🕰️🚪 “When the Day Comes” (Timeless #1) (2022) 🚪 🕰️ – Bookstagram + Review Tour
MY REVIEW
Publisher: Bethany House Fiction (May 3, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764239740
ISBN-13: 978-0764239748
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“How will she choose, knowing all she must sacrifice?
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. While she's the same person at her core in both times, she's leading two vastly different lives.
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 English marquess. The growing talk of war in Europe only complicates matters.
But Libby knows she's not destined to live two lives forever. On her twenty-first birthday, she must choose one path and forfeit the other--but how can she choose when she has so much to lose in each life?”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Bethany House Fiction (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
Gabrielle Meyer is an author I’ve “seen” through her Love Inspired (Harlequin) books, but I haven’t read. This is the first book I’ve read by her and in a genre I became a fan of a few years ago – historical fiction.
This historical fiction novel is also a “dual-time” story. As it is distributed by a primarily Christian publisher there are strong themes of God, his will, and sacrifices to be made in order for the greater good. Thus, there will be themes present in it that might not sit well with some secular fiction readers.
In addition, there is some disturbing and triggering content in this that is realistic to the times (1774 and 1914): references to slavery, mentioned of “enslaved” women, heavy drinking, and two incidents of inferred marital rape.
In the United States, marital rape didn’t become a crime until roughly 1975 when Nebraska enacted the first law. By 1993, it was a crime nationwide in the United States.
In England (the UK), it took a longer time to be recognized as such. It wasn’t made a crime until 1991. As a result, what happens to Libby in 1914 isn’t out of standards for that time. Though it is detestable, it is part of that landscape.
The author is very careful to not go into graphic details, but merely alluding to it. The scenes can be very triggering for some people and caution is advised when reading. There is also a reference to torture, likely child abuse as Libby recalls her 1914 mother putting knives in the back of the chair to enforce posture. Again, some of this was common to the times and has to be viewed from the point of the time as opposed to looking back from today’s time. An especially interesting note for a time-crossing novel.
That said …
This dual-time historical fiction story takes place on the eves of two important events in both the United States and England’s history:
1774 – the Revolutionary War
1914 – World War II
The cover shows Libby in two different styles – 1774 and 1914. Both simple and elegant. Both wondering what the road ahead is. And, both knowing their importance in the time they’re living in.
In addition to Libby, there are a myriad of major characters to complete this story:
1774/1775:
🕰️ Mama Theodosia (Libby’s mother in that time – the one who is a time-crosser like she is; lived 1973-1994 as well)
🕰️ Rebecca (one of Libby’s sisters)
🕰️ Hannah (one of Libby’s sisters)
🕰️ Henry Montgomery (friend and later love interest)
🕰️ Louis Preston (employee, but also a British Loyalist)
🕰️ Governor Dunmore (British Loyalist, also fancies Henry for one of his daughters; was a REAL person during the time period)
🕰️ Sophia (one of Libby’s friends)
🕰️ Alpheus Goodman (Theodosia’s love interest towards the end of the 1914/1915 storyline)
There are appearances of historical Revolutionary War figures: Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington as well.
1914/1915:
🕰️ Mother Wells (Libby’s mother in that time; a manipulative and conniving woman; has no idea Libby is a “time-crosser” – she isn’t one herself)
🕰️ Libby’s Father (a sweet man, underwritten character)
🕰️ Lord Cumberland (Reggie; Libby’s “intended” spouse)
🕰️ Edith (Libby’s lady’s maid and close friend)
As a result of the nature of this book, my review is going to be a bit different as it is difficult to bounce back and forth between times in a review.
It is hard, for me, to review a dual-time or slip-time book like a normal one. While the books usually alternate time periods, I tend to address the first time period shown and then subsequent ones.
An admission here – I’m a bit leery on the time-travel, time-crossing, and books of that nature. Perhaps it comes from watching too much Sci-Fi (Star Trek, Quantum Leap) where I saw how one event being changed in the past could have serious repercussions on the current time or future.
But, I dove in anyway – this is, after all, a fictional story.
Unlike most books that alternate between two (or more) different characters’ POV, this only had Libby’s POV in first person narrative as she guides us through her 1774 and 1914 lives.
She will live both lives until her 21st birthday, at which time she will decide which life to continue living, thus dying in the life she doesn’t choose. Her body will die, but her consciousness will live on in the chosen time. And, she already knows the time she wants to live in – the 1770’s.
Her 1774 mama (Theodosia) tells her this life is a gift, Libby sees it as a curse. It is easy to understand why. Time crossers are identified by a particular birthmark. Theodosia’s second life is from 1973-1994 so she knows the history and events far beyond both Libby’s lives in 1774 and 1914. It is Theodosia in which Libby confides about her 1914 life. Theodosia gently guides her, not influencing her one way or the other. Though, they have to be careful where they are talking – something that gets them into trouble or almost does.
An interesting note – what happens in one life doesn’t impact the other. Things like injuries, sickness, or pregnancy. Only the “consciousness” transfers between time periods – each aware of what happened in the previous one.
The book begins with 1774 – not only chronological, but it is the origin year for Libby. This starts about five (5) months after the famous Boston Tea Party. Libby and her mother are running the press started by Libby’s late father. However, they are in debt and face debtor’s prison (gaol). One of their creditors, the horrid Mr. Jennings, would prefer Rebecca (one of Libby’s younger sisters) to be indentured to him. Libby won’t have it.
Libby and her mother are awaiting a contract to be the public printer and end up securing it. Already it is known that Libby and Henry have a “relationship”. It isn’t really hard to guess that they do love each other.
But, given the state of the country (at the time), a romance is the last thing on either one’s mind. Henry – despite the Governor trying to pair him up or attempt to with his daughter Catherine – wants a dance with Libby at the ball. Thus, begins their “somewhat” courtship. One that remains on a friendship level throughout the 1914 timeline.
Libby’s friend Sophia is hoping the business with the Patriots will calm down – Libby knows different – it’ll be roughly a decade before it does. And, Libby knows who is going to win (spoiler: it isn’t the British Loyalists).
One thing is for certain – Libby won’t let Jennings get her sisters. That isn’t the only problem. Their employee and a Loyalist, Louis, invites Libby to a play. He wants to “guide” her hand and business. It is clear what side Louis is on, and Libby is not sharing it.
The author shows the subtle beginnings toward the Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775-September 3, 1783).
It is clear that Henry wants to be free to be more with Libby.
It is after the Burgesses is disbanded that the Patriot cause begins to take hold. Libby hears a rumor about Henry being a spy – but she doesn’t know what side. She knows he isn’t mentioned in history as a Founding Father which worries her greatly as she is advised NOT to look at a history book to see what has transpired in the 1774 timeline.
Meanwhile, with what is going on over in 1914, Mama Theodosia is there to comfort and warn Libby. But, it is clear – they have a spy among them.
Theodosia tells Libby one thing repeatedly – God has his plan.
As the tension rises in 1774, so too does the risk of them being “found out”. What’s even worse – the fact that someone thinks they’re recruiting men for an upcoming war. And, a member of the British military is stationed at their home.
An event in 1914 causes Libby’s decision to become uncertain and she starts wondering about Henry. But, Henry’s own future is going to be murky as well as the events pull closer.
Despite what happens – Theodosia advises Libby to not become bitter about her path and to trust God.
While alternating every single chapter – 1914, is different for Libby or rather Anna Elizabeth, “Elizabeth” as Mother Wells (Abigail) has her own notions for Libby’s future.
Libby leads a pampered life and wants for nothing – except to be free of her demanding and insufferable mother. Abigail detests Elizabeth’s job with the suffrage movement (the one that would give women the right to vote in 1920 with the passing of the 19th amendment).
Abigail tells her that it isn’t her job to think, only obey. This is something Elizabeth detests.
However, Abigail wants to make a match for Elizabeth during the London Season. The “season” provided an opportunity for the children of marriageable age of the nobility and gentry to be launched into society. As Elizabeth hasn’t found a match in New York (as she wants to stay in 1775 and a marriage isn’t conducive to her choice), Abigail takes her to London.
Abigail is determined to marry her off to a Marquess – it will ensure not only a financial future, but a social one at that. Of course, that isn’t what Libby wants.
It is in this timeline that “Libby” feels less loved and cared for and where she doesn’t feel she belongs. However, Abigail threatens to have Edith thrown out and ruined if Elizabeth fails to cooperate.
Libby tries not to get too serious with Lord Cumberland until Abigail drops some news – she’s accepted his proposal on Libby’s behalf.
Abigail is desperate to postpone the wedding.
On the RMS Olympic (sister to Titanic which sunk two years before), Libby meets another time-crosser, a man – Congressman Hollingsworth, who is a closer connection to her than she realizes in either time.
He recognizes her and tells her about the great people in history who were time-crossers but won’t reveal who – or the why.
While Libby thinks she’s convinced Mother Wells to wait – the woman drops another bombshell regarding the wedding.
War looms on both timelines, and it is in 1914 where Libby learns two devastating truths – one she thinks she can prevent, another she may not be able to. As Theodosia tells her – hopes and dreams aren’t always God’s will.
And, despite a warning – Libby learns she has to let God decide everyone’s fate – even hers. Though she wonders – why did a particular event have to happen, she is shown God’s will.
One particular moment in the story that I loved (despite it being tragic), was when Libby tried to change a particular incident and despite a warning – it happened anyway. This was an interesting take in that usually has disastrous results when one tries to change an event – no matter how big or small.
I did love how occasionally Theodosia would make references to her 20th Century life (Diet Coke, ibuprofen).
There was a scene involving Mother Wells where I KNEW she was faking which showed how manipulative and conniving she was. In addition, she was a liar.
The ending did shock me and after reading it, I realized I should’ve seen it coming – it definitely made sense. Still, it was an interesting twist of fate that I thoroughly enjoyed and made the entire story complete.
I was immediately drawn into this story. It was definitely a page-turner and I couldn’t put it down. Short chapters usually do that – keeps me reading with the “just one more chapter” fallacy. This was fast-paced, but didn’t feel too rushed. There were some scenes I wanted a bit more “expansion” on though. Overall, I wasn’t too disappointed.
I truly felt like I was immersed in both times and could almost see and hear what was around Libby. I deeply enjoyed the history and research put into the story.
It was a terrifying, tragic, endearing, heart-breaking, emotional, and inspiring read. My emotions, like the story, were a jumble – predictable and yet not.
While this is the first book in a new series, this definitely works as a standalone read as the main plot is concluded by the end of the book. I did have some questions with regard to Libby’s 1914 parents and the subsequent path taken, but not that it would reflect poorly on the book.
I am interested to see where this series goes so I am looking forward to reading the upcoming books.
Fans of historical fiction and dual-time fiction will more than likely enjoy this read.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gabrielle Meyer (www.gabriellemeyer.com) has worked for state and local historical societies and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides along the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota with her husband and four children. By day, she's a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and nonfiction filled with hope.
You can find her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabrielleMeyer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielle_meyer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeyerGabrielle
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GIVEAWAY
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