Publisher: CWW Publishing

Date of Publication: October 12, 2022

Length: 388 pages, paperback

I received this book from the publisher.

Henry Smith is a widow. Dealing with three children who have lost their mother is difficult. He misses her too. Their son Benji suffers from asthma and his condition appears to be worsening. The only solace the family has is at church. Their weekly attendance gives them the strength to make it through another week. Since their mother died, the oldest daughter, Abigail, has had to manage the household. She has a secret too, a romantic relationship with the young pastor of their church.

Garry Harper’s book is based on the teachings of the “Millerites” a historic group of religious fundamentalists that believed in the apocalypse. The fictional Smith family is the perfect foil for a town that has lost its way. The most compelling part of this story happens after the failure of the apocalypse. When everyone in town assembles and the only thing that happens is sundown, how will Rev. Miller explain his mistake? Will the followers continue believing? These people have rid themselves of all earthly trappings believing that they no longer need them. Do they admit their mistake and attempt to reclaim their belongings or will they be so embarrassed that they move to another place? The young pastor that was put aside attempts to refocus everyone on worship but many will not listen. It is interesting to see how the friends and neighbors of the Smith family respond to them before and after Rev. Miller is proved wrong.

The story of the Millerites is not as tragic as some recent groups we have called cults. There isn’t any Kool-Aid or suicide to reach heaven. Fanaticism is something that needs to be fed to survive. With the help of the local newsman, Rev. Miller was able to fan those flames. The local newspaper owner believes he is helping to spread the message to other towns. Is he a believer or does he use this situation to make money? This book shows how dangerous this type of thinking can be. It is well-written and the creation of the Smith family illustrates the variety of actions that happen when one doesn’t believe as others do. I wish that we could have learned more about Rev. Miller whether fictitious or not. Had he truly deluded himself so much? Did he adjust his teachings to enhance his ministry? Was there any financial benefit for him? So many questions remain unanswered.

I enjoyed this book. It was interesting and moved at a good pace. Even though the outcome is obvious, there is enough post-failure craziness to keep your interest. This book shows a little-known religious group trying and failing to seek salvation. The message isn’t that they failed, the message is in whether they gracefully continued their lives or lived a life full of resentment and frustration.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻/5