What do you think?
Rate this book
Rewinding Time #1
Once Again
Book 1 in the Rewinding Time Series
From Professor Randall’s Notebook…
Field Research Location:
Columbia and Waterloo, Monroe County, Illinois.
Goals:
Discover where Fort Piggot was located on the Kaskaskia Trail, while staying clear of attractive, single colleagues (ie. Brett!) so as not to commit career suicide, and keeping the "rewinding time" program secret, so Uncle Sam doesn't turn into Big Brother. Whew!
Merrideth Randall’s day job is teaching history at McKendree College. But after hours she turns to her first love, historical research. And she has a tool other historians can only dream of—a computer program that rewinds time!
Merrideth makes a virtual visit to the 1780s, hoping to be the first to locate Fort Piggot. Along the way, she gets a first-hand look at the lives of the courageous pioneers of the Illinois Country, who withstood Indian attacks, hardship, and loneliness to settle the rich land.
One of the settlers is James Garretson, who risks his life to take the Gospel to the very tribe that wreaked havoc on his family. Merrideth is amazed that he could forgive a crime so huge. And hero or fool, James Garretson is the ancestor of her colleague Brett, a physics professor at McKendree College.
With her findings, Merrideth is able to help Brett with his genealogy, but she can’t tell him everything she learned—like that he inherited his black hair and green eyes from James Garretson, or that his aunt’s poetry is eerily similar to the verse Garretson’s wife composed at her spinning wheel.
Brett has rock-star status on campus, but amazingly enough, he seems to be pursuing Merrideth—in spite of her firm policy against dating co-workers. She would love to tell him about her amazing program, but he’s not so good at keeping secrets, and she’s determined to keep it safe from those who would exploit it. She has secrets about herself that she’d just as soon Brett didn’t find out either. While discretion is not his strong suit, one virtue he does have is patience, and he’s quite willing to wait for Merrideth to figure things out.
From Professor Randall’s Notebook…
Field Research Location:
Columbia and Waterloo, Monroe County, Illinois.
Goals:
Discover where Fort Piggot was located on the Kaskaskia Trail, while staying clear of attractive, single colleagues (ie. Brett!) so as not to commit career suicide, and keeping the "rewinding time" program secret, so Uncle Sam doesn't turn into Big Brother. Whew!
Merrideth Randall’s day job is teaching history at McKendree College. But after hours she turns to her first love, historical research. And she has a tool other historians can only dream of—a computer program that rewinds time!
Merrideth makes a virtual visit to the 1780s, hoping to be the first to locate Fort Piggot. Along the way, she gets a first-hand look at the lives of the courageous pioneers of the Illinois Country, who withstood Indian attacks, hardship, and loneliness to settle the rich land.
One of the settlers is James Garretson, who risks his life to take the Gospel to the very tribe that wreaked havoc on his family. Merrideth is amazed that he could forgive a crime so huge. And hero or fool, James Garretson is the ancestor of her colleague Brett, a physics professor at McKendree College.
With her findings, Merrideth is able to help Brett with his genealogy, but she can’t tell him everything she learned—like that he inherited his black hair and green eyes from James Garretson, or that his aunt’s poetry is eerily similar to the verse Garretson’s wife composed at her spinning wheel.
Brett has rock-star status on campus, but amazingly enough, he seems to be pursuing Merrideth—in spite of her firm policy against dating co-workers. She would love to tell him about her amazing program, but he’s not so good at keeping secrets, and she’s determined to keep it safe from those who would exploit it. She has secrets about herself that she’d just as soon Brett didn’t find out either. While discretion is not his strong suit, one virtue he does have is patience, and he’s quite willing to wait for Merrideth to figure things out.
23 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2013
131 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Heal
18 books165 followersI was born in Eldorado, Illinois (Be sure to pronounce that with a long A.) but grew up in Woodburn, a tiny village in Macoupin County. We lived in a house over 100 years old and I often wondered about the people who had lived there so long before.
My husband Bob and I farmed and raised a family there in Macoupin County. When the kids were old enough I went back to college, majoring in English with a minor in Creative Writing. Afterwards, I taught high school English, including creative writing, composition, grammar, and literature. I loved teaching young people, except for grading compositions of writers who didn't want to write, leaving me no time to do what I had always wanted to do—write.
I remember one time when I was four. I scribbled furiously on my paper, and then took it to show Mommy. “Is it writing?” I asked. “No, not yet,” she answered. I went busily back to scribbling with my stubby pencil in just the same way, it seemed to me, grownup writers did, hopeful that the next time I showed her, the lead on the paper would have been transmuted into fine words.
I was in 8th grade when I first began to get the dream of being a published author. We had to write a story and mine was a scary one about being unjustly confined to a mental hospital. (The author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest may have stolen my idea.) My teacher wrote on the top of my paper:
Be sure to give me a signed copy of your first book!
It's been a long time since 8th grade, but that dream at last came true with my first book Time and Again.
My husband Bob and I farmed and raised a family there in Macoupin County. When the kids were old enough I went back to college, majoring in English with a minor in Creative Writing. Afterwards, I taught high school English, including creative writing, composition, grammar, and literature. I loved teaching young people, except for grading compositions of writers who didn't want to write, leaving me no time to do what I had always wanted to do—write.
I remember one time when I was four. I scribbled furiously on my paper, and then took it to show Mommy. “Is it writing?” I asked. “No, not yet,” she answered. I went busily back to scribbling with my stubby pencil in just the same way, it seemed to me, grownup writers did, hopeful that the next time I showed her, the lead on the paper would have been transmuted into fine words.
I was in 8th grade when I first began to get the dream of being a published author. We had to write a story and mine was a scary one about being unjustly confined to a mental hospital. (The author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest may have stolen my idea.) My teacher wrote on the top of my paper:
Be sure to give me a signed copy of your first book!
It's been a long time since 8th grade, but that dream at last came true with my first book Time and Again.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 7, 2013
Wow, I was so glad I was able to read this book! I read the trilogy, so this was like visiting with your high school best friend after growing up and having kids. I love how the history is intertwined with the story and I love the adventures the program leads Merri, John and Abby to take. In this book, Merri is no longer a feisty teen. John and Abby have two girls. Having the "Old Dears" back was awesome! This book would do well on it's own, but reading the trilogy first would not only give a reader a better understanding, but extend the pleasure! I can't wait for more! PLEASE keep this series coming!
August 12, 2017
I enjoyed this read but didn't love it. Clearly well-researched history but at times it got a little too detailed in the history and I felt like the story got bogged down. Also, I was annoyed that I was expecting a Christian romance, but the romance does not resolve in this book. In fact it doesn't really get started. Still, it was a fun read and I enjoyed the time travel bits. Not sure if I would recommend it to a friend unless the specific topics came up.
February 20, 2018
Once Again, a Professor Merri Randall Rewinding Time History Mystery Book 1
By Deborah Heal.
I almost stopped reading this before I ever looked at page 1. Why? As usual, I often go back to either the Amazon or Goodreads summary of a book when deciding what to read next. This time it was to the author's website where two words jumped out at me: Christian fiction. Nope, I am not usually a fan. Not because I think the author's aren't good at their job. Not because the stories aren't as compelling as any 'regular' fiction story. And not because it isn't nice to find a well written book that isn't full of profanity and or gratuitous sex. But because, in most cases, the author can't seem to resist throwing in a Bible verse even when it isn't needed and really does nothing to move the story or character growth forward. It's the one big complaint I have about this novel.
Every other element is spot on.
I love a good time travel story and this one has the most ingenious time travel method since H. G. Wells set off on his crazy adventure.
I love a well edited and well proofed novel, and this one was perfect on both counts.
I love relatable characters who aren't perfect, but who I still would enjoy knowing were they flesh and blood. I love characters of differing backgrounds, outlooks, and ages. Again, this novel delivers on all counts.
I love novels that are well researched and yes, I check! Quick online searches assured me that not only does Lebanon, Illinois exist, so does McKendree University. The storyline also sent me checking to see if the Chief Kewaunee of the story might be the same as the Chief Kewanna for which a small town near my hometown in Indiana is named. They are not the same, by the way. I also checked other historical facts and was pleased to see the author had done a great job not only of researching, but of melding fact and fiction together seamlessly.
There were a few minor thing that bothered me. At 3329 on my Kindle, was this: ... and coyote were harmless to humans, ... I don't think that is really true. Yes, they will avoid contact where possible, but can and will attack if cornered or threatened.
It also bothered me that the author states the Abby character does not celebrate Halloween for religious reasons, yet her children are allowed to pass out candy and admire the costumes of others and to construct "fairy" dolls (fairies being decidedly non Christian). Yet the Halloween holiday is a Christian one, although like Christmas is borrowed from earlier religions. In the Christian faith the holiday falls on the evening before all Hallows Day or All Saints Day, and kicks off the Three day celebration of AllHallowtide. So, while I could see not celebrating with demons, ghosts and goblins, chucking the entire holiday on religious reasons made no real sense. The author should have just stayed with Abby not wanting to celebrate because it was the anniversary of a loved one's death (Aunt Eulah).
All in all I thought it was a great book. I really liked the creative take on time travel, and I liked the characters. But my eyes hurt from rolling at the unnecessary Bible verses, etc. Ms. Heal, you can write a novel that celebrates high moral standards, doesn't use vulgar language, and portrays the tenants of Christianity in modern life, without quoting the Bible. So, even though I loved much about the book, I doubt I'll buy any others in the series.
By Deborah Heal.
I almost stopped reading this before I ever looked at page 1. Why? As usual, I often go back to either the Amazon or Goodreads summary of a book when deciding what to read next. This time it was to the author's website where two words jumped out at me: Christian fiction. Nope, I am not usually a fan. Not because I think the author's aren't good at their job. Not because the stories aren't as compelling as any 'regular' fiction story. And not because it isn't nice to find a well written book that isn't full of profanity and or gratuitous sex. But because, in most cases, the author can't seem to resist throwing in a Bible verse even when it isn't needed and really does nothing to move the story or character growth forward. It's the one big complaint I have about this novel.
Every other element is spot on.
I love a good time travel story and this one has the most ingenious time travel method since H. G. Wells set off on his crazy adventure.
I love a well edited and well proofed novel, and this one was perfect on both counts.
I love relatable characters who aren't perfect, but who I still would enjoy knowing were they flesh and blood. I love characters of differing backgrounds, outlooks, and ages. Again, this novel delivers on all counts.
I love novels that are well researched and yes, I check! Quick online searches assured me that not only does Lebanon, Illinois exist, so does McKendree University. The storyline also sent me checking to see if the Chief Kewaunee of the story might be the same as the Chief Kewanna for which a small town near my hometown in Indiana is named. They are not the same, by the way. I also checked other historical facts and was pleased to see the author had done a great job not only of researching, but of melding fact and fiction together seamlessly.
There were a few minor thing that bothered me. At 3329 on my Kindle, was this: ... and coyote were harmless to humans, ... I don't think that is really true. Yes, they will avoid contact where possible, but can and will attack if cornered or threatened.
It also bothered me that the author states the Abby character does not celebrate Halloween for religious reasons, yet her children are allowed to pass out candy and admire the costumes of others and to construct "fairy" dolls (fairies being decidedly non Christian). Yet the Halloween holiday is a Christian one, although like Christmas is borrowed from earlier religions. In the Christian faith the holiday falls on the evening before all Hallows Day or All Saints Day, and kicks off the Three day celebration of AllHallowtide. So, while I could see not celebrating with demons, ghosts and goblins, chucking the entire holiday on religious reasons made no real sense. The author should have just stayed with Abby not wanting to celebrate because it was the anniversary of a loved one's death (Aunt Eulah).
All in all I thought it was a great book. I really liked the creative take on time travel, and I liked the characters. But my eyes hurt from rolling at the unnecessary Bible verses, etc. Ms. Heal, you can write a novel that celebrates high moral standards, doesn't use vulgar language, and portrays the tenants of Christianity in modern life, without quoting the Bible. So, even though I loved much about the book, I doubt I'll buy any others in the series.
March 24, 2017
College history professor Merrideth Randall is determined not to date her attractive colleague, physics professor Brett Garrison, as she is sure that dating a colleague would damage her career, which she has just begun at a small Illinois university. In her spare time, Merri is working with a group of local amateur archeologists trying to locate an old fort from the 1780's. Merri also does genealogy on the side. A secret computer software program that she and two close friends discovered fifteen years earlier is helping Merri accomplish both of her part time hobbies, as the secret software allows Merri to virtually go back in time through her computer, to experience the past right along with those living through it at that particular point in time.
January 9, 2023
In her first semester at McKendree University in southwestern Illinois, assistant professor Merrideth Randall faces a number of challenges---trying to increase student engagement in her history classes; facing the pressure to produce more research; and dealing with the attention she is receiving from physics professor Brett Garrison.
In her history and genealogy research, she has a bit of an unfair advantage: an amazing piece of software that can take her back in time from historic locations. Her excursions into Illinois history reveal lots of fascinating data, which she can't tell anyone about unless she can document her findings in written sources. But can the experiences of Illinois pioneers provide any guidance for her own life?
In her history and genealogy research, she has a bit of an unfair advantage: an amazing piece of software that can take her back in time from historic locations. Her excursions into Illinois history reveal lots of fascinating data, which she can't tell anyone about unless she can document her findings in written sources. But can the experiences of Illinois pioneers provide any guidance for her own life?
July 12, 2020
Enjoyable History/Romance/Mystery
This is an enjoyable beginning book in a series that follows the Time and Again History Mystery Trilogy. Reading the earlier series first isn’t essential, but does offer more of a background to this series. I enjoy the history of the area being interwoven with the present day story of Merrideth and Brett, and the developing story of Brett’s ancestry. I look forward to the other books in this series.
This is an enjoyable beginning book in a series that follows the Time and Again History Mystery Trilogy. Reading the earlier series first isn’t essential, but does offer more of a background to this series. I enjoy the history of the area being interwoven with the present day story of Merrideth and Brett, and the developing story of Brett’s ancestry. I look forward to the other books in this series.
August 21, 2023
I read this novel in less than a day. Heal's weaving of the story with historical facts created a unique tapestry. Being a native Monroe Countian, I was moved by what the early pioneers endured to settle this area. Thank you, Deborah Heal, for bringing me to that realization. Having read a previous book by this author, I better understood the main character Merri and appreciated the adult she had become.
November 10, 2017
Nice read
I give a 3 star rating only because it seemed like there was too much history in the story. I did enjoy the book, however. I will read more by Deborah Heal as I have enjoyed a couple of her other stories.
I give a 3 star rating only because it seemed like there was too much history in the story. I did enjoy the book, however. I will read more by Deborah Heal as I have enjoyed a couple of her other stories.
August 14, 2018
This book follows upon some other series. It can be read alone, but would be better after reading the previous series. The primary relationship does not get resolved by the end of the book, which was a little disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2018
Now only did I enjoy reading about the dedication of heroine Merrideth in her historical research methods but I liked the genealogy aspect. The details were so rich I know the author has done "boots on the ground" research.
January 19, 2021
Having ancestors who arrived in Illinois Territory in 1805 (and not too far from where the story takes place!), I absolutely LOVED this book. I enjoyed thinking of my own family members and what their lives must have been like throughout the course of this story. It was a great read!
January 6, 2017
Little Merri Randall is all grown up in this new series from inspirational time master Deborah Heal. She’s followed her dream of becoming a young PhD history professor at a southern Illinois college. It’s been years since her childhood encounters with a dangerous and mysterious software program called Beautiful Houses. When she accidentally? rediscovers the program not only still exists and is just as active as ever, curiosity overcomes her good sense and she is once again drawn back to explore time.
Merredith uses the program to help her in both her work and private side business, researching family history. She has grown up reluctant to share herself with others, a definite lack of trust in others and even to a certain extent her own abilities and gifts. When the physics professor sets his sights on her, Merri has a lot to overcome, especially her teaching mentor, to believe anyone might be personally interested in her.
Told from Merredith’s viewpoint throughout, this story and series is a history lover’s dream. Because the character is a professor, her lectures that include blocks of rote history are a natural part of the story, as are the fascinating dialog sharing dates and people. Merri’s trips through time provide a virtual visit to experience life in the late eighteenth century literally through those people’s heads.
Just a fascinating series with excellent research. While science is not discounted, the details of the software’s ability to provide virtual time travel experience for the user doesn’t hinder the reader. The books are part of a series, and while a reader can pick up any story and read it with enough information from the past books to make sense of the particular story arc, you’ll want to read the whole series. I know I will. Recommended for those who love plucky wounded females with a side of romance while reading their history.
Merredith uses the program to help her in both her work and private side business, researching family history. She has grown up reluctant to share herself with others, a definite lack of trust in others and even to a certain extent her own abilities and gifts. When the physics professor sets his sights on her, Merri has a lot to overcome, especially her teaching mentor, to believe anyone might be personally interested in her.
Told from Merredith’s viewpoint throughout, this story and series is a history lover’s dream. Because the character is a professor, her lectures that include blocks of rote history are a natural part of the story, as are the fascinating dialog sharing dates and people. Merri’s trips through time provide a virtual visit to experience life in the late eighteenth century literally through those people’s heads.
Just a fascinating series with excellent research. While science is not discounted, the details of the software’s ability to provide virtual time travel experience for the user doesn’t hinder the reader. The books are part of a series, and while a reader can pick up any story and read it with enough information from the past books to make sense of the particular story arc, you’ll want to read the whole series. I know I will. Recommended for those who love plucky wounded females with a side of romance while reading their history.
February 23, 2017
Three stars
This book is well written but just not quite to my taste. It's a mix of sci-fi (time travel) and shades of romance/friendship. It would hint at romance but never did develop into it.
This book is well written but just not quite to my taste. It's a mix of sci-fi (time travel) and shades of romance/friendship. It would hint at romance but never did develop into it.
October 2, 2016
If you like historical fiction, fantasy and romance, you will probably love this series. I actually read the first book in the series Time and Again (currently free on Kindle) a few years ago, and then had the opportunity to review book four, A Matter of Time and it was so good I have committed myself to reading the rest of this series. I was rather confused though because this book says it is book one, but in my mind it was really book two because Time and Again was book one and this book picks up from that one, many years later, with the main character Merrideth Randall, all grown up and teaching history. But it doesn't matter - this series is gold.
Merrideth Randall is a history professor, but she has an interesting computer program called Beautiful Houses, that at first glance looks like a computer program of older homes, but is so much more than that. It actually allows you to go back in time and step into the minds of real historical people and discover what happened - way back when. It comes in handy when you teach history and it's even better when you use it to research your ancestry. This is something she is doing for a fellow professor, Brett Garrison. His aunt, wants some research done on an old foundation that is on her property. She thinks it was a home or a fort and so Brett asks Merrideth if she knows anything about the history of the area. Of course, he doesn't know about the Beautiful Houses program and how much Merrideth already knows. And once Merrideth begins her time-surfing journey on Aunt Neddy's property, she learns some terrifying things. But can she trust him with her secret, especially when he is clearly interested in her?
Only time will tell.
Invest yourself in this series. You won't be disappointed.
Merrideth Randall is a history professor, but she has an interesting computer program called Beautiful Houses, that at first glance looks like a computer program of older homes, but is so much more than that. It actually allows you to go back in time and step into the minds of real historical people and discover what happened - way back when. It comes in handy when you teach history and it's even better when you use it to research your ancestry. This is something she is doing for a fellow professor, Brett Garrison. His aunt, wants some research done on an old foundation that is on her property. She thinks it was a home or a fort and so Brett asks Merrideth if she knows anything about the history of the area. Of course, he doesn't know about the Beautiful Houses program and how much Merrideth already knows. And once Merrideth begins her time-surfing journey on Aunt Neddy's property, she learns some terrifying things. But can she trust him with her secret, especially when he is clearly interested in her?
Only time will tell.
Invest yourself in this series. You won't be disappointed.
April 1, 2015
Combine genealogy, archaeology, history, time-travel, mystery, and Christian fiction and I’m hooked. Add to this mix a story told in my home state of Illinois by an Illinois author and I’m your biggest fan. Deborah Healy’s new “Rewinding Time Series” begins with “Once Again.”
This series picks up fifteen years after the end of her last series, “The History Mystery Series” which I haven’t had the privilege to read yet (but it is now on my “must read” list). Returning characters have grown in the ensuing years and the focus shifts from Abby and John Roberts (the heroine and hero of the first series) to the all grown up Meredith (Merri) Randall, now a history professor at the southern Illinois school, McKendree College.
A computer program called Beautiful Homes which allowed the characters to visit the past without ever leaving this century stopped working several years ago. But now it’s back up and running. Because of its unique qualities Merri is able to use the program to visit historical sites in Illinois that not only boost her credibility as a historian, but also allow her to begin a side business helping others research their family trees.
The stories concept is unique and charming. I love learning more about the history of my home state, as well as reading about places that are so familiar to me. I wish I had a Beautiful Homes program. It would make researching my own family tree much easier.
I highly recommend this book as a light inspirational read. It is Christian without being preachy. It is suitable for teens and young adults, though I know it can be appreciated by adults of all ages. It is simply delightful. Don’t miss this one.
This series picks up fifteen years after the end of her last series, “The History Mystery Series” which I haven’t had the privilege to read yet (but it is now on my “must read” list). Returning characters have grown in the ensuing years and the focus shifts from Abby and John Roberts (the heroine and hero of the first series) to the all grown up Meredith (Merri) Randall, now a history professor at the southern Illinois school, McKendree College.
A computer program called Beautiful Homes which allowed the characters to visit the past without ever leaving this century stopped working several years ago. But now it’s back up and running. Because of its unique qualities Merri is able to use the program to visit historical sites in Illinois that not only boost her credibility as a historian, but also allow her to begin a side business helping others research their family trees.
The stories concept is unique and charming. I love learning more about the history of my home state, as well as reading about places that are so familiar to me. I wish I had a Beautiful Homes program. It would make researching my own family tree much easier.
I highly recommend this book as a light inspirational read. It is Christian without being preachy. It is suitable for teens and young adults, though I know it can be appreciated by adults of all ages. It is simply delightful. Don’t miss this one.
January 12, 2015
Once again, Merrideth Randall, Merri, is able to acces the program that allowed she and her friends to ‘time-surf’ back through time. This should make her life as a history professor and part-time geneologist much easier, right?
Merri just needs to keep it a secret that she’s using a computer program to do some of the research! Plus, she needs to make sure no one sees her with the dreamy single professor before she gets her required papers published and keeps her professional career from vanishing before flourishing.
Can Merri keep her secrets and learn to trust God to show her the way?
Hott Review:
What I liked: I really enjoyed seeing Merri’s growth. Not just from the previous series to this one, but within Once Again.
In Once Again, Merri is still a very self-conscious unsure person. She feels very unworthy of the attention of men, is afraid to be herself with her students, and can’t seem to find God. I especially like that though there is growth in Merri and poignant messages about following God, the book ends with a change but not a complete turn-around in Merri.
What I didn’t like: At times Once Again seemed to veer off from the story and become more of a history book. This made those sections difficult for me to read (I’m mostly done thinking for the day when I pick up a book).
More…
Author: Deborah Heal
Source: Deborah Heal
Grade: B+
Ages: 16+
Steam: Nada
Setting: Lebanon, Illinois (past & present)
Series: Rewinding Time, 1
Merri just needs to keep it a secret that she’s using a computer program to do some of the research! Plus, she needs to make sure no one sees her with the dreamy single professor before she gets her required papers published and keeps her professional career from vanishing before flourishing.
Can Merri keep her secrets and learn to trust God to show her the way?
Hott Review:
What I liked: I really enjoyed seeing Merri’s growth. Not just from the previous series to this one, but within Once Again.
In Once Again, Merri is still a very self-conscious unsure person. She feels very unworthy of the attention of men, is afraid to be herself with her students, and can’t seem to find God. I especially like that though there is growth in Merri and poignant messages about following God, the book ends with a change but not a complete turn-around in Merri.
What I didn’t like: At times Once Again seemed to veer off from the story and become more of a history book. This made those sections difficult for me to read (I’m mostly done thinking for the day when I pick up a book).
More…
Author: Deborah Heal
Source: Deborah Heal
Grade: B+
Ages: 16+
Steam: Nada
Setting: Lebanon, Illinois (past & present)
Series: Rewinding Time, 1
February 16, 2016
I have long been a fan of time travel tales and stories where the past is the key to resolving the present. In Once Again Deborah Heal gives us another fun story where the Beautiful Houses computer program allows her characters to surf the past. She weaves fascinating historical tidbits and cultural details of 18th century Illinois life into a story that investigates questions of nature vs nurture and how we let events shape our attitudes toward others. Jame Kyle and Benjamin are best friends in early Illinois, but when tragedy strikes, one chooses vengeance and the other forgiveness. Their choices reverberate through the generations.
Heal has done her research. I have participated in an archaeological dig, and there is a restored fort near us. I remember taking my kids to see it when they were doing exactly what Heal describes in the opening chapters of excavating for Fort Piggot.
She also does a nice job of portraying the inner thoughts of a former fat girl who cant imagine that anyone thinks shes pretty and who wants to be liked for her inner self not her looks.
Often when novelists include poetry, it is their own. Novelists are not poets, and it doesnt always work. Heal uses the poetry of Laura Merleau-McGrady and Ruth E. Bell to beautifully capture the sentiments of her characters.
The story is full of romantic tension, but it looks like we have to wait for next instalment to see how it works out.
Heal has done her research. I have participated in an archaeological dig, and there is a restored fort near us. I remember taking my kids to see it when they were doing exactly what Heal describes in the opening chapters of excavating for Fort Piggot.
She also does a nice job of portraying the inner thoughts of a former fat girl who cant imagine that anyone thinks shes pretty and who wants to be liked for her inner self not her looks.
Often when novelists include poetry, it is their own. Novelists are not poets, and it doesnt always work. Heal uses the poetry of Laura Merleau-McGrady and Ruth E. Bell to beautifully capture the sentiments of her characters.
The story is full of romantic tension, but it looks like we have to wait for next instalment to see how it works out.
January 18, 2015
Dr. Merrideth Randall is a woman after my own heart. She is a history professor at a small college in Illinois. She loves history and passionate about her job. On the downside of this are the feelings that she isn’t inspiring her students enough. She is an attractive, petite and shapely woman with strict rules about fraternizing with colleagues. In 1895 H.G. Wells published his novel The Time Machine. It grabbed the imagination of the world and even today stands as a literary classic. Diana Gabaldon dusted off the concept and relaunched it in her Outlander (Cross Stitch in England) series and this has served as a catalyst for many writers to write many stories. This is one such tale. Everyone has, at sometime, surfed the net. Imagine being able to surf through history, receiving real-time images and dialogue of actions and happenings significant and mundane. This mysterious computer software makes it possible and Merrideth has it. Unlike other books of this subject and genre, Once Again is virtual time-travel providing the traveler with a safety net of not actually integrating with the action. This ability enhances rather than detracts from the possibilities, raising this publication to the must read status. This is both my introduction to this writer and this series and I look forward to a long and close literary relationship with this author.
February 21, 2016
Meeting Merrideth Again
I was captured by the first three books, the story lines, plus Abby, John and Merrideth and to my dismay finished them all to quickly. After finding the next 'partial' set of books, I immediately downloaded the set to my Kindle. My first surprise was discovering that Merrideth was not only an adult, but was beginning her first year of teaching history at McKendree College in Illinois. Abby.and John are married and have two young daughters whom their "Aunt Merri" adores. One night while Merri is staying with the girls, she is awakened by a persistent blue light shinning in her eyes. It was the same light from the past that used to wake Abby up. It was "Beautiful Homes". Merri just knew it was. Abby, John and Merri used the program on John's old laptop as often as they could, until neither the program nor the computer worked any more. The.computer had been dead for years. Merri is ecstatic. She went to the program which opened very fast. Houses and property flew across the screen so quickly, Merri had to close her eyes.
I was captured by the first three books, the story lines, plus Abby, John and Merrideth and to my dismay finished them all to quickly. After finding the next 'partial' set of books, I immediately downloaded the set to my Kindle. My first surprise was discovering that Merrideth was not only an adult, but was beginning her first year of teaching history at McKendree College in Illinois. Abby.and John are married and have two young daughters whom their "Aunt Merri" adores. One night while Merri is staying with the girls, she is awakened by a persistent blue light shinning in her eyes. It was the same light from the past that used to wake Abby up. It was "Beautiful Homes". Merri just knew it was. Abby, John and Merri used the program on John's old laptop as often as they could, until neither the program nor the computer worked any more. The.computer had been dead for years. Merri is ecstatic. She went to the program which opened very fast. Houses and property flew across the screen so quickly, Merri had to close her eyes.
October 29, 2016
This book is suitable if you're looking for:
-Time-travel and history
-Multiple P.O.Vs
-Bible references
-Poetry
-Light romance
One-line summary: Interesting character and plot build-up told from different P.O.Vs
This is the first book I strayed away from the conventional humour-romance chick lit. I have to admit that I was hooked on this book more than I anticipated. I considered myself to have poor imagination when it comes to setting a medieval scene but the author described each scene in details I came to appreciate. I also found the character and plot introduction and their build-up throughout the book to be very clever and creative. Although the story was told from multiple characters, they weren't confusing and I found it to be refreshing. Also, the balance between the elements in this book- the different plots, and the relationship between characters is very well-played. I would recommend this book to history enthusiasts, and I would love to read more from Deborah Heal if only she writes something with a little more focus on the romance. It would be very interesting to see her spin on the conventional chick lit.
-Time-travel and history
-Multiple P.O.Vs
-Bible references
-Poetry
-Light romance
One-line summary: Interesting character and plot build-up told from different P.O.Vs
This is the first book I strayed away from the conventional humour-romance chick lit. I have to admit that I was hooked on this book more than I anticipated. I considered myself to have poor imagination when it comes to setting a medieval scene but the author described each scene in details I came to appreciate. I also found the character and plot introduction and their build-up throughout the book to be very clever and creative. Although the story was told from multiple characters, they weren't confusing and I found it to be refreshing. Also, the balance between the elements in this book- the different plots, and the relationship between characters is very well-played. I would recommend this book to history enthusiasts, and I would love to read more from Deborah Heal if only she writes something with a little more focus on the romance. It would be very interesting to see her spin on the conventional chick lit.
March 28, 2015
I found this book to be very engaging from the beginning. This book follows the History Mystery Series but I didn't fiind it necessary to have read History Mystery first. There was enough given in this one to get me up to speed. What a cool idea for historical fiction. Using a computer to move around in the past is super. I can hardly wait to begin the next in this series. Totally great and highly recommended.
July 5, 2015
Interesting story intertwining history with fiction. I particularly find this series appealing since the locations are a stone's throw from where I was born and where extended relatives still reside. What I enjoy in particular is that the story peaks my interest in the history. Upon completion, I start digging for the historical facts that may be recorded on the internet. I borrowed this book through the Amazon Prime kindle borrowing library.
April 20, 2015
I found the story and characters interesting and would be interested in reading the books in the previous series as well as the other ones in this series. At times the conversations and thoughts didn't feel natural, and sometimes details didn't seem to line up, but it was a pretty good book.
Content: clean - mild description of wounds
Content: clean - mild description of wounds
April 19, 2015
Loved it!
Follows the anticipated course for all her books and was not a disappointment. She also brought the time to present with the characters I really wanted to know more about and did it in a very strong and creative way. The only question I have is: When does John and Abby come back to the forefront of the historical search?
Follows the anticipated course for all her books and was not a disappointment. She also brought the time to present with the characters I really wanted to know more about and did it in a very strong and creative way. The only question I have is: When does John and Abby come back to the forefront of the historical search?
September 8, 2014
It was great linking back up with Merri, Abby and John! I love the mix of time travel, history, a little romance, mystery and Christian values all thrown together! Love the feisty attitudes, too....maybe the author has a little feistiness to her??? ;)
January 5, 2015
Loved it
It starts 15 years after the last series stops. I am not going to give any spoilers but it's a very good read and it was so nice to see how the characters turned out. Again a good clean read full of history.
It starts 15 years after the last series stops. I am not going to give any spoilers but it's a very good read and it was so nice to see how the characters turned out. Again a good clean read full of history.
February 1, 2016
A good reae
I gave it a 5 just because it was a well written book, loved the bible verses, and the characters. It had a nice blend of past and present and kept it real. Looking forward to book 2
I gave it a 5 just because it was a well written book, loved the bible verses, and the characters. It had a nice blend of past and present and kept it real. Looking forward to book 2
November 26, 2016
Wonderful series
What a interesting way to learn about history.
You will get so caught up in these characters and the lives they lead while time surfing back into the past.
Fantastic!
What a interesting way to learn about history.
You will get so caught up in these characters and the lives they lead while time surfing back into the past.
Fantastic!
November 16, 2014
It was a great read. Now waiting for the next one. Really finished it November 14 but slow as usual.
May 20, 2015
I love this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews