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The Color of Heaven #9
The Color of Time
They say it’s impossible to change the past...
Since her magical summer romance at the age of sixteen, Sylvie Nichols has never been able to forget her first love. Years later, when she returns to the seaside town where she lost her heart to Ethan Foster, she is determined to lay the past to rest once and for all. But letting go becomes a challenge when Sylvie finds herself transported back to that long ago summer of love…and the turbulent events that followed. Soon, past and present begin to collide in strange and mystifying ways, and Sylvie can’t help but wonder if a true belief in miracles is powerful enough to change both her past and her future....
"Full of high emotional moments and unexpected twists and turns, these Color of Heaven books are impossible to put down." - New York Times bestselling author, Emily March.
While each novel in the series can be read as a standalone, there are many more books to love in this series!
Since her magical summer romance at the age of sixteen, Sylvie Nichols has never been able to forget her first love. Years later, when she returns to the seaside town where she lost her heart to Ethan Foster, she is determined to lay the past to rest once and for all. But letting go becomes a challenge when Sylvie finds herself transported back to that long ago summer of love…and the turbulent events that followed. Soon, past and present begin to collide in strange and mystifying ways, and Sylvie can’t help but wonder if a true belief in miracles is powerful enough to change both her past and her future....
"Full of high emotional moments and unexpected twists and turns, these Color of Heaven books are impossible to put down." - New York Times bestselling author, Emily March.
While each novel in the series can be read as a standalone, there are many more books to love in this series!
300 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2015
1781 people are currently reading
1451 people want to read
About the author
Julianne MacLean
80 books4,232 followersJulianne MacLean is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including the contemporary women’s fiction Color of Heaven Series. Readers have described her books as “breathtaking,” “soulful” and “uplifting.” MacLean is a four-time RITA finalist and has won numerous awards, including the Booksellers’ Best Award and a Reviewers’ Choice Award from Romantic Times. Her novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been published in over a dozen languages.
MacLean has a degree in English literature from the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a degree in business administration from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She loves to travel and has lived in New Zealand, Canada, and England. MacLean currently resides on the east coast of Canada in a lakeside home with her husband and daughter.
For more information about Julianne and her writing life, please visit her website at www.juliannemaclean.com. Be sure to follow her on Bookbub to be notified whenever her ebooks are offered for FREE or 99 cents. (www.bookbub.com/authors/julianne-maclean) and chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JulianneMacLeanRoman...), Twitter (@JulianneMacLean), and Instagram (@JulianneMaclean).
MacLean has a degree in English literature from the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a degree in business administration from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She loves to travel and has lived in New Zealand, Canada, and England. MacLean currently resides on the east coast of Canada in a lakeside home with her husband and daughter.
For more information about Julianne and her writing life, please visit her website at www.juliannemaclean.com. Be sure to follow her on Bookbub to be notified whenever her ebooks are offered for FREE or 99 cents. (www.bookbub.com/authors/julianne-maclean) and chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JulianneMacLeanRoman...), Twitter (@JulianneMacLean), and Instagram (@JulianneMaclean).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
November 19, 2017
There was so much drama in this book and when it first started, I thought that this book wasn't for me. The drama felt very much like Grey's Anatomy (which I love and Addison and Derek's names being dropped in made me so excited!!) or like those movies on FOX Life (no idea what's the American equivalent for this channel, maybe the Hallmark movies) which sometimes I'm in a mood for, but it normally doesn't work in books for me, but it this time it did - the book wasn't excellent or the best thing ever, but I enjoyed it :)
The story is interesting and I especially like the way it is told, with the different scenarios of someone's life. Sometimes I rolled my eyes, but nothing too bad, and it's also a short read, so that's a plus - definitely a pleasant surprise
(Free book from Google Play, through BookBub)
The story is interesting and I especially like the way it is told, with the different scenarios of someone's life. Sometimes I rolled my eyes, but nothing too bad, and it's also a short read, so that's a plus - definitely a pleasant surprise
(Free book from Google Play, through BookBub)
September 8, 2015
I never know what to say about a Julianne MacLean book, except to say YOU HAVE TO READ IT. I always find myself very introspective after reading one of her books and The Color of Time was no exception. We met Sylvie Nichols in the previous book The Color of Joy, so we got to know a little bit about her in advance of this book. Or did we? In The Color of Time, the author attempts to answer the age old question: "What if you just did one thing different, would life have the same outcome?" She demonstrates how that question can be answered through Sylvie's experiences. Several of them.
