Heading up the dusty trail, a nine-gallon cowboy hat adorned his head while he wobbled around in spurred boots one size too big; Barry remembered the words of his now-deceased bachelor uncle.
‘The trail leads to gold.’
But where was the gold? There was no gold here, just dust, some of which was dirtying his new boots and making him sneeze.
Just as he was about to give up, a building with flashing signage appeared in the distance where the trail ended. As he walked nearer, he could make out its name – ‘Dusty’s.’
Barry’s heart leapt when he opened the venue’s doors, releasing butterflies into his stomach. A brightly-lit room full of music and cowboys, all line dancing together.
Time is the enemy for all of us, especially Mr Kingston, who needs to frantically clean his house before time runs out and his visitors arrive. But why the panic?
A difficult choice of lip colour, comfortable purple shoes, a new green dress, and nostalgic gold nail varnish set the stage for an unexpected encounter.
Let me start by saying that writing book reviews is rare for me. Why? I don’t read books because my dyslexia makes reading many of them difficult.
I understand the importance of maintaining independence and authenticity in reviews. So, I must ensure that my evaluations are based solely on the book’s merit and not influenced by personal connections or online interactions with the author.
This review pertains to a book penned by an unfamiliar author I encountered on X (formerly Twitter) while promoting their work. It’s worth noting that promoting books on social media can indeed bring results. It’s knowing how to promote them that’s important.
Now that’s all out of the way, let me begin my review for the first book (in two years) where I’ve managed to reach the end without ever wanting to put it down and walk away!
Borrowed Time by Russell Dean.
Blurb:
‘Tom Jacob is bored with his life.
He’s stuck in a job he doesn’t like, his love life is non-existent, and he’s tired of being seen as boring and dependable, so when his wayward twin brother convinces him to spend a night partying instead of doing paperwork, Tom reluctantly agrees.
The following morning he wakes up in a field. In Wales. In 1889.
Stranded more than a century in the past, Tom has to overcome language barriers and suspicion as he attempts to adapt to the world around him and find a way back to his own time, but with two people from the sleepy village of Cwm Newydd now missing, one local resident seems hell bent on pinning the blame for their disappearance on the strange Englishman who appeared out of nowhere.
Determined to find his way home, the discovery of a long hidden family secret will change Tom’s life forever, and when romance comes knocking he’ll be left wondering in which timeline his heart truly lies.’
Borrowed Time – by Russell Dean
What attracted me to the book wasn’t the cover but the blurb’s description of it as a time-travelling story. I love time travel. It’s one of my favourite genres (in the science-fiction category). But when I discovered this was a gay time-travelling story, my interest in the book was even more inquisitive. A gay-themed time-travelling story? That’s a first for me.
I wasn’t keen on the romance element of the book’s blurb. It’s a genre that has never appealed to me. When I hear or read the word ‘romance,’ I immediately think of silly movies like Notting Hill, Marley and Me, and Love Actually—movies that always send me to sleep. Would this book do the same? No!
From the moment I opened the book, I felt at home, all cosy with my feet up and a pot of English Breakfast tea on the go. The first page intrigued me and made me want to know more. I knew some of the story would be set in Wales, so perhaps this is what made me feel at home. Even though it starts in England, I knew (from the blurb) that Tom (the main character) would travel in time and end up in Wales. However, he didn’t get there quickly.
Although it took a while for the time travel to happen, the story’s opening was gripping and made me wonder what was happening in Tom’s life and want to find out more. Tom thinks he leads a dull and boring life, but it is anything but dull and boring in the opening part of the book.
Once Tom does time travel back to Wales (and he gets there in an intriguing way), the story shifts up a few gears and becomes even more gripping. I was so engrossed in what was happening that I did not want to put the book down, so I had to force myself away to deal with other matters (when they occurred) that needed my attention. Otherwise, I would have read the whole book in one sitting.
‘Borrowed Time’ was often on my mind when I was not reading it. Even when trying to fall asleep, I found myself working out what would happen next and guessing how the story would end (I always have a habit of doing that). The chapters, some of which were a bit on the long side, all ended on cliffhangers, so the urge was there to find out, but rarely did I guess what would happen next.
