First sentence: “Your father is in a coma.” “What did you say?” Marian Creighton fumbled with her phone and almost dropped it. “I don’t think I heard you correctly.” “I’m sorry, Marian.” Harrison Burlington’s English accent on the other end was as loud and clear as if he’d been sitting at Jasper’s desk opposite from hers. “Unfortunately, you did hear me all too correctly. I’m afraid your father is in a coma.”

Premise/plot: Marian Creighton, our heroine, is determined to save both her father (who is in a coma) and her sister (who is dying of a genetic disease). Her father (before his coma) was mad determined as well. He has been obsessed with finding the tree of life. Yes, you read that correctly. The tree of life. Perhaps not the actual-actual tree, that might be a bit much, but any seeds that may remain from the tree of life. His theory is that those seeds were carried to England (at one point) and have blessed several springs with healing powers (just read your history). He is looking for that holy water. And it is up to his daughter (now that he is in a coma) to finish his research...before his competitors steal it (because of course they have an agenda).

Marian spent years--if not decades--of her life distancing herself from her father's obsession. But now that he is in a coma and she's found a few cryptic notes, she's convinced that the only way to save her family is to carry out her father's research--even if that comes at great risk to herself. (Then again, experimenting on one's self and taking big risks with the hope of great reward might be part of the whole mad scientist thing?)

Here is where I recommend readers suspend all disbelief. And I do mean all--all while you're reading (book in hand), all while you're thinking about what you've read, all while you're thinking about thinking about what you've just read.

So now that you're willing to believe everything without asking any questions (not even one), this novel features time travel via drinking holy water. The solution to many of her problems may be found in the past--the year 1381 to be exact.

Will she find what she's looking for? Or perhaps will she found what she has never bothered looking for?

My thoughts: I definitely found this one compelling. Even when I found it over the top ridiculous I found it compelling.

I loved the past setting of Come Back To Me. True I thought she was very UNprepared and very naive as she oriented herself to the past. (Honestly, who wouldn't be to a certain degree.) It seems to me she could have spent a little more time researching and planning before she drank herself to the past. (That's a very odd sentence). Still, it was the past that made this one an exciting read.

This one may pretend to be many things--a mystery, a thriller, science fiction--but at its heart, at its core it is essentially a romance (and a STEAMY, STEAMY, STEAMY romance at that).

Let's talk steam. On the one hand, ALL THE STEAM happens in a marital relationship. On the other hand, even though it isn't in any way improper for the characters to be in a steamy, sensual, oh-so-intimate relationship, that might not be the case for the book's readers.

For some readers who have had struggles in the past or are currently struggling with smutty-smut romance addiction, the steam in this one may not make this one a good choice. If reading this one makes you tempted to pick up that addiction again. (Be it romance novels or movies).

I would say also that Christian fiction tends to be labeled "safe" and "clean" and "appropriate" for readers of most ages (think 8+). I know I was certainly reading Janette Oke when I was in elementary school. This one would not be one you'd want young(er) readers to read. I think older teens it might not be a bad choice--especially if they read widely from secular publications--this is probably oh-so-tame/lame in comparison to the heavy stuff. But it might not be the absolute best choice either.

If you are "triggered" (and I don't know that this is the best word choice) easily, this might be a gateway back into a sin you're trying to recover from.

But every reader is different.

Come Back to Me is a genre shift for historical author, Jody Hedlund. I’m an avid fan of her historical fiction – especially her early works (Beacons of Hope series, Hearts of Faith series), so I wasn’t sure I was ready for time travel.

As always, Jody Hedlund delivers an absorbing romance in a by-gone era. Descriptions pull the reader into the medieval world during the peasant uprising in England. One can almost smell the battlefield and see the peasants as they fight against oppression in 1381.

The idea of space-time continuum, parallel time shift, and the ability to live in two eras at once isn’t an idea that I’ve ever been able to accept. I haven’t heard of the legends of the life-giving water of the original Tree of Life from the garden of Eden, which is the basis for the main character’s father’s medical research. However, the author pieced all of these ideas well to create an exciting contemporary story of intrigue, action, a hasty marriage, and urgency to save someone close to the main character.

Marian is an interesting character. She’s a contemporary scientist based in the US working for her father’s pharmaceutical company. Her father has pursued his research for a cure for his daughter, Marian’s younger sister. When Marian receives an urgent call to fly to England, she takes up the mantle of her father’s work in order to save him.

Will, a knight and Marian’s love interest from 1381, is a strong character. He faces demons of his own which Marian is able to help him combat. He’s a protector, passionate, and fierce warrior. He’s a swoony, likeable character.

I enjoyed the read, though I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the ending.

*There are sensual scenes in the context of marriage.

I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This story featured a compelling romance story between two characters from very different eras. Marian is a pharmaceutical researcher in the present day and Will is a knight in 1300s England. These two begun to have a connection that is both unique and intriguing. This story was filled with lots of twists and turns and some very interesting research and history surrounding the tree of life, religious themes and trends throughout history and a romance that seems almost impossible to end in a happily ever after. For the longest time I wasn't sure what to make of this story or what kind of happily ever after could possibly be achieved for our main characters, but thankfully Jody Hedlund delivered a great conclusion to this unique romance.

In some ways this story reminds me of a Christian version of Outlander. However, this book features many unique time traveling parameters that did not exist in the story of Outlander.

Thanks to netgalley for providing an arc of this story. All opinions are my own.

Phew! You’re going to need your fainting couches and fans handy for this one, ladies. However, I have to stay off by saying just how blown away I am at Jody Hedlund’s cleverness. I’m not always a fan of time-travel books because it’s hard to make that time-space continuum leap believable. Usually it’s a little eye-roll enduring or been done a millions times before. Not this story. While, yes, you’ll have to suspend believe for the fantasy elements, the way the character goes back in time is just so clever by the author! Bravo.
Ok, back to the fainting couches. The chemistry between Marion and Will just sizzles off the page. It’s pretty much everything you’d expect from a 21st century woman and a knight from 1310. I’ve never seen Outlander but I’d imagine this is sort of a clean version of that.
One of my favorite read of the year!

This was such a beautiful written, thrilling book! Come Back to Me is the first book in Jody Hedlund’s new series, Water’s of Time series. I just loved it! The characters were lovable and so interesting!
Marian Creighton is a scientist, she believes in things that can be proved. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water, she is forced to learn that not everything can be explained through science. As she searches for the answers behind her father’s coma, she decides to test his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages in the midst of a dangerous peasant uprising. William Durham, a gallant knight comes to Marian’s rescue and offers her his protection under the title of his wife. As Marian spends more time with William the more she finds herself torn between staying and going back to her sister in the present.
Marian was super strong and stubborn, and she was also led by science. She believed in things that she could see and understand; the only caveat was God. I really liked her and how she cared for those around her. It was fun to see the Middle Ages through her eyes and all of the things that you take for granted now. It was sweet to read about her with William, I thought that they were so cute! Marian will have to choose whether to go stay with William or go back to the conveniences of the present.
Will was the strong silent hero, the kind of guy who you know will have your back. I loved Will! He had so many responsibilities that it was nice for him to just be with Marian. She pushed him, and didn’t let him just order her around. However, Will had his demons of the past that he would have to face, he had to learn that he couldn’t save everyone.
The storyline was amazing! And the characters were so well written, I loved them and I was rooting for them. I needed to know what would happen next in this book, I wasn’t sure what Marian would choose or if she even had a choice. Marian was fighting to find a cure for her sister, and serve the Middle Ages. Will was trying to keep his new wife safe and with him.
Come Back to Me was simply amazing and I am so excited for the new series! It still had all of the Hedlund writing elements, great characters, interesting storyline, and sweet romance, but was a fun new intriguing genre! I would definitely recommend this book! Come Back to Me is a clean, time travel romance

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

I was completely entranced by Jody Hedlund's first time-crossing romance. I have read and enjoyed a few other time-crossing books by other authors, but reading from a Christian world-view, I enjoyed the fact that it is a clean read. But don't get me wrong, while a clean read, it still has many sparks flying between Marian and Will.

With a fascinating plot and romantic chemistry that practically sizzles off the page, readers will be delighted by Marian's journey into the past. Ms. Hedlund's passion and love for medieval history and culture is apparent in the authentic details included in her stories. Combine that with the legends surrounding miracles of the past, and the author has created a perfect blend that will appeal to the imaginations of her readers.

Ms. Hedlund has proven herself a master storyteller, regardless of the genre or historical setting. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 stars for the first book of the Waters of Time series by Jody Hedlund. While I have absolutely loved past series by this author, this one (or at least this start) didn't quite do it for me. This book follows Marian, a scientist searching for the cure for a rare form of cancer that took her mother. When she learns her father has lapsed into a coma, she drops everything to seek help for him, only to learn that his research on time travel might actually be pertinent. While I really liked the premise of the story, I found the theories to be a bit too fantastical (though the author's note at the end indicates that those theories were actual theories by real people). I also struggled to like the main character, which is always the "death knell" for a book I'm reading. Marian did grow on me over time, but I found myself rolling my eyes over her thoughts, logic and decisions pretty regularly. I wanted to throttle her more than once. I did enjoy the other characters in the book, though, particularly William and Harrison. I'll also add that though there are no "open door" bedroom scenes, there is a fair amount of intense passion, which made me uncomfortable as well. While this had the potential to be a 5 star read, it fell a bit short for me. I would still recommend this one to fans of more science-fiction-y tales and those that enjoy a bit heavier romance themes. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

This was a different style book than I am used to from Ms. Hedlund but I really enjoyed it! Books were people are transported into the past are always a fun scenario and I have never read one where the person got transported back to that day and age! Add in the tufd about the tree of life and I was turning the pages as quickly as I could!! Fascinating book!!!

I was thrilled when I saw this book and was very pleased when i was allowed to read a copy. I have read a few books by this author now and wasn't disappointed with this one. For anyone that is into time travel, espionage and history this book has it all.
Marian is trying everything in her power to help save her sisters life by finding a cure for her. Her dad is also trying to help but in trying to find a cure he ended up in a coma. Marian finds out the reason for his coma and vows to continue what he was doing to both save him and her sister. Time is running out, can the Tree of Life be the cure her father thought it was. What she doesn't expect is to find love in another time and is torn between both worlds, one to save her family and the other to stay with the man she has now come to love.
Give this book a try and you will be soon immersed into the storyline.

I wanted to like this one so much! There aren’t a lot of time travel books in the CF world and this one definitely sounded intriguing! But unfortunately I only made it about 20% in before realizing this wasn’t the book for me. The first chapter was a major info dump and then the following chapters were full of so much excessive detailing of everything that I knew more about her father’s house and a secondary character and his estate than I knew about the character and her personality. And the hero hadn’t even been technically introduced. But I was fully out when the heroine, a trained scientist, decided to link a crusty unknown substance out of an ancient bottle practically on a whim! Maybe this book will hit the mark with other readers but I just couldn’t do it anymore.

I am not a big fan of time travel but Jody Hedlund did a fantastic job of weaving the two time periods together perfectly. Come Back to me is very well written. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

Such a unique tale of time travel between present day and medieval times. I enjoyed how the author dealt with the dilemma of time travel, staying in the past or the present. Also with protecting the means used for that travel. There’s mystery, romance, history, and adventure within the pages. I’m so glad this is going to be a series, so we can get more of these characters.

'What had she gotten herself into?'

I have been a fan of Jody Hedlund's since her first book, which still sits on my shelves. So, of course, I want to read everything she writes. However, as a rule, I don't much care for time travel. There are a very few authors who have done it well that I've read. I love Hedlund's work, so I decided that I wanted to read her take on time travel. Boy, was I in for a surprise!

Hedlund's take on time travel is so unique that I was immediately intrigued and totally invested in the story. Imagine, if you will, that drinking a vial of holy water from the fourteenth century could cure a person in the present day. I think one would agree that it is a unique premise. Imagine again, finding that vial and barely putting your lips to it and being transpo'What had she gotten herself into?'

I have been a fan of Jody Hedlund's since her first book, which still sits on my shelves. So, of course, I want to read everything she writes. However, as a rule, I don't much care for time travel. There are a very few authors who have done it well that I've read. I love Hedlund's work, so I decided that I wanted to read her take on time travel. Boy, was I in for a surprise!
rted back to 1381 England. Well, that did it for me. I love the medieval setting and Hedlund has proven more than once that she does this genre well indeed.

Will Durham, a most valiant knight, rescues Marian from a beating and offers her protection as his wife. His wife! Wait a minute! The ramifications of this particular situation could be long reaching and possibly very uncomfortable. But Marian goes along with it, hoping that she an get back to the present day with the vials of holy water needed to heal her father, who is in a coma, and her sister, who has a genetic disease. Then, on top of everything else, England is in the midst of a dangerous peasant uprising. (Hedlund does her research well and includes actual historical events in all her books.) Now, about Will Durham. What a powerful and totally swoon worthy hero this dude is. His character is a sight to behold. A true and valiant, most chivalrous knight. And soon Marian is wondering if she really wants to go back to the present day.

