When Tomorrow Comes

When Tomorrow Comes is DL Larson's sixth entry in the Douglas Family Saga, an intriguing, character-driven narrative that can be read standalone. Hattie and Elizabeth travel to the Kansas Territory to visit family. Elizabeth learns that her son Will has kept a secret about a looming and potentially violent Powwow in Ft. Laramie involving Indian Nations. Meanwhile, Francis and his family are in New York City to investigate an inheritance, where Jim becomes romantically entangled with a runaway named Shanna. Still, their relationship is complicated by the presence of abolitionist Melody Penchant. As tensions rise with lurking federal agents and theft within their shipping company, Ruf, disheartened by his situation at home while assisting at a library, meets Betty Lu and confides about his engagement. A letter from Kansas ignites his anger, prompting him to head west. The intertwining lives of these characters converge amidst themes of devastation, love, and moral dilemmas, setting the stage for a complex narrative of personal and societal conflicts.  

DL Larson's novel is a captivating tale that weaves together multiple narratives, portraying the intriguing nature of family dynamics, love, and the hardships of life in 19th-century America. Larson expertly balances the gravity of the Kansas political landscape with the personal struggles of characters like Jim and his fugitive love interest, Shanna. Their budding romance is fraught with real-world challenges, particularly with the presence of Melody Penchant, a young abolitionist determined to make her mark. This romance subplot enriches the narrative by providing insights into the transformative social movements of the time. Ruf’s subplot augments the depth of the narrative as his responsibilities at home are disrupted by a letter that drives him westward, paralleling his friends' journeys. The intertwining of their storylines illustrates how individual choices can lead to broader consequences. The themes of love, betrayal, and the struggle for justice resonate strongly, ensuring that each character's journey feels authentic and relatable. When Tomorrow Comes is crafted in gorgeous prose, the author’s characterization gift shines on every page. The sparkling dialogue creates the drama that moves the narrative forward, the emotionally resonant characters captivate readers, and the finely drawn setting pulls readers into a place and time they find hard to escape.