A Parallel Time & Place: A Story of a Modern Nation Running in Sync with a Biblical Land in an Alternate Reality

by N.E. Kurz

What if it were possible to visit an ancient Biblical land and to experience what life was like? In A Parallel Time & A Story of a Modern Nation Running in Sync with a Biblical Land in an Alternate Reality, an American lady, Saphah, travels back in time to Judah during the reign of reforming King Josiah. There she discovers that spiritual events in that ancient time and place are eerily similar to current happenings in her own modern land. In fact, the moral descent of Judah runs in sync with the moral deterioration of the United States, and the corruption of Judah's capitol, Jerusalem, runs parallel with that of the US capitol.

Although Judah is under pending judgment from God, King Josiah has arrived to bring temporary reform and reprieve to his nation as foretold in scripture. But then, the Lord reveals to Saphah that the United States likewise faces upcoming judgment and discipline, unless reform and reprieve occur in America too.

Can Saphah warn her people of coming danger before it's too late? Will they listen and heed the spiritual lessons she learned during her journey into that alternate reality? Will they prepare themselves, both personally and collectively, to deal with what God has in store for them? And will they listen to God's message for Judah and America, as Prophet Zephaniah

“Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land. . . .Seek righteousness, seek perhaps you will be sheltered
on the day of the Lord's anger.”
—Zephaniah 2:3.

604 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2025

Reviews

[Brett Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of the book is a woman from the modern world goes back into Biblical days to learn about their ways of life and in return she enlightens them about the things that happen in the ways of life in the modern world. It sounded like an interesting premise.

The funny thing is, I didn't disagree with any of the author's viewpoints in the book on things like Covid, transgenderism, the putrid leftist propagandism that has infiltrated our school system, and the general debauched and godless way of thinking of the modern political left (and honestly, in some professing Christians who lean left.)

But, boy, did the author really bonk the reader over the head with over-the-top, never-ending explanations of things that seemed almost like she cut and pasted them from other periodicals. The characters had such exhaustingly long and expositional verbal diatribes on everything from lengthy explanations of the meanings of Biblical passages to the depraved viewpoints of the modern left, to the point that even I as a staunch Christian conservative, who agrees with it all, rolled my eyes and thought, "good grief, you've taken this too far. When will this endless verbal blathering come to an end?!" 

It was a sloggish 600+ page read that tested even my ultra-conservative Christian's patience. The narrative and dialogue felt very dry and performative and educational rather than a fiction book to be enjoyed.

I hate to leave such a critical review since I do wholeheartedly agree with the author's viewpoints, but when it's so long and drawn out that it tests even the patience of the target audience, it might need some editing down and refining. I think this could be a good one if the author had pared it down to the length of a normal-sized novel and took out some of the dry over-explanations. There is a definite skill that Christian fiction authors need to learn in introducing Christian themes into fiction in a way that it feels natural and flows nicely without "preaching" at the reader. And this book definitely preaches.

While I really do appreciate the author's heart at putting the unadulterated truth out there, I don't think the average fiction reader wants to sit down at the end of the day to a 600-page preachy sermon.

Please don’t let my critical review keep you from checking out this book if it interests you, but for me it wasn't my type of fiction read.

[Celia Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are books you read for entertainment, and then there are books that feel like they were written with purpose. A Parallel Time & Place honestly feels like both. After reading the author’s personal story and understanding the pain, faith, and wisdom behind her writing, I respect this work even more. You can feel the sincerity in the description alone. The storyline sounds deeply spiritual without losing the excitement of adventure and mystery. I especially love how the book doesn’t just revisit biblical history, it uses it to reflect on modern society in a meaningful way. That takes courage and creativity. I haven’t purchased it yet because it’s a little expensive for me currently, but this definitely feels like one of those books that stays in your mind long after you finish reading.

[Roman Luca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few books have made me pause as frequently as A Parallel Time & Place. The story combines historical detail, biblical themes, and contemporary relevance in a way that feels remarkably cohesive. The parallels between ancient Judah and modern America create an atmosphere of reflection throughout the novel. What stood out to me was how naturally the author integrated spiritual themes into the narrative. Rather than feeling preachy, the lessons emerged through the experiences of the characters and the unfolding events. Saphah's journey becomes a lens through which readers can examine their own assumptions and priorities. I finished the book with a greater appreciation for both biblical history and the timeless nature of moral choices.

[Cassian Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel offers a unique reading experience that blends imagination with meaningful reflection. The concept of a modern nation running in sync with an ancient biblical kingdom immediately captured my attention, and the author develops that idea with impressive depth. The historical setting feels vivid, and the spiritual themes are woven thoughtfully into the story. I especially appreciated the way the book encourages readers to consider the consequences of collective choices and the importance of leadership, humility, and reform. The narrative succeeds because it entertains while also inviting deeper contemplation. It is rare to find a story that combines historical fiction, biblical insight, and social commentary so effectively.

[Olsen Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book through a Christian reading challenge group, and I’ve been hearing people talk about it nonstop. At first I thought, “Okay, another historical fiction book,” but after reading the synopsis… nope, this is way deeper than that. The parallels between ancient Judah and modern society sound incredibly powerful. I love books that challenge readers spiritually while still keeping the story exciting. The only thing stopping me from buying immediately is the price, but honestly, it still feels worth it considering how rich the content sounds. Also, if this ever becomes a film adaptation, I’m buying popcorn early because this sounds EPIC.

[Lylah Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book description hooked me instantly. I literally started reading the synopsis “just for a second” and ended up reading the entire author bio too. N. E. Kurz has such a powerful testimony, and knowing her personal experiences with grief and faith makes this story feel even more authentic. I appreciate authors who write with genuine purpose and not just entertainment. This sounds like one of those books you read slowly because every chapter makes you think deeply. I haven’t purchased it yet, but I definitely plan to. Also… where can I find the audiobook version? This sounds like the perfect story for long drives or quiet evenings.

[Eddie Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely admire books that are bold enough to tackle spiritual and cultural issues while still telling an engaging story, and A Parallel Time & Place sounds exactly like that kind of book. The parallels between Judah and modern America are fascinating and honestly make me curious about how deeply the story explores those themes. I found this through a reading challenge group online, and now I completely understand why readers are excited about it. The writing already feels rich and meaningful from the synopsis alone. The price is a little high for me at the moment, but it absolutely sounds worth adding to my collection later. Definitely planning to read this soon.

[Katie Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly love how different this story sounds compared to most fiction books today. Time travel, biblical prophecy, spiritual warnings, and modern political parallels all in one book? That’s bold and refreshing. I came across it while browsing books from a reading challenge community, and now I can’t stop thinking about it. The author’s writing style in the description alone already feels cinematic and emotional. My only complaint is that the book is a little expensive for me right now, otherwise it would already be sitting on my shelf. Still, I’m definitely planning to read it soon because this sounds unforgettable.

[Alexandre Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book impressed me with its scope and purpose. The author has created more than a historical adventure; he has crafted a story designed to encourage serious reflection. The journey into ancient Judah is fascinating in its own right, but the real strength of the novel lies in the comparisons drawn between different eras. Human nature, leadership, moral decline, and spiritual renewal are themes that resonate throughout the story. I appreciated the way the author trusted readers to engage with these ideas rather than spelling everything out. The result is a novel that feels meaningful as well as entertaining.

[Bianca Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books that make me ask “what if?” and this one definitely did that. What if ancient Judah really reflected modern society? What if history carries warnings we still haven’t learned from? That concept alone is enough to pull readers in. I discovered this book through a Christian reading challenge and now I’m super curious about the rest of the trilogy. The fact that more books are coming later makes me even more excited. I just hope we don’t have to wait too long because this sounds like the kind of story that leaves readers desperate for the sequel.

[Corvin Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sounds like the kind of book that would make an incredible discussion-group read. There’s so much to unpack spiritually, historically, and emotionally. I found it through a reading challenge recommendation and immediately sent the link to two friends because I knew they’d be interested too. The themes feel timely and important without sounding overly political. I also appreciate that the main character is a woman navigating faith, warning, and responsibility, it makes the story feel even more compelling.

[Moris Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read the full book yet, but the description alone gave me chills. The spiritual themes mixed with alternate reality storytelling sound incredibly unique. I also appreciate that the book doesn’t seem preachy, it sounds thoughtful and emotionally layered instead. Honestly, this feels like the type of novel that sparks conversations long after you finish reading it. I’d absolutely love to see an audiobook adaptation with dramatic narration and background music because this story deserves that level of atmosphere.

[Merritt Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about this book was how relevant it felt. Even though much of the story takes place during the reign of King Josiah, the struggles, questions, and spiritual challenges felt surprisingly familiar. The author does a wonderful job showing that human nature hasn't changed as much as we think it has. I found myself highlighting passages and stopping to think about them. If you enjoy biblical fiction that offers something deeper than just a retelling of history, I highly recommend this one.

[Renji Kato · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a unique reading experience. I've read a lot of Christian fiction and biblical fiction over the years, but I've never read anything quite like this. The blend of history, faith, and alternate reality kept me engaged from beginning to end. Sarah felt like a real person, and I enjoyed seeing ancient Judah through her eyes. More than anything, this book reminded me that God's truth remains relevant no matter the century. I closed the book feeling encouraged, challenged, and grateful that I discovered it.

[Wumigth adex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across the trailer and immediately thought, “Wait… this is a BOOK?” 😂 It honestly feels like something that could become a movie series. The atmosphere, the prophecy themes, the warnings, the emotional depth, it all sounds so cinematic. I haven’t read it yet, but after reading the description and seeing readers discuss it in a challenge group, I’m definitely planning to. The author seems incredibly passionate and sincere, which makes me want to support her work even more.

[Juniper Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stands out from other Christian fiction I've read. Instead of simply retelling biblical events, the author creates a unique scenario that allows readers to compare two different worlds side by side. The result is both entertaining and spiritually enriching. I found myself thinking about the book long after I finished it.

[Kiara Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

The description of this book has completely captured my attention. I would absolutely love an audiobook version because this sounds like the type of story I'd enjoy listening to during long drives or evening walks. If anyone knows whether an audiobook exists and where it can be found, please let me know. This story feels like it would translate beautifully into audio format.

[Hilly Miara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books I discovered purely by accident through a reading challenge. Sometimes those unexpected discoveries become the most memorable reads. The storyline sounds both educational and entertaining, which is a combination I always appreciate. Looking forward to diving into it soon.