I really tried with this one...
Marian felt very flat to me. And the whole time continuum with the illness theory was incredibly confusing. This wasn't one of my favorite Hedlund novels I'm sad to say.

This master storyteller has penned a compelling and moving narrative that draws readers irresistibly into a magical time travel adventure, I did not want to end. I was blown away by the elaborate storylines, with all its twists and turns and multi-dimensional characters who have conflicting motivations and desires. I was fascinated to learn about the actual historical events that were strategically woven into the Middle Ages storyline. Oh, if only my high school history books read like this novel, I would have loved doing my homework. LOL!

The story kicks off in current time where we meet research scientist Marian Creighton who has just learned from a close friend and fellow scientist Harrison Burlington that her father is in a coma. Harrison is in Kent and Canterbury Hospital in England by her father’s side. Each of them is trying to make sense of the situation. The medical team was stumped. Why was he in a coma? They had no clue. Marian’s father had been chasing down a “cure all” drug. Did someone want his research? Was there something to the properties of holy water that contained residue from the Tree of Life? Really? Was she being followed? Why?

Marian was a brave and courageous character trying to save her dad and ultimately her sister. She was willing to face the challenges ahead to get to the truth of the matter. Then Marian tests some of her father’s theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising. She googled the year 1381 before she left, but she hadn’t studied it closely. She racked her brain to remember how the uprising all worked out, but she drew a blank.

Marian is surprised on many levels when she lands in a monastery and does not know the rules. Things quickly escalate to a violent and complicated state of affairs. Then William Durham, a valiant knight, arrives at the monastery to save his sister and Marian in a very unexpected way. William and Marian cannot deny the attraction they have for one another, but Marian does not want to do anything to jeopardize her father and sister’s lives. Plus, if she told anyone the truth, they’d think she was crazy. She had to keep the main thing the main thing. She went back in time to find a cure for them both, period, the end.

This novel had it all; a well-written story with characters to root for in both timelines, splash of romance, nail-biting suspense with both William and Marian having to make impossible decisions with time running out for both of them. What would the characters do? That was the question. I could see it going either way. I thoroughly enjoyed this creative, thought-provoking novel. Seriously this is an amazing page-turner I stayed up late reading. I was thrilled to discover in the authors notes to readers there will be a sequel. Oh, happy day! I look forward to reading about Marian Creighton’s sister in book two.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Jody Hedlund’s newest, Come Back to Me, is absolutely stunning. This twisted time travel novel takes readers on a ride of suspense, romance, and spell - binding tension. As I followed Marian, our heroine, through a baffling ability to travel back in time, I was enraptured with its unique plot, captivating characters, and dazzling descriptions.

Hedlund’s storytelling ability continues to amaze me. And the content of this story kept my imagination soaring. The romance, the intrigue, the what-ifs… Sigh. I was completely in love. The second installment to the series cannot come soon enough!

I received the book from the author. All opinions are my own.

This book started out on the slow side for me, but with the danger and targets on Marian and Harrison, it kept me intrigued until Marian traveled to 1381 and this story totally captivated me.

Both Marian and Will came across as people who have build walls around themselves and it was fascinating to see how they challenges each other and broke those walls down.

I must say, I wasn’t sure where the authors was going with this and also how I wanted it to end. At the start I had a different ending in mind but then somewhere along the road, my preferred ending changed and I was actually heartbroken when certain events happened. Though I did see ‘the inside man’ way in advance, his true character was quite dark and full of menace once revealed and I’m expecting him to play a bigger bad guy part in the next book.

Marian’s concerns about the impact of the Holy Water was quite an ethical dilemma and I can see certain events happening and the validness of her concerns.

So, though I’m happy about Marian and Will’s ending, I do hope for a happy ending for the sisters as well and maybe even n surprise encounter for Marian with some important to her in 1382...

I enjoyed this story and will recommend it to fans of fantasy/time-travel.

If you would like to travel back in time to Canterbury in Middle Ages, don’t miss Come Back to Me, the first book in the new time crossing historical fiction series by Jody Hedlund. Join Marian Creighton as she crosses time to learn more about her father’s scientific discoveries and meet a knight - William Durham.
Come Back to Me is a great start to Hedlund’s first time crossing series and provides a foundation for future books in the series. I eagerly anticipate new books in the “Waters of Time” series and recommend Come Back to Me to readers who enjoy time travel historical romance with a mystery and Christian message. Thank you to Net Galley, the author, and the publisher for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own

Time travel books are tricky, am I right? Most of the time, you just can't think too hard or it just doesn't seem plausible but it's still fun. This author definitely nailed the plausibility with a very in depth, detailed description of the why and how of it all. Laying the foundation took pretty much half of the book. We don't actually see the time travel until half way through and honestly? I was growing impatient. Sometimes it just felt too wordy and lengthy but I know, laying the foundation is important especially in stories like this and I actually thought the idea of the time travel was interesting. I just really wanted more time with Will and Marian. They are awesome together and I just didn't get enough of them. I adored the second half of the book. I didn't want to put it down. Everyone should have a Will in their lives. 😍

I can see that the author set things up for future books and I'm excited to read them! And hopefully Will and Marian will be in those too because that would make me happy. Oh! And I LOVE this cover.

The first half of the book gets 3.5 stars from me. The second half, 5.

Content: peril, mild violence, kissing (some thoughts about a husband wanting his wife physically, but nothing descriptive)

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I read this book because of a friend recommendation and because the cover is stunning. However I just couldn't get into it. It's no fault to the author because her writing is stellar, but I just don't think I'm a time travel fan. I think those who like historical fiction will love the history in this novel.

Time slip novels have never been my favorite style of writing but this one blew my mind. I love how the idea of traveling through time is portrayed here in this story. Marian is much braver than I would ever be to look for a cure for a disease by going back in time. I would not care to live during the Middle Ages. I could not stand being that dirty all the time. I loved the suspense and the romance in the book. I cannot wait to see what happens in the second book of the series. I received a copy of this book from the author and Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

#BookReview : COME BACK TO ME by Jody Hedlund

Happy #bookbirthday to this amazing time travel book! Time travel happened seamlessly. There is danger and adventure both in the present and as Marian slipped to 1382. I was engaged from the very beginning. The author explained a lot about how the time travel will happen so I was able to follow along though at times it was information overload. The characters are scientists so I was there with them as they gathered data, formulated hypotheses and tested the prediction.

I like the Marian in the 1300s. She has shown more emotion and compassion there. I enjoyed Marian and William’s chemistry though their romantic interlude as a married couple was a little bit more than expected but not inappropriate. I applaud Robert and Phillip’s bravery. They are sweet but brave little knights. I want to hug them.

I was very interested and learned a lot about the British history. I want to look more about it. They are in medieval times so violence and injustice happened as part of the story. The author’s note is full of interesting facts integrated in the story. It was very well researched. Harrison was an enigma to me. I very much look forward to his and Ellen’s story. 4.5 stars

Thank you Revell and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was so good. Full of adventure. Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite romance authors and this one was wonderful. She always write an honest, heartfelt , realistic narrative.
The heroine was a headstrong, confident female who has to rethink everything to survive. Fiercely independent, she tries to do it all alone, just to find out that she’s going to have to trust someone to get through this.
The Hero was honorable, protective and passionate. His confidence radiated off him. The romance was breathtaking and the chemistry was electric.
This is a HEA, in case you were wondering and I can’t wait for book 2!
Thanks Revell Publishing via Netgalley.

I have been a fan of Jody Hedlund for many years and have watched with pleasure as her writing craft has grown. With each book, her storytelling skills have become stronger. Having just finished Come Back To Me I believe I have a new favorite. Her storyline is strong and engaging. I love both Marian and William. I found myself staying up late to see what they were up to. I loved the theory of the Holy Waters ability. Setting the story in Canterbury added to the story. Jody included many historic sites and facts that enhanced the plot. While Come Back To Me is fantastic and complete, I am eagerly awaiting the next book in The Waters Of Time series.

Grab a pot of tea and settle into your favorite reading spot. You are sure to enjoy Come Back To Me.

I was given a copy of this book by #NetGalley with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

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!

Although I am not a big fan of fantasy or Medieval Times settings, this book captivated me from beginning to end. I chose to read this book because of the author who is a consummate storyteller. This is a new genre for her, and she rocked it! The historical element is amazing and shows extensive, impeccable research. The time-travel component is so brilliantly executed that it is almost believable. The suspenseful, well-structured plot is complex yet easy to follow with many interesting twists and turns. The romance is enthralling. The romantic scenes are rather steamy at times but not offensive. The characters are well-developed and intriguing. Ms. Hedlund’s vivid, detailed descriptions of the settings in the present and the past bring the story to life. I totally enjoyed the story but would have appreciated a stronger faith element. I recommend this read especially to lovers of time-travel and historical romance. I look forward to reading Book 2 in the Waters of Time series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was an unexpected gem. I was drawn into the story and its premise.

Important things for a good Christian Fiction:

1) Faith - While it did venture into what may be considered either supernatural or miraculous, the faith of those in the story was central and essential. It was natural and organic in the story,.

2) Good Characters - the characters were likable and grew in their weakness, They were well developed to the point that I was excited to note that there would be more stories to come from side characters that I grew to love,

3) A good story - this story stretched my ability to believe just a bit, but was able to give a solid explanation for what was happening. It is times like this that it is my job as a reader to just go with it, Letting go of my view of reality helped to bring me into the story and follow what was going on with the characters.

I have read books by Jody Hedlund before and I have loved them. This one was very different from what she has done before, but was very much enjoyable.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher, this is my honest review.

So time-travel is not a topic that is often found in Christian fiction. So I was very intrigued when I saw that Jody Hedlund was having it as the focus of her new book Come Back To Me. Despite not being a common topic, Jody was able to incorporate the concept of time-travel well in this book. It was realistic and explained enough to make sense.

I ended up enjoying this book, which is a little surprising for a few reasons. Firstly, I don’t normally like time-travel; it is usually far-fetched or just doesn’t make sense. But as I have already said, Jody Hedlund was able to explain how it worked clearly and realistically. Secondly, I’m not usually a fan of the medieval setting. It is just not a period of history I’m really interested in. Despite this, I did find this book interesting and even learnt some things about British history that I had never heard of before.

I really enjoyed the characters and the romance of this book. It was the perfect mix of passion without crossing the line too far. It is definitely a steamy fade to black romance.

I’d recommend this for those who enjoy time-travel and medieval romances.

I love time travel stories, so I was really excited when I heard about Jody Hedlund’s new story, Come Back to Me, where our heroine, Marian, travels back to the Middle Ages. I mean time travel and Medieval? Sign me up!

I enjoyed the different take Ms. Hedlund had on how Marian went back in time! I also enjoyed the unexpected action in the beginning of the story before Marian’s travels. I did feel like Ms. Hedlund gave too much information on how the time travel could possibly happen so that it felt a bit like an info dump which bogged the story down a bit. I also had a bit of trouble connecting with Marian. I felt she said and did things that she would’ve known not to say or do for the time period she was traveling back to.

All in all, this is a good time travel story that I would recommend to those who like this trope!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I am really glad that I don’t live in 1381. I like modern conveniences too much, thank you very much! But it was fascinating to catch a glimpse of the past through the eyes of a modern day woman in this time travel novel, and I’m so glad I read it!

Fascinating is the best word I can think of to describe this book. From the method of time travel and the problems that come about because of that method, to the relationship between a medieval man and a modern woman, this book is captivating. I’ve read many books by Jody, and this one is definitely different from her usual ones in terms of genre. But it has her trademark romance, compelling plot-line, and attention to historical detail that keeps me coming back as a reader!

I loved Will and Marian, and I felt like I was on my edge of the seat wondering how everything would work out! I’m happy to say that there isn’t a cliffhanger, but I’m definitely interested in reading the second book when it is published because I want to see what happens next!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5/5 stars!

Content:
-Mild touching and talking about intimate matters between a married couple, nothing inappropriate but definitely a part of the story.
-Descriptions of violence from the Peasants’ Revolt in Middle Ages.

Come Back to Me
by Jody Hedlund
Revell
You Like Them
Christian
Pub Date 01 Jun 2021 | Archive Date 10 Jul 2021

I love everything that Jody Hedlund writes! This one reminded me of "outlander" without the nudity and sex. But wait till you meet Wil!
Great book! Hooked me from the first page. You will want to read this book. I will be recommending it.
Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for the ARC.

5 star

I've been a big fan of Jody Hedlund's novels for a while now, so I jumped at the chance to be on the launch team for her latest book, Come Back to Me, despite it being way out of my comfort zone genre-wise. This book is the start of Hedlund's venture into time crossing fiction. This can be a difficult genre to write well, and I have to admit I wasn't sure I would enjoy it at first. Thankfully, I was hooked a few pages in and couldn't put it down. Come Back to Me kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. I found it somewhat similar to Outlander, but without the cussing and nudity. And Jamie? Well, just wait until you meet Will.

Research scientist, Marian Creighton has always thought her father was just a little bit crazy. After all, there's no such thing the ultimate cure for every disease, right? And time travel? Well, that's just a little nutty too. Her entire world--and the way she thinks--completely changes when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of so-called holy water from centuries before. Despite Marian's beliefs about time crossing, it doesn't seem as if there is any other explanation for what has happened. Everything she's ever known is tested when she tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages with a chivalrous knight. Can she find her way back to present time? Will she even want to?

Come Back to Me was incredibly well-written and the constant twists and turns made it impossible to put down. The storyline was so unique and different than what I usually read, but in a good way. I found the characters believable with just enough fantasy to make it a fun read. They drew me in quickly and I could have kept reading for many more pages. I'm so excited that this is the beginning of a new series, and I cannot wait to read Harrison and Ellen's story!

I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys time-split, historical, or contemporary inspirational fiction. Even if time travel isn't your thing, I still think you should give it a shot. You just might be pleasantly surprised.

*I received a complimentary copy of Come Back to Me through the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

I can not remember the last time a book drew me in as much as this one did. My heart was involved, and I worried what Jody Hedlund was going to do to it. When I wasn’t reading, I was wishing I was. This story was so completely unique and intriguing and I couldn’t get enough. I told my husband and my mama about it, and kept updating them on what was happening, whether they looked like they cared or not. Come Back To Me would be an amazing book for a book club to read so you could discuss what you’re feeling when reading it with others! I honestly don’t remember how long it’s been since a book affected me the way this one did. The main characters were unique, smart, driven, and I found myself easily loving them. I might have actually fell a little in love with William. Maybe more than a little.

This book was full of unexpected twists and turns. I would have happily stayed with William and Marian for another couple hundred pages, but I am also glad for my hearts sake that it ended when it did. This book is one for the keeper shelf. It seems like the type of story that the more you read it the more you will love it. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys either Contemporary Romance or Historical, as this wonderful book has both. It does have some graphic scenes, but that only made me find it more relatable. Read this book, you won’t regret it! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.