I was completely captivated by this book. I have always enjoyed Hedlund's books and she has proven she is incredibly good at switching genres effortlessly. Although I must admit, I am completely partial to her medieval settings. She is tops there! I cannot WAIT for the second in this series! I can highly recommend this one.

My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I was not required to leave a positive review. The opinion expressed here is entirely my own.

3.5 stars.

This book gave me a lot of feels. Per Goodreads, it's apparently my first Jody Hedlund book (and definitely won't be the last!); she does a fantastic job at world-building, character creation and development, and time-slipping, that's for sure!

I might have geeked out hard at mentions of the Black Prince - uber "A Knight's Tale" fan here, so kyyyynda was channeling the movie a little bit as I read. :) And Will - holy cow, talk about a swoonworthy hero. Loveee.

Some of the romantic descriptions were a bit too descriptive for my taste/current position in life as a single female; I would personally have preferred a fade-to-black a tad bit earlier at times. But, that is solely me and where I'm at. Fans of Julie Lessman likely won't blink twice; I'd put the two on par with each other.

I could really relate to Marian's reactions to 1381 lacks (i.e. no morning coffee; present-day standards for basic hygiene necessities; and so on)! That cracked me up.

The plot was fascinating, and I really hope some of the remaining open items here are addressed in subsequent books. Looking forward to more in the series!

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund was not was I was expecting. I honestly skimmed the description of the book, not paying as much attention to the plot because I recognized the author and have enjoyed Ms. Hedlund's writings. Although I expected a good book based on the author, this work by Ms. Hedlund honestly thoroughly surprised me and kept me turning the page until I had it finished in the same day I started it! I cannot recall ever reading a book packed full of such interesting and complex plots, deep and complicated characters, not to mention the Biblical and historical references. I absolutely enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.
Come Back to Me weaves a story of a stubbornly determined research scientist Marian Creighton as she discovers an almost unbelievable theory of her father's which could cure any illness or disease. The only problem is that Marian's father is in a coma with no known cause and no known cure! Marian is called to England to her father's bedside and is quickly pulled into a dangerous and intricate plot of corporate espionage, kidnapping, ruthless attacks, just to mention a few situations.
Marian and her father's main focus in life has been finding the cure to help keep Ellen, Marian's sister, from succumbing to a rare genetic disease that already took their mother. Marian discovers in her father's research and hidden clues left for her that he has truly discovered the water of life, which is some holy water that was traced back to the tree of life from the garden of Eden. When Marian digs deeper, her father's notes and clues suggest that those who take the water of life cross back in time. Marian has a hard time believing in such an impossible thing as time travel, but when she inadvertently tests his theories and is whisked into the Middle Ages in the midst of a violent peasant uprising, Marian has no choice but to believe that time travel is real. When she meets and is protected by William Durham a chivalrous, handsome knight, Marian is drawn to care for him. Can Marian return to her own time or will she be trapped in the Middle Ages, unable to provide the cure to save her beloved sister? If Marian is able to leave the Middle Ages, will she regret it once she is home? If she returns to modern times, will she be able to adjust and move on with her life? Will she be able to save her sister and father? Pick up Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund and find out for yourself!
Some aspects I appreciated about Come Back to Me by Ms. Hedlund included the fully-developed characters with thorough backgrounds, an intriguingly complex plot, a constantly changing time period, a wealth of historical foundations, a firm focus on the importance of family, as well as an adorable and sweet love story. I did struggle at the beginning to pick up with the storyline, but as soon as I read several chapters, I couldn't put the book down. I enjoyed this book and hope that you have the chance to read it and enjoy it as much as I did. If you are looking for an adventure, I would suggest you pick up Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund and enjoy!
Disclaimer: Revell graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review

I was slightly reluctant to request an advance copy of this book because this genre is not my norm. Don't get me wrong--I love time travel stories in a movie or TV show, but my reading interests lie in stories from history. I was afraid of committing to a book I might not enjoy. It took the name of Jody Hedlund on the cover to convince me to make that request, and I'm very grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read it and give my thoughts.

The story begins in the present as Marian Creighton works in her laboratory, working to find a cure for her sister's disease, when she receives a call that her father has slipped into a coma in England. She has not been close to her father over recent years, but sets aside her work to travel to Canterbury to be with him, and that is the least of the travel she is about to do. It turns out that her father had been researching for a cure as well, and had drunk some holy water that may have caused his coma. But is that what really happened? Even though Marian didn't believe her father's crazy theories, she was willing to follow the clues wherever they led.

I love that this book was actually full of history, as well as romance and intrigue. Every time I thought I had figured out the ending, another surprise dropped. I cannot wait for the next book in the Waters of Time series!

3.8
After reading the last time traveling book, I vowed not to read another one any time soon, but this one sounded interesting...so request.
Marian is devoted to her job so she has little time for dating. She sinks all of her time into her research with the intent to find a cure for her sister suffering from a terminal disease that took her mother's life. She receives a call from the hospital that her dad is in a coma with no evidence why. His office and home have been ransacked and vandalized, so Marian decides to unlock his safe deposit box to see what these trespassers are after.

An odd discovery, she finds notes and vials of holy water and residue from the Tree of Life, which is also a vessel to travel back in time. Marian decides to sample the vials and travel to the Middle Ages to find more to save her sister and also where she thinks her father is actually living outside of his present body and time.

It soon becomes a romantic love story when Marian falls for a knight and indecisive about her return to present time. It was very uplifting and enlightening with the biblical references and verses throughout.
Thanks NetGalley for the Arc in exchange for my review.

When I have a favorite author, and Jody Hedlund is one of my most favorite, I do not read the back of the book. I don't want any hints of what the story is about, just trust that I am going to love it and let it organically unfold. Jody's books usually follow a comfortable rhythm that I have come to expect and easily settle into, but this one threw me from the first page! Contemporary setting!?! Time travel?! I was definitely taken back a bit. It was kind of like your favorite soft drink company changing their recipe. I can't say that I loved it at first, but once I got into it I was ready for anything to happen!

While Come Back to me was a bit of a departure from her usual Historical Fiction themes, it was more like a grown up version of her YA medieval time period novels. I find her YA novels enjoyable so once this one settled into that period I enjoyed it more. The hero, Will, is definitely swoon worthy and some portions were quite steamy! And then there is the time travel component which added a fantasy dimension that isn't usual for a Hedlund novel either, but was fun and different. I loved the Canterbury setting, the devotion to family and the elements of danger present in both time periods.

I'm curious to read how this series is going to unfold, as I was left with many questions. Will the characters from the 1300's be able to communicate to those in the present and vice versa? Will the changes the from the past affect the future, and how so? I guess I will have to wait for the next book to find out! I am eager to read the adventures in store for Harrison and Ellen.

This book was such a surprise to me! If you enjoy medieval or YA fiction from Melanie Dickerson than I think you would enjoy this book.

Thank you Revell and Net Galley for the free DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Come Back to Me is a fantastic story I did not want to end! I had a hard time putting it down! Marian is a research scientist looking for new cures for diseases, like her father. Amazingly, she finds herself transported through time to the year 1381 where she meets Will Durham, and unexpectedly marries him. She gets transported through time back to the present, and has no way of predicting which time she will be in next. The problem is, she is falling in love with Will, the more she is around him. He is like no other man she has ever known. This is one of the best stories I have read in a long while. Exciting to the very end! I wanted more!!!

Definitely more than 5 stars.

First, let me say: Outlander what? Jamie Fraser has nothing on Will Durham. Now that's out of the way, what an amazing story!

The concept and premise are original and intriguing: special waters that cure all maladies and allow one to slip back in time? As far-fetched as it sounds, the author did an amazing job with plausibility, setting up the science behind it and the proof that goes with it.

Marian is a scientist looking for a cure for her sister. When her father falls into a coma, she travels to England to find out what happened. And that's when she starts having "visions" of a man in another time.

William Durham lives with the guilt of his half brother's death, even though it wasn't his fault. He knows war and the pain that comes from it, but when he sees an intriguing woman in what he thinks are visions, he's surprised at the peace she brings to his mind and heart.

When Marian slips back into 1381, she's confronted with real danger she didn't plan for. Will saves her and soon offers her marriage for added protection.

The realities of life in the late Middle Ages are a shock but the longer she spends in this time with Will, the less she wishes to return.

The writing is excellent and the story is absolutely unputdownable. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.