What's unique about Sylvie's experiences is that while she was actually dreaming, her alternative realities are real to her. They are real to us. They happen. As the story progresses, you find yourself wondering which reality is the REAL one. And you are as heartbroken as Sylvie each time when you find out something you experienced wasn't real - because it happened. It had to have happened.
Ms. MacLean's character development is strong, as always. Her characters are what draw you into her books and the emotions they experience are read to the reader. It's very easy to be drawn into a Color of Heaven book and experience it right along with the characters, emotions and all.
This is not your typical paranormal, where you would expect magical powers, fantasy characters and the like. Sylvie's experience of alternate realities is the only paranormal aspect to this story - the characters and storyline are rooted in reality and the everyday experiences in a wonderful north eastern town.
In the end, Sylvie's story ends up the way it was meant to be, but she and the reader take a wonderful, heartbreaking, mysterious path to get there. It's so difficult to discuss much about this book without divulging spoilers, so I'll just reiterate what I said at the beginning. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What's unique about Sylvie's experiences is that while she was actually dreaming, her alternative realities are real to her. They are real to us. They happen. As the story progresses, you find yourself wondering which reality is the REAL one. And you are as heartbroken as Sylvie each time when you find out something you experienced wasn't real - because it happened. It had to have happened.
Ms. MacLean's character development is strong, as always. Her characters are what draw you into her books and the emotions they experience are read to the reader. It's very easy to be drawn into a Color of Heaven book and experience it right along with the characters, emotions and all.
This is not your typical paranormal, where you would expect magical powers, fantasy characters and the like. Sylvie's experience of alternate realities is the only paranormal aspect to this story - the characters and storyline are rooted in reality and the everyday experiences in a wonderful north eastern town.
In the end, Sylvie's story ends up the way it was meant to be, but she and the reader take a wonderful, heartbreaking, mysterious path to get there. It's so difficult to discuss much about this book without divulging spoilers, so I'll just reiterate what I said at the beginning. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2017
The Color of Time is my first Julianne MacLean read. Thus I have not read any of the previous books in the series... And I found I did not need to read the others to enjoy this installment.
It's all about the What If's? What if I'd gone right instead of left? What if I'd never gone? We all at some point have asked these questions. In The Color of Time we get to see the journey Sylvie Nichols takes when she changes the What If's. To compare the story is reminiscent to the movies: The Lake House, Premonition and The Butterfly Effect. All good movies right?
So why only the three stars Jenn? Well....... Ok the writing was great, smooth and the plot was wow, yeah I want some of that. Buuut. I found my self skimming. I'm not 100% sure why. Maybe there wasn't enough change in emotion. Sylvie was very much stuck in the past. Which equaled a sad Sylvie for the first 42% of the book. Then things take a turn and Sylvie starts to look to the future. Then here comes 68% and we are back to sad. But we are back to looking to the future at 76%. Awesome back on track!. The story ends at 87% and we have an HEA. It all was just not enough for me.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I am not unhappy I spent a few hours reading it. If you are looking for a feel good about the decisions you have made, quick read this is the read for you.
It's all about the What If's? What if I'd gone right instead of left? What if I'd never gone? We all at some point have asked these questions. In The Color of Time we get to see the journey Sylvie Nichols takes when she changes the What If's. To compare the story is reminiscent to the movies: The Lake House, Premonition and The Butterfly Effect. All good movies right?
So why only the three stars Jenn? Well....... Ok the writing was great, smooth and the plot was wow, yeah I want some of that. Buuut. I found my self skimming. I'm not 100% sure why. Maybe there wasn't enough change in emotion. Sylvie was very much stuck in the past. Which equaled a sad Sylvie for the first 42% of the book. Then things take a turn and Sylvie starts to look to the future. Then here comes 68% and we are back to sad. But we are back to looking to the future at 76%. Awesome back on track!. The story ends at 87% and we have an HEA. It all was just not enough for me.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I am not unhappy I spent a few hours reading it. If you are looking for a feel good about the decisions you have made, quick read this is the read for you.
September 12, 2015
Another great one in this series. Can't wait for #10!
March 28, 2020
This is a story that looks at the question what if and wanting to turn back time. This story is about a young woman Sylvie, who had good reason for regrets and a possible future snatched from her. However, similar to the inventor of the " Time Machine", who wanted to change the past, due to the death of his beloved, Sylvie finds that tragedy strikes, eventually, and the love she had wanted to last forever, never does. She found that "Fate was playing hardball with her, because subtlety hadn't worked thus far."
She encompasses three life strands, paths that could have been taken, but only the knowledge remained. I guess the point of the story is that some things are just meant to be no matter what your decisions are
The what if aspect can drive you crazy cause who knows even if you can travel though time to change a decision it still has consequences.
She encompasses three life strands, paths that could have been taken, but only the knowledge remained. I guess the point of the story is that some things are just meant to be no matter what your decisions are
The what if aspect can drive you crazy cause who knows even if you can travel though time to change a decision it still has consequences.
July 21, 2019
The Color of Time (The Color of Heaven Series Book 9)
The story of Sylvie. Sylvie return to Maine to help her grandmother. She dreams she go back in time a change the past. Will this changes make a better future?
The story of Sylvie. Sylvie return to Maine to help her grandmother. She dreams she go back in time a change the past. Will this changes make a better future?
July 23, 2017
I really do not know of anyone who has not wished to turn back time. This story is about a young woman Sylvie, who had good reason for regrets and a possible future snatched from her. However, similar to the inventor of the " Time Machine", who wanted to change the past, due to the death of his beloved, Sylvie finds that tragedy strikes, eventually, and the love she had wanted to last forever, never does. She found that "Fate was playing hardball with her, because subtlety hadn't worked thus far."
She encompasses three life strands, paths that could have been taken, but only the knowledge remained.
Finally, she realizes that "I am the woman I am today, because of what I have been through. "
I believe we all should understand that that some things we go through, although regrettable and painful, are the very things that gives us strength of character, to face the uncertainty of the future.
She encompasses three life strands, paths that could have been taken, but only the knowledge remained.
Finally, she realizes that "I am the woman I am today, because of what I have been through. "
I believe we all should understand that that some things we go through, although regrettable and painful, are the very things that gives us strength of character, to face the uncertainty of the future.
September 12, 2017
Multidimensional time travel is an interesting idea, but I don't think it was handled well in this novel. The storyline was a bit scattered. I've been stuck in the house all day with no power, thanks to Hurricane Irma; Otherwise, I probably wouldn't have finished this book.
July 28, 2017
Three stars
I basically enjoyed this book
Not the usual time travel plot. That being said, I did find areas kind of hard to follow from time to time.
I basically enjoyed this book
Not the usual time travel plot. That being said, I did find areas kind of hard to follow from time to time.
August 31, 2019
I gave this one 3 stars. The series has been five star so far but this one delved into too much Imagined time travels and I just didn’t care for it at all. It was too choppy. The ending was boring.
BUT what was 5 stars were the messages that gave me goosebumps because it applied so much to my life:
“Sometimes the answer isn’t to forget the past. It’s to accept it. And be grateful for what you learned from it.”
“I have forgiven myself and others for what happened all those years ago. But I have not forgotten any of it, nor do I ever wish to. I am the woman I am today because of what I have been through. I am grateful for all of it—every single minute, good or bad—and I will never again lose sight of what miracles might be possible in the future.”
“Regret—I am all done with you. All my energy is exactly where it should be—focused on my family and friends and the beauty of each new day. I will always be grateful for the bounty in my life, and as time marches on, I will move forward with courage and exhilaration.”
BUT what was 5 stars were the messages that gave me goosebumps because it applied so much to my life:
“Sometimes the answer isn’t to forget the past. It’s to accept it. And be grateful for what you learned from it.”
“I have forgiven myself and others for what happened all those years ago. But I have not forgotten any of it, nor do I ever wish to. I am the woman I am today because of what I have been through. I am grateful for all of it—every single minute, good or bad—and I will never again lose sight of what miracles might be possible in the future.”
“Regret—I am all done with you. All my energy is exactly where it should be—focused on my family and friends and the beauty of each new day. I will always be grateful for the bounty in my life, and as time marches on, I will move forward with courage and exhilaration.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2018
Audiobook - available in the audible romance bundle
Narration - Samara Naeymi - pretty good. I know this will probably stick in your head (sorry) but her grandma sounds like Marge Simpson (just sayin’)
Hmmm. This whole series, I’ve spent most of the book trying to figure out how it’s all going to come together in the end, but this one definitely had me all over the place, with no clue how all these ends were going to find their way back to each other.
I felt as mysteriously confused at times as Sylvie. Looking back, it really is funny when I think about all the different scenarios I had in my head for what was going to happen - pretty much ALL OF THEM wrong!!!
Really enjoying this series. All well written, superbly narrated, just really happy I stumbled upon this author and these books.
Narration - Samara Naeymi - pretty good. I know this will probably stick in your head (sorry) but her grandma sounds like Marge Simpson (just sayin’)
Hmmm. This whole series, I’ve spent most of the book trying to figure out how it’s all going to come together in the end, but this one definitely had me all over the place, with no clue how all these ends were going to find their way back to each other.
I felt as mysteriously confused at times as Sylvie. Looking back, it really is funny when I think about all the different scenarios I had in my head for what was going to happen - pretty much ALL OF THEM wrong!!!
Really enjoying this series. All well written, superbly narrated, just really happy I stumbled upon this author and these books.
June 6, 2020
A really different book in the series
I am reading this series in order, which I wholehearted recommend, and this was told in a completely different manner. I only gave it four stars because I thought the story line was a bit confusing. There were three versions of Sylvie’s life being told with no indication until the end about which one was actuality. It definitely made for interesting reading and I definitely wanted to keep reading to find out the real version of her life. The books in this series are all well-written and well-edited but I would not recommend that you read this one first. If you don’t want to start with book one, I would definitely recommend that you read book eight, The Color of Joy, in which Sylvia is first introduced, before reading this one. All that said, I highly recommend the series.
I am reading this series in order, which I wholehearted recommend, and this was told in a completely different manner. I only gave it four stars because I thought the story line was a bit confusing. There were three versions of Sylvie’s life being told with no indication until the end about which one was actuality. It definitely made for interesting reading and I definitely wanted to keep reading to find out the real version of her life. The books in this series are all well-written and well-edited but I would not recommend that you read this one first. If you don’t want to start with book one, I would definitely recommend that you read book eight, The Color of Joy, in which Sylvia is first introduced, before reading this one. All that said, I highly recommend the series.
February 20, 2018
I have really enjoyed this series so far, but this one I found a little bit confusing to follow.
While dreaming, or maybe not dreaming, the main character goes back in time and changes things. She thinks if she changes one decision, she will not lose her first love, Ethan, and her child. There are three different possible futures and she remembers all of them. Everyone around her remembers all of them.
I guess the point of the story is that some things are just meant to be no matter what your decisions are, and I enjoyed the premise, I just felt that the execution was a little unclear.
While dreaming, or maybe not dreaming, the main character goes back in time and changes things. She thinks if she changes one decision, she will not lose her first love, Ethan, and her child. There are three different possible futures and she remembers all of them. Everyone around her remembers all of them.
I guess the point of the story is that some things are just meant to be no matter what your decisions are, and I enjoyed the premise, I just felt that the execution was a little unclear.
February 17, 2021
I have read this series in order and this was my least favorite book so far. Still overall it was an ok story but was confusing in parts.
I guess the premise was the main character was stuck in a rut after a tragedy when young and eventually looks up lucid dreaming and astral projection and then embarks on both?
We go through a few different lives and it’s unclear how we got to each one or why. Lucid dreaming is knowing you are dreaming and being able to control it but Sylvie always seems confused so if that’s supposed to be lucid dreaming, it doesn’t meet the definition.
The overall messages about not living in the past or getting stuck there resonate, however.
I guess the premise was the main character was stuck in a rut after a tragedy when young and eventually looks up lucid dreaming and astral projection and then embarks on both?
We go through a few different lives and it’s unclear how we got to each one or why. Lucid dreaming is knowing you are dreaming and being able to control it but Sylvie always seems confused so if that’s supposed to be lucid dreaming, it doesn’t meet the definition.
The overall messages about not living in the past or getting stuck there resonate, however.
July 29, 2021
I was so disappointed in this book. I have read and loved all the others but this one left me cold. I fell for each experience Sylvia went through only to discover she just imagined it. I still am confused about what really happened to Ethan, Tyler, Chris, Cassie and all the others. I am sorry I wasted my time reading about things that happened, then hadn’t happened. I would not recommend this book to anyone. Plus I wish the author would have told us what happened during the second follow up with the doctor. It wasn’t mentioned again. What a disappointment this book was!
January 30, 2022
This was all about “what if”. It wasn’t a bad story, I just felt lost sometimes. It’s about Sylvia Nichols born in Montana and the 2 summers she and her sister spent at her grandparents home along coastal Maine. Her life was shattered during one of her summers, when her boyfriend died at the hands of his outraged father when he found out his son was dating Sylvia. She can’t move forward and lives in the past dreaming of what her life might have been like if her boyfriend didn’t die. We can’t change our past but how do we let go so we can move on
January 14, 2018
this was my first book by Julianne MacLean..it won't be my last. I hadn't read any of the others in this series and now I want to start with #1. You don't need to read them in order as I stated. It had me very conferred at first as I had forgotten that it was a timetravel book..I stayed with it and I am so glad that I did..I truly enjoyed. The way she draws the situations and explains everything. She really has a gift.
Read this book you will enjoy if you like timetravel books which I do..
Read this book you will enjoy if you like timetravel books which I do..
September 16, 2020
In True Romance Mystery Style this Book Hooks You Early
And it keeps you wanting more. As each layer of the story unfolds the character of Sylvie becomes more endearing and the line between natural and supernatural more blurred. As a person who truly believes there’s another stronger dimension to life that most of us rarely, barely or never tap into I love the way Julianne M weaves that dimension into life tales in romantic settings.
And it keeps you wanting more. As each layer of the story unfolds the character of Sylvie becomes more endearing and the line between natural and supernatural more blurred. As a person who truly believes there’s another stronger dimension to life that most of us rarely, barely or never tap into I love the way Julianne M weaves that dimension into life tales in romantic settings.
June 14, 2022
This book wasn't what I expected from the blurb. Sylvie Nichols goes back to Maine to help her grandmother after she breaks her hip. Maine is where Sylvie's troubles started (per the previous book) and she realizes this is an opportunity to face her demons. Sylvie starts to have wierd dreams with an altered past, which leads into two different paths her life may have taken. It was kind of confusing and most of the book was depressing. Not my favorite of the series.
August 2, 2022
Vivid dreams
Although I enjoyed this book, it was a bit hard to follow at times. Sylvie, the main character, described her dreams (astral projections ) so vividly that it was difficult to tell what was reality at times.
Julie MacLean is a talented writer who draws you into her stories and keeps you turning the pages. I read this book out of order, so my concerns about the story line may be attributable to that rather than to the authors’s plot line.
Although I enjoyed this book, it was a bit hard to follow at times. Sylvie, the main character, described her dreams (astral projections ) so vividly that it was difficult to tell what was reality at times.
Julie MacLean is a talented writer who draws you into her stories and keeps you turning the pages. I read this book out of order, so my concerns about the story line may be attributable to that rather than to the authors’s plot line.
October 12, 2022
When her grandmother in her eighties suffers a fall, Sylvie knows there is no one but her to give her a hand. Returning to Portland is something she does not want to do, not since the summer that her life changed. The wounds of that year has never healed, and Sylvie has never been the same.
But she returns. And in a series of dreams, or alternate realities, she encounters a different life. Or lives.
But she returns. And in a series of dreams, or alternate realities, she encounters a different life. Or lives.
April 28, 2024
What was reality, and what was a dream?
I love all the books in this series. However, this book was confusing. I rated it as a four because after having finished the book, I still wasn't sure what had actually happened to the main character. All the dream sequences were described so realistically that I had a difficult time accepting that they were just dreams. The book is well written, I enjoyed reading it!
I love all the books in this series. However, this book was confusing. I rated it as a four because after having finished the book, I still wasn't sure what had actually happened to the main character. All the dream sequences were described so realistically that I had a difficult time accepting that they were just dreams. The book is well written, I enjoyed reading it!
February 1, 2018
this book deals with the choices of time and how they may influence of future. Sylvia still regrets some of the decisiions she made in her young life. So when she researches the idea of lucid dreaming, she is eager to try it, but will different decisions have the same result? I don't know, I just couldn't get into this book as easily as the others. It's hard going from past to past to past
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2018
I have read the Color of Heaven series in order, and enjoyed them all. This book left me very confused. I have a lot of dreams and generally remember them all. I love dreaming of family members who have passed because it feels like a visit. However, the time travel and dreams in this book left me very confused
July 26, 2019
Do not recommend
Julianne MacLean was one of my favorite authors, until this book. I totally did not care for this book. The lucid dream idea and all the following "dreams" made her usual believable romance novels very fantasy-like and not true to life. I did not care for this style at all and do not recommend it.
Julianne MacLean was one of my favorite authors, until this book. I totally did not care for this book. The lucid dream idea and all the following "dreams" made her usual believable romance novels very fantasy-like and not true to life. I did not care for this style at all and do not recommend it.
November 24, 2019
Different
The astral moving between two realities, is quite different. Makes one wonder! I enjoyed the fact that the author included some excerpts from the previous books. Can't wait to read the next book. For a change I have managed to read the books in order, I started with A Curve in the Road.
The astral moving between two realities, is quite different. Makes one wonder! I enjoyed the fact that the author included some excerpts from the previous books. Can't wait to read the next book. For a change I have managed to read the books in order, I started with A Curve in the Road.
October 30, 2021
this book this story was something else i gotta say. i went on this journey with Sylvie that was insane but it hooked me. I thought of so many things and the whole what if scenes that she was having was pulling me in a rollercoaster ride. I am happy that she got the ending that i knew that she deserved
January 27, 2022
Not on of my favorite books
I have read the series in order and have really really enjoyed them all until now. This was very confusing. Trying to sort out the truth. Trying to figure out this who astral projection thing. Just a little too much wizardry in this one. Onto the next one
I have read the series in order and have really really enjoyed them all until now. This was very confusing. Trying to sort out the truth. Trying to figure out this who astral projection thing. Just a little too much wizardry in this one. Onto the next one
April 18, 2022
A must read
This book was quiet different from the previous books in the series, won’t say to much more about it, no spoilers here. You will love this book, it brings you into a world of possibilities that life is not about the past regrets. You will find hope and strength as you go on a journey through time.
This book was quiet different from the previous books in the series, won’t say to much more about it, no spoilers here. You will love this book, it brings you into a world of possibilities that life is not about the past regrets. You will find hope and strength as you go on a journey through time.
December 2, 2022
What’s Reality?
This story centers around Sylvia Nichols. She and her sister, Jenn, visit their grandparents every summer. Sylvia’s grandmother ended up in the hospital needing surgery. Sylvia went to help her. That’s when her life seemed to be taking detours - or was it her mind? We’re her thoughts dreams or reality? An interesting read!
This story centers around Sylvia Nichols. She and her sister, Jenn, visit their grandparents every summer. Sylvia’s grandmother ended up in the hospital needing surgery. Sylvia went to help her. That’s when her life seemed to be taking detours - or was it her mind? We’re her thoughts dreams or reality? An interesting read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews