by Gabrielle Meyer (Author), Rachel Botchan (Narrator), Recorded Books (Publisher)

An AUDIO book review

Version 1.0.0

IN THIS MOMENT follows Gabrielle Meyers‘ compelling time-crossing novel WHEN THE DAY COMES. At the end of Book One, time-crossers Libby and Henry’s daughter Maggie is born. She carries the marks of both her parents; one over her heart and the other on the back of her neck, designating that she will cross TWO times, one ahead to the future and one back in history.

This book neatly arranges the years 2001, 1941, and 1861. In each “path,” she lives one day at a time in the Washington, D.C., area and is the child of very well-off parents. She is also a part of the medical field in each. In chapters when she visits the same place in two of her paths are fun, such as when she goes to the Ford Theatre, where Lincoln is later assassinated, and then in the newly renovated venue. She has memory of the other paths, no matter which one she’s in.

As we pick up Maggie’s story (Meg/Margaret), she is just eight months away from her 21st birthday, the date she must decide which of the paths she will follow for the rest of her life. (She will die in the other two.) She loves people in each one, especially her marked parents in the 1940’s. She also meets and enjoys the company of gentlemen in each, which tug at her heart in different ways. Her vision of helping and healing people also influences which she will choose.

In 1861, the Civil War is about to begin. Her father is a US Senator, and they know Abraham Lincoln and his wife well. She finds ways that she can “minister her skills” to injured Union soldiers along with Clara Barton, being very careful not to use any of her “future paths” knowledge. She can never change history, or else she will be out of that path immediately..

In 1941, she is a new surgical nurse and gets transferred to a Navy Hospital ship bound for Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  In 2011, she studied to be a surgeon, and if she remains there, she will take a Surgical Residency. (That’s the year of 9/11, in case you forgot.)

Gabrielle Meyers is an outstanding writer, easily taking us from one of Maggie’s paths to another. Her research into the history and culture of each time period is amazing.  And when she can she includes real historical characters. It’s a little like reading three intertwining books at the same time, except it is the same person in each. Fascinating, and totally addicting.

I give this book and author a solid FIVE STARS, but in a very miniscule way, there were a few – very few – times when Maggie would think or say something that is purely 2022.  Very few, and only a book critic like me would find them.  No matter, my advice is read this book.  You will get pulled in and LOVE it .

And… just like the first book, the ending will leave you in a jaw-dropping story cliff-hanger about what happens in the next book.  Oh my!  Such a creative mind. I can’t wait!

The narrator is the same as in the first book, so in the audio version, you are immediately in the continuing story.