The Secret of Honeycake

by Kimberly Newton Fusco

Hurricane is quiet while her Aunt Clare is a force of nature with very particular ideas--and a host of Latin sayings to back them up. When Hurricane gets stuck living with her, she retreats into herself...until a series of unexpected friends, including a mangy cat, help her find her voice in a whole new way.

With a name like Hurricane, you'd think this girl would take the world by storm. But instead, she's almost invisible.  And when her sister gets tuberculosis, Hurricane is sent to live in the city with her Aunt Claire, an intimidating and disapproving presence surrounded by stodgy furniture and stodgier ideas.  Like no dirty stray cats in the house. And certainly not as pets!

But Aunt Claire doesn't know quite what she's up against--Hurricane may be quiet, but she's about to discover that she's also strong. Before long a shy cat, a gentle chauffeur and a friendly boy (who may smell a little of fish) teach Hurricane to find her voice. And just maybe, Aunt Claire knows a thing or two she can teach Hurricane as well.

It turns out that that you don't always have to be loud to be heard.

Genres: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Animals, Childrens, Family, Cooking

367 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 21, 2025

About the author

Kimberly Newton Fusco, recipient of the American Library Association's Schneider Family Book Award, adores her young readers and is always excited to meet them!

Her 4 previous novels, TENDING TO GRACE, THE WONDER OF CHARLIE ANNE, BEHOLDING BEE, and CHASING AUGUSTUS were released to starred reviews and many accolades, including the Parents' Choice Silver Medal, the ALA Best Book for Young Adults, the NYPL Book for the Teen Age, the IRA Notable Book list, and Bank Street College's Best Books of the Year list. Her books were twice named RI Book of the Year by The Alliance for the Study and Teaching of Adolescent Literature at Rhode Island College - ASTAL, and she was a finalist for the Julia Ward Howe Young Readers Award. She has been a Junior Library Guild selection and her books have been placed on numerous state master award lists. She is published by Knopf Books for Young Readers and is represented by Elizabeth Harding, vice president, Curtis Brown, Ltd. www.curtisbrown.com

Kim provides keynote addresses, offers writing workshops, and speaks at literary festivals, schools and libraries across the US, and has been a One Book, One Community selection. She was an award-winning education writer for many years before becoming a novelist, and schools are a second home to her. She is a graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in NYC, and lives with her family in Rhode Island, the Ocean State. Visit her at www.kimberlynewtonfusco.com.

Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was PERFECT. Hurricane is like a mixture of Anne of Green Gables and Pippi Longstocking. I loved her story very much, and it felt like the perfect mix of historical context and whimsy. A new favorite for sure!

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cast of characters are one of my favorites in any book that I have ever read:

Hurricane is such a fantastic narrator. She may be quiet, but she has so much to say. Through the book, she finds her spoken voice with the help of others who show her that they love her no matter what.
Aunt Claire needs Hurricane as much as Hurricane needs her. Aunt Claire has so much to say, but through the book, she learns to listen which truly makes for a forever better Claire.
Mr. Keats shows us the trauma of war and the power of a kind heart. Mr. Keats is the barrier between Aunt Claire and Hurricane when they need it, but also a catalyst of so much of the change in the book.
Theo. Sweet Theo. He is Hurricane’s first true friend and just a special kid.
And, of course, the pets. They were obviously part of the family and the story would not have been the same without them. They both give comfort to all that need them which is so special.
On top of the characters, the story is quiet but shows us the world during the Great Depression and as women’s place in society was changing. Oh, it also makes me even more fascinated in reading John Green’s upcoming book about TB.

This book had so many quotes that I highlighted!

Full review with Educators' Tools: https://www.unleashingreaders.com/28663

[Lectus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely! The subtle way in which Hurricane learns to speak up for herself, and the little acts of defiance that her aunt performs, are quiet acts of feminism that will resonate with many readers.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m calling it now: the Secret of Honeycake by Kimberly Newton Fusco is a classic.

