Time and Again by Deborah Heal

Back in November I had the pleasure of welcoming two ‘new-to-me’ authors and a narrator to Thoughts in Progress. Author Terry Lee Rosing visited on Nov. 6, narrator Michelle Babb stopped by on Nov. 7 and author Deborah Heal dropped by on Nov. 13. 

Today I’m sharing my thoughts on Deborah’s book, TIME AND AGAIN, the first installment in her History Mystery series. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on Terry’s book later this month. Michelle is the narrator for both books. Now my thoughts.

Books are sometimes hard to pin down to a single genre. Such is the case of author Deborah Heal’s TIME AND AGAIN, Book One in her History Mystery series.

This delightful story could be classified as a YA/Christian-themed/Historical/Mystery/Fantasy with a touch of romance. To me, it’s simply the best genre – an entertaining adventure with all these elements combined.

Narrator Michelle Babb brings the various characters to life. Her mannerisms and accents enhance the story. Her beautiful portrayal of the characters’ emotions adds depth.

Abby Thomas is spending the summer tutoring pre-teen Meredith Randall. But Meredith is sullen and angry due to her parents’ divorce. She hates that she and her mother moved from Chicago to small town Miles Station where there’s nothing to do. Abby has her work cut out for her since Meredith only wants to lounge around playing video games.

When the computer program Beautiful Homes keeps coming up on the screen, Meredith discovers their house is on the program but it shows the run-down house as it was when first built in the 1800s. As Abby and Meredith watch the video of the house, they become immersed in the lives of those first living in the house and the events of their era. They learn a young Abraham Lincoln visited there and that the house was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Through the actions of the earlier generation Abby is able to help Meredith understand that even though bad things happen, God has a purpose for everything. 

The author combines the various elements of fantasy, history, YA, romance, and mystery with faith to tell a delightful story. The characters, both past and present, are realistic and likable. The author brings their plight and emotions into play in such a way the listener feels a part of the story.

The small town setting is comfortable. With the author’s vivid descriptions a prior settlement can be seen blending the past and the present with a smooth flourish. The story flows between the two settings with ease.

TIME AND AGAIN is a fascinating story that draws you in on several levels. The ending doesn’t give a definite finish to the story, but leaves listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment in this tantalizing story.

Time and Again by Deborah Heal, History Mystery Book #1, Narrated by Michelle Babb, Write Brain Books, @2014, ASIN: BOOL2P6U6K, Unabridged, Audible Audio, Run Time: 5 Hours and 12 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope your Monday is off to a good start and you have a wonderful week. Have you ever thought about what it would be like if you could become a part of a game you were playing or a video you were watching?

*This post contains affiliate links.