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Every Given Day
Not yet published
Expected 8 Sep 26Inspired 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
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
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 8, 2026
About the author
Cathy Gohlke
16 books1,361 followersBestselling, Christy Hall of Fame, and Carol and INSPY Award-winning author, Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. Her critically acclaimed novels include This Promised Land, Ladies of the Lake, A Hundred Crickets Singing, Night Bird Calling, The Medallion (Christy Award), Until We Find Home, Secrets She Kept (Christy Award; Carol Award; INSPY Award); Saving Amelie (INSPY AWARD); Band of Sisters; Promise Me This (listed by Library Journal as one of the Best Books of 2012); I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires (Christy Award, American Christian Fiction Writers Award and listed by Library Journal as one of the Best Books of 2008) and William Henry Is a Fine Name (Christy Award).
Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children's and education ministries. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she and her husband, Dan, divide their time between Northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks. Follow her on BookBub.
Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children's and education ministries. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she and her husband, Dan, divide their time between Northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks. Follow her on BookBub.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book invites you to live inside history, to feel its fears and fragile hopes as if they were your own. Christy Hall of Fame author Cathy Gohlke weaves together the devastation of the 1918 influenza pandemic with one of the most life-altering medical breakthroughs of the modern age: the discovery of insulin.
Set during the Spanish flu, the story follows Gwendolyn Armstrong, a schoolteacher drawn into her sister’s increasingly fragile household. What begins as a practical journey—to tutor children kept home by illness—quickly becomes something far more complicated. The family’s outward wealth cannot mask the significant fractures within, particularly the lingering tension surrounding Gwen’s brother-in-law, Russell, whose past choices still echo painfully in her life.
Gohlke’s careful research is evident throughout. The historical backdrop presses in on every page. The flu’s relentless toll is rendered with sobering clarity, and the novel thoughtfully explores a lesser-known consequence: the apparent rise in juvenile diabetes cases following the epidemic. Against this backdrop, the race to discover insulin carries the weight it must have held at the time—a fragile, almost unimaginable hope that, in context, reads like a miracle unfolding in real time.
At the heart of the novel is loss—layered, compounding, and almost unbearable. Gwen emerges as a compelling center of gravity, a woman asked to hold together what grief threatens to unravel. She is not alone: a loyal housekeeper offers wisdom and strength, and a determined physician—personally invested in the fight for a cure—brings both urgency and compassion. A thread of romance appears, but remains secondary to the deeper emotional and spiritual currents at work.
Those currents run especially deep in Gwen’s interior life. Her questions of faith are neither simplistic nor neatly resolved. Instead, they unfold through suffering, through surrender, and through the costly work of trusting in something she cannot yet fully see. The redemptive arc offers light without denying the darkness that precedes it.
This is, undeniably, a somber story in places. One family endures more than its share of heartbreak, and the shadow of a dysfunctional patriarch seriously deepens the pain. And yet, the novel does not leave the reader there. The integration of faith—honest, searching, and ultimately hopeful—lifts the narrative, reminding us that even in seasons of profound loss, grace can take root.
For readers who appreciate richly detailed historical fiction with a strong spiritual dimension, this is a deeply satisfying and thought-provoking read—one that lingers, not just for its history, but for its quiet insistence that hope is never entirely extinguished.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Set during the Spanish flu, the story follows Gwendolyn Armstrong, a schoolteacher drawn into her sister’s increasingly fragile household. What begins as a practical journey—to tutor children kept home by illness—quickly becomes something far more complicated. The family’s outward wealth cannot mask the significant fractures within, particularly the lingering tension surrounding Gwen’s brother-in-law, Russell, whose past choices still echo painfully in her life.
Gohlke’s careful research is evident throughout. The historical backdrop presses in on every page. The flu’s relentless toll is rendered with sobering clarity, and the novel thoughtfully explores a lesser-known consequence: the apparent rise in juvenile diabetes cases following the epidemic. Against this backdrop, the race to discover insulin carries the weight it must have held at the time—a fragile, almost unimaginable hope that, in context, reads like a miracle unfolding in real time.
At the heart of the novel is loss—layered, compounding, and almost unbearable. Gwen emerges as a compelling center of gravity, a woman asked to hold together what grief threatens to unravel. She is not alone: a loyal housekeeper offers wisdom and strength, and a determined physician—personally invested in the fight for a cure—brings both urgency and compassion. A thread of romance appears, but remains secondary to the deeper emotional and spiritual currents at work.
