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.

I waited a LONG time to read Never Leave Me. And I wasn’t disappointed. Oh snap, no. Binge read in 36 hours. Would’ve taken less time, but I have a family to feed and love.

This is the second, and I think, final installment in the Waters of Time Series. In my opinion, you definitely need to read the first book, Come Back to Me, and there’s a link at the bottom to learn more about that story. The basic premise is finding and using Holy Water from a well, associated with the Tree of Life, to cure terminal illness.

But then throw in a time-travel component, pulling the drinker of the water back to the 1380’s, and a love story that spans centuries, and boom, you have the magnificent ending to a highly imaginative series.

This book focuses on Ellen, the sister of Marian, the heroine from the first book. Ellen is dying. Marian’s former colleague Harrison, an English Lord, himself, paraplegic, is frantically scouring the globe to find the water to cure Ellen, the love of his life. Ellen watched the water take her father and sister, presuming them dead.

But what the reader knows, is that Marian is, in fact, alive and happily married in 1382!

TROUBLE IN TWO DIFFERENT ERAS…

Harrison finds more water, left for him in the past to cure Ellen, and that’s when it all kicks off. Ellen is kidnapped by a ruthless doctor, determined to replicate the Holy Water. Harrison’s only way to save her is to go back in time to discover where she’s being held.

Both Harrison and Ellen must face a reality they didn’t think possible, and confront their long denied feelings for each other. Then they need to contend with enemies in both the present and the past. All told, this book is a stunning read. Highly recommended.

Never Leave Me
Grab a copy or read an excerpt…

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Check out the first in the series (utterly brilliant)…

Come Back to Me by author extraordinaire Jody Hedlund is Book Two in her Waters of Time Series. Book One is Come Back to Me. This is a Christian time slip, time travel series that is so unique that it had me enthralled. I adored both books.

Author Hedlund is beyond talented. Her skill and imagination is truly a gift. With mere words she weaves a story with amazing characters, brilliant ideas, and descriptions so vivid I felt like a fly on the wall. This book is not only well written but also well researched and organized, also.

This is the tale of Ellen Creighton. She suffers from a horrible genetic disease and is close to death. It is also the tale of her friend Harrison. He is paralyzed and has been in a wheelchair for years. Their only hope is obtaining some of the holy water that was discovered in Book 1.

There is action, mystery, intrigue, adventure, inspiration, and romance in this phenomenal captivating tale. Venture to 1380’s England and back to modern day in this page turning wonder. I learned a lot of medieval details while reading this. There is a strong Christian message woven throughout the entire book. Even though I have finished it days ago, I still think about it.

I cannot recommend this high enough. Be sure to read Book 1 first because it is so interesting, too. Both books will have you running the gamut of emotions before you finish. You will be so invested in the characters and their stories. It receives a 5 out of 5 stars from me. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley but these are my honest words.

I thought this book was fascinating. It's more than just a time travel book. It's about love and self-sacrifice and contentment. I really enjoyed it. I can't imagine there being another book in the series but would love to see one.

Harrison was my favorite character. He's a paraplegic who is willing to sacrifice everything for the woman he loves, Ellen, who has a terminal illness. He goes to great lengths to care for her and to try to heal her. I loved watching him doing things he didn't think he'd ever do, like hopping up the stairs. My feelings towards Ellen were mixed. While she has accepted her illness and has done a lot to help children who are sick, she was still pretty self-absorbed. She wanted to do things her way...to make sacrifices herself but not let others do things for her. She was so afraid of hope that she couldn't see what was before her eyes. She was reckless in her actions and with others' affections. Still, she was willing to go to great length for those she loved and that's admirable.

It was fun seeing Marion again in this book and seeing how she is making out in 1382. You really need to read book one in this series for this book to make sense.

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Never Leave Me, a continuation of the Waters of Time series, was such a wonderful book! This book along with Come Back to Me, are the only time travel books I've ever read, but Jody Hedlund's writing talent and skill made me a believer and I'm a fan now.

The beginning of the book was so enjoyable I felt like I was ready a happy-ever-after epilogue. I knew it was too good to be true because it wasn't long before Hedlund proceeds to take readers on a twisting turning adrenaline pumping adventure that had me on the edge of my seat.

I love the Tree of Life and hunt for the healing waters storyline! I loved the characters of Ellen Creighton and the swoony Harrison Burlington. I also really enjoyed seeing Marion and her shining knight William Durham again. Hedlund writes the best heroes, both alpha types like William and beta types like Harrison.

Never Leave Me checks all the boxes for what makes a great Christian fiction romance, appealing characters with an intriguing plot, perfect pacing and exciting adventure. As much as I loved these two stories, I'm going to need a third book in this series. I'm not ready to say goodbye to the Creighton sisters and their love interests or my journey back to the Middle Ages. I appreciate Revell Publishing making a copy of Never Leave Me available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

NEVER LEAVE ME by Jody Hedlund

Revew:

Come Back to Me was such an interesting read. I was excited to dive into this book and it didn’t disappoint. I think it is best to read book one first, but this can still be read as a standalone.

Never Leave Me follows Ellen and Harrison’s story a year after Marian’s passing. Despite being a paralyzed man, Harrison has always been dependable and caring. I love that about him. We get to experience Harrison’s unrequited love for Ellen. He is gentle and gives his all to the woman he loves.

The time travel to 1382, healing by the holy water, romance, suspense and historical aspects makes this a very interesting read yet strange to me at the same time. I had a lot of why’s but the author crafted the story beautifully.

I love that Ellen prays The Serenity Prayer. A college friend gave me a key chain with the prayer written on it. The prayer is still relevant to me now. I have kept the key chain and the prayer etched in my heart.

Both Ellen and Harrison know the hardships of being sick. But healing took a much deeper meaning, much more than the physical. To value the people around us. To have hope regardless of the many struggles in life. To love and never hold back. I recommend this book.

Rating: 4.5 stars
Pub date: 04 Jan 2022

Thank you Revell for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!!!! That’s the only way to describe Jody Hedlund’s “Never Leave Me.” Ellen Creighton is the heroine (some of you would remember from “Come Back to Me”) who is facing a deadly genetic disease, and Harrison Burlington is the much older man who feels limited by his own infirmity. Then, they discover holy water that could heal both of them. This leads to a necessary trip through time to the 14th century in search of more of the holy water. I fell in love with the characters and the dynamics of their relationship instantly. I did not want to put this book down. I hung on every movement of the plot.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

You know those books that you can't read fast enough because you just have to know what's going to happen but at the same time you don't want to rush because once it's done, it's done?! That's how I felt when I read Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund! I wasn't sure if I could love another romance as much as I loved Will and Marion's in Come Back to Me, but I totally fell in love with Harrison and Ellen. They face adventures and obstacles together and I loved how much Harrison wants to be there for Ellen. I'm a sucker for a time travel story and this is one of the best! If you haven't read the first book in the Waters of Time series, it's best to read that first so you understand the whole story.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publishes 4 January 2022

If you like time travel this is an excellent read. Ellen Creighton has a genetic disorder she is coming to terms with and is spending her last days at the estate of her good friend Harrison Burlington. What she doesn’t realize is Harrison is crazy in love with her but he fails to confess those feelings. He is a paraplegic who has never felt he could admit to those feelings because he is not whole. Ellen’s father and sister had spent years as research scientists looking for a cure to her disease but they have both died before they were able to find it. Shortly before her sister dies she tells Ellen she has found fantastic healing waters but they are in the past. Ellen chalks it all up to the rantings and delusions from the coma her sister fell into before dying. Harrison however is desperate to save her and willing to try anything, so he leaves no stone unturned in his search for the healing water. Unfortunately a competing pharmaceutical company also wants to get their hands on it. Who will get there first? If the water can heal, can it heal them both physically and emotionally? While it can be read alone you will definitely want to also read Book One of the Waters of Time series, Come Back to Me. I received an advanced electronic copy of this book but am in no way obligated to give a good review.

Never Leave Me, by Jody Hedlund, is her second time-travel tale. Ellen Creighton knows that she is dying. She has the genetic condition that had already taken the lives of several in her family. As Ellen relaxes at her best friend Harrison Burlington’s estate, you soon realize that Harrison is definitely not giving up as easily as Ellen!

Harrison discovers what he thinks is a clue from Marion. She is the only other person who would do anything to save her sister, Ellen’s life. Assuming that Marion is alive and living somewhere in the Middle Ages, Harrison makes his way to the crypt to see what he can find. He cannot believe it when two ampullas, possibly containing holy water, are found. However, Ellen wants nothing to do with what she believes is poison. Harrison decides to sample this fluid to prove its validity to Ellen!

When Harrison finally awakens from his unconscious state, he can suddenly walk after thirty-five years in a wheelchair. He knows this miracle could only be from God. After Harrison convinces Ellen to drink from the second ampulla, she begins to feel renewed herself!

When a competitive pharmaceutical company starts coming after Ellen trying to understand what brought about her healing, you do not expect both Ellen and Harrison to end up in the Middle Ages. There will be many unbelievable events that take place in this ancient location. You will never believe where Ellen and Harrison land by the final pages of this tale!

I have all the same opinions of this book that I did of the first one. To start with, it's a thrilling adventure that keeps me turning the pages wanting to know what happens. This story got a bit more academic with the science but I just moved past those parts (since I don't understand them anyway).

The conclusions that Ellen and Harrison come to about the water is exactly right. Humanity will turn all good gifts into a problem. We do it time and again.

Without spoiling things, there are some great events that happen back in time that made me quite happy. Because of those events, I want another book, but I'm not sure what Jody would do in a third book or how that would even be feasible, due to other things that happen. I have to say, I had an idea of how things would go in the story and was quite surprised that they didn't end up that way! Here's to the plot twist! If this is the end, it was very satisfactory and if there is another one, I will be excited to read it.

Just like in book one, there is some graphic and more mature content, primarily related to the Middle Ages aspect. Because of that, I would recommend it to adults only.

Come Back To Me was one of my favorite reads of the year, and I couldn't wait to dive back into this world and these characters in Never Leave Me. So many elements of this book were ones I once again found myself enjoying, and I did end up reading the majority of it in only one sitting. I loved the period details in the past especially, and the way that Ellen is able to reunite with her family, and finally realize the truth behind what her father and sister gave their present lives searching for.

I also appreciated the fact that this one is just as suspenseful as the first, if not more, and it seemed at every single corner the characters found themselves involved in a new nefarious situation that the reader had no idea how they could possibly find their way out of.

Unfortunately, I have to say that I did not end up enjoying this one nearly as much as I did the first book in the series, and it just seemed like a few elements being more well rounded could have made a good story a great one. I really felt like the characters weren't as developed as well as they could have been, and so many decisions they ended up making seemed weird and not something that made sense to me. The ending is really rushed, and left so many questions unanswered, and I wanted so much more from where the story had begun.

The faith element in this one felt really weird, and not at all authentic. It didn't seem to play that big a part of either Harrison or Ellen's life, and I was heavily disappointed by this, as I really enjoyed how effortlessly the faith element was blended into the first book.

Perhaps though, the biggest issue with this book for me personally was the heavy sensual emphasis that wraps itself around Ellen and Harrison's entire relationship. It was way more than was needed, and left me uncomfortable even wanting to read certain passages. It didn't really feel like a Christian fiction title in those instances, and I found that disheartening.

Overall, this one definitely had its ups and downs, and while I didn't think it was as good as the first book, there were still many moments I did enjoy.

Final Rating: 3/5.

I'm glad I took the chance on it, but I don't think it will be a reread for me personally.

Thanks so much to Revell for allowing me to advance read and review this!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Revell) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.

Another unique story by Jody Hedlund that I thoroughly enjoyed. This series just continues to amaze me with some great subjects such as "the Holy Water” and time traveling, which in my opinion is the most exciting part ever! I love time travel! Sometimes I often wonder what it would be like. This book focuses on Ellen’s story, the younger sister of Marian who was featured in book one, Come Back to Me. If you haven’t read the first book yet, I highly recommend it.

Hedlund is a masterful storyteller for the medieval times. She describes scenes so perfectly I felt like I was there right along Ellen, Harrison, Marian and Will. I found that I didn't really like one of the supporting characters, Dr Lionel. In certain scenes he made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck and I didn't like that. Well, I did and didn't because these are the scenes that have a bit of mystery and that's what I love about the book if that makes sense. I highly recommend !

My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own. 5 stars for a well written story with awesome character development and some romance thrown in too!

