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By This Time Tomorrow
Jessica Bay has it all - and it's all too much. Between moody teenagers, a hectic job and a husband who can recall that the last time they slept together was 632 days ago but somehow can't remember to put the bins out, Jess is close to breaking point.
Desperate for change, she moves the family to a tiny island in the English Channel. An island that has a secret: it can take you back in time to relive any day in your past. To have another go at doing it right.
But as Jess becomes dizzy with the fact that she can, she forgets to consider if she should. Because changing even one moment in your past will change your whole future in unknowable ways. How much of her supposedly imperfect life is Jess willing to gamble? And will she realise the risks before she loses everything?
Desperate for change, she moves the family to a tiny island in the English Channel. An island that has a secret: it can take you back in time to relive any day in your past. To have another go at doing it right.
But as Jess becomes dizzy with the fact that she can, she forgets to consider if she should. Because changing even one moment in your past will change your whole future in unknowable ways. How much of her supposedly imperfect life is Jess willing to gamble? And will she realise the risks before she loses everything?
- GenresFiction
368 pages, Paperback
Published May 12, 2022
4 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 17, 2022
Really enjoyed!
Not something I would normally pick up but the story genuinely kept me hooked without being too dramatic or anxiety inducing!
Not something I would normally pick up but the story genuinely kept me hooked without being too dramatic or anxiety inducing!
June 5, 2022
Time traveller books are like buses, you don’t get any for ages then you get two together! This book is the second book in a row that I’ve read which has a “time-traveller” theme. It’s the first book that I’ve read by this author but won’t be the last. The theme was completely unexpected, but I became hooked into the storyline very quickly! Dr Jessica Bay has been asked to relocate to the little Island of Forth, situated in the English Channel near to Guernsey, to replace a retiring GP there. Her family all have their own issues back in London, so they decide to give island life a try. When there, Jessica finds a bench up on top of a cliff which appears to have magical properties. It you are sat on the bench when the sun sets, you can wish yourself away to any other day in your life, perhaps to relive some precious moment or to do things differently so that the day could be a better day!
I loved this book! I didn’t expect it to be like it was, especially as I’d just finished another similar book, but it was such a lovely read! I loved Jessica’s character and could completely connect with her. She’s a busy GP who, thanks to misreading the signs with another GP in the surgery, finds herself contemplating life away from London. I liked her husband, Fergus (or Freddie, which ever you feel happier with!) but initially felt he just wasn’t right for her. Life on the Island seemed surreal – no big shops, no way off the island other than the boat and everyone knows everyone – but it also appeared strangely tempting! You would never think a city family such as the Bays would be able to settle somewhere so quiet and isolated, but I loved how everything seemed to come together as the book moved on.
The story has some great supporting characters, such as Nora, Maggie and Eileen and I don’t think there was any character in the book who I didn’t like. Jessica and Fergus not only provided some great fun moments, making me laugh but also some tender and emotional times which had me on the verge of tears. The “travelling back in time” storyline was written wonderfully, very uncomplicatedly and easy to understand. I loved how you could choose where you wanted to go back to but worried my way through the story that the ‘timey-wimey’ stuff would change things drastically back in Jessica’s present time!!
What would I have done though if I knew that the bench could do that? I honestly don’t know, but I do know that we were treated to a beautifully written story about second chances, regrets and family life. I loved every minute of this book, and thankfully I don’t need time travel to be able to go back and read it all over again! Would recommend!
I loved this book! I didn’t expect it to be like it was, especially as I’d just finished another similar book, but it was such a lovely read! I loved Jessica’s character and could completely connect with her. She’s a busy GP who, thanks to misreading the signs with another GP in the surgery, finds herself contemplating life away from London. I liked her husband, Fergus (or Freddie, which ever you feel happier with!) but initially felt he just wasn’t right for her. Life on the Island seemed surreal – no big shops, no way off the island other than the boat and everyone knows everyone – but it also appeared strangely tempting! You would never think a city family such as the Bays would be able to settle somewhere so quiet and isolated, but I loved how everything seemed to come together as the book moved on.
