Inspired by true events, Christy Hall of Fame author Cathy Gohlke delivers a powerful new historical novel weaving together the discovery of insulin―a breakthrough that revolutionized modern medicine―and one woman’s brave fight to cling to her family and hope against unspeakable odds.
New York City, 1918. When schoolteacher Gwendolyn Armstrong learns of her sister’s worsening illness, she travels to Marion’s stately home to tutor her young niece and nephew, kept from school by the Spanish flu outbreak. Though the family lives in luxury, Gwen is wary of Marion’s sophisticated, often-absent husband, Russell, who once cast Gwen aside for her sister, leaving wounds that never fully healed.
As Marion’s health declines, a sense of foreboding settles over the family. Gwen observes strangers coming and going from Russell’s study at all hours, and her lingering distrust turns to suspicion that he is hiding something that could threaten the family’s safety and security. But when the deadly flu claims victims among the family and mansion staff, Gwen and her nephew, Alistair, are forced to accept terrible losses caused by the epidemic followed soon after by his own fatal diagnosis of juvenile diabetes.
When a compassionate doctor becomes both an advocate and friend, chasing down every promising medical development in the race for a cure, Gwen clings to each shred of hope. But as Russell’s clandestine dealings erupt into a shattering revelation, she must summon every ounce of courage she possesses. With Alistair’s life hanging in the balance, Gwen pleads for a faith she doesn’t yet possess, realizing she must surrender him to God and the possibility of a miracle that could save him and reshape her future in ways she never imagined.
Gripping, hope-filled Christian fiction with a dash of romance inspired by true events Perfect for book clubs and fans of historical women’s fiction by Lynn Austin, Rachel Fordham, and Jennifer Chiaverini Includes discussion questions and themes of family, forgiveness, and redemption
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Summary
4.5 stars Reviewed by Rebecca clea
"I've received a letter from my sister, in New York. . . . . . . . Marion needs me. She suffers from tuberculosis."
Leaving her teaching position in Pennsylvania, Gwendolyn Armstrong travels to New York with the intention of caring for her sister while tutoring her niece and nephew, only to learn upon arrival that Marion Bennett has been moved to a sanatorium and the household left under the supervision of a very capable housekeeper. While their father travels for extensive periods of time, Gwen finds herself tasked with decisions she never expected to make, and on the rare occasions when Russell Bennett is home, close proximity with her sister's charismatic husband proves awkward due to their shared history.
As the weeks and then months go by, Gwen grows to love her niece and nephew, Clara and Allistair, while also becoming more and more concerned about their father's clandestine business practices and his seeming disregard for the welfare of not only his wife, but his two children. When tragedy strikes the household, Gwen determines to do whatever it takes to keep her dwindling family intact. Faith in God was not something that Gwen deemed important, until a kind, compassionate physician extends grace upon grace, coaxing her to consider trusting in the One who could lead her through the valley of the shadow and beside the still waters. With God, nothing was impossible.
The historical backdrop of this story is astonishing. Having no previous knowledge regarding the development of insulin or the drastic measures taken to preserve life before its discovery, I was equally fascinated and heartbroken. Despite losing patience with Gwen due to her stubborn determination to depend on no one but herself, I reluctantly admit that it made her more relatable. The children were precious souls, Dr. Malcolm McNeill a steady presence, the housekeeper an absolute dear, and even Russell proved himself to be exactly who you might expect from a tuxedo clad villian.
Excellent book! Highly recommended! A blessed reminder of what a gift every given day should be.