Never Leave Me is book two in the Waters Of Time series by Jody Hedlund. I sincerely hope there will be a book three as I adore the characters in these books. I want to know more about Ellen and Harrison's adventures and also about Marion and William's life in the past. These books are fascinating and compel one to read them quickly, leaving one longing for more. The setting, both contemporary and in the past is described in intricate detail. I loved the plot with all of its twists and turns. So grab yourself a copy and settle in for a fabulous story. Although you won't have the healing waters you can certainly brew up a pot of tea to enjoy while you read.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

What a great sequel in the Waters of Time series. I definitely recommend you read the series in order since the first book (Come Back to Me) puts down the groundwork for what happens in this book. It’s a bit different from the first in that friends-to-more romance plot line takes center stage here as Harrison desperately tries to find a cure for Ellen’s genetic disorder. I loved Harrison and Ellen’s sweet, tender, self-sacrificing love and being back in 1382 with Will and Marian. Harrison’s devoted, steadfast heart and his keen intelligence makes him a uniquely unforgettable hero and Ellen’s compassionate bleeding soul makes her a worthy heroine. If you’re looking for a time-traveling adventure with heart-stopping romance and lots of action, look no further!

I received the book from publisher via Interviews and Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

A beautiful, captivating time slip novel! I devoured the first book Come Back to Me and Never Leave Me in a matter of days. Very well written filled with history, danger, and romance. The story slips effortlessly between the 1300’s and present day making it easy to not only follow along, but also get lost in. The detail given of both worlds help the reader paint a vivid picture of what they are reading. Both books are easily two of my favorites of the year! I honestly hated to see the story end.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

A daring adventure in time travel and romance!

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!

Oh my goodness, this was wonderful! I didn’t want to stop reading and I loved the romance. It was quite suspenseful and I held my breath several times! Jody Hedlund writes my favorite types of romance. It’s a romance that you can see and feel with every word they share. How they look at each other, touch each other. So respectful, thoughtful and kind.
I’ve read at least 8 novels by her and they just keep getting better. Time travel is a difficult thing to write about and JH did a great job with this story. I’m grateful that it ended the way it did and I’m a very happy reader with a giant smile on my face. I highly recommend this which is book 2. But it can be read as a stand-alone, if you’re wondering.
Thanks Revell via NetGalley.

Never Leave Me was a fantastic book! The second in a series, it is best if you read Come Back to Me first, but this is also a great stand alone book. Very imaginative story of a family with a theory about a certain kind of water that flows around the original tree of life spoken of in the Bible.. They don't know where a spring might be, but throughout history, they have found stories of miraculous healing involving this water. If they can find this water it could be a "cure all" of any disease. The youngest daughter of this family suffers from a genetic disease that claimed the life of her mother, and she faces death. Knowing she is going to die, she is staying with a family friend for her last days. Unknown to her, the family friend, Harrison, has been in love with her for years, but he has always been afraid to speak of it with her. Ellen is afraid to drink the water, because she fears her sister and father died from drinking it. So Harrison drinks it, not knowing what will happen. Harrison has been a paraplegic since he was four years old due to a car accident he was in. After taking the water, he blacks out, and when he awakens, he discovers he can walk again. Ellen is amazed, and she takes the other small bottle of water. Tests are done, and there is no sign of her genetic disease. Another strange thing about the water is that it can take you back in time. She goes back in time momentarily and discovers her sister is alive in this different time, and she is pregnant. When Ellen goes back a second time, she helps deliver the baby, and discovers her father has been transported back in time as well, though their present time bodies have died after being comatose. Excellent story, and I'm leaving out quite a bit, but there is a kidnapping, earthquake, and crumbling tunnels in this story that often makes for intense times. I loved it!

I like how in book two it is along the same foundation as book one but the “ultimate cure”/holy water means something different to the characters. Harrison and Ellen both have physical ailments that are severe/lifelong. Holy water could possibly cure them and change their lives.

This is a book you can’t tell too much about the specifics because it would give too much away.

I enjoyed Harrison and Elllen’s relationship and how close they were from the beginning. They are both so caring and look out for others before themselves.

I honestly enjoyed the first book much better. I’m normally really enjoy series, but this just made it seem more drug out.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I will be posting a review on goodreads, bookbub, and instagram in the next few weeks.