Never Leave Me - (The Waters of Time) by Jody Hedlund (Paperback)

I was very excited to read this second book of the “Water of Time” series. I enjoyed the first one very much! You can read it as a standalone, but I believe you would be missing a lot. Ellen is young, beautiful and dying of the same rare fatal disease that took her mother’s life. As she grows weaker, she is resigned to her death and tries to enjoy life as much as possible. She knows her time is short. She is staying with Harrison, a wealthy, longtime family friend. He had worked with her father on a cure for Ellen’s disease. Her father did find a cure in the discovery of an ancient holy water. The problem it is extremely rare and almost nonexistent in this day and time. Ellen refuses to take one of the 2 flasks that Harrison has acquired through great effort and expense. She believes it killed her father and her sister. To convince her, Harrison, a paraplegic, drinks one of the bottles. There is no denying its power. Seeking more water, she drinks the vial and transports back into England during the late 1300’s, where her sister had been living for a year. There is so much unknown about the time travel and things do not go as planned. In fact they go horribly wrong. This book was even more suspenseful and exciting than the last one! Ellen’s perception of the era was very different than her sister’s had been. She was naïve about the complications that were created by bringing her 21st century point of view and mannerisms into the past. Once again Ms. Hedlund descriptiveness of the era was rich and detailed. I loved that she was able to see what Harrison’s mansion and estate was like over 600 years ago! Sort of a like a medieval version of “if walls could talk”. She also captured the thinking, reasoning and understanding of those living then. That was an eye opener! I loved peeping back in time with my 21st century lifestyle and knowledge while experiencing 14th century thinking. The plot is a gripping, on the edge of your seat race against time in a world they knew little about! It is one thing to read history, totally another to live it! Through the characters in the book was fulfilled two situations we can only dream about: being healed of an incurable disease and meeting with those that we have lost. I found this very satisfying and comforting. Once again Ms. Hedlund kept God as a focus of strength and trust for the characters to overcome the obstacles they faced. I read the book quickly as I could not put it down. This amounted to some nights of very little sleep as I am a bedtime reader! It was worth it! I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

Look at the beautiful cover! This stunning cover is indicative of a memorable and beautifully written story. Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund is a time slip book, and is second in the series Waters of Time. It is a stand alone novel. . Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her final days on the estate of her friend, Harrison Burlinton. Both good friends are afraid to tell the other of how much they care. Our friends to lovers story takes place in the present and in medieval time as the characters race against the clock to save each other and work towards their own happy ending. This story is engaging from page one. The author drew me into both timelines seamlessly and made the entire story very believable. I could not wait to read more each day and found myself sneaking time to read. The characters in both timelines were memorable and I was very invested in them. Never Leave Me is a captivating love story, mystery, and fantasy. The author writes beautifully and draws you into the story. The story’s fabulous themes of sacrificial love, the importance of taking risks, and living every day to the fullest were very inspirational. I highly recommend Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund. I was given a complimentary copy of the book and not required to write a positive review.

This story is second book from a series and I highly recommend reading the first book, Come Back to Me, as it sets the stage and gives information that is vital in enjoying this story. This narrative is about the sister of Marian from Come Back to Me, Ellen Creighton. She is dying from a genetic disease and living out her remaining days with a family friend at his estate. Harrison, her friend, desperately wants to save her life and is seeking the holy water that Marian found. This book is set in the present but the characters also travel back in time to 1381. I actually really enjoyed this extra and complex dimension to the storyline. And of course, there is a villain, actually two, one in the present and one in the past; trying to find the same holy water that Harrison needs to save Ellen. There was good action and suspense in the book, keeping the reader captivated. I liked the characters and moral dilemma that’s mentioned in regard to finding the holy water and how it should be used and dispersed. The main characters were genuinely caring and likeable. And the author did an excellent job writing and describing their romance, eliciting emotions in the reader and cheering for their friendship to develop into something further. I thought the hasty marriage in the past was bit awkward, but the author redeemed the scenario by tying it well into the present. I would highly recommend reading this series if you like historical fiction and suspense.

