When the Day Comes

This review was originally shared in Episode 30: Guest Jaime Jo Wright & a Review of When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer

About the 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. On her twenty-first birthday, Libby must choose one path and forfeit the other–but how can she possibly decide when she has so much to lose?

The Review

Time slip novels have gained popularity with readers recently, allowing the reader to enjoy a more modern day storyline as well as a historical storyline. In a unique twist, main character Libby quite literally slips through time, living one life during the cusp of the American Revolution and another in the Gilded Age. Libby is not the only one that is set apart for this kind of life, but rather each person is marked from birth, like Libby’s mother and her grandmother before her. While the details surrounding this could potentially come across as confusing, Meyer’s timelines flow with ease. Libby’s first person narration creates a deep rapport with the reader. As events in her timelines appear to force her to choose where she wants to stay, her desperation is palpable and her courage admirable. She does the right thing, even if it appears to her detriment, yet trusts that God has the ultimate plan for her life.

The comparison of class and the historical details the author includes make for an engrossing reading experience. Thankfully the intrigue promises to continue as this is a series opener, and perhaps there are more details to come as to how these time-crossers came to be. While Libby’s life in the Gilded Age is certainly more pampered, some events hurt my heart for her. While there are no detailed descriptions of violence, events leading to and the aftermath of sexual assault Libby experiences are explored. The romance is tender, if a bit star-crossed, with class (and time travel) keeping them apart. There is a strong faith thread, but it’s never preachy and well-suited to Libby’s singular situation. Readers can look forward to a twist at the end, leaving room to ponder just what might come next for Libby. Meyer doesn’t try to get to the heart of the “how” of it all, but rather allows the readers to ask “what if?” and simply enjoy a well-told story. 

If you love the premise of time travel, enjoy books with a heroine of strong convictions, and are in the mood for a unique series, pick up When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer.

Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.

About the Author

Gabrielle Meyer grew up above a carriage house on a historic estate near the banks of the Mississippi River, imagining real and make-believe stories about the occupants who had lived there. She went on to work for the Minnesota Historical Society and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River, not far from where she grew up, with her husband and four children. By day, she’s a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and non-fiction filled with hope. Learn more about Gabrielle and her writing by visiting www.gabriellemeyer.com.