The story has some great supporting characters, such as Nora, Maggie and Eileen and I don’t think there was any character in the book who I didn’t like. Jessica and Fergus not only provided some great fun moments, making me laugh but also some tender and emotional times which had me on the verge of tears. The “travelling back in time” storyline was written wonderfully, very uncomplicatedly and easy to understand. I loved how you could choose where you wanted to go back to but worried my way through the story that the ‘timey-wimey’ stuff would change things drastically back in Jessica’s present time!!
What would I have done though if I knew that the bench could do that? I honestly don’t know, but I do know that we were treated to a beautifully written story about second chances, regrets and family life. I loved every minute of this book, and thankfully I don’t need time travel to be able to go back and read it all over again! Would recommend!
May 13, 2022
By This Time Tomorrow is a marvellous read and a unique and refreshing take on a time travel story. Jess is presented with a work relocation opportunity to take her family away to a remote island far away from the struggles they’re all encountering in London. She discovers a bench atop a hill with a beautiful view of the sunset….her life begins to change hereon in. Jess is compelled to keep revisiting the past to try to make positive changes to influence her ‘not so perfect’ present life. The premise is unique, focusing more on the changes that happen when returning back to the future, and the knock on effect these changes have, rather than what happens whilst visiting the past. This is a beautiful story which will really tug at the heart strings. The writing is excellent and the characters are extremely relatable and likeable.
This is not so much a love story but more about a family trying to sort out their problems. However, it’s wonderful following Jess’s and Fergus’s relationship, watching them grow and develop as a couple over the course of the story and ultimately turning their relationship around. I really enjoyed losing myself in Jess’s life, the highs and lows and the sticky situations she finds herself in and there are moments that are both touching and humorous This is a cleverly crafted story, which is great fun to read and the perfect escapism.
Thank you to the publisher for inviting me on the book tour and for the gifted proof.
TWISTED IN PAGES BLOG
This is not so much a love story but more about a family trying to sort out their problems. However, it’s wonderful following Jess’s and Fergus’s relationship, watching them grow and develop as a couple over the course of the story and ultimately turning their relationship around. I really enjoyed losing myself in Jess’s life, the highs and lows and the sticky situations she finds herself in and there are moments that are both touching and humorous This is a cleverly crafted story, which is great fun to read and the perfect escapism.
Thank you to the publisher for inviting me on the book tour and for the gifted proof.
TWISTED IN PAGES BLOG
February 23, 2023
Really enjoyed this, but was a little disappointed in the end. It came together almost too well; I thought there would be more consequences to the main character’s actions. Still a wonderful read that I devoured over a weekend!
May 5, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in return for my honest review. Thank you to Charlotte Butterfield and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to read By This Time Tomorrow before its release.
The concept of time travel is an area of fiction that interests me, it never works in quite the same way each time. This book is no exception; time travel being possible through a bench at the top of the hill in the Isle of Forth. While the Isle boasts a population of 680, something magical happens within its streets.
Everything that could go wrong seems to go wrong in Jess’ life; her relationship with her two children is fractured and her marriage has lost all the spark that it once had. After a tragic event when Jess and Fergus were young, the two found themselves worlds apart on an intimate level. After her boss makes a move on her, Jess finds herself with an opportunity to take everyone away from the struggles they have in London.
Though at first everyone appears friendly and welcoming, when it comes to the bench atop the hill it becomes a different story; Nora, Maggie and Eileen are downright possessive and rude, only serving to make Jess more determined to take a seat on that bench, oblivious to the repercussions.
This action alone however will change her life completely.
I loved the angle Butterfield took for this book; even the smallest of changes can make a huge difference and I loved the visual consequences of time travel that we see throughout the book. At the end of By This Time Tomorrow I was left with an overwhelming question; did Jessica do the right thing? Honestly I’m still not sure of my answer to this, but I do know I loved every minute of it!
