WHEN EVAN WEST IS TRANSPORTED THROUGH A TIME WARP, HIS ADVENTURE BEGINS IN…
THE HOLLYWOOD TIME TRAVEL SERIES TRILOGY
ENDORCED BY
HOLLYWOOD CELEBRITIES
AVAILABLE IN BARNES & NOBLE AND INDEPENDENT BOOK STORES
“A satisfying, exciting ride back to post-WWII Hollywood. Jimmy Stewart’s character comes alive from the page. Reading It’s A Wonderful Time reminds me how much I miss him.”
— Rich Little, Hollywood Legend
“If you’ve never been to Hollywood, this is your chance to see not only what it is but what it was and still should be from the comfort of your favorite chair. The sights, sounds, heart, soul and even smells of the good old days come alive on every page, paragraph and sentence. In a word… it’s Wonderful!”
John Schneider
Actor in the Dukes of Hazard, Smallville, and Poker Run
Welcome Time Travelers…
Welcome to 1946 Hollywood, CA Video
Book 1
It’s a Wonderful Time
In Episode 1—the first book in the Hollywood Time Travel Series—25-year-old Evan West stumbles through a mysterious time warp and finds himself in 1946 Hollywood, during the production of the now-iconic film It’s a Wonderful Life.
At first disoriented by his sudden leap into the past, Evan soon crosses paths with the film’s star, Jimmy Stewart. Their unlikely friendship leads Evan to a job on the movie as an assistant editor under legendary director Frank Capra. But when a greedy studio mogul threatens to compromise the heart of the film, Evan steps in. With his knowledge of cinema history and passion for preserving greatness, he helps ensure It’s a Wonderful Life is made as it was meant to be—the timeless classic we cherish today.
Along the way, Evan meets Dr. William Cooper—”Coop”—a brilliant 29-year-old scientist and fellow time traveler who once worked for Nikola Tesla. Coop was accidentally thrust into 1946 and quickly recognizes Evan as a kindred traveler. He helps Evan navigate the era and understand his purpose.
Evan begins to realize he’s been chosen—by destiny or providence—to protect Hollywood’s legacy. From saving films to influencing stars, his mission appears uniquely tied to iconic moments in movie history. Together, he and Coop form an unlikely but powerful duo, facing the past to preserve the future—one film at a time.
“Since I was child, Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life has been watched every Christmas in my home. It is still a cherished tradition. I expect It’s A Wonderful Time to be such a classic. It uses time travel to reexamine the post-war Capra film with today’s eyes, and is written with lots of humor and charm. It’s A Wonderful Time comes just in time — we all need to be reminded of both the progress and decline our society is going through.”
— Robert Davi, Actor in Die Hard, License to Kill and The Goonies
In the first episode, Evan is unexpectedly thrust into a temporal vortex after crashing into a telephone pole. The impact opens a mysterious time portal, and he’s hurled into the same location—but in 1946 Hollywood. The time gateway is unpredictable and unstable, leaving his return home uncertain and always in doubt.
Evan gradually discovers that his journey wasn’t an accident—he’s been chosen to fulfill a purpose, beginning with his mission in 1946 and continuing into future eras.
With each new book, Evan realizes he’s become a prisoner of time travel. As he is transported from one decade to another, he finds himself in the heart of landmark film productions from Hollywood’s Golden Age.
In Book 2, Evan and his brilliant companion, Coop, land in 1941, where they cross paths with movie star Hedy Lamarr and composer George Antheil—just as the duo finalizes an invention that will change the world. What awaits them in Book 3 is anyone’s guess.
These are the ongoing adventures of the Hollywood Time Traveler. For Evan West, it’s a journey into cinematic history—boldly going where no young filmmaker has gone before.
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“I loved this idea as a script 20 years ago when I first read it. I’m thrilled to see it coming back in book form reuniting two of my favorite films of all time — Back to the Future and It’s a Wonderful Life. This is a book for film lovers to fall in love all over again as they go back in time to these classics.”
— Doug Claybourne, Film Producer of The Fast and The Furious, The Mask of Zoro and War of The Roses
“Hop into Evan West’s 1938 Ford Coupe on a wild ride to Hollywood’s Golden Age as Evan tries to save the classic film from cunning Scoundrels. You’ll walk studio backlots with Jimmy Stewart, tag along to glitzy parties, and try to keep up during breathtaking chases. Life is even more wonderful with a pinch of time travel thrown in!”
