Title: Time and Again:
Charlotte of Miles Station
Author: Deborah Heal
Pages: 256
Year: 2012
Publisher: Tate Publishing
When is the last time you sat and
listened to a story from the past told by someone who was close to that
generation? Perhaps you heard a story
that has been passed down through generations?
Why do you think Jesus spoke in parables? A parable is a short allegorical
story designed
to illustrate
or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson
according to The American Heritage New Dictionary. Stories can take many forms and convey truths,
lessons learned, and more.
Did you ever like history?
When I was growing up sitting in a classroom, I can’t say I was the most
attentive student, not even close. Through the years though an interest in
history has taken root in my heart, and it is one of my favorite genres in
literature. Historical fiction captures
the imagination of the reader, takes them back in history to a specific time,
place, or event.
I
had contacted the author about another novel she had written, and it was then I
learned that it was a sequel. The novel Time
and Again is the first book followed by Unclaimed Legacy, both by the same author. I wasn’t sure, having never read this
particular author’s writing, what I was going to find. Thankfully, I usually don’t compare authors
with each other, but try to appreciate each individual’s gift of telling a
story.
Deborah
Heal writes a fascinating tale that includes the elements of time travel,
understanding we don’t always know the deeper issues of one’s heart, and
treasure of history. A couple of characters
in the story learn how to understand who they are as God made them. Abby is spending a summer tutoring a young
girl who is behind in her studies. The
setting is Alton, Illinois, in a dilapidated old home. History is about to come alive as both student
and teacher learn more than they set out to.
Abby
is struggling with her faith and learns the hard way how to share the hope she
has in Christ with a troubled teenager.
John is from the area. He owns a
local small business and attends college.
Pat is a single mother who is trying to earn a living for her and her
daughter in a new area because of her husband’s recently discovered problems. Kate, Abby’s best friend, uses her summer
vacation to visit England. As Abby
begins to learn about her student, the area and neighbors, a deeper adventure
for both student and teacher is revealed.
It
is true that one cannot judge a book by its cover, author, and sometimes
publisher. The adventure begins for the
reader the moment the pages are read and the imagination is engaged. I loved this book because it slowly peeled
back the deeper mystery enclosed in the folds of a fictional novel based on
true historical data. More than I can
convey in this review, I think it would be a mistake to not read Time and
Again by Deborah Heal. Can you even
imagine how an author takes time travel, Abraham Lincoln, troubled kids, faith
and more to weave such an awesome yarn?
Pick up a copy, relax, and let your imagination enjoy Time and Again.
My
rating is 5 stars.
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review of this book from the author. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/
. Also follow me on Twitter
@lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457
