Come Back to Me (Waters of Time Book #1)

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.

Jody Hedlund has delivered another fantastic story—this time in the form of a gripping and delightful time travel romance! A scientist that travels back into time to medieval England and falls in love with a handsome knight? I will read a book like that anytime! I genuinely enjoyed this book and enthusiastically give it a positive review because of the wonderful romance, exciting storyline, and well-written characters. The start of the story was suspenseful and the plot was immediately interesting, but there was also a lot of theology, science, and history that made it hard to get through the first few chapters. However, I recognized that the information was all crucial to set up the plot and the entire series, so I was okay with a lot of information so that the time travel method was both Christian-based and believable to me as a reader. Marian’s initial method of time travel by tasting the remnants in an old ampullae out of curiosity seemed very unlikely for a scientist, but when the time travel changed to intentional full doses of the holy water, I was totally on board with the method of time travel given Marian’s motives. I loved when we finally got to meet the hero, and the build up to get to that point was suspenseful but so worth the wait! Will is the epitome of a swoon-worthy hero who feels deeply and protects those he loves will ferocity. The steamy but clean romantic chemistry between Marian and Will in this book is epic, and I loved seeing their relationship grow emotionally to match the attraction that seemed almost instant in this story. The author did a wonderful job of depicting the medieval time-period with accuracy yet romanticism, and despite Marian’s difficulties in 1381, I could not help but long to be swept away to medieval England every time I opened the book. Heroic knights, strong maidens, medieval battles, time travel, and an unforgettable romance make this book one you simply cannot miss! I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are my own. I really did love it!

This was quite a different book than what I had expected. Although I often read time travel stories or time slip, this one was quite different than most. The story revolves around the Holy Water and is what brings about the time travel adventures Marion experiences. This due to her father's years of research into this particular topic. She has some major excitement as she slips far back in time while searching for a way to heal her sister and her dad who is in a coma. They need the Holy Water to heal them and Marion is a researcher who partakes of the water which brings her into a new realm. The middle ages adventures are quite fascinating and intriguing and the romance that builds is quite intense. A very unique book that has a lot to offer. It does have some sensual scenes that may not be suitable for all. I received a complimentary book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.