Those currents run especially deep in Gwen’s interior life. Her questions of faith are neither simplistic nor neatly resolved. Instead, they unfold through suffering, through surrender, and through the costly work of trusting in something she cannot yet fully see. The redemptive arc offers light without denying the darkness that precedes it.
This is, undeniably, a somber story in places. One family endures more than its share of heartbreak, and the shadow of a dysfunctional patriarch seriously deepens the pain. And yet, the novel does not leave the reader there. The integration of faith—honest, searching, and ultimately hopeful—lifts the narrative, reminding us that even in seasons of profound loss, grace can take root.
For readers who appreciate richly detailed historical fiction with a strong spiritual dimension, this is a deeply satisfying and thought-provoking read—one that lingers, not just for its history, but for its quiet insistence that hope is never entirely extinguished.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow. I knew that Cathy Gohlke has always packed a punch in her books. They have always hit me hard with their topics and their messages. This latest release is no different.
Must start off with trigger alerts:
*dying mother
*Spanish flu plague and deaths
*abandonment
*child death
*grief
This book had many punches to the gut. But they were all needed to really capture the faith message that the author was pushing. What will it take to quit fighting God when He doesn't seem to be listening or caring about what you and your loved ones are going through? When will we accept that our trials do not make God less good and worthy to be trusted and loved?
You know...how many times do you hear people say
"Well I can't trust a God who let's babies die..."
"How can God be good when He lets this violence continue unchecked?"
"Why would I give my life to a God who might not answer my prayers the way I want Him to?"
These are the battles that our lead character Gwen goes through...and let me tell you. She will fight to the bitter end of the story.
I read a quote today that said, "how can you let God open doors for you, when you refuse to take your hand off the doorknobs?"
This. This is what this book drives home...
I was not prepared for the second half of the book. I can't talk about it or it will give it away. But it's even more intense then the "faux" climax in the middle.
Unlike many books, you don't meet the main guy until at least halfway through the book. A different take, but it wasn't bad.
There are three POVs--Gwen, the housekeeper, and the doctor--but mostly Gwen.
Finally--I had no idea there was the post Spanish Flu surge in the disease that's mentioned. I'm now going to learn more about that. And it's interesting because the author adds in her notes that it happened to her own family Post-Covid. and that it's also a little "surge" happening today.
I must give this story 5 stars. I truly wasn't 100% sure how it was going to end. But it was the perfect ending.
*Thank you to NetGAlley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
Must start off with trigger alerts:
*dying mother
*Spanish flu plague and deaths
*abandonment
*child death
*grief
This book had many punches to the gut. But they were all needed to really capture the faith message that the author was pushing. What will it take to quit fighting God when He doesn't seem to be listening or caring about what you and your loved ones are going through? When will we accept that our trials do not make God less good and worthy to be trusted and loved?
You know...how many times do you hear people say
"Well I can't trust a God who let's babies die..."
"How can God be good when He lets this violence continue unchecked?"
"Why would I give my life to a God who might not answer my prayers the way I want Him to?"
These are the battles that our lead character Gwen goes through...and let me tell you. She will fight to the bitter end of the story.
I read a quote today that said, "how can you let God open doors for you, when you refuse to take your hand off the doorknobs?"
This. This is what this book drives home...
I was not prepared for the second half of the book. I can't talk about it or it will give it away. But it's even more intense then the "faux" climax in the middle.
Unlike many books, you don't meet the main guy until at least halfway through the book. A different take, but it wasn't bad.
There are three POVs--Gwen, the housekeeper, and the doctor--but mostly Gwen.
Finally--I had no idea there was the post Spanish Flu surge in the disease that's mentioned. I'm now going to learn more about that. And it's interesting because the author adds in her notes that it happened to her own family Post-Covid. and that it's also a little "surge" happening today.
I must give this story 5 stars. I truly wasn't 100% sure how it was going to end. But it was the perfect ending.
*Thank you to NetGAlley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An epic tale beginning in 1918 New York, that encompasses a lot of real history, especially focusing on medical problems of the time. Family bonds are tested, friendships forged, and faith grows in the midst of difficult times.
The author has done her research into the time period, working the real history into the story, and writes her characters with depth and passion. Some heart-breaking losses occur in one family, with one woman left holding it all together with the aid of a loyal housekeeper and later, a determined physician that has a personal interest in the case. A hint of romance develops later on, but it's not the focus.
Spiritual struggles and deep questions of faith are addressed, especially in Gwen's character, bringing in a strong redemptive theme. So many losses to one family and a dysfunctional father makes the story sad at times, but the faith elements bring up the tone and add a lot of hope. The history was fascinating, linking the Spanish flu epidemic to a rise in the number of cases of juvenile diabetes; something I'd never heard of before. The discovery of insulin must have indeed felt like a miracle. Overall, a satisfying and interesting read.
