Come Back to Me - (The Waters of Time) by Jody Hedlund (Hardcover)

I’ve enjoyed Jody Hedlund’s historical romance and young adult medieval romance novels but this time-travel novel is the most intriguing and captivating of all her books I’ve read so far. The author combines her knowledge of the Middle Ages with fascinating science on quantum physics and her well-known brand of heart-pounding romance to deliver a book that you won’t be able to put down until the very last page. And then you’ll be humming in anticipation of the next book in the series! Marian, with her scientific and logical mind, and Will, with his loyal and steadfast and kind heart, are characters who will stay with me for a long time. Their relationship and romance are truly heart-stopping kind of love. The Peasants Revolt of 1381 felt quite real as Marian and Will struggled to make sense of the darkness shrouding their lives. I can’t wait to read the sequel and see what happens with the holy water and to what kind of adventure and discovery it will lead them, along with Marian’s sister and long-time friend. I received the book from publisher via LibraryThing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

I'm going to say this now and I don't think anyone will be surprised: I love time travel novels! Jody Hedlund's Come Back to Me was an intriguing mixture of time travel, romance, suspense, and a hint of science that I found created a story that was hard to put down! When Marian first travels 'back in time' and sees an image of Will...well, I was sold. He's not only brawny and handsome, but he's a good guy too and I was rooting for them from the beginning. The question of "will they end up together" and "if so, how???" kept me turning pages late into the night. I found that some of the background information at the beginning (the "how" of the time travel) was an interesting take on the Tree of Life but I was more interested in the romance, to be honest (ha!). The suspenseful elements were a nice touch though, and kept that worry going as to how things would work out. I didn't expect the 1300s to be romantic, but Hedlund had a way of showing the aspects of that time period that are almost 'better than' ours - like a simpler life, natural beauty, and the ability to enjoy quiet. Some have mentioned in their reviews about the romance elements being "too much" for Christian fiction but I honestly didn't find that. I'd perhaps recommend this to 17+ but I found it to be a true representation of desire between a man and a woman and there was plenty of instances where that desire (or lust as some have called it) moved past to a desire to more deeply know one another on an intellectual level as well. I'd recommend this to fans of time travel novels like Outlander (though from a Christian perspective) and those who enjoy historical fiction as well. My rating: 3.8* ---- Thanks to the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wow. That's about all I can say about Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund. I could not put this book down, and it's been quite a while since I have read a book such as this! First, I did not think I would like the plot. I am not always a fan of a dual timeline, nor what one may consider science fiction. However this book nailed it so to speak! Marian must help to save her father. He has been working on research of the life healing properties of water from the Tree of Life. His main goal is to heal his other ailing daughter. Marian learns that her dad is suddenly in a coma and flies to be with her estranged father. However, she must decipher his research to figure out exactly why he is mysteriously in a coma. What happens next will take you on a mind wondering voyage. I found that I throughly enjoyed this totally unbelievable story, which the author made believable. I was engrossed in the story and could not wait to read on. I can't wait to read more of Jody's books! This story was amazing. I was given a free copy from the publisher to review, which I was more than happy to do. I would highly recommend this book!

A present-day research scientist and an English knight from the 14th century. Healing Holy Water and the Tree of Life. The Canterbury Cathedral. These are just a few of the intriguing elements in this new book by Jody Hedlund, and from the beginning I was enthralled with the story of Marian Creighton and Will Durham. It was very apparent, from their first unexpected meeting, that their relationship wouldn't be the norm. I enjoyed their amazing chemistry and their realization that they wanted their marriage of convenience to be something more. They needed to be together forever, but how could two people, centuries apart, expect to do so? Would Marian, or could Marian, give up twenty-first century conveniences to live in medieval times? Come Back to Me has mystery and suspense, but there is also a Christian faith message mixed in with the scientific aspects of this amazing adventure. Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite authors but I was uncertain how she would manage a time-travel Christian fiction book. Well, let me tell you, she managed extremely well! Come Back to Me proved once again that she can write any genre, and I can't wait to see what is planned for the next book in the Waters of Time series. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. A favorable review was never required. These are my own thoughts.

Time travel books, by nature, can be wonderful, yet tragic. This one keeps the reader guessing until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Medical researcher Marian Creighton worked in a field which can be cut-throat and dangerous. Knowing whom to trust was a big deal and it kept me wary throughout the story. Normally, I'm not sure that Marian and I would be friends, because she is so science-y, but as the story progressed, her compassion and faith really came through, and I grew to admire her deeply. Knight William Durham sought to live honorably, but was haunted by things he had done as a soldier. It was Marian that helped him move past the tragedies in his previous days. Author Jody Hedlund gives readers an exciting, suspenseful story, right to the very end. But there is also an aura of mystery, wonder, and romance woven throughout, and I was thrilled to get "all the feels" as I read. Readers who enjoy time travel, historical romance, and Christian fiction will enjoy this book, which I highly recommend. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

