Time After Time by Mickey Dory – A Sapphic Romance About Rebirth, Love, and Finding Home

A tender sapphic romance that transcends time, Time After Time explores love, loss, and second chances through two women connected across lifetimes.

Today we’re reviewing Time After Time by Mickey Dory — and no, not the Cyndi Lauper song (though I love that too). This beautifully written young adult sapphic romance completely took me by surprise. It’s not something I’d normally pick up — I tend to reach for fantasy over contemporary — but I’m so glad the publisher sent this one my way. What I found was a heartfelt, dual-timeline story about love that transcends lifetimes, forgiveness, and rediscovering yourself.

A Dual-Timeline Love Story

The novel follows two interconnected couples: Elizabeth and Patricia in 1925, and Libby and Tish in the present day.

In the 1920s, Elizabeth is a society girl, and Patricia is her Irish maid. Their secret romance blossoms in a time when such love was forbidden — and tragedy eventually tears them apart.

Fast-forward to the modern era, and we meet Libby, who feels an inexplicable pull toward an old estate once owned by Elizabeth. Against her family’s wishes, she uses her inheritance to buy the house — the same one she’s dreamed about since childhood. There, she meets Tish — fiery, red-haired, and unmistakably reminiscent of Patricia — and their connection is instant.

Through Elizabeth’s journals, Libby begins uncovering eerie parallels between her life and the women who came before her.

Love That Defies Time

The story’s magical realism shines through the concept of reincarnation, showing how love can transcend time and circumstance. Libby and Tish’s relationship mirrors Elizabeth and Patricia’s in ways that feel natural and emotionally rich, emphasizing courage, identity, and the freedom to live authentically.

Both heroines are trying to define themselves in a world that keeps trying to tell them who to be. Libby breaks free from her father’s expectations, while Tish confronts the pain of having an emotionally absent mother. Their stories intertwine as they learn to heal and love again.

A Standout Side Character

One of the most touching parts of this novel is Honey’s transformation — from Elizabeth’s snide friend to her lifelong companion. Watching her evolve into Elizabeth’s caretaker and confidante adds a layer of emotional weight that makes the ending all the more bittersweet. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder of how forgiveness and friendship can transform lives.

Final Thoughts

Time After Time is atmospheric, heartfelt, and beautifully paced. The dual timelines flow seamlessly, making the story easy to follow while maintaining deep emotional resonance. It’s a tale about love that refuses to die, about finding home and belonging even when the world feels unkind.