Wow, "When the Day Comes" is not what I expected!
It doesn't look like exactly like anything I've ever read before: the atmosphere, the story, the setting, the plot were different from other books I've read before.

What first drew me to this book was the premise: a young women that travels back and forth between two lives, in two families, during two different eras, every time she falls asleep after midnight. It's an intriguing idea and what works so well with a character living one life ahead of the other is that if she tries to change the past, she forfeits her right to live within that life. (So it's a bit sad to think a "normal" person is not considered to influence the future in any way really, no matter how small...)

The story is about Libby who lives one day in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1774 right before the US's independence, and in America and the UK in 1914. In her first life, she is one of the very first American female printers, while in the other, her mother wants to force her to marry a British noble. She is therefore strongly pulled into two directions - one where's she's willing to fight the British, the other when she has to become one... And strangely enough (at least, for a modern mind!), she prefers living in Colonial Williamsburg, despite the danger and lack of comfort, rather than in the Gilded Age! But once we know more about her personality, we better understand her choices...

As she switches back and forth between her two lives (before making the decisions of which life she's keep forever at 21) many twists happen. Things that are shocking, heartbreaking, disheartening... but I loved the ending, and can only hope we might follow another character that switches between two different times in a future book!!

It's a book that stayed in my mind a long time. It made me think hard about choices we make, the impact we can have on others, on History... This fiction brings much food for thought, notably due to the Christian element as faith brings another dimension to the story (even to an atheist like me).

I could feel that the author was an American and a Christian as these identities were two strong elements of the book, when I would personally have preferred something a tiny bit more nuanced, but it made the book even more interesting in some ways.

Overall, a great read that I would recommend. And much to contemplate.

This historical fiction book has a very interesting concept. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy historical fiction and books with shifts in time.

In a Nutshell: This is like reading two historical stories in one. I have never seen such a unique approach to a dual timeline novel. I was sure this would get a minimum of 4.25 stars. The ending made me jump up a notch.

Story:
Nineteen year old Libby lives two lives simultaneously – one in 1774 and the other in 1914. (Yup, you read that right.) When she goes to sleep at night in one life, she wakes up in the other, and vice versa.
In 1774, she is the impoverished girl who is struggling to run her late father’s printing press amid mounting debts, a male-dominated society, and the impending political conflict (which we know today as the Revolutionary War.)
In 1914, she is the daughter of a wealthy American businessman whose wife is determined to get Libby married to a member of the British aristocracy in order to jump up the echelons of NY society.
Libby knows that she will be compelled to choose one timeline on the eve on her 21st birthday. Which timeline would it be? Would her decision come with any costs attached?
The story comes to us in the first person perspective of Libby.

Where the book worked for me:
😍 This is such a creative storyline! But I have never seen any historical novel approach a dual timeline story with this approach. The timeslip idea is used by the author as a wonderful writing device to bring us the alternate timelines without making them seem forced. You do need to focus and remember what’s happening in Libby’s distinct lives but the writing makes the job quite easy for you.
😍 The story is a strange mix of historical fiction and fantasy and timeslip, but historical fiction clearly gets the major chunk of the plot. To boot, it is also Christian fiction and it does justice to this genre also perfectly.
😍 If you know me even a little, you know that I'm an overthinker even while reading. I need a plot to be very logical. SFF books get some flexibility from me as it is a highly imaginative genre, but if something has glaring plot holes, the left side of my brain begins cribbing. To my surprise, whenever I had some logical query related to Libby's dual existence, the author sorted it out. I ended up with not a single doubt or query, even with such an ambitious, almost outlandish plotline. That deserves kudos!
😍 The plotting is crystal clear. Every single track, whether major or minor, is taken care of and has a role to play in the overall story development. The author reveals in her note that she knew the entire plot before she started writing the book. Well, it shows!
😍 Libby is a strong lead character and carries the book wonderfully on her shoulders. Despite the inadequacies of her era (both the eras), she comes off as strong, intelligent, and resourceful, making her a fabulous historical heroine. Some of the secondary characters too are well-sketched, but this is Libby’s story all the way.
😍 The years that the author chose for Libby’s two lives are quite significant. Libby’s society is on the cusp of a war in both timelines and yet the circumstances are so different. Though she's an American in both her lives, the author skilfully weaves in England in the 1914 timeline, thereby adding a third historical angle to the already strong historical plot. Thus we get a glimpse of 1774 Virginia, 1914 New York, and 1914 England.
😍 There is an element of romance but while it is the central driving force behind the story, it never overpowers the narrative.
😍 Both the timelines lend themselves wonderfully to a lot of feminist themes and debates - women's rights, suffrage, marital pressure, and so on.
😍 The author seems to have done her research excellently. Historical facts are woven into the fictional narrative, lending them an added touch of authenticity. Her note at the end details which part is true and where she has taken creative license.
😍 The ending is just perfect for this book and gives a nice clue about the next book in this series, which I will eagerly wait to get my hands on. There’s no cliffhanger or open ending. This is how books in a series should end – completing the story within them and yet letting us know where the book might go next.


Where the book could have worked better for me:
😕 Some part of the 1774 history went over my head. I know a little about the American Revolutionary War from what I have read in books such as Gone with the Wind but this story takes an angle I have never read about. This is my shortcoming, not the book’s. It would be better if you are somewhat familiar with American history, though it is not a must, if you want to understand the conflict in the timeline better.
😕 As is common in many first person narrations, there is a fair amount of internal rambling. This sometimes interferes with the pacing of the story.

All in all, my satisfaction level with this story is very high. I love historical fiction, and to get two such compelling and well-researched historical narratives within a single book was a great experience. Heartily recommended to lovers of historical fiction who want to try something quite unlike what they usually read. It is hist-fic with a time-travel twist!

4.5 stars.

My thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for the DRC of “When the Day Comes”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

When the Day Comes is an absolutely captivating story by Gabrielle Meyer! It is a unique twist on the dual timeline & historical genres, with the heroine, Libby, living in both 1774 and 1914. As she approaches her twenty-first birthday, she must choose one path to live for the rest of her life. This fascinating premise is handled brilliantly, with rich historical detail and engaging characters.

Libby is such a relatable heroine, and I found myself rooting for her from the first page. She is faced with tragedy and difficult decisions in both timelines, and Ms. Meyer did a wonderful job of weaving powerful spiritual themes throughout. I enjoyed seeing history come to life through Libby's eyes, as she lived through the beginnings of both the American Revolution and World War I. The twists and turns kept coming, leaving me holding my breath and wondering how Libby could possibly have a happy ending. I was surprised and delighted by the satisfying conclusion, and I am very much looking forward to the next book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley & Bethany House for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.

I had high hopes for this book, considering how unique the time travel perspective was, and I am so happy to say I wasn't let down in the slightest! The idea of a "time-crosser," or marked individual who lives two separate lives in two separate timelines simultaneously - going to sleep in one life and waking up in the other, day after day, until choosing one life and forfeiting the other on their 21st birthday - is such a cool one, and I think it was done so well!

I was highly invested in this story from pretty much the first line, and it just got more and more engaging. I loved the main character, Libby, a lot - she was driven, determined, passionate, and so easy to root for. It was so interesting to see how different her 1774 life was v her 1914 life, but how she was still the same person. The other characters in the book were done really well; lots of gray in their decisions and characterizations which I appreciated.

The historical aspects were also SO interesting - how have I never fully processed the irony of Americans fighting for independence from the British in 1774 and then sending their daughters as American Dollar Princesses over to England during the Gilded Age to gain titles and status from the British?!?

I also really liked the aspects of faith and trust in God presented in this book - it reminded me of Lynn Austin's recent historical fiction novels - they are 100% Christian Fiction but I would still find myself recommending them to those that don't naturally reach for that subgenre of Hist Fic.

This books is best read outdoors, ideally sitting on an ornate gilded bench in a walled garden - replete with tulips, roses, jasmine, & honeysuckle - with a tray of fresh lemonade next to you, ideally while wearing a loose frock of linen or cotton. (If you can control the weather, I would suggest upper 70s with a slight breeze.)

Definitely recommend and can't wait for a sequel!! (On some sites it says "Timeless #1" so I have hope!)

Stunning.

Okay, I have to confess, while I was totally intrigued by this story’s premise, I was a bit skeptical about how the author would pull this off. And man! Not only is the plot seamless, but the delivery is impressively brilliant.

So much had been packed into this story but I never felt confused or lost. Also I was endeared to the heroine, Libby, from the start. She was beautifully compassionate yet fierce when it came to the heart’s conviction. She truly was an admirable character along with her mother, Theodosia.

The romance was achingly tender and had inspired tears to my eyes on several instances. Who am I kidding! Toward the end of the book, I was a watering pot of soggy emotions! And you guys, I am NOT a crier. But this story was just so heart-stirring and wonderful.

So here’s my little nudge to you—Go read it! I highly HIGHLY recommend it. And I’m super excited about the next in the series.

Content Warning: There are two scenes containing marital rape. These instances are mostly off page, but I feel this can be triggering for some readers.

** I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Thank you, NetGalley, Bethany House Publishers, and Gabrielle Meyer for the opportunity to read this book! It was released on May 3rd, 2022.

What if you lived in two different times? In When The Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer that is exactly what Libby’s life is like. She is a time-crosser. Her first life is in 1775, but when she closes her eyes to sleep she begins her other life in 1915. When she turns 21 she will choose which life she prefers, but she could never return to that other life. In 1775, she has a family and a man that she loves, although the colonies are on the brink of war and times are dangerous. In 1915, her mother is cold, manipulative, and calculating. She is determined to wed Libby to an English Lord, as much as Libby tries to avoid it. There is no stopping her mother’s plans and circumstances in 1915 may now affect her ability to choose which time she wishes to return.

This is such a unique plot! At first, I wasn’t sure how the author would pull it off. But each chapter merged pretty seamlessly and kept with a smooth pace. I did appreciate all of the historical detail in each time period, especially with the treatment of women in both time periods. There are plenty of emotions as Libby makes her decision. At first, I was nervous that she would form an attachment to Reggie (her husband in 1915) even after the way she was treated. Trigger Warning: abuse, rape, and gaslighting.

I did enjoy Libby’s character development and how she had to learn about how her actions have consequences. Changing history may be what she wants but not what needs to happen. There are some religious aspects to finding out what God’s plans are and how to trust in God. Now, the ending was a little sappy–for lack of a better word, but there needed to be some happiness. I do hope there is a continuation after this book because I would love to visit other timelines and see what other historical characters appear. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

This book… I am at a loss for words. It was absolutely engrossing and I truly had a hard time putting it down. The writing is impeccable. The plot is fascinating. Both eras are well-represented. It’s just such a good read!

Libby is a dear heroine. In both her paths, she is presented with hard choices and appreciates the gravity of each decision she must make. My heart went out to her as I read of her financial worries and longing for Henry in 1774, as well as the tense relationship with Mother Wells and the terror caused by Reggie in 1914. A constant theme throughout the book is that God’s ways are mysterious and we can’t always understand them, but that He is, nevertheless, there to guide and help us.

I loved getting to read about two captivating eras in history; the colonial era and the Gilded Age. Meyer includes such rich details for each period, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in both eras. I also appreciate how different Libby’s life was in each of her paths. In her 1774 life, she and her mother worked hard for everything they had, while in 1914, Libby wanted for nothing. I think the struggles she faced in 1774 helped her to see things from a different perspective in 1914 than had she simply been a Gilded Age debutante, giving her much more empathy for those less fortunate and prompting a deeper involvement in the women’s suffrage movement. The inequality toward women is very well portrayed in the book and I loved seeing Libby defy the expectations for women in both eras.

Incredibly well written, tender, and fascinating, When the Day Comes is a fantastic book that is surely one of the best releases of 2022. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Trigger Warning: rape (marital rape), sexual assault.

About this book:

“Libby has been given a powerful gift: to live one life in 1774 colonial Williamsburg and the other in 1914 Gilded Age New York City. When she falls asleep in one life, she wakes up in the other without any time passing. She has one conscious mind but two very different lives and bodies.
In colonial Williamsburg, Libby is a public printer for the House of Burgesses and the Royal Governor, trying to provide for her family and support the Patriot cause. The man she loves, Henry Montgomery, has his own secrets. As the revolution draws near, both their lives--and any hope of love--are put in jeopardy.
Libby's life in 1914 New York is filled with wealth, drawing room conversations, and bachelors. But the only work she cares about--women's suffrage--is discouraged, and her mother is intent on marrying her off to an undesirable English marquess. The growing talk of war in Europe further complicates matters and forces her to make sacrifices she never imagined.
On her twenty-first birthday, Libby must choose one path and forfeit the other forever--but how can she possibly choose when she has so much to lose in each life?”


Series: Book #1 in the “Timeless” series.


Spiritual Content- Ecclesiastes 3:11 at the beginning; A Scripture is remembered; Church going; Many talks about God, His plans, & trusting Him; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Libby wonders if God’s plan was for her and her mother to push the boundaries in the eighteenth century; Libby gets mad at God and feels like He abandoned her (she quickly changes thoughts because she 1774 mother told her not to be bitter and angry); Many mentions of God, Him choosing who is a time-crosser, trusting Him, & His plans; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches, church going, reverends/priests, & sermons; Mentions of a day of fasting & prayer; Mentions of being blessed & blessings; Mentions of miracles & faiths; A few mentions of seeing others again after their death (The word ‘Heaven’ is never used); A few mentions of Christmas carols; A mention of women being in the clergy in the 1990s;
*Note: A mention of a woman studying a genealogy book religiously; A mention of being careful not to make yourself a god.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘stupid’; A bit of eye rolling; All about many mentions of wars, revolutions, battles, bombs, fighting, injuries, deaths, treason, spies, & executions (hangings); Many mentions of rumors & gossip; Mentions of quartering soldiers; Mentions of deaths & grieving; Mentions of slavery & slaves (including Libby’s 1774 mother is strongly against slavery since she lived in the 1970-1990s and frees their slaves in 1774); Mentions of jails/prisons; Mentions of threats; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of hatred (Libby in 1914 believes her mother hates her and is incapable of love; she also slaps Libby; there is also a mention of knives being attached to a chair to force Libby sit straight when she was a child); Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of alcohol, drunks, & taverns; A few mentions of tobacco & pipes; A few mentions of throwing up; A mention of an assassination;
*Note: Mentions of a man saying that women “have no sound reason, have very little humor, and are not honorable enough to vote” and hopes that his fiancée-to-be is young and trainable *Spoiler* [ This is from the man Libby is forced to marry *End of Spoiler* (hide spoiler)]; A few mentions of an old man wanting a young girl to be indentured to him; A couple mentions of brand names (Diet Coke & Coca-Cola).


Sexual Content- To avoid the spoiler, two sexual assaults (rape) happen *Spoilers but Major Trigger Warning* [Libby is forced to marry a man (in 1914 who is almost double her age) and wants to avoid consummating the marriage, but when he is drunk, he rapes her twice. The second rape resulting in a pregnancy. There are obviously no details in the actions, but his kisses and forcing himself on her and her weeping and begging for him to stop are recalled and described; Libby’s 1774 mother tells her it’s not her fault; Libby feels defiled and her heart broken; When the pregnancy is discovered, Libby is very upset and wonders if she could possibly lose the baby (which she knows she shouldn’t want such a thing to happen, but if it does, she wasn’t sure if she would mourn the loss) and a maid offers her a vial of something that will take care of the “problem” (Libby rejects it as she is now committed to the baby); There is continuing mentions of his behavior from both of those nights; After the first time, he apologizes to her and says he drank too much (which he knows wasn’t an excuse) and it has caused a rift that he would like to repair (he then gets drunk again and the second rape happens saying that he wants her to know that he desires her); After the second time, he sends a letter saying that he regrets his actions and hopes that she can try to forgive him; Libby knows he wrote the letter because of possibly facing death in a battle and wonders if she can trust him; She has trauma because of all of this and reminds herself that there was beauty among the ashes (the baby); After the baby is born, she is glad the baby looks nothing like him because she wants to put the past behind her and that was “easier to do without constant reminders”; During all of this, in 1774, Libby is in love with another man; *End of Spoilers* (hide spoiler)]; Libby stares at a man’s unbuttoned shirt; A man stares at Libby’s lips & she wants him to kiss her (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Four hand/palm kisses (up to barely-above-not-detailed), a cheek kiss, four head/forehead kisses, a not-detailed kiss, five barely-above-not-detailed kisses, seven semi-detailed (3 unwanted) kisses, and a detailed kiss; Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to be kissed, embraced, & for a man to “overstep the bounds of propriety” just once; Touches, Warmth, Shivers, Butterflies, Embraces, Dancing, Hand-Holding, Nearness, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Blushes; Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of consummating marriages, not letting a man touch you (a woman), & the consequences of it (pregnancy); Mentions of kisses, stolen kisses, & kissing; Mentions of flirting & flirts; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of chaperones & reputations (Libby’s 1774 mother scoffs that the idea of chaperones and told Libby that is was socially acceptable in the 1990s to be about with men and should be allowed to be their own masters, but Libby knows that in 1774, if she was alone with a man, her reputation would be ruined); A couple mentions of boyfriends; A couple mentions of a man looking up and down Libby’s body (twice); A mention of children being the natural extension of the love a couple shares; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Labor pains (x2, borderline barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Mentions of Libby’s parents in 1914 no longer loving each other by the time she was born and being bitter towards each other; A few mentions of a wife & baby dying in childbirth; A couple mentions of a dress showing off Libby’s assets and another that has a low neckline.

-Elizabeth “Libby” Conant/ Anna Elizabeth “Libby” Wells, age 19-22
1st person P.O.V. of Libby
Set in 1774-1775 and 1914-1916, 1921
384 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star
Older High School Teens- One Star
My personal Rating- One Star

One of my anticipated releases for 2022. A book that intrigued me because of the plot.

But I am very disappointed.

The concept of this book was interesting, but different elements and parts made me lose enjoyment in reading it. I also found a lot of the book to feel depressing, but perhaps that’s because what Libby was having to live through was depressing.

The main reason for the low star rating could be considered to be a spoiler, but it is important to note if you are sensitive to the topic of rape/marital rape. These parts are why I do not recommend this book—especially for the target ages I review for.

Even though there were no real details of those events besides him forcing himself on her and her weeping and begging him to stop, the trauma of reading such things can be hard for those that have this content as a trigger. My stomach has been turning since reading the first one and only continued to be more upset as I continued reading as it happened again and while writing this review.

I think, for some, it would be easy to ignore that content because by the end of the book, it’s not mentioned as much and the plot-line of God having reasons for everything comes in full circle. However, for those that are triggered by this kind of content, it can affect them.

There were a few other elements that didn’t sit well with me (such as Libby not being concerned about changing history (including the winner of an actual war) if it saves the life of someone she loves, the rapist being portrayed as a terrible human being prior to the rapes and then apologizes and asks that she try to forgive him, some comments about the future and not fully caring about that time period’s society norms, & Libby being mad that something wasn’t fair). These elements alone would have knock off stars, but added to the sexual content, this book instantly gets a one star rating from me.

Once again, I’m sincerely asking Christian Fiction publishers to get on board with a content/trigger warning at the beginning of each book. This will potentially save the book from receiving low rating reviews based on content and will help those battling thoughts about such content. More and more secular publishers and authors are doing this for the sake of their readers and ratings.




*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
* I received this (Advance Reader Copy) e-book for free from the Publisher (Bethany House) for this honest review. Having read an ARC, there are some details listed in this review that may have been changed in the final print edition.

(Tags: TW)

This book!! I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did, but wow…I can’t wait until book #2 comes out, and I’m more than a little disappointed that I have to wait an entire year until I can satisfy my curiosity about what it contains.

There’s so much to love in this story. Engaging history, an intriguing plot, a sweet romance, a rich faith element…it had it all. The part I think I loved the most, though, was the surprises this book gave me. Several times, I was SURE one thing would happen…and then, wham! something else would throw it all off again. And the characters—I related to their struggles at times in a way I’ve rarely done before. Every one was realistic, and I came to love each one in their own way. The history was spot-on, not overdone, but still rich enough that I felt like I’ve really come to know England in 1914 and Colonial Williamsburg in a way I’ve never known them before. And the faith element…let me say there were a few moments I almost had to fight tears with some of the things the characters were going through, and I LOVED the encouragement Libby’s mother gave her at her lowest points!

In all, this was an excellent read. I’m counting down the days until book #2 comes out, because a year feels like way too long for this impatient reader.

(Content warning: There is a case of marital rape in the story, but it is worded very vaguely. I’d recommend the book for ages 15 and up.)

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

Super interesting book and time traveling concept. I am only about half way in but I am loving it so far. I find both of Libby’s timelines so interesting. 1914 and 1774 are both very different time periods. I have some theory questions about how the time traveling works still that haven’t been fully flushed out yet but the author may address those later on in the book.

This book is a unique take on time travel. Libby has the gift of being born in two different times and places. She lives a day in 1774 Williamsburg, VA, goes to bed, then wakes up and relives the same day in 1914 New York. When she reaches age 21, she has to decide which life to live.

I thought this was fascinating! The author did a great job of showing why it might feel like a curse instead of a gift. While Libby thinks she has her plans figured out, life throws twists at her that cause her to question things. I didn't see the end coming and I loved being surprised.

Both time periods are on the brink of war. It was interesting to see how Libby was trying to do her part in both places. If you're a fan of historical fiction or time travel, I'd highly recommend this book. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Libby receives the gift of living in two time zones, 1774 as a public printer and 1914 women's suffrage. Very interesting unpredictable story filled with wonderful complex characters. A descriptive story weaves back and forth from two time zones, making this a real page turner and a must must read!

4.75 ⭐️

Set in both 1774 and 1914, When the Day Comes transports readers to two different centuries with compelling stories. Signified by a specific kind of birthmark, Libby was born into the world with a powerful gift: the ability to live in two different times in history. While she’s asleep in 1774 Colonial Williamsburg, her 1914 life in Gilded Age New York begins, and visa versa. In 1774, Libby is the daughter of a public printer, working to provide for her mother and sisters and support the Patriot cause. But when rumors surface and the man she loves seems to be leading a double-life, Libby has to face choices she never thought she would. You see, on Libby’s twenty-first birthday, she has to decide which timeline she will continue her life in—1774 with the man she loves and a family who loves her, or 1914, where she’s forced into a marriage with a man and an impeding war on the horizon. Which life will she choose to live? You’ll have to read to find out!

Wow, this book was such a ride! Just the concept itself of being a time-traveler and *having* the ability to live in two different time periods is such an unique approach to the time-traveling aspect of fiction. The concept of living in the future and knowing what will happen in the past but not being able to change anything without possibly altering the course of history or the lives of your loved ones? Sign me up! I’ll admit, I’m not the biggest fan of time-travel novels, but the author really pulled this one off—and I’m very happy to report that I absolutely loved this novel!

When the Day Comes had it all—tender moments, suspense, a few I-didn’t-see-that-coming plot twists, and touching scenes. Fans of historical fiction, romance, and time travel plots will absolutely love this book.

The only reason I deducted .25 stars off this book is because I wish there had been more resolution, or at least more emotion shown when Libby found out you-know-who died. After reading his letters and seeing his true change of heart, I wish Libby had felt his loss, at least a little bit, even though he had hurt her in the past. That’s honestly my only complaint with this book, and it’s a minor one, so please don’t let that deter you from reading this book!

A slight caution warning: Libby’s 1914 relationship with Reggie is…tumultuous. Reggie, although they’re married, does force himself on Libby twice, even though she begs and fights him to stop. The author crafted these scenes with careful hands, and no explicit details are mentioned whatsoever. I think it would best be described as a movie scene where you *know* something is going to happen and you’re dreading the camera showing it, but the scene fades away with a closed door. It’s implied how Reggie is mistreating Libby in their marriage setting, but the author doesn’t describe it in detail. I only give this caution warning for those of you who prefer not to read novels that mention/have this kind of marital abuse.

All in all, When the Day Comes is a lovely book and I’d absolutely reread it again! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of When the Day Comes. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.

Although I noticed that this book had good reviews on NetGalley, I still began reading it with skepticism. I thought the premise sounded a bit hokey!

About a third of the way through the book, I found the story so compelling I didn’t want to put it down! It was very well- written and I applaud the author for getting this genre (which I’d never read or heard of) so right! I enjoyed the history of both the Williamsburg time and the Gilded Age time. And the way the story was concluded was (although surprising!) very satisfying!

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommended!!

THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!!!

/end capslock of doom
/steps quietly off soapbox

It's refreshingly unique in time-travel/time-slip fiction; Meyer is incredibly creative in managing the nuances of the genre, and breathes fresh life into it and these characters. I was kept guessing the entire time, and the ending came out of nowhere (in the best way)--yet was so satisfying.

I particularly adored the WIlliamsburg/1775-ish setting; I'll freely admit that I grew up on the American Girl books, and Felicity was--next to Kirsten--100% my favorite. My parents can attest to my subsequent obsession with all things Williamsburg after reading Felicity's stories! (Even more so after we visited there ourselves!) So, that timeline in this read held a special place in my heart for pure nostalgia, on top of everything else there was to love.

If you like Jody Hedlund's "Waters of Time" series (book 1 being Come Back to Me) I think you'll like this book (and vice versa!). If you're looking for a clean, faith-based alternative to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander book/series, I also fully believe this one will fit the bill.

A wonderful addition to the ChristFic genre. 5/5 stars.

(Side note, I frankly can't believe this is the first book of Meyer's I've read to date. I'm super stoked she has plenty more books released! )

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

Time travel? Yes please. I have read a duel time story before but I have never read a time travel story before. This book was amazing. I loved it.

Libby lives two separate lives in two separate time periods. 1774 and 1914. One day she is in 1774 and then the next morning she wakes up in 1914. And back and forth. She has lived each day of her life twice. But each one of her lives is very different.

In 1774, she runs a print shop with her mother. She has two younger sisters and the man she loves, Henry is there. She and her family are barely getting by financially.
In 1914, she is a very rich american Heiress. She loves her father in this life but her mother is very controlling and manipulative and only cares about social standing. On her 21st birthday she must choose one path to stay in the rest of her life and lose the other one for good.

I did not want to put this book down especially after I got to the halfway point. I wanted to know what was going to happen. There were some surprises along the way. She endures happiness, sadness, joys and trauma. This story was very well written and I absolutely loved it.


Spoilers ahead


Romance: Pretty clean as far as the romance goes. Kissing, some intense but nothing bad.

There is some implied rape scenes but they are mildly detailed which I much appreciated.

WHEN THE DAY COMES by GABRIELLE MEYER is the fascinatingly unusual story of Libby, who lives simultaneously in Williamsburg Virginia in 1774 as Libby Conant, and as Anna Elizabeth Wells in NewYork in 1914. This split- time historical fiction novel is well written and the action is well balanced between the two time frames. Libby’s emotions as she faces the unusual gift which affects her life and relationships are well portrayed, and her faith in the God who holds her future is built up by her mother, Theodosia Conant’s strong faith. This mother is also a time-crosser and understands the importance of the decision Libby will have to make on her twenty-first birthday. She has sacrficed a great deal fo her daughter’s happiness. Mother Wells, on the other hand, is controlling and unloving and uses Libby to enhance her own social standing.
The romance, history and sense of God’s purpose in a person’s life make When The Day Comes an interesting and inspirational read.
I was given a free copy of thebookby NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Wow! What a phenomenal debut story! Gabrielle Meyer took some familiar concepts, such as historical fiction, time travel, romance, and God’s sovereignty and did something totally unique. My mind is still spinning and connecting all the dots. The creativity and research that is needed to create plausible stories in Williamsburg as well as America/England in two different centuries. Libby is seeking freedom in different ways in each time period and just when I think I know what that will look like, twists and turns galore!!! Each morning she wakes in one of the periods until her 21st birthday when she gets to choose which one she wants to stay in all the remainder of her days. The historical details, conversations between characters, and infusion of hope of redemption make this a must read! Do not miss this purely creative inspirational work of art!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own.

A new twist on time travel. I absolutely love time travel and historical novels. As soon as I heard the synopsis of this book, I knew I needed to read it. It was a fresh new take on time travel and I loved that both settings were historical. I enjoyed the back and forth between the two time periods and thought it worked very well for this book. A must for fans of time travel or historical's in general that love a bit of a plot twist.