TimeBlink

Syd Brixton #1

by M.J. Mumford

When Syd Brixton was eleven years old, her identical twin vanished from a park in broad daylight and was never found.

Fast forward twenty years. Despite her lingering guilt, Syd's life seems idyllic. She has a great job at a popular pub. A beautiful home. A loving extended family. And best of all, a long-term relationship with a handsome firefighter who wants nothing more than to have children of his own.

Then it all comes crashing down.

One night outside the pub, Syd's favorite customer, Morley, is killed in a horrific accident. Moments before he dies, he gives Syd an extraordinary gift: the power to go back in time–and with it, the ability to learn the truth behind her sister's disappearance all those years ago.

But what if the truth is too painful to face? What if Syd would rather focus on saving Morley's life instead? Even against his wishes?

If she makes the wrong choice, she could lose everything...her home, her family. Her life.

All in the blink of an eye.

Genres: Time Travel, Ebooks

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2022

About the author

MJ Mumford is a fiend for psychological thrillers, page-turning suspense, and time travel stories with a dash of romance.
It was this passion that led to her debut novel, TimeBlink, a blend of all three genres in one narrative. Realizing there was more story to tell, MJ seized the challenge and created three more entries in The Syd Brixton TimeBlink series: Flight 444, Dragonfly, and a prequel novella, Talisman, which reveals how fan-favorite, Dr. Morley Scott, stumbled upon the power of timeblinking.
While MJ dreams of the day when timeblinking leaps off her pages and becomes a reality, she satisfies her wanderlust by exploring the tangible world alongside her husband, Alistair. In quieter moments, MJ enjoys the down-to-earth pleasures of reading, cooking, yoga, and supporting other independent businesses.

Reviews

[Yael Shalom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like time travel books . I like the tension and the plot twists it can create because of the time zones .
In this book I'm sorry to say I was a little disappointed.
Everything felt too safe . Also, I didn't care for Syd so much . I could understand her difficulties, but most of the book she was very indecisive and a bit childish .
I felt the book was too slow. the plot didn't go anywhere special for a long time . Only from about 70% it started to be more interesting . I wish the major development would have been coming sooner .
I did like the ocasualy different pov's . It was very helpful for the story .

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have been an excellent read if it hadn't been SPOILED for me by the author's abuse of Almighty GOD's Name viz Christ; “Jesus,”; goddamn and His word *Holy*. This is blasphemy and is NEVER acceptable. Minus 1🌟

I'm looking forward to reading future stories - without Blasphemy, please

By-the-bye, Timeblink - without Blasphemy - would have qualified for my ultra-prestigious 7🌟

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good! Great plot twist!

[Julie Bihn]

Time slowed as an almost tangible energy hung in the air between us until somewhere in the distance a woman shrieked and sent us plummeting back to Earth.

TimeBlink is a unique time-travel novel. It details Syd's everyday life even while it ratchets up to a tension-filled climax and a satisfying ending. I enjoyed the detailed rules for time travel, though they didn't get in the way of the story. The fact that Syd could in effect go back in time without being observed at times was a nice touch that made for some interesting moments. Along with the interesting storyline and use of time travel, there are some lovely descriptions and lines scattered throughout.

I don't normally read thrillers, but I'm guessing fans of the genre will especially enjoy the last third or so of the book. Otherwise, I think this is a good book for people who like time travel and somewhat gritty, tense, bittersweet stories with a little "bedroom" content and some profanity.

[Brett Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a slow reader, it has taken me a while to get through this book. Usually, I have to go back a chapter or two to remind me of what's going on. Every time I picked up TimeBlink to read about Syds latest adventures, I was just able to carry on from where I was last.

This book was written in such a way, I felt like I was listening to a long time friend, the type you can go without speaking to for 6 months, and when you get together, it's like it was only yesterday when you last spoke.

The characters are fantastic, and the plot very well put together, and as a time travel author myself, I absolutely loved seeing how the story came together, especially the action scenes, and the way the book really opens up at the end, to lure the reader in with the hope of new adventures

I am just about to purchase Flight 444, book 2 on the series, and I am really looking forward to seeing the way this goes.

Thanks for writing this book, it's definitely one I want to reread in the future :)

[Rachel Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not normally a fan of time travel in books or films because it's very difficult to get right but M J Mumford does it perfectly. Time Blink reminded me of The Time Traveller's Wife (one of my favourite love stories despite the time travelling element) crossed with Room (one of the most heartbreaking books that I've ever read). Obviously, I don't know if the author had those books in mind when she wrote Time Blink but essentially she's blended those two stories together to create something wonderfully unique. I loved it! I loved the characters - Morley in particular. He's a sweetheart. There were twists and turns a'plenty and I hadn't worked out who the bad guy was. My only criticism is that there's one chapter early on that's told from a different point of view that's too much of a spoiler. If I'd written Time Blink, I'd have left that chapter out!! It was still a five star read though.

[Jessica Cantwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want a time blink talisman!

Thank you TikTok, for introducing me to MJ Mumford. I opened the pages to this book and magically timeblinked right to the end. That is how captivating this read was! Page one sucked me right in with Syd’s personality, the strange disappearance of her sister Isla, and underlying attraction to an irresistible Dr., named Morley, that frequents the bar where she works. Then BAM! Readers are hit with one thrilling twist after another. I loved everything about this book. The characters, the story, the authors witty humor. The end had me sighing, “Oh, Morley!” If only I had a time blink talisman. HIGHLY recommended!

[Sandie McCormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book being able to travel back in time was fascinating. Syd’s twin sister disappeared years before and she always blamed herself so one night somebody died outside her pub, where she works behind the bar, where she was given a talisman to take her back in time with dire and dangerous consequences the twist at the end was really good I didn’t expect that. I would definitely recommend and would like to thank Hidden Gems and the publisher for an early copy.

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad I finished this book! I had such a hard time with the beginning that I almost stopped reading. It was slow and somewhat confusing. I stuck it out. Twist and turns that I didn’t figure out until the very end. If when I put some pieces together I was still surprised in the end. My mind was blown! I can’t wait to read more from this author!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Dawn Dugle · Rating 5 out of 5]

thriller + suspense + time travel? yes please

When her twin sister is abducted as a kid, Sydney’s life goes off the rails.
She slowly gets back on track and meets a doctor who also suffered a great loss.
He shares the secret of time travel with Syd, changing both of their lives forever.

The twists and turns in this novel keep you on the edge of your seat.
I didn’t want the book to end.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as a review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. A very interesting poignant, personal and realistic journey that Syd gets herself embroiled in; I found the use of time travel was well used in right fashion, with the conflicting paths Syd has to navigate in deciding to save her missing twin or the person to whom she'd earned the gift from.

[James LaRue · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word and the story exploded

I won't ruin anything, but after a somewhat slow and confusing start, the story found its footing, the characters got real, and in one scene a single word galvanizes the reader. Then it's a breathless race to the end. I love time travel stories and this one is right up there with the best. On to the next book!

[Julisa Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised! I'm not usually overly interested in time travel but this book was really interesting. There were some parts that seemed unrealistic but overall I was hooked around chapter 3 and didn't want to put it down!

[Karen Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good

Good time travel and mystery. A twin disappears and years later the other twin meets a man who gives her a way to time travel. The mystery of her sister is very exciting.

[Cindy Sinanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an absolute escape! It was fast paced, to the point but without the lack of imagery. I could not anticipate the twists and turns it was taking me on which only kept me turning each page in search of answers despite the need for sleep. Super fun read.

[Sherrie Maner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

The title first caught my attention. I love time travel stories and 'time blink did not disappoint. Now I'm off to see if there is another book following this one. Fingers crossed.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different Time Tale

Well, that was a surprise... I was slow in catching on.. had to skip ahead here and there..very disturbing in sections, then finally headed to the end amidst some confusion and somewhat satisfying conclusion. Thinking boy, I'm glad it's over.

[Renee Baumgartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book

Interesting time-travel book. Well written, held my interest for sure. Lots of twists and turns. I think you’ll enjoy it!

[Genia Mount · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing read

Omg this book was amazing!! So good! It had a thriller and enough romance to make everyone happy! Highly recommend!

[Ann Stolinsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

I love stories about twins, and time-travel. This novel was really good. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it.

[Brenda T McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Time Travel Story Ever!

I loved, loved this book! The idea of time travel has always been exciting to me. This story really did the genre proud. You won’t be disappointed!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Except for a few disjointed scenes in the beginning, this is a book I could not put down.

[Debra O'Dair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very exciting and creative.

I loved this story all the characters were engaging, and there were.plot twists i never saw coming. I can't wait to read the next installment

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Great twist I didn’t see coming.

[Ellen L. Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twist around the corner

Good reading and couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read book two and how the family learns about her travels

[Kat Drennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty-turny, and not what I expected. Mumford has mastered the art of suspense with an intricate tale that kept me guessing all the way. Put this one at the top of your thriller TBR list next to The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl.

[Allie Krystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

a shitty time travel book is better than a great non-time travel book and honestly? for a free kobo original book it was pretty good. i will not be reading the sequel because the preview made me laugh out loud (“she’s in an AIRPLANE THATS GOING DOWN and she needs to TIME BLINK OUTTA THERE”)

[Cathie Leger-Lami · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a first-time author it is really good.

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥️💜⏳ Magic!

September 1999:

Sydney Brixton was looking everywhere for her twin sister Isla...
She had found her bicycle in the grass. She was screaming her name, with no response.

Night was beginning to fall.
She had only been gone for a few minutes...and Isla had magically flown away...

-----------------

An astonishing story, a little confusing at the very beginning, which tells the story of a young woman who hides a heavy secret despite appearances...

A very mysterious and captivating read, with a touch of the paranormal, which takes the reader on an incredible adventure.

To discover absolutely!
♥️💜⏳