Review of 'Time After Time' by Clare Swatman
Release date: October 27, 2026
Publisher: Boldwood Books
REVIEW
This is the second book by Clare Swatman I have read. Her previous really captivated me with its magical realism and so I was keen to read Time after Time. Did I enjoy it? Yes! So much I did not want it to end. I love time travel or time hiccup scenarios and this one had a touch of original creative flare. There are some HG Wells Time Machine rules present. Such as going back in time to stop a destined event (like a death) by trying different ways to do that. Can you change the outcome by moving around settings, events and provide warning? Robyn discovers there are some fixed events you just cannot stop, no matter what you do. But there are other little changes you can make in some areas that could offer you a better outcome. But it is you who must change such as in modifying your thoughts, behaviour and expectations. Becoming a better version of yourself could make a difference. Letting go of past fears will allow you to go into a future freer and more balanced. You are the variable.
But until those self-revelations happen, can you imagine experiencing the death of your mother over and over again because you cannot figure out how to break a curse, caused by a clock your best friend has gifted you? Heartbreaking yes, and frustrating for sure—as it means you keep living the same bad eventful year over and over until you figure out what it is you need to do to bring about a different outcome. Or at least stop the nightmare repeat cycle year of your life!
Robyn has some personal issues that become magnified when the most bizarre of events happen on New Year’s eve or when the clock strikes midnight. She wakes up January 1st to begin reliving 2025 instead of embarking on the promises of a new year—2026. There are many questions in her mind. One being why is this happening? And if she tells her best friend what will she think of her? Most people would presume you had gone mad. But thankfully Aida believes her and together they try to solve the problem and escape the repeat cycle. While she is going through each year again, a surprise comes along that will change her destiny. And the answer to breaking the curse is…. a sort of twist on a fairy-tale rescue.
Through all the year repeats we get to know Robyn quite well and she learns some valuable lessons along the way. It was an intriguing read and the time after time shifts were seamless and well done. Each one edges her a little closer to the truth and her circle of support widens to a place where all the previous bread crumb hints begin to come together and make sense. This is an intriguing tale on the ground hog day scenario that I felt was fresh, uplifting and invigorating. Even though at times the unchangeable facts were heartbreaking, the eventual outcome was positive. It ended a bit abruptly for me as when I turned the last page I was surprised it was over and maybe a bit disappointed as I wanted a little bit more! But I was happy I read this second chance time loop story about love and breaking free from fear, guilt, grief and hopelessness to live the best version of your life. It is a solid 4 Star magical realism read I recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