Something that has never happened to me before when reading a book is falling in love with one of the characters. Don’t get me wrong, Russell Dean described all his characters well, but one particular character stood out more than the others. Whenever that character disappeared from the story, I found myself urging them to come back again soon. That’s how much of an impact that character had on me. I won’t say which character I am referring to, but weeks after finishing the book, they often cross my mind, and I wish they were real.
Something else I loved about the book was some of the ‘old’ traditions played out by some of the characters in 1890s Wales. For example, in one scene, a bride empties a purse of pennies onto the roadside as she sets off to the church, and the children run to pick up as many of the pennies as they can. This is a tradition I remember well from my childhood days, and it seems to have died out in recent times. It brought back many happy memories, proving that the author did an excellent research job while writing the book.
The book has many emotions—sadness, shock, and humour, to name but a few—all of which got my heart racing. My emotions often felt like they were on a rollercoaster while reading the book. That told me just how good the writing and storytelling were.
I mentioned earlier that I couldn’t help but wonder how the story would end. When I finally got to the end, let’s just say that not only did it take me by surprise, but it was an ending that pleased me, even though I wanted to burst out crying. Russell Dean scored a bullseye with the ending.
‘Borrowed Time’ deserves a sequel and would also make a fantastic movie or TV drama. It’s unlike anything I’ve read or watched before.
If you’d like to add ‘Borrowed Time’ to your ‘To Read’ list, it’s available at the following places.
October 17, 2023, prompt: Write a story about something shaggy in 99 words (no more, no less). It can be carpet, a hair-do, or some sort of critter. How can something shaggy steer the story? Go where the prompt leads! See ‘October 17: Story Challenge in 99-words‘ for more details.
Have You Heard Of Shaggy Pages? – by Hugh W. Roberts
I opened a charming bookstore called ‘Shaggy Pages’ in a quaint town.
It became a refuge for the LGBTQ+ community, where stories of love and acceptance filled the air.
My cosy shop, adorned with shaggy tapestries and shelves brimming with diverse tales, was a sanctuary for those seeking solace and connection. It was here that relationships bloomed, and hearts found belonging.
In the warm embrace of ‘Shaggy Pages,’ I wove together stories of love, courage, and pride, creating a tapestry of acceptance far beyond my shop’s walls.
‘Shaggy Pages’ – the place where everyone is welcome. Come on in.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
September 12, 2023, prompt: Write a story about the insect nation in 99 words (no more, no less). You can focus on a particular insect or all insects. Is your story one of acceptance and understanding? Scientific knowledge? Or apocalyptic horror? Get bugged and go where the prompt leads! See September 12: Story Challenge in 99 words for more details.
If You Go Down To The Woods – by Hugh W. Roberts
In the ancient woods, a spectral chill whispered through the leaves, carrying the wail of the Insect Nation’s forgotten souls.
Beetles, once known as sacred guardians, marched in supernatural processions. Fireflies, long extinguished, flickered like ghostly lanterns in the moonless night. Spiders wove threads of sorrow in their tattered webs, trapping echoes of their past.
But the creepy swarm of bluebottle flies sent shivers down the spine of all who trespassed. Their eerie hum was the insect kingdom’s tragic requiem, a reminder of their timeless dominion, unseen yet ever-present.
In the haunted woods, the Insect Nation’s phantoms reigned supreme.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
Flash Fiction Friday
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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
Glimpses
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
August 29, 2023, prompt: Write a story about a fiesta in 99 words (no more, no less). It can be any festival, celebration, or use of the word. Is it food-related or an event? Is it an object or a shout-out? Who is involved and why? What happens? Go where the prompt leads! See ‘August 29: Story Challenge in 99-words‘ for more details.
Pride And Prejudices – by Hugh W. Roberts
Amid the vibrant fiesta in our town that once silenced love’s diversity, Johnny and I dared to be ourselves.
No longer afraid, we clasped hands and weaved through the colourful crowds of acceptance.
Together, we two young men danced under the moonlit sky while rainbow butterflies fluttered around us.
This fiesta was more than just a celebration; it was a declaration of our love over prejudice.
Embraced by cheers and applause, we finally kissed, the world around us fading to insignificance.
