Though None Go with Me

by Jerry B. Jenkins

One woman s costly decision will touch a lifetime of hearts.

Born at the turn of the century, Elisabeth Grace LeRoy longs for something more in her life. Something only an eternal love can offer. It is a love she encounters at last one that promises to fill her passionate heart completely and that calls forth her utmost in return. In response, Elisabeth makes the commitment that will shape her entire life: a decision to follow Christ always, no matter the cost.

So begins a remarkable love story a legacy of faith that weaves together two world wars, the Great Depression, and deep personal sorrows as the dramatic background for displaying the courage, grace, joy, and far-reaching impact of a life lived truly and fully for God."

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Book Club

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1997

About the author

Jerry Bruce Jenkins is an American novelist and biographer. He is best known as the writer of the Left Behind series of books for Tim LaHaye and The Chosen novels to accompany his son Dallas's TV series. Jenkins has written more than 200 books, including mysteries, historical fiction, biblical fiction, cop thrillers, international spy thrillers, and children's adventures, as well as nonfiction. His works usually feature Christians as protagonists. In 2005, Jenkins and LaHaye ranked 9th in Amazon.com's 10th Anniversary list of Hall of Fame authors based on books sold at Amazon.com during its first 10 years. Jenkins now teaches writers to become authors here at his website. He and his wife Dianna have three sons and eight grandchildren.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was written by an evangelical christian writer. I thought the writing itself left a lot to be desired - particularly how he ended the book. He wrapped it up very suddenly with a "and now she lived happily ever after" type of thing.

I read this for a bookclub. I think this book was supposed to be faith building. I found the author's image of God to be highly disturbing and completely different from my own ideas of a loving God. It's not an evil book, but not very uplifting either. There was one section that really bothered me. The main character, Elizabeth, has decided to try for that "closer walk with Jesus". Her pastor advises her that this is very difficult. She will suffer more trials and LESS JOY. Throughout the book, joy is considered something that is incongruous with obedience, and is reserved mainly for the hereafter. I'm sure the author meant to write a book about being faithful no matter the trials that come. But he completely forgot to include Joy.

[Connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

For the first half of the book, though very sad, it was realistic. But I kept waiting for the main character to learn more about the Grace that empowers living even in difficult situations. But she remained duty bound to promise and doctrine, leaving out most joy, intimacy with God and other believers. Even at the end, the birthday party seems attended by those who admire her from a distance, but who have been relatively unsupportive as fellow members of the Body of Christ. In addition, she alienated some of her closest family members by her duty bound religious spirit that kept her from truly accepting them and then moving forward. To put all the weight of true value of life as a Christian on whether someone makes a commitment just before they die, rather than to live with victories that come along with the trials is distorting the message of life with Jesus.

[Chloé · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect this book to rattle me as much as it did. I related to the main character in several ways, especially in her younger and teenage years. I asked a lot of the same questions she did and came to the same answers. This book was incredibly sad, yet the ending was satisfying and happy. I loved the way it was written in telling this woman's life story. The verses put throughout the book and the hymns noted were beautiful and made everything that much more heartfelt. I thoroughly - not enjoyed, but more soaked in the story and let the message of it speak to me loud and clear.

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, and it definitely challenged me spiritually. However, the amount of trials and tragedies in this book was almost ridiculous.

[Joy Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is so sad. I just couldn't get it out of my head how much tragedy she went through, and it was all rushed over (especially the last two deaths) like it didn't bother her after awhile and just became par for course. I think if it had been written by a woman, we would have gotten some more details on certain things.

SPOILER ALERT: I was really mad when Ben married DellaRae. That just didn't seem fair. He didn't really love her; he and Elisabeth had even been making fun of her a little bit. So that was really disappointing. In fact, I wondered if it was a joke, until the mention that 20 years went by. The ending was somewhat satisfying, but I would have liked another chapter giving us time to bask in how wonderful it was that Ben and Elisabeth finally ended up together.

Also, Elisabeth seemed really crotchety at her party. 65 isn't really that old. I know she's been through a lot, but she just lacked the joy of the Lord, considering that her whole life had been dedicated to that.