— Margaret McConnell, editor and publishing professional
“It’s a Wonderful Time is a wonderful book. Combining the elements of noir, heist, time travel, and the golden era of Hollywood, the authors take the reader on a journey to post World War II when America saved the world from the clutches of the axis of evil and was about to reach her full potential. It’s a Wonderful Time is fun, clever and a great read!”
—Marshall Terrill, Author of 27 books, including best-selling biographies of Steve McQueen, Elvis Presley, Billy Graham, Johnny Cash and Pete Maravich
More Praise For It’s A Wonderful Time !
“Mesmerizing time-traveling Hollywood novel effortlessly transports you to yesteryear, then makes you never want to leave.”
—Adam Novak, author of Rat Park and Take Fountain
”I thoroughly enjoyed It’s a Wonderful Time. It’s a marvelous adventure as the magic world of Hollywood movie making in its finest hour collides with an adventurous ride. Doug Stebleton and Reinhard Denke have created charming characters and an exciting plot. I highly recommend it. Hire me when you make the movie, guys!”
— Michael Mandaville, Film Producer of Taken 1, 2 & 3
“Doug and Reinhard have come up with a wonderful and fine story. Jump on board, you’ll enjoy the ride.”
—Jack Erickson, author of the Milan Thriller Series
“Absolutely funny and touching …. What an extraordinary homage to the iconic film, It’s a Wonderful Life, one of the most beloved films of all time.”
—Rita Cosby, Emmy-Winning TV Host, Radio Host and Bestselling Author
“What if the dreariest day of a disappointing existence meant an opportunity to dance with your better angels, trying to preserve Frank Capra’s masterpiece It’s A Wonderful Life from Hollywood’s darkest impulses? Whimsical without being maudlin, transportive but never trite, authors Doug Stebleton and Reinhard Denke have concocted something original: An LA Bedlam Falls.”
— Chip Jacobs, author of Arroyo, The Darkest Glare and Strange As It Seems
Welcome to 1941 Los Angeles
Book 2
The Inventors
The Inventors (Book 2 in The Hollywood Time Travel Series) transports Evan West and Dr. William Cooper to the year 1941—a critical turning point as the United States edges closer to entering World War II. There, they encounter the brilliant and glamorous actress Hedy Lamarr and avant-garde composer George Antheil, who are racing to complete a groundbreaking invention: Spread Spectrum Technology, a wireless communications breakthrough intended to aid the Allied war effort.
But danger looms. The German Abwehr, the FBI, and Louis B. Mayer’s ruthless MGM security forces all want the technology for their own purposes—and they’re willing to silence anyone who stands in their way.
Evan and Coop forge an unlikely alliance with aviation tycoon Howard Hughes in a desperate bid to help Hedy and George deliver their invention to the U.S. Navy. At the same time, they face mounting challenges in their postproduction jobs within the demanding 1941 Hollywood studio system.
Plagued by the debilitating effects of time travel sickness—both mental and physical—the duo must also find a way to escape the past and return to their own time… if they survive.
The Inventors is a high-stakes, time-hopping adventure that honors the genius of Lamarr and Antheil—whose real-life innovation laid the groundwork for modern Bluetooth and wireless technology. It’s a tribute to the power of imagination, resilience, and the unsung heroes who changed the world.
Praise For The Inventors!
“Most writers approach vintage Hollywood as though their subject was
preserved in amber. Not the authors of the Hollywood Time Traveler
series; this kinetic romp will have you wishing you were right by the
protagonists’ sides as they tear through some of the Golden Age’s finest on and offscreen moments. An epic adventure for cinephiles and
sci-fi lovers of all ages…and eras!”
David Kukoff, screenwriter, author of “Children Of The
Canyon”, “1970”. Screenwriter of “Uncivil War” and “Citizen Orson”.
“A thrilling blend of history and science fiction, The Inventors takes readers on an exhilarating journey through time to 1941 Hollywood. This second installment in The Hollywood Time Travel Series masterfully weaves together real historical figures and events with intellectual adventure.
“The Inventors not only entertains but also educates, shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of Lamarr and Antheil to modern technology. It’s a poignant reminder that great ideas can come from unexpected places and have far-reaching consequences. This book will leave you pondering the nature of invention, the power of collaboration, and the hidden heroes of history long after you’ve turned the final page.”
Melissa Service – Author of Stephanie and Worthy of Thorns
“The Inventors is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of technology. It shows how brilliant ideas, even those that come from the most unlikely of sources, can shape our future for the better.”