Our love was a beacon at that moment, guiding others towards acceptance and a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
Flash Fiction Friday
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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
Glimpses
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
August 22, 2023, prompt: Write a story about the arrival of the weather in 99 words (no more, no less). It can mean any kind of weather event, meteorological or mythological. Is the weather personified, random, or calculating? Where does it arrive? Is it typical or epoch-changing? Who is involved? See August 22: Story Challenge in 99 words for more details.
The Final Breaths Of Summer – by Hugh W. Roberts
Amidst the flags, my town celebrated love, welcoming the weather’s arrival that marked the final breaths of summer. Hearts bloomed like the June flowers.
Couples, regardless of gender, held hands, their love as natural as the warm sun that had kissed their cheeks.
But, like people, the weather could be erratic.
A sudden storm darkened the sky, raining on the love. But as resilient as a rainbow after the rain, love persisted.
Together, we weather life’s disruptions, proving that love knows no bounds, no matter the storm. It always shines as brilliantly as the sun emerging from the clouds.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
Flash Fiction Friday
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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
Glimpses
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
July 11, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a loving relationship with an adult child. What happens when a significant child in one’s life becomes an adult? Think beyond a son or daughter — a niece or nephew, a former student, a grandchild. How did the relationship shift? What is the importance of the new dynamic? Go where the prompt leads! See July 11: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.
Coming Out – by Hugh W. Roberts
“Gran, I’m gay.”
“I’m so glad you’re here. I was worried something was wrong,” came the reply.
We hugged. We’d been through so much together.
“There’s nothing wrong with me being gay, right, Gran?”
She shook her head.
“I love you, Gran.”
“I love you too, Bill.”
We hugged again before I went to my room.
I was finally ready to start living my life openly and honestly. And I knew I had my Grandmother’s love and support to help me along the way.
Although I was tired, I was also happy. I knew that I was finally home.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
Flash Fiction Friday
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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
Glimpses
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
May 9, 2023, prompt: Write a story about two who can keep a secret in 99 words (no more, no less). Is the secret between them, or is one keeping a secret from the other. Who are they? What remains unknown? What is revealed? Go where the prompt leads! See May 9: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.
What You Can’t See – by Hugh W. Roberts
Jake and Scott found solace within their secret haven in a world of stifling judgment.
Their hearts intertwined; they danced through life’s labyrinth, concealing their secret love from prying eyes.
Behind closed doors, their passion ignited like wildfire, unapologetic and genuine.
Their whispered affections became a sacred symphony known only to them.
Society’s chains threatened them, but they held firm, protecting their secret.
Side by side, they painted rainbows of resilience, unyielding in their love’s brilliance.
Together, they vowed to endure, guarding their secret with unbreakable devotion, knowing their love was a beacon in a world longing for acceptance.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
May 1, 2023, prompt: Write a story about high water in 99 words (no more, no less). Hell can be involved or not. Is high water a new drink? A crisis in nature or the basement? Get in the flow. Go where the prompt leads! Check May 1: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.
In Heaven And Hell – by Hugh W. Roberts
Amid the chaos of the rising floodwaters, Anne and Fiona found themselves stranded on a rooftop.
They’d been strangers before, but now they clung to each other for survival.
As the water crept closer, they discussed their lives and dreams, finding unexpected commonalities. They shared stories of heartbreak and triumph. It wasn’t long before they silently fell in love with each other.
They spent the night on the rooftop, holding each other tightly as the water raged below.
When the rescue boats arrived, they stepped into a new world, hand in hand, ready to face whatever came their way.
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Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
April 24, 2023, prompt: Write a story about the colour of hope in 99 words (no more, no less). Who needs hope, and why? How can you use colour to shape the story? Pick a colour, any colour. Go where the prompt leads! See April 24: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.
Where There Is Hope – by Hugh W. Roberts
As the Pride Parade approached, the city streets were awash with every rainbow colour. But for Tim, a young, closeted bisexual man, only one colour truly embodied the spirit of hope – Green. It was the colour of his first love’s eyes and the hope he carried for a world that accepted and celebrated all identities.
As he watched the march, he knew he was not alone. Many diversities watched the parade while waving rainbow flags. Together, they would fight for a future where every colour of love was accepted.
Hope always won over the hatred for being different.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’
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32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.
Hugh's Views & News 