanted to try again. This book reminded me of that, of do-overs until the main character got it right. The first such loop made me look twice, thinking there was a flaw in the Kindle edition until I realized it was intentional. After that it felt like Groundhog Day, stuck replaying the same scene as she learned how to do better.
The romance was insta-attraction, if not insta-love, but still sweetly done. The writing felt more like a screenplay than a novel - somewhat flat, waiting to be bought to life more by the characters. It didn't really endear me to any of the characters due to this. The mix of crime and time loops didn't work for me - it was a touch confusing and slowed the actual action as I started doubting if what was happening was the end result each time. Overall, the idea was sound but the execution could use some improvement.
I received a copy of this book from the author, who asked for an honest review.
The romance was insta-attraction, if not insta-love, but still sweetly done. The writing felt more like a screenplay than a novel - somewhat flat, waiting to be bought to life more by the characters. It didn't really endear me to any of the characters due to this. The mix of crime and time loops didn't work for me - it was a touch confusing and slowed the actual action as I started doubting if what was happening was the end result each time. Overall, the idea was sound but the execution could use some improvement.
I received a copy of this book from the author, who asked for an honest review.
April 11, 2018
Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman
Just imagine, for a second, how useful it would be if we were able to get “mulligans” in real life. What if something went horribly wrong and we were able to pop back in time to have another go at getting it right this time? How useful would that be? This is exactly the premise that forms the basis of Tess Manchester’s debut novel, Pivot Point: True Time Book 1. U.S. Marshall Blake Parsons is noted for two things – her fiery temper and her uncanny ability to capture the bad guy and bring him in. Her temper has got her into more than her share of trouble with her bosses in the past, but with a record like hers, laxity was always going to be the byword. She was driven and successful, but when chasing a fugitive leads her to a small rural community in Tennessee and she meets the lovely Doctor Naomi, her outlook and her priorities change. The attraction is instant, but it must all wait for Blake Parsons to capture the man on the run, who she chases relentlessly.
For a debut novel, I found Pivot Point: True Time Book 1 to be a more than respectable effort. Tess Manchester’s two main characters are strong, independent women, in Blake and Naomi, who the author manages to show they are more than just bluster and anger, on Blake’s part and brains and beauty on Naomi’s part. She does well to show the vulnerability that lurks underneath Blake’s bluster and anger. I did enjoy the idea of going back and getting a “do-over” when things didn’t quite go as planned. The story flowed seamlessly and the action was fast and furious, with little held back in the way of realism. The possibility that this story is just the beginning of a series featuring this premise and/or these characters is intriguing and I look forward to what Manchester has to offer us next. As a thriller, with a time-twist, this debut was successful and I am certain the author will grow into her skin, as a writer, the more she gives us. This is a successful start to her literary career.
Just imagine, for a second, how useful it would be if we were able to get “mulligans” in real life. What if something went horribly wrong and we were able to pop back in time to have another go at getting it right this time? How useful would that be? This is exactly the premise that forms the basis of Tess Manchester’s debut novel, Pivot Point: True Time Book 1. U.S. Marshall Blake Parsons is noted for two things – her fiery temper and her uncanny ability to capture the bad guy and bring him in. Her temper has got her into more than her share of trouble with her bosses in the past, but with a record like hers, laxity was always going to be the byword. She was driven and successful, but when chasing a fugitive leads her to a small rural community in Tennessee and she meets the lovely Doctor Naomi, her outlook and her priorities change. The attraction is instant, but it must all wait for Blake Parsons to capture the man on the run, who she chases relentlessly.
For a debut novel, I found Pivot Point: True Time Book 1 to be a more than respectable effort. Tess Manchester’s two main characters are strong, independent women, in Blake and Naomi, who the author manages to show they are more than just bluster and anger, on Blake’s part and brains and beauty on Naomi’s part. She does well to show the vulnerability that lurks underneath Blake’s bluster and anger. I did enjoy the idea of going back and getting a “do-over” when things didn’t quite go as planned. The story flowed seamlessly and the action was fast and furious, with little held back in the way of realism. The possibility that this story is just the beginning of a series featuring this premise and/or these characters is intriguing and I look forward to what Manchester has to offer us next. As a thriller, with a time-twist, this debut was successful and I am certain the author will grow into her skin, as a writer, the more she gives us. This is a successful start to her literary career.
December 7, 2016
Pivot Point was a solid read, and has elements of humor, mystery, and suspense. It explores the effects of being in the right place at the right time, and how scenarios have vastly different outcomes based on the most minute of changes.
The main characters, Blake and Naomi, share a deep and complex relationship with one another in their pursuit of a fugitive. Blake takes on the "Alpha" role in the relationship, but this doesn't diminish Naomi's importance to their connection, and their mutual goals. Each character brings their own strengths, and their own weaknesses, and I felt like they would need both these traits to catch the fugitive they seek.
"What if" scenarios are used consistently throughout the book, and to great effect, though sometimes it can be a bit confusing what has happened, or what the rules are to these "time travel" incidents, so I would hope this might be explained in future iterations further. If you like exploring the perspective of events happening from a few different angles, I would recommend checking this out.
