When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer is a christian historical fiction book set in two different time periods, how great is that! The book focuses mostly on the time periods of 1774 and 1914. I enjoyed reading about a girl named Libby who lived in these two time periods, due to her having a special gift, while that part is a bit out there, it was still a wonderful story. I loved the many references to faith and the strong emphasis on God being in control. I made many highlights throughout the book that references these many truths, as they were reminders to me in my current life. Libby faced different challenges in each of the different time periods she lived in, with different parents, customs, and wars going on. I can’t image having to choose the life to live, as this is something she also had to face. This was a story I didn’t want to see end.

This is one author whose books I will be checking out again, due to the wonderful way she writes, making it relatable, and interweaving historical facts and Christian faith in a story.

Here are a few highlights from the book:

“Only God is in control of our destiny. He alone is sovereign. When we try to control the people and events around us we are telling Him He doesn’t know what’s best for us. We’re setting ourselves up as our own gods, elevating ourselves above Him. It’s a dangerous game, Libby.”

“And what about faith? Hadn’t Mama taught me that God is a good and faithful father, that He knew the plans He had for me, and they were plans to prosper me and not to harm me? If she had lived through the grief and despair I was feeling and had clung to her faith, living by the very things she’d taught me, then couldn’t I trust that God was faithful and loving and that He knew what was best for me even when I couldn’t see it for myself?”

Libby Conant/Fairhaven is a time-crosser. That’s the main premise of Meyer’s novel, When The Day Comes. With that distinction comes a good bit of responsibility, sacrifice, and reliance on God’s provision. As her 21st birthday draws near, Libby knows she must make a choice. Will she spend the rest of her life in Williamsburg in the 1770s, or will she choose a life in 1915? I thought that would be a know-brainer given the lack of indoor plumbing during the American Revolution, but I was certainly wrong. 😉 When The Day Comes, along with being very well-researched for not one time period, but two, explores the themes of identity, our place in the world, and the necessity of letting God direct our paths. The storyline was excellently written — I bought all the time-crossing Libby had to endure. I never felt lost, although Libby did at many points in her journey. She knew her decisions had consequences and was very deliberate. I think this is something that we all should be aware of. Can our actions change history? Maybe not in the ways Libby’s could have, but every choice we make should be examined for the impact on our and others’ lives. Deep themes aside, I loved all the historical detail Meyer added to make the reader’s journey feel authentic. The romantic thread isn’t a slouch either. It’s just what any lover of romance fiction could want.

I could sing the praises of When The Day Comes for a long while, but just know this is a book you will love while reading and will think about long after the last page is turned. I think it would make an excellent book club selection — so much to talk about. I very highly recommend it. It will definitely be on my best of the best list this year.

Very Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: adults.

Wow! Ummmm.... yeah so I kinda loved this book and may still swooning from it :) So let's start from the beginning, shall we? What initially attracted me was that part of the story is set in Colonial Williamsburg and I happen to live 10 mins away from Duke of Gloucester street. To see my city depicted in its former "colonial" glory is pretty darn cool! Though the story is fictional, I immediately knew that some elements were real so I felt like I was getting a history lesson along w/a great story . One of the previous reviewers likened this book to a cross between Downton Abbey and Outlander and I would agree. But unlike some of the other time travel books, I did appreciate that the author focused more on the main character and her growth/transition versus bogging us down with (what I refer to as) "unnecessary" historical details. There were details, to be sure, but it never overpowered the central message. In addition to my personal attachment, I loved the time travel aspect (I'm a sucker from anything time travel) and the relationship between our heroine and Henry was so stinking cute!!! Loved it! One of the few downsides to this story was the writing. It wasn't the best especially at first. The plot was so good though that had a more experienced author written this, it would have been freaking amazing. As I neared the end, I knew in my heart I would give this book a solid 4 stars. Great story & characters, time travel, and clean romance. What else could I have possibly asked for?!?! But as I read the last two chapters AND the author's note at the end, I immediately knew I had to give this 5 stars. It's one thing for an author to write about a Christian concept/perspective....in theory. It's much different when you have actually walked through those same hard lessons yourself. Having read the author's note (something I usually never do so I somewhat surprised myself in doing so), gave me so much respect for her and this story. "When the Day Comes" isn't another time travel romance or women's fiction, ultimately it's a story about trusting in God and His will even (and especially) when our circumstances are so different from the life we originally imagined. And that is something that I can 100% subscribe to and emulate in my current season.
P.S. the ending though was purely *chef's kiss* hehehe :)

I honestly didn't think I would like this book because of the fantasy/time travel aspect. But the author did such a good job of tying together the two timelines and making them seamless, and as believable as possible. I read this in one day, because I wanted to get see which time the character chose. This would also be a great YA cross-over book as well.

When the Day Comes is a combination of time travel and dual POV.

The idea of one person living two lives simultaneously is fascinating. Watching Libby maneuver both paths, especially since she knew what she wanted, made for an interesting read as Ms. Meyer slowly increased the tension in each time-line making both choices equally impossible yet desirable.

The reader gets the opportunity to watch two wars unfold through Libby's eyes. We get to imagine what it may have been like for the people living during those periods in history.

When the Day Comes is a novel about choices. Who would we choose to be at our  core if the circumstances of our lives were dramatically different than they are now? What choices would we make to support the causes we believe in?

Readers will be reminded that regardless of the circumstances of our lives, God is ultimately in control. We need to trust Him to do what is best.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

My Thoughts:
WOW, what a ride!! You can ask my reading buddies, I raved about this one the entire time I was reading it. This was a dual-timeline meets time-traveler, and I loved every minute of it. 
Now I will say that you have to suspend belief here with this one. The story is set around select characters who are basically given 2 lives to live in 2 different time periods. It’s considered a gift from God. But the gift is temporary and they’ll have to choose which era to remain in once they turn 21. 
The first thing that struck me was how amazing this opportunity was. I mean, as a history nut myself, I could only read of Libby’s adventures and think about what it would be like to have another life at some important moment in history. All history lovers dream of time traveling, but to live a whole life there … that’s a neat idea to daydream about. 
But the further we get into the story, the more the spiritual elements come into play. I was blown away by how strong and steady the message was on God’s sovereignty. I mean, I had to go in suspending reality, so I didn’t know what to expect about how Christian truths would be treated. But I was offered a timely message for my own soul that stuck with me. There are few stories that can display God’s sovereignty so beautifully. 
I am itching to read the next book in the series. And I highly recommend this one.

Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving When the Day Comes 5 stars. I recommend it to those looking for deep Christian Historical, Christian Time-travel, or Christian Romance.

~ I received a copy from Bethany House. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.

Wow. I wasn’t sure what to expect a new author and a new concept with this time travel, that’s not really time travel. This book is very different from other duel time or time travel books I have read. I listened to an interview with this author before I read the book which made me even more excited to read this book.

I LOVED it. I can’t wait to read what is next in this series. It was so well done, just an interesting story, engaging characters. The ending was so satisfying in a way I never saw coming until the last few pages. I really can’t say enough.

This is a book I highly recommend you give a try, I don’t think you will be disappointed.


A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This was just an amazing story of a person living two lives. The details and the way the concept was handled left me in awe. I was mesmerized by her journey or journeys. One was prior to the revolutionary war and the second just prior to WWI. It left me wondering what choice I would make and why.

The story was excellent while touching in distinct historical time periods but the stories still connecting in small ways. I struggled to put this one down and found myself excited and in suspense for each time change.

The characters were amazing and their chemistry good and the ending was perfect and I didn't quite imagine it ending that way, making it surprising which is a good thing.

I am including the spoilers due to a trigger warning.

There were two scenes that might be triggering to someone that included marital sexual violence.

I received an early copy of this book (eARC) and this is my honest review.

WOW – I don’t know if I’ve ever been at more of a loss for words when writing a review than now. This book gave me two captivating stories for the price of one thanks to a time-traveling heroine trapped between two pivotal moments in history. Each night when she falls asleep in one year, she awakes in the other year the next day.

While the story did have some twists and turns that I expected, the ending was a complete surprise and I wanted to weep with joy over the beauty that came from ashes. This was my first experience with this author, but thankfully, won’t be my last because – there is a second book coming soon!

Outlander meets Downton Abbey!

In this fascinating tale I couldn’t put down, Libby lives two lives. And she knows eventually she must choose only one. From the American Revolution to the Gilded Age, I thought this story was expertly written, with history and the unique time-crossings accessible and easy to follow. But so very suspenseful! I was on the edge of my seat many times. The ending had me holding my breath. One of my favorite reads of 2022. I can hardly wait for the sequel.

Trigger warning: (marital) rape - not graphic

I think Gabrielle Meyer did a marvelous job in the writing of this book. I love historical fiction, but time-travel is hard to do right. Fortunately, Ms. Meyer makes it look incredibly easy. I loved the idea of going to bed in 1774 and waking up in 1914. Both eras are very intriguing and there is so much happening. Libby is this strong woman who is living a double life. I can only imagine how exciting and overwhelming that must feel from time to time!
Libby wants to do the right thing and marry the right man for the right reasons. I admired her undying love for Henry, a Patriot working for the cause, and her disdain for her 1914 mother who is greedy and manipulative. I felt sorry for her when she was forced to marry a man she didn't love, thanks to that plotting mother of hers.

I also appreciated the running theme in the book that God is always in control and He knows what is best for us. We really have no business questioning God. We can only do the best we can with what we know.

I hope that Gabrielle Meyer will write more books like this because I already want to read another one. This is the kind of book that I would love to add to my personal library.

This book had such an intriguing premise and I have been trying to read everything set in 1700.
For me personally this book was a miss. It's not a reflection on the writing style or anything. I just didn't like what I considered an Adultery trope, that mixed with the fact that it features husband who was currently sexually abusing his wife. No, sorry I got too down while reading.
This may be for someone who enjoys more of a heavy women's fiction in a historical setting.
It's just not my cup of tea.
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All opinions are honest and completely my own.

Amazing and more. I could really go on gushing about this out of the box read and all of its creativity and uniqueness and downright genius of the whole story. I am so glad that we are getting some really creative stories from these publishing houses. This book really was an experience.

Libby lives two lives. Nope, she is not a spy, and she is really not a time traveler either. She goes to sleep in one timeline and wakes in the other. Until at the age of twenty-one she must choose which path she will choose. Wow, talk about stress levels dealing with one lifetime, but two? Well, her paths are in 1774, right before the Revolutionary War and the other is 1914 right before and during the beginning of World War 1. In both of her timelines she is living through dangerous times.

This really was unique, and the author told the story in such a way that made it realistic and almost plausible. I am curious about the whole genesis of this concept and really there is endless opportunity for more storytelling with this.

I also came away with a very unique view of life. Really our time here is precious and seeing this story in the eyes of an individual who had to choose what life she wanted made this story all the more memorable. This will be one story I will be thinking on for quite a while.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

When the Day Comes is an absolutely fascinating book! I don't like books with dual timelines, but this is the exception to that rule. Anna Elizabeth, or "Libby" is a time crosser, and has been since her birth. Every day she wakes in either 1774 or 1914. She is 19 in the beginning of this story, and when she turns 21 she will choose which timeline she wants to live in permanently and her body will die in the timeline not chosen. Before that time comes, her mother in 1914 basically forces her to marry a man and she eventually becomes pregnant. Libby wanted to choose her 1774 timeline, but now that she is pregnant, she knows she must choose the timeline for the baby. She also learns the fate of her loved one, Henry, from 1774, She returns and warns him, attempting to change history for Henry, which causes her early death for that timeline. The story is fascinating, and has an unexpected ending. It is a wonderful, clean, and entertaining story I really liked.

This fantasy features time-crossers who are been simultaneously in two different eras. Libby lives in colonial Williamsburg and New York and England during World War I. The time crossing will stop at age 21, when she must decide which time period she will remain in for the rest of her life. Only her Williamsburg mother, also a time-crosser, know of her other life.
I found Libby’s story to be grim. Those loyal to the crown make life dangerous for the patriots. The death of her father makes it hard for Libby and her mother to run his print shop. Her Gilded Age mother is only interested in marrying her off to English nobility, in the very country the patriots are resisting in 1775. There is not a lot of happiness.
It's an interesting concept that makes me wonder what the dual life would be like, although I’d prefer to choose my time periods.

“Freedom isn’t stagnant or guaranteed. It lives and breathes and must be defended constantly. Don’t take it for granted. Fight for it, both in the public and private spheres of your life. And always look for ways to help,” she continued, almost feverish in her instructions. “That is one of our greatest purposes upon this earth. To be the helpers.”

👏 Romance
👏 Timelines
👏 Plot
👏 Build
👏 Mystery
👏 Faith

This. One. Has. It. All! This is *the* most unique Christian fiction I've ever ever read. Tbh I have seriously left the dual timeline, dual POV histfic genre in the past. I read way too many of those in 2019 and I just absolutely overdid it 😂 and while this is in fact dual timeline it is so stinking GOOD that I did not even care. It's fresh and unique in that this a time travel/time slip story that unfolds by showing not telling 🙌 the author really trusts the reader from the start and I appreciated that ❤️ Libby, our MC, lives a different life every day. One day she is in Colonial Willamsburg and the next she wakes up in 1914 New York. (HELLOOOO to these settings and times!!) She does this literally every day and so she in fact lives two, distinctly different, full and robust lives. Each life has setbacks and difficulties but both have people she cares about and issues that are really important to her. On her twenty-first birthday, she will have to decide which life she really wants. On that day she will remain in one place, one time, one life. Which one will she choose? The drama unfolds so perfectly in this story, y'all! I will be eagerly awaiting the sequel to this one! 😍 4.5 ⭐️

Content: marital rape (not graphic or specific but healing and processing from the is a big part of the story). I'm a sensitive reader and I was okay ❤️ I received a eARC from netgalley - thank you! All opinions expressed are yours truly.

When The Day Comes is a very unique story about time-traveling, or as they call themselves in the book, time-crossers. I appreciate all the historical details but unfortunately it was just too confusing for me to easily keep up with, which made it less enjoyable for me, but it was a good story!

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

Each night when she goes to bed she awakens in another life.

A captivating read that pulled me into Libby's plight set in diverging timelines, one in 1774 and the other in 1914. I loved the attention to detail, well realized concept, and excellently layered characters. The author does a good job showing the same woman in two very different eras and upbringings, contrasting the stories, sacrifices and heartbreaks.

I loved Libby's 1774 mother, and how she provides wisdom, insight, and prayer for Libby throughout her last year. In fact, one of my favorite things about this book was the strong message of faith in God's plans even when we can't see them, and I admired Libby for her courage and faith through the trials she endured.

A truly engrossing read, thought provoking and emotional. One of my favorite reads this year so far and a beautifully woven tale. I can't wait to see what is next for this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

LOVED this book! My first by this author and most certainly will not be my last. The creativity to have two worlds, specifically two historical accounts running at the same time was fascinating. How Libby matured over time in either world was also a nice gradual development, the ending was quite a surprise (I will not say good or bad, you got to find out yourself!) Looking forward to the next in this series. I want to thank the author for allowing me to read this book in return for my honest review.

What an interesting premise. Two historical stories for the price of one connected by one woman with a choice to be made about which time she wants to live in and what she is willing to lose to do so.

Each day Libby woke up in a different time, each with its own challenges. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what happened to her each day. There were surprises sprinkled throughout and I really loved the one at the end. I particularly appreciated the deep inspirational thread woven throughout the entire book.

This wasn’t a typical historical fiction in the sense that the concept of living in two time periods is more speculative/fantasy, but it was well done and enjoyable reading.

I received this book complimentary as a participant of the JustReads reviewer tour. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.