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Until We Find Home
For American Claire Stewart, joining the French Resistance sounded as romantic as the storylines she hopes will one day grace the novels she wants to write. But when she finds herself stranded on English shores, with five French Jewish children she smuggled across the channel before Nazis stormed Paris, reality feels more akin to fear.With nowhere to go, Claire throws herself on the mercy of an estranged aunt, begging Lady Miranda Langford to take the children into her magnificent estate. Heavily weighted with grief of her own, Miranda reluctantly agrees . . . if Claire will stay to help. Though desperate to return to France and the man she loves, Claire has few options. But her tumultuous upbringing—spent in the refuge of novels with fictional friends—has ill-prepared her for the daily dramas of raising children, or for the way David Campbell, a fellow American boarder, challenges her notions of love. Nor could she foresee how the tentacles of war will invade their quiet haven, threatening all who have come to call Bluebell Wood home and risking the only family she’s ever known.Set in England’s lush and storied Lake District in the early days of World War II, and featuring cameos from beloved literary icons Beatrix Potter and C. S. Lewis, Until We Find Home is an unforgettable portrait of life on the British home front, challenging us to remember that bravery and family come in many forms.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
160 people are currently reading
1850 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Gohlke
19 books1,330 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 - 30 of 189 reviews
January 14, 2018
What a wonderful story! Cathy Gohlke gives us an inside look at life on the home front during WW2 in England's Lake District. The heroine, Claire, is reluctantly caring for Jewish refugee children who have escaped from France and Germany. It was wonderful to see how she grew and changed through the story. There were many wonderful characters, and I especially enjoy the Scottish doctor and David, the American who comes to stay at the estate. I loved the way Cathy wove in Beatrix Potter and C. S. Lewis and so many wonderful children's stories. It's the perfect book to enjoy with a warm cup of tea. Highly recommended!
January 3, 2018
This sweet story was inspired by the idea of average citizens taking in refugees during WWII.
American Claire is living in France and soon finds herself stuck in England. In the pages, readers see Claire's character and spiritual growth. There is not a great deal of action in this novel. It is more a lesson in finding peace and happiness in where you are.
I especially enjoyed the changing dynamics with the children as they formed alliances.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
American Claire is living in France and soon finds herself stuck in England. In the pages, readers see Claire's character and spiritual growth. There is not a great deal of action in this novel. It is more a lesson in finding peace and happiness in where you are.
I especially enjoyed the changing dynamics with the children as they formed alliances.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
August 21, 2018
I picked up this book because I heard C.S. Lewis was a minor character. Also, I’m very fascinated by the historical accounts of the Kindertransport and World War II refugees in general, so this looked like an all-around amazing book. ;) (And the cover and title page are just gorgeous…)
Claire was a fun heroine. I enjoyed how imaginative and literary-minded she was, seeing a book reference in everything, wanting to write meaningful words, and admiring the works of other authors. One of my favorite parts was when she learned to share what she had with the children--a love of stories.
The children were fun and quite various in ages and personality. Poor darling Josef was my favorite, though I delighted in Aimee (and the spelling of her name!). I would have loved a bit more about their adventures and interactions with Claire, but that didn’t seem to be as much of the point of the story as I had hoped.
Speaking of children, there were ten in all, all Jewish but from countries at war. The author did a good job portraying the distrust between them, and I liked how at every turn she showed the need to overcome prejudices in order to really help and love people. British vs. Americans (only because the Americans hadn’t joined the war yet), French Jews vs. Germans Jews, and even one Scottish clan vs. another Scottish clan--all of the tensions were there and handled or resolved very well.
This book had some interesting questions to ponder--the biggest one being what it means to love and be loved. That’s where C.S. Lewis came in with his book The Problem of Pain, his broadcasts, and his letters (albeit fictional) to Claire. That was a treat, and I have a heightened desire to read more of his non-fiction since I have been thinking through some of the same questions.
There were also two sweet, super clean romances in this book which was nice.
On the downside, this book felt very long. Even though I’ve read books longer than this 400 page one, the style and slightly drawn out or wandering plot made this one feel long. Or maybe it’s just that I don’t read historical books often. :D There were also a couple times when I didn’t connect well with the characters or their actions, but those were minor.
Just a note, young children were in extreme, intense danger and threatened with death. Also, when Claire and David were discussing their backstories, they mentioned some pretty sordid, unfaithful things their parents did. :( There were a few mentions medical details related to breast cancer, that, while handled tastefully, might disturb some readers. A last minor thing another reviewer pointed out was that they helped the Jewish children keep their traditions without sharing with them about the true Messiah. I like to think that they did since it was mentioned that some of the younger children went to church with them, but some readers may want to know about this aspect before reading.
Altogether, this was an interesting read about a fascinating time in history. ;)
Claire was a fun heroine. I enjoyed how imaginative and literary-minded she was, seeing a book reference in everything, wanting to write meaningful words, and admiring the works of other authors. One of my favorite parts was when she learned to share what she had with the children--a love of stories.
The children were fun and quite various in ages and personality. Poor darling Josef was my favorite, though I delighted in Aimee (and the spelling of her name!). I would have loved a bit more about their adventures and interactions with Claire, but that didn’t seem to be as much of the point of the story as I had hoped.
