Book Review: 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 Ellen 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.

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My Thoughts:

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 21^st 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.

Book Review: His to Keep by Sherrinda Ketchersid

About the Book:

He’s fighting for his inheritance—she’s marrying her sworn enemy.

When Ian McGowan attempts to claim Whitfield Castle as his rightful inheritance, he finds himself barred by a tempestuous lass who is entailed to be the bride of the castle’s new owner.

Claire Beaumont, the orphaned ward of Whitfield, has good reason to hate Scots, and she is not about to let a Scot enter her beloved home. But when the handsome knight steals into the castle and proves his claim on the land, she must face her ultimate nightmare—marriage to her sworn enemy—in order to save those she cares about most.

Restoring the failing Whitfield Castle while wooing his defiant intended proves more challenging than Ian anticipated. His struggles reach a crisis when his nemesis arrives at the castle, and he must overcome his past demons to prove his worth. He must fight for what is his to keep—and it could well cost him his heart.

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My Thoughts:

His to Keep by Sherrinda Ketchersid features a romance with strong tension and positive themes about personal healing and growth. I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers progression, though I partly think that Claire started admiring, if not liking, Ian too soon. The plot clips right along and some situations progressed quickly. I think I wanted the story to slow down and dig down deep into each character. Still, the themes about forgiveness and self-worth added a pleasing depth to the novel.

Overall, His to Keep by Sherrinda Ketchersid was a fun read. I especially enjoyed the medieval setting and unique customs presented. Due to mentions of “bedding” one another and the emphasis placed on it by certain characters, I recommend this book for older teens and above.

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.

The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson

Evangeline's privileged life as the ward of her cousin, King Richard II, sometimes feels more suffocating than blessed. When the king awards her in marriage to his most trusted adviser, Lord Shiveley, Evangeline's desperation peaks and she escapes the night before her nuptials. Disguising herself as mute, she travels with a band of servants led by the handsome and kind Westley le Wyse to Glynval. When her deception is uncovered, Evangeline finds herself in danger of Lord Shiveley's search parties and a broken heart. Will Evangeline find the absolution she craves as well as redemption for her past deception? Can a relationship with Westley survive such a shaky beginning? Read more in The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson.

The Silent Songbird is the seventh novel in Melanie Dickerson's Hagenheim series. The novel works as a stand alone, but I do recommend reading the earlier novels as it's enjoyable to encounter some of the previous characters and I think her earlier works are better quality. Mixing The Little Mermaid with Medieval England, the novel's strength lies in Dickerson's creativity. She blends the enchanted fairy tale “feeling” with elements of mystery, deception, romantic expectation and spiritual truth. Unfortunately, at times the dialogue felt stilted or choppy and the prose lacked the beauty present in other novels by Dickerson. In my opinion, The Silent Songbird isn't Dickerson's best showing, but it is worth reading. There are positive elements to enjoy and fans of the Hagenheim series will want to read it to keep up with the series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free via netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."