I always enjoy reading Jody Hedlund’s books. This one really caught my eye. While I am not a fan of time travel this one was different, especially being my favorite genre, historical romance! After his wife died from a rare genetic disorder and upon finding his daughter, Ellen also inherited it; Marian’s father poured his life into finding a cure. His theory was that water that had come in contact with seeds from the Tree of Life had the power to transport people back in time and cure any disease in the present day. It was so outlandish she just chalked it up to him possibly being mentally off. That is until she is summoned to his bedside in England where he lay in a coma. As she follows cryptic clues he had left her she quickly realizes he was onto something. Upon finding an ancient flask he has left with a residue of the water, she experiences passing back in time. Convinced this is something that can save her sister and bring her father out of a coma; she drinks some of the water. She finds herself transported back to the middle ages where she meets Will Durham, a handsome and brave knight for the King of England. The adventures she faces not to mention the time restraints to return to present day are harrowing! What an adventure! I found myself actually becoming anxious. I loved the detailed description of her experiences in the late 1300’s from the view point of a 21 century woman! I must admit she took it in stride much better than I would have. I felt her yearning for a hot shower and a cup of coffee. There was much Marian could not have for seen in facing but she never dreamed she would fall in love. What a story; suspense, excitement, and mystery! I read at night to go to sleep and for 3 nights it was the wee hours of the morning before I could put it down! The only part I did not like about the book was, while in good taste, there were way too many parts of steamy sensuality between Marian and Will. I was a bit surprised with it being a Christian novel. Otherwise it was a really great, unique book! I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

Having read several novels written by Jody Hedlund, Come Back to Me was high on my list of books to read ASAP, especially when I noted it was a time-slip romance genre. Hedlund is among my favorite authors when it comes to historical romance. Come Back to Me is a great story. With energetic and dramatic narrative, vivid characters, an amazing medieval setting, and spellbinding romance the author drew me in right from the first page and never let go until the end. And even then with the tease of a second book in the Waters of Time series, I am hooked! With the premise of finding the seeds of a mythical life-giving tree and time-crossing possibilities, Marian begins a journey that is life-changing and fraught with danger and doubt. The author creates edge-of-the-seat tension as Marian encounters fearsome, heart-pumping adventures in the present time as well as the Middle Ages. Will she be successful? Who can she trust? Are the time-travel experiences real or just intense dreams? Recognizing the need for genuine faith in God is threaded throughout the story, along with mystery, drama, intriguing historical tidbits, and a captivating romance. Readers who enjoy historical romance with a time-crossing twist will not want to miss this one. I was given a complimentary copy of the book from Revell Publishing and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

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.

Wow!!! This is one of the best time travel romance novels I have ever read. The storyline was flawless and the pacing kept me hooked from the start to finish. William and Marian are incredibly swoony and I ate up their clean and beautiful romance. The attention to detail was spot on. I loved the dual POV. I highly recommend this book!

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.

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.

Marian Creighton and her father have worked for years to cure the rare form of cancer that took Marian's mother and threatens to life of her sister, Ellen. When her father suddenly falls into a coma on the verge of a groundbreaking discovery, Marian rushes to his side, and is thrust into the 1300's in her fight to sure her sister and keep her father's research out of the wrong hands. A thrillingly romantic time slip novel that catapults Marian into the Medieval times during the dangerous peasant uprising of 1381, where she falls under the protection of the noble warrior, Will Durham. I loved how Ms. Hedlund had Marian navigate the culture shock of time travel, acknowledging the everyday details that would definitely come as an unpleasant surprise. I really though that the author did a great job of navigating the strengths and weaknesses of a different time period that to some would possibly feel oppressive especially in regards to women, how they lived and were treated. I loved the supporting characters, I'm excited to see more of Harrison in the next book, as well as Marian's sister, Ellen. I liked Harrison from the beginning so I was thrilled when I found out that the next book would feature him. Overall, this was an exciting read, with engaging characters and a fresh imaginative plot. A strong start to a new series, with wonderful characters, exciting twists, and amazing chemistry between Will and Marian! I can't wait to see what will happen next! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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 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.

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund weaves together fourteenth-century and present-day Canterbury in a time travel adventure that mixes scientific and religious theories. The scientific intricacies kept the plot plausible without causing confusion. The Tree of Life theories sparked my interest with new-to-me information. Additionally, the setting and customs of medieval England gave the story a unique flavor. Come Back to Me was a slow start for me right up until Marian, a 21st century research scientist, met Will, an honorable English knight, in 1381 A.D. Their relationship shined in this novel and hooked my attention from their first interaction until the end. Verbal banter, mutual attraction, and strong emotions characterized their new relationship as they navigated both internal and external challenges. Though Will and Marian each have their own wounds to deal with, hope for healing laces their relationship. Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund begins the Waters of Time series, but it is not quite a stand-alone novel. Marian and Will’s romance wraps up by the end. However, ongoing situations and open ends lead into the next novel and have me waiting eagerly for book two! Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Time Travel Amazingness! Love and undying devotion that overcomes time and space! Oh Wow! This is a new genre to me! I’ve always loved Jody Hedlund’s Historical Romances so much, that I decided to try this new genre (not a favorite, but maybe because I hadn’t tried it before) through her, knowing she wouldn’t disappoint me, because all her stories are so good, and I was right! She even surpassed my expectations! Come back to me is a story that is narrated in such a good way that you don’t have trouble going back and forth between two very distant eras: the present one, and 1381 medieval time in Canterbury, England. And I especially loved the medieval England part, so well depicted and with so many details, you could almost smell the air that transpired. Marian Creighton is a research scientist who works hard at her lab in Connecticut, Minnesota, following her estranged father’s steps and trying to find a cure for Von Hippel-Lindau, a genetic disease that took her mother’s life and now is threatening to take her younger sister Ellen’s life too. She has always thought her father has gone way too far and maybe even crazy, when he shared about his investigation about the seeds of the Tree of Life and the Holy water that can, not only make someone cross time in real person, but it could ultimately heal any disease on earth. But then, he falls into a coma, and his latest wish is for Marian to get the items in his safe deposit box at the bank, so she can continue where he left the investigation. Marian begins to doubt her rejection of her father’s theories as she tries to decipher, with the help of their friend Harrison, the mysterious items he left. Until she tastes the residue from the ampullae and briefly crosses back time and sees a mysterious man in medieval garments, she confirms that her father had found something that may even be the most powerful medicine for humanity, so strong that she encounters deadly danger everywhere with mysterious men trying to get ahold of her findings. So now she knows that she has to cross time in order to find those ampullae of holy water that may save her father from the coma and her sister from a terminal disease. But will she be successful in her quest? Will she be able to come back to save her family? Will she even want to when she finds a once in a life time love right in the past? This was an amazing story! The plot was so fast pacing, even thrilling, full of mystery and intrigue, yet it felt so realistic, in spite of the time travel fantasy. The historical part about the Healing Waters and the Seeds of the Tree of Life that once grew in the Garden of Eden are so well researched, and many of the parts the story is based in are real, so that made the book feel even more realistic. The characters are so well developed, so relatable, with flaws, fears and also strengths that made them feel real, yet endearing. I loved Marian and Will’s growing relationship. The admiration of each other, the growing attraction that quickly turned into love, their sacrifices. I was rooting the whole time for them to have their happily ever after in spite of all the obstacles, and was worried of what would Marian choose in the end. It was a beautiful love story with an intriguing side story of research, discovery, science and faith, discovering God, mystery and adventure, that totally captivated me. I’m honest if I say I couldn’t put the book down and had to sleep late a few times because I couldn’t stop. A captivating and inspirational story of love that spans centuries! I definitely recommend it to everyone. If time travel is not your genre of preference, try this one and maybe it’ll make you change your mind. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I want to read more about Ellen and Harrison, I hope they get their own story!

I really liked this book! It has been awhile since I read a time travel novel and this brought back the urge to do so more often. Starting off with secrets and action reminiscent of National Treasure, I was immediately submerged in a world of duplicity, confusion and doubt. Then the time travel came into play and WHAM! I was whisked into another world that was entirely different, yet just as compelling, if not more so! I loved William and Marian and was completely invested in their story from start to finish! Excellent plot, characters, historical detail, action, romance and story building! Five stars! I am definitely looking forward to the next in the Waters of Time series!

INCREDIBLE. I'm blown away by this book! The time travel theory felt realistic and the descriptions of the past really made me feel as if I was there! I was happy, nervous, excited, stressed out, heartbroken, rejoicing - really just all the feels as I read this! If you're interested in time travel - actually, even if you aren't interested in time travel - you HAVE to read this book! I sped through it in two days, even sacrificing my precious sleep (I have an infant, so yes, sleep is precious right now!) because I couldn't stop reading! I had to find out what would happen! Do yourself the biggest favor by reading this book TODAY!

Come Back to Me by author Jody Hedlund is delightful! I loved the clever and original story and the engaging characters. As a person familiar with miraculous stories, relics, and holy water, I didn't know what to expect. I was able to suspend what I know and get lost in this delightful page-turning "what if" story. I found myself really rooting for intelligent independent Marian and noble, swoon-worthy Will. Their chemistry sizzled, and I loved their romance. Get ready for a treat! This clever story takes place in the present and in 1381, includes historical fiction, time travel, miracles, and modern medical ethics questions. Thank you, Jody Hedlund and Revell Books for allowing me to read an early copy of Come Back to Me! All opinions are my own. I loved getting lost in the story, and I can't wait for the next book in the series!

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 is a romance story but so very different, one you certainly never expected, it is also the love of ones family and willingness to give the ultimate for their survival. How do you fall in love with a man 640 years in the past? Well, the author shows us a way! We are given a father desperate to find a cure for his daughter, and then another daughter attemps to save her father, but why are so many tying to take what they know? Danger lurks everywhere! This book is deep in faith, and love of family, and yet historical in that we travel to the middle ages, we sure take a lot for granted! While I sill have questions when I turned the final page, I am excited to see that there is another book to come, and with it the answers we seek. I received this book through the Publisher Revell, and we not required to give a positive review.