Never Leave My by Jody Hedlund is the thrilling tale of Ellen and her longtime friend Harrison. Ellen has a short time to live due to her genetic disease. Harrison has always been a dear friend and has diligently cared for Ellen since her family has passed away and her illness is progressing. Is there more than just a friendship with Harrison? Can there be more with Ellen’s dire situation? What about the tales of time travel her late sister shared? What about her father’s laborious research concerning her genetic disease? And what about love? I was absolutely intrigued by Never Leave Me. I did read the first book in the Waters of Time series, Come Back to Me, which I would highly recommend reading first. Both are amazing books and Never Leave Me does not disappoint. Clearly fiction but it also makes you think. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I recommend this delightful tale.

I never thought I would enjoy time travel books that one of the time periods took place in ancient times. After all how could I possibly enjoy reading about a time period that is so different than mine? Well that was before I read Jody Hedlund’s, The Water’s of Time series. Now granted I only gave it a try because I LOVE the author’s books and figured why not give it a shot. The first book was excellent and somehow I thought this book was even better. Her eloquent writing style left me unable to put the book down once I picked it up making for a late night read, but I’m okay with that. I felt just as comfortable reading the time-travel areas as I did the modern times. The author pulls you in with her exquisitely researched book. The book has you holding your breath a few times wondering how the characters can get out of the situations they are in. This very intriguing book had me captivated with it’s fast paced suspenseful moments and the romance was spot on. Highly recommended! Pub Date 04 Jan 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Amazing! This time travel romance was absolutely captivating. It was so well-written, I was hooked from the start to finish and definitely will be rereading this one. The romance is clean, delivering all the feels while also staying wholesome. There were light Christian themes and a dose of suspense throughout.

Picking up in present day aftermath of the previous book, Harrison is working to continue Marian and her father's work to find a cure for Ellen's VHL. But there are those who would use a cure for their own selfish gain and stop at nothing to attain it. I loved Harrison from Come Back to Me so I knew that this book would be fantastic with his noble selflessness and quick thinking, and I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I think that I liked this book even more than the first. Ellen is compassionate and has a heart for helping others, and I loved seeing her open her eyes to the possibilities of love. This is a fast paced read, engaging from the start, with well developed and likable heroes. Romantic and full of adventure, this was a riveting read. I enjoyed the time bending fantasy elements, as well as how this book dealt with difficult ethical questions. Harrison and Ellen work well together, both of them are so selfless and have a passion for helping others. Time travel, adventure, romance, this book has it all. I loved getting to see familiar faces from Marian's story, as well as meeting new characters like Sybil. A totally enjoyable read from beginning to end, it will be interesting to see if there are more books in the series, perhaps Nicholas will make an appearance? Wonderful for fans of romantic adventure, with tastes for speculative fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Never Leave Me is the second installment from Jody Hedlund’s series, Waters of Time. I had the pleasure of reading the first book, Come Back to Me. I really enjoyed that one and could not possibly think Jody could top it. I was surprised at how wrong I was. I adored Ellen and Harrison as a duo. They made a great team together as they try to solve the mystery. This is one of those books that are not easily predictable and made me to keep reading until I was finished. I had no problem reading the whole book in one sitting. I am giving Never Leave Me a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance that includes mystery. I can not wait to get my hands on the third book from the Waters of Time series. I received a paperback copy of Never Leave Me from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

This story blew my mind. It really was breathtaking. The Waters of Time series is one of the most unique I can ever recall reading. I don’t know how Hedlund does it, but I was taken on an adventure unlike any other and I couldn’t get enough. I was blessed to read the first book in this series, and while you don’t need to read it to enjoy this one, I totally recommend you do. I first met Ellen and Harrison in Come Back to Me, I easily fell in love with them then, and couldn’t wait to read their story. I was also secretly hoping to spend some more time with Will and Marian. Hedlund did not disappoint. I found myself staying up later than I should trying to find a spot where I would be satisfied with waiting until morning to read again. I was kept on the edge of my seat, and had no way of guessing what could happen next. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Are you ready for a trip to the past? Author Jody Hedlund sweeps us along on another time-travel adventure that satisfies romance lovers and teases other readers with "What if?" Never Leave Me continues the saga of the search for the holy water, and it's the perfect follow-up for Come Back to Me, the first book in the Waters of Time series. Finding this holy water is the only cure for the genetic disease that Ellen Creighton suffers. She has accepted that she is going to die, but Harrison Burlington thinks otherwise, and he personifies true friendship as he cares for her physically and ministers to her emotionally. Harrison, who secretly loves her and can't imagine life without her! Harrison, who is paralyzed and destined to spend his life in a wheelchair, but willing to help Ellen any way that he can. Never Leave Me has romance that will take your breath away, and a thrilling adventure that keeps you hanging on, as villains join the race to find the holy water. Readers are reunited with Ellen's sister Marian and her husband William, from book one, and I was very intrigued by Nicholas, who plays a big role in Ellen's visit to 1382! Can there be a third book in this series, and will Nicholas be the focus? Hedlund has an amazing talent for suggesting intense romantic chemistry but never showing overly explicit details, and she also weaves thought-provoking faith messages into her plots. If you are looking for heartwarming romance and riveting adventure, you need to read Never Leave Me. You will not be disappointed! This book was provided courtesy of the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

Never Leave Me was one of my most anticipated reads for 2022. It did not disappoint! It is book 2 in the Water of Time series. Part of the story takes place in current day England and part it is medieval times filled with knights and castles. It is a suspenseful, romantic read that is a race against the clock to find the miracle cure to save the ones you love in two different time periods! This could be read as a stand-alone, yet I highly recommend reading book one. Thank you to Revell Books for a copy of this book for my honest review.

I didn't remember immediately that I had read the first of this series, till a bit later. Then the character, Marian, came rushing back to my memory. The book was quite thought provoking as one wonders who would or should receive the healing water? This is a time-slip book and goes between Middle Ages to current and leaves you feeling you have to keep on reading. There's no stopping now! The hunt for the Tree of Life and the healing waters makes for a very intriguing story line. It doesn't fail! This book has some really exciting adventure, danger and romance for sure! The book is breathtaking and that says it all! ' The lead characters are Ellen and Harrison. Each has serious health issues to deal through. This book, in my opinion, had so much to offer. Really enjoyed the action and the events till the very end. I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund is the second book in the Waters of Time series. It continues the time-traveling mystery related to Holy Water started in the first novel, Come Back to Me. And as much as I loved the hero, William, in the first story, Ellen and Harrison’s story stole my heart! I was instantly addicted to their unique and complicated relationship. And even though I wanted to grab Ellen by the shoulders and shake some sense into her sometimes, I thoroughly enjoyed her bold view of life. The level of danger is even higher in this story, the action breath-stealing at moments, and the romance…sigh-worthy. Harrison has carried a torch for Ellen for years, and the fire scorches the pages in some scenes! They are kindred hearts in many ways, but especially in their generous and compassionate spirits. I don’t want to spoil the story as there are many twists and mysteries throughout the journey to the past and back. But I can say this book was difficult to set aside once I opened the front cover! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute! If you enjoyed Come Back to Me, you’ll not want to miss this fantastic conclusion! Fans of time-travel romance or dual-time stories will enjoy Never Leave Me. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Sweet romance with some sizzle underneath the surface. It also includes time travel to Medieval times, so if the 14th century is your cup of tea, then this book is for you. Since I had not read the first book, I felt like I was missing parts of the story at first, but I quickly caught on and enjoyed the plot that involved healing waters and villains willing to do anything to get their hands on it. I wasn’t too impressed with the love between Ellen and Harrison because he did not come out as a strong, swashbuckling hero. But, steady as he goes worked okay with Ellen as the main character who has to come to terms with her own weaknesses and move forward toward the future. This was a different kind of book for me because I felt like it mixed Christian faith with fantasy, sci-if and romance, all in a plot that worked well together. The characters were fleshed out well, but Harrison was still not my favorite hero because he was somewhat indecisive at times. What enticed me to read was the synopsis and what kept me reading was the realistic struggle with faith that the main characters had. This was presented in a way that did not at all distract from the main plot of a healing water cure for all diseases and Ellen’s quest to find and save it for herself and others who need it. The themes of unselfishness, sacrifice and God’s intervention were all welcome additions to the story. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley through the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Romance. Time Travel. Medieval Knights. Miraculous healings. Dangerous villains. Loving sacrifice. Jody Hedlund delivers all of this and more in this epic second installment of The Waters in Time Series. Continuing where the first book left off, Never Leave Me follows Harrison and Ellen’s romance as they work with the Holy Water resulting from the biblical Tree of Life in order to experience healing from chronic illness. When a hostile pharmaceutical scientist learns of their connection to the Holy Water, he sends them back to Medieval England to procure more. Danger and adventure follow in an exciting adventure that completely captured my attention until the very last page. I loved getting a glimpse at the happily ever after of Will and Marian from the first book when they work with Ellen and Harrison to save lives and protect those they love. Jody Hedlund always delivers wonderful romance in her books, and Never Leave Me is no exception. Harrison is truly besotted with Ellen, and will do whatever it takes to protect her, which I love in a literary hero! The chemistry between Ellen and Harrison is so beautifully written, and I love seeing the two of them face fears and battle foes in order to be together. The spiritual thread woven through this series is an important one---God is the master of time and has a plan for all of His children. Even though the time travel and healing in this story are fantasy, they serve as a wonderful and pointed reminder that God is omniscient and omnipotent from age to age. After reading the first installment Come Back to Me, be sure to pick up this second installment in the series Never Leave Me and continue with the adventure and romance! I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher for review purposes. My thoughts are my own. I really did love it!

This is the second installment of the “Waters of Time” Series, and I had so many expectations about Harrison and Ellen’s story, and Jody Hedlund, as always, surpassed them! In Book One, Marian Creighton stayed in the Medieval Era and married Will, but in the present time, her body died. Ellen, her younger sister, has a lot of things to grief for: her father and her sister’s death, so close to each other, and all because of the experiments with the holy water from the Tree of Life. And, in top of all, her life is slowly going out from her. Her VHL genetic disease is progressing, and her weakness increasing. But at least, she has Harrison’s comfort, her loyal, unwavering friend, that will do anything to make her life easier and happier. Harrison Burlington has been hopelessly in love with Ellen for years, but he’s paraplegic, bound to a wheelchair. Plus, he’s much older than her and wouldn’t want to be an old parent, like his were. But, one day, he unexpectedly finds two flasks of the holy water, he tries to convince Ellen to drink from one, but Ellen refuses, thinking it is like poison. So, Harrison drinks from the flask, and the miracle that happens makes Ellen believe in its powerful effect. Meanwhile, Dr Lionel, founder of Lionel Inc., and the competition for Mercer, her dad’s Pharmaceutical Company, has heard of the existence of this ultimate cure, and will do anything to have it in his power. Even forcing Ellen to the past to get it. What will Harrison do when Ellen mysteriously disappears? How can he find her, and save her from the dangerous and greedy hands of Dr. Lionel? This book was a total page turner! There are so many things I loved about this story: time travel has never been a genre that I was compelled to read, maybe because it felt too unreal, but Jody Hedlund has made me love the genre since the start of the series! And it feels real and believable, even if it’s pure fiction. I love the way she’s as good in writing contemporary as historical, and the story goes back and forth in time seamlessly! The Historical part is so well researched, and so accurately described that I could imagine everything easily and I could almost smell the horses, the dirt, etc. I loved the mystery part, the terrible villains on both eras are so evil, the constant action, and the swooning romance! Oh, my word, I loved Harrison! I always wonder how can Ms. Hedlund create such lovable yet so completely different heroes. Harrison and Will (Marian’s now husband) are so opposite, yet I fell in love with both of them. Harrison’s kindness, gentleness, and loyal devotion toward Ellen totally undid me! And Ellen had a huge heart, but was so afraid to love a man, because of her terminal illness. The love story was full of obstacles, but so worth it! There’s also an inspiring message behind, about the sacrifice of true love, the providence of God and learning to trust Him. And much more you’ll find out! And now, I can’t wait for Book Three! I’d love for Nicolas to have his story… Maybe with Sybil? Who knows what this author is preparing us but I’m eager to read it! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Oh. Wow. Now, I am not typically a big contemporary fiction fan (although, yes, this was a time travel novel, so it did also include historical portions), but I even enjoyed the modern day areas of this story SOOOO much! In fact, there was a greater part of the book that took place within the present timeframe than did in the past, unlike the first book in the series, Come Back to Me. And yet I still ADORED this one! Author Jody Hedlund is certainly going to stay on my radar for any future time travel books she may release! She handles it INCREDIBLY well! I have loved both of the books in her Waters of Time series so far and am expectantly looking forward to whatever she may have coming our way next!

