Love "Sliding Doors" type reads. This explored dream world affecting reality. Interesting to see that the grass is not always greener on the other side and that sometimes it takes a new look at your life to appreciate things.

James Rubart has such a unique writing style that his books tend to grab my attention. This story line will twist your mind (as his books do) and by the end I was confused yet intrigued. The book goes between present day and past younger Brock, so I really had to pay attention to the dates because it can get confusing fast. This book really makes the reader think about the decisions made on a daily basis. If Brock had chosen one thing differently in his past, his entire future would be completely different. On that same note though, we can't live in fear of making the exact right choice. We can't see ahead and even if things aren't smooth sailing, our character is built by the choices we make. I think this book displays this is a unique way and Rubart has once again written a great novel.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

As with most of Rubart's books, I find it hard to tell the truth from the fantasy. Sometimes that makes for a good read, sometimes the blurred lines around Truth are disturbing.

A chance to "repair" the wrongs in your life. What if you are able to meet your younger self in your dreams? What if you are able to change the present by what you tell the said younger self in the dream? And yes, what could go wrong?

Very interesting! With a nod towards the movie series "Back to the Future", this one is a witty take on all of the possibilities to "repaint" all what went wrong. Only - if you do not know and change your heart, all of the changes might take the unexpected turns.
This is an impressive "documentation" to the depths of the human hearts, with all of its broken places, dark places and the places that longs for the purity of true love.
First I thought that this would be a simpler read that it is - but this is because I am used to the female language and this is a male story, told by male. And just because it looks simple to a superficial eye, one would be foolish to does not see the gems of hidden depths, wisdom and life experience here.

This is a wise book - and also a very readable book! It reads like a movie, but its deep knowledge of human heart goes from the lived experience.
Recommended read.

Rubart does it again with another intriguing, thought-provoking concept. The author weaves in strong spiritual truth and opportunities for self-examination in addition to the fascinating premise.
Brock Matthews’ business is going under, his marriage is disintegrating and his relationship with his brother isn’t good. When a friend introduces him to the concept of “lucid dreaming” — where Brock can control his dreams — he decides to try it. However, it doesn’t seem like dreaming; Brock actually seems to be talking to himself in the past, which has a tangible effect on his life when he awakens. The more things change, the worse his life becomes, and he must figure out a way to stop the downward spiral.

I’ve been played. Like a fine-tuned instrument in the hands of a master. In his latest project (you cannot call what James L. Rubart does writing, anymore than you can call what Michelangelo did sculpting, or what DaVinci did painting, or what Beethoven did composing) James L. Rubart subtly captured my interest, and then skillfully played upon my emotions and my intellect. Until it was too late.

To stop, that is. To stop experiencing (one does not read James L. Rubart’s projects) the vision that is THE FIVE TIMES I MET MYSELF.

Who doesn’t have regrets over decisions made in the past? Who hasn’t entertained the idea, even said the words, “If I only knew then what I know now . . .”

Things would be different. I’d have done things differently. I would have chosen what’s behind door number three.

Regret is a huge idea that lingers in the background; it’s the outline of many of our future decisions and determinations. Sometimes it’s the foundation of many of our most intricately laid plans, and most expansive endeavors. (Sometimes, it may even spark one’s interest and cause one to write a book about it.)

Brock Matthews’ once promising life is unraveling. His coffee company. His marriage. So . . . when he discovers his vivid dreams – where he meets his younger self – might actually let him change his past mistakes, he jumps at the chance. The results are astonishing – and disturbing. Because getting what Brock wants most in the world will force him to give up the one thing he doesn’t know how to let go.

And his greatest fear is that it’s already too late.

* WARNING * Do not open this book unless you are willing to entertain the idea of having your whole world turned upside down.


5 stars for mesmerizing fiction from James L. Rubart