Cover Image: When Tomorrow Came

When Tomorrow Came

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Member Reviews

This is a review of Hannah Linder's latest book that will be released on March 28th.  I have the privilege of being on Hannah's launch team, so this is an honest review, plus I am also reviewing this for NetGalley as well.  You guys, this book grabbed me in from the beginning, started off exciting, then kind of came into a rhythm that a lot of books do, but not boring at all, but was building the story in such a way as to blow your mind for the climax of the book!  All I can say is wow, I didn't expect that, and I loved it!!  The ending, no spoilers here, was genius how she tied everything together, and my heart was literally pounding!  This book drew me in from the beginning, kept me reading as all was explained, and then totally blew me away, in a good way, at the end!  It was so well written, the characters were so relatable that they felt like friends, (and not a lot of stories do make me feel that way) and kept me reading till the end because I just had to find out what happened!! And boy I wasn't disappointed at all!!  I could actually feel right along with her characters, and even though it it set in the Regency Era and was fiction, I realized some of my own ancestors may have struggled with the same things these characters did, and I myself have shared some of their feelings and struggles so I could really relate!  Some of the characters faced hard times and despair, but then others were so filled with grace and love, and showed the love of Christ that made me want to reach out and help someone in need!!  Then some characters were also conniving and horrible in their actions, so you see it is a real life kind of story!!  I loved this book, and I highly recommend it, and give it 5 out of 5 stars!

The story begins with Nan and Heath, two young children (ages 6 & 10) who have been abandoned by their father, as their mother has died, and they find themselves trying to survive on the streets because the place their dad left them at was worse than living on the streets.  Danger lurked at every corner, and hunger was a constant bedfellow, but at least they had each other!  But then a kind gentleman runs into Nan while Heath is out trying to scrounge up some food, that kind gentleman decides to take Nan home to live with his family.  Nan tells him about Heath, but they are unable to find him, but it isn't for lack of trying! 

Heath comes back to where they are staying only to find a note from the kind gentleman Mr. Stanhope, explaining what has happened, but Heath decides that his sister is finally safe, so he sacrifices his own happiness, and decides that going to her would only jeopardize her situation, and he loves her too much to do that. So desperate to survive, Heath tries to go back to the abusive place his father left him, but the evil madam throws him back out with a few bruises.  Heath then remembers a Rector from an old church that used to be kind to him and Nan, and has always welcomed them, so he goes to find him, only to find he has moved, but is able to track him down.

I don't want to spoil the story so I will leave you there, so trust me, you're going to want to find out what happens to Nan and Heath in this incredible story!  It's one great story, and Hannah Linder has now written two books I have loved, so I hope you will check her out, as you won't be disappointed but hopefully will love her stories as much as I do!!

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Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Linder is a gothic mystery set in the early 1800s, that I loved. It will take you on an emotional roller coaster.

Story Recap:
Nan Duncan and her brother Heath were both abandoned by their father as children. They were forced to live on the dangerous London streets. Soon, Nan was rescued by a kind gentleman who gives her a good, comfortable life. Both Nan and Heath live very different lives after that, and just as they begin to thrive, their father returns and reunites them.

Their father has many demands for them. He wants Nan to marry a man she dislikes and he wants gentle, kind Heath to be more ruthless like himself.

Nan and Heath waited years for their father to return so they could be reunited, but when that happens, it’s not what they expect.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed Hannah Linder’s writing in her first book, and I’m pleased to say that I have enjoyed When Tomorrow Came even more! This gothic mystery had me flipping the pages until the satisfying end.

This one pulled on my heartstrings as Nan and Heath were abandoned and left to fend for themselves on the gritty London streets. The book is written from four points of view, and I loved all these characters so much because they were all so well written. The author knows how to ratchet up the suspense and had me rooting for the characters throughout the book.

Recommendation:

I highly recommend When Tomorrow Came to anyone who enjoys historical romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my ow

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I absolutely loved this book! The deplorable living situation that Nan and Heath Duncan find themselves in at the beginning of the book reminded me of the descriptions in England that Charles Dickens wrote. Things are desperate for them as they live on meager scraps of food, waiting for their father to return who has been gone for years at sea. When things look the most desperate, help is given to Nan while Heath chooses to follow a different direction.

This story of the amazing self-sacrifice of Heath and the contrast of self-serving of Mr. Duncan was done so well! Heath lays aside everything for the sake of his family. Mr. Duncan was a monster and I couldn’t believe how he let his bitterness and disappointment poison his life and the lives of everyone else that he knew. The way the story was all connected, from the prologue to the final page was brilliant. I highly recommend this book; it is one that will be a favorite for years to come.

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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I've sort of gotten myself into a rut recently... one where I'm not always keen to try new authors. However, Kimberley Woodhouse raved on this book and I just had to try it. I adored it! One thing you know I'm fond of are stories with children or adoption/found family themes, and this had that in spades. I also loved that the only POVs were the "children." I think, especially at the beginning, that this helped to really feel the characters. Now, I read some other reviews saying that they didn't much care for Nan, but she was my favorite POV, with Gilbert a close second. There was just something about her that I adored. I think the story was a unique one, and not your typical gothic novel. I think the author's style is so fresh and I enjoyed it. I love all the character that she put into the Stanhope family, the parents and Charlotte, as well as Gilbert and Nan. I do think that Lord Humphries and his family were very very strange. They were giving Pride and Prejudice vibes very strongly. Everything sort of made sense at the end, but it took so long for me to be able to put two and two together and sort that whole mess out. The sailor dad also uses "bloody" a ton. It might be his favorite word ever. The one thing that had me off kilter for the middle half of the book and here's your WARNING: SPOILER ALERT!!! I just couldn't get over Gilbert falling for Nan after being raised as siblings for a dozen years. That weirded me out for the longest time. Eventually, I got on board with it, but it was an uphill struggle for a minute... SPOILER ENDED

Overall, I adore this book and the characters. I wish I could have held on to them just a little longer. If all regency were like this, I'd read a lot more of it. I also wanted to share my favorite quote from this story:

"Whatever troubles you this day, the Lord thy God would like to know. He may not always change it, but He certainly showers it with grace."

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This was a very dark read and at one point in the story, I was so very uncomfortable. Reading it digitally also made it extremely difficult to tell where the story changes to a different character. I'm sure many will enjoy this story but unfortunately it was not my cup of root beer :)



Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

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When Tomorrow Came is a thought-provoking and emotional novel by Hannah Linder. This book features multiple POV's allowing the reader different perspectives from several different characters. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the importance of family, even if that family is chosen family and not blood relation. Linder's writing is intriguing and a bit gothic, and the characters are unique and showcase a variety of lifestyles and personalities. This book leans a little on the heavy side as the story progresses, so I would caution readers not to expect a light or breezy romantic historical, even though there is romance in this book.

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"When Tomorrow Came" by Hannah Linder is a captivating Regency romance novel that explores themes of love, family, friendship, faith, and hope. Linder's masterful writing and three-dimensional characters make the story feel real and relatable. The familial bond between Nan and Heath is heartwarming, and their sweet romance develops naturally, based on a deep emotional connection.

The historical setting of Regency era England is expertly researched and described in vivid detail, making it a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction. Linder's smooth and lyrical writing style builds tension throughout the plot, and the book has elements of suspense and mystery that keep readers guessing until the very end. The danger lurking in the background adds an extra layer of tension, and the secondary characters are superb, from the heroes to the villains.

The only downside is the content warning for references to abuse and violence, although they are handled sensitively. Overall, "When Tomorrow Came" is a heartwarming and inspiring book that Regency romance fans will love. With its engaging characters, captivating plot, and expertly balanced elements, it's a must-read for anyone seeking an entertaining and heartwarming read.