Never Leave Me is one of my most anticipated sequels and it does not disappoint! Once again, author Jody Hedlund weaves a compelling, intelligent, page-turning story full of symbolism, healing, miracles, time-travel in another amazing "what-if" story. I could not put it down! Gotta love a story that begins with the Serenity Prayer! (God, grant me the serenity accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace.) In this story Ellen is dying from a hereditary disease, and wheelchair-bound Harrison does everything in his power to try to save her. He has loved her for a long time, and she is clueless about it. Because of her illness, she has not allowed herself to be in any serious relationships. Time travel was a concept that defied her comprehension. By going to the past she realizes that her friend Harrison "was the one stability in her uncertain life." I love how this story also builds on and revisits Come Back to Me! Some quotes I enjoyed: "She'd been awake no longer than five minutes in the past, and already she was about to be murdered." "How did women in movies ride horses to elegantly and effortlessly?" "Wasn't that the story of her life? Survival? And here she was trying to survive again." "Yes, only God knows each of our timelines." "I plight thee my troth." "One thing was becoming clear: although the water could bring healing, it also brought death." "Courage. Instead of always giving up so easily or running away in fear, maybe it was time to pray that she could face the uncertainty of the future with courage." Thank you to Revell and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy! (I was thrilled by the way.) All opinions are my own!

“And this time, when he touched the ampulla to her lips, she didn’t resist. He poured every precious drop into her mouth and prayed,” writes Jody Hedlund in her novel, Never Leave Me. ~ What ~ The second in the Waters of Time series, this three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page paperback targets those who like religious fiction involving miraculous healings and time travel. Containing no profanity, topics of sensual kissing, abduction, physical abuse, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The author’s biography and advertisements are included. In this continuing story, twenty-seven-year-old Ellen is dying of a rare genetic disease and decides to spend her last days with her dear friend, Harrison, a wealthy paraplegic who lives in an old Canterbury castle. When they both drink a vial of holy water that is from the Garden of Eden’s Tree of Life, not only do their lives change, but they are time-transported to the late thirteen hundreds in a race to secure more of the special fountain of youth fluid. Throughout their time overlaps, they must decide if their love can conquer the ages. ~ Why ~ This book has time traveling to the Middle Ages in England when medicine was underdeveloped and women were treated as possessions. I appreciated the well-written, in-depth descriptions of the ancient era and how easily the author easily jumped from present to past and back with her characters. ~ Why Not ~ Some may not like a tale involving the Catholic backdrop of holy water healing people centuries ago. While the Serenity Prayer is written at least three times, prayers to God are mentioned in passing with little depth or faith, and no eternal plan of salvation is given. Readers may tire of the protagonists repeatedly trying to decide if they want companionship or not. The steamy romance of passionately kissing and yearning for love is repetitive. ~ Wish ~ Having not read the first book in the series, I felt at a loss on some of the prior characters’ experiences. Since I have read other books by the writer, I was disappointed in this one’s over-stimulated romance and minimal Christianity while it focused on more Catholic concepts. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence. ~ Want ~ If you enjoyed the prior book in the series about time traveling to the Middle Ages, this religious read may be engaging to you, but I found it tedious in its unrealistic time-shifting plot, overly sensually written, and a missed opportunity to promote Jesus Christ. Thanks to Revell and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

What an enthralling addition to the Waters of Time series! This beautifully executed time travel saga kept me riveted from beginning to end. The intriguing, fast-paced plot twists and turns with perilous action and suspense. With her amazing storytelling skill and evocative prose, Ms. Hedlund has created a story in which the concepts of time travel and miraculous cures are entertainingly plausible. As in the first book, the historical element is awesome with descriptions so detailed and vivid, you feel like you are living in Medieval times. Masterfully created characters capture your heart and linger in your mind long after the last page is turned. The sweet romance between longtime friends Ellen and Harrison is heartwarming and at times heart-wrenching. This couple is definitely on my favorite fictional couples list! The faith thread is inspiring with a reminder that God’s timing is always perfect. Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading Come Back to Me first to gain background information and a clearer understanding of the premise. I totally enjoyed this read and recommend it especially for lovers of time-travel and historical romance. I look forward to reading Book 3 in the Waters of Time series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.