Cover Image: Until We Find Home

Until We Find Home

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Over the past few years, I've found myself very picky over the fiction that I read. Maybe it's my age. I could not get into this title. I tried a couple of times. There were some parts that I found engrossing and some that I just wanted to skip over.

I've yet to find out what makes my kind of fiction and I hope I figure it out soon.

Was this review helpful?

This was a bit of a surprise to me because of how light it was for a WW2 story. It's home front WW2, but aside from a few bits about rationing and Home Guard and blackout, it's more of a woman and her aunt learning to know each other, and of ten Jewish children adjusting to life in the English countryside.

The best part of the story is seeing the relationships unfold. Claire tends to act like she's 15 for the first half of the book and I got annoyed with her more than once. The other MC is Claire's aunt Miranda, who I liked a lot better; it was easier to see a hurting woman behind her often abrupt manners, and Dr. Raibeart has a strong leading role.

The story's side characters are several of the ten children and their adventures. The rest of the ten are shadowy and undeveloped. I'd have liked to know more about all of the children, since it felt like only half the story when the non-POV ones get a generic "the children ___"

Overall, the story tries to be too many different things at once and ends up staying on the surface of most. There's a lot of talk about God but no real mention of Jesus until a nice, deep scene at 95%. I had lots of questions throughout that didn't get answered in any sort of way...from the cross-country train which had for some inexplicable reason closed or removed its restroom facilities (and no historical note to tell me why) to the wonder why the children weren't taken to the village church (it's great to bring someone in to enrich their Jewish heritage and I loved the parts with the Rabbi, but to take things to the extent of not going to church themselves and not taking the kids along I felt was a mistake). It mentions kosher eating in wartime, which would have been fascinating, but gave me no details and then later tossed in a worry about what would happen if someone had to deliver rabbit for supper (which is definitely not kosher). It also didn't tell me why there were no prayer shawls to be had for a boy's bar-mitzvah during wartime, just gave a statement and moved on. Why couldn't they be made in England?

So overall, though the story was enjoyable, it raised more questions about WW2 home front culture than it answered. Claire's romance was also frustrating because her story began in the middle of many personal things and then resolved without mentioning again half the things that were touched on...or summarizing major influences from her past in a single sentence like "she and her mother corresponded by letter."

I had a hard time with David as a side character because his thoughts and motivations are never really explored, so something he does near the end was rather a shock simply because there wasn't much depth to his character.

If you're looking for a gentle story about the English countryside with WW2 refugee children, this is your next read. If you're looking for heartthrob romance it's probably not going to check that box.

Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

Was this review helpful?

This story didn’t reach the same depth as Secrets She Kept, Saving Amelie, or The Medallion. The beginning and ending carried the weight I’ve come to expect in a Gohlke book, but the middle of the story, though steady, did not dig as deep into my emotions as those other books did from front to back and every page in between. However, it found ways to keep me invested throughout the storyline.

In the opening chapter, there was an immediate sense of urgency and many hints at a beautiful, dangerous journey for Claire and the kids. My emotions were moved, and I found myself gasping and tears trickling down my face from the jump.

The hijinks of the kids throughout the middle section of the story were plentiful and entertaining. I enjoyed the conflict between Gaston and Josef, but some of the other children, especially the older ones and a few of the German ones, got lost in the shuffle. I feel like ten kids was simply too many for this particular story without adding two or three additional and separate subplots for the characters that slipped into the shadows. The book already passed the 400-page mark; why not push it to 450 pages to give those other children a chance to better shine and to be better known by the reader?

I felt a bit of a disconnect with Claire in a few chapters in the middle of the story. It might have been because she didn’t see the obvious at times or that her behavior toward a certain little character was, to me, a little too harsh. Looking back on it after having read the book to completion, I see why she made the choices she did, but while observing those decisions, I wished she would make the obviously better ones available to her. Although there was some frustration and a disconnect with Claire for me, I still wanted to know what would happen to her, along with the kids and other members of the household. Like I said, the book found ways to keep me invested even though the story wasn’t as deep as I was expecting.

I think what stripped the emotion from the middle for me was that the urgency that had been very present in the opening couple of scenes seemed to vanish for over half the book, only to return again with the climax. The plot, while good, was not great to me, as it seemed to settle into a day-to-day accounting of the characters’ lives but without the sense of urgency or peril of an impending discovery or doom. There were snippets of that but not enough to carry on for so many chapters.

