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Rewinding Time #2
Only One Way Home
from Professor Randall’s Notebook…
FIELD RESEARCH SITE: Golconda, Illinois.
GOAL: Trace client’s Frailey ancestors—back to Scotland if possible—and get home in time for dinner.
NOTE: What scandal could have caused Matthias Frailey to leave Golconda and be disinherited from his family’s thriving lumber business?
Professor Merrideth Randall’s latest after-hours genealogy consulting gig takes her and friends Abby and John to the small southern Illinois town of Golconda on the Ohio River. She expects to have to research the old-fashioned way at the courthouse. But thankfully, her client’s ancestor Matthias Frailey once hung out in Golconda’s ancient Ferry House Inn, and that means Beautiful Houses, Merrideth’s time-rewinding software, will work after all.
It doesn’t take Merrideth and her friends long to time-surf back to find out what they need to know about Matthias Frailey and his family. But when they become eyewitnesses to the arrival of the Cherokee on the Golconda Ferry on December 3, 1838, they cannot tear their eyes away from the tragedy that unfolds—nor from Matthias Frailey’s heroic response to it. The people are herded down Main Street on their Trail of Tears, bound for the Oklahoma Country, while the townsfolk only watch, or even cheer. But not Matthias Frailey. He does what he can to help them, especially a very spirited—and very pregnant—woman named White Dove who insists on walking so others may ride in the wagons.
Spending so much time inside Matthias’ head, Merrideth has no doubt that he is the kind, selfless man he appears to be. It’s impossible not to fall a little in love with him—despite the fact that he has been dead for over 175 years. Meanwhile, in the here and now, handsome Golconda historian Aaron Landis is doggedly pursuing her. And back home her McKendree College colleague Brett Garrison keeps calling while he waits for her return. But are they—or any man—worthy of her trust? Too bad there isn’t a way to time-surf in their heads. Now that would be a dating tool she could really put to good use.
FIELD RESEARCH SITE: Golconda, Illinois.
GOAL: Trace client’s Frailey ancestors—back to Scotland if possible—and get home in time for dinner.
NOTE: What scandal could have caused Matthias Frailey to leave Golconda and be disinherited from his family’s thriving lumber business?
Professor Merrideth Randall’s latest after-hours genealogy consulting gig takes her and friends Abby and John to the small southern Illinois town of Golconda on the Ohio River. She expects to have to research the old-fashioned way at the courthouse. But thankfully, her client’s ancestor Matthias Frailey once hung out in Golconda’s ancient Ferry House Inn, and that means Beautiful Houses, Merrideth’s time-rewinding software, will work after all.
It doesn’t take Merrideth and her friends long to time-surf back to find out what they need to know about Matthias Frailey and his family. But when they become eyewitnesses to the arrival of the Cherokee on the Golconda Ferry on December 3, 1838, they cannot tear their eyes away from the tragedy that unfolds—nor from Matthias Frailey’s heroic response to it. The people are herded down Main Street on their Trail of Tears, bound for the Oklahoma Country, while the townsfolk only watch, or even cheer. But not Matthias Frailey. He does what he can to help them, especially a very spirited—and very pregnant—woman named White Dove who insists on walking so others may ride in the wagons.
Spending so much time inside Matthias’ head, Merrideth has no doubt that he is the kind, selfless man he appears to be. It’s impossible not to fall a little in love with him—despite the fact that he has been dead for over 175 years. Meanwhile, in the here and now, handsome Golconda historian Aaron Landis is doggedly pursuing her. And back home her McKendree College colleague Brett Garrison keeps calling while he waits for her return. But are they—or any man—worthy of her trust? Too bad there isn’t a way to time-surf in their heads. Now that would be a dating tool she could really put to good use.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
36 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Heal
18 books165 followersI was born in Eldorado, Illinois (Be sure to pronounce that with a long A.) but grew up in Woodburn, a tiny village in Macoupin County. We lived in a house over 100 years old and I often wondered about the people who had lived there so long before.
My husband Bob and I farmed and raised a family there in Macoupin County. When the kids were old enough I went back to college, majoring in English with a minor in Creative Writing. Afterwards, I taught high school English, including creative writing, composition, grammar, and literature. I loved teaching young people, except for grading compositions of writers who didn't want to write, leaving me no time to do what I had always wanted to do—write.
I remember one time when I was four. I scribbled furiously on my paper, and then took it to show Mommy. “Is it writing?” I asked. “No, not yet,” she answered. I went busily back to scribbling with my stubby pencil in just the same way, it seemed to me, grownup writers did, hopeful that the next time I showed her, the lead on the paper would have been transmuted into fine words.
I was in 8th grade when I first began to get the dream of being a published author. We had to write a story and mine was a scary one about being unjustly confined to a mental hospital. (The author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest may have stolen my idea.) My teacher wrote on the top of my paper:
Be sure to give me a signed copy of your first book!
It's been a long time since 8th grade, but that dream at last came true with my first book Time and Again.
My husband Bob and I farmed and raised a family there in Macoupin County. When the kids were old enough I went back to college, majoring in English with a minor in Creative Writing. Afterwards, I taught high school English, including creative writing, composition, grammar, and literature. I loved teaching young people, except for grading compositions of writers who didn't want to write, leaving me no time to do what I had always wanted to do—write.
I remember one time when I was four. I scribbled furiously on my paper, and then took it to show Mommy. “Is it writing?” I asked. “No, not yet,” she answered. I went busily back to scribbling with my stubby pencil in just the same way, it seemed to me, grownup writers did, hopeful that the next time I showed her, the lead on the paper would have been transmuted into fine words.
I was in 8th grade when I first began to get the dream of being a published author. We had to write a story and mine was a scary one about being unjustly confined to a mental hospital. (The author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest may have stolen my idea.) My teacher wrote on the top of my paper:
Be sure to give me a signed copy of your first book!
It's been a long time since 8th grade, but that dream at last came true with my first book Time and Again.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 30, 2017
You will enjoy
What can I say .One of the best books I have read in a long time. Interesting. Well written. Grabs you and when you have read the last word you are saying OH NO .The story line holds your attention the history well researched. There were several characters that I loved. I 'll stop hope you will take c time to read this very interesting book.
What can I say .One of the best books I have read in a long time. Interesting. Well written. Grabs you and when you have read the last word you are saying OH NO .The story line holds your attention the history well researched. There were several characters that I loved. I 'll stop hope you will take c time to read this very interesting book.
July 7, 2018
Another foray into the past
Ms. Heal has given us another rich account of southern Illinois history. I've found these stories well-written and fascinating. She certainly shows the human condition in the range of characters portrayed. It's hard to say goodbye to the people you've gotten to know and become so invested in. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Ms. Heal has given us another rich account of southern Illinois history. I've found these stories well-written and fascinating. She certainly shows the human condition in the range of characters portrayed. It's hard to say goodbye to the people you've gotten to know and become so invested in. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 17, 2024
History comes alive
I love reading Deborah's books. In this one, Only One Way Home, I get to peer into some of the lives traveling on the Trail of Tears.
So, I finished this book and have to start the next right away to visit more lives.
I love reading Deborah's books. In this one, Only One Way Home, I get to peer into some of the lives traveling on the Trail of Tears.
So, I finished this book and have to start the next right away to visit more lives.
December 22, 2016
This was my favorite of all of Deborah Heal's books. She does an amazing job of making the Cherokee Trail of Tears come to life.
January 27, 2018
I just finished reading this book it was really good I have read the time after time set before I started
November 30, 2024
Now I know the rest of the series
January 28, 2015
Professor Merrideth Randall is hiding something from her best friends. The computer program that helped the three of them time-surf back in the day is working again and she’s been using it alone.
What happens when a genealogical mystery arises and they find out Merri’s secret? Will they throw the book at her or help her get to the bottom of this new mystery?
Hott Review:
I REALLY enjoyed “Only One Way Home”! This was by far the best book from Deborah Heal that I’ve read.
What I liked: There are a lot of things to like about “Only One Way Home”, here are just a few:
I LOVED the story of Mathias and White Dove on the Trail of Tears. Even the glimpse I got, into the lives of the Cherokee and what they went through, was horrifying.
I LOVED the message in this book. Matthew 25:40 (NKJV) … I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’. This message fairly radiated out of every page of this book.
I really enjoyed watching the interactions between Merri, who is struggling with her faith, and the friends she’s chosen, who are all devout Christians. It serves as a reminder that we can always see how God is working in others lives but often can’t see what He’s doing in ours.
What I didn’t like: There was a bit of a slow start.
More…
Author: Deborah Heal
Source: Deborah Heal
Grade: A
Ages: 16+
Steam: There is a bit of “intimate” talk but it’s appropriate for older teens comfortable with that joking.
Setting: Golconda, Illinois (past & present)
This Counts for these Challenges: 2015 Let Me Count The Ways Reading Challenge, Monthly Mix-up Mania, 2014 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge
Series: Rewinding Time, 2
What happens when a genealogical mystery arises and they find out Merri’s secret? Will they throw the book at her or help her get to the bottom of this new mystery?
Hott Review:
I REALLY enjoyed “Only One Way Home”! This was by far the best book from Deborah Heal that I’ve read.
What I liked: There are a lot of things to like about “Only One Way Home”, here are just a few:
I LOVED the story of Mathias and White Dove on the Trail of Tears. Even the glimpse I got, into the lives of the Cherokee and what they went through, was horrifying.
I LOVED the message in this book. Matthew 25:40 (NKJV) … I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’. This message fairly radiated out of every page of this book.
I really enjoyed watching the interactions between Merri, who is struggling with her faith, and the friends she’s chosen, who are all devout Christians. It serves as a reminder that we can always see how God is working in others lives but often can’t see what He’s doing in ours.
What I didn’t like: There was a bit of a slow start.
More…
Author: Deborah Heal
Source: Deborah Heal
Grade: A
Ages: 16+
Steam: There is a bit of “intimate” talk but it’s appropriate for older teens comfortable with that joking.
Setting: Golconda, Illinois (past & present)
This Counts for these Challenges: 2015 Let Me Count The Ways Reading Challenge, Monthly Mix-up Mania, 2014 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge
Series: Rewinding Time, 2
February 15, 2015
This was a good history lesson of what happen to the Cherokee Indians during a sad time in American History. Reading a book by Deborah Heal is an enjoyable way to learn about history. I’ve read other books by this author and this one is as good if not better than others.
The author creates characters that are very likeable, real and draws you into the story. This is one where the three main characters use their special software, Beautiful Houses, to go back into time when Cherokee Indians where being moved from the south to the west in order to help someone trace their family background. The stories describes in detail what went on during the time. It has a little bit of everything in it as well, love, laughter and tears. It’s not your everyday romance it’s so much more!
I did receive the book for an honest review and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Heal’s books.
The author creates characters that are very likeable, real and draws you into the story. This is one where the three main characters use their special software, Beautiful Houses, to go back into time when Cherokee Indians where being moved from the south to the west in order to help someone trace their family background. The stories describes in detail what went on during the time. It has a little bit of everything in it as well, love, laughter and tears. It’s not your everyday romance it’s so much more!
I did receive the book for an honest review and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Heal’s books.
February 24, 2015
There were several things I really liked about this book, one of which was the history element. My parents instilled a love of history and me that I have yet to outgrow. In both of these books historical facts abound.
Meredith Randall is a history professor with a secret weapon. A computer program, gone awry, allows her to witness history firsthand and she brings the reader right along with her. However, Meredith get so excited about her fines, that she has trouble not letting others know exactly how she got her info on Illinois history and genealogical history for her clients.
One of her clients, Brett Garrison, is interested in winning history, but must tread lightly around his fellow professor. He has a feeling she has a secret of her own that she has no desire to reveal.
You might also want to read the first book in the series,Once Again.
Meredith Randall is a history professor with a secret weapon. A computer program, gone awry, allows her to witness history firsthand and she brings the reader right along with her. However, Meredith get so excited about her fines, that she has trouble not letting others know exactly how she got her info on Illinois history and genealogical history for her clients.
One of her clients, Brett Garrison, is interested in winning history, but must tread lightly around his fellow professor. He has a feeling she has a secret of her own that she has no desire to reveal.
You might also want to read the first book in the series,Once Again.
July 18, 2015
Another interesting time travel story set in Illinois, this one was about the Cherokee Indians who came through there on the Trail of Tears. The story was enjoyable and I became as enthralled with Matthias as Merri. The author obviously did a lot of research. One thing that bugged me was that it was repeatedly said that the Cherokees were on their way to Oklahoma Country but it was not called Oklahoma until 1890. It should have been Indian country. The area was later called Indian Territory, which merged with Oklahoma Territory to become the state of Oklahoma in 1907.
March 6, 2016
Beauty is found, expect to see it anywhere.
I 'm so thankful I wasn't alive in 1838. Electricity and its personal benefits have me totally spoiled. The story is compelling and I began to feel like the uninvited, silent fourth watching Merrideth's lap top. (But, I was the only blind and deaf person there, which was frustrating.) The story moves very quickly and all the characters become part of the reader's reality. Deborah Heal has found her voice.
I 'm so thankful I wasn't alive in 1838. Electricity and its personal benefits have me totally spoiled. The story is compelling and I began to feel like the uninvited, silent fourth watching Merrideth's lap top. (But, I was the only blind and deaf person there, which was frustrating.) The story moves very quickly and all the characters become part of the reader's reality. Deborah Heal has found her voice.
April 4, 2015
I love learning about history through historical fiction. This book is a truly painful look at the Trail of Tears. Very well done by Deborah. I love the idea of computer time travel. Merrideth is a great character and I enjoy traveling through time with her. Wonder if she will ever overcome her aversion to dating Brett as he is a colleague. Highly recommend this wonderful read.
November 26, 2016
Riveting
Wow!
This one kept me up way to late. This is the part of history I never really knew. I was sitting on the edge of my chair along with the wonderful characters looking into the computer and being pulled back in time.
You feel like your right there seeing and feeling what the Cherokees went through walking the Trail of Tears.
Amazing book
Highly recommend
Wow!
This one kept me up way to late. This is the part of history I never really knew. I was sitting on the edge of my chair along with the wonderful characters looking into the computer and being pulled back in time.
You feel like your right there seeing and feeling what the Cherokees went through walking the Trail of Tears.
Amazing book
Highly recommend
December 4, 2016
Trail of tears
Had. Fun reading about the Trail of Tears seeing through the authors eyes the love and suffering along with the pain made the book come alive, made it very entertaining enjoyed all of the twists and turned through out the book That made it come alive couldn't stop reading. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I have.
Had. Fun reading about the Trail of Tears seeing through the authors eyes the love and suffering along with the pain made the book come alive, made it very entertaining enjoyed all of the twists and turned through out the book That made it come alive couldn't stop reading. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I have.
April 28, 2015
Fiction or dream
Idea of looking at past in such detail must be dream. Stories are connected very well. What an imagination, what fiction!.
Idea of looking at past in such detail must be dream. Stories are connected very well. What an imagination, what fiction!.
May 9, 2015
Good book
I think the author is one of the best I've read. I've read 3 of of these historical series and can't wait to read the next one.
I think the author is one of the best I've read. I've read 3 of of these historical series and can't wait to read the next one.
September 2, 2015
Excellent book!
Very informative on the Cherokee Indians. Kept my interest. Can't wait to read the last book of the series. I would definitely advise anybody to read all six books!
Very informative on the Cherokee Indians. Kept my interest. Can't wait to read the last book of the series. I would definitely advise anybody to read all six books!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews