The Time of Jacob's Trouble

The Time of Jacob's Trouble #1

by Donna VanLiere

A typical day at work turns into a nightmare for Emma Grady when her favorite patient and several colleagues vanish in front of her. Fear turns to chaos as Emma begins the frantic race from Brooklyn to Queens, anxious to discover if her boyfriend is safe. Subways are closed, graves are open, and countless people have inexplicably disappeared. Mayhem erupts as terror grips the residents of New York City.

What could make so many vanish in a moment? And not just in New York, but all over the globe? Emma wonders if this is the predicted end of the world and begins a desperate search for answers.

This page-turning story will take you on a riveting journey from New York City to Israel, and in the final chapters, Donna turns to the pages of the Bible, where you’ll learn that God has made known to us “the end from the beginning,” and that things aren’t spiraling downward but are actually looking up.

The bestselling author of The Christmas Shoes now explores a future world facing its final days in The Time of Jacob’s Trouble, weaving end-times prophecies into the lives of Emma and her friends as they struggle to survive and come face-to-face with the chilling truth about the disappearances.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopia, Suspense, Speculative Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 17, 2020

About the author

Donna is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She's an in-demand conference speaker and gifted teacher and has 14 published books including four that have been adapted into movies.

Donna is the recipient of multiple industry awards including a Retailer's Choice Award for Fiction, a Dove Award, a Silver Angel Award, two Audie Awards for best inspirational fiction, a nominee for a Gold Medallion Book of the Year and is an inductee in the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Hall of Excellence joining such luminaries as Coretta Scott King, Hugh Downs, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and Senator John Glenn.

Learn more about Donna by visiting www.DonnaVanLiere.com and stay up-to-date and in-touch by subscribing to her free Friendship List.

Reviews

[Alyssia Cooke · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let me brutally honest here; this is not a novel. It is a biblical exploration of the end of times with an exceptionally weak narrative to try to pull it together. The characters are two dimensional cut outs, the events are implausible at best even taking into account the revelations of Scripture, the reactions of everybody cut and dried in a ridiculously black and white fashion. Essentially what VanLiere has done is take paragraphs from the Bible and construct a thin tale around them supposedly depicting the second coming of the Lord. If there was more meat on the bones than repetitive Scripture hurled at you in paragraphs constantly throughout the novel, it would be have more chance of standing up to scrutiny, but it doesn't.

You follow three main characters; Emma, Elliott and Zerah and the first problem of many is that they are all essentially the same character, they all have the same thoughts and concerns and they all do more or less the same thing. It doesn't help that none of them are fleshed out in detail. All of them have difficulty initially understanding what is going on, but all become Bible fanatics within a remarkably short time and are willing and able to extol about the second coming at great length to anyone who will listen and quite a few who won't. The relationships across the novel are all made of the same thin cardboard, whether it is a relationship with family, friends or a partner. All of them have the other side of the relationship not believing for one reason or another and all of them are guilty of being so aggressive in their beliefs that they successfully push the people they should care for most away from them. But of course it isn't seen this way because they are the good guys and those who don't believe are the bad ones.

Never is this more openly seen than when Elliott opens his mouth on street corners or in a church or well, in any variety of different places to preach the same thing every single time. He is protected by the strength of Jesus and yet as soon as he starts to preach other people get mindlessly angry, start attacking him, charging him, even shooting at him. There is no rationale behind this other than the blatant message that if you don't believe fully and completely you must be ridiculously aggressive and have an immediate impulse to shout, scream, rage and strike out at those who are. That is not how most people are, it is not how most people behave and yet the author is completely incapable of depicting individuals on a gradation of greys, instead insisting on hammering her point home in absolutes and no in betweens. Humanity is a wonderful mess of various shades of grey, with very few people being all of one or the other and that is not shown here at all. It makes for a poor set of characters to go along with the thin as hell narrative. It caricatures everything, making it a mockery of the very points it is trying so hard to express.

