Come Back to Me – Historical Bookworm

March 6, 2022June 23, 2022

Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund

THE BOOK

In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison Burlington. Harrison cares deeply for Ellen, but as a wheelchair-bound paraplegic, he’s never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship. However, he’s desperately trying to save her by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease.

When he locates two flasks, Ellen refuses to drink one of them because she believes the holy water killed her sister and father. In an effort to convince her to take it, Harrison ingests the contents first, and when Ellen witnesses the effects, she can no longer deny the power of the substance in the bottles. Dangerous criminals are also seeking the holy water, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug–including sending her back into the past to find it for them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Jody Hedlund plunges you into the swiftly flowing river of history in a race against the clock in this breathtaking, emotional second Waters of Time story.

THE REVIEW

This book was eagerly anticipated after reading Hedlund’s first book in the series, Come Back to Me. This second novel spends most of its time in the present tense, but does dip into the past for some perilous encounters.

The concept of healing waters from the first book splash onto these pages also with Ellen and Harrison using the healing water to aid with their own healing. Their sweet romance was enjoyable with a few slightly steamier scenes, but still docile compared to the first book. Even with the Middle Ages thrown in, the violence was minimal. The struggle to let go of past worries is difficult for Ellen due to her sudden lifestyle change brought on by the healing and she’s plagued by the ethical dilemma of the holy water. The characters mesh well with the story, and with the author’s writing this hard to believe tale seems plausible.

If you’re in the mood for a time-traveling romance that will take you beyond the realms of reality, Never Leave Me should be at the top of your TBR queue.

Listen to our review on Episode 25: Guest Crystal Caudill and Review of Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund.

Listen to Jody’s interview featuring Come Back to Me on Episode 16 and a you can read our full review of Come Back to Me here.

Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.

THE AUTHOR

Jody is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. She shares about her new time travel novel Come Back to Me, her love of cats, and the fun of writing. Learn more about her at her website JodyHedlund.com/ and her ReaderRoom Facebook group.

August 15, 2021June 23, 2022

Episode 16: Guest Jody Hedlund & a Review of In A Far Off Land

We share prolific hymn writers in our Pinch of the Past. A look at the reformer Martin Luther, the “The Godfather of English Hymnody” Isaac Watts, and blind teacher and lobbyist Fanny Crosby.

Bookworm Review: If you love historical fiction that will keep you crying both happy and sad tears, filled with intrigue, mystery and suspense then In A Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem is the perfect book for you.

We are giving away a copy of Come Back to Me.

Giveaway began on August 15, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 27, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

June 28, 2021March 8, 2022

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

About the book

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That’s exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father’s quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He’s left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he’s crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian’s rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

Review

This was a great read and start to a series. Full of good pacing and drama with lots of ups and downs that will leave a reader turning pages well into the night. The premise is sometimes hard to believe as time travel sometimes can be, but there were supporting reasons and the reader wasn’t left to simply make their own assumptions. The book also expertly sets the reader up to look forward to the next installment. The time period Marian travels back to is the Middle Ages and the author manages to make it romantic while also showing the reader the turmoil of everyday living.

Romance: lots of desirous thoughts and touches as this is a male character from the Middle Ages so it makes sense. The author does a good job of weaving in his macho-ness with Marian’s ‘independent woman’ mentality for a good balance. It is obvious that they desire each other.

Christianese: very light

Violence: As noted, it IS the Middle Ages, but nothing gory or outlandish that wouldn’t be found in a history book.

This review was originally featured in episode 11 of the Historical Bookworm Show.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

June 27, 2021May 15, 2022

Episode 11: Guest Carolyn Miller and a Review of Come Back to Me

Featured Author: Carolyn Miller is a bestselling and award-winning author of both Regency and contemporary inspirational romance. She lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia with her husband and four children. Join us for a chat about her latest release Dusk’s Darkest Dawn Book 1 in the new Regency Wallflowers series. You can find out more about Carolyn at CarolynMillerAuthor.com

Pinch of the Past: Seattle in the 1900s was rife with crime. From dirty politicians and brothels to drug abuse and Shanghaiing, this city was not for the weak. In this pinch of the past we talk a little about regular people who gave to others to help the down trodden of this big old city.

Bookworm Review: Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards. Her first-time travel novel Come Back to Me is a great read and start to her Waters of Time Series. Full of good pacing and drama with lots of ups and downs that will leave a reader turning pages well into the night. Find out more about Jody at her website JodyHedlund.com. You can also find the book trailer for Come Back to Me by clicking HERE.