Review of Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund

 

About the Book ~

Facing death takes courage. Facing life takes even more.

In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison Burlington. Though he's never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship due to his paralysis, Harrison cares deeply for Ellen and is desperately trying to save her life by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease--the same substance Ellen suspects is responsible for the deaths of her father and sister.

But Harrison is not the only one seeking the holy water. Dangerous criminals are mere steps behind, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug--including sending her back into the past to locate it for them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Jody Hedlund plunges you into the swiftly flowing river of history in this second breathtaking Waters of Time story.

For more information about Jody Hedlund and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund is everything I could have hoped for in the next installment of the Waters of Time story! Never Leave Me is truly the clean time-traveling romance I've been waiting for, and I NEED MORE! PLEASE DON'T END THE SERIES YET!!!!

Never Leave Me was so, so good! The author gave just enough backstory that cleared up the fuzzy details I'd forgotten without recapping the entire first book, thus sparing me great annoyance! The pacing moved along a satisfying rate as Harrison and Ellen navigated a slew of unique problems, past and present. Additionally, the past and present settings were equally vibrant and captivating, filled with reunions, daring escapades, and romantic destinations. 

Truly, Never Leave Me was a breathtaking story of letting go of fear and embracing life and love! Harrison and Ellen were both afraid of living life. For Ellen, her illness made her not only afraid to love others and thus needing to protect her heart but also reckless with her own physical safety. For Harrison, his paralysis provided a convenient barrier to hide behind, and the excuses to avoid being brave and vulnerable in love continued after his healing. The heart-tugging events that tried and pushed them to open themselves to love captivated me on an emotional level!

Five Stars ~ Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund is a spellbinding sequel to the Waters of Time story! While Never Leave Me fully completes the Waters of Time story as a duology, I'm not ready to conclude this series. I am desperately hoping for another book!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

 

About the Book ~

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 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.

For more information about Jody Hedlund and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund is SO enthralling, riveting, and consuming that I am utterly distraught that I don't have the next book in the series RIGHT NOW! Excuse me while I weep bitterly for a moment...

Come Back to Me is a marvelous blend of time-traveling fantasy and romance! The author crafted a stunningly unique story with whispers of National Treasure meets the Bible meets a Christian version of Outlander. And while I've never been a fan of Outlander (we've all got our quirks, so please don't throw imaginary tomatoes at me!), I am going to be obsessed with the Waters of Time Series thanks to the awesome sauce that is Come Back to Me! Without giving away spoilers, I was very impressed and riveted by the author's ability to weave a Biblically-inspired, time-traveling tale with a high-stake modern suspense and a sweeping Medieval romance.

While some of Will and Marian's romance was tinged a touch of insta-love, I thought it worked for their story. Additionally, I appreciated how the author steered away from the physical side of their marriage and onto establishing love on a mind, body, and soul level. Will and Marian each bore scars and thus choose to bury their hearts into the routines of their respective lives before they met. Their love story is a beautifully imaginative look at how Godly love not only knows no bounds but also has the power to heal a broken heart. I also loved how the author was able to include a stirring message about living in the present -- achieved by a little trip to the past!  

Five Stars ~ Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund is a romantic tale that will hold readers in rapt awe! Come Back to Me is the first book in the author's new Waters of Time Series, and I would highly recommend reading the books in order.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!