Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

 Come Back to Me

Book Summary

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?

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund is your guide down the twisting waters of time to a volatile era of superstition, revolts, and chivalry in this suspenseful story.

My Thoughts

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund is the debut of Waters of Time series.  Marian Creighton is a research scientist who travels to England to be with her father when he falls into a coma.  Following the clues he left for her, Marian ends up in 1381 where she meets William Durham.  Marian finds herself stuck in the turbulent Middle Ages with a handsome knight.  Can she find a way to return back to her own time?  Will she want to return after her adventures?  Come Back to Me is an interesting story.  I thought it contained good writing with solid characters.  Marian is a smart, strong, and stubborn woman.  She is a research scientist who has devoted her life to her work.  William Durham is a handsome (we are told this often), strong, caring man.  He does his duty to his family and his King.  Something from his past is tormenting him.  It did take me some time to get into the story.  I liked that Marian goes back in time trying to help her father and sister.  The author did her research for this story.  She captured the time period with her vivid descriptions.  I could imagine the area, the castle, the clothing, and more from the word imagery.  The one misstep was the way Marian spoke.  It would have been immediately obvious she was not from the Middle Ages by the way she talked (and her cleanliness).  I was curious how the people understood her and why no one cried “witch”.   The time travel theory was thought out and described in detail.  It was unique and I liked how it tied to the Bible.  I did feel that the details were repeated too often.   I also felt that the romance was a little over-the-top.  It became the focus of the book.  The glances, touches, kisses, and desires were too much.  There are sensual scenes (nothing explicit) as well.  This was too much for me and for Christian novel.  The faith element is not strong (prayer).  I expected it to be more prevalent.  I was also left with unanswered questions at the end of the book (I hope they are addressed in the next book).  There were some compelling elements in Come Back to Me.  I enjoyed identifying the mole.  I wish there had been more about the competitors after the ultimate cure.  There was action, mystery, and suspense during these sections.  I am interested enough to read the next Waters of Time novel.  Come Back to Me is an intriguing time-travel novel with Middle Ages mayhem, malodorous masses, a curious coma, a potent potion, and a handsome hero. 

Come Back to Me can be purchased from Amazon*.  You can find Jody Hedlund's other novels here.  Thank you for visiting today.  Tomorrow I am taking the day off.  My fibromyalgia is flaring up so I need to rest.  I will return, hopefully, on Monday with my thoughts on my latest read.  I hope that you have a relaxing and joyful weekend.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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