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History Mystery #1
Time and Again
An old house + A new computer program = The travel opportunity of a lifetime…to another century.
Abby Thomas is spending the summer in a run-down old house with a bratty pre-teen named Merrideth she is supposed to tutor. Not a dream job. But it does come with perks.
There’s John Roberts, a devastatingly attractive neighbor who is almost too wonderful to be real.
And there’s the new computer program Beautiful Houses—also too amazing to be real. No one knows how it works, but with it she can rewind and fast-forward the lives of all the people who ever lived in the house, including Charlotte Miles.
In 1858, the house is a train stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. And Charlotte is stuck there serving meals to the passengers, wondering if she’ll ever get to have any fun. And then she meets two travelers who change her life forever.
There’s James McGuire with whom she falls in love. And there’s his boss, a young Springfield lawyer named Abraham Lincoln. His debate with political opponent Stephen Douglas catapults him onto the national stage. And it inspires Charlotte to take up the cause of abolition.
The House
A stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. A stop on the Underground Railroad.
Watching the house’s history unfold, Abby and Merrideth gain a new perspective on their own lives as time and again they see God’s loving hand in the lives of its inhabitants.
Abby Thomas is spending the summer in a run-down old house with a bratty pre-teen named Merrideth she is supposed to tutor. Not a dream job. But it does come with perks.
There’s John Roberts, a devastatingly attractive neighbor who is almost too wonderful to be real.
And there’s the new computer program Beautiful Houses—also too amazing to be real. No one knows how it works, but with it she can rewind and fast-forward the lives of all the people who ever lived in the house, including Charlotte Miles.
In 1858, the house is a train stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. And Charlotte is stuck there serving meals to the passengers, wondering if she’ll ever get to have any fun. And then she meets two travelers who change her life forever.
There’s James McGuire with whom she falls in love. And there’s his boss, a young Springfield lawyer named Abraham Lincoln. His debate with political opponent Stephen Douglas catapults him onto the national stage. And it inspires Charlotte to take up the cause of abolition.
The House
A stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. A stop on the Underground Railroad.
Watching the house’s history unfold, Abby and Merrideth gain a new perspective on their own lives as time and again they see God’s loving hand in the lives of its inhabitants.
266 pages, Paperback
Published February 25, 2013
578 people are currently reading
1259 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Heal
18Ìýbooks165ÌýfollowersI 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
July 9, 2013
I wish this book knew what it wanted to be when it grows up. Paranormal? Not really. Christian? Not really. Love story? Not really. The story got lost along the way with so many different genres cluttering up the mix. I would have liked to have had Charlotte introduced long before she was (halfway through the book!)and that part of the story fleshed out more. I think this writer shows promise but could use a few more editors willing to tell her the truth. I like the way her words flow nicely....just pick a style!
May 15, 2012
The best part of a young adult book is when they can blend a great story and a bit of a history lesson so well they you don't even realize it. That is just that Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station does by Deborah Heal in her debut novel that your middle school child will just fall in love with.
I remember all my summers when I would spend them waiting for our book mobile (that's a portable library on wheels, for you that are wondering) to arrive in our neighborhood and race there just to check out as many books as I was allowed. So it gives me great pleasure when I come across an outstanding book that I would have loved to read as a young adult to recommend to you.
Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station is the first book by Deborah Heal with a sequel due out soon that tells us the story of the old town of Miles Station and some of the residents that lived there many years ago. Miles Station is now falling into dis-repair and most of the buildings from long ago are just now foundations of stone crumbling among the overgrown weeds while the streets that ran through town are missing as time and the years have claimed them as well.
Abby Thomas is using her summer to work on her Ambassador College service project by volunteering as a companion and tutor to an economically disadvantaged adolescent for a young girl named Merrideth who has fallen behind in her grades. Her mom, Pat, is going through a difficult divorce and has moved into her Aunt's old home in Miles Station, a small town in Illinois.
While the house is livable, Pat is hoping that in time, she begin to work on renovating the old home back to its former glory some day, but for now it's a home to live in for free.
Merrideth is less than willing to accept Abby, whom she refers to as a babysitter and finds solace in spending her free time watching television, eating Kit Kat candy bars and playing games on her computer. Abby has also been asked to help if she can, to find a way to nurture Merrideth back to a healthier weight in the process of helping her catch up on her school work.
As Abby struggles to find a way to reach Merrideth with less that interesting, musty, old textbooks, she finds that often times the best teacher is interactive learning. She attempts to achieve this by helping Merrideth explore the old house, the surrounding town and through a computer program on Merrideth's computer that mysteriously turns on by itself late at night. What they soon discover through a virtual reality tour program of old homes is that they can take a trip back in time to the girl who used to live in this very house, a girl named Charlotte.
I received this book compliments of Deborah Heal, and have to say this is one of the best books I've had the opportunity to read and review. Being a mom of a middle school child, I can't wait to share this book with her as well. It takes us back in time to a life without technology and shows us a bit of how life was lived in a much simpler time with a bit of history thrown in for an added surprise! I haven't read a book like this and that's why I am so excited to share this one. I think it really speaks to the heart of our children because its able to relate to them and draw them into the story.
I can't wait to read the sequel to this series and I've LOVED reading all about Charlotte along the way. It also shows you how you can reach children who struggle with learning and make it more fun and interesting like Abby does with Merrideth. For me, this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to many more novels by Deborah Heal in the future.
I remember all my summers when I would spend them waiting for our book mobile (that's a portable library on wheels, for you that are wondering) to arrive in our neighborhood and race there just to check out as many books as I was allowed. So it gives me great pleasure when I come across an outstanding book that I would have loved to read as a young adult to recommend to you.
Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station is the first book by Deborah Heal with a sequel due out soon that tells us the story of the old town of Miles Station and some of the residents that lived there many years ago. Miles Station is now falling into dis-repair and most of the buildings from long ago are just now foundations of stone crumbling among the overgrown weeds while the streets that ran through town are missing as time and the years have claimed them as well.
Abby Thomas is using her summer to work on her Ambassador College service project by volunteering as a companion and tutor to an economically disadvantaged adolescent for a young girl named Merrideth who has fallen behind in her grades. Her mom, Pat, is going through a difficult divorce and has moved into her Aunt's old home in Miles Station, a small town in Illinois.
While the house is livable, Pat is hoping that in time, she begin to work on renovating the old home back to its former glory some day, but for now it's a home to live in for free.
Merrideth is less than willing to accept Abby, whom she refers to as a babysitter and finds solace in spending her free time watching television, eating Kit Kat candy bars and playing games on her computer. Abby has also been asked to help if she can, to find a way to nurture Merrideth back to a healthier weight in the process of helping her catch up on her school work.
As Abby struggles to find a way to reach Merrideth with less that interesting, musty, old textbooks, she finds that often times the best teacher is interactive learning. She attempts to achieve this by helping Merrideth explore the old house, the surrounding town and through a computer program on Merrideth's computer that mysteriously turns on by itself late at night. What they soon discover through a virtual reality tour program of old homes is that they can take a trip back in time to the girl who used to live in this very house, a girl named Charlotte.
I received this book compliments of Deborah Heal, and have to say this is one of the best books I've had the opportunity to read and review. Being a mom of a middle school child, I can't wait to share this book with her as well. It takes us back in time to a life without technology and shows us a bit of how life was lived in a much simpler time with a bit of history thrown in for an added surprise! I haven't read a book like this and that's why I am so excited to share this one. I think it really speaks to the heart of our children because its able to relate to them and draw them into the story.
I can't wait to read the sequel to this series and I've LOVED reading all about Charlotte along the way. It also shows you how you can reach children who struggle with learning and make it more fun and interesting like Abby does with Merrideth. For me, this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to many more novels by Deborah Heal in the future.
July 18, 2016
When Abby Thomas decided to become a tutor for her Summer service job, she never imagined that she would be staying in an old dilapidated house trying to teach an attitude-clad Merrideth who would rather grumble and eat junk food than actually learn. Although when Merrideth discovers that her computer program, Beautiful Houses, is more than just a game, she’s eager to use its time traveling ability and find out more about the residents of Miles Station, especially Charlotte Miles, the young lady that lived in the house during the 1850’s. Soon Meredith and Abby are learning first-hand about Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, and the cause of abolition.
Thrown in throughout the story is Abby’s attraction to John Roberts and Merrideth’s journey of figuring out who is she and how to handle her parent’s divorce.
Okay, so I enjoyed Time and Again although it wasn’t really what I was expecting it to be and, honestly, I’m not entire sure what genre to classify it as. It’s sort of a mix of Christian YA, time-travel (sort of), historical, and romance, yet I can’t really lump it into just one of these genres.
What threw me with this one was that Audible has it labeled under ‘mysteries and thrillers� then subcategorized as ‘suspense�. Plus, the name of this series is ‘History Mystery�. Honestly, it’s not either of these. Yes, there’s a lot of talk about the characters having a ‘Nancy Drew Summer� and there’s a few discoveries but there was actually no mystery or suspense involved.
At the start, it was a bit hard to like both Abby, who seems a bit judgmental, and Merrideth, who has this angsty, I-hate-the-world thing going on. Yet as the novel progressed, I found that both characters become enjoyable as they finally decide to work together rather than fight against each other. And I really enjoyed how Abby and Merrideth bonded. With her mother working and her father out of the picture, Merrideth was kind of pushed to the side so it was nice to see Abby taking her under her wing. I also like watching Merrideth show kindness to her neighbor and eventually making friends with him. There’s also a slight romance developing between Abby and John.
It was also nice to go back in time and get the history of the house, watch Charlotte’s life unfold and see her fall in love, and discover what was happening in Miles Station. Although right when I was really getting in to the heart of Charlotte’s story, the book ended. I would have liked to have seen more of her story.
The time-travel aspect wasn’t exactly what I would consider time traveling. Rather than physically going back in time, Abby and Merredeth watched the past unfold on a computer via a computer program as though they were watching a movie.
I really enjoyed Michelle Babb as the narrator. She really held my attention and brought the characters to life. Part of the book came off as choppy, but it was more so the dialogue rather than the narration.
Overall, I thought that this was a cute young adult book. It’s Christian fiction yet it wasn’t preachy. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. The ending felt a bit abrupt, and, as this is the first part in a series, not all of the contemporary threads have been fully developed. Although I have to say, I look forward to reading more from this series.
Thrown in throughout the story is Abby’s attraction to John Roberts and Merrideth’s journey of figuring out who is she and how to handle her parent’s divorce.
Okay, so I enjoyed Time and Again although it wasn’t really what I was expecting it to be and, honestly, I’m not entire sure what genre to classify it as. It’s sort of a mix of Christian YA, time-travel (sort of), historical, and romance, yet I can’t really lump it into just one of these genres.
What threw me with this one was that Audible has it labeled under ‘mysteries and thrillers� then subcategorized as ‘suspense�. Plus, the name of this series is ‘History Mystery�. Honestly, it’s not either of these. Yes, there’s a lot of talk about the characters having a ‘Nancy Drew Summer� and there’s a few discoveries but there was actually no mystery or suspense involved.
At the start, it was a bit hard to like both Abby, who seems a bit judgmental, and Merrideth, who has this angsty, I-hate-the-world thing going on. Yet as the novel progressed, I found that both characters become enjoyable as they finally decide to work together rather than fight against each other. And I really enjoyed how Abby and Merrideth bonded. With her mother working and her father out of the picture, Merrideth was kind of pushed to the side so it was nice to see Abby taking her under her wing. I also like watching Merrideth show kindness to her neighbor and eventually making friends with him. There’s also a slight romance developing between Abby and John.
It was also nice to go back in time and get the history of the house, watch Charlotte’s life unfold and see her fall in love, and discover what was happening in Miles Station. Although right when I was really getting in to the heart of Charlotte’s story, the book ended. I would have liked to have seen more of her story.
The time-travel aspect wasn’t exactly what I would consider time traveling. Rather than physically going back in time, Abby and Merredeth watched the past unfold on a computer via a computer program as though they were watching a movie.
I really enjoyed Michelle Babb as the narrator. She really held my attention and brought the characters to life. Part of the book came off as choppy, but it was more so the dialogue rather than the narration.
Overall, I thought that this was a cute young adult book. It’s Christian fiction yet it wasn’t preachy. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. The ending felt a bit abrupt, and, as this is the first part in a series, not all of the contemporary threads have been fully developed. Although I have to say, I look forward to reading more from this series.
January 9, 2016
Once upon a time I used to read a lot of Christian fiction, I don’t anymore, for various reasons and I tend now to be extremely picky in what I do read. I’m fond of speculative fiction though, especially time travel books, so when I saw a Christian novel with time travel as a theme it caught my eye, and I decided to take the risk. As I discovered on closer inspection, this novel doesn’t actually feature time travel, more of a “time observation� or as the author puts it “time surfing�. But I was intrigued enough to give it a go anyway.
So what did I think? I have to say it was very different from anything I have ever read. I found Time and Again to be a very sweet story, with a gentle plot, a dash of speculation, some historical intrigue and a host of authentic and well developed characters.
Abby, the main character, is a sweet, though admittedly sheltered young Christian woman spending the summer tutoring Merrideth, an overweight neglected pre-teen falling behind in her school work. Merrideth is frosty to say the least at enduring a summer-long tutoring session with a stranger. She isn’t even intrigued by the old house that she and her mom have just moved into that seems to hold a number of secrets. Together Abby and Merrideth discover a window into the world of Charlotte, a young 19th woman, struggling with her own challenges in the years leading up to and during the American Civil War.
Characterisation is certainly Deborah Heal’s strong point, and the plot therefore is built around the characters (and there’s quite a little community of them), their relationships, development and growth. Perhaps this is the reason that I found the ending rather unexpected and abrupt. The plot did not follow the path of rising action, climax and denouement that I have come to expect, and so when the novel ended I was somewhat surprised that it was all over already. This simplicity of plot may bother some readers, but I overall I enjoyed a less intense storyline and more of a focus on some very likeable and genuine characters.
Were there any negatives? Just a few really. As likeable as Abby is, she really is so very sheltered, having never lived without air-conditioning and really having no clue about the issues Merrideth is dealing with. I was also a little shocked in the early parts of the story with the frequent remarks about Merrideth’s eating habits and weight issues. These may be a bit sensitive for readers dealing with their own similar issues. In places the novel became a little syrupy, and I found John, a young local teenager to be a little too good to be true. But for me, these were fairly minor quibbles that really didn’t impact on my enjoyment of Time and Again.
I would recommend Time and Again to young (and not so young) Christian women who enjoy reading historical or speculative fiction.
I received a free copy of Time and Again from the author for the purpose of review. I was not asked to give a positive review and my thoughts and observations on this novel are entirely my own.
So what did I think? I have to say it was very different from anything I have ever read. I found Time and Again to be a very sweet story, with a gentle plot, a dash of speculation, some historical intrigue and a host of authentic and well developed characters.
Abby, the main character, is a sweet, though admittedly sheltered young Christian woman spending the summer tutoring Merrideth, an overweight neglected pre-teen falling behind in her school work. Merrideth is frosty to say the least at enduring a summer-long tutoring session with a stranger. She isn’t even intrigued by the old house that she and her mom have just moved into that seems to hold a number of secrets. Together Abby and Merrideth discover a window into the world of Charlotte, a young 19th woman, struggling with her own challenges in the years leading up to and during the American Civil War.
Characterisation is certainly Deborah Heal’s strong point, and the plot therefore is built around the characters (and there’s quite a little community of them), their relationships, development and growth. Perhaps this is the reason that I found the ending rather unexpected and abrupt. The plot did not follow the path of rising action, climax and denouement that I have come to expect, and so when the novel ended I was somewhat surprised that it was all over already. This simplicity of plot may bother some readers, but I overall I enjoyed a less intense storyline and more of a focus on some very likeable and genuine characters.
Were there any negatives? Just a few really. As likeable as Abby is, she really is so very sheltered, having never lived without air-conditioning and really having no clue about the issues Merrideth is dealing with. I was also a little shocked in the early parts of the story with the frequent remarks about Merrideth’s eating habits and weight issues. These may be a bit sensitive for readers dealing with their own similar issues. In places the novel became a little syrupy, and I found John, a young local teenager to be a little too good to be true. But for me, these were fairly minor quibbles that really didn’t impact on my enjoyment of Time and Again.
I would recommend Time and Again to young (and not so young) Christian women who enjoy reading historical or speculative fiction.
I received a free copy of Time and Again from the author for the purpose of review. I was not asked to give a positive review and my thoughts and observations on this novel are entirely my own.
June 13, 2012
Abby Thomas plans on being a teacher so she thinks tutoring an eleven year old girl would be the perfect summer project for college.She travels from Chicago to Miles Station to spend the summer with Merrideth, the girl whom she will be tutoring. Thing is Merrideth and her mother Pat only recently moved to Miles Station,because of divorce, inheriting an old house couldn't have come at a better time. Merrideth misses her father, and the last thing she wants is a tutor for the summer, and her attitude proves it. Abby is determined to reach Merrideth,and tries to come up with different ideas, when a computer program allows them to connect with the past, it just might be the thing to help Merrideth connect to her present and future.
I really loved this book!!! It was a greatastic story that pulled me in from the beginning pages. I loved the characters of the story. Merrideth was such a deep character, even though she was only eleven, she was really carrying around alot of pain.She missed her father,and really felt like it was her fault that her parents separated, and that her mom wasn't home. Although she hid these feelings well, instead coming off with an I don't care attitude.I loved watching her find her self worth as the story progressed. Abby was just what Merrideth needed, although in the beginning she really didn't think so. The secondary characters really added depth to the story, I could just picture young Michael, and Mrs Arnold was a bit eccentric but quite likable.It was so easy to become invested in Charlotte's life even though it took place over 150 years ago. I also enjoyed the relationship that started to develop with Abby and John,and hope we might see more of this in a future story.
While the characters really made an impression on me it was the plot that really grabbed my attention. I thought Ms. Heal did an amazing job of transitioning between the past and present,while weaving a bit of history into the story. What really made the story unique was how she brought the past to life via a computer program, or at least it seemed like a program in the beginning, but as the story progresses we see a more supernatural element taking place. The fact that Ms. Heal even takes the time to weave in some positive christian messages really takes this book to a whole different level. While this book is geared toward teens,I think that anyone who enjoys reading contemporary and historical fiction woven together will certainly enjoy this book. On a scale of one to five I would easily give this book a six! Highly recommended.
I really loved this book!!! It was a greatastic story that pulled me in from the beginning pages. I loved the characters of the story. Merrideth was such a deep character, even though she was only eleven, she was really carrying around alot of pain.She missed her father,and really felt like it was her fault that her parents separated, and that her mom wasn't home. Although she hid these feelings well, instead coming off with an I don't care attitude.I loved watching her find her self worth as the story progressed. Abby was just what Merrideth needed, although in the beginning she really didn't think so. The secondary characters really added depth to the story, I could just picture young Michael, and Mrs Arnold was a bit eccentric but quite likable.It was so easy to become invested in Charlotte's life even though it took place over 150 years ago. I also enjoyed the relationship that started to develop with Abby and John,and hope we might see more of this in a future story.
While the characters really made an impression on me it was the plot that really grabbed my attention. I thought Ms. Heal did an amazing job of transitioning between the past and present,while weaving a bit of history into the story. What really made the story unique was how she brought the past to life via a computer program, or at least it seemed like a program in the beginning, but as the story progresses we see a more supernatural element taking place. The fact that Ms. Heal even takes the time to weave in some positive christian messages really takes this book to a whole different level. While this book is geared toward teens,I think that anyone who enjoys reading contemporary and historical fiction woven together will certainly enjoy this book. On a scale of one to five I would easily give this book a six! Highly recommended.
February 21, 2017
I liked this book quite a bit! The characters are fun, the storyline interesting, and the mystery intriguing. A great, light summer-time read. I don't remember any objectionable material.
May 14, 2012
Not only was I "caught" by the first chapter, but the cover is so beautiful and inviting. Having grown up in and presently living in a house over 100 years old, and always being intruigued by their mysteries and the people that lived in them, I eagerly turned the pages for what might happen next. I loved the weaving of the local historical facts which ended up being parts of the bigger history of our country. The present day conversatons were enjoyable, current and gave me a chuckle more than once! Last page left me definately wanting more!
April 24, 2012
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed "Time and Again." Even though the book is primarily geared toward teens and young adults we had trouble putting it down until we finished it. In addition to being a very good story,it contained some very interesting local historical facts. The life lessons included in the story were subtle,yet affective. We plan to keep up with this new author and can't wait for her next book. Hope it comes out soon!
Review by Chuck Peterson
Review by Chuck Peterson
July 12, 2012
This is a first reads win!
When this book first started out I was really put off by Merrideth being such a sullen child and her mother giving her candy to get her to do what she wanted. As the story progressed and Abby and Merrideth begin their lessons the story really grabbed my interest. I like the plot using the computer for the "ghost story". I also enjoyed the mix of history and religious values. I think preteen girls will really enjoy this story.
When this book first started out I was really put off by Merrideth being such a sullen child and her mother giving her candy to get her to do what she wanted. As the story progressed and Abby and Merrideth begin their lessons the story really grabbed my interest. I like the plot using the computer for the "ghost story". I also enjoyed the mix of history and religious values. I think preteen girls will really enjoy this story.
May 14, 2012
Purchased book at a local book signing. I highly recommend this book for young people, but adults will enjoy it, too. It is well-written, with good moral lessons. The story flows and really will hold your interest. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next! Particularly interesting is how the past and the present are woven together to bring history to life and to make the story complete.
May 13, 2012
My attention was captured from the first chapter. What a wonderful book for young teens on up! I found it refreshing from all the creepy, gory, mysteries that are out there about vampires and serial killers. Quite intriguing and loved how history was woven into the story. Looking forward to Deborah Heal's next book.
May 14, 2012
Thank you Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ for the First Reads copy! I loved this book and recommend it for all readers! Beautifully written, thoughtful book that offers the reader a delightful story of friendship and unconditional love. Can't wait to read the next book!
August 24, 2012
Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station
Deborah Heal
Creativity and ingenuity are two ways that educators can motivate their students. First impressions often set the tone for relationships, job interviews or first meetings. Not all jobs as you will learn are created for your enjoyment or convenience yet we hope our career choices will yield more than just a monetary reward. Educators face many stumbling blocks each day when they try to impart their knowledge to their students. Abby Thomas is hoping to complete a service project she has been assigned for Ambassador College during her summer break. Forgoing a trip to Europe with her friend she embarks on a new adventure that would take her to a town that no longer has flair, energy or color where the people have resigned themselves to their way of life and where one young adolescent named Merredith is about to test not only her patience, her skills as a potential educator but her stamina and persistence too. Merredith’s family is not well to do. She and her mother live in an old house her mother inherited. Merredith is an underachiever. She also neglects her personal care making it hard for people to be too close to her and a mother that is compensating for her separation from her father by indulging her every whim including over doing it with chocolate treats. Kids love computer games and programs and Merredith is a true example of a computer game addict who eats herself into Kit Kat oblivion daily. Merredith does not want to deal with Abby and makes it quite clear that she does not want her interfering in her life in any way. Her attitude and reception when she meets her lets the reader know that Abby has her work cut out for her and success is going to be a long way down the road for both of them. But, sometimes intelligence, creativity and a smart young woman can overcome more than just the barriers and obstacles placed in front of her in order to help this young child.
As the author allows the reader to get to know Merredith we see that she also harbors some resentment when dealing with her mother and her separation from her father and the late night phone calls to connect with him let you know that she wants the relationship but he might not. Buying her all the computer programs and a state of the art phone help this young child justify in her own mind that her father is there for her and that he cares. But, does he? Hating where she lives and feeling that this is just a stopgap for her before she returns to Chicago she relates her feelings to Abby. Yet, when Abby confronts Pat, Merredith’s mother about her father she states she will block any visits but not why.
Abby forges ahead with preparing lessons for her from antiquated textbooks that are provided by the mother. So what secrets can she find in them and what happens she notices that the Merredith’s computer turns on by itself and a blue light flashes and something amazing appears on the screen. Beautiful House flashes across the screen� Take A Virtual Tour. Could this computer program be the answer to her problems? Is this computer trying to tell her something? This house is quite old and the history behind it quite compelling. The information she learns is about a young girl named Charlotte that lived in this same house and the town was called Miles Station. Just how all of this comes to light is quite interesting as Abby finally convinces her student to take a tour of the neighborhood, meet some of the colorful people and learn about where she lives. Interactive learning motivates young learners and adults too. It can ignite a spark that would ordinary go unlit and if approached and used the right way a computer program can take a child to new heights of learning. As they venture out in the neighborhood they see a young boy on the tracks and save him from injury. Going to his home they meet some very interesting people especially Mrs. Arnold. She seems to know a lot about the history of the town, the people and who lived in the house her mother inherited. Using this tactic she manages to ignite some interest in her but does not pick up on something she says she sees on the computer until after they come home. Beautiful House is the key to everything and what they find out when they take the virtual tour simply amazing. Miles Station is the name of the town and the young girl that lived there was Charlotte Miles. When Abby and Merredith look closely at the house on the screen she notices a young girl on the screen. Will Charlotte take them back in time to learn more? What else does Mrs. Arnold share besides her knowledge of gardening and making great treats? Find the soul of the house! What does that really mean? Finding a Plat Map of the house ignites excitement at least in Abby and some interest in Merredith. Getting her to do learn her multiplication tables and number facts her first success.
When Abby and Merredith find the lock key to the Virtual Reality Tour and they enter the world of Charlotte and her father Jonathan Miles. Hearing her voice, learning about the hard life she lived and more about the town brought them closer to together as they decided to explore more of neighborhood, find the old train station that was in the Virtual Tour and learn more about the house. But, Abby decides to go to church and during her time there she not only meets some special people but one special young man named John. Sometimes life hands us something that might be difficult to endure and then something really special as Abby even realizes how important it is to thank our parents for all they do and have done for us. That is what makes this novel so special and unique that the author reminds younger people and adults to embrace family love, education and learning.
As the author and Merrideth take us back in time we meet Charlotte, get to know her family and the excitement she must have felt when she was introduced to Abraham Lincoln. He is one President that I would have loved to have met too. This is a creative way to teach history, encourage independent learning and customs that children should learn about the past and perhaps use in the present. But, the research continued and the author shares more about Lincoln before he became President and the Lincoln Douglas Debates. Merrideth realizes that Charlotte’s life was not easy and that she cooked baked and took care of her father most of the time and never got to the Alton State Fair. Would she learn to appreciate where she lived the history? What would she learn from Charlotte to help her appreciate her life in the present? What about Abby’s project?
What happened to Charlotte and her life you will have to learn for yourself when you join Abby and Merrideth and take the journey back in time with them. Just how this ends you won’t believe. The research about this town the people and Miles Station is all explained in the note from the author at the end of the book. What will Merrideth learn about life in her town next? Will she ever resolve herself to her life? Will she ever realize just how special and smart she is and why who she is makes her special? The author brings to light what happens when kids are mean to Michael who might be learning disabled but capable of doing quite a lot. Meet Mrs. Arnold you will love her and want to learn more about her and her connection to the Miles family. Learn more about Charlotte and what happens to her and why President Lincoln made a huge difference during the war and the important part he played in our history. This is a great book for young readers and teachers to use to show that there are many ways to stimulate learning and get reluctant readers to want to explore history, math and even English.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Deborah Heal
Creativity and ingenuity are two ways that educators can motivate their students. First impressions often set the tone for relationships, job interviews or first meetings. Not all jobs as you will learn are created for your enjoyment or convenience yet we hope our career choices will yield more than just a monetary reward. Educators face many stumbling blocks each day when they try to impart their knowledge to their students. Abby Thomas is hoping to complete a service project she has been assigned for Ambassador College during her summer break. Forgoing a trip to Europe with her friend she embarks on a new adventure that would take her to a town that no longer has flair, energy or color where the people have resigned themselves to their way of life and where one young adolescent named Merredith is about to test not only her patience, her skills as a potential educator but her stamina and persistence too. Merredith’s family is not well to do. She and her mother live in an old house her mother inherited. Merredith is an underachiever. She also neglects her personal care making it hard for people to be too close to her and a mother that is compensating for her separation from her father by indulging her every whim including over doing it with chocolate treats. Kids love computer games and programs and Merredith is a true example of a computer game addict who eats herself into Kit Kat oblivion daily. Merredith does not want to deal with Abby and makes it quite clear that she does not want her interfering in her life in any way. Her attitude and reception when she meets her lets the reader know that Abby has her work cut out for her and success is going to be a long way down the road for both of them. But, sometimes intelligence, creativity and a smart young woman can overcome more than just the barriers and obstacles placed in front of her in order to help this young child.
As the author allows the reader to get to know Merredith we see that she also harbors some resentment when dealing with her mother and her separation from her father and the late night phone calls to connect with him let you know that she wants the relationship but he might not. Buying her all the computer programs and a state of the art phone help this young child justify in her own mind that her father is there for her and that he cares. But, does he? Hating where she lives and feeling that this is just a stopgap for her before she returns to Chicago she relates her feelings to Abby. Yet, when Abby confronts Pat, Merredith’s mother about her father she states she will block any visits but not why.
Abby forges ahead with preparing lessons for her from antiquated textbooks that are provided by the mother. So what secrets can she find in them and what happens she notices that the Merredith’s computer turns on by itself and a blue light flashes and something amazing appears on the screen. Beautiful House flashes across the screen� Take A Virtual Tour. Could this computer program be the answer to her problems? Is this computer trying to tell her something? This house is quite old and the history behind it quite compelling. The information she learns is about a young girl named Charlotte that lived in this same house and the town was called Miles Station. Just how all of this comes to light is quite interesting as Abby finally convinces her student to take a tour of the neighborhood, meet some of the colorful people and learn about where she lives. Interactive learning motivates young learners and adults too. It can ignite a spark that would ordinary go unlit and if approached and used the right way a computer program can take a child to new heights of learning. As they venture out in the neighborhood they see a young boy on the tracks and save him from injury. Going to his home they meet some very interesting people especially Mrs. Arnold. She seems to know a lot about the history of the town, the people and who lived in the house her mother inherited. Using this tactic she manages to ignite some interest in her but does not pick up on something she says she sees on the computer until after they come home. Beautiful House is the key to everything and what they find out when they take the virtual tour simply amazing. Miles Station is the name of the town and the young girl that lived there was Charlotte Miles. When Abby and Merredith look closely at the house on the screen she notices a young girl on the screen. Will Charlotte take them back in time to learn more? What else does Mrs. Arnold share besides her knowledge of gardening and making great treats? Find the soul of the house! What does that really mean? Finding a Plat Map of the house ignites excitement at least in Abby and some interest in Merredith. Getting her to do learn her multiplication tables and number facts her first success.
When Abby and Merredith find the lock key to the Virtual Reality Tour and they enter the world of Charlotte and her father Jonathan Miles. Hearing her voice, learning about the hard life she lived and more about the town brought them closer to together as they decided to explore more of neighborhood, find the old train station that was in the Virtual Tour and learn more about the house. But, Abby decides to go to church and during her time there she not only meets some special people but one special young man named John. Sometimes life hands us something that might be difficult to endure and then something really special as Abby even realizes how important it is to thank our parents for all they do and have done for us. That is what makes this novel so special and unique that the author reminds younger people and adults to embrace family love, education and learning.
As the author and Merrideth take us back in time we meet Charlotte, get to know her family and the excitement she must have felt when she was introduced to Abraham Lincoln. He is one President that I would have loved to have met too. This is a creative way to teach history, encourage independent learning and customs that children should learn about the past and perhaps use in the present. But, the research continued and the author shares more about Lincoln before he became President and the Lincoln Douglas Debates. Merrideth realizes that Charlotte’s life was not easy and that she cooked baked and took care of her father most of the time and never got to the Alton State Fair. Would she learn to appreciate where she lived the history? What would she learn from Charlotte to help her appreciate her life in the present? What about Abby’s project?
What happened to Charlotte and her life you will have to learn for yourself when you join Abby and Merrideth and take the journey back in time with them. Just how this ends you won’t believe. The research about this town the people and Miles Station is all explained in the note from the author at the end of the book. What will Merrideth learn about life in her town next? Will she ever resolve herself to her life? Will she ever realize just how special and smart she is and why who she is makes her special? The author brings to light what happens when kids are mean to Michael who might be learning disabled but capable of doing quite a lot. Meet Mrs. Arnold you will love her and want to learn more about her and her connection to the Miles family. Learn more about Charlotte and what happens to her and why President Lincoln made a huge difference during the war and the important part he played in our history. This is a great book for young readers and teachers to use to show that there are many ways to stimulate learning and get reluctant readers to want to explore history, math and even English.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
May 18, 2019
Abby Thomas is in a small town in southern Illinois for the summer, tutoring a very resistant preteen named Merrideth, as part of her teaching degree program. Merrideth is defiant, her mother makes no real attempt at discipline, and the house, once beautiful, is now old, rickety, and has few modern conveniences.
But there's John Roberts, a handsome and really nice local guy, a spiffy new computer from Merrideth's absent, divorced, possibly drug-dealing father, and a computer program called Beautiful Houses that turns out to have some really interesting features.
Such as the ability to follow the life of Charlotte Miles, daughter of the owner, in 1858 when the house is a train stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. Abby and Merrideth finally connect over a shared interest in history, and a fascination with Charlotte, a new suitor named James McGuire, and his boss-Abraham Lincoln.
There are also other neighbors--a boy about Merrideth's age, an elderly woman who lives for gardening and is happy to share both plants and her memories, the local minister and his wife, in Abby and Merrideth's time. And both supporters of Lincoln, and entirely too many supporters of slavery, in southern Illinois, in 1858.
It's a well-told, absorbing story, with very good characters. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the narrator, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
But there's John Roberts, a handsome and really nice local guy, a spiffy new computer from Merrideth's absent, divorced, possibly drug-dealing father, and a computer program called Beautiful Houses that turns out to have some really interesting features.
Such as the ability to follow the life of Charlotte Miles, daughter of the owner, in 1858 when the house is a train stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. Abby and Merrideth finally connect over a shared interest in history, and a fascination with Charlotte, a new suitor named James McGuire, and his boss-Abraham Lincoln.
There are also other neighbors--a boy about Merrideth's age, an elderly woman who lives for gardening and is happy to share both plants and her memories, the local minister and his wife, in Abby and Merrideth's time. And both supporters of Lincoln, and entirely too many supporters of slavery, in southern Illinois, in 1858.
It's a well-told, absorbing story, with very good characters. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the narrator, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
October 8, 2017
I just enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It has contemporary elements combined in the most unique way with time-travel and fantasy.
My frustration was that it ended for me on a resounding cliffhanger! And, while I don't mind cliffhangers terribly, because I'm always up for getting the next in a series, there WAS NO NEXT. It advertised the next one by name and even gave an official blurb, but when I went to download it online, there was no NEXT in the series. This author had a total of three novels available, and only the one I just read was there. There were two others from different novels and series. It was extremely frustrating!!!!!!!!!
So, this novel was super, but I am still feeling the effects of not being able to continue. Especially, when I am just so hungry to know what happens next.
Had the next in the series been available on my e-reader device, this story would have gotten 5 stars.
My frustration was that it ended for me on a resounding cliffhanger! And, while I don't mind cliffhangers terribly, because I'm always up for getting the next in a series, there WAS NO NEXT. It advertised the next one by name and even gave an official blurb, but when I went to download it online, there was no NEXT in the series. This author had a total of three novels available, and only the one I just read was there. There were two others from different novels and series. It was extremely frustrating!!!!!!!!!
So, this novel was super, but I am still feeling the effects of not being able to continue. Especially, when I am just so hungry to know what happens next.
Had the next in the series been available on my e-reader device, this story would have gotten 5 stars.
December 24, 2012
Abby Thomas is on her summer break from college. She has decided to do a college service project which will be tutoring eleven year old Merrideth in small community called Miles Station, Illinois. The girl and her mom Pat live in a very old two story house that is in desperate need of a makeover.
As soon as Abby meets the unkempt young Merrideth it is apparent that this will not be as easy a project she was expecting. The young girl complains about everything she is asked to do. Plus she has a really sarcastic attitude. That is until they find a virtual tour program on the computer that pulled them into a time 160 years in the past and into the real life of Charlotte Miles, daughter of Colonel Miles original owner of Merrideth's new home. Colonel Miles was also founder of Miles Station.
What was the deal could they really be watching and hearing what went on with Charlotte that many years ago?
It was just too freaky, yet they did not want to stop the program. Was there any way to communicate with Charlotte?
Abby and Merrideth compare the rundown conditions of the almost ghost town to the booming Miles Station at the time Charlotte and her father were alive. Then they became obsessed with the daily life or lack thereof that Charlotte was living while stuck in Miles Station because of her over protective father. On one occasion Charlotte wanted to go to the fair with a young man she knew but her father forbid her to have anything to do with the young man. She was so hurt and angry.
The author has a great imagination coming up with this virtual tour computer program. She created many interesting character in the book.
For instance:
Pat the workaholic mother of Merrideth
Michael a little boy that is tormented by his peers calling him a tardo.
Mrs. Arnold the eccentric and oldest native born resident of Miles Station.
The charming handsome Jake that Abby first met at church and then again at the Tropical Frost where he sells snow cones.
So you can see putting together all these characters along with the history, intrigue, mystery and romance of the past and present of the community of Miles Station definitely makes for a good read.
Excerpt from back cover of Time and Again: Charlotte at Miles Station is a story told in the past and in the present. A story of three girls - their perspectives, their relationships, and their journey of self-discovery and faith.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure:
I received a free copy of this book from the author Deborah Heal for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
If you found this review helpful vote yes or no
As soon as Abby meets the unkempt young Merrideth it is apparent that this will not be as easy a project she was expecting. The young girl complains about everything she is asked to do. Plus she has a really sarcastic attitude. That is until they find a virtual tour program on the computer that pulled them into a time 160 years in the past and into the real life of Charlotte Miles, daughter of Colonel Miles original owner of Merrideth's new home. Colonel Miles was also founder of Miles Station.
What was the deal could they really be watching and hearing what went on with Charlotte that many years ago?
It was just too freaky, yet they did not want to stop the program. Was there any way to communicate with Charlotte?
Abby and Merrideth compare the rundown conditions of the almost ghost town to the booming Miles Station at the time Charlotte and her father were alive. Then they became obsessed with the daily life or lack thereof that Charlotte was living while stuck in Miles Station because of her over protective father. On one occasion Charlotte wanted to go to the fair with a young man she knew but her father forbid her to have anything to do with the young man. She was so hurt and angry.
The author has a great imagination coming up with this virtual tour computer program. She created many interesting character in the book.
For instance:
Pat the workaholic mother of Merrideth
Michael a little boy that is tormented by his peers calling him a tardo.
Mrs. Arnold the eccentric and oldest native born resident of Miles Station.
The charming handsome Jake that Abby first met at church and then again at the Tropical Frost where he sells snow cones.
So you can see putting together all these characters along with the history, intrigue, mystery and romance of the past and present of the community of Miles Station definitely makes for a good read.
Excerpt from back cover of Time and Again: Charlotte at Miles Station is a story told in the past and in the present. A story of three girls - their perspectives, their relationships, and their journey of self-discovery and faith.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure:
I received a free copy of this book from the author Deborah Heal for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
If you found this review helpful vote yes or no
January 26, 2022
I highly recommend reading this book. It is not only a coming of age and awareness for both title characters, but is a reminder that life is never what it appears to be.
In the beginning, I seriously wanted to shake some common sense into Merrideth. To me she was just, I don't know how to explain it.she just existed. She didn't care about anything but TV and food. In getting to know her more and more in the book, I could understand that she was this intelligent young woman waiting to come out of her shell, it was just the fact that no one, her parents, really paid attention to her, or helped her to develop into the person she became, until Abby came along.
I give Abby five stars just for not giving up. She was so instrumental in changing the way Merrideth thought and felt about not only herself, but for other around her. Abby was just there to do her community service for college, but instead she realized how to keep her cool with a stubborn Merrideth, fall in love, and realize that she will be a great teacher, especially when she is able to help Merrideth come alive.
She and Merrideth were put in a path, and if my computer started doing what this computer did I would seriously have freaked out, yet it was a great history and life lesson for them both. It gave Merrideth the opportunity to feel like someone needed her, as much as she needed them. Helping out Michael, getting to know the people in the town she lived in, that is the best tutoring Abby did for this young girl whose parents were divorcing, and who weren't really treating her like she was a part of that decision by treating her like a baby and bribing her with candy, and essentially ignoring her and pawning her off on Abby. In the end, I think that is what Abby and Merrideth needed, each other. And a little spooky computer history of the life of Charlotte, and trying to help her, you never know what you are going to face day after day.
In the beginning, I seriously wanted to shake some common sense into Merrideth. To me she was just, I don't know how to explain it.she just existed. She didn't care about anything but TV and food. In getting to know her more and more in the book, I could understand that she was this intelligent young woman waiting to come out of her shell, it was just the fact that no one, her parents, really paid attention to her, or helped her to develop into the person she became, until Abby came along.
I give Abby five stars just for not giving up. She was so instrumental in changing the way Merrideth thought and felt about not only herself, but for other around her. Abby was just there to do her community service for college, but instead she realized how to keep her cool with a stubborn Merrideth, fall in love, and realize that she will be a great teacher, especially when she is able to help Merrideth come alive.
She and Merrideth were put in a path, and if my computer started doing what this computer did I would seriously have freaked out, yet it was a great history and life lesson for them both. It gave Merrideth the opportunity to feel like someone needed her, as much as she needed them. Helping out Michael, getting to know the people in the town she lived in, that is the best tutoring Abby did for this young girl whose parents were divorcing, and who weren't really treating her like she was a part of that decision by treating her like a baby and bribing her with candy, and essentially ignoring her and pawning her off on Abby. In the end, I think that is what Abby and Merrideth needed, each other. And a little spooky computer history of the life of Charlotte, and trying to help her, you never know what you are going to face day after day.
November 1, 2012
I love a read that has me thinking about it long after I've finished reading it. That is exactly what Deborah Heal's book, Time and Again did.
Abby is a college student who takes a job as a tutor and finds a troubled child, a challenge, and a strange computer program. Before either one realizes it, they are actually in the 1800s in the same house they are living in watching the mysteries unfold. I'm not one to give spoilers, so I'll stop there.
Ms. Heal's writing is entertaining. I will admit that it seemed a little slow at first, but despite that I couldn't put it down. There was something in the way it was written that kept me hooked. It was an easy read but one that hooked me early on. I couldn't put my finger on it until a day later when I realized that it was the characters and the history that did me in.
I loved Abby. She was real. She was not what the writer wanted to make as ideal or anything like that. Abby is a real college girl who is on her own and having to rely on her Christian upbringing to help her through the tough times she is now facing. The child, Merrideth, is a tough cookie but not too tough. She is so true to character. She is not over the top in either direction. I wanted to spank her and hug her at the same time. She was a brat and a half but so full of hurt. Abby used the perfect methods to reach her.
I can't forget to mention the history part of this. Ms. Heal pulls a ton of history into the story which really appealed to me. She uses history to teach lessons and explore the world around them. I honestly can't say too much without giving it away. You have to read the book to see what this amazing computer program does to take them back in time, literally.
If you like history, feel-good books, and Christian fiction, this is the book for you. Even if you just like one of these, give it a try. Ms. Heal's book is a must-read.
Note: This book was provided as part of a book tour with no expectation of a positive review.
Abby is a college student who takes a job as a tutor and finds a troubled child, a challenge, and a strange computer program. Before either one realizes it, they are actually in the 1800s in the same house they are living in watching the mysteries unfold. I'm not one to give spoilers, so I'll stop there.
Ms. Heal's writing is entertaining. I will admit that it seemed a little slow at first, but despite that I couldn't put it down. There was something in the way it was written that kept me hooked. It was an easy read but one that hooked me early on. I couldn't put my finger on it until a day later when I realized that it was the characters and the history that did me in.
I loved Abby. She was real. She was not what the writer wanted to make as ideal or anything like that. Abby is a real college girl who is on her own and having to rely on her Christian upbringing to help her through the tough times she is now facing. The child, Merrideth, is a tough cookie but not too tough. She is so true to character. She is not over the top in either direction. I wanted to spank her and hug her at the same time. She was a brat and a half but so full of hurt. Abby used the perfect methods to reach her.
I can't forget to mention the history part of this. Ms. Heal pulls a ton of history into the story which really appealed to me. She uses history to teach lessons and explore the world around them. I honestly can't say too much without giving it away. You have to read the book to see what this amazing computer program does to take them back in time, literally.
If you like history, feel-good books, and Christian fiction, this is the book for you. Even if you just like one of these, give it a try. Ms. Heal's book is a must-read.
Note: This book was provided as part of a book tour with no expectation of a positive review.
December 25, 2012
Charming! Quaint! Clever!
Time and Again is a good, wholesome, old fashioned story with a modern twist. This charming tale touches upon many of the hard issues that kids have to face today—depression, bullying, weight issues, absentee parents, abandonment, self-esteem, and young love. It is written in such a way that these issues, which seem so momentous at first, gently blend into the background and simply melt away as the relationship between Abby and Meredith develops and they become fast friends.
Both girls are embarking on new adventures in their lives. Abby just graduated from college, has taken a summer job—her first job, as a live-in tutor. Meredith recently moved to the lonely, empty little town of Miles Station with her mother to an old historic home she inherited. Determined to make a new life for them, her mother must work all sorts of crazy hours, which leaves Meredith with nothing to do. She is feeling angry and dejected, and the last thing she wants is a babysitter hanging around, pestering, her all day long.
Naturally, the story does not end there . . . the old house promises some mysterious, quirky surprises for the two as they delve into its history and of the presently defunct town of Miles Station.
Ms. Heal did a marvelous job in addressing some of the confusion that children have in growing up while trying to understand the adult world. In this, the book turns an enjoyable story into a chapter by chapter mini life-lessons book for teenagers. Her teaching style is crafted in such a way to make you think you are just reading a fun story. She offers so much in the way of learning history, relationships, people, and in surviving the turbulent teenage years, that you will want to read it time and again.
Note: I would like to thank Deborah Heal for this lovely copy of her book, and to Review the Book.com for the opportunity to review it.
Time and Again is a good, wholesome, old fashioned story with a modern twist. This charming tale touches upon many of the hard issues that kids have to face today—depression, bullying, weight issues, absentee parents, abandonment, self-esteem, and young love. It is written in such a way that these issues, which seem so momentous at first, gently blend into the background and simply melt away as the relationship between Abby and Meredith develops and they become fast friends.
Both girls are embarking on new adventures in their lives. Abby just graduated from college, has taken a summer job—her first job, as a live-in tutor. Meredith recently moved to the lonely, empty little town of Miles Station with her mother to an old historic home she inherited. Determined to make a new life for them, her mother must work all sorts of crazy hours, which leaves Meredith with nothing to do. She is feeling angry and dejected, and the last thing she wants is a babysitter hanging around, pestering, her all day long.
Naturally, the story does not end there . . . the old house promises some mysterious, quirky surprises for the two as they delve into its history and of the presently defunct town of Miles Station.
Ms. Heal did a marvelous job in addressing some of the confusion that children have in growing up while trying to understand the adult world. In this, the book turns an enjoyable story into a chapter by chapter mini life-lessons book for teenagers. Her teaching style is crafted in such a way to make you think you are just reading a fun story. She offers so much in the way of learning history, relationships, people, and in surviving the turbulent teenage years, that you will want to read it time and again.
Note: I would like to thank Deborah Heal for this lovely copy of her book, and to Review the Book.com for the opportunity to review it.
July 9, 2012
Time and Again
Charlotte of Miles Station
By Deborah Heal
Abby Thomas' required service project is volunteering as a "companion and tutor to an economically disadvantaged adolescent." Abby's assignment is Merrideth an eleven year old girl with major issues in her life. Dealing with a major move and her parents divorce has caused Merrideth to become withdrawn and her school grades have suffered.
But motivating Merrideth to take an interest in school work during summer break may prove to be a more daunting challenge than Abby was expecting. Merrideth feels that her parents divorce was her fault and she is insecure about her appearance.
But when Merrideth and Abby discover Beautiful House, a program on Merrideth's computer, they see the house that they are living in is in the program. Beautiful House is a program unlike any that either girl has ever seen before. The program takes them to Miles Station in 1856 where they observe Charlotte Miles and her life at Miles Station. Soon both girls are caught up in Charlotte's life and her desire to one day take the train to Alton. Their interest in Charlotte sparks Merrideth's interest in history and she begins taking an interest in her new town and in her studies.
Charlotte's life is an intriguing lesson in American history at a volatile period in our history. You too should take this journey to Miles Station and be prepared to develop a new passion for history along the way.
Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station is a charming and delightful book and I hope to be able to take another journey into the past with Abby and Merrideth in the not too distant future.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed are my own and no expectations were placed on me regarding this review.
Charlotte of Miles Station
By Deborah Heal
Abby Thomas' required service project is volunteering as a "companion and tutor to an economically disadvantaged adolescent." Abby's assignment is Merrideth an eleven year old girl with major issues in her life. Dealing with a major move and her parents divorce has caused Merrideth to become withdrawn and her school grades have suffered.
But motivating Merrideth to take an interest in school work during summer break may prove to be a more daunting challenge than Abby was expecting. Merrideth feels that her parents divorce was her fault and she is insecure about her appearance.
But when Merrideth and Abby discover Beautiful House, a program on Merrideth's computer, they see the house that they are living in is in the program. Beautiful House is a program unlike any that either girl has ever seen before. The program takes them to Miles Station in 1856 where they observe Charlotte Miles and her life at Miles Station. Soon both girls are caught up in Charlotte's life and her desire to one day take the train to Alton. Their interest in Charlotte sparks Merrideth's interest in history and she begins taking an interest in her new town and in her studies.
Charlotte's life is an intriguing lesson in American history at a volatile period in our history. You too should take this journey to Miles Station and be prepared to develop a new passion for history along the way.
Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station is a charming and delightful book and I hope to be able to take another journey into the past with Abby and Merrideth in the not too distant future.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed are my own and no expectations were placed on me regarding this review.
August 20, 2013
Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station by Deborah Heal
Time and Again Series Book 1
Abby Thomas needed to choose a summer service project. With teaching in her future she chose to tutor a young girl for the summer. Her excitement was not met in the same way. Young Merredith didn’t seem to care about anything. She didn’t take care of herself and Abby allowed her physical appearance and bad attitude to rule her opinion of Merredith as well. As Abby gets to know the girl she sees the underlying circumstances that have caused Merredith to be like she is. Such as moving from Chicago to this hick town of only a few homes, if you could even call it a town.
After meeting young Michael and Mrs Arnold, an older neighbor woman, an interest in what Miles Station use to be like opens up into an adventure. Especially when they discovered the home Merredith’s mother inherited belonged to the founder of the town, Colonel Jonathon Miles. When they realize they can see his daughter, Charlotte Miles, on a computer program, learning history becomes an exciting past time.
I found this to be an easy flowing book where the characters and town came to life. It was one of those books for me that was hard to put down, “just one more page� type books. It is so special to watch Merredith as she comes out of her shell and the friendship they give to Michael. The history they learn as they go back in time was put in such a way that I found myself sitting there ‘watching� the Douglas/Lincoln debate, seeing the difference in the candidates clothing and speeches from the author’s description. Deborah’s writing brought out the emotions for me as well�.whether a smile or tears. Much of the story was built on true facts. I’m looking forward to the next book, Unclaimed Legacy.
Time and Again Series Book 1
Abby Thomas needed to choose a summer service project. With teaching in her future she chose to tutor a young girl for the summer. Her excitement was not met in the same way. Young Merredith didn’t seem to care about anything. She didn’t take care of herself and Abby allowed her physical appearance and bad attitude to rule her opinion of Merredith as well. As Abby gets to know the girl she sees the underlying circumstances that have caused Merredith to be like she is. Such as moving from Chicago to this hick town of only a few homes, if you could even call it a town.
After meeting young Michael and Mrs Arnold, an older neighbor woman, an interest in what Miles Station use to be like opens up into an adventure. Especially when they discovered the home Merredith’s mother inherited belonged to the founder of the town, Colonel Jonathon Miles. When they realize they can see his daughter, Charlotte Miles, on a computer program, learning history becomes an exciting past time.
I found this to be an easy flowing book where the characters and town came to life. It was one of those books for me that was hard to put down, “just one more page� type books. It is so special to watch Merredith as she comes out of her shell and the friendship they give to Michael. The history they learn as they go back in time was put in such a way that I found myself sitting there ‘watching� the Douglas/Lincoln debate, seeing the difference in the candidates clothing and speeches from the author’s description. Deborah’s writing brought out the emotions for me as well�.whether a smile or tears. Much of the story was built on true facts. I’m looking forward to the next book, Unclaimed Legacy.
October 14, 2012
I was lucky enough to win a copy of Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station in a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ First Reads Giveaway. Well technically, I won the sequel in the giveaway, but the author, Deborah Heal, was kind enough to message me and ask if I would prefer the first novel in the series, which I did.
Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station is a charming little story, perhaps aimed most specifically at teenagers (perhaps younger teenagers; I was quite an advanced reader so my deduction may be a little warped). It focuses on Abby, a student who decides to offer her tutoring services to a young girl for the summer as her service project at college. She finds herself in the little backwater of Brighton, Illinois; more specifically she finds herself in Miles Station, a former town turned six house road, charged with looking after and tutoring surly, overweight, cat and city-loving youngster Meredith. Together they bond over an exploration of time and the past of the house they are living in, exploring a computer program that gives them prime spectator seats for events predating the Civil War.
There are some really lovely messages to be learnt within the pages: that there is a difference between stupidity and ignorance, the importance of learning, that joy can be derived from faith and religion. It teaches to stand up for those being persecuted, rather than just turning away; it teaches of the importance of being helpful and gracious. It is well written; indeed although it was aimed at a much younger audience than myself, I really enjoyed this little novel, and found myself wondering who I knew that fits into it's target age group to lend it to them!
Deborah Heal has accomplished a lovely little moral story, with an interesting plot and believable characters. I would be very intrigued to read the next installment of the series!
Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station is a charming little story, perhaps aimed most specifically at teenagers (perhaps younger teenagers; I was quite an advanced reader so my deduction may be a little warped). It focuses on Abby, a student who decides to offer her tutoring services to a young girl for the summer as her service project at college. She finds herself in the little backwater of Brighton, Illinois; more specifically she finds herself in Miles Station, a former town turned six house road, charged with looking after and tutoring surly, overweight, cat and city-loving youngster Meredith. Together they bond over an exploration of time and the past of the house they are living in, exploring a computer program that gives them prime spectator seats for events predating the Civil War.
There are some really lovely messages to be learnt within the pages: that there is a difference between stupidity and ignorance, the importance of learning, that joy can be derived from faith and religion. It teaches to stand up for those being persecuted, rather than just turning away; it teaches of the importance of being helpful and gracious. It is well written; indeed although it was aimed at a much younger audience than myself, I really enjoyed this little novel, and found myself wondering who I knew that fits into it's target age group to lend it to them!
Deborah Heal has accomplished a lovely little moral story, with an interesting plot and believable characters. I would be very intrigued to read the next installment of the series!
November 22, 2013
Time and Again' by Deborah Heal is an unparalleled story of Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Historical fiction all into on one extraordinary tale!
Abby decides to do some volunteer summer tutoring for a student during her summer break. It will give her some good experience - and perhaps a recommendation - after she completes her final year earning teaching degree at the university. Is Abby "in over her head" with this experience?
Eleven year old Merridith and her mother move away from her father and his new girlfriend, her friends and her school, after her parents divorce. Meredith is angry and feels defeated. She resents it all! She will not make it easy for her mother or new tutor. Maybe her dad will come and get her and take her back. She has more than one problem that drives people away from her. Will she do anything about it?
These are the two key people in the first book of this intriguing trilogy. Other characters are introduced but the challenge begins with these two individuals.
Who is in the computer room during each night when everyone should be in bed?
Deborah Heal has successfully created a unique story that YA and Adults will both enjoy. The characters seem so real the reader will feel he/she knows them. The addition of characters and intrigue steadily builds until the very end. The ending gently fades, leaving the reader wanting more but not feeling exasperated with abruptness.
The descriptiveness is complete so the picture of the background scenery is vivid in ones mind.
However, there are two book covers I have seen. I think it would have been great to slightly combine the two. It would have been more visually appealing.
All in all, I still have to offer a Five Stars rating in reviewing this book. It was very good writing and never dragged.
I was generously sent this book by the author for an honest review of which I have given.
Abby decides to do some volunteer summer tutoring for a student during her summer break. It will give her some good experience - and perhaps a recommendation - after she completes her final year earning teaching degree at the university. Is Abby "in over her head" with this experience?
Eleven year old Merridith and her mother move away from her father and his new girlfriend, her friends and her school, after her parents divorce. Meredith is angry and feels defeated. She resents it all! She will not make it easy for her mother or new tutor. Maybe her dad will come and get her and take her back. She has more than one problem that drives people away from her. Will she do anything about it?
These are the two key people in the first book of this intriguing trilogy. Other characters are introduced but the challenge begins with these two individuals.
Who is in the computer room during each night when everyone should be in bed?
Deborah Heal has successfully created a unique story that YA and Adults will both enjoy. The characters seem so real the reader will feel he/she knows them. The addition of characters and intrigue steadily builds until the very end. The ending gently fades, leaving the reader wanting more but not feeling exasperated with abruptness.
The descriptiveness is complete so the picture of the background scenery is vivid in ones mind.
However, there are two book covers I have seen. I think it would have been great to slightly combine the two. It would have been more visually appealing.
All in all, I still have to offer a Five Stars rating in reviewing this book. It was very good writing and never dragged.
I was generously sent this book by the author for an honest review of which I have given.
February 16, 2016
What if you could have a Gods-eye view of your own life, running it forward and backward in time, viewing it from different points-of-view? How might that affect your understanding of events, especially the ones that disappoint you? Abby and Meredith have that kind of view of the life of Charlotte Miles, the girl who lived in their house a hundred and fifty years before, and it leads them into new understanding of their own lives and Gods not-always-comfortable way of caring for them.
Meredith is an emotionally needy eleven-year-old. Abby is her college-student tutor for the summer. It is a strange computer program that gives them a virtual tour of the old house where Meredith and her mother have just moved following a messy divorce. And on that tour they meet Charlotte.
I would have liked to see more conflict in Charlottes life, perhaps more involvement with the Underground Railroad earlier in the book and more risk of getting caught by slavery supporters in the Illinois town. But the personalities in modern Miles Station, Abbys frustrations with Meredith, and the younger girls slow blossoming kept me turning the pages. And yes, there is romance, both in Abbys life and in Charlottes.
Technology can be tricky in modern novels; the latest thing is out of date by the time the book goes to press. But Heal does a good job of overcoming the problem by putting them in a remote enough location to not get cell-phone service or other amenities that might be expected in a city and keeping the specifics of the computer program vague. All in all, its a good read for teens.
[I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.]
Meredith is an emotionally needy eleven-year-old. Abby is her college-student tutor for the summer. It is a strange computer program that gives them a virtual tour of the old house where Meredith and her mother have just moved following a messy divorce. And on that tour they meet Charlotte.
I would have liked to see more conflict in Charlottes life, perhaps more involvement with the Underground Railroad earlier in the book and more risk of getting caught by slavery supporters in the Illinois town. But the personalities in modern Miles Station, Abbys frustrations with Meredith, and the younger girls slow blossoming kept me turning the pages. And yes, there is romance, both in Abbys life and in Charlottes.
Technology can be tricky in modern novels; the latest thing is out of date by the time the book goes to press. But Heal does a good job of overcoming the problem by putting them in a remote enough location to not get cell-phone service or other amenities that might be expected in a city and keeping the specifics of the computer program vague. All in all, its a good read for teens.
[I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.]
June 25, 2012
When Abby agrees to become a tutor and companion to 11 year old Merrideth for the summer, they both learn more than what text books could teach them.
Stuck in the middle of nowhere, Abby has a tough job ahead of her because Merrideth doesn’t want her help nor her company. Merrideth appears to be lazy and a bit spoiled but as Abby gets to know her better she finds Merrideth is really just an unhappy girl; unhappy that her parents are divorced, that her mom works all the time and never has time for her.
Together they find a program on Merrideth’s computer that lets them take a virtual tour of the house they are living in. But it’s more than a virtual tour, they find themselves drawn into the life of Charlotte Miles, who lived in the same house 160 years earlier!
They investigate the neighborhood and do research at the library to find out if what they are seeing on the computer is true. During this time they meet some interesting people and make some new friends.
When something happens to Charlotte, Merrideth becomes upset and questions God. She feels, just as in her life, God controls us like puppets for his amusement. Abby goes back in the program and by changing views, she shows Merrideth what is happening from a different perspective. She can show Merrideth that things happen for a reason. Just as God can see everything, Merrideth could see how God was really protecting Charlotte.
I enjoyed this story even though it never quite grabbed me. It moved along at an even pace and I learn somethings along the way. It has a great message without being preachy. I think it would be great for younger readers.
I was provided a copy for review.
Stuck in the middle of nowhere, Abby has a tough job ahead of her because Merrideth doesn’t want her help nor her company. Merrideth appears to be lazy and a bit spoiled but as Abby gets to know her better she finds Merrideth is really just an unhappy girl; unhappy that her parents are divorced, that her mom works all the time and never has time for her.
Together they find a program on Merrideth’s computer that lets them take a virtual tour of the house they are living in. But it’s more than a virtual tour, they find themselves drawn into the life of Charlotte Miles, who lived in the same house 160 years earlier!
They investigate the neighborhood and do research at the library to find out if what they are seeing on the computer is true. During this time they meet some interesting people and make some new friends.
When something happens to Charlotte, Merrideth becomes upset and questions God. She feels, just as in her life, God controls us like puppets for his amusement. Abby goes back in the program and by changing views, she shows Merrideth what is happening from a different perspective. She can show Merrideth that things happen for a reason. Just as God can see everything, Merrideth could see how God was really protecting Charlotte.
I enjoyed this story even though it never quite grabbed me. It moved along at an even pace and I learn somethings along the way. It has a great message without being preachy. I think it would be great for younger readers.
I was provided a copy for review.
September 14, 2013
Days before I read Time and Again, I came across an article in the Sept/Oct. Saturday Evening Post lamenting the fact that many schools do not teach history anymore. As a consequence, young people are growing up without the understanding that comes from lessons learned by those who have gone before them. In "History Lessons" by Emily Bloch, author David McCullough complains of history textbooks that are boring and poorly written, unimaginative, creating a distaste on the part of students for history. He states, "....there's no end of wonderful books to read. Give them good books!...Go where things happened. Feel what it was like in the snow at Valley Forge."
Thank you, Deborah Heal, for such a book. Kids would devour history if they were required to read books like this. While it is aimed at a Young Adult audience, this middle age reader quickly became engrossed in the story and found it difficult to put down. One's heart breaks for 11 yr. old Merrideth whose newly divorced mom has little time for attention or discipline while trying to establish a new life for them in a small town in Illinois. Abby, the college student who takes on the role of summer tutor for Merrideth, is likeable and believable as she tries to find a hole in Merrideth's hard shell. They discover a unique computer program that allows them to "time-surf" without the sci-fi element. There is also a Christian aspect to the story, but it is not overwhelming for those who may not care for such things.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to the next two in the series.
Thank you, Deborah Heal, for such a book. Kids would devour history if they were required to read books like this. While it is aimed at a Young Adult audience, this middle age reader quickly became engrossed in the story and found it difficult to put down. One's heart breaks for 11 yr. old Merrideth whose newly divorced mom has little time for attention or discipline while trying to establish a new life for them in a small town in Illinois. Abby, the college student who takes on the role of summer tutor for Merrideth, is likeable and believable as she tries to find a hole in Merrideth's hard shell. They discover a unique computer program that allows them to "time-surf" without the sci-fi element. There is also a Christian aspect to the story, but it is not overwhelming for those who may not care for such things.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to the next two in the series.
September 28, 2012
A book that kept a smile on my face :)
Abby is a college student who takes a job as a Summer tutor to a difficult young student, named Merrideth. Abby works to win Merrideth over, and together they discover a mysterious computer program that might just have some of the answers they are looking for and so much more...
Time and Again is an engaging read, that is well paced, with a great message. I really came to love so many of the characters, especially Abby and Merrideth.
Abby was a great main character and I loved how dedicated she was to doing her job and helping Merrideth. Merrideth was a character I really enjoyed because I wasn't sure what exactly to think of her when I was first "introduced" to her but eventually she worming her way into my heart.
I loved how Abby and Merrideth had tons of fun adventures and made new friends, like Michael, who was a really cute little boy.
Overall, this was a well written tale that had me smiling pretty much the whole way through, it was a fun read, and I really liked Ms. Heal's writing style. The characters were well, done and I thought there were some really great messages in the story. In my opinion, this book would be perfect for tweens ages 8-12, though people older or younger can also really appreciate it :) A time traveling adventure that is encouraging and uplifting, and highly enjoyable.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Abby is a college student who takes a job as a Summer tutor to a difficult young student, named Merrideth. Abby works to win Merrideth over, and together they discover a mysterious computer program that might just have some of the answers they are looking for and so much more...
Time and Again is an engaging read, that is well paced, with a great message. I really came to love so many of the characters, especially Abby and Merrideth.
Abby was a great main character and I loved how dedicated she was to doing her job and helping Merrideth. Merrideth was a character I really enjoyed because I wasn't sure what exactly to think of her when I was first "introduced" to her but eventually she worming her way into my heart.
I loved how Abby and Merrideth had tons of fun adventures and made new friends, like Michael, who was a really cute little boy.
Overall, this was a well written tale that had me smiling pretty much the whole way through, it was a fun read, and I really liked Ms. Heal's writing style. The characters were well, done and I thought there were some really great messages in the story. In my opinion, this book would be perfect for tweens ages 8-12, though people older or younger can also really appreciate it :) A time traveling adventure that is encouraging and uplifting, and highly enjoyable.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
October 2, 2012
Well, Time and Again is one of those novels that, when you start it, you really do not know what to expect and what you get is so much more than you could have ever imagined. I am relatively new to the genres of historical fiction and Christian fiction and I don’t always know what I am getting myself into. I sat down to read this book and honestly, I was worried that I would not like it, but I was more than pleasantly surprised, for sure.
Deborah Heal writes well-rounded, realistic characters that you can really relate to. Merrideth’s family struggles are something I could understand, as well as Abby’s desire to help. The plot was well played out, although admittedly, there are a couple (I think literally, there were 2 or 3) of perspective-shifts that were a little rough until you realized what happened and where you were in the story.
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Once you were able to adjust to that, though, there were no problems at all with the flow of the story and I enjoyed every word that I read. I was able to read this book in just a couple of sittings, unable to walk away and having to know what happened.
I am anxious to see what happens with the characters and how the story develops further. If you are a fan of historical or Christian fiction and want to read a good, wholesome book that will make you think, then this is the story for you.
Deborah Heal writes well-rounded, realistic characters that you can really relate to. Merrideth’s family struggles are something I could understand, as well as Abby’s desire to help. The plot was well played out, although admittedly, there are a couple (I think literally, there were 2 or 3) of perspective-shifts that were a little rough until you realized what happened and where you were in the story.
�
Once you were able to adjust to that, though, there were no problems at all with the flow of the story and I enjoyed every word that I read. I was able to read this book in just a couple of sittings, unable to walk away and having to know what happened.
I am anxious to see what happens with the characters and how the story develops further. If you are a fan of historical or Christian fiction and want to read a good, wholesome book that will make you think, then this is the story for you.
March 10, 2015
Since I'm always fascinated about time travel I was eager to read Deborah Heal's novel. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. This story is not about time travel, but rather a movie taking place on a computer screen. Somehow, the main characters in present day can watch and read the minds of the people who lived at Miles Station 150 years ago.
The relationship between Abbie and Merredith was well developed, the dialogue believable, the young teen's troubles authentic. It is also interesting to learn more about Lincoln's visit and the political climate of pre-civil war times. Otherwise, I found the story disappointing. Not just because of the superficial way of treating time travel, but because the plot is quite boring. We're never afraid for either Abbie or Merredith, not even Charlotte. The story plays in and around the house and the computer, the love story with John is slow to unfold. Word choice and dialogue tags were sometimes questionable which made me wonder if the author had a good editor.
The only reason I read to the end is to see if the time travel aspect was ever getting addressed which means better. Sadly that was not the case. I was also surprised about the abrupt ending without any sort of resolution, not even a cliffhanger. Based on what I read I wouldn't continue with books 2 and 3.
The relationship between Abbie and Merredith was well developed, the dialogue believable, the young teen's troubles authentic. It is also interesting to learn more about Lincoln's visit and the political climate of pre-civil war times. Otherwise, I found the story disappointing. Not just because of the superficial way of treating time travel, but because the plot is quite boring. We're never afraid for either Abbie or Merredith, not even Charlotte. The story plays in and around the house and the computer, the love story with John is slow to unfold. Word choice and dialogue tags were sometimes questionable which made me wonder if the author had a good editor.
The only reason I read to the end is to see if the time travel aspect was ever getting addressed which means better. Sadly that was not the case. I was also surprised about the abrupt ending without any sort of resolution, not even a cliffhanger. Based on what I read I wouldn't continue with books 2 and 3.
October 26, 2012
Time and Again Charlotte of Miles Station by Deborah Heal is a fantastic read. It is a great story to read for any age group, but I think young ladies would really enjoy it . It is quite a nice clean story without violence.
This story has many themes to it. Divorce, neglected children, history, present day, love, family.
Abby is a young lady who wants to tutor a young girl for a college project she at first wonders if she is cut out to help a girl who has so many problems and attitudes. Merrideth feels lonely since her mother divorced her dad and she doesn’t know why and they also moved very far away to a very small town. So Merrideth quits caring and just eats and watches T.V.
Abby tries to bring her out of herself and they get into a computer program that carries them back over 100 years to the people who use to live in the house that they live in now. It is really a super fun read that will give everyone the desire to be better and keep looking up. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to the Author/Publicist for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
This story has many themes to it. Divorce, neglected children, history, present day, love, family.
Abby is a young lady who wants to tutor a young girl for a college project she at first wonders if she is cut out to help a girl who has so many problems and attitudes. Merrideth feels lonely since her mother divorced her dad and she doesn’t know why and they also moved very far away to a very small town. So Merrideth quits caring and just eats and watches T.V.
Abby tries to bring her out of herself and they get into a computer program that carries them back over 100 years to the people who use to live in the house that they live in now. It is really a super fun read that will give everyone the desire to be better and keep looking up. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to the Author/Publicist for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
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