Salli Newman, producer of “A Slight Case of Murder” &
“The Good Old Boys”
“Reinhard and Doug have managed to capture a thrilling journey that combines the enchantment of Hollywood and World War II with the gripping excitement of time travel. In this second book in the series, Evan and Dr. Cooper race against time, facing extraordinary challenges and uncovering secrets that could change history. I find it a must-read for anyone who loves adventure, suspense, and the timeless magic of
classic cinema.”-Ray Griggs
Film Director/Producer/Writer
“People who love Hollywood also love the past. In fact, they usually prefer it. Reinhard Denke and Doug Stebleton delight our nostalgia in the ingenious second installment of their Hollywood Time Travel Series. Set in 1941, in a world of nasty gangsters, Hollywood stars, and Nazi spies, you won’t ever want to come back!”
-Allison Burnett, author of “Undiscovered Gyrl”, “The Escape of Malcolm Poe”, director of “Ask Me Anything”, “Red Meat”. Writer of “Autumn In New York”, “Gone”.
About the authors
Doug Stebleton has been working in the entertainment business since 1987. Born and raised in Glasgow, Montana, he came to Hollywood at age 19 and has lived and worked in southern California since then. His expertise is music publishing for film and television. His company owns a catalog of songs that are licensed to film and television studios and to independent productions. Some of the company’s credits include Blood Diamond, Borat, Little Miss Sunshine, Zoolander, Big Bang Theory, Blue Bloods, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Sopranos, Ugly Betty, CSI, Scrubs, and ER.
Doug is also a film producer. His first film was a documentary titled Mother of Normandy: The Story of Simone Renaud. His next film, I Want Your Money, was released in over 500 theaters across the nation in 2010. In 2014, Doug produced and directed Reagan at Normandy, a short film for the Airborne Museum in Normandy, France, and in 2017, he produced Heroes of WWII: The European Campaign. Other projects he is producing include a cable TV show on film and TV cars called Kars & Stars and a feature film, Big Life.
Doug has a love for history and hopes to keep making films and documentaries that are inspiring, informative and educational. His passion for Hollywood films and time travel inspired him to create The Hollywood Time Travel Series. It’s a Wonderful Time is his debut novel, which he coauthored with Reinhard Denke.
Reinhard Denke
Reinhard Denke, a native of Texas and graduate of USC Film School, got his start in 2009 with his spec script Sex, Greed, Money, Murder and Chicken Fried Steak about the Cullen Davis murders in Fort Worth, Texas. The script was optioned by Johnny Depp’s infinitum-nihil company and chosen for the prestigious 2009 Hollywood Blacklist. In 2013, he wrote Far Below for David Oyelowo, and was hired to rewrite 2015’s Captive, starring Oyelowo, Kate Mara, and Michael K. Williams. He also wrote a TV pilot and series entitled Golden Gate about 1960’s era San Francisco that has been optioned by Demarest Films, and wrote the limited TV series Vanished for Straight Up Films and Truly Original Entertainment.
Reinhard adapted The Lives of Beryl Markham for Rock Island Films; it is now entitled Undaunted. He wrote the screenplay Ackia for the Chickasaw Nation and award-winning director Nathan Frankowski. Also for the Chickasaw Nation, Reinhard wrote The Chickasaw Rancher, which is to be released in 2021. He adapted The Madman of Music, a bio of composer George Anthiel and movie actress Hedy Lamar. He wrote Moonchild, the story of Linda Kasabian and her ordeal with the Manson Family, for director Marcus Nispel and producer Adam Krentzmann. Reinhard also co-wrote Mizmoon, about the Patty Hearst kidnapping, for director David Brown and Clear Horizon.
Reinhard Denke lives in Woodland Hills, California with his wife Marilee and their two children, Jackson and Winston. He coauthored It’s a Wonderful Time, the first book in The Hollywood Time Travel Series, with Doug Stebleton.
Learn more about both authors and this book at www.HollywoodTimeTravel.com.
RADIO INTERVIEWS WITH THE AUTHORS
BOOK 1
The Untold Story Behind It’s a Wonderful Life
Strategies in Life radio interview
Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of It’s a Wonderful Life
John Maciel Life radio interview
The Secret History Behind Its Wonderful Life
Michael Thomas radio interview
BOOK 2
Time Travel to Hedy Lamarr’s Secret Life
Authors of The Inventors on Hollywood History