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Intrigue, heartache and love, When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Linder encompasses a difficult childhood, and an absent/ missing father with all the longing and expectations that come with that. That being said, I couldn't stop turning pages and I love the Stanhope family and how they took kindly took Nan in for however long that would be. I felt sorry for her brother who didn't come see Nan because he didn't want to do anything to jeopardize her new home. Heath tried so hard to take care of his little sister in dire poverty and when she was taken care of by a nice family, he left her be to find his own way. "Dangers unfold, secret love develops, fights ensue, and murder upsets the worlds Heath and Nan have built for themselves." "Just when both are beginning to flourish and years have healed some of their wounds, their long-awaited papa returns and reunites them—bringing demands with him." I especially loved Mr. Standhope (for Nan) and the rector (for Heath) because of the light and hope they brought to these young people who had so very little light and hope.

Fans of Michelle Griep will love stories by this up and coming author Hannah Linder.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. I very much enjoyed this page-turning tale of intrigue and love. All opinions are my own.

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"When Tomorrow Came" is the second Regency romantic suspense novel by Hannah Linder. It is beautiful, heartbreaking, heartwarming, inspiring, and hopeful. The author has done amazing work creating a story that is captivating and very well-written as well as introducing us to characters who feel three-dimensional and like real people! As we follow the story we get to know the characters and their individual struggles, fears, and hopes all through the historical lens of Regency era England. My heart goes out to Nan and Heath for everything that they have endured. It was wonderful to see the strength of their familial relationship and their devotion to each other's happiness and well-being. Heath is such a great brother! Very admirable, kind, and brave— I really like his character. Nan and Gil are also kind, brave, and very sweet. Temperance was so much fun to meet! She is such a stronger person than she gives herself credit for. Also, I love the Stanhope family! They are wonderful. The romance in this story is so sweet! I love it. This story focuses on the themes of: love, friendship, family, faith, and hope. The author unveils the story— with a smooth and lyrical writing style, perfect speed of plot, and three-dimensional and lovable characters! "When Tomorrow Came" is a gem of a story and is truly a diamond of the first water. Pure brilliance! I highly recommend this book. Thank you very much to the author for the wonderful opportunity of being a member of the ARC Team and for providing me with a digital copy of "When Tomorrow Came" to read and review honestly.

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This book wasn't my cup of tea (or I wasn't the right reader for the book). Nan really frustrated me as a character; and I couldn't connect with the plot; I also found it difficult to determine POV switches with the eARC I received, often having to reread a section once I realized it had switched characters. I'm sure the fact it was an eARC contributed a bulk of the confusion--but rereading on the regular got old quickly.

The subject matter was also heavy at times. Not one to read at bedtime!

Maybe I'll revisit post-publication in hopes of better formatting (and in daylight :D)--but for now, a DNF.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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Loved it. Started slow. 1/3 of the book was the childhood to build up to the story. The story was great and I was immediately hooked! ;). The author’s style was a little choppy. The sentences were not fluid as I would like.

The other issue was too many pronouns. He/she vs the name and I would get confused who the character was that was speaking.

Overall - great story. I was completely in and couldn’t stop until I knew the ending. Very much enjoyed the book.

I just reviewed When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Linder. #WhenTomorrowCame #NetGalley

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I enjoyed this book. I wanted to love it, but the beginning of the book was. a dirge to get through. I thought that the beginning reminded me of Crescent City By SJM because it was an info dump of the children's lives up to their burgeoning adulthood. After slogging through the beginning I did enjoy the rest of the book. I enjoyed Gilbert ( probably because I love Gil from Anne of Green Gables). I think that once things started rolling around 30-40 percent of the way into the book I began to enjoy the journey. Overall a good book, but not one that I would pick up again to read. Also, Please check Trigger warnings for this book, although not explicit it may trigger some.

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'She didn't want to hear. She hated the lie. She hated waiting for today or tomorrow.'

This story that follows Nan and her brother Heath through the poverty stricken streets of England through childhood and into adulthood and is quite the story. It's a gothic novel through and through. Hannah Linder takes her readers on an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end!

'Dear heavens, how many times had she groped for Heath's promise, his whisper of what today or tomorrow might bring them? She never really believed it would come. Until now.'

The writing in this book is lyrical and beautiful despite the content being sad, mournful, mysterious and suspenseful-it allowed for great moments of Christianity and light to blaze through and make a startling contrast throughout. This author's writing reminds me of Emily Bronte (Wuthering Heights especially) and Jane Austen (Mansfield Park in particular) while still allowing the modern day reader to read with ease and understanding.