Speaking of children, there were ten in all, all Jewish but from countries at war. The author did a good job portraying the distrust between them, and I liked how at every turn she showed the need to overcome prejudices in order to really help and love people. British vs. Americans (only because the Americans hadn’t joined the war yet), French Jews vs. Germans Jews, and even one Scottish clan vs. another Scottish clan--all of the tensions were there and handled or resolved very well.
This book had some interesting questions to ponder--the biggest one being what it means to love and be loved. That’s where C.S. Lewis came in with his book The Problem of Pain, his broadcasts, and his letters (albeit fictional) to Claire. That was a treat, and I have a heightened desire to read more of his non-fiction since I have been thinking through some of the same questions.
There were also two sweet, super clean romances in this book which was nice.
On the downside, this book felt very long. Even though I’ve read books longer than this 400 page one, the style and slightly drawn out or wandering plot made this one feel long. Or maybe it’s just that I don’t read historical books often. :D There were also a couple times when I didn’t connect well with the characters or their actions, but those were minor.
Just a note, young children were in extreme, intense danger and threatened with death. Also, when Claire and David were discussing their backstories, they mentioned some pretty sordid, unfaithful things their parents did. :( There were a few mentions medical details related to breast cancer, that, while handled tastefully, might disturb some readers. A last minor thing another reviewer pointed out was that they helped the Jewish children keep their traditions without sharing with them about the true Messiah. I like to think that they did since it was mentioned that some of the younger children went to church with them, but some readers may want to know about this aspect before reading.
Altogether, this was an interesting read about a fascinating time in history. ;)
November 27, 2019
Oh, wow! How come the best books are often the hardest to review? This one grabbed my attention and did not let it go until the very last page!
Until We Find Home contained absolutely everything that I love in a book:
Historical fiction setting of WW2, including the London Blitz and the Kindertransport
A character that thinks in terms of favorite books (like me)!
Frequent literary references from some of my own favorite children’s literature
A storyline that is riveting to the end
Author notes that I enjoyed reading almost as much as the actual story!
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I surely would!!!
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.85)-“Claire doubted she could muster the courage or fortitude of Jane Eyre, or the creativity of Mary Poppins. Still, the adventure could begin only when she placed one foot firmly in front of the other.”
(Pg.225)-“Books.” She sighed. “I’ve always loved stories. I’ve lived through stories, imagined myself in stories, succeeded in stories. That’s part of the problem, I guess. I see life as if it’s a story.”
Until We Find Home contained absolutely everything that I love in a book:
Historical fiction setting of WW2, including the London Blitz and the Kindertransport
A character that thinks in terms of favorite books (like me)!
Frequent literary references from some of my own favorite children’s literature
A storyline that is riveting to the end
Author notes that I enjoyed reading almost as much as the actual story!
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I surely would!!!
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.85)-“Claire doubted she could muster the courage or fortitude of Jane Eyre, or the creativity of Mary Poppins. Still, the adventure could begin only when she placed one foot firmly in front of the other.”
(Pg.225)-“Books.” She sighed. “I’ve always loved stories. I’ve lived through stories, imagined myself in stories, succeeded in stories. That’s part of the problem, I guess. I see life as if it’s a story.”
February 19, 2020
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.
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.
August 20, 2025
This was a lovely read and is shaping up to be a lovely reread as well. So many wonderful characters and so much historical detail! Some readers saw Claire as “whiny,” and she could be interpreted that way, but I found her very human and believable. Her weaknesses allowed for so much growth over the course of the book. Her desire to love and be loved (and to know what that even means) was a touching theme. And I could empathize with her writing struggles!
I definitely fell for Gaston and Josef. Some of the children were hard to keep straight, but never those two! I didn’t expect Josef to play such a major role, but he played it well. Aimee’s point-of-view scenes were darling. Dr. MacDonald was another favorite of mine, and I laughed out loud at the interplay between him and “the Campbell.”
Giving C. S. Lewis’s wartime radio programs such a role in the main character’s faith journey was a really interesting touch—a great nod to someone as influential in his own era as he has been to ours. All the other little references to period literature and other historical details bring the setting and era to life. The war affected the home front as much as it did the front lines.
A few other reviewers commented on the way Jewish traditions were encouraged without reference to Christ as the Messiah. I also felt this concern. The traditions are beautiful, yes. The heritage is vital, yes. The children needed connections to their home and culture, yes. I don’t at all believe that God is finished with his chosen nation. But the Bible is very clear that Christ is the only way to God for Jew and Gentile alike, and a Jew praying to Adonai is not interchangeable with a Christian praying to the Father.
However, I recognize that wasn’t the point Gohlke was trying to make in this story, and historical accuracy necessitates Jews holding to their religious traditions. I just wish the distinction could have been made clear, since this is Christian fiction.
As far as the story went, my only other wish is that the climax scene would have been more fully rendered instead of being explained after the fact, but I realize staying in Claire’s point of view required this narrative choice. Gohlke’s use of language and dialect was beautiful, and I found the romantic element gentle and sweet. Saving Amelie is still my favorite Gohlke title, but this may be a close second.
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I definitely fell for Gaston and Josef. Some of the children were hard to keep straight, but never those two! I didn’t expect Josef to play such a major role, but he played it well. Aimee’s point-of-view scenes were darling. Dr. MacDonald was another favorite of mine, and I laughed out loud at the interplay between him and “the Campbell.”
Giving C. S. Lewis’s wartime radio programs such a role in the main character’s faith journey was a really interesting touch—a great nod to someone as influential in his own era as he has been to ours. All the other little references to period literature and other historical details bring the setting and era to life. The war affected the home front as much as it did the front lines.
A few other reviewers commented on the way Jewish traditions were encouraged without reference to Christ as the Messiah. I also felt this concern. The traditions are beautiful, yes. The heritage is vital, yes. The children needed connections to their home and culture, yes. I don’t at all believe that God is finished with his chosen nation. But the Bible is very clear that Christ is the only way to God for Jew and Gentile alike, and a Jew praying to Adonai is not interchangeable with a Christian praying to the Father.
However, I recognize that wasn’t the point Gohlke was trying to make in this story, and historical accuracy necessitates Jews holding to their religious traditions. I just wish the distinction could have been made clear, since this is Christian fiction.
As far as the story went, my only other wish is that the climax scene would have been more fully rendered instead of being explained after the fact, but I realize staying in Claire’s point of view required this narrative choice. Gohlke’s use of language and dialect was beautiful, and I found the romantic element gentle and sweet. Saving Amelie is still my favorite Gohlke title, but this may be a close second.
Join my email subscribers here for monthly book recommendations, plus a free short story, author updates, and more.
February 17, 2018
4.5 stars
“Stories give us a way to make sense of the world.”
Exquisitely written (I consistently expect nothing less from Cathy Gohlke), Until We Find Home explores family and faith and grace. All against the backdrop of peril and war and sacrifice. This is the kind of book I need to reread often because there’s so much treasure to be mined below the surface and I know I missed some gold the first time through.
Claire, Aunt Miranda, David, Dr. MacDonald, Mrs. Newsome – I loved all the characters, but especially the children – the original five French Jewish refugees that Claire is unexpectedly responsible for as well as the German Jewish refugees who join them at her aunt’s Bluebell Wood home partway through the story. Gaston is hands-down my fave, with his gallant old soul and mischievous antics. But each of the children brings his/her own unique personality – and haunting backstory – to the mix. Watching them struggle to find their footing in a strange new country with a strange new language and a religion that is unfamiliar… it’s both heartbreaking and inspiring. But Gohlke is also good to provide doses of humor and warmth just when the heaviness threatens to overwhelm. Additionally, I loved that we get to see the story from their perspectives as well, the subtle shift in narrative tone perfectly capturing the spirit and cadence of a child without losing its sophistication.
And then are the cameos which made my bookish heart giddy: Beatrix Potter and C.S. Lewis. I know this is weird, but maybe fellow bookworms will understand when I say that ‘meeting’ them on the pages of Until We Find Home made me a little misty-eyed. They feel like such dear friends, don’t they? And encountering dear friends on the pages of fiction is like a big hug. Combined with the other beloved children’s stories (The Secret Garden, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, to name a few) that Gohlke weaves into the novel’s framework, Potter’s and Lewis’ cameos are the stamp on this tender love letter to enduring literature.
Bottom Line: Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke is, at its heart, a gorgeously-penned story about the power of love to triumph in the midst of hate. It’s a blending of characters from different socioeconomic, religious and cultural backgrounds who find a place to call home – and family – despite their differences and the tragedies each character has had to overcome to get there. It’s a peek into a tumultuous time on the world stage – and the courage and sacrifices given even from the least of these. It’s a reminder to be kind to everyone and not to judge others, because we are all in the middle of our own stories and someone’s ‘once upon a time’ could be your ‘happily ever after’. It’s a celebration of God’s constant pursuit of His children and a tender reflection of the abundant life He offers. You cannot read this book and remain unaffected, and I guarantee you’ll be thinking about it long after you’ve turned the last page.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
“Stories give us a way to make sense of the world.”
Exquisitely written (I consistently expect nothing less from Cathy Gohlke), Until We Find Home explores family and faith and grace. All against the backdrop of peril and war and sacrifice. This is the kind of book I need to reread often because there’s so much treasure to be mined below the surface and I know I missed some gold the first time through.
Claire, Aunt Miranda, David, Dr. MacDonald, Mrs. Newsome – I loved all the characters, but especially the children – the original five French Jewish refugees that Claire is unexpectedly responsible for as well as the German Jewish refugees who join them at her aunt’s Bluebell Wood home partway through the story. Gaston is hands-down my fave, with his gallant old soul and mischievous antics. But each of the children brings his/her own unique personality – and haunting backstory – to the mix. Watching them struggle to find their footing in a strange new country with a strange new language and a religion that is unfamiliar… it’s both heartbreaking and inspiring. But Gohlke is also good to provide doses of humor and warmth just when the heaviness threatens to overwhelm. Additionally, I loved that we get to see the story from their perspectives as well, the subtle shift in narrative tone perfectly capturing the spirit and cadence of a child without losing its sophistication.
And then are the cameos which made my bookish heart giddy: Beatrix Potter and C.S. Lewis. I know this is weird, but maybe fellow bookworms will understand when I say that ‘meeting’ them on the pages of Until We Find Home made me a little misty-eyed. They feel like such dear friends, don’t they? And encountering dear friends on the pages of fiction is like a big hug. Combined with the other beloved children’s stories (The Secret Garden, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, to name a few) that Gohlke weaves into the novel’s framework, Potter’s and Lewis’ cameos are the stamp on this tender love letter to enduring literature.
Bottom Line: Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke is, at its heart, a gorgeously-penned story about the power of love to triumph in the midst of hate. It’s a blending of characters from different socioeconomic, religious and cultural backgrounds who find a place to call home – and family – despite their differences and the tragedies each character has had to overcome to get there. It’s a peek into a tumultuous time on the world stage – and the courage and sacrifices given even from the least of these. It’s a reminder to be kind to everyone and not to judge others, because we are all in the middle of our own stories and someone’s ‘once upon a time’ could be your ‘happily ever after’. It’s a celebration of God’s constant pursuit of His children and a tender reflection of the abundant life He offers. You cannot read this book and remain unaffected, and I guarantee you’ll be thinking about it long after you’ve turned the last page.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 27, 2017
Refugee children in WWII and the acceptance that they faced was truly heart-felt in this story. Not only did the children have obstacles to face, but their guardian had her own challenges. I enjoyed all of the characters in this book—though I’d have to say the doctor was likely my favorite.
Having C.S. Lewis and Beatrix Potter featured in this book was a charming element. Me being a writer, I definitely loved all of the writerly threads portrayed.
There was relatively little romance in this book. Claire had hopes of romance from page one, but the way everything progressed with her romantic life was not ultra emotional and roller-coaster. I enjoyed the romance aspect of this.
The spiritual thread was definitely there. There were more quotes from Christian authors of the time than the Bible, and if I read it correctly, it appeared that one of the characters was saved when she was dreaming. That, to me, was a little odd, as I don’t see examples of that in the Bible.
In short, I enjoyed this book more than the other Cathy Gohlke book that I’d read.
*I received this book from Tyndale Publicity Team and happily provided my honest review*
Having C.S. Lewis and Beatrix Potter featured in this book was a charming element. Me being a writer, I definitely loved all of the writerly threads portrayed.
There was relatively little romance in this book. Claire had hopes of romance from page one, but the way everything progressed with her romantic life was not ultra emotional and roller-coaster. I enjoyed the romance aspect of this.
The spiritual thread was definitely there. There were more quotes from Christian authors of the time than the Bible, and if I read it correctly, it appeared that one of the characters was saved when she was dreaming. That, to me, was a little odd, as I don’t see examples of that in the Bible.
In short, I enjoyed this book more than the other Cathy Gohlke book that I’d read.
*I received this book from Tyndale Publicity Team and happily provided my honest review*
March 22, 2019
Not exactly what I was expecting, this book nevertheless warmed my heart and brought tears my eyes. The only other Gohlke I've read before this was the tension-packed Saving Amelie, so coming into another WWII novel from the same author, I expected the characters to be thrown into action and edge-of-the-seat circumstances. Until We Find Home was a gentler read, and focused on a setting distanced from the action of war, but no less impacted by it.
The message of this story was so powerful, and brought tear to my eyes twice. I love the author's ability to take me from disgust to sympathetic where her main characters are concerned, and this cast was definitely one I enjoyed getting to know. The romance was extremely light, and all the sweeter for finally blooming after hardship and low moments that became faith-builders.
Will definitely read more from this author.
The message of this story was so powerful, and brought tear to my eyes twice. I love the author's ability to take me from disgust to sympathetic where her main characters are concerned, and this cast was definitely one I enjoyed getting to know. The romance was extremely light, and all the sweeter for finally blooming after hardship and low moments that became faith-builders.
Will definitely read more from this author.
May 4, 2018
A sumptuous feast of words. This complex story challenges and convicts through a host of characters who have become dear friends. All are on unique journeys but have been brought together by the grace of God.
Heartache and hope set against the stirring backdrop of an England at war. There's a Home Fires vibe about Until We Find Home so if you're familiar with that BBC drama, you'll have a feel for the kind of compelling plots and engaging characters this book offers. I could totally see this as the next TV drama sensation! And there's enough adventure and angst, drama and comedy to fill a whole season! Riveting stuff.
Told from multiple points of view, the reader is given a real glimpse into the lives and hearts of different characters. I laughed and cried and fumed and tossed the book across the room at one point (figuratively, of course. We do not throw books no matter how onerous a character might be.) Individual story threads merge into a richly woven tapestry that brightens some of the darkest days in world history.
This is also a novel worthy of more than a few bibliophile swoons as some of my favourite authors and books make their way onto the pages of Claire's story. It was like getting to meet old friends while becoming acquainted with a new friend - finding books within a book like that. I'm still grinning and, frankly, a little jealous of Claire.
This is the kind of story you want to linger over even though you've reached the last page. I'm not ready to let the magic go. Though, I suppose it isn't really magic I'm feeling but the Spirit convicting me to live my faith with abandon. To appreciate every blessed minute I've been given and make them all count.
Heartache and hope set against the stirring backdrop of an England at war. There's a Home Fires vibe about Until We Find Home so if you're familiar with that BBC drama, you'll have a feel for the kind of compelling plots and engaging characters this book offers. I could totally see this as the next TV drama sensation! And there's enough adventure and angst, drama and comedy to fill a whole season! Riveting stuff.
Told from multiple points of view, the reader is given a real glimpse into the lives and hearts of different characters. I laughed and cried and fumed and tossed the book across the room at one point (figuratively, of course. We do not throw books no matter how onerous a character might be.) Individual story threads merge into a richly woven tapestry that brightens some of the darkest days in world history.
This is also a novel worthy of more than a few bibliophile swoons as some of my favourite authors and books make their way onto the pages of Claire's story. It was like getting to meet old friends while becoming acquainted with a new friend - finding books within a book like that. I'm still grinning and, frankly, a little jealous of Claire.
This is the kind of story you want to linger over even though you've reached the last page. I'm not ready to let the magic go. Though, I suppose it isn't really magic I'm feeling but the Spirit convicting me to live my faith with abandon. To appreciate every blessed minute I've been given and make them all count.
August 9, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this book. There were things I liked, and things that bugged me.
The whole idea of rescuing Jewish children from France before the Germans moved in, caught my interest. And the fact that the main character, Claire, had to take them in when she couldn't return to France herself, only added interest. However, Claire drove me crazy! She whined, complained, and acted like a spoiled teenager for much of the book. I wanted to shake her!
The children were delightful, though I do wish I could have learned more about some of them who were hardly mentioned.
There was excitement and danger, but it wasn't overly dramatic. Just a hint and a bit of romance, and a nice epilogue to end the story.
My biggest complaint was that it seemed that because the children were Jewish, they didn't need to know about Jesus Christ as the Messiah. There was no showing them the love of a Heavenly Father who sent His only Son to fulfill the prophecies. Instead, the focus was on keeping up their traditions (which is fine as long as they know that traditions aren't the means of salvation) as though that's all they needed to make them happy.
The whole idea of rescuing Jewish children from France before the Germans moved in, caught my interest. And the fact that the main character, Claire, had to take them in when she couldn't return to France herself, only added interest. However, Claire drove me crazy! She whined, complained, and acted like a spoiled teenager for much of the book. I wanted to shake her!
The children were delightful, though I do wish I could have learned more about some of them who were hardly mentioned.
There was excitement and danger, but it wasn't overly dramatic. Just a hint and a bit of romance, and a nice epilogue to end the story.
My biggest complaint was that it seemed that because the children were Jewish, they didn't need to know about Jesus Christ as the Messiah. There was no showing them the love of a Heavenly Father who sent His only Son to fulfill the prophecies. Instead, the focus was on keeping up their traditions (which is fine as long as they know that traditions aren't the means of salvation) as though that's all they needed to make them happy.
April 17, 2018
This started off rather slow, but it picked up.
I loved the depth to the book. I also loved getting to know what it may have been like for refugee children in WWII.
I received a copy from Tyndale to review.
I loved the depth to the book. I also loved getting to know what it may have been like for refugee children in WWII.
I received a copy from Tyndale to review.
February 18, 2020
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.
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.
August 10, 2018
Until We Find Home is a sensitively-wrought story of broken hearts and finding hope set amidst the picturesque Lake District during the early days of World War II. It starts with a dash of danger and espionage when idealistic American Claire Stewart smuggles five Jewish children out of France ahead of the Nazi invasion. She becomes their unwilling guardian, forced to leave behind her dreams of romance and espionage-related glory in order to bring her young charges to the only safe haven she knows on English soil -- her estranged aunt Miranda's estate in the Lake District. With no end in sight to the war and more refugees being billeted at her aunt's home, the needs of the children fleeing shattered lives forces Claire to confront her own secrets, fears buried beneath an active imagination that threatens to blind her to the need and the possibilities within her reach.
Full disclosure, for half the novel Claire drove me nuts. I realize at twenty-three, it is the rare individual who could be called completely mature and selfless (least of all myself). But oh my word, Claire was a piece of work and her attitude toward her young charges could be incredibly frustrating. However, I persevered and as I suspected, my persistence was rewarded. This novel shines in Gohlke's delicate, sensitive exploration of life on the British homefront and stresses and prejudices the conflict and upheaval it brought to every aspect of everyday life, lessons as applicable today as they were eighty years ago. I haven't read much wartime fiction that focuses on homefront life, and the warmth and honesty with which Gohlke has her characters navigate loss, heartache, and a search for family lends her tale a timeless appeal.
I adore how Gohlke wove the literary heritage of the time period into the novel and Claire's search for faith, featuring cameos from Auld Mother Heelis (Beatrix Potter) and C.S. Lewis. Despite the very real challenges faced by Claire and the displaced children, Gohlke retains an element of fairytale whimsy in her storytelling, weaving throughout an appreciation of the purpose and power of story in one's life, no matter the age. I especially adored the parallels between Miranda's neglected estate and one of my personal favorites, The Secret Garden.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of wartime childhood and family (with not one but two dashes of romance), the ending felt somewhat rushed and out of step with the comparatively leisurely pace maintained throughout most of the story. The ending was all narrative, and the wrap-up -- while appreciated -- felt rushed. That minor qualm aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this story of finding one's place and purpose where one is planted, all while celebrating the power and beauty of one's imaginative drive. Sincerity and warmth saturate this wartime coming-of-age tale, and I loved the Kindertransport inspired slant Gohlke brought to bear on the familiar genre of wartime romance. Highly recommended.
Full disclosure, for half the novel Claire drove me nuts. I realize at twenty-three, it is the rare individual who could be called completely mature and selfless (least of all myself). But oh my word, Claire was a piece of work and her attitude toward her young charges could be incredibly frustrating. However, I persevered and as I suspected, my persistence was rewarded. This novel shines in Gohlke's delicate, sensitive exploration of life on the British homefront and stresses and prejudices the conflict and upheaval it brought to every aspect of everyday life, lessons as applicable today as they were eighty years ago. I haven't read much wartime fiction that focuses on homefront life, and the warmth and honesty with which Gohlke has her characters navigate loss, heartache, and a search for family lends her tale a timeless appeal.
I adore how Gohlke wove the literary heritage of the time period into the novel and Claire's search for faith, featuring cameos from Auld Mother Heelis (Beatrix Potter) and C.S. Lewis. Despite the very real challenges faced by Claire and the displaced children, Gohlke retains an element of fairytale whimsy in her storytelling, weaving throughout an appreciation of the purpose and power of story in one's life, no matter the age. I especially adored the parallels between Miranda's neglected estate and one of my personal favorites, The Secret Garden.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of wartime childhood and family (with not one but two dashes of romance), the ending felt somewhat rushed and out of step with the comparatively leisurely pace maintained throughout most of the story. The ending was all narrative, and the wrap-up -- while appreciated -- felt rushed. That minor qualm aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this story of finding one's place and purpose where one is planted, all while celebrating the power and beauty of one's imaginative drive. Sincerity and warmth saturate this wartime coming-of-age tale, and I loved the Kindertransport inspired slant Gohlke brought to bear on the familiar genre of wartime romance. Highly recommended.
January 2, 2018
Joining the French Resistance holds great allure for American Claire Stewart, but she discovers that reality is far different than she dreamed it would be when a mission goes awry. While helping smuggle French Jewish children across the English channel so they will escape the clutches of the Nazis, she ends up alone with the five children and must turn to her estranged aunt Lady Miranda Langford for help. Though her aunt agrees to take the children, Claire is forced to stay and care for them as well rather than returning to France and the man she's given her heart to. Claire soon finds herself challenged on every side as she learns to care for the children in the midst of an ever encroaching war.
Cathy Gohlke has written another masterpiece, a novel that will captivate you from start to finish. I absolutely love the cast of characters that grace the pages of this book, both the adults and the refugee children, as Gohlke has really succeeded at making them as real as you and I. The history is rich, and it is clear that the author has researched the time period well in order to bring the setting to life. I especially love the focus on the stories of the children and their experiences during World War II. The state of Britain during the War is also captured well, both the courage that the British people showed, but also some of the mistakes that they made along the way as well. Claire really grows over the course of the book, both in overall maturity but her spiritual walk too, and I think that readers are truly going to identify with some of the challenges that she faces head on. I can't even imagine living through the experiences that these characters do!
I always admire that Gohlke can craft an entertaining plot that not only immerses you in a historical setting, but leaves you deep in thought at the same time. "Until We Find Home" is one of those books, and I came to the final page feeling like this is one of those novels that I will be pondering for some time. Those readers who love historical fiction are going to be especially pleased with Gohlke's latest offering! I award "Until We Find Home" 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Tyndale, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
Cathy Gohlke has written another masterpiece, a novel that will captivate you from start to finish. I absolutely love the cast of characters that grace the pages of this book, both the adults and the refugee children, as Gohlke has really succeeded at making them as real as you and I. The history is rich, and it is clear that the author has researched the time period well in order to bring the setting to life. I especially love the focus on the stories of the children and their experiences during World War II. The state of Britain during the War is also captured well, both the courage that the British people showed, but also some of the mistakes that they made along the way as well. Claire really grows over the course of the book, both in overall maturity but her spiritual walk too, and I think that readers are truly going to identify with some of the challenges that she faces head on. I can't even imagine living through the experiences that these characters do!
I always admire that Gohlke can craft an entertaining plot that not only immerses you in a historical setting, but leaves you deep in thought at the same time. "Until We Find Home" is one of those books, and I came to the final page feeling like this is one of those novels that I will be pondering for some time. Those readers who love historical fiction are going to be especially pleased with Gohlke's latest offering! I award "Until We Find Home" 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Tyndale, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
December 26, 2017
I have loved every book Cathy has ever written. I was thrilled to be able to read this book! The first part of the book takes you right into France and England during WWII. Action starts from page one and you become engrossed. But things got a little slow for me about midway. From there I sadly didn't love this book as much as I wanted to. The writing is great and the setting and secondary characters are wonderful. Claire is a character I simply could not stand reading. Even until the end I just didn't like her at all. Perhaps at the end she gets a little less snobby but otherwise I had a difficult time reading the pages about her. I wish this wasn't the case but I did enjoy many other parts of this novel.
Four stars.
"I received this book from Tyndale House for free. All opinions are my own."
Four stars.
"I received this book from Tyndale House for free. All opinions are my own."
January 15, 2018
Until We Found Home by Cathy Gohlke is a heart-wrenching novel set during World War II in the lake district in England. With a fast moving plot and a little suspense toward the end, I became wrapped in the novel and couldn't wait to send time with the characters. Gohlke's favorite book of mine is Secrets She Kept. I'm still suggesting this book to people when they want to read a book about forgiveness. With Until We Found Home, I was familiar with Gohlke's style of writing, so I knew I would be in for a treat.
The writing is clear and concise. I had no problem seeing the Lake District and the massive home belonging to Lady Miranda. I really enjoyed the secret garden in the backyard. Gohlke draws the connection to the story of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, which I loved as a child. I enjoyed The Little Princess by Burnett too. Some of my favorite childhood stories. So the connection was not lost on me when Gohlke brought moments of nostalgia as I read the book.
