By Kelly Bridgewater
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.
My Thoughts:
Every Given Day by Cathy Gohlke shows a unknown story of the affects of diabetes on a young boy before the introduction of insulin. The plot does take a winding path to get to this aspect. Gohlke spends time setting up the family situation and how the Spanish flu affects their family before getting to this aspect of the plot. I love the mystery element with the husband, Russell. It was interesting and kept me guessing what was really going on. As for the romance, there really isn't much. At the end, there is a happily-ever-after moment, but the entire plot does not focus on this budding romance, which I liked. Gwen, the heroine, is a strong, fiesty woman who is not afraid to stand up to her brother-in-law as he deals with his own issues. I like her fierceness of fighting for Allistair's life. Even when others told her to stop. Overall, Every Given Day by Cathy Gohlke has a strong heroine, which Allstair needs, and a plot that shows a the history of insulin and diabetes with a mystery. I liked the well-crafted story, and the ending made me smile.
I received a complimentary copy of Every Given Day by Cathy Gohlke from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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