This month’s book review of Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund brings us a brilliant time-traveling, historical novel. The Creighton family is a family of scientists and researchers who believe that Holy Water from the Middle Ages had the power to cure illness and to facilitate time travel. Obsessed with curing Ellen Creighton of a genetic disease that is taking her life, her sister, father, and Harrison Burlington, a family friend are on the hunt to find the source of the Holy Water.
Characters
Ellen is a sympathetic character who has accepted her condition and coming death and has prevented herself from relationships and living. She is more concerned about the sick kids she helps than helping herself.
Harrison is a wealthy man in his forties who was paralyzed in an accident. He secretly loves Ellen and is determined to heal her. He is romantic and kind and has great courage, yet he is also a bit insecure and innocent for his age. I was rooting for him throughout the book to overcome what was holding him back and reach for what he desired. The friendship and love story sprouting between Ellen and Harrison is full of anticipation and excitement for what could be.
I enjoyed the historical aspects of going to the Middle Ages and learning about the mysterious healings from the Holy Water. Women in the Middle Ages had so very little say in their own lives. It was startling to learn how women were treated at that time. I am sure thankful to be a woman in 2022.
Action & Pace
Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund provides the reader with plenty of action. There are miracles, time travel, threats of evil men, danger, romance, love and loss, goodbyes and beginnings, and a race against time. It is a suspenseful, page-turning tale.
The love scenes are more intense than you typically see in a novel that is a Christian romance novel. You could certainly feel the fire between Ellen and Harrison. Wowzer!
This was my first time reading a book by Jody Hedlund. This book was fun to read and meet these lively characters. Now, I will have to go back and read the prequel. I hope you enjoyed this book review of Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my fair and objective review.