My heart went out for these two characters and the lot they had been given in life. This was a beautiful story of taking what is given to you and making the best of it-and still being able to move forward.

"That is the way of it."
"The way of what?"
"Life." He held her tighter. "We are all destined our lot of pain. No matter who we are or what we do to escape it, somehow or other, that pain will find us, and we shall have to live it out."
"Would to heaven it were not that way."
"Would to heaven it were not."

There is a lot that happens in this book. I remember hitting 25% and thinking how can there possibly be more. So much has already happened. This book has multiple points of view that keep this story moving and engaging. The mystery and suspense made had me staying up late into the night because I HAD to know how this book would end, why certain things were happening and desperately hoping for an amazing resolution! There are multiple romance stories within this book and you will be desperately cheering for them to find their happy ever after. I can't get over how incredible this author's writing style is!

I especially loved Mr. Standhope and the rector because of the light and hope they would infuse into these characters and their situations. I loved that these characters all found each other at the specific time they needed them in their life. Their relationships were beautifully written and tender.

'Whatever troubles you this day, the Lord they God would like to know. He may not always change it, but He certainly showers it with grace."

The Christianity aspect of this book was wonderfully woven into the stories. It wasn't overwhelming, but perfectly balanced.

"Whatever is troubling you, don't let it win, hmm? And if you can't fight it yourself, I am always up for joining a good battle myself."

I deeply loved these characters. I think anyone who loves a good mystery with lots of suspense and who doesn't mind mild mentions of violence would really love this book. The writing is so well done! This author has so much talent and it shows in every page and word. I guarantee that once you start this one you wont be able to put it down until you finish!

I am such a fan of this writer and will continue to read every book she writes!

Thanks to the author/publisher and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Content/Trigger: Death of close family members, child abuse, murder/revenge/crimes/violence, attempted assault, suspense/mystery, religious exclamations in prayers, and kissing.

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3.5⭐Nan and Heath Duncan, siblings abandoned by their papa and abused by their guardian, have no choice but to survive on the London streets.

This story is heartbreaking and depressing, but also there is hope and love, children abuse is a rough topic for me to read about. with 4 POVs that jump around a lot between characters. I did not realize the POVs had switched until a name was mentioned.

The are so many elements in the story, abuse, sadness, hopelessness, suspense, betrayal, revenge, danger, and the big theme throughout the story is sacrifice. (Sacrificing their own happiness to please others.)and (hopeless acceptance of terrible things)

I didn't like Nan some of her decisions had me shaking my head, sometimes I felt like she was just a little bit oblivious. Gil was caring and protective, Temperance was looking to be loved. My favorite character was Heath, he just wants to help people, even sacrificing his freedom. Honestly, I would like it more if was just Heath's story. However, it did get really frustrating toward the end when so many bad things were happening and things resolve so quickly and the ending felt rush.

I didn't enjoy this as much as Beneath His Silence. But overall, it was a very well-written and inspirational read... A mystery-Gothic tale with a little twist at the end....as a Christian there is some level of understanding of what the author is trying to say, after all the turmoil, and pain. Is God's Grace enough, to endure hard things and forgive others who hurt you?

I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for the eARC. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

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Nan and Heath are left by their father who never returned. They live on the streets until Nan is rescued by a family. Heath is left alone to fend for himself.
This book was so sad and depressing to begin with.
It does become a happier story all the way to the end
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

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All the heartbreak of a Bronte novel and more. This story is full of danger, suspense, hope and love. I honestly could not put this book down; it was just captivating. Young siblings are abandoned by their parents, one by death, the other by choice with the promise of maybe coming back today or tomorrow. Time marches on and the two siblings, Heath and Nan Duncan are living on the streets in London. Struggling to just make it another day. Fate forces them apart. One is befriended by a Rector and the other is rescued by a kind gentleman and his family. But both are always looking for when Papa might return to their lives and the three can be reunited. One day Papa does return, but is he able to offer the lives they have learned to treasure or something far different? Papa may not be the man they had imagined him to be in their distant memories. The author imparts truth through the story “Maybe there was just today.” and “Perhaps tomorrow had never been meant for them at all. Perhaps tomorrow belonged to God.”

My thanks to the author and Barbour Fiction for an early copy of this book. The opinions here are entirely my own.

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DNF - I could not finish this book and I was very disappointed because the formatting was either very messed up or the author chose to switch abruptly from character to character within a chapter. I was thrown out of the story constantly and had to figure out who said what.

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“When Tomorrow Came” is a standalone christian, historical fiction and romance novel. Heath and Nan are siblings who’ve run away from an abusive home their father abandoned them at. After a series of events, Nan ends up adopted by a kind loving family but Heath doesn’t.

This book was frankly depressing. Children being abused is such a rough topic for me to read about and these two did not have an easy childhood. Despite it all, our two characters remain kind through it all. I especially love Heath. He’s such a sweetheart🥺

Sadly, I didn’t enjoy this as much as Beneath His Silence. I absolutely ADORE books that have family/sibling relationships as the focus but the pacing of this book threw me off and I found myself putting it down before picking it up again. It didn’t help that the e-arc I received was horribly formatted and I struggled to read it.

Still, I can’t wait for her next book!

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PRAISES:
-I loved Heath. I adored his character and became fiercely protective of him. His character arc was so tender, sweet and heartbreaking. I read the book for him.
-I think this is the second book by this author and I liked the writing style. She had a lot of good and gripping moments.
-I thought she did a great job of working in 4 POV's. It can be tricky, but she made it work.
-There were two real villains and I liked them both. They were genuinely terrible and vile.
-There are two love stories in this book, and I connected with the second one the most. The courtship was sweet.
-I think the basis of the plot idea was a great one. It felt unique and intriguing.

THOUGHTS:
-The 4 POV's worked out in the end but in the beginning, they were short and felt choppy. I struggled to connect with the characters because of it.
-Miscommunication for pages and pages. It was resolved in the end. (With a few pages to spare)
-The reasons for this lack of communication were lame and made me see this man as someone who won't fight for his woman. A quality I don't vibe with.
-The bad guys were taken away rather conveniently. There was so much build up and then.... well, he's dead.
- There was a toxic relationship moment. A character that had NO redeeming qualities was hurt and his old love interest "still cared for him." He got less than what he deserved, and I felt no pity.
-The romantic moments were deflating. I waited hundreds of pages for these grand moments when they finally get their crap together, it was rushed and.... fine.
-The women in this book felt weak and incredibly gullible. yes, they grow somewhat in the end but It wasn't significant to me.
-The couple I loved most let me down. Specifically, the girl. She was cruel to my favorite man Heath and her one rushed apology in the end wasn't good enough. he deserved so much better.

OVERALL:
I think this is a good book for someone who can handle some very frustrating characters with little pay off in the end. If you like things resolved quickly and want a unique plot, then give it a try. This is also good for people who like Christian fiction with very little romance.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Wow. Just absolutely, wow. I was completely blown away with this story. I haven’t read any other books by Hannah Linder and I’ve never read Christian suspense so I had no idea what to expect when I started reading this book.

Hannah immediately pulled on my heartstrings with Heath and Nan. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so attached to new characters so early in a book. I was instantly drawn to them. Heath’s protective and caring nature and Nan’s innocence and joy.

Heath and Nan live on the streets of London after being left by their father and abused by their caretaker. After Nan is in an accident, their lives change forever.

I had no idea where the story was going and I was not prepared for all that happened. Did I have a clue how it would end? Not really. Only right at the very end (after some very revealing clues) did I even figure out one of the mysteries going on throughout the story.

When Heath would cry out, “God, I can’t do this,” it truly broke my heart for him.

Am I being vague? Yes, I am. I feel like anything I add might spoil some of the story for you so just trust me (even if you’ve never read suspense before) and grab your copy of this book.

Filled with suspense, love, devotion, and an amazing cast of characters, When Tomorrow Came is a book I recommend for everyone to add to their list!

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

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