In Time of Trouble
I had beaten Keith. Big deal. He was likely high on something and I had taken advantage of it. Beating him didn’t change the fact that Marietta had dumped me. I was still going to have to put on an act so everybody would think I didn’t care. I was sick of it! Always trying to put on an act. But what else could I do? I couldn’t let anyone know how I really felt inside. They’d all laugh at me. After all, I was Shane Donahue; I was supposed to be tough; or so I’d wanted everyone to think.
I reached the street and kept moving, one foot in front of another. Stupid thoughts raced through my mind. What would happen if a car should come racing along and skid on the ice and run over me? Would this pain deep inside go away?
As if on command, the headlights of a car appeared, coming straight toward me, shining on the falling snowflakes so that they looked like enormous white feathers floating down from a gigantic cloud pillow fight in the sky…
Summary
Eighteen-year-old Shane Donahue can’t relate to his twin brother or his parents, doesn’t trust the guys he hangs out with or his girlfriend, and is failing his classes at school. The whole situation makes Shane feel so helpless he’s considering life on the streets or suicide. He decides he has nothing to lose by asking God to help him try to get his life back on track, but his difficulties only increase. His father becomes angry when Shane goes to church, his friends attack him because they think he’s turned on them, and his brother dates his ex-girlfriend! But that’s nothing compared to Shane’s being arrested for robbery and assault. However, in the midst of his troubles, Shane finds out who he is and discovers hope for the future.
Read for Life pick
"Deeds Speak" certificate from the York Region Police
Back Cover
Shane
Everything he does seems to work out wrong. He’s failing his classes, about to be fired from his part-time job, and barely speaking to his parents. Then there’s the real problem—his twin brother…
Sandy
Everything he does seems to be right. He’s a star athlete, student president, and parents’ dream child, with top marks, a great future, and many good friends. He’d never hang out with someone like…
Marietta
A real looker, she’s been Shane’s girl-friend, but since Shane’s dad took away his car, she’s been unhappy. Maybe Shane should take a second look at…
Janice
She’s coming after Shane like a magnet to a fridge door. But is something fishy here? Just ask…
Ernie
He’s a loner who claims to be Shane’s only real friend. But will he hang in when the real trouble hits?
What do you do when everything blows up in your face and you can’t even trust your friends and family? How do you decide what you really want? Most important, how do you learn to trust yourself?
Reviews
Christian Library Journal
"Adult, Quality 5, Acceptability 5. …N.J. Lindquist, author of In Time Of Trouble, weaves an engrossing story depicting an angry, confused young man, with realism and in-depth knowledge of how a teen thinks and feels. Although not the ordinary story of religion and witnessing, teens and adults alike will laugh, cry, and cheer for Shane throughout this refreshing book. The only criticism is it ends too soon."
Evangelical Baptist, Alex Cottnoir, 16
"This book is well written and makes for satisfying reading. The plot flows like a mountain spring and I found it hard to stop between chapters. The best part of the book is the development and transformation of Shane’s character because of his belief in Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. Believers would enjoy this book and it could also be used to introduce Christianity to non-believers. In Time of Trouble shows in a realistic way that God can change anyone’s life from chaos to harmony."
Johanne Robertson, editor, Maranatha News
“In Time of Trouble is a deep, thought-provoking book. Complex issues such as personal salvation, dealing with anger, racism, doubt, fear, bullying, and failure are all tackled in a simple but profound way. The author has also done a wonderful job of including characters of many different ethnic backgrounds.”
Catholic Insight
(Reviewed with Best of Friends and Friends Like These.) "Three stories with all the problems that plague and perplex, without moralizing or religiosity but an honest portrayal of contemporary problems, all leading to Christ."
review on Amazon
"This book is excellent for all ages! Especially if you’ve ever felt like the black sheep of the family, or have been on the outside looking in…In the beginning of the story, Shane is dealing with the difficulties of measuring up and failing to do so. We see how he finds the answers to his questions and works hard to overcome his difficulties in spite of opposition. I found myself pulling for him and cheering him on. You’ll love this book!"
Martha M. Boshart, author
"I don’t need to tell you how difficult it is to find a book, any book, teens will read. It’s even more difficult to find one with a Christian perspective which they will read. Well, In Time of Trouble remedies that. This book is a clever combination of an appealing title, an attractive cover, a motley cast of characters, a riveting story line and best of all, an inviting no-nonsense Christian solution to teen problems. And one more plus; all that is available in a very affordable paperback. This book is too good to pass up!"
Robert Sealey, BSc. CA.
"Excellent! Superb book! It touched me and connected with my own need for help during my time of trouble. I couldn’t put the book down…Your book could help many people—young and older people too…."
