I've read both of Jody Hedlund's Waters of Time books. Book 1, Come Back to Me and book 2 Never Leave Me are both such interesting and fascinating stories. They should be read in order. Hedlund's imagination and research meet up and explode into stories I would never have dreamed of. The whole concept of time-travel seems so out of reach, yet she writes with such authority, I wanted to believe Ellen and Harrison could make the journey. With danger lurking and incredible circumstances, Ellen draws courage from within as Harrison's faith carries them through the unbelievable. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Never Leave Me is the five star read definitely worth losing sleep over because it’s that amazing and so hard to put down! Jody Hedlund’s highly anticipated second book in the Waters of Time series begins right where Come Back to Me leaves off. Ellen and Harrison were enjoyable in the first book and I grew to absolutely adore them in this one. With an exceptionally swoon-worthy romance, heart-pounding suspense, and an intriguing fast-paced plot, this book grabbed me right from the beginning and did not let go.

Ellen is dying, and Harrison is doing everything in his power to save her. Believing Ellen’s sister Marion is alive and well in the 1380’s, Harrison has faith the water from the Tree of Life can cure Ellen, if only she will take it. When he discovers two vials of the water, he takes one to prove its healing powers. Immediately cured from his childhood spinal cord injury, Harrison persuades Ellen to take the second vial and she’s miraculously cured.

The implication of the water’s healing power sets up several interesting dilemmas. Is there a purpose for disease and suffering? If they can locate more water or figure out its healing properties, who should get it? If there’s a limited supply, what does that mean for the world? What about those who would sell it to the highest bidder or even kill for it?

Ellen and Harrison have their own personal dilemmas. Both believed their circumstances wouldn’t allow them to fall in love, so, to suddenly be healed brings joy but also confusion for the future. Throughout the story, each struggles with their new reality and changing relationship as they race back and forth between the present and Medieval times to save each other and to try to thwart a man who would stop at nothing to get the water.

The time travel elements of the story are intriguing and I loved the unique concept of the “living water” from the Tree of Life. Both the modern day and Medieval settings are amazing and so well described that I felt like I was there. I loved seeing Marion and Will again and enjoyed new characters introduced, particularly Nicholas and Sybil.

Thoughtful, handsome, charming Harrison had me at “love” and I fell for him right along with Ellen. They were both such enjoyable, well developed characters. It was easy to understand their misgivings and root for them to find happiness. Holy cow! Their romance is off the charts sizzling.

If possible, this book was even more incredible than the first! Hoping there’s a third book in the series because I’m just not ready to let this story go! I highly recommend reading the first book in the series before this book to really appreciate the plot and characters. Time travel romance lovers or even historical fiction lovers will enjoy the Waters of Time series. I received an advanced copy of the book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

I was captivated with this time travel “Waters of Time series” when I read Come Back To Me last year. Never Leave Me takes us back to Ellen Creighton and Harrison Burlington. I felt invested in these two characters and was pleased to re-visit them, especially Harrison. I have not spent a lot of time reading about the medieval time period. I think Ms. Hedlund gave us a more realistic picture of the 14th century by delivering the sittings as seen through Ellen and Harrison's eyes. I found myself getting a little flustered with Ellen's (Let's Just Be Friends) attitude. She was just a little on again, off again for me. But I loved the suspense. Every time I thought I had it figured out something different would happen.
My favorite line was about Harrison “ Only the Lord knew how many times he’d tried to get her out of his system. But something about her sent his hormones raging like an adolescent rather than a full-grown man.”

I want to thank Revell Company through NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. The opinions in the review 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.”

4.5* Hedlund's sequel to Come Back to Me nicely continues the story, wrapping up loose ends and exploring undisclosed details.  Hand in hand, these books make a compelling time travel romance series.  The flavor of each book is different, the tone fresh because of the differing main  characters' perspectives.  I would love to see another entry in the series to continue exploring the details and resolving some overarching details! (I even have characters I'm rooting for a happily ever after for!)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Never Leave Me is different than the typical time travel romance and I love it.
What would you do if you had access to a small amount of holy water that would bring healing to any infirmity?
This is the moral dilemma that both Ellen and Harrison face. Each has a physical issue. Things are more complicated by their secret love for each other. Is one of them willing to die in order for the other to live? Should they drink the holy water in hope of securing more in the past, or should they only use it for the good of others?
Spanning time from the present to the year 1382 they must trust each other, and trust God’s wisdom as they battle evil men for control of the wellspring.
This book draws you into both the present and the past with well written descriptive, and a storyline you want to be a part of. I couldn’t put it down.
I was given a copy of this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group by Interviews and Reviews through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund continues her very intriguing Waters of Time series, which now focuses on Ellen Creighton and Harrison Burlington minor characters previously seen in the first book of the series, Come Back to Me. It is hard to describe the genre of these two excellent books, since both are set in the modern era, yet include such intriguing themes as time travel, healing waters, as well as grief, loss, love, faith, and family. I am not typically a reader of the more scientific fiction genre, but I have thoroughly enjoyed these two books. Never Leave Me is an excellent book and could be read on its own; however, I would highly recommend reading Come Back to Me before reading this book. There is a great deal of context in Never Leave Me which comes from the first book in the series.
As a nurse and as a long-time patient, Ellen Creighton knows that her time on earth is close to an end. She has already lost her father and sister and now solely relies on her loyal friend Harrison Burlington. Harrison refuses to give up on Ellen, even when she gives up on her fight. Although Harrison is confined to a wheelchair as a paraplegic, he fights an unending battle to save the one person he desperately loves, Ellen. Harrison believes that if he can find the healing waters that Ellen's father and sister claimed to have found before their suspicious deaths that Ellen can be healed. Ellen refuses to have anything to do what she believes is Harrison's futile search. When Harrison discovers the long-sought after water and drinks it himself to prove to Ellen that is works, Ellen is horrified and fears that Harrison will not survive it.
Harrison was paralyzed from an early age, so when he runs up behind Ellen on his own two feet, both Harrison and Ellen are shocked and see that this water may truly heal all sicknesses! Ellen takes the water and, to Harrison's joy, Ellen is healed with no trace of cancer, sickness, or her genetic disease. After celebrating each other's healings, Ellen is captured by dangerous criminals who will do anything to find the healing waters, even forcing Ellen to go back in time to the very early ages of the 1380s. Can Ellen escape them? Will Harrison be able to find Ellen before it is too late? Can Ellen find more of the healing water to appease the criminals? Will she discover if her sister and father are alive in the past? Can she make her way back to the modern era? Can Ellen finally admit that she loves Harrison and realize it before it is too late?
I hope you have the opportunity to read this fascinating mixture of adventure, romance, theoretical dilemmas, and a collision of medieval and modern eras. I thoroughly enjoyed the time travel aspect of this work, leading to a very unique and intriguing plot and storyline. I also appreciated the characters in this work, especially as both Ellen and Harrison handled their extreme life changes, showing their character and struggles. I enjoyed Ellen and Harrison's friendship and developing of their relationship throughout the complex plot. Overall, Never Leave Me was an excellent work with many surprises and full-circle moments. I enjoyed this book and I hope you have the chance to read it. Happy readings!

Disclaimer: Revell graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

*Warnings*
#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.

Stars: 3.5

Synopsis: When Ellen Creighton witnesses—and experiences—the supernatural healing power of the ancient water, she finds herself in the realm of business espionage and intrigue...and in the 14th century. Will she be able to return to the future and reveal the enemy’s evil plot in time to save herself and her friends?

Never Leave Me picks up right where Come Back to Me leaves off, following suit in many ways—such as not quite reaching its full potential.

Ellen and Harrison I believe had much deeper development and characterization than Marian and Will in the previous book—in part because of the fact we’d already gotten to know them, to a degree, in the first book. I really appreciate that, and, for the most part, I think Hedlund managed the transition from Come Back to Me into this book quite well.

Unfortunately, I never did establish a connection with Ellen. She had more going for her than Marian, I reckon, but I could never get a read on her personality or her true character, so she just never really clicked for me. Typical of heroines, eh?

Harrison, on the other hand, I loved in the first book...but in here, I feel like he lacked his novelty. He seemed a bit forward, a tad immature, and perhaps a teensy smidge out of place. Okay, a lot out of place. What rankled me the most, though, was that he didn’t act at all like a nearly forty-year-old man. A twenty-year-old kid from 1930, yes—which honestly shouldn’t be much different from a forty-year-old man in the 2020s. My point is that for all his aristocratic airs, age, and intelligence, not to mention his years spent as a paralytic, he simply acted like a brash young American. And when I’m promised a refined, wise older Englishman, I find that sorely disappointing.

Seriously. I love older heroes (and Harrison wasn’t all that old), but when they differ none from the kid who’s half their age, it’s basically pointless. So perhaps I’m overreacting to a pet peeve, but you’ve got to admit that characters who don’t act their age (or act like they are mature as their circumstances would make them seem) are unrealistic, therefore unbelievable, therefore difficult to connect with.

Not to mention Harrison himself made a big deal out of being thirty-nine and seemingly too old to be a father. Believe you me, had he had a child, he would in no way act like their grandfather. (My dad was in his late forties when my baby brother was born, and suffice it to say that he doesn’t act like a grandfather to him at all. On top of that, my great-grandfather was fifty-two when my grandmother was born, and he lived to see his grandchildren. No issues with age there either. I honestly find that argument shaky and selfish, but that’s just due to my experiences.)

Apart from that, at least they had more development and more of an emotional connection to each other than Will and Marian did. I can appreciate that.

However, where the characters possessed a bit of substance, the plot did not—the opposite of CBTM. There were so many plot points—from the healings and the vacation to Ellen’s capture to Harrison’s arrival in the 14th century to that extremely rushed ending—that I feel like none of them were given enough time to be fleshed out. Especially the dumb marriage of convenience (if convenience is even the right word in this context) toward the end there. I’m sorry, but I can’t stand MoCs that are just thrown in last minute to add some spice to the book. Trust me, they don’t. They seem like cliché and unnecessary plot devices and I hate them. Now, if you want to make the whole book about the MoC or just focus on the MoC in the beginning (like More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer and The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham), I’m all for that. We get the development we need to really pull that off, so how can I complain?

But when you just slip it in there within the last fifty pages and you use it to manufacture unneeded drama, you’re just setting yourself up for failure. Especially when you, like Jody Hedlund, have written at least fifty marriage of convenience stories.

Let’s see...there’s A Bride of Convenience, Hereafter, A Cowboy for Keeps, Searching For You, Come Back to Me, Love Unexpected, A Noble Groom...the list goes on, my dears.

It’s getting old. Just sayin’. Next time you need a catalyst for drama or something to move the story along, try something new or pull from the material you already have. Don’t just conjure something up—especially something that everyone has used a gazillion times.

(Y’all may use this to discourage me from ever doing the same thing in the future, if you’d like. Can never have too many officers on the Plot Police force. *winks*)

I still like the time travel method, though. And the thread of suspense and intrigue. I really wish there’d been more of that—it was what kept the story interesting, after all.

And I do appreciate the faith content—Hedlund never leaves God out—but what bothered me was that Ellen and Harrison both seemed to have struggles in their walk with God that were never touched upon. Ellen even went so far as to say that she’d been doubting God so much, pushing His away, and not trusting in Him...but instead of turning that into a theme or message or a faith arc for Ellen, it was left to lie. And that was sorely disappointing, because I feel like there was so much that Ellen and Harrison needed to work through before the end.

Speaking of the end, may I add that a book that ends with “they decided to not have kids” does not constitute as a happy ending? I know everyone’s opinions on this differs, but I personally believe what the Bible says: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Ellen and Harrison up and making the executive decision to not have kids based on Ellen’s uninformed assumption that she could pass down a disease that she didn’t even have was just foolish. That is a very, very important decision that can only be made after seeking the Lord’s will and following His direction.

But y’all don’t let me get preachy on y’all—I know how much y’all hate that.

Long story short…Never Leave Me followed the previous book perfectly, meshing timelines and characters, mysteries and romances, effortlessly. It also provided the same quick and enjoyable reading experience. However, the plot lacked depth and development, probably due to how short and fast-paced this story was. With a finer focus on the better plot points and more time for development, I think this could’ve been a fabulous story. But alas, such was not the case.

Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

“One thing was becoming clear: although the water could bring healing, it could also bring death.”

Ellen and Harrison have both drunk vials filled with miracle working water from the Tree of Life and are healed. This should be a good thing, right? Who gets the limited amount of water? What if others found out about it and wanted to use it for ill?

This highly charged, exciting adventure was hard to put down. There were so many noble and selfless characters throughout the story that made the book come alive. I thought the story from the 1300’s was developed more than the present day story, but it was necessary since this was an intricate part of the plot. This is the second book in the Waters of Time series and you will need to read the first book, Come Back to Me, in order to understand the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

"Was that what the love of a good man would do? Take a sceptic and transform her into a woman willing to take a chance?"

Whenever I reach for a new Jody Hedlund book I know exactly what I'm getting into: great plot, interesting characters, and romance with enough heat to keep it interesting without making me blush to read this during a family vacation. This book is part of a series but I didn't read the first book before checking this one out. That didn't really make a difference as Hedlund is fantastic at recapping previous books so a reader can keep up with what is going on without feeling completely lost AND be inspired to check out the other books in the series (like I was). Time travel can be tricky to keep things straight between the present and past but "Never Leave Me" deftly weaves multiple timelines and characters to artfully take the reader on a journey towards an ending that was satisfying when it ended. While this story read a little more like a daytime soap opera with its plot points than Hedlund's other books, it was still a fun read and one I would pick up to read again.

In this second book in the Water of Time series, I was once again captured by the thought and wonder of whether or not there really is such a thing as “Holy Water.” Could it really heal someone or give you the power to travel back in time?
The author of this story takes us on a ride like you won’t believe. With characters who are so real and yet, events so beyond our imagination.
When I read the first book in this series I was captivated and didn’t want it to end.
I’m so glad the author brought this story right back to the first one and connected it in a seamless way.
My heart went out to the struggles both Harrison and Ellen dealt with regarding their own illnesses. I loved the tension and care they each had for the other. It was so powerful yet, they themselves couldn’t see their love.
This book had drama, suspense, action, medieval elegance and hardship, and sweet romance that will knock your socks off. Oh, the Romance!!
Jody Hedlund’s books are colorful, exciting, easy to read, and full of wonderful images. The dialogue flows so smoothly. I was truly caught up in the story and didn’t want it to end. It took me to the 1300s with so many wonderful images and splendid verbiage. I loved everything about this book!
I highly recommend you pick this book up and enjoy all the pageantry and sweet romance of this magical book! However, it might leave you wanting more, because these characters’ lives become entwined with yours!
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Never Leave Me
by Jody Hedlund
Pub date: January 4, 2022
Revell

Jody Hedlund books are very popular at our library. Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for the ARC so I could read the book before it hits our shelf.
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. Harrison cares deeply for Ellen, but as a wheelchair-bound paraplegic, he's never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship. However, he's desperately trying to save her by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease.

When he locates two flasks, Ellen refuses to drink one of them because she believes the holy water killed her sister and father. In an effort to convince her to take it, Harrison ingests the contents first, and when Ellen witnesses the effects, she can no longer deny the power of the substance in the bottles. Dangerous criminals are also seeking the holy water, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug--including sending her back into the past to find it for them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Jody Hedlund plunges you into the swiftly flowing river of history in a race against the clock in this breathtaking, emotional second Waters of Time story.
Great Book! I highly recommend it! 5 stars

Gripping, pulse pounding, swoon worthy, time travel romance! Pick up this book! I mean, looking at the cover, how can you not? Jody Hedlund’s Never Leave Me is NOT to be missed.

Ellen and Harrison, oh my!! Ellen is bright and charismatic and dying, and Harrison cannot allow that to happen. Despite his wheelchair, Harrison is quite a catch and Ellen is just coming to see how much he means to her. The unfolding chemistry between these two is smoldering (while remaining clean). I love the elements of time travel and the creativity behind the science is so impressive. I found myself almost believing in the possibilities. I loved seeing the return of some previous characters. It would best enhance the enjoyment to read book one first. Everything is explained very well, but the story is just set up to be a continuation of Come Back to Me.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Harrison and Ellen… sigh! Loved this story and all the twists, turns and time travel. I could not put this book down! I loved getting to read more about Will and Marian. I also cannot wait to read a the next book? Please let there be more…

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

If you read the first book in this series, you have probably been eagerly awaiting this next novel in this series. If you haven't read the first novel, I highly recommend that you do before reading Never Leave Me. It could be read as a stand alone but much of the backstory this novel is based on occurs in book one.
Ive been a long time fan of Jody Hedlund and I think the cover art in this series is very eye-catching! If I wasn't already drawn to her stories these definitely would have intrigued me. Split time, medieval, fantasy, romance, this series is like no other I have read before. Jody Hedlund's gift for storytelling knows no bounds! In both books,the present day story didn't grab my attention as much as the storyline from the past. Many twists and turns and dangerous adventures kept me reading well into the night. I don't know if there will be more stories in this series as the main characters have all experienced time travel, but if there is I would be interested to find out what happens next.

If you like nice clean fantasy/romance you would probably enjoy this book.

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

As always, Jody Hedlund delivers a narrative that keeps readers engaged until the very end. The second book in The Waters of Time series focuses on Harrison and Ellen, the people left behind in modern time.

Ellen believes her sister Marian is dead. Ellen’s disease is getting worse, so under Harrison’s insistence, she moves to Chesterfield Park where he can look after her. Their friendship grows into something more which draw readers along until the very end.

Readers are treated to a visit with Marian and her husband Will, and a couple of other characters from book one have cameos. There isn’t as much suspense or adventure as the first book, but there are still intense scenes scattered through the pages.

Time travel stories are still very new to me, so it was hard losing myself in the story. Physics, water, and parallel times are integral parts to move the story along – things that don’t really make sense to me. However, the author did a great job explaining it in book one, and touched on it in book two.

If you haven’t read book one, I highly recommend reading it first before you dive into Never Leave Me.

If you like time travel books, you might want to check out Jody Hedlund’s Waters of Time series.

I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

As with the first book, I thought the premise of this time travel book was really interesting and unique. I loved the sciencey bits as well as the concept of literal living water. This was a great next installment in the series.

Never Leave Me is rhe second book in the Waters of Time series. It's a time travel story that features Harrison and Ellen. I really enjoyed everything about this book. It has romance, mystery and suspense.
*I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars

Jody Hedlund brings us another heart stopping, time-travelling romance that will delight her fans.

Ellen Creighton has cancer and a genetic disorder. She is the sister of Marian (from the previous novel Come Back to Me). Ellen has decided to live out her remaining days with long time friend Harrison Burlington. She has also decided that she would never marry anyone because of her condition. Harrison is paralyzed, and though he has loved Ellen for a long time, he also decided to never marry because of his condition. What gets these two together will take a miracle and maybe a little bit of dangerous time travel.

Now, if you didn't read the last book, you might be a tad confused. I read it, and it still took me a few chapters to recall the characters and the significance of the holy water. Therefore, I highly recommend you read Come Back to Me before reading Never Leave Me.

I loved seeing Marian and Will again, and while I enjoyed this story, I was sad to see that it didn't really have a lot of Christian content. But, that did not stop me from enjoying the book. The author does a fabulous job of getting the reader invested in her characters. Harrison is my favourite because he was so honourable. But, he and Ellen were a little dense on picking up the clues they were clearly throwing at each other on how they felt. I found myself yelling at the book, saying, "Kiss her already!"

The transitioning scenes from the past to the future were so vivid I felt like I was watching a movie. Always a good sign of an excellent writer.

If you love time travel and romance, this is one book you need to pick up.

Never leave me starts up where the first book left off, with familiar characters I couldn’t wait to get to know better.

Harrison convinced Ellen to try the holy water by partaking of it first and becoming healed from his paraplegic condition. Ellen then bravely follows his lead and is saved from her terminal illness. While the healing is miraculous and opens up a future Ellen and Harrison never dared dream of, how do you explain to the world how it happened, and how do you protect yourselves from those that wish to use the holy water for their personal gain? How do you handle the moral dilemma of so many in need of healing, with a limited amount of holy water?
“Who is most needful? The one who can pay a sufficient fee? Or the one who displays a righteous life? Or is it only the ones we love?”

The book has all the elements of a can’t put down novel. Action, plot twists, accurate historical fiction, and friends to lovers romance. As Ellen and Harrison navigate their current time period as well as the 1300s, they learn a lot about themselves and what they want for their future. It was beautiful. Harrison and Ellen are one of my favorite book couples. Their characters are so well developed and perfect for each other.

I loved that we got to see past characters and how they were doing. I’m also hoping there’s somehow a 3rd book about Nicholas and maybe Sybil, because I’ve loved this series so much that I don’t want it to end.