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A Story Romantic Story Set During The End Times Filled with Excitement but Lacking Character Development.

To set some context, I’m one of the few people who didn’t like the Left Behind series. I thought it was repetitive and too literal in its interpretation of prophecy. I have a history of belonging to a church that incorrectly interpreted prophecy, which has made me a bit skeptical of any prophetic interpretation. Also, I’m male, so romantic novels don’t generally sit well with me.

Given that context, you may understand why I didn’t honestly enjoy “Till the Rapture Do Us Part” by Ruth Harbour. I never felt anything for the characters. I didn’t read anything strong in character development, and there weren’t enough inner thoughts and feelings beyond the excitement Lizy had about meeting “Mr. Right.” When reading a novel, especially a romance novel, the reader needs to connect with the characters’ inner thoughts and feelings. I never did.

Probably ninety percent of the book was dialogue between characters or words said in one character’s mind. There was little scenery description and few character feelings beyond the typical scared, happy, angry, and sad.

The beginning of the novel hinted at world events beginning to fulfill prophecy, but it didn’t provoke any feeling of worry, excitement, dread, or concern. Perhaps because it was mostly presented in the broadcast news and not yet happening to any character the reader had any genuine feelings for.

The book improved somewhat after the rapture. Although it was obvious who would be left behind. While the character development and writing didn’t improve, the story became more exciting as more prophecies unfolded and characters were in danger.

Forgiveness and reconciliation after the rapture were probably the book’s greatest strength. This was its best message to readers.

The gospel was clearly presented, and characters were convicted of wrong. This was one of the book’s strengths. There were also probable and creative ideas for the fulfillment of prophecies.

Had the characters been better developed, the joyful reunions in heaven might have moved the reader to tears, but as such, there was little feeling where there could have been.

For readers interested in prophecy or romance, you might enjoy this; however, the Left Behind Series, which I didn’t like, was far better. Still, if you’re looking for some ideas on how prophecy could be fulfilled, then give it a try. You might enjoy it better than I did.

Moral Lesson

Accept the Gospel before time runs out.

The urgency of accepting the gospel is clearly protrayed in the story. Those who chose not to repent and receive the gospel were left behind to endure trials and tribulations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ruth’s passion is spreading the message of this, her first, novel—that is, the love of God and His full redemption. She has spent over forty years in Taiwan as a missionary. Now, in her retirement, God has put an urgency in her heart to help people be ready for the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ, because he promised—“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and I will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (Jn. 14:3) Ruth, with her husband, Mark, is a member of Global Outreach, International and has retired to Taiwan to continue the work of reaching the resistant west coast for Christ through a non-profit called Taiwan Harvest 119 Caring Association.  She also aspires to better love and encourage her five children and fifteen grandchildren. Ruth received her Master of Arts in Worship from the Conservative Baptist Seminary in Shiluo Taiwan in 2022 where she majored in violin and discovered the joy of composing music. So Ruth aspires to write for many audiences, from children to adults, music lovers to aspiring missionaries. For more information about Ruth and her book,
visit her website: www.RuthHarbour.com