The characters were complete and unique. Claire changes a lot in this book. When I met her in the beginning, she wanted to help the war effort, but she was more focused on the man she loved and being with. Helping was something he wanted, and it made her feel better if she could help him. But Golke had something better planned for her. She had to sacrifice a lot to keep the children safe. Claire's journey to transformation was enjoyable to watch. Lady Miranda also changed through the whole story. In the beginning, she is consumed by grief and has allowed it to keep her locked in her massive estate with no encounter with anyone else. She also changes by the end of the novel.
The plot shows refugees who made it to England. Most stories I encounter during World War II show the characters trying to escape Hitler's rule, but they usually stay in the lower part of Europe. Most don't show the problems after they escape to England. This was a different perspective, and I enjoyed the story. It moved pretty quickly and captured my World War II loving mind. Being a huge C. S. Lewis fan and have written two research papers on him in graduate school, I really enjoyed seeing the characters interact with Lewis through letters and his books. He means a lot to me and was a nice touch to the story.
In conclusion, Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke is a wonderful World War II novel. Gohlke created a story with the power of transformation and showing how important it is to enjoy every moment with your loved ones and to treasure the moments God has gifted you with. I greatly treasure this book, and it will go on my keeper shelf alongside her other wonderful writings. Highly recommend to fans of Sarah Sundin, Kate Breslin, Kristy Cambron, and other World War II writers.
I received a complimentary copy of Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
The writing is clear and concise. I had no problem seeing the Lake District and the massive home belonging to Lady Miranda. I really enjoyed the secret garden in the backyard. Gohlke draws the connection to the story of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, which I loved as a child. I enjoyed The Little Princess by Burnett too. Some of my favorite childhood stories. So the connection was not lost on me when Gohlke brought moments of nostalgia as I read the book.
The characters were complete and unique. Claire changes a lot in this book. When I met her in the beginning, she wanted to help the war effort, but she was more focused on the man she loved and being with. Helping was something he wanted, and it made her feel better if she could help him. But Golke had something better planned for her. She had to sacrifice a lot to keep the children safe. Claire's journey to transformation was enjoyable to watch. Lady Miranda also changed through the whole story. In the beginning, she is consumed by grief and has allowed it to keep her locked in her massive estate with no encounter with anyone else. She also changes by the end of the novel.
The plot shows refugees who made it to England. Most stories I encounter during World War II show the characters trying to escape Hitler's rule, but they usually stay in the lower part of Europe. Most don't show the problems after they escape to England. This was a different perspective, and I enjoyed the story. It moved pretty quickly and captured my World War II loving mind. Being a huge C. S. Lewis fan and have written two research papers on him in graduate school, I really enjoyed seeing the characters interact with Lewis through letters and his books. He means a lot to me and was a nice touch to the story.
In conclusion, Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke is a wonderful World War II novel. Gohlke created a story with the power of transformation and showing how important it is to enjoy every moment with your loved ones and to treasure the moments God has gifted you with. I greatly treasure this book, and it will go on my keeper shelf alongside her other wonderful writings. Highly recommend to fans of Sarah Sundin, Kate Breslin, Kristy Cambron, and other World War II writers.
I received a complimentary copy of Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
July 11, 2020
3.65 rounded up : )
Sometimes I really wish there was another number between 3 and 5! This read was most definitely better than a 3 star, but not as enjoyable as some of my 4 stars. First off, the two supporting female characters started out very annoying.. the younger one especially; she acted like a spoiled teenager, living in her own little fantasy world. The story ended up being very much about the children, more than I expected.. which in the end was fine, but might be disappointing for people looking for the typical love story, which is pretty much non existent. Overall, the story was about growth.. growth in faith, in acceptance, in maturity, in character, in friendship and family values, and on and on. I really did enjoy this book, it wasn't as suspenseful or fast moving as some, very little romance, and eventually I liked all the characters. It was very much true to life, no fairy tale story here, but ends well as can be. A good book actually for when you don't have the time to devour it in one day ; )
Sometimes I really wish there was another number between 3 and 5! This read was most definitely better than a 3 star, but not as enjoyable as some of my 4 stars. First off, the two supporting female characters started out very annoying.. the younger one especially; she acted like a spoiled teenager, living in her own little fantasy world. The story ended up being very much about the children, more than I expected.. which in the end was fine, but might be disappointing for people looking for the typical love story, which is pretty much non existent. Overall, the story was about growth.. growth in faith, in acceptance, in maturity, in character, in friendship and family values, and on and on. I really did enjoy this book, it wasn't as suspenseful or fast moving as some, very little romance, and eventually I liked all the characters. It was very much true to life, no fairy tale story here, but ends well as can be. A good book actually for when you don't have the time to devour it in one day ; )
January 24, 2026
Sigh
‘Twas a good story and I was definitely absorbed in it. There’s no doubt about it the 1930s & 40s are my most favorite era to read about. The 1910s coming in at a very close second.
Anywho
The character development of Claire was really good. Girl was a brat in the beginning. Very caught up in herself. I mean, I’m definitely a dreamer but I totally have more sense than this girl did the first half of the story.
I liked how we got perspective from most of the characters… EXCEPT DAVID! THAT IS AN INJUSTICE!!! I WANTED TO SEE THIS GUY’S PERSPECTIVE SO BAD BUT IT DIDN’T HAPPEN!!!
He was amazing that’s why I’m so angry about that.
I do wish the romance between him and Claire had more depth, but I still liked it.
4/5 ⭐️
‘Twas a good story and I was definitely absorbed in it. There’s no doubt about it the 1930s & 40s are my most favorite era to read about. The 1910s coming in at a very close second.
Anywho
The character development of Claire was really good. Girl was a brat in the beginning. Very caught up in herself. I mean, I’m definitely a dreamer but I totally have more sense than this girl did the first half of the story.
I liked how we got perspective from most of the characters… EXCEPT DAVID! THAT IS AN INJUSTICE!!! I WANTED TO SEE THIS GUY’S PERSPECTIVE SO BAD BUT IT DIDN’T HAPPEN!!!
He was amazing that’s why I’m so angry about that.
I do wish the romance between him and Claire had more depth, but I still liked it.
4/5 ⭐️
July 29, 2019
~3.5 stars~
January 8, 2018
Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke is a fascinating tale about a woman whose dream is to be part of the French Resistance, children who are Jewish refugees from France and Germany, and living in England during the war. It was well-researched and I learned a ton of different things that I didn’t know about the war. Adding tidbits about the Jewish culture was authentic and also a nice touch to add. I also thought it was respectful and beneficial to the children. I also enjoyed all of the different angles and viewpoints of the war. This was a time of worry and an unknown future which hit close to home.
Claire begins as stand-offish, incompetent (especially when it comes to taking care the children and making friends), and self-focused. Luckily, we get to watch her grow so much as she learns to love and be loved. I enjoyed all of the characters. Gaston and Aimee were probably my favorites!
I also loved all of the cameos! Bookworms are going to get a kick out of watching Beatrix Potter and C.S. Lewis appear as characters in the novel. As well as nods to several of our beloved literary classics such as Peter Pan, The Secret Garden, and so on.
Spiritual themes include faith and salvation, forgiveness, and learning to live instead of isolating oneself. There were many quotes from well-known Christian authors of the time period which I loved.
Highly recommended!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Claire begins as stand-offish, incompetent (especially when it comes to taking care the children and making friends), and self-focused. Luckily, we get to watch her grow so much as she learns to love and be loved. I enjoyed all of the characters. Gaston and Aimee were probably my favorites!
I also loved all of the cameos! Bookworms are going to get a kick out of watching Beatrix Potter and C.S. Lewis appear as characters in the novel. As well as nods to several of our beloved literary classics such as Peter Pan, The Secret Garden, and so on.
Spiritual themes include faith and salvation, forgiveness, and learning to live instead of isolating oneself. There were many quotes from well-known Christian authors of the time period which I loved.
Highly recommended!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 7, 2018
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed the setting and historic angle Gohlke had for this novel. It was more than the beautiful town and descriptions. There was always the sprinkling of classic children literature. It brought a unique spin to the novel.
The Jewish refugees in England was another unique spin. I’ve read a lot of WWII fiction over the years, but this wasn’t a subject I’ve read about before. Gohlke really brings to life some of the hardships the children and their caretakers felt.
Sadly, I had some trouble connecting with the characters at times. The plot is spread over a long period of time and it caused me to lose touch with the characters since I sometimes felt like they were progressing without me.
Gohlke weaves all of this together with a sturdy message of faith and salvation. There is one point I feel obligated to make. She brought a lot of truth to the table, and I’m very grateful for that. But the actual moment of conversion was one that left me feeling uncomfortable. The character had enough knowledge beforehand to be saved, and she certainly showed fruit of conversion afterward. But the moment of surrender took place within a dream, and that’s the part that made me uncomfortable. That moment needs to be a conscious thought.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read that will likely send you to a new part of England with a new knowledge of the WWII home front.
Rating and Recommendation: I’m giving Until We Find Home 4 stars and recommending it to those who enjoy WWII fiction or Christian Historical Fiction.
~ I received a copy from Tyndale House. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.
The Jewish refugees in England was another unique spin. I’ve read a lot of WWII fiction over the years, but this wasn’t a subject I’ve read about before. Gohlke really brings to life some of the hardships the children and their caretakers felt.
Sadly, I had some trouble connecting with the characters at times. The plot is spread over a long period of time and it caused me to lose touch with the characters since I sometimes felt like they were progressing without me.
Gohlke weaves all of this together with a sturdy message of faith and salvation. There is one point I feel obligated to make. She brought a lot of truth to the table, and I’m very grateful for that. But the actual moment of conversion was one that left me feeling uncomfortable. The character had enough knowledge beforehand to be saved, and she certainly showed fruit of conversion afterward. But the moment of surrender took place within a dream, and that’s the part that made me uncomfortable. That moment needs to be a conscious thought.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read that will likely send you to a new part of England with a new knowledge of the WWII home front.
Rating and Recommendation: I’m giving Until We Find Home 4 stars and recommending it to those who enjoy WWII fiction or Christian Historical Fiction.
~ I received a copy from Tyndale House. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.
January 20, 2018
A beautiful story that had me growing alongside the characters. Cathy Gohlke masterfully weaves together several points-of-view to create a compelling story that challenged not only my faith, but my definition of family. I loved how she grounded so much of the story in English literary greats, including C.S. Lewis and Beatrix Potter.
A tender tale of hope in the midst of hopeless circumstances. Loved it!
A tender tale of hope in the midst of hopeless circumstances. Loved it!
May 10, 2018
4.5 stars
March 24, 2022
3.5 stars. I have read several other novels by Cathy Gohlke which I loved but I didn't