It also doesn't help that there are virtually no cultural references here; part of the novel is apparently set in Israel, but if not for the fact that you are told you are in Israel you could be forgiven for thinking you were still in New York City. It's all bland and vague, with nothing that leaps of the page at you. This is true for the general writing style as well; there is a whole lot of tell rather than show. You are informed that someone is feeling an emotion, but there is nothing in their behaviour to back that up, except of course for the all too frequent occasions when non-Christians go mental and start screaming and shouting for absolutely no reason. When combined with the repetitive nature of the text - you are told again and again that characters are reading the Bible, the same Biblical passages are explored by every character and often multiple times, the same basic dialogue happens again and again and again - it makes for a really poor experience that is utterly marred by its two dimensional nature.

And then 35% percent of the book is an actual look at Scripture. VanLiere just cuts off the admittedly weak narrative without even attempting to offer any form of resolution and you are chucked into a Bible class, one that has been referenced many times throughout the novel at the end of chapters or sections: Want to know more about the scripture? Go to page __ 'Where In The Word' for further details.

So, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC copy but I promised an honest review and here it is. As a Christian and an avid reader, all I can say is that this is beyond poor. The story is weak as hell, the characters are cardboard cut-outs, there is so much repetition it is ridiculous and you find every other page interrupted by a biblical passage.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a super fan of VanLiere's Christmas books have read them ALL and own them ALL. This was a different book from her. However the writing was outstanding and the story was captivating. I read it so fast and was sad to see it come to an end.
I gave this book 4 stars and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna VanLiere is well known for her wonderful Christmas novels, so this book is definitely a step outside the box. It is set in the US and Israel. One day just like any other day, people suddenly disappear from all over the world and massive destruction takes place. Emma, Elliott and Zerah all seek to find the answer and believe the answer is the beginning of Jesus' return. This book is divided into two parts. The first part is the fictional story, and the second part is the Biblical prophecy support for each thing that happened in the story.

It is obvious that VanLiere did immense research to tie each of the end time prophecies into her story line. The second part is so full of documentation that it reads like a Bible Study. This is a book that will either turn people off and they'll give it a bad review, or it will lead people even deeper into a study of end time prophecy. This book is so appropriate to the events that are taking place now. I definitely will spend time rereading the second part of this book.

I highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in end time Biblical prophecy.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donna VanLiere is best known for her Yuletide novels, starting with The Christmas Shoes, which was based on a heart-wrenching holiday hit tune by NewSong. Since then, she has released a book every Christmas season, some of which have been adapted into telefilms.

However, this time, the author takes a totally different tack. Instead of a sappy holiday romance, this novel is about the "end times": what happens when the prophecies from Revelation appear before our eyes. While I'm not sure it will happen exactly the way she describes it--as I've said in reviews of similar books, I'll just trust God to handle the details--this made for intense reading, and is vastly superior to the bestselling yet shoddily written Left Behind mess. Fans of Christian fiction will likely enjoy this.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must be completely honest here. I did not care for this book at all. It didn’t even read like a novel. The characters seemed like paper dolls with no real life. And 36% of the book was VanLiere’s notes and scripture that went nowhere. I have always enjoyed her books but this was absolutely nothing like her previous work.

*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoyed the Left Behind series, you'll love this!!

The rapture occurs, leaving those left behind panicking as the world devolves into chaos. Emma is a young woman living with her boyfriend, who doesn't seem serious about their relationship or compatible with her at all. Elliot is a Jew living in NYC who is baffled by the disappearances until Jesus reveals Himself to him. Zerah lives in Israel, is an accomplished medical researcher and finds himself perplexed when it appears Messianic believers are those who vanished.

I adored the addition of the 144,000 within the story as well as the tidbits about who will soon be revealed as the Antichrist. There is Scripture included throughout the story, as well as a sizeable section at the end discussing Biblical prophecy featured in the fictionalized account of the End Times.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I noticed a lot reviewers didn’t care for this book but I am the exception. I did like it and am interested in seeing how these future books play out. It does make you think . Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Unfortunately I didn't really enjoy this book as it was too scriptured for me. If you are very religious you will probably really enjoy this book. I found the characters very cardboard like and I just couldnt take to them or the story sadly.

[Emily Reed · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a very...thought provoking book. It is, of course, only speculation of what it could be like. But it definitely makes you think. Overall, I liked it, there was one thing I felt didn't exactly feel right about it, but other than that it was good!

[Viki Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Grady is with a patient in her Physical Therapy office in New York when her patient suddenly vanishes before her. Elliott Hirsch, a Jewish young man in New York, is in a cemetery attending a funeral when he hears a loud explosion and witnesses graves open and urns overturn, all empty of their contents. Dr. Zerah Adler, a research physician in Jerusalem, Israel, is on his way to a meeting with a colleague when she disappears from behind him. The world is thrown into chaos as millions of people vanish.

Pandemonium prevails in the streets of every nation, and anarchy is rampant. Several theories abound as to what is happening: entomological warfare, a virus or bacteria has consumed these people, alien abductions and more. The military in many countries is debilitated, including the United States, stock markets crash across the globe; there is chaos and looting everywhere. And middle eastern countries begin firing on Israel in an effort to destroy the country.

Emma, Elliott and Zerah all had good friends who are gone. But those friends left impressions on these young people, so they each search for a Bible and seek out the scriptures. They all come to the same conclusion … Jesus has snatched away his true believers from the earth. They each begin to make their way through this new world of uncertainty and give their lives to the Lord in the process. Will they make it through the next day, the next week or the next year? What will life be like for them in a world now filled with hate and disbelief? Will they see the pages of the scriptures they now hold so dear unfold before their very eyes?

Donna VanLiere brings us a riveting fictional account in THE TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE of an event recorded in the Bible. Although this event is not referred to as The Rapture in the scriptures, this is the beginning of the end times of the earth as we know it. Ms. VanLiere’s characters are very realistic and each deal with what has happened in their own way. The story line toggles back and forth from New York to Israel chronicling the lives of the three main characters and describing what is occurring in both countries. It was hard to put this book down, but I was delighted to learn that this is just the first of a series of three novels Ms. VanLiere will write on the topic of Bible prophecy and end times. At the end of the book, she devotes several pages to “Where in the Word?”, giving facts about Bible prophecy, discussing questions and misunderstandings about end times and sighting scripture to back up her fictional story. I can’t wait to read the next installment!

[Jacqueline McDougall · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was all but unputdownable. Only the circumstances of life enabled me to set it aside, and I finished it just an hour or so ago.

Not knowing the book’s format until completing chapter 4, I hadn’t realized the book was 2/3 fiction and 1/3 Bible teaching by a learned scholar of Biblical prophecy.

The novel is a fictional portrayal of a group of people who have “lived” through the rapture of the church and the immediate breakdown of the society they had previously known. America’s larger cities are decimated. Two of the principal characters live in NYC, and the book follows them as they struggle to survive and acclimate to their “new normal”.

One of these New Yorkers is a young Jewish man who adheres strictly to the faith of his family. He is at a funeral when he witnesses graves bursting open. Shortly thereafter he is visited by Jesus in manner similar to Jesus visiting Paul on the road to Damascus. He becomes a Messianic Jew and learns he is one of the 144,000 witnesses spoken of in Revelation 7:4-8.

Another of these 144,000 witnesses is living in Israel. He also is a young devout Jewish man who comes to saving faith through the words of a man on the street whom no one but he can see.

For me, this was the perfect time to read such a novel. One of the principal characters is searching through a raptured friend’s house to find supplies for herself and other post-rapture believers, most of whom are children. As she did so, I found myself asking her “Why are you touching everything? Aren’t you worried about catching it?”

There is no virus in the book, only violence and depravity since, as the author explains, what (2 Thessalonians 2:6) was holding back the entrance of the antichrist – the raptured believers (or the church) – is gone, leaving behind those who follow their own badly skewed moral code.

Although the book is not advertised as a Bible study, I feel benefit would be derived by going back and looking at the scriptures (there are many) the author references both in the novel and in the Biblical explanations in the back of the book. Isn’t that the mark of a truly exceptional book – that it entices the reader to search the scriptures for herself?

This is a fantastic book! Unfortunately, the publication date is 2020, and the second installment isn’t to be released until 2021.

I will be waiting. The rest of you, be sure and check out this well-written and -researched and timely book.

[Taunya Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Time of Jacob's Trouble by Donna VanLiere.

I received this ARC in return for an honest review.

If you are a fan of the Left Behind series, you will love this book. It is nonstop, edge of your seat, can't put it down action from the beginning. I was not disappointed!

It begins with Emma, a physical therapist, trying to get everyone in her apartment building to go to the basement. There is an attack on the city and everyone needs to get to safety. The author then jumps back to one week earlier. This is where the story begins. There are three main characters in this book: Emma, Brandon, and Elliot. Their stories/point of view are told throughout the book. The characters eventually merge into a group, along with other survivors.

The theme of the book is the Rapture and what comes after, such as war, famine, and violence. This band of survivors (those not take with the Rapture) find the Truth and try to save others physically, mentally, and spiritually.

The true jewel of this book is that there are options throughout to read the biblical facts behind the story in that chapter or to continue on with the story. Should one choose to continue with the story, there is a whole section in the back of the book that gives biblical reference to each chapter. While the fictional book itself is an amazing read, knowing the facts behind it are extremely important.

I highly recommend this gem and will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

[Robin Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in New York and Israel at the time of the Rapture, seen from the eyes of a few different people who were not taken. There is much confusion as people try to sort out what has happened. One of the characters is in a cemetery and sees the graves around him burst open, the person being buried disappears. Others have people they know, including some family, disappear. These people had tried to give them the message that Jesus would be coming, but they didn't believe. Now they can see they were being told the truth. Two of the men are Jews and are visited by witnesses and told they are chosen as part of the 144,000 messianic Jews. Interesting story that is excellent at showing prophesy. I ate this right up, greatly looking forward to picking it up again each time. The story is a quick read, the rest of the book is very detailed information with scripture that explains how the Bible tells the prophecy in Revelations and many other passages. A fabulous manual for now and for those who will be left behind. I'm ready! Keep looking up, the time is close. It could happen at any time! Donna shows how many of today's world events fit right into the end times prophecies.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

#TheTimeOfJacobsTrouble #NetGalley

[Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've long been a fan of Donna VanLiere's Christmas novels, and this year with everything going on, I decided I wanted to give some Christian end times novels a chance. With how much I've loved this author's other books, it seemed only fitting for her book to be the first I ended up trying. While I wasn't exactly sure what to expect going into this one, I honestly ended up loving it.

The novel itself had me glued to the pages, and I ended up putting down the other books I was reading to focus solely on this one. I loved that everything stayed true to the scripture, and I found it eye opening and heart breaking to read a fictional account of what the earth will be like after the Christians are taken up to be with Jesus.

I quite honestly would have loved this one with just the fictional part of the story, but I loved the fact that the author chose to include a lengthy Bible study at the end of the book on end times and where she drew each piece of the the story from in scripture. I really took my time working my way through the study, and I found it helped put so many things into perspective for me. I've long found the new trends of popular Christianity to be disheartening, and it's staggering to hear the new statistics about the younger generation especially not wanting to study their Bible anymore. I think the world needs more books like this one, and I can't recommend it enough. Definitely read and enjoy the fictional part, but also take time to truly work your way through the study and let all the scriptures sink in.

I can't wait to pick up book two in the series, and I will definitely be recommending this one to others.

Final Rating: 5/5.

[Wilma Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. A good clear salvation message, and no nudity, sex or cussing!!! Good book. Going to start the next one now.

[Lindsay Lemus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good depiction of what to expect in the end times. I loved the biblical references in the back of the book to explain her thought process on the fictional parts.

[Caroline Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughy enjoyed The Time of Jacob's Trouble by Donna VanLiere. Ms VanLiere has written an excellent novel which deals with fictional characters at the time of The Rapture, foretold in scripture as the time when Jesus returns to call his believers to Heaven prior to Armageddon. In addition to the novel we are given Where in The Word which helps those who are not Biblical scholars to ascertain where they can find in scripture the prophecy dealing with the various aspects of the story.

I am a committed Christian and had no trouble following what was going on and why but, having Where in The Word literally to hand when reading the novel, makes this end times thriller a must both for Christians and for those interested in learning more about Christianity. Ms VanLiere's writing style is such that the novel will be equally acceptable to those without faith who will enjoy the book as a thriller.

First in a series and recommended.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as a free arc through Goodreads.

Unfortunately for me, it was not a good read. The story was too quick so there was a lot of details left out. I feel like we could have gotten to know the characters more. Also, their development to going straight to preaching about end times seemed too rapid. It was an interesting concept, but I expected more of a story than a sermon. Even the interactive features of “Where in the Bible” were more distracting and pulled me out of the story. They should have been saved for the end. Speaking of which, The last third of the book just talked about the scriptures that related to parts of the story. I think that’s way too much of the book. Because of that section, there was also no need to have reminders throughout the book. Overall, it was a tough book to finish. I think this would be better used to guide a bible study group instead of reading for entertainment.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was probably my favorite book of 2020 so far. Donna VanLiere is an excellent author, and this latest book is no exception. It is a fiction novel about the rapture, similar to the Left Behind series, but in much less detail. It looks like it will end up being a trilogy. Then the author added nonfiction also. Every few chapters there is a box guiding you to a chapter in the back explaining the Biblical background of what has happened so far. I read the nonfiction part as directed in the boxes, but you could also read the entire fiction novel and then the rest of it in order as a nonfiction book. It was very well done, and, in my limited knowledge, I found it accurate. I can't wait to read the other two books when they come out!!!

[Kristine Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opens with the rapture of the saints and follows the lives of two Jewish men along with other assorted characters. I loved it. I think it is better than Left Behind. My only problem is that it ended halfway through the book and I have to wait for book 2. The second half of this one is called Where in the Word and is a detailed guide to the scriptures. I liked this but was not expecting the abrupt end to the book. (I was reading on kindle so thought I had almost 40% of the book left.)
So settle in for a thrilling story.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

[Barbara Tsipouras · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story about those left behind after the rapture isn't new and it's not even remarkably gripping. Their conversions are sudden and they're running through the whole bible within a few days. There's a lot of telling instead of showing.
It is obvious that the purpose of this book isn't to tell a gripping story with psychological depth, but to illustrate biblical prophecy.
The appendix is as long as this first part of a trilogy.
I'm not really looking forward to the other two parts.

[Kathleen Meacham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the distinction of being both fiction and non-fiction. The first part was the fictional story, which was fast-paced and a page-turner. After that a wonderful factual deep dive about the rapture/end times, et. al. was included. Both pieces were stellar. I found this to be an outstanding read -- highly pertinent at this particular time for both Christians and Non-Christians. Not to be missed.

[Ethan Doucet · Rating 4 out of 5]

VanLiere uses the Bible to paint a picture of end times. Her use of Scripture and story-telling blend well in her pursuit to enlighten people to what could come in the future. My only issue is her definition of prophecy in the informational section of the book. She claims that prophecy is purely predictive and concerning the future, but that isn’t quite true. Prophecy is the inspired telling of God’s Word, which often concerns the future. Sometimes this meant simply declaring the sins of a people; “woe” oracles are a perfect example of this (see Zephaniah 3:1-5 and Matthew 23:1-36). Otherwise, this was a story that clutched my attention from beginning to end!!

[Justin Hollahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written in both the story portion and the teaching section! Donna does a great job in making prophecy come to life and the book is a wonderful reminder that our King is coming soon!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Time of Jacob’s Trouble is not what I expected, nor was the writing the Donna VanLiere that I’m used to.

A typical day at work turns into a nightmare for Emma Grady when her favorite patient and several colleagues vanish in front of her. What could make so many people vanish in a moment? And not just in New York, but all over the globe?

Do you remember the Left Behind series from the early 2000s? As a believer those books packed a punch. To me they were an easier way to see what the Bible describes in the book of Revelation. The Time of Jacob’s Trouble seems to be VanLieres way of doing the same thing. But this book did not work for me or pack the same punch the Left Behind series did. The characters lacked depth and their stories and how they are written felt jumbled and without flow. Then suddenly, the book just stops! I was not expecting a cliffhanger! What I didn’t know when I started this book was that it is the first book in a series.

Why did my Kindle say there was nearly two hours left in the book when I reached the end of the story? Because the rest of the book is segments titled Where in the Word? The best way I can describe these segments are as Bible study material. VanLiere dives into the scripture surrounding the events in the fictional chapters she has written. I did not read these segments because I was not prepared for them. Their inclusion was such a shock to me. I wasn’t prepared to study the end times as told in Revelation in depth. My head was completely in the fictional characters and what was happening to them.

While this did not live up to my VanLiere expectations, it was still an okay read. I’m not sure how this book is classified, but it seems better suited for a Bible study group to experience together. I’m not sure that I’ll read the next book, but I’ll probably read the fictional portion only and skip the study material if I do decide to continue the series.

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

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is to be noted that there are two parts to this book, a novel, and a study guide.

PART I - The Novel

In the spirit of the Left Behind series and with a touch of Joel C. Rosenberg, The Time of Jacob's Trouble is a story of upheaval and confusion, with millions missing and a world on the brink of war this book could have had the potential of being something great. There were some elements of hope, but in the end, it felt like the story had been rushed and it fell flat.

Told in multiple points of view, the story skips back and forth between the main characters, countries and the political rhetoric of the pending singular world government. I found this to be confusing as one minute you were reading about a character in New York and the next you were in Israel or a political forum in Europe (or where ever it was).

I tried to like this book, but . . . I'm left with the feeling that it had been done before. The plot was weak, the characters lacked development and the abrupt ending of the novel portion of the book left me frustrated.

PART II - The Study Guide

The second portion of The Time of Jacob's Trouble is an in-depth study of the Biblical book of Revelation that the story is based upon.

I recommend having a Bible handy as you read through this portion of the book as it is heavy with information and verses that you will want to take the time to read for yourself.

I found this portion of the book to be well thought out and well researched.

Final Thoughts:

If the author had put as much effort into character and plot development for the novel portion of this book as she did for the study portion, it would have been a good book to pick up.

The Time of Jacob's Trouble was a disappointing read for me and I think it would have been better to have been either two separate books - or for the study guide to be a singular book.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Time of Jacob's Trouble by Donna VanLiere is a story of the earth in the end times. When millions of people suddenly vanish, the ones left behind are afraid, confused, and unsure of what happens next. The story focuses on three people: Emma, Elliot, and Zerah. Emma is a physical therapist working with a patient who vanishes under her touch. Elliot is a Jew standing in a cemetery when the graves erupt. Zerah lives in Israel, where he researches disease. Each of them will discover that Jesus is the answer, that He has taken His children home with Him. How this affects their lives will remain with them always.
I enjoyed this book. It is very scary to think about those who will be left behind when Jesus does return. I was encouraged by the characters in the book also, how they didn't stop looking for answers.
At the end of the book were several chapters about the end times, as per the Bible. I think that is great, but the story was just left off, without an actual closing. That was my only problem and the reason for my rating.
I received a free copy of this story for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Valkyrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book in the mail from the publishers, Harvest House, with no note inside. I assumed I'd finally won one of the millions of giveaways that I had entered. As I started reading it, I became quickly engaged with the characters - Emma and Matt, their friends Brandon and Rick, Dr. Zerah Adler coming home to dinner with his parents, and Elliot with his pushy mom. I can picture the goings on of the characters days as they're told. I had never heard of author Donna VanLiere, although on the cover it says she is a New York Times bestselling author. Curiosity being what it is, I googled her and found that she is a religious author. So... I'm one of those people who identifies as spiritual but not religious. I was really torn, wanting to keeping reading about these characters I've already vested myself in and not continue reading because it is of a religious bent. I'm now on chapter 25 of 41. I am still uncomfortable with the overtly religious material but love the story and still love the characters. As of now, I'm choosing to continue reading the book.

[Connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is listed as a Christian fiction book. It begins with an unmarried couple, Emma and Matt who are living together. Two of their closet friends, Rick and Brandon are homosexual males. I’m putting that out there because these aren’t typical Christian fiction relationships. I am hoping that other authors who write inspirational books don’t feel the need to add scenarios like this just because it’s the latest fad in books.

The book itself is a rather dry read. If you’ve ever read a book in the past that tries to inform, but the fictional characters are fairly lifeless, you will know how I feel. I didn’t particularly care for any of the people in this one; the connection wasn’t there at all, and part of the enjoyment of reading is feeling a sense of caring what happens to the characters.

Perhaps things improve as the book goes on. I couldn’t finish this. The author has written some other wonderful books, but in my opinion, this isn’t one of them.

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't get along with some of the characters. When I requested the book for review I was expecting something else and few minutes into reading I came across something I didn't quite agree with.

The story is fast paced and talks about end time. Tells the story of individuals and their search for answers, what happens during the time of the rapture. The biblical references were okay; those caught my attention.
I liked the setting in Israel. The author's writing style and description was easy to follow and understand.
My favorite quote: Somehow, God is friend to both her mother and Mrs Ramos, and somewhere deep inside she wishes she could be like them.

I received a copy of the book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.