This book will leave you wondering what you would do if you had the chance to sit on the bench and have the ability to alter your past; would you be able to stop or would you be overwhelmed with the need to make every day perfect.
The concept of time travel is an area of fiction that interests me, it never works in quite the same way each time. This book is no exception; time travel being possible through a bench at the top of the hill in the Isle of Forth. While the Isle boasts a population of 680, something magical happens within its streets.
Everything that could go wrong seems to go wrong in Jess’ life; her relationship with her two children is fractured and her marriage has lost all the spark that it once had. After a tragic event when Jess and Fergus were young, the two found themselves worlds apart on an intimate level. After her boss makes a move on her, Jess finds herself with an opportunity to take everyone away from the struggles they have in London.
Though at first everyone appears friendly and welcoming, when it comes to the bench atop the hill it becomes a different story; Nora, Maggie and Eileen are downright possessive and rude, only serving to make Jess more determined to take a seat on that bench, oblivious to the repercussions.
This action alone however will change her life completely.
I loved the angle Butterfield took for this book; even the smallest of changes can make a huge difference and I loved the visual consequences of time travel that we see throughout the book. At the end of By This Time Tomorrow I was left with an overwhelming question; did Jessica do the right thing? Honestly I’m still not sure of my answer to this, but I do know I loved every minute of it!
This book will leave you wondering what you would do if you had the chance to sit on the bench and have the ability to alter your past; would you be able to stop or would you be overwhelmed with the need to make every day perfect.
February 23, 2023
,,Minulost je zahraničí, do kterého nemáme pas."
Úspěšná lékařka Jessica i přesto, že má všechno, není šťastná. Doma má dvě pubertální děti, které jsou náladové, problémové a když mají vzhlédnout od mobilů, rozpoutá se peklo. Manžel, o kterém je přesvědčená, že ji podvádí, jediné co si pamatuje je, že spolu nespali 632 dní. Pracovní nabídka – odstěhovat se na ostrov, kde ani nejezdí auta, ji přijde jako skvělá poslední šance, jak zachránit rodinu i manželství. Ovšem nečeká, že takovéhle ostrovy skoro na konci světa mívají svá tajemství, na které Jess shodou okolností nevědomky přijde. Může se vrátit do minulosti a prožít kterýkoli den znovu. Ale všechno něco stojí, že? Když se něco změní v minulosti, odrazí se to v budoucnosti a ne vždycky kladně. A něco zkrátka změnit nejde...
•••
Kdo by nechtěl využít vrátit se časem a něco udělat nebo říct jinak? Ovšem vše je něco za něco.
Oproti obálce mě anotace velmi zaujala a jsem moc ráda, že jsem si knihu mohla přečíst. Typ takovýchto obálek se mi hrozně nelíbí a nemůžu si pomoct.
Ale už od prvních stran jsem věděla, že se mi kniha bude líbit. Bavila jsem se totiž už od začátku. Vtipné poznámky, přirovnání nebo perly Jessiných pubertálních dětí a vtipný manžel, kterého jsem si moc oblíbila dodali svým lehkým humorem knize šmrnc.
•••
Většinu příběhu vypráví Jessica, ale jsou tam i střípky z pohledu Ferguse – manžela, kde bylo krásně vidět, jak si nerozumí a navzájem se nechápou.
Chování Jess mě občas štvalo. Hlavně její chování ke své drahé polovičce, ale je jasné že se k sobě nebudou mít, když se jim hroutí manželství.
Jinak vracečka časem byla vymyšlená moc dobře. Kniha nabrala hned jiný spád a já se jen modlila, ať Jessica nic nepodělá. Celkově to byl úplně jiný příběh, než jsem čekala a jsem moc mile překvapená.
Jinak odpočinkovým čtením to můžu nazvat jen částečně. Řeší se tam i věci, které mi drtily srdce.
Úspěšná lékařka Jessica i přesto, že má všechno, není šťastná. Doma má dvě pubertální děti, které jsou náladové, problémové a když mají vzhlédnout od mobilů, rozpoutá se peklo. Manžel, o kterém je přesvědčená, že ji podvádí, jediné co si pamatuje je, že spolu nespali 632 dní. Pracovní nabídka – odstěhovat se na ostrov, kde ani nejezdí auta, ji přijde jako skvělá poslední šance, jak zachránit rodinu i manželství. Ovšem nečeká, že takovéhle ostrovy skoro na konci světa mívají svá tajemství, na které Jess shodou okolností nevědomky přijde. Může se vrátit do minulosti a prožít kterýkoli den znovu. Ale všechno něco stojí, že? Když se něco změní v minulosti, odrazí se to v budoucnosti a ne vždycky kladně. A něco zkrátka změnit nejde...
•••
Kdo by nechtěl využít vrátit se časem a něco udělat nebo říct jinak? Ovšem vše je něco za něco.
Oproti obálce mě anotace velmi zaujala a jsem moc ráda, že jsem si knihu mohla přečíst. Typ takovýchto obálek se mi hrozně nelíbí a nemůžu si pomoct.
Ale už od prvních stran jsem věděla, že se mi kniha bude líbit. Bavila jsem se totiž už od začátku. Vtipné poznámky, přirovnání nebo perly Jessiných pubertálních dětí a vtipný manžel, kterého jsem si moc oblíbila dodali svým lehkým humorem knize šmrnc.
•••
Většinu příběhu vypráví Jessica, ale jsou tam i střípky z pohledu Ferguse – manžela, kde bylo krásně vidět, jak si nerozumí a navzájem se nechápou.
Chování Jess mě občas štvalo. Hlavně její chování ke své drahé polovičce, ale je jasné že se k sobě nebudou mít, když se jim hroutí manželství.
Jinak vracečka časem byla vymyšlená moc dobře. Kniha nabrala hned jiný spád a já se jen modlila, ať Jessica nic nepodělá. Celkově to byl úplně jiný příběh, než jsem čekala a jsem moc mile překvapená.
Jinak odpočinkovým čtením to můžu nazvat jen částečně. Řeší se tam i věci, které mi drtily srdce.
August 12, 2022
Leaving aside the plot for just a moment, this book is worth reading for the observational comedy alone. Charlotte definitely has a talent for that type of humour and some of her lines had me laughing out loud.
Turning to the plot, it was a lovely story - a different twist on time travel, but with all the inevitable jeopardy along the way.
The characters were believable but, unfortunately, the ending didn’t quite work for me as, (despite it being about time travel!) I felt that it was just a bit too implausible. The rest of the book was so well crafted, however, that I’d still recommend it as a good read, especially as others may not have the same view of the final narrative.
Turning to the plot, it was a lovely story - a different twist on time travel, but with all the inevitable jeopardy along the way.
The characters were believable but, unfortunately, the ending didn’t quite work for me as, (despite it being about time travel!) I felt that it was just a bit too implausible. The rest of the book was so well crafted, however, that I’d still recommend it as a good read, especially as others may not have the same view of the final narrative.
September 10, 2022
A weird, yet wonderful book. Lovely characters who are in on the secret and try to keep Jessica out of what she thinks is them having meetings as witches.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.
May 10, 2024
I really loved this book, it was an exciting idea for a story and written so well I couldn't help but feel so endeared to the main character. It got very heart-wrenching and emotional toward the end. Superb!
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December 20, 2025Had higher hopes for this based on her previous work :(
The fact that the main character basically fixes her whole life without any consequences from time travel makes for a less interesting story. Everyone ends up happy? Everything is perfect? Way too unlikely.
The fact that the main character basically fixes her whole life without any consequences from time travel makes for a less interesting story. Everyone ends up happy? Everything is perfect? Way too unlikely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2026
This book got me hooked pretty quickly. We’ve all thought about the past but this book explores Jess going back to re-live moments and change things. It was a light and interesting read with no stress. Nice to dive into.
August 22, 2022
”Livets lyckliga omvägar” Mysig, smårolig och Tankeväckande 🥰❤️⏰
September 11, 2022
It’s great specially if you’re a married mom. It relates with my daily thoughts. Thank you!
January 31, 2023
Läste boken på svenska: Livets lyckliga omvägar
May 21, 2024
Light reading,but interesting topic, will life be better if we change it?
February 24, 2023
A brilliant book
This book made me laugh and, more surprisingly, made me cry several times: it’s an uplifting reminder to value your family and think about what really matters in life. Charlotte Butterfield has an eye for the nuances in life. A must-read for all mums!
This book made me laugh and, more surprisingly, made me cry several times: it’s an uplifting reminder to value your family and think about what really matters in life. Charlotte Butterfield has an eye for the nuances in life. A must-read for all mums!
May 21, 2022
What an amazingly unique read. This book really sucked me in, it was interesting to see the changes - natural changes- of the Bay family from when we meet them at the start in London to the point Jess discovers the bench on the island. The family had recognised their short comings and were already making positive changes, and wouldn’t we all be tempted to have create the perfect life and family if we had the chance. Seeing Jess go to different times highlighted the changes they had made themselves in order to be a happier family. I loved the premise that even the smallest of changes can have ripple effects. Jess tries to fix herself essentially using the power of hindsight, events can’t be changed but her reaction and response to them can be, and by the end the ripple effects are obvious and she had inadvertently helped a number of other people.
I really enjoyed this and found I couldn’t put it down until I was finished.
I really enjoyed this and found I couldn’t put it down until I was finished.
October 11, 2022
Jess är läkare, mamma till två struliga tonåringar och gift med en man som numera mer är en vän än den romantiske älskare hon en gång gifte sig med. Och hon är nära att gå in i väggen.
Så blir hon inkallad till chefen, men beskedet hon får är inte riktigt vad hon hade räknat med. Hon får veta att hon ska täcka upp som husläkare på den lilla ön Isle of Forth i Engelska kanalen till dess att en ny har anställts. Det är bara att ta tjuren vid hornen och förflytta familjen - det är ju bara ett halvår.
En kväll, efter en osedvanligt jobbig dag, tar hon en promenad och sätter sig på en bänk och njuter av solnedgången medan tankarna på hur det gått och vad hon borde gjort istället snurrar i huvudet. Morgonen efter får hon déja vù på déja vù - samt förvirrade blickar från omgivningen när hon menar att “ja, men det sa du ju igår”. Tills hon inser att det ÄR “igår”. Hon lever om gårdagen.
Men så blir hon kontaktad av tre kvinnor från byn som undrar om hon möjligen varit uppe vid bänken…
***
Tidsreseböcker är alltid intressanta och den här är inget undantag. Man förstår verkligen frestelsen, men även de dilemman som uppstår. Och som den feelgood det är slutar ju allt på ett bra sätt. 🤗
Definitivt läsvärd!
Så blir hon inkallad till chefen, men beskedet hon får är inte riktigt vad hon hade räknat med. Hon får veta att hon ska täcka upp som husläkare på den lilla ön Isle of Forth i Engelska kanalen till dess att en ny har anställts. Det är bara att ta tjuren vid hornen och förflytta familjen - det är ju bara ett halvår.
En kväll, efter en osedvanligt jobbig dag, tar hon en promenad och sätter sig på en bänk och njuter av solnedgången medan tankarna på hur det gått och vad hon borde gjort istället snurrar i huvudet. Morgonen efter får hon déja vù på déja vù - samt förvirrade blickar från omgivningen när hon menar att “ja, men det sa du ju igår”. Tills hon inser att det ÄR “igår”. Hon lever om gårdagen.
Men så blir hon kontaktad av tre kvinnor från byn som undrar om hon möjligen varit uppe vid bänken…
***
Tidsreseböcker är alltid intressanta och den här är inget undantag. Man förstår verkligen frestelsen, men även de dilemman som uppstår. Och som den feelgood det är slutar ju allt på ett bra sätt. 🤗
Definitivt läsvärd!
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