One thing that kept me cruising through this one was the fun mentions of Mrs. Healis (also known as Miss Beatrix Potter). Oh, my heart was made so happy with the addition of this beloved children’s author! It was also neat to have C.S. Lewis play a bit of a role within the story, and I loved how Mrs. Gohlke used vintage books (that might have been new at the time, or at least really popular) to perfection within the plot. This was a great thread, one I enjoyed from the first mention of Peter Pan.

Aimee was my favorite character. Her emotions and reactions to things seemed the most realistic and authentic of all the characters, and I really connected well with this little girl. I wish she could be given another story, one about her adulthood, perhaps her romance through the Cold War or something. She was quite a delight.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

“Stories give us a way to make sense of the world.”

“[She] was off the mountain but not out of the woods.”

“We are not saved because we perform works of love; we do works of love because we are saved.”

Content: a handful of profane phrases, two racial slurs (one spoken by a child), tobacco, alcohol

Two strange things that gave me pause:

A character “thanked all the stars that be” rather than God for something good that happened.

A character claimed that “tears of relief and joy… had washed away stains and darkness and every form of despair she’d known.” Only salvation through Jesus Christ wipes away the stain of sin. I’m sure this one simply came out wrong rather than meaning to discredit or make light of Jesus’s sacrifice, as there were other moments in the story where His sacrifice was highlighted and expressed very well.

Overall, this was an entertaining story that kept my attention most of the time and provided me with a respite in the middle of a busy weekend. I would recommend it to folks wanting a more lighthearted WWII fiction story.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, but my review is of the paperback I borrowed from my library. This review contains my honest thoughts.

Was this review helpful?

I am always fascinated by stories of the Jewish people and how they coped with WWII and the people that helped them. This is a wonderful story with children at the center. The children are wonderfully written and their stories are told with emotion and grace. I especially enjoyed the way the author wove real-life authors of children's literature into the story. Very well written. This is the first book I have read by this author but I will certainly be looking for more in the future.

Was this review helpful?

When Claire ends up stranded in England with Jewish children, she must put aside her dreams of joining the resistance and care for the children entrusted to her. Soon Claire realizes that doing her part in England is just as important as what is being done in France.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked how C.S. Lewis’ works are and thoughts are scattered through the book. I’d highly recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

Trust Cathy Gohlke to approach the Second World War era again but in a completely different way.

I swear this author is not only a master class in writing; but also a layman's university lecture in some of the lesser known worlds of WWII. Here, she takes us from the French Resistance to the children hidden in a grand estate in the Lake District.

The book's magic is sewn in its literary flair with the spirits of Lewis and Potter hovering about and at home in Gohlke's prose.

Always with a stoic American hero to counterbalance the drama, the romance is beguiling and soft.

Gohlke remains one of my go-to authors and this addition to her booklist is worthy one!

Was this review helpful?

I confess, the main reason I requested this book was because of the famous British authors who were said to have ‘cameo’ appearances in it. I know, I’m like that, requesting books because of one minor detail or point. Thankfully, Until We Find Home was a very enjoyable read, incorporating several details about the Second World War including the Kinder-transports and the Home Guard.

On one level, it’s about two women struggling through pain and rejection to help raise a group of refugee children in the Second World War. All the characters were well drawn, and the children were wonderful and very true to life. Mischievous, curious, naughty but also wonderfully compassionate, caring and unpretentious.
Claire struggles with the rejection by her distant mother during her childhood, and the separation from her lover in France, whilst Miranda, the Aunt she had never met struggles to come to terms with the recent death of her only son in a freak accident.
Neither considers themselves fit to act as parents to a passel of Jewish children who have escaped the Nazis, but have no choice in the circumstances which have thrown them together. Alongside the serious themes, there’s also a subtext celebrating writing, literature and the imagination, which was wonderful.

Each finds love and faith with the men who help them in their lives: Scotsman Dr. MacDonald, and the handsome young American émigré Alan Campbell. The works of C.S. Lewis come into the story through his wartime broadcasts and early writings, woven very well into the story which prove to be an inspiration to the characters. And lead Claire to re-examine her attitudes towards love and faith as they have for many others in real life. A fitting tribute, I think.