Recommend to readers who enjoy historical Christian fiction with a redemptive message. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
The author has done her research into the time period, working the real history into the story, and writes her characters with depth and passion. Some heart-breaking losses occur in one family, with one woman left holding it all together with the aid of a loyal housekeeper and later, a determined physician that has a personal interest in the case. A hint of romance develops later on, but it's not the focus.
Spiritual struggles and deep questions of faith are addressed, especially in Gwen's character, bringing in a strong redemptive theme. So many losses to one family and a dysfunctional father makes the story sad at times, but the faith elements bring up the tone and add a lot of hope. The history was fascinating, linking the Spanish flu epidemic to a rise in the number of cases of juvenile diabetes; something I'd never heard of before. The discovery of insulin must have indeed felt like a miracle. Overall, a satisfying and interesting read.
Recommend to readers who enjoy historical Christian fiction with a redemptive message. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an interesting read about the discovery of insulin and the Spanish flu of 1918.
I don’t even know how to summarize this story as there were so many moving parts. It’s a story about family – strained relationships and the ability to forgive. It’s also set in New York City against the backdrop of prohibition, smuggling, and the discovery of insulin. It moves between New York and Toronto. It’s heartbreaking, difficult, and shocking.
There’s quite a large cast of characters for each part of the story (which is divided into Part One and Part Two). I didn’t like many of the characters – even Gwen at times. She made some silly decisions even though she knew she shouldn’t have.
As always, there was rich detail in setting and events. I could almost picture the seaside town where Gwen takes her nephew at one point in the story.
If you love immersive historical novels, put this one on your list.
I received a copy from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advance copy of Every Given Day, and it completely drew me in from the start.
The plot felt fresh and unique, and the mystery at the heart of the story kept me turning pages—I was genuinely eager to see how everything would unfold. What really stood out to me, though, was the characters. They were all so well developed and human, even the ones you’re not necessarily supposed to root for. I found myself growing attached to all of them and truly caring about what happened in the end.
I also loved the World War I setting. The historical details added so much depth and atmosphere, and it really brought the time period to life without slowing the story down.
Overall, this was a captivating and emotionally engaging read with a memorable cast of characters. Definitely one I’d recommend if you enjoy historical fiction with a strong sense of mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#everygivenday #NetGalley
The plot felt fresh and unique, and the mystery at the heart of the story kept me turning pages—I was genuinely eager to see how everything would unfold. What really stood out to me, though, was the characters. They were all so well developed and human, even the ones you’re not necessarily supposed to root for. I found myself growing attached to all of them and truly caring about what happened in the end.
I also loved the World War I setting. The historical details added so much depth and atmosphere, and it really brought the time period to life without slowing the story down.
Overall, this was a captivating and emotionally engaging read with a memorable cast of characters. Definitely one I’d recommend if you enjoy historical fiction with a strong sense of mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#everygivenday #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Cathy Gohlke writes beautifully about a family racing to medically reverse juvenile diabetes. Every given Day is filled with engaging dialogue, memorable characters, and descriptions of a world in which family members cling to one another for emotional support and trust in a society that provides in times of challenge and need.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Every Given Day was such a fascinating window into the WWI, influenza, pre-insulin world. I had never seriously considered how insulin came to be and the need presented by people suffering so much. I loved Alistair and Gwen and was rooting for them the entire story. The overall cast of characters was very well-rounded.
This book...was sad. There was still hope, but it had some very bleak moments. This is to be expected, when facing World War I and the spanish flu, but there were definitely a lot of moments in this book that caught me off-guard emotionally.
Another thing I noticed was the pacing of the story. It felt very fast, like it covered a lot of years in not a lot of pages. This isn't a bad thing, but it was something I observed.
Overall, this book was still a four-star read for me! And despite sad undertones, there was an overall message of hope that sticks out past that.
I received a complimentary copy of this book; all thoughts an opinions expressed are my own.
This book...was sad. There was still hope, but it had some very bleak moments. This is to be expected, when facing World War I and the spanish flu, but there were definitely a lot of moments in this book that caught me off-guard emotionally.
Another thing I noticed was the pacing of the story. It felt very fast, like it covered a lot of years in not a lot of pages. This isn't a bad thing, but it was something I observed.
Overall, this book was still a four-star read for me! And despite sad undertones, there was an overall message of hope that sticks out past that.
I received a complimentary copy of this book; all thoughts an opinions expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews