Review of As Time Unfolds

[Sam Ibeh]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "As Time Unfolds" by Barbara Zerfoss.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Bethany Miller lives her life a quarter-mile at a time. She has put all her energy into building B. R. Miller Advertising from scratch and is preparing for the next level of expansion towards her target of global coverage. This pursuit has sent her and her team into the heart of Costa Rica on a crucial assignment. This is where she encounters her first mystery, which will haunt her for some time. She is yet to solve the mystery behind those haunting eyes when something even stranger presents itself on her front desk. She has an opportunity to get answers to questions that have been left unanswered for almost her entire life. A mysterious note, a styled butterfly pendant, and a public document will serve as the invitation Bethany seeks. New beginnings beckon; will she take the bait?

As Time Unfolds has a dual storyline. Readers expecting the usual romantic words on paper will be pleasantly surprised to find some suspense conveniently nestled in the book. The primary character finds herself embarking on a journey of self-discovery.

I am particularly pleased with the effort Barbara Zerfoss put into building the romantic side of the story. It does not stand out as exceptional. However, what it lacks in spice and drama is more than adequately made up for with the unique twists in the story. The extent of information and effort put into the historical aspects of the book are also another pleasant factor. Selah's story, in particular, is a masterstroke. The way it is detailed in the journal expertly fits into the prevailing situation during that period.

For an adorable book, I am somewhat disappointed with its concluding chapters. It feels like the author is trying to push in so much information within those final chapters. For a book that paid slightly more than passing attention to "those eyes" throughout the majority of the novel, it feels like the ending is rushed such that it fits into the storyline almost like an afterthought. I reckon other readers may have a different view of this. Therefore, I'm not going to penalize the book because of this slight disappointment.

Lovers of the romance genre will be quickly drawn to this novel. It's not your classic boy-meets-girl tale. However, the author's unique style of interplaying between all the parties involved is quite fetching. There's just enough suspense in this novel to attract the average crime and mystery novel follower.

Barbara Zerfoss tells an exciting story that only a few of her contemporaries can replicate. Her work is error-free, and the linguistic style is appealing. I have a minor subjective issue regarding the book's last few chapters. However, I'll still rate it 4 out of 4 stars.

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As Time Unfolds
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[Nomcebo_0619]

Thanks for a wonderful review. I love it when the storyline is not too obvious, especially when it comes to romance books. This sounds time worthy.

[Modestar24]

Personally at the back of my mind I knew this book is about romance. The book however starts as a mystery which leaves the reader anticipating for more. I love it!

[kittykat6132]

Such a great review and I love the storyline of this book.

[Shivansh_Reviews]

The storyline seems quite complex to me, although I don't like such books I think I'll look into thus one a bit more after reading the review.

[Fedaa Nsair]

Thank you for the review. Sounds intriguing
I like the title and the cover is so gorgeous

[Dramani Daniel]

The title alone creates anticipation. The mixture of mystery and romance is creative. Thanks for the review.

[Luchris_klaus]

Bethany's determination is quite fascinating. The plot of the book is intriguing. Thanks for your review.

[Immaculate06]

The characterization of the book was well-constructed. Bethany's determination is intriguing. Good review.

[NetMassimo]

Romance is not my thing but I see that there's a lot more in this novel, especially on the crime and mystery side. Thank you for your great review!

[GNerd]

Well, I feel like the authors got some explanation for the concluding chapters. The good storyline can compensate for that though. Honest review I must commend.