Not everything seemed to be explained in the book, and there were some points that got a bit confusing, but overall I enjoyed the read and would recommend others to check it out as well if you are a fan of crime stories.
The main characters, Blake and Naomi, share a deep and complex relationship with one another in their pursuit of a fugitive. Blake takes on the "Alpha" role in the relationship, but this doesn't diminish Naomi's importance to their connection, and their mutual goals. Each character brings their own strengths, and their own weaknesses, and I felt like they would need both these traits to catch the fugitive they seek.
"What if" scenarios are used consistently throughout the book, and to great effect, though sometimes it can be a bit confusing what has happened, or what the rules are to these "time travel" incidents, so I would hope this might be explained in future iterations further. If you like exploring the perspective of events happening from a few different angles, I would recommend checking this out.
Not everything seemed to be explained in the book, and there were some points that got a bit confusing, but overall I enjoyed the read and would recommend others to check it out as well if you are a fan of crime stories.
June 20, 2020
Third person POV and LGBT MC
This story follows the determined US Marshal Blake Parsons as she hunts down an escaped fugitive in Tennessee USA, while experiencing unexplained flashes of the future and falling for the beautiful and lovely doctor Naomi Preston. Throughout the story Blake is given several opportunities to change the course of the future with her newly unexplained gift and save the lives of many.
I found the storyline very interesting. It was hard for me to get through because of it being third person but considering how all the characters come together, third person is actually perfect. There was lots of action and the romance was slow-burn. Plenty of twists to keep me guessing. I'm looking forward to seeing where Blake and Naomi will end up next. Will definitely read the next book of the series.
This story follows the determined US Marshal Blake Parsons as she hunts down an escaped fugitive in Tennessee USA, while experiencing unexplained flashes of the future and falling for the beautiful and lovely doctor Naomi Preston. Throughout the story Blake is given several opportunities to change the course of the future with her newly unexplained gift and save the lives of many.
I found the storyline very interesting. It was hard for me to get through because of it being third person but considering how all the characters come together, third person is actually perfect. There was lots of action and the romance was slow-burn. Plenty of twists to keep me guessing. I'm looking forward to seeing where Blake and Naomi will end up next. Will definitely read the next book of the series.
August 21, 2025
Pivot Point centers around U.S. Marshal Blake Everhart in her chase of the criminal Robert Canton. In his pursuit, she realizes that she can control the flow of time from pivot points. With this knowledge, she aims to be the best U.S. Marshal there is.
This book made me smile. I loved Blake and Naomi. Their chemistry was undeniable. I loved the friendship between Blake and Bridgeton. Most of all, I loved Betty. Betty is a precious little cinnamon bun who much be protected at all costs.
I will be picking up the second book in this series because I need to know what happens next with Blake and Naomi (especially with that cliffhanger), but more importantly, who broke into Betty and Jim's house?! Will they find Jim's archery badges? Will the insurance pay up? Why did they steal Jim's deer jerky? These are the important questions.
This book made me smile. I loved Blake and Naomi. Their chemistry was undeniable. I loved the friendship between Blake and Bridgeton. Most of all, I loved Betty. Betty is a precious little cinnamon bun who much be protected at all costs.
I will be picking up the second book in this series because I need to know what happens next with Blake and Naomi (especially with that cliffhanger), but more importantly, who broke into Betty and Jim's house?! Will they find Jim's archery badges? Will the insurance pay up? Why did they steal Jim's deer jerky? These are the important questions.
September 22, 2020
Not a really smooth flow to the story. I don't like books, movies or TV shows that are always going back and forth with the story. It becomes too confusing and it's a real distraction from the story. I don't believe in instant love but this was more instant attraction and that happens all the time. Sometimes it becomes love, sometimes no. Overall, the book was okay. I won't be buying the next story in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2018
This book is fast paced. It goes from zero to one hundred pretty much instantly. The two main characters are thrown together by the search for a fugitive. The constant action pulls the reader in and doesn’t let you go until the conclusion. I just wish that the relationship between the two main characters had been explored in a little more depth. All in all, I look forward to the next installment.
July 14, 2020
Pivot Point by Tess Manchester is a wonderful story to read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series written by a brand new author for me to read and I can not wait to read the rest of this series I am so hooked on it. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about romantic thrillers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2025
A flood hits the town as a criminal escapes putting lives at risk. The bodies start building up and she needs to team up to stop them killing but secrets from the past may just ruin everything she holds dear. Can she stop them before more die? See where it will all lead
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great crime thriller
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great crime thriller
January 21, 2026
This action packed fast moving thriller with a strong female bounty hunter lead is balanced by a gentle Sapphic closed door romance. Enjoyable characters, great sense of setting and an easy holiday read.
October 11, 2022
Good Book
The 1st I read from this author Very good storyline great characters can't wait for the next book I recommend this book
The 1st I read from this author Very good storyline great characters can't wait for the next book I recommend this book
September 22, 2017
Pivot Point is an intriguing crime story with twists. Having a second chance to make different choices and change the outcome is something we all wish we could have. The main character, Blake Parsons, is lucky enough to have that chance. I love that the main character is a strong female lead who works the case until she gets her fugitive. The story keeps moving so it’s quick read. I can’t wait to find out what happen next.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews