I enjoyed this book. Before I Wake kept me on the edge while reading but also enraptured me. I found the way the plot unfolded to not be predictable but also gave twists and turns that were much needed for the story. The way Mary developed the characters also was something I found enjoyable.

This was an enjoyable timeslip read that had a great historical setting and interesting plot.

Before I Wake was an easy and entertaining read that effectively captured medieval England and some of the key players and locations of the 13th century, such as Simon de Montfort and Tintagel Castle. I also liked reading about Magdalena’s adventures in the 21st century.

However, I didn’t fully understand the relationship between the two main characters, Ranulf and Janey/Magdalena. I understand this played on the enemies to lovers trope, which is popular, but for me the relationship didn’t seem to grow, instead fluctuated without developing, and felt confusing.

Overall, it’s a good, enjoyable historical timeslip read, but I personally just couldn’t click with some of the character’s dynamics.

Time travel at its finest. Not my favorite book but time travel isn't my thing. If you like this sort of mystery you'll love this one.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

**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.