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Before I Wake
A Novelist’s Fanciful Obsession with a Dark-Eyed Knight Becomes Reality in BEFORE I WAKE, a Historical Time-Travel Romance by Mary Ellen Johnson
13th Century England, Tintagel Castle
Historical novelist Magdalena Moore is haunted by the black-haired, black-eyed knight she first encountered during a past life regression. Across a lifetime, Magdalena searches for the truth about Ranulf Navarre and Jane Dreigh.
At Tintagel Castle, Magdalena is miraculously transported to thirteenth-century England, where she is Lady Jane, and Lord Navarre is her husband. But Ranulf is not the man of her imagination.
Why is Ranulf so cold and Janey so erratic? What secrets are they hiding? When England plunges into civil war, Ranulf backs the wrong side. Knowing he is destined to die in battle, Magdalena tries desperately to cheat fate, save Ranulf, and finally find happiness. But secrets can ruin everything, and Magdelena’s secret is too fantastical to be believed.
Publisher’s Readers passionate about history will appreciate the author’s penchant for detail and accuracy. In keeping with the era, this story contains scenes of brutality which are true to the time and man’s timeless inhumanity. There are a limited number of sexual scenes with some vulgarity characteristic of the time.
THE TRAVELS ACROSS TIME SERIES
Before I Wake
Eternal Beloved
THE KNIGHTS OF ENGLAND, in series order
The Lion and the Leopard
A Knight There Was
Within A Forest Dark
A Child Upon The Throne
Lords Among the Ruins
The Flames of Rebellion
MEET MARY ELLEN JOHNSON
Her passion for Medieval England sparked Mary Ellen Johnson’s writing career. Her first medieval historical, The Lion and the Leopard, was followed by The Landlord’s Black-Eyed Daughter, a historical novel based on the Alfred Noyes poem, “The Highwayman.” (Published under the pseudonym, Mary Ellen Dennis.) Landlord was chosen as one of the top 100 historical romances of 2013.
After taking a twenty-year detour in a quixotic quest to change the world—rather like Arthurian knights’ quests to find the holy grail, which ended in similar failure—Mary Ellen has happily returned to historical fiction writing and her favorite time period, the tumultuous fourteenth century. Her six-book series, Knights of England, follows the fortunes of the characters (and their progeny) introduced in The Lion and the Leopard through the Black Death, the reign of that most gloriously medieval of monarchs, Edward III, the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt, and ends with the deposition and murder of Richard II in 1399.
There is nothing Mary Ellen loves more than bringing Medieval England alive for the reader. She particularly enjoys researching battles, campaigns, the daily lives of both lord and peasant, and trying to figure out our ancestors’ thought processes, particularly how they viewed their world. Oh, and did she mention the castles and cathedrals? Mary Ellen likes to say her favorite place in the world is standing before the tomb of the Black Prince in Canterbury Cathedral. (Hyperbole, of course, since Mary Ellen is not that well-traveled and her favorite places are probably wherever her kids and grandkids reside.)
However—and the very recounting gives her chills—a distant cousin recently shared the results of her years-long genealogical research on the family tree.
13th Century England, Tintagel Castle
Historical novelist Magdalena Moore is haunted by the black-haired, black-eyed knight she first encountered during a past life regression. Across a lifetime, Magdalena searches for the truth about Ranulf Navarre and Jane Dreigh.
At Tintagel Castle, Magdalena is miraculously transported to thirteenth-century England, where she is Lady Jane, and Lord Navarre is her husband. But Ranulf is not the man of her imagination.
Why is Ranulf so cold and Janey so erratic? What secrets are they hiding? When England plunges into civil war, Ranulf backs the wrong side. Knowing he is destined to die in battle, Magdalena tries desperately to cheat fate, save Ranulf, and finally find happiness. But secrets can ruin everything, and Magdelena’s secret is too fantastical to be believed.
Publisher’s Readers passionate about history will appreciate the author’s penchant for detail and accuracy. In keeping with the era, this story contains scenes of brutality which are true to the time and man’s timeless inhumanity. There are a limited number of sexual scenes with some vulgarity characteristic of the time.
THE TRAVELS ACROSS TIME SERIES
Before I Wake
Eternal Beloved
THE KNIGHTS OF ENGLAND, in series order
The Lion and the Leopard
A Knight There Was
Within A Forest Dark
A Child Upon The Throne
Lords Among the Ruins
The Flames of Rebellion
MEET MARY ELLEN JOHNSON
Her passion for Medieval England sparked Mary Ellen Johnson’s writing career. Her first medieval historical, The Lion and the Leopard, was followed by The Landlord’s Black-Eyed Daughter, a historical novel based on the Alfred Noyes poem, “The Highwayman.” (Published under the pseudonym, Mary Ellen Dennis.) Landlord was chosen as one of the top 100 historical romances of 2013.
After taking a twenty-year detour in a quixotic quest to change the world—rather like Arthurian knights’ quests to find the holy grail, which ended in similar failure—Mary Ellen has happily returned to historical fiction writing and her favorite time period, the tumultuous fourteenth century. Her six-book series, Knights of England, follows the fortunes of the characters (and their progeny) introduced in The Lion and the Leopard through the Black Death, the reign of that most gloriously medieval of monarchs, Edward III, the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt, and ends with the deposition and murder of Richard II in 1399.
There is nothing Mary Ellen loves more than bringing Medieval England alive for the reader. She particularly enjoys researching battles, campaigns, the daily lives of both lord and peasant, and trying to figure out our ancestors’ thought processes, particularly how they viewed their world. Oh, and did she mention the castles and cathedrals? Mary Ellen likes to say her favorite place in the world is standing before the tomb of the Black Prince in Canterbury Cathedral. (Hyperbole, of course, since Mary Ellen is not that well-traveled and her favorite places are probably wherever her kids and grandkids reside.)
However—and the very recounting gives her chills—a distant cousin recently shared the results of her years-long genealogical research on the family tree.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2022
30 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Mary Ellen Johnson
21 books25 followersMary Ellen Johnson's writing career began with her passion for Medieval England. Her first book, THE LION AND THE LEOPARD, related the doomed reign of Edward II. She also collaborated on a second historical, THE LANDLORD'S BLACK-EYED DAUGHTER, which was published under the pseudonym, Mary Ellen Dennis.
Mary Ellen is nearing completion of a five-book series, KNIGHTS OF ENGLAND, which spans the fourteenth century--a time that includes the Black Death, the Peasant's Revolt, the beginnings of the Hundred Years War, as well as the reign of England's greatest medieval king. THE LION AND THE LEOPARD (completely reworked), A KNIGHT THERE WAS, and WITHIN A FOREST DARK are all currently available in both print and electronic form. A CHILD UPON THE THRONE and Mary Ellen's final book, detailing the tragic reign of Richard II will be published by the end of 2017.
Mary Ellen is nearing completion of a five-book series, KNIGHTS OF ENGLAND, which spans the fourteenth century--a time that includes the Black Death, the Peasant's Revolt, the beginnings of the Hundred Years War, as well as the reign of England's greatest medieval king. THE LION AND THE LEOPARD (completely reworked), A KNIGHT THERE WAS, and WITHIN A FOREST DARK are all currently available in both print and electronic form. A CHILD UPON THE THRONE and Mary Ellen's final book, detailing the tragic reign of Richard II will be published by the end of 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 24, 2022
I give this book 3 stars because the storyline started out as fascinating. The premise could have made an amazing book. It was not executed well, unfortunately. There was so much build up in the first ENTIRE HALF of the book that I kept reading, assuming we were getting to the meaty, juicy part of the novel where she was at last with her beloved. Only, when she was finally with the hero of the story, she found herself in a highly toxic relationship with a cheating, abusive husband. There were obvious questions unanswered, and the book ended without resolution. This book falls under the genre of Romance but it is hardly that. I almost put the book down, but, since I was already halfway through it before I realized how disappointing it was, I went ahead and finished it. At least it was a brief, easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2023
There was nothing wrong with the writing, but I think this was one of those moments when I simply didn't feel the connection with the character that I was expecting, or she just wasn't the type of protagonist that I expected or hoped for. I finished it, but I didn't feel any particular connection to the character or her story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
October 24, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC. This is my honest review.
**mild spoilers**
I adore time-travel romance. Outlander remains at the top of my all time favorites list.
Before I Wake had a great premise. A modern day woman is haunted (read: obsessed) by the memory of a dashing, medieval Knight, who she discovers was a real person, and eventually travels back in time and the story goes from there.
But - be careful what you wish for - is a motto that should be emblazoned on this book’s cover.
The FMC, Magdalena, whose life in the present day takes up almost the entire first half of the book, is obsessed with the 1200s, specifically 1200s England. She feels out of place in the modern era, feels as though something is missing, and suffers through 5 marriages (all of which we are annoyingly privvy to), all while obsessing over this medieval Knight named Ranulf.
One thing leads to another and she tumbles head first back in time to Ranulf’s home at Castle Tintagel.
Hooray! you may be thinking…but no. This is not a romance. The relationship between the two MCs is most certainly toxic, made so by Ranulf and his wife Janey, long before our modern day heroine stumbles back in time.
Magdalena does all she can, with her new, modern mind, to right the wrongs that occurred before she “became” Janey. Yes, in this time-travel romance, she doesn’t arrive as herself, she is herself…in Janey’s body…making for a struggle of wills and a mish-mosh of memories. Needless to say, she isn’t able to right any of the wrongs, she becomes extremely bitter because her dreams have been thwarted, and the toxicity goes on and on and on. Heartbreak, borderline abuse, brattiness, infidelity, bitterness…
The last bit of the book hiked it to a 3 star (really 2.5) read for me, because some very interesting twists take place. But they take place in only the last 50 or so pages.
Unfortunately, that didn’t really redeem this for me or make up for all the pain that came before.
I watched an interview with some favorite authors the other day, and they both said something I feel pretty strongly about. If you are going to entice readers into your world, at least give them some pleasure and happiness for their loyalty.
This book did neither.
If you love time travel books, have a go. But don’t look for any romance or happiness here…you won’t find any.
**mild spoilers**
I adore time-travel romance. Outlander remains at the top of my all time favorites list.
Before I Wake had a great premise. A modern day woman is haunted (read: obsessed) by the memory of a dashing, medieval Knight, who she discovers was a real person, and eventually travels back in time and the story goes from there.
But - be careful what you wish for - is a motto that should be emblazoned on this book’s cover.
The FMC, Magdalena, whose life in the present day takes up almost the entire first half of the book, is obsessed with the 1200s, specifically 1200s England. She feels out of place in the modern era, feels as though something is missing, and suffers through 5 marriages (all of which we are annoyingly privvy to), all while obsessing over this medieval Knight named Ranulf.
One thing leads to another and she tumbles head first back in time to Ranulf’s home at Castle Tintagel.
Hooray! you may be thinking…but no. This is not a romance. The relationship between the two MCs is most certainly toxic, made so by Ranulf and his wife Janey, long before our modern day heroine stumbles back in time.
Magdalena does all she can, with her new, modern mind, to right the wrongs that occurred before she “became” Janey. Yes, in this time-travel romance, she doesn’t arrive as herself, she is herself…in Janey’s body…making for a struggle of wills and a mish-mosh of memories. Needless to say, she isn’t able to right any of the wrongs, she becomes extremely bitter because her dreams have been thwarted, and the toxicity goes on and on and on. Heartbreak, borderline abuse, brattiness, infidelity, bitterness…
The last bit of the book hiked it to a 3 star (really 2.5) read for me, because some very interesting twists take place. But they take place in only the last 50 or so pages.
Unfortunately, that didn’t really redeem this for me or make up for all the pain that came before.
I watched an interview with some favorite authors the other day, and they both said something I feel pretty strongly about. If you are going to entice readers into your world, at least give them some pleasure and happiness for their loyalty.
This book did neither.
If you love time travel books, have a go. But don’t look for any romance or happiness here…you won’t find any.
October 5, 2023
Ah, ein neuer Zeitreiseroman, bei dem es in eine Epoche geht, die ich persönlich superspannend finde: vom heute ins England des 13. Jahrhunderts – ich musste zugreifen! Und natürlich haben mich auch die ersten Sätze der Autorin gleich gepackt: sie schreibt hier ein Memoir über das Leben, dass sie selbst so gehabt haben könnte, das Leben, das sie in einer Rückführung erfahren hat. Das ist ja mal ein neuer Ansatz. Die Heldin des Romans ist also das literarische Alter Ego der Autorin.
Kurz auf Deutsch zum Inhalt: Die Amerikanerin Magdalena Moore ist Autorin historischer Romane. Wir begleiten sie lange Zeit durch ihr Leben in der heutigen Zeit, und das ist auch spannend: Magdalena bezeichnet sich selbst zwar eher als introvertierte Beobachterin, aber sie erlebt durchaus so einiges, und auf der Suche nach der wahren Liebe heiratet sie gleich insgesamt 5 mal. Davon berichtet sie teils auch sehr witzig – und teils auch schwarzhumorig 😉. Da ist Ehemann Nummer 1, ihr College-Sweetheart, das sie mit 19 Jahren heiratet, bevor er in den Vietnamkrieg zieht , da ist Ehemann No. 2., der gutaussehende Typ, der sie auf Händen trägt, aber leider versäumt, ihr von seiner Vasektomie zu berichten (blöd halt bei Kinderwunsch), und auch mit den anderen dreien hat sie nicht gerade das große Los gezogen. Allerdings geistert ihr seid einer Rückführung, die eine Freundin ihr verpasst hat, ein dunkler Ritter im Kopf herum. Ranulf Navarre, ein eher unbedeutender Adliger aus dem mittelalterlichen England. Und Magdalena wäre nicht sie selbst, wenn sie nicht alles daransetzen würde, mehr über Ranulf zu erfahren. Jahrzehntelang ist der dunkle Ritter ihre Obsession – bis sie eines Tages bei einem Besuch in England durch die Zeiten fällt und sich im Körper von Jane Dreigh, seiner Gemahlin, wiederfindet. Happy End? Mitnichten. Die Dramen fangen jetzt erst an, denn Ranulf ist vom Charakter her nicht ganz das, was Magdalena erwartet hätte, die Ehe der beiden ist eher, sagen wir mal, schwierig – und dazu kommt, dass Magdalena klar ist, Ranulf wird in einer großen Schlacht demnächst sterben…..allzu viel Zeit haben die beiden also nicht miteinander vor sich.
Die Liebes- und Ehegeschichte der beiden war faszinierend. Da waren sehr viele ungelöste Konflikte aus der Vergangenheit, und ich fand es echt interessant, wie Magdalena aka Jane damit umgegangen ist. Man stelle sich vor, mit über 50 stolpert man in den Körper einer 25jährigen, die einige hunderte Jahre früher gelebt hat. Das war ein Gedankenspiel, das mich fasziniert hat. Besagte 25jährige ist zusätzlich ein wenig problembeladen, aber leider weiß Magdalena das ja nicht – puh, das ist nicht einfach. Die Autorin hat daraus auf jeden Fall eine sehr emotionale Story gemacht, die mich abgeholt hat. Mir hat’s gefallen 😊. Und zwar rundum. Eine Zeitreisegeschichte mit einem etwas ungewohntem Ansatz, interessante Protagonisten, und – immer wichtig – historisch gut recherchiert. Die Autorin hat diverse andere historische Romane verfasst, die allesamt in dieser Epoche spielen, und man merkt, dass sie sich hier wirklich gut auskennt, sowohl was die politischen Gegebenheiten angeht als auch das Alltagsleben betreffend. Und natürlich kann sie mitreißend schreiben. Das hat echt Spaß gemacht, zu lesen.
Und ich bin neugierig auf die Autorin geworden, ich merke mir den Namen auf jeden Fall vor. Außerdem soll es noch einen zweiten Teil der Travels-across-Time-Serie geben, da bin ich doch mal gespannt!
Herzlichen Dank an Netgalley für das Rezensionsexemplar!!
Kurz auf Deutsch zum Inhalt: Die Amerikanerin Magdalena Moore ist Autorin historischer Romane. Wir begleiten sie lange Zeit durch ihr Leben in der heutigen Zeit, und das ist auch spannend: Magdalena bezeichnet sich selbst zwar eher als introvertierte Beobachterin, aber sie erlebt durchaus so einiges, und auf der Suche nach der wahren Liebe heiratet sie gleich insgesamt 5 mal. Davon berichtet sie teils auch sehr witzig – und teils auch schwarzhumorig 😉. Da ist Ehemann Nummer 1, ihr College-Sweetheart, das sie mit 19 Jahren heiratet, bevor er in den Vietnamkrieg zieht , da ist Ehemann No. 2., der gutaussehende Typ, der sie auf Händen trägt, aber leider versäumt, ihr von seiner Vasektomie zu berichten (blöd halt bei Kinderwunsch), und auch mit den anderen dreien hat sie nicht gerade das große Los gezogen. Allerdings geistert ihr seid einer Rückführung, die eine Freundin ihr verpasst hat, ein dunkler Ritter im Kopf herum. Ranulf Navarre, ein eher unbedeutender Adliger aus dem mittelalterlichen England. Und Magdalena wäre nicht sie selbst, wenn sie nicht alles daransetzen würde, mehr über Ranulf zu erfahren. Jahrzehntelang ist der dunkle Ritter ihre Obsession – bis sie eines Tages bei einem Besuch in England durch die Zeiten fällt und sich im Körper von Jane Dreigh, seiner Gemahlin, wiederfindet. Happy End? Mitnichten. Die Dramen fangen jetzt erst an, denn Ranulf ist vom Charakter her nicht ganz das, was Magdalena erwartet hätte, die Ehe der beiden ist eher, sagen wir mal, schwierig – und dazu kommt, dass Magdalena klar ist, Ranulf wird in einer großen Schlacht demnächst sterben…..allzu viel Zeit haben die beiden also nicht miteinander vor sich.
Die Liebes- und Ehegeschichte der beiden war faszinierend. Da waren sehr viele ungelöste Konflikte aus der Vergangenheit, und ich fand es echt interessant, wie Magdalena aka Jane damit umgegangen ist. Man stelle sich vor, mit über 50 stolpert man in den Körper einer 25jährigen, die einige hunderte Jahre früher gelebt hat. Das war ein Gedankenspiel, das mich fasziniert hat. Besagte 25jährige ist zusätzlich ein wenig problembeladen, aber leider weiß Magdalena das ja nicht – puh, das ist nicht einfach. Die Autorin hat daraus auf jeden Fall eine sehr emotionale Story gemacht, die mich abgeholt hat. Mir hat’s gefallen 😊. Und zwar rundum. Eine Zeitreisegeschichte mit einem etwas ungewohntem Ansatz, interessante Protagonisten, und – immer wichtig – historisch gut recherchiert. Die Autorin hat diverse andere historische Romane verfasst, die allesamt in dieser Epoche spielen, und man merkt, dass sie sich hier wirklich gut auskennt, sowohl was die politischen Gegebenheiten angeht als auch das Alltagsleben betreffend. Und natürlich kann sie mitreißend schreiben. Das hat echt Spaß gemacht, zu lesen.
Und ich bin neugierig auf die Autorin geworden, ich merke mir den Namen auf jeden Fall vor. Außerdem soll es noch einen zweiten Teil der Travels-across-Time-Serie geben, da bin ich doch mal gespannt!
Herzlichen Dank an Netgalley für das Rezensionsexemplar!!
Read
May 5, 2023Packed with Amazing Twists and Turns
Not Your typical time travel romance. Not Your typical time travel anything, but the reader will enjoy this Historical tale if You like the reincarnation idea and the vivid descriptions of life in the 1200'S. I think the story needed to jump into the past after the 3rd Husband tho' - I started to consider reading ahead to get there quicker. At one point I thought I'd made a mistake about the story not a time travel story at all, but Magdalena/Janey does find Her way back, and what an interesting way to portray it! Unlike some books that have the poor character queasy, or confused or lost- this transition is Beautiful and You'll feel lucky You went along for the ride. I loved the Historic references all throughout the book -You are there in the 1200's and because the Magdalena has done Her homework as a lover of History - the references to Geography or important Political events flow seamlessly in the story . It would take a heck of a lot more room to explain the whole plot, just know it's funny, and interesting, bittersweet and I recommend it!
,
Not Your typical time travel romance. Not Your typical time travel anything, but the reader will enjoy this Historical tale if You like the reincarnation idea and the vivid descriptions of life in the 1200'S. I think the story needed to jump into the past after the 3rd Husband tho' - I started to consider reading ahead to get there quicker. At one point I thought I'd made a mistake about the story not a time travel story at all, but Magdalena/Janey does find Her way back, and what an interesting way to portray it! Unlike some books that have the poor character queasy, or confused or lost- this transition is Beautiful and You'll feel lucky You went along for the ride. I loved the Historic references all throughout the book -You are there in the 1200's and because the Magdalena has done Her homework as a lover of History - the references to Geography or important Political events flow seamlessly in the story . It would take a heck of a lot more room to explain the whole plot, just know it's funny, and interesting, bittersweet and I recommend it!
,
October 25, 2023
She is looking at herself in another place and time. How must that feel? Her lives are complicated. Obviously, she has lost touch with her real self. Her name is Magdalena. Her other name is Janey. The story is intriguing. Is reminds me of Time Travel novels. Falling back and forth in time. Wishing you could stay with one special person like Ranulf Navarre: handsome, strong and all the other good qualities owned by men.
Magdalena has married five times. This fifth man made her hate men. She never wanted another man to call her own. Perhaps, she has begun to write her novel, a Medieval one. Since he is like a vampire or is one, she would have needed some type of escape. Maybe the novel she is writing led to her other selves. It is a novel that makes you think about who are we really in life. Where do I belong? Here or there or some where in between the now and forever. While Magdalena is puzzled by Janey's life and her life, dream or reality, "Before I wake" is fun. I like traveling across time and space in the pages of a book. After all, I am not the bewildered one who meets the most special man and must leave him. By the way, there is a name for this phenomena. It is "regression." Mary Ellen Johnson, for dessert, gives interesting facts about the century.
Magdalena has married five times. This fifth man made her hate men. She never wanted another man to call her own. Perhaps, she has begun to write her novel, a Medieval one. Since he is like a vampire or is one, she would have needed some type of escape. Maybe the novel she is writing led to her other selves. It is a novel that makes you think about who are we really in life. Where do I belong? Here or there or some where in between the now and forever. While Magdalena is puzzled by Janey's life and her life, dream or reality, "Before I wake" is fun. I like traveling across time and space in the pages of a book. After all, I am not the bewildered one who meets the most special man and must leave him. By the way, there is a name for this phenomena. It is "regression." Mary Ellen Johnson, for dessert, gives interesting facts about the century.
November 15, 2023
2.0 / 5.0 Before I Wake by Mary Ellen Johnson feels like it could have been written by my mother. The story, locations, and (some of) the events are like reading a recounting of her life. She married a number of men, each liars in their own way though none quite as spectacular as the husbands in this book, and visited England where she claimed to be the happiest and most settled, and eventually raised children with a man that is her friend to this day though she has since moved on to another marriage.
Johnson isn’t reinventing the wheel or even really telling an interesting story, she’s just recounting a memoir with some added drama. I read through 50% when it finally began to “pick up” but then skimmed much of the rest. I finished with the last three chapters to be sure I wasn’t missing anything bad this book literally just ends. It does t even seem to have a resolution or end of chapter cliffhanger, it ends after a sentence that seems to dangle.
I don’t know what to make of it and was left feeling like it was a waste of time.
Until Next Time,
MC
Thank you to NetGalley for access to the eARC for my review.
Johnson isn’t reinventing the wheel or even really telling an interesting story, she’s just recounting a memoir with some added drama. I read through 50% when it finally began to “pick up” but then skimmed much of the rest. I finished with the last three chapters to be sure I wasn’t missing anything bad this book literally just ends. It does t even seem to have a resolution or end of chapter cliffhanger, it ends after a sentence that seems to dangle.
I don’t know what to make of it and was left feeling like it was a waste of time.
Until Next Time,
MC
Thank you to NetGalley for access to the eARC for my review.
January 3, 2023
This is a story of two women, kind of, separated by centuries.
Taking place predominantly in Tintagel Castle, one of my favourite places on Earth and the basis for me requesting to read this book.
The story is very interesting and I will admit that while I understand Maggie’s story being explained in the beginning, the book to me really took hold of my interest when Jane’s story began and as a reader I was completely emersed in life within the walls of Tintagel.
Ranulf is a character that you’re not quite sure how to feel about, on one hand he is completely one dimensional….or so you think, and as the story unfolds you see depths and curves to his character. Despite the complexities and frustrations of their relationship, I ended up completely infatuated with their story and the revelations, when they come, are not as obvious as you may think.
This is book 1 of what I assume will be a series spread throughout history and I fully intend on reading the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the chance to read and review this book.
Taking place predominantly in Tintagel Castle, one of my favourite places on Earth and the basis for me requesting to read this book.
The story is very interesting and I will admit that while I understand Maggie’s story being explained in the beginning, the book to me really took hold of my interest when Jane’s story began and as a reader I was completely emersed in life within the walls of Tintagel.
Ranulf is a character that you’re not quite sure how to feel about, on one hand he is completely one dimensional….or so you think, and as the story unfolds you see depths and curves to his character. Despite the complexities and frustrations of their relationship, I ended up completely infatuated with their story and the revelations, when they come, are not as obvious as you may think.
This is book 1 of what I assume will be a series spread throughout history and I fully intend on reading the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the chance to read and review this book.
February 5, 2024
Review: Where the shadows dance ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | 3.5 ★
Author: Mary Ellen Johnson
Publication Date: 20 September 2022
Publisher: BooksGoSocial, ePublishing Works!
Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction
I received this book from Mary Ellen Johnson and BooksGoSocial, ePublishing Works, as an advanced eArc for my honest review any opinions that come from this review are my own. Thank you to both the Author and the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
I liked this book it told the story of two women who were separated by time/centuries. It does start a bit slow but then it picks up about about halfway through. My favorite part of the book is when the author starts to tell Jane's story that's when you get to the historical parts and it gives an accurate history of the people and places there.
The romance part was just okay but could have been better. The character development could have been done better as well they kind of fell flat to me. Overall it was an okay book.
Author: Mary Ellen Johnson
Publication Date: 20 September 2022
Publisher: BooksGoSocial, ePublishing Works!
Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction
I received this book from Mary Ellen Johnson and BooksGoSocial, ePublishing Works, as an advanced eArc for my honest review any opinions that come from this review are my own. Thank you to both the Author and the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
I liked this book it told the story of two women who were separated by time/centuries. It does start a bit slow but then it picks up about about halfway through. My favorite part of the book is when the author starts to tell Jane's story that's when you get to the historical parts and it gives an accurate history of the people and places there.
The romance part was just okay but could have been better. The character development could have been done better as well they kind of fell flat to me. Overall it was an okay book.
October 26, 2023
This one is a difficult to rate. I found the majority of the story riveting and steamed through it quickly, but the first third of the book was an absolute slog. I understand how it was important to the narrative, if we don't see Magdalena in the present her story in the past won't be as impactful. The writing style before she was sent back into the past simply didn't match what was happening in the future. It felt like a grandma explaining what was going on instead of the 20-30s year-old woman she is throughout that timeline.
Janey and Ranulf's enemies/lovers dynamic was super well written once we got there. Janey slowly remembering why they're fighting added an interesting element to the story that kept me reading. I just wish I'd loved the beginning so I could rank this one higher.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the eArc in exchange for my honest review.
Janey and Ranulf's enemies/lovers dynamic was super well written once we got there. Janey slowly remembering why they're fighting added an interesting element to the story that kept me reading. I just wish I'd loved the beginning so I could rank this one higher.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the eArc in exchange for my honest review.
October 26, 2023
This one is a difficult to rate. I found the majority of the story riveting and steamed through it quickly, but the first third of the book was an absolute slog. I understand how it was important to the narrative, if we don't see Magdalena in the present her story in the past won't be as impactful. The writing style before she was sent back into the past simply didn't match what was happening in the future. It felt like a grandma explaining what was going on instead of the 20-30s year-old woman she is throughout that timeline.
Janey and Ranulf's enemies/lovers dynamic was super well written once we got there. Janey slowly remembering why they're fighting added an interesting element to the story that kept me reading. I just wish I'd loved the beginning so I could rank this one higher.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the eArc in exchange for my honest review.
Janey and Ranulf's enemies/lovers dynamic was super well written once we got there. Janey slowly remembering why they're fighting added an interesting element to the story that kept me reading. I just wish I'd loved the beginning so I could rank this one higher.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the eArc in exchange for my honest review.
December 25, 2022
Almost taming of the shrew, I really had mixed feelings about this book. The main character was almost always bitter, sometimes she had a right to be, but not always. Operating without prior memory and not trying to find out what had happened was a drawback. And questions, lots of unanswered questions. Did she really see him in her time? Why and how was he there more than once? Did he know of her and come just to see her when he was there? Or was he alive in her time and just jumped back? Why won't he talk about his time travel? The priest, she assumed he might but might not be a traveler. Very little of this book spoke of romance. There were a lot of historical references which were good. But the general tone was very down, very bitter. I purchased the second book to see if it picked up with her story but so far it does not.
October 26, 2023
Hey, folks, I just finished reading Before I Wake by Mary Ellen Johnson, and I can't stop raving about it. This book is like a magical journey through time and love, and it's so darn good! Magdalena Moore is a character you can't help but root for as she unravels the mysteries of her past life. And then, boom, she's transported to thirteenth century England, and that's when things get crazy cool.
This book is like a blend of romance, history, and time travel, but it's not heavy or boring at all. It's just pure entertainment. If you want a story that'll keep you turning the pages late into the night, Before I Wake is the one. Seriously, don't miss out on this epic adventure!
This book is like a blend of romance, history, and time travel, but it's not heavy or boring at all. It's just pure entertainment. If you want a story that'll keep you turning the pages late into the night, Before I Wake is the one. Seriously, don't miss out on this epic adventure!
October 26, 2023
An enthralling historical novel that seamlessly weaves together the past and present. Magdalena Moore, a compelling character, embarks on a mesmerizing journey through time to uncover the enigmatic life of Ranulf Navarre, a knight from the thirteenth century. The book's intricate narrative and vivid descriptions transport readers to a bygone era, immersing them in the mysteries of love and history.
Johnson's storytelling prowess shines through in this book, as she skillfully blends elements of historical fiction, romance, and intrigue. Before I Wake is a captivating read that will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Johnson's storytelling prowess shines through in this book, as she skillfully blends elements of historical fiction, romance, and intrigue. Before I Wake is a captivating read that will keep you hooked until the very last page.
October 28, 2024
I struggled with a review on this one and a rating. Why? Because I wasn't sure really how I felt about it in its entirety. I can't say I related well to the the main female character at all, she seemed angry or bitter and this made everything seem a bit jaded I suppose. In addition the first half of the story seemed so very slow. There were also many things left unanswered or not explained well enough and then the end was abrupt and seemed too rushed. I doubt I will read the second book, just because this one did not do it for me.
October 27, 2023
I have read other books by this author and was quite excited to read another one. However, I was a bit disappointed as I felt the ending was rushed (and I had a few questions that were unanswered). Magdalena/Janey character had a lot going for them (although at some parts, I felt it was a bit unrealistic) and Ranulf, well I had a love/hate relationship towards his character.
I enjoy a time travel read like the next person, but this rushed ending left much to be desired.
I enjoy a time travel read like the next person, but this rushed ending left much to be desired.
January 7, 2023
a wonderful read
At first I was unsure of the books direction , then quickly I was hooked. I enjoyed the journey of Janet’s struggles and to see where she landed. I particularly enjoyed the historical aspects.
At first I was unsure of the books direction , then quickly I was hooked. I enjoyed the journey of Janet’s struggles and to see where she landed. I particularly enjoyed the historical aspects.
January 3, 2024
Before I Wake
Magdalena writes books and sometimes believes she is in them. Finally she time travels to 1264. She sometimes doesn’t know reality from fantasy. In the end she lives happily in the past.
Magdalena writes books and sometimes believes she is in them. Finally she time travels to 1264. She sometimes doesn’t know reality from fantasy. In the end she lives happily in the past.
January 3, 2023
This is a story of two women, kind of, separated by centuries.
Taking place predominantly in Tintagel Castle, one of my favourite places on Earth and the basis for me requesting to read this book.
The story is very interesting and I will admit that while I understand Maggie’s story being explained in the beginning, the book to me really took hold of my interest when Janet’s story began and as a reader I was completely emersed in life within the walls of Tintagel.
Ranulf is a character that you’re not quite sure how to feel about, on one hand he is completely one dimensional….or so you think, and as the story unfolds you see depths and curves to his character. Despite the complexities and frustrations of their relationship, I ended up completely infatuated with their story and the revelations, when they come, are not as obvious as you may think.
This is book 1 of what I assume will be a series spread throughout history and I fully intend on reading the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the chance to read and review this book.
Taking place predominantly in Tintagel Castle, one of my favourite places on Earth and the basis for me requesting to read this book.
The story is very interesting and I will admit that while I understand Maggie’s story being explained in the beginning, the book to me really took hold of my interest when Janet’s story began and as a reader I was completely emersed in life within the walls of Tintagel.
Ranulf is a character that you’re not quite sure how to feel about, on one hand he is completely one dimensional….or so you think, and as the story unfolds you see depths and curves to his character. Despite the complexities and frustrations of their relationship, I ended up completely infatuated with their story and the revelations, when they come, are not as obvious as you may think.
This is book 1 of what I assume will be a series spread throughout history and I fully intend on reading the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the chance to read and review this book.
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