Will's and Benji's illnesses were never fully explained, and they were so sudden. Also, what was the purpose of Bruce's life? He kept being saved from tragedy, and everyone said that God had big plans for him, only for him to die in a car wreck.

I didn't really understand the theme of obedience being described, other than the fact that she honored her word with Agatha. Sure, she kept going to church and reaching out to her community in spite of her troubles, and she stayed by Will's side to the end, but I didn't really see what that had to do with "obedience." And why, if you commit your life to obeying God, whould it be assumed that your whole family is going to die?

I really got into the book overall, and I was glued to it, just to see what happened and more than anything, because I really wanted to see her happy with Ben. But in general, I just think the book was unsatisfying.

[Isabelle (SimplyLovedBooks=etsy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could never write a review good enough to do this book justice. That was amazing. 🤩
I feel like every real Christian who wants to serve God to the best of their ability, should read this book. If you don’t know the struggle of wanting to serve God with all of your heart and feeling inadequate, this book won’t touch your heart. But if you do know that struggle, then WOW. It will hit hard and change your view of life in a beautiful way! I would rate this 6 ⭐️ if I could!
It was so impactful, and NEVER got dull. I never expected anything, I was being constantly shocked and surprised by what kept happening! It was like a wave 🌊 it was sad, then I was surprised, then squealing because I couldn’t believe what was happening, then it was sad again and it would continue like that and you would never want to stop reading it! Oh my gracious PLEASE someone read it and agree with me that it was a BEAUTIFUL story! 😍 Amazing Job! Jerry Jenkins is back up top as my #1 favorite author folks!

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I started this book one day last week but I did the majority of the reading this weekend. Just picked it up and didn't want to put it down. Reading Christian books like this one is a little like reading a Danielle Steele book but without the sex (I don't miss that and ya still get the sappy romance :)) and the gigantic bonus is that you get constant reminders in fictional but real application of scripture. I particularly enjoyed that the author made the main character struggle with the unfairness of the constant sacrifices she had to make in obedience and submission. It added a dimension of realism to a story of a woman who's faith was tested to extremes. I also liked that the real capstone of the book was the end and the lesson that whether we know it or not, the life we live is a living testimony to others of the love of Christ. Good summer read....

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I'm ruining the average rating on this one. I totally expected to love it...even though my sister-in-law said that it was too sad for her taste.

I loved the premise. I disagreed with some of her theology...granted, we have different faiths, so that is not unexpected...but one that really bugged me was the idea that if you really want to be a disciple of Christ, your life will be full of trials and sadness...well, my belief and understanding is that we all have trials and sadness, but it's Christ and his Gospel that make it easier to bear and helps us to find happiness sometimes even amidst our struggles.

I thought Jenkins was an interesting writer, the book had a good premise, but...(well, whatever I said above) and then, again, I didn't care for the ending.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has to be in one of my top 5 most favorite books. I laughed, I cried...no bawled. I felt like I was reading about my life. I've asked the same question of God and will buy this and read again! Loved it!! ♥

[Makenna Hamlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75⭐️
I didn’t have high expectations for this book but I ended up loving it! So. Good. 😭❤️

[Danielle Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of verse references, which sidelined the story for me (maybe the strangest love triangle story I’ve ever read) but it did keep my attention and I read the whole book in about 24 hours. I had some questions though, like why did they name their first born Ben?!?! And why was the main character such a door matt? Living for the Lord shouldn’t be synonymous with being walked all over. And why would it be acceptable for Elizabeth to take back her word in regards to her love life but not in regards to selling her house for more fair price? And why did her dedicating her life to God at a young age make her feel like her trials were related to that? I could’ve understood that better if she was persecuted or shunned for her beliefs, but for example her father would’ve died from cancer either way (whether she had lived for Christ or not) but her POV made it seem like that and many other events were related to her dedication to God. She also heavily favored her 3rd child, which was obvious to the other two children, and quite possibly influenced their bad behavior later in life.

[TransparentFilter · Rating 1 out of 5]

What an awful book. I hate to give it one star but it honestly doesn't deserve more than that. Elizabeth is a legalistic, boring woman. She alienates everyone just about, including two of her children. Their deaths are just passed over because she honestly didn't seem to care for either of them except for a "notch" in her spiritual belt. She does nothing but church work and duty to her husband. She really couldn't find time to go see the daughter?? Really? She clutches to that old house in yet another prideful example, it doesn't even have heat.
There is nothing uplifting about this book at all. Never a bright spot. The last chapter, I guess, is supposed to show us what a wonderful ministry she had. It honestly was one of the worst parts of the book. She got her reward right there. Don't even get me started on Bruce.
If you want to read a book that is comparable to this one but way, way better, try "Ribbon of Years" by Robin Lee Hatcher. That is an amazing book.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I CANNOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! Well, due to the fruit of the Spirit and self-control…I can. But I don’t want to! It’s such a phenomenal book. I’ve read many Christian fiction books and this by far blows them out of the water…

I relate well with Elisabeth and can so appreciate her fervent walk with the Lord. This book is inspirational, to say the least. I am truly intrigued and encouraged ti strengthen my relationship with the Lord. It is an honor to take up our cross daily and follow Him. This is what the story reminds me of. I love the scripture woven throughout the book. It isn’t just sprinkled throughout, it’s a firm part of the plot.

If you are looking for a fictional story that will impact and strengthen your relationship with the Lord Almighty, this is it! It’s biblically sound, gripping, encouraging, and inspirational. It has officially become my all time favorite book. I’m keeping it forever and passing it down to my children, whenever the Lord gives me them!

[brenda gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished a book by Jerry B Jenkins called Though None Go With Me. I consider it one of the strongest faith filled books that I have ever read. It spans two World Wars and the Great Depression. It shows what a life totally consecrated unto God, no matter the cost will do. The female MC reminds me of Job as to her trials but she remained faithful despite her losses. If you need to be encouraged in your faith, please read this book. It's so uplifting.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about a very devout woman who remains faithful through many trials, but who is misguided in her underestanding of what being a Christian really means. She allienates even those closest to her by trying to control them with her version of religion. Still, this would make for a good plot if the writing was wonderful, which it isn't.

[Beth Wyant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t stayed up all night reading a book in some time. In these difficult times, I searched for a book that might give me a fresh touch of His love and grace. I randomly found it in my searching and it is exactly what my heart needed at this moment. Loved every single thing about this book. I know it won’t be a book for everyone, but I won’t soon forget Elisabeth and her years of following Jesus, no matter the cost.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too sad and depressing. Good ending but it was not worth reading. I like uplifting and encouraging books. The author makes the main character into a martyr. That was endlessly irritating. I will not read this author again. I have read books on concentration camps more uplifting.

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

one of the most depressing books I have ever read... usually like his books, but not this one

[Cindy Wissmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. This book made me examine my own faithfulness... How could one endure so much and still have so much faith. Inspirational indeed.

[Kirsten Fawcett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the story was interesting, the presentation of it was over the top.

[Innocent · Rating 5 out of 5]

painful and heartbreaking...

[Adoch Winnifred · Rating 4 out of 5]

its a great story but its such a heartbreaking story that you almost want to cry. All the pain she went through , its almost too much. Am not sure i can make it to the end like she did. she is one who it did walk the talk. She was a down to earth lady. So simply yet you want to get to know her because she has such a good heart.
she makes you admire being a Christian even though it has its hardship. Even when all is taken from you , you will still find hope and hold on to that hope and never let go because God is a promise Keeper to his people.
Whatever he had promise will never fail to fulfill even when when think its long gone .In the end we stand to say the Lord was good to us to the very end.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally, I don’t care for Christian fiction because it is too happy and cheesy, but I think this book had the opposite problem. It was far too tragic and sad.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed the book and it held my attention.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Aaarrrggghhh! This is why I avoid Christian fiction. I thought this would be different from the typical fare - sappy love stories about people who go to church and, hey, let's throw in a Bible verse for good measure. The plot of this book sounded more like "In His Steps", so I figured this could be worthwhile, maybe even challenging.
Nope.
Let's start with the basic writing quality. I managed to get past the dumb character names and nicknames, but I couldn't overlook the timeline errors. Where were the editors? The age differences between the children wavered; the Depression was over in a flash; a 65-year-old woman was feeble and frail (without any mention of any illness). I couldn't help wondering if Jenkins actually knows anyone with dementia, as his picture of a person recently diagnosed babbling one-word sentences like a toddler was insulting to the dignity of people suffering from the disease.
And then we have the story itself. Scripture was reduced to mere platitudes. Elisabeth's "experiment in obedience" made Christianity about being holier than thou, rather than about a deep, meaningful relationship with Jesus. She frequently listed her trials, but we rarely saw her wrestle with God when she faced decisions or crossroads. I couldn't help but think that some of her problems were brought on by bad choices she made. She ignored her hurting children to dote on the one who loved Jesus and was obedient. And once again we have a Christian novel where the good people are oh, so good and the bad people are oh, so bad (and lower class, apparently).
Gross. I'll stick with nonfiction.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a rather sad book, but...life sometimes is that way. Job was not the only one to suffer great hardships. Some of it was very hard for me to read, having experienced something similar that happened in the book. But in the end I was glad I read it, as it showed that we don't always see or know how our lives might be used by God to affect others. May we remain steadfast, no matter how hard the race. Christians may not have as many trials as Elisabeth does in this book, but there *will* be some, at least (see 1 Peter 4 and other passages), and we will be rewarded for loving service, if not in this life, then after we go to be with the Lord. Seeing the Lord, itself, is one of the greatest rewards!

[Miranda Summerset · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of the book was fantastic! I related so much with Elisabeth and her journey and the feelings of having your first love and not fitting in with your peers. I really enjoyed it up until the point where she got married and started having kids. I then started to feel it got super repetitive and the storyline didn't really go anywhere in my opinion. It started off angling towards being about a love triangle, and I kept expecting for Ben to pop back up, but he didn't really have much impact on anything, even after the big reveal about him. I already knew the ending was going to happen, so it wasn't a huge surprise. This book was definitely a good, solid read and I would recommend to anyone who likes a good romance with a lot of tragedy in-between.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those life-changing, thought provoking, challenging books. It is life altering if you let it be, thought provoking if you contemplate everything that happens and challenging if you decide to live like Elisabeth. I don't know if it's possible to live such a sacrificial, obedient to God life but wow - if you can do it - what a walk you will have. I think the book is true to what such a life would be and it held me spell-bound as I kept wanting to see how every situation played out and how Elisabeth would deal with things. I think it's a true to life, realistic portrayal and I highly recommend reading this book solely because it will make you examine things in your life. I do think it's sad (I cried a few times) and I wish Elisabeth had taken a bit more joy in life.

[Karol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm. This book seems to suggest that if you are truly committed to Christ, you will live a long life filled with tragedy. Life is a struggle -- but does the depth of one's struggles indicate in any way the depth of one's faith? I had a hard time swallowing what seemed to be the author's basic theme -- that if your struggles are unimaginable it indicates you are one of the few who is fully committed to the Lord.

I don't think that either a seemingly "blessed" life nor a tragic one is an indicator of one's level of faith. Life just IS. The rain fall on the just AND the unjust -- and our faith in God helps us with whatever situations we face.

[Kim Weese · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that goes to great lengths to show that those who dedicate their lives to Christ do not have a perfect life from that time forward. This is a good thing to remember as we struggle through this life. As my pastor says, "it is not pie in the sky." The book is emotional and interesting...a very quick read. My only problem with the book is that this poor woman seems to have nothing go well for her...I just kept wanting her to have one good break. It is all tied together in the end with a happy moment that would serve to show the value of this lifestyle is sometimes unseen...also important to remember. However, when the story was over, I felt tired and sad.

[Alina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Years ago, I read his entire Left Behind series and loved them. This was the first book by him that I've read since. I definitely wasn't as thrilled. The story is the life journey of a woman, Elisabeth. It goes from her birth to age 65. She is a christian woman who has devoted her life to Christ and her faith in Him as carried her through all the trials and tribulations of her life. It was good as it really emphasized the never-ending faith in Christ no matter what the circumstances. However, there were soooo many tragedies and personal losses during this woman's life that it seemed almost unbelievable. It also made it depressing.