The stock market crash of 1929 has just occurred, and many people have tuberculosis, including Hurricane’s sister Bronte. Bronte is sent away to hopefully get better, and Hurricane must live with her Aunt Clare, who has very particular ideas about what a young girl should be like. The problem? Hurricane is none of those things. Add in a dog and a cat and a friend and the sweetest, most gentle soul I’ve ever read about, Mr. Keats, and this story literally has it all.

I’m not one to study a story, but I really couldn’t help myself as I read - the parallels between the characters and the way each individual’s story connects together in subtle and obvious ways were truly stunning.

This story felt like a warm hug. I only wish a recipe for honeycake was included in the book. Other than that, this was perfection.

[Emily McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I appreciate that this author is choosing to write middle grade historical fiction at a time when it is not trendy. (Though the choice to name the main character “Hurricane” seems anachronistic.)

Unfortunately, this novel is full of overwrought sentences packed with flowery descriptions and literary devices—like “winter finds me and shoots its arrows.” In a single page my eyes encountered a personified tongue, bedsheet, and mirror. It was exhausting.

Wish someone had advised the author to take it down a level.

While I wouldn’t enjoy reading this aloud, I would give it to my kids to read. Overall, just a bit cliché (finding your voice, etc.), but nothing controversial and kids will learn a bit about the Great Depression and tuberculosis.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 1930 and Hurricane has to stay with her aunt because her sister has tuberculosis. Hurricane is a quiet girl and loves writing in her words of encouragement journal. As time passes Hurricane meets Theo who helps her with a stray cat. Mr. Keats, who lives with her aunt, and loves to bake has Hurricane help him sometimes. Hurricane and her aunt start to get along better, and Hurricane starts to stand up for herself. One day she asks her aunt could they all go live at her house because she misses her sister and her dog. What ends up happening?,
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Tiffany Painter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about a girl facing life’s challenges after her mother dies, sister is too sick to care for her, and she must leave her home and dog behind and go live with an ill prepared aunt. Hurricane holds on to hope for a brighter future and teaches those around her as they navigate in a world reeling from the stock market crash.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when you hear the cadence of a good friend’s laughter? You get a warm feeling inside and can’t help but smile. That is how this book was for me. It’s the perfect story to curl up with next to a pet and a steaming beverage.
The characters the author created were so endearing and I couldn’t stop reading about the kind cook, the resilient Hurricane and the spunky aunt.
As a former teacher, this is a must have for any upper elementary or middle school classroom library!

[Kate Crabtree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet middle grade novel! Hurricane is a plucky narrator, and was thrilled it discusses tuberculosis (obvi fascinated because of John Green). The writing is a little overwrought for the narration of a 11 year old girl.

[Christen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, heartfelt middle grade novel.
I loved how it explored the themes of finding your voice, self love, standing up for yourself, and being true to yourself. The relationship between Hurricane & Aunt Claire was perfect and just what each of them needed. Mr. Keats & Theo were wonderful as well. The incorporation of family, friends, food, and animals made this story even more engaging and charming. Will definitely be recommending this one to my MG patrons.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurricane and her older sister Bronte have lived alone since their father died in World War I and their mother passed away from Tuberculosis (TB) in 1930. The two sisters are inseparable. Being a quiet girl, Hurricane has always relied on Bronte to do all the talking for her. However, Bronte is suddenly diagnosed with TB and sent to recuperate at Wintering Pines, a sanatorium. Hurricane is uprooted from her coastal home to reside in the city with her great Aunt Claire. Aunt Claire is a bit eccentric; she employs Mr. Keats as her chauffeur and cook, and she has embraced modern conveniences like electricity and indoor plumbing. Hurricane finds the transition challenging, and the thought of being separated from her cherished dog, Brody-Bear and sister, is simply too devastating. Without Bronte who will be her voice now?

Aunt Claire is well meaning, yet a tad overly concerned with Hurricane wearing overalls and boots. She's insistent on implementing a few new rules for her also: making the bed first thing in the morning, doing calisthenics daily, completing household chores, and above all, maintaining a "brave demeanor." Mr. Keats on the other hand is a softy, thoughtful and very kind. He notices that Hurricane is making an effort to adapt and subtly encourages her aunt to be more lenient with her. Soon Hurricane meets Theo, a boy who is instrumental in helping her with a stray cat, together with his suggestions and Mr. Keats help, they're able to entice the cat from the basement to the upstairs. Eventually, Hurricane begins to build her confidence to ask for the things she wants and even convinces her aunt to check in on how her sister is doing in the hospital.