My complaints were the usual ones, regarding characters of various European nationalities using American terms or mannerisms which don’t ‘fit’ them at all. I counted a British woman talking about ‘dessert’ and French children saying ‘gotten’, ‘I guess’ and ‘write him’. Also, a couple of mentions of adding cream not only to tea, but also cocoa. Also, I don’t know many children under 10 who choose to drink coffee with their breakfast. Serving coffee to everyone at breakfast, including children, seems like a very American ‘thing’- not something that would have been done at an English country house in the 1940s.

Thanks to Netgalley and Tyndale House for approving my request to read this an ARC of this book. I was not required to write a positive one all opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

The concept of this book drew me in, the time period and the location. The cover, gorgeous. I grew up just south of the Lake District and I feel as familiar there as I do my home. I've walked and hiked the fells, played in the lakes, conquered the Wainwrights. I love Hilltop and everything BP. The house in question reminds me so much of Sizergh. In fact to walk the hallways you feel like you are in the home the 4 Penvensie children find themselves in, when they themselves are sent out of London as evacuee children during the Second World War. The gardens of Sizergh, stunning. Every turn takes you to some place new, and yes plenty of places one could imagine to be a secret garden. I could easily picture the place that Claire and her group of refugee children find themselves. Bluebell Wood was not hard to imagine.

The characters all represent themselves individually unique from each other, but complimented at the same time, each other and the story. The only thing I struggled with was the length of this book. In parts I found it a little tedious. Pretty genuine and true to the time no doubt. The plight of the children touched my heart the most.

My first read by this author, it was well done, interesting plot - I especially appreciated the accuracy to the time period, language and location.

Thank you to Netgalley for the complimentary eARC. This is my honest review.
2 likes

Was this review helpful?

It’s WWII and Claire Stewart, an American, joins the French Resistance through her association with love Armaud. He has arranged for Claire to shepherd five French Jewish children to the port for passage to England. Through a series of circumstances, Claire finds herself at her long-lost aunt’s doorstep in the Lake District of England, begging for refuge.
Aunt Miranda, the housekeeping staff and Claire find themselves full-time caretakers of these children plus some additional German children who are billeted at Miranda’s house. The grown-ups learn about the importance of Jewish tradition to the children and the children bring merriment back to the estate house.
We also encounter David Campbell, another American, who is assigned to England to work at a flying boat company as an engineer in the war effort.
Claire comes to know God through the difficulties of her assignment and eventually finds peace in the place in which God has placed her.

Was this review helpful?

Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke is a World War II historical novel. Claire Stewart is an American who joins the French Resistance in transporting Jewish children out of Paris. When her last voyage escorting children goes awry, Claire finds herself alone and in charge of a group of children with no resources at her disposal. With no other options, she finds a long lost aunt that she has never met before and asks for shelter. I was really excited to read this novel and I really enjoyed parts of it. Overall, I liked the novel but I found that it moved very slowly at times. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. These opinions are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Until We Find Home showed me a side of World War II that I had not seen before. I have read a children's book about the Kindertransport, which helped Jewish children escape Europe before the Nazis got them, a children's story about Dunkirk, and Paris Underground, about the French Resistance. This book, however, pulls those three nonfiction stories together into a fictitious story that gives another dimension to the picture.
Claire was working with the Resistance in France as the Nazis took control. Her job was to get Jewish children to where they could reach safety in England—but the night the story began, the man who had the contacts didn't show up. What could she do but accompany the children across the English Channel herself—but she refused to do that until circumstances gave her no option. Once in England, what was she to do? The only person she had ever even heard of there was her estranged aunt, and she didn't know where to find her!
Finally, Claire found her Aunt Miranda, who took the children in on one condition—that Claire, who knew nothing about taking care of children and who desperately wanted to return to France immediately to search for her lover, stay with them. With no options, Claire stayed. As the war continued, she kept learning uncomfortable things about herself, and struggling with her feelings about her lover in France and the tiny bits of news she occasionally got from him, as well as the American man who was billeted in the big house.
I appreciated the way this story was told. There was a big of romance, but not much; the main emphasis seemed to me to be on Claire and the changes that needed to happen in her life to make her the person God wanted her to be. There were also changes in Aunt Miranda's heart. I loved some of the children; poor little Aimee was a dear. The boys were delightful—the scrapes they got into as they tried to help were so typical. Another thing that was fun was the frequent references to classic children's books. Beatrix Potter and C. S. Lewis figure into the story a number of times, as well. I also thoroughly enjoyed the surprise in the epilogue—there was a twist I wasn't expecting!
I received a free ecopy of this book from NetGalley and chose to write a review.
WARNING: Chapter 31 describes an abduction and a violent fight with an escaped German prisoner of war.

Was this review helpful?

As I began reading, I became quickly involved in the first few chapters of this book. The storyline is intriguing. Cathy Gohlke did a wonderful job with her research and her descriptions of the setting are vivid. I was settled into the story and then realized that I desperately disliked Claire, the main character of the book. However, I did like the children and the character of Mrs. Newsome, so I kept reading. I am so glad that I did. Although it takes awhile to get there, Chapter 34 is the heart of this book. Don’t rush getting there. Be patient as you allow Claire’s story to unfold little by little as you keep reading. You’ll be glad you did.

Since I’m an L. M. Montgomery fan, the book reminded me somewhat of “Rainbow Valley”. The children in Ms. Gohlke’s book all have their distinct personalities and trials. With so many different characters, it could have been easy to get them mixed up, but I never did. That’s the gift of a great author.

I loved this one. I’ll read it again. I would love to read another book about these same characters and see what happens with the children
as they grow up.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion about the book.

Was this review helpful?

This story, set during WW2, is about a young American woman, Claire Stewart, who finds herself at the home (Bluebell Wood in the Lake District of England) of her estranged aunt, Lady Miranda Langford, reluctantly caring for Jewish refugee children and longing for her life back in Paris with her daring handsome Arnaud and the French Resistance. This book delves into the truth that life rarely plays out in the ways we expect it, and that even in the midst of difficult circumstances we can choose to allow love to triumph and let go of our romanticized ideas of what we think life should be. Claire was afraid to love. She was clinging to the life she thought she was going to live. So often, we don’t truly know our own hearts - but God does, and that’s why His plans for us are way better than our own. This wonderful story also teaches that if we generously open our hearts to those around us who although they are very different than us, desperately need the love and help we have to give - those people can become our family and in return bless us in ways we never imagined. This story caused my bookish heart such delight with its references to favorites like Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and The Secret Garden. And then the surprise cameo appearances of C.S. Lewis and Beatrix Potter - oh my heart! As delightful as a cup of tea by a cozy fire on a snowy day! This book was so enjoyable for me. Cathy Gohlke is such a talented author and, I do believe, a kindred spirit!

Was this review helpful?

I loved the cameos from the likes of CS Lewis and especially the epistolary moments in the book. I am hanging my head in shame that I've never actually read CS Lewis even though he has been recommended to me a number of times. I'll have to remedy that this summer. I also really loved that the whole story of these refugee children mirrors many of the refugee children we are accepting into the US right now. I've always loved fiction set in WWII even though it tends to be slightly depressing I love the unique view of what life must have been like during that time for what truly was our Greatest Generation.

For me, normally the longer the book the better. However, in this case, I found it did start to drag a little in the middle. I think it was due to the book really only having one setting. But honestly, that is probably how life felt for the characters of this book too. I enjoyed getting to know the children and I really liked David a lot too. He had such keen insights into what everyone in the home needed - but especially the jewish children.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

I LOVE this author. I really enjoy historical fiction and Cathy not only tells a good story, she makes it inspirational. This has got to be one of my favorite books! Can't wait for her next great read.

Was this review helpful?

Captivating!
In Paris, American Claire and her boyfriend, who belongs to the French Resistance, are smuggling French Jewish children out of the country before they are invaded. She is all caught up in the romance of their life and hopes to become a great writer. She is sent alone with the children to the checkpoint, but her boyfriend and her contact don’t show up, so she is forced to get on the boat with the children. A harrowing story in itself, once ashore and again without a contact, she is practically abandoned when she remembers that she once heard that she had an Aunt in England. She knew little beyond the address and is finally taken there. It turns out to be a huge estate in the Lake District and a beautiful place for them to stay, except that her Aunt isn’t thrilled to see them and has been depressed by grief after the loss of her son and husband. Claire doesn’t know anything about children and find it difficult to be moved by them now that the romance of the situation is worn off. She finally gives up on the idea of going back to France. Of course the kids are scared, missing their families and need to be loved as well as cared for. The Americans aren’t received much better than the Jewish children by the community, which makes everything that much harder. Everyone is scared and wanting to protect themselves and their families. It’s a long process for Claire and her Aunt, with struggles and adventure they all learn to live together. David, another American, comes to stay with them for awhile and brings a fresh perspective to them all as well as a new love interest for Claire. The story is beautifully told with lots of depth, danger, intrigue, love and life lessons in faith and family.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Tyndale Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.

Was this review helpful?

Until We Find Home follows the story of a brave young American living in Paris at the start of World War 2. Claire is an aspiring writer and traveled to Paris to walk in the footsteps of some of the literary greats. As Hitler’s regime moves ever closer, it becomes apparent that they must do something to save as many Jewish children as they can. Claire agrees to lead a group of 5 children to the coast and help them onto a waiting boat that will take them to England. However, things don’t go as planned. Claire ends up traveling with the children to England and winds up being their guardian, a task that she feels ill-equipped to carry out.

Written with a lively cast of engaging characters, I found myself cheering for Claire and wishing I could step into the story and give her words of encouragement. I often found myself irritated with a couple of the characters who would get upset at Claire for her lack of mothering skills, yet not offer her any sage advice. The amusing antics of the children brought a bolster of laughter and joy to a stressful and somewhat frightening period in history.

The setting for the story was perfect and so well written that I could easily picture walking the grounds myself. I explored an English Manor house, discovered a secret garden and was charmed by delightful literary characters.

Those who enjoy reading Historical Fiction set in the World War 2 era will be delighted with this story. I give Until We Find Home 4.5 stars and would encourage you to pick up a copy of your own to enjoy!

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

Was this review helpful?

Another masterpiece by Cathy Gohlke...love her story telling ability/her characters/and her writing style. You will too. Five Stars.

Was this review helpful?

Until We find Home, what an incredible, historical story - full of trust in GOD and relying on family. Claire lived in France during World War II. She spent her time helping Jewish children Escape. She gets to England and throws herself on the mercy of her aunt Lady Miranda, who also need some Rejuvenation in her life. She takes them in if she helps her. So she does, but wants to get back to her love in France, but guess what gets in the middle of the way? Yes a border. So what happens next as a new mom? You have to read this for yourself.

Was this review helpful?

UNTIL WE FIND HOME is the first book I have read by CATHY GOHLKE and it most definitely will not be the last! It is a beautifully told story which takes place in the Lake District during the Second World War. Strongly based on biblical truth, the novel deals with such issues as family values, loneliness, rejection, letting go of the past, and, most importantly, the all encompassing love of our Heavenly Father.
Claire Stewart arrives at her aunt Miranda's stately home with five French Jewish children and life at Bluebell Wood will never be the same! In fact, there has not been much life in Lady Miranda Langley since she lost her beloved husband in the First World War and her son Christopher at the start of the Second World War. She is consumed with grief, and this is made worse because Claire reminds her so much of Christopher.
Miranda and Claire are very similar, both being writers and both hanging on to past loves. In fact, the Jewish refugee children, with their own incredible fears and "lostness" play a big part in breaking down the walls these two women have put up around their hearts. We see the Lord working in all of their lives as "all fear is cast out by His perfect love"!
Claire was working for the French Resistance in Paris, when she is forced by circumstances to chaperone these children across the channel, leaving behind Arnaud, the man she loves.
Claire, Miranda and David Campbell, are all Americans. The local British look down on them, mostly because President Roosevelt is taking so long to join the war. We see this discrimination as well in the anti Semitism shown towards the children, especially when they are joined by German Jewish children. In fact, dear Dr Raibeart Macdonald takes a while to warm up to David Campbell because of the bloodthirstiness of the Campbell clan three hundred years before! The French and German children take a while to get used to each other as well.
Claire, David and Miranda have each experienced rejection by family members. Claire finds it hard to love as she is afraid she will be deserted again and Miranda fears the loss of another loved one. David is a follower of the writings of C. S. Lewis, and is a strength to the adults and children alike at Bluebell Wood. "The Secret Garden" and the books and paintings of Beatrix Potter play a big part in the story. Claire realizes that, in order to be a real writer, she must write about her own life and experiences, not borrowing from those she tried to emulate in Paris.
The Author has obviously done a lot of research into this period of history and also shows she believes in the Jewish roots of Christianity. I love the way she brings out the importance of Jewish customs and feasts. We see the family celebrating Shabbat, Passover and Hannukkah. When little Aimee places her precious Mezuzah on the door, we know that they are all home at last.
I can highly recommend this book for the well told story, the descriptions of the beautiful Lake District, the Author's insight into that period of history, the interesting characters, and the strong Christian content. In fact it is a novel I will read over and over again.

Was this review helpful?