Hurricane is such a delight. In a lot of ways, she reminds me of Pippi Longstocking in terms of her energy and desire to dress comfortably. And Aunt Claire is lovely. As I said I truly believe she has the best of intentions, having never had children herself to raise. She even consults the local women's club for pointers and is reading "mothering" handbooks. As Hurricane's independence begins to grow, her aunt also begins changing. Even learning to drive the car, which is most comedic. The story has a very nostalgic feel, little bit of Emily of New Moon and Anne of Green Gables. With Mr. Keats being a little like Matthew Cuthbert. Just like the cover, this was a warm, cozy and inviting read for me. I appreciated the authors note at the end discussing the inspiration for her story, information for the sources of research on TB and class lesson suggestions.

Favorite lines: "I see, Mr. Keats says now pouring more tea. And I can tell that he does because he's giving me every ounce of his attention. He looks me in the eye, soft and warm, and the sun shines through me."

**A huge thank you to Blue Slip Media for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. **

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This was a beautifully written novel!
Set during the early years of the Great Depression, it’s the story of young Hurricane (yes, her actual name), and the many changes she must adjust to when tuberculosis strikes her family. It is a warm, sweet read, sort of like how I imagine honeycake would taste!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Binxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Fiction at its best. The year, 1930, the place, the coast of Maine. Hurricane must leave the only home she has ever known as tuberculosis has claimed the life of her mother and the health of her sister. She leaves her beloved dog, Brody-Bear, with a neighbor and goes to the city to live with her Aunt Claire. Fusco does an excellent job of creating characters and situations that bring historical details to life for readers. So many adults in her life misunderstand Hurricane's quiet, shy ways. Throughout the story Hurricane and Aunt Claire come to know and understand each other developing a beautiful relationship. Mr. Keats and Theo, as well as William the Conqueror, Gully, and Moon Pie, add to the creation of a supportive, loving, and welcoming group of humans. Readers will want the story to continue. Please, do not disappoint us.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Hurricane and her sister Bronte have been living by themselves ever since the death of their father during World War I, and their mother's death from tuberculosis in 1930. When Bronte is also diagnosed with this difficult disease, she is also sent to a sanitarium, and Hurricane is whisked away from her coastal home and her dog, Brody Bear, to live in the city with her great Aunt Claire and her chauffeur and cook, Mr. Keats. Aunt Claire grew up in the same community that Hurricane is from, but once she married Mr. Butterfield (who died shortly after they were married), she worked very hard to learn how to exist in cultured society. She is worried about Hurricane's brash manner, as well as her insistence in wearing overalls and worn out boots. Mr. Keats is much more understanding, bringing her delicious baked goods instead of the beef boullion with pepper and horseradish that Aunt Claire recommends for her cold. Aunt Claire is determined to do right by Hurricane, and even attends a Mother's Club. Mr. Keats suggests that perhaps schooling can wait for the moment, and spends some quality time getting to know Hurricane. The two even have plans to entice a stray cat, whom they name MoonPie, into the house, even though Aunt Claire does not approve of pets. Aunt Claire has her soft spots, although they take a while to surface. She wants to provided Hurricane with "proper" clothes, so has a seamstress in, but when they woman turns up her nose at making slacks for Hurricane, Aunt Claire remembers how much she hated being fitted for clothes, and sends the woman away. She doesn't care for a boy who sells fish door to door, accompanied by a dog and an injured sea gull, but eventually agrees to his presence as he helps with the cat. When Hurricane is angry that she has not gotten information about Bronte's recuperation, Aunt Claire calls the hospital and demands updates. The three housemates do the housework together, since the Great Depression has impacted even the Butterfields' wealth; Aunt Claire is allowed to live in the house as long as she is alive, but even selling the silver and other household items does not allow for an adequate budget. Eventually, Mr. Keats has to introduce a vast quantity of turnips into the household diet, although there seems to be enough money for luxurious ingredients like pineapple and coconut! Eventually, Aunt Claire decides that the best plan is to head back to Hurricane's house on the coast so that the girl can return to running wild along the shore. Luckily, this move coincides with Bronte's release from the sanitarium as well as the arrival of a much more sympathetic teacher at the local school.
Strengths: Like Mrs. Scott in Elliott's Bea and the New Deal Horse, Aunt Claire is an interesting and underrepresented character in Great Depression stories; a wealthy woman who has fallen on hard times but trying to make things work. Mr. Keats is fascinating as a World War I vet with "shell shock". Hurricane is a typical tween girl who feels stifled by societal norms and is also dealing with a lot of grief. The three seem to genuinely enjoy being together, even though there are a lot of differences, and Aunt Claire eventually realizes that the way she has lived her whole life isn't necessarily making her happy. Fusco has done solid research on this era and has another books set during this time (The Wonder of Charlie Ann), so the period details are fantastic.
Weaknesses: Aunt Claire understands that during this time period, appearances were everything, but this had a layer of modern sensibility overlaid on the time period that was a bit odd. I wouldn't have wanted to squash Hurricane's spirit completely, but she should have learned how to comport herself in polite society, and even Mr. Keats should have known that and guided her in a gentler way. She probably also wouldn't have minded wearing skirts as much as portrayed; it's just want one did at the time. Neither of my grandmothers ever wore slacks.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who want to know more about the Great Depression and enjoyed books like Wendell's Light and Air. This had the feel of a classic orphan tale like Fisher's Understood Betsy, Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, or Porter's Pollyanna.

[Josephine Sorrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is simply delightful, yet not without a few heartaches as life so likes to deliver.

Hurricane and her older sister Bronte have been living by themselves ever since the death of their father during World War I, and their mother's death from tuberculosis in 1930. Now Bronte has been diagnosed with TB, and is sent to a sanitarium. Hurricane, eleven, is taken from her coastal home and everything familiar, even leaving behind her beloved dog, Brody Bear.

Hurricane finds herself living with her great Aunt Claire, and her chauffeur/cook, the kind Mr. Keats. Aunt Claire grew up in the same community that Hurricane is from, but once she married Mr. Butterfield (who died shortly after they were married), she learned how to perform in cultured society. Right off the bat, she is disturbed by Hurricane's rough ways as well as her insistence in wearing overalls and worn out boots. Easy going Mr. Keats is much more understanding, bringing her delicious baked goods instead of the beef boullion with pepper and horseradish that Aunt Claire recommends for her cold. Aunt Claire takes her new responsibility seriously and is determined to raise this girl right. She reads parenting type books and attends a Mother's Club.

Mr. Keats and Hurricane hit it off as they find a stray cat, they name MoonPie, even though Aunt Claire does not approve of pets. Even so, Aunt Claire has her soft spots, although they take a while to surface. Desiring to provide Hurricane with more fitting wear, so has a seamstress come to the estate, but the woman turns up her nose at making pants for a girl. This incidence reminds Aunt Claire of how much she hated being fitted for clothes, therefore she sends the seamstress away. Here you notice the hard shell of Aunt Claire begin to soften.

Then we meet the fish boy, who aunt Claire has no use for, nor his dog, nor his injured seagull. Because this is a friend for Hurricane, she eventually agrees to his presence.

This story is filled with generosity and innate kindness. Hurricane narrates her story with love, generosity and kindness even when frustrated. This Is a work of historic fiction incorporating Depression-era Hoovers and Frigidaires, lack of indoor plumbing, electricity and basic resources during this hard time in history. Then there is the mysterious honeycake, my mouth watered for, as well as the many many well described baked goods Mr. Keats prepared. But NOT the turnip pie!
Everything comes together in a lovely, hopeful new beginning, honeycake included.

I recommend this book for your gentle readers who love a happy ending. Probably has a greater appeal to female readers.

[Sails and Scales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suspect that this will be the best book I read in 2025.

This book is like a hug. Not like the kind of hug when everything is great and nobody has any problems, but the kind of hug where life is hard but it's okay because there are people who will love you anyway. And speaking of hugs, I would love one from every character in this book, thank you very much.

The characters are the heart of this book. There's Hurricane, whose name sounds like she should be a force to be reckoned with but is more focused on battling her own inner storms from her mother dying, her difficulty in standing up for herself and having to go live with her aunt instead of with her sister and dog she loves dearly. There's Aunt Claire, a woman who loves Latin mottos and things being orderly although she doesn't entirely know how to make suddenly being responsible for a child an orderly business. Mr. Keats is a man with a warm smile and comfortable-looking boots who struggles with PTSD but has a way with cooking and knowing what Hurricane isn't quite able to say. That's not counting Theo the fish boy who has a way with animals or any of the lovable animals Hurricane encounters in her life.

All of these characters learn and grow through the book, and each has to adjust how they view people and life. There's so much growth and adjustment as they all deal with their lives changing, and it's all so beautifully done. They grow and adjust just like people do in real life: gradually and as needed, sometimes with difficulty and sometimes with sweetness.

The characters deal with some challenging issues, but it's never too intense. While there are issues of the Great Depression, World War I PTSD, monetary issues, prejudice, and tuberculosis, it is relevant enough to be meaningful but not significant enough to be depressing.

I truly loved everything about this book. If you want a historical middle grade book that will make you want to move in with the characters or adopt a stray cat, this is the one for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Devin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret of Honeycake is a poignant novel of grief, hope, love, and life through the lense of Hurricane. Set in the 1930's, twelve years after the end of World War 1, Hurricane's life is turned upside down. Her sister, Bronte, has been her caretaker since their fathers death in the war and their mothers death from tuberculosis living in their families house by the sea. However has started to show symptoms of tuberculosis and opts to send Hurricane to live with their Aunt Claire in the city. This story follows Hurricane as she grapples with all the changes in her life and the heaviness of grief when you lose people you love. But this story also follows Aunt Claire and her chaueffer/cook, Mr. Keats, as they all adjust to their life together. I loved the complexity of each character and the slow unraveling of their worries, long-held stubborn beliefs and the slow bonding between all three of them. Mr. Keats constant comfort of baked goods and a listening ear as Aunt Claire grapples with her humble beginnings by the sea and the proper society she learned to conform to after marrying her late husband, Mr. Butterfield. Hurricane feeling so isolated and unable to find the confidence to express herself as she constantly feels the pressures of what everyone else wants for her.

Hurricane, honestly, was such an interesting main character and I saw a lot of my younger self within her train of thoughts. Hurricane often laments how others treat her quietness and I found myself thinking back to my own self as a child and how I very much felt the exact same way. Fusco crafted such a cosy atmosphere by the sea, Hurricane's love of the salty air and her perception of their magic little house by the ocean was such a joy to read. I also truly love and appreciate how the title weaves into the heart of this story and that so much that occurs in this novel is based on Fusco's ancestors! Highly recommend this incredible and heartfelt middle grade read.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Maine in 1930 during the Great Depression and after WWI, this was one of the best middle-grade historical fiction titles I've read in a long time. The author captures the feelings and personality of the book's eleven-year-old protagonist, Hurricane McAdams Pierce, who is quiet but finds her voice after her older sister Bronte's tuberculosis forces her to move in with her maternal aunt who lives in a large city. She's heartbroken to leave the only home she's ever known and her beloved dog, Brody-Bear. Although Aunt Claire grew up by the ocean in the house where Hurricane and Bronte live, she's left all that far behind her after marrying into the wealthy Butterfield family. Just like Miss Witherspoon, the teacher who constantly belittled her and tried to get her to speak up more in class, Aunt Claire tries to change Hurricane. Hurricane finds it hard to rebel, but eventually, with quiet but stolid support from her aunt's gentle, tender-hearted chauffeur, Mr. Keats, she does--partly out of a need to survive but also to adopt a stray cat and welcome a boy who sells fish along the city streets. Readers will enjoy watching Hurricane change and come into her own, finally learning to advocate for herself, but they will also love seeing the changes in Aunt Claire. As it turns out, the two of them have far more in common that Hurricane ever dreamed. Every word in this story has been carefully considered, and the author even includes passages about bread lines, bank failures, and PTSD as well as recipes and books by Charles Dickens that Hurricane, herself a budding writer who jots her observations and feelings in her "Words of Encouragement Journal," falls in love with. This was one of those books with well-fleshed characters who slip into a reader's heart, making her sad to see the story end.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes reading about hard times makes you feel better, and so I dived into this middle grade story set on the east coast at the beginning of the Great Depression. Hurricane, the protagonist 11-year-old girl is sent to live with her Aunt, when her sister, her only other surviving relative, comes down with TB, and has to be sent away.


Hurricane does not like the house in the city. It is cold, and uninviting. And her aunt is still and formal, and tries to make Hurricane the same way. She even wants her to change her name, to be more acceptable.
And Hurricane finally finds her voice and refuses.


And the name of the book is about a recipe that has been passed down orally, never written down. Hurricane doesn’t know how to make it, and her Aunt can’t remember. She tries, and tries, in the cold house in the city, and can’t quite do it.


This is a quiet, quick read of a book. I love how the main character finds herself, and realizes what she needs to do with her time, and how she doesn’t want to become “civilized.” That that is not what is best for her..


What I most loved about this story is how the antagonistic aunt grows and changes the more she is around Hurricane. And the growth is from memories of what she loved when she lived in the house by the Atlantic, when she was a girl. It was such a sweet growth. And so strong as well.

For this great historical fiction, I would give all the stars available. Based loosely on family history, the author has brought out some great characters, strong of will and spirit.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 21st of January 2025.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: One thing you don't know about me yet is I am very quiet.

My thoughts (preview): I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book. Is it my favorite children's book of 2025 so far???? YES.

Premise/plot: Bronte and Hurricane (our heroine) are orphans. Their mother has died of tuberculosis and it seems Bronte is following in her mother's footsteps. She has also become ill enough to need to be sent away to a resting hospital for treatment. Hurricane is miserably unhappy because she's being collected by a great aunt (Aunt Claire)--a total stranger, and her servant, Mr. Keats. Those are the bare-bone basics setting up this historical coming of age novel...

My thoughts: I absolutely loved this one. I did. I loved the writing--the narrative style. I loved the characters. Hurricane's inner voice was one I really enjoyed. I liked seeing her come of age and learn to speak up for herself. I loved the relationships. I loved how nothing was instant. It isn't like she moves to a strange house, with strange relatives, in a strange city and wakes up bright and cheerful and ready to go the next day. I like the 'slow thawing' in terms of relationship building. I liked the focus on friendship--with people and animals. I liked seeing how Aunt Claire has her own 'coming of age' journey. I ADORED Mr. Keats. He was easily my favorite part? Maybe. Mostly. I absolutely loved how this 'found family' came to be.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy book with Anne of Green Gable Vibes.

Hurricane is quiet and that attribute doesn't fly with her school teacher. Her teacher makes her feel small, and Hurricane feels like she has bad school luck. Outside of school, she loves racing along the coast with her dog Brody Bear, and she takes comfort in the care her older sister, Bronte, gives her. Hurricane and Bronte's mother passed away awhile ago, and Hurricane is upset to learn her sister has contracted tuberculosis and will have to go away for treatment.

Hurricane's wealthy aunt Claire comes to take her to live with her, and her aunt is formidable. Luckily, there is Mr. Keats - Claire's employee. Mr. Keats is a veteran of World War I who suffers from PTSD, but he is gentle and kind - just the thing Hurricane needs.

At first, Claire's aunt tries to mold Hurricane, but with time, she softens. She throws around Latin idioms that are inspiring, and Hurricane cannot help but pick them up -like sequere taum viam - always follow your own path. Though she misses her sister, Hurricane starts to thrive, meets a true blue friend, and grows in ways she never thought possible.

Quotes I love - "That's the thing about reading, you get cranky when someone wants you to stop." 271, "When someone really understands you, it makes you feel less lonely, like light is passing through, and you're more filled up than you were before." 323

Historical fiction

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hurricane has suffered a lot of loss in her short life – her father was killed in the War, her mother died of tuberculosis, and now her sister is headed to the same tuberculosis “resting hospital” where their mother died. What will Hurricane do without her sister to take care of her and to speak for her? Hurricane often finds herself unable to speak up, especially to her demanding teacher who always blames Hurricane. Even worse, Hurricane’s sister has made arrangements for Hurricane to move to the city, far from her beloved oceanfront home, to live with their estranged Aunt. Worst of all, Hurricane’s Aunt insists Hurricane leave her beloved dog behind. Aunt Claire lives with her chauffeur who has his own war stories and is a master baker. Hurricane makes friends with a local boy who peddles fish and he advises Hurricane on her project to tame a wild kitten. Set during the Great Depression, readers will enjoy how Hurricane’s relationship with her Aunt evolves. Aunt Claire changes too – she jumps into parenting classes when Hurricane arrives but then starts to realize she can do much more than society – and her late husband’s family – dictates. This is a gentle story that will appeal to upper elementary and middle school readers who enjoy books where the protagonist grows and learns to adapt. In her gentle way, Hurricane is able to forge relationships with her newfound family and to gently persuade her Aunt to respect Hurricane’s wishes.

[Moth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5 stars

The Secret of Honeycake is a middle-grade historical fiction (set shortly after WWI), about a girl named Hurricane who must live with her aunt while her sister is treated for tuberculosis.
The start of this book was almost painfully depressing, but I loved it. Hurricane’s voice is so strong and I related to her so much throughout the story. I loved watching her grow over the course of the book.
The side characters were also amazing. I would’ve liked to see a little more development for them, but the pacing of the book makes that difficult. Even still, they added unique perspectives to the book, and they felt like they were written for the adults reading this book.
My one issue with this book is that the chapters are super short and there are too many of them. This book is 350-ish pages and there are over 100 chapters. It made the pacing a little too fast when there were parts that I wish we could’ve gotten more in depth. Also, it made it too easy to put the book down because there were so many easy stopping-points.
All that said, this is a fantastic middle-grade for all ages (adults too). I will be recommending this to everyone I can.

CW: chronic/terminal illness; parent death (& grief); bullying

[Theresa Sandifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an old fashioned book - in many ways it felt like I was reading Little Women or What Katy Did - but thankfully not quite as quaint and antiquated. It takes place after WWI at the start of the depression so it is a bit old fashioned for plot related reasons, but it was the gentleness of the older books that made me happy. You don’t read many books like that these days - maybe The Penderwicks or The Vanderbilts but both of those feel a bit more ‘updated’ than this one. The Secret of Honeycake might not be very popular with kids now. That makes me sad and I wish it would be, but I think you had to grow up on The Bobbsey Twins, Anne of Green Gables and other books from that genre to really appreciate it.
The story will be familiar to readers of the books mentioned. An orphan girl named Hurricane is being raised by her older sister but the sister develops tuberculosis and is sent to a sanitarium to recover. Hurricane must go to the city to live with her Aunt Claire, who is a bit stodgy and set in her ways. Hurricane has always been quiet and doesn’t speak up, but as time passes, with the help Mr. Keats, a new friend her own age,Theo and her journal she starts to find her voice and her own place in her world.

[Caitlin Waits · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book, sure to be a childhood classic! "The Secret of Honeycake" follows Hurricane through a wild ride as she must leave her cozy home on the dunes for life in the city with her aunt. There, she must find her voice and learn to stand in her own clam-digging boots as her aunt faces the pressures of The Great Depression, her aunt's cook and chauffeur's PTSD, and trying to save a street cat with the help of the fishmonger boy. Over the course of the novel, each character has room to grow and step into their own, learning to speak up, to take joy in the simple things, and to find comfort in family and home.

I really like how each character had his or her own growth arc; so often, the secondary characters in books for children are static or flat, but here, Fusco has carved out realistic, engaging characters in Hurrican's Aunt, Theo, and Mr. Keats. I also love how Hurricane learned to solve her problems along with learning what are actual problems to be solved and what are just personal quirks to embrace. I really enjoyed the vibes of this book. It reminded me of Dodie Smith's "I Capture the Castle" and Jean Webster's "Daddy Longlegs.," with a good splash of Kit Kittredge. I will definitely be getting a copy of this book for my classroom as well!

[Emily Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these characters! I would look forward to dipping into their world each night as I read The Secret of Honeycake, which is set at the beginning of the Great Depression. Hurricane is a quiet and observant kid who loves deeply. She doesn't always do well in school because she doesn't like speaking to adults. When her big sister gets sick with tuberculosis, Hurricane goes to live with her rich Aunt Claire. This is quite a shock to them both. Aunt Claire is gruff but teaches Hurricane to have confidence in herself and to be bold. For her part, Hurricane teaches Aunt Claire how to be true to yourself rather than follow what society expects. Mr. Keats is Aunt Claire's only servant, as the rest has to be let go when the stock market crashed. He is supremely kind and calm and helps the other two find themselves. And then there is Theo, the fish sales boy, who wants to grow up to be a vet and has an animal menagerie following him as he goes through the streets selling fish. You will want to be friends with each and every one of these characters! This book left a residue of joy in my heart

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet story of family, friendship and overcoming personal obstacles. Hurricane is shy and withdrawn. She lost her father to WWI, her mother to tuberculous and now her only sister is sick with TB. In the background is looming the Great Depression and is kind of a character in itself. Any child who is shy will appreciate the hardships Hurricane goes through, especially when it comes to school. I loved her development as a character. I loved Aunt Claire but I especially loved Mr. Keane. His gentleness and kindness is what made the books for me.

Hurricane has an occasional outburst of anger and is disrespectful to Aunt Claire. There are only a couple of times that this happens. As the story continues, the Great Depression comes closer. Aunt Claire makes a comment or two about how if women were running things, there would be no Great Depression. She has feminist leanings and learns to drive a car, but it isn't a big plot in the story. She also says "Good lord" a few times.

Because of these factors, I definitely recommend it as a read aloud or for the older middles. It's such a lovely story and is so well written. Highly recommend.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

11yo Hurricane is living with her rich Aunt Claire as her parents have passed (her father during WWI and her mother in 1930 from Tuberculosis), her older sister Bronte also has TB and is being treated. Hurricane is very shy, and Aunt Clair isn't having it. She insists Hurricane improve herself, become better educated, speak properly and behave more like a young lady. But Hurricane's sweetness, and quiet strength, as well as a kind butler - Mr. Keats, helps Aunt Claire soften, and soon Hurricane is finding her voice.

A dear story, I would have loved it as a child, I'm just not sure today's readers will feel the same. They are far from the great depression and even further from WWI. There's a boy who befriends Hurricane, he's pretty much on his own selling things from door to door, and soon even rich Aunt Claire finds herself selling prized possessions to support herself. It's mostly a slice of life - no adventure, not much trouble (taming a feral cat), worrying about her sick sister, but there's not enough information about how sick Bronte is for the reader to care. The characters are white.

[Sue.the.very.busy.reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested The Secret of Honeycake on Libby back in February, but it looks like it was never going to become available, so I decided to purchase it myself—andg I don’t regret that decision at all. This is a wonderful story.

The protagonist has one of the most unusual names for a girl: Hurricane. She is shy and prefers to retreat into the quiet comfort of books. When her world is suddenly turned upside down, however, Hurricane is forced to step out of her shell and learn how to speak up for herself.

Along the way, she befriends a cat, and her personal growth also inspires changes in her Aunt Claire. Set after World War I, the story offers rich insight into life in Maine and the hardships of the Depression in the United States.

I really enjoyed this book, and I think readers who love historical fiction will enjoy it as well. I read this book for the #NewberyContenderChallenge with @mamadaughterbookclub.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Excellent audio narration. I know the narrator was an adult, but she certainly sounded like an 11-year-old girl. This had shades of Anne of Green Gables, but Hurricane (the protagonist) was very shy initially, and had to learn to speak up and stand up for herself. I like the side storyline of taming the feral cat. The details of the depression were at a good level for grade school readers.

I only had a couple small issues with the ending. The aunt was trying to remember how to make honey cake and kept failing to remember how to recreate the recipe. Why didn’t she just ask Brontë? She was back in the house by then and could have helped her with the recipe. Also, once Brontë was home, she just kind of disappeared from the storyline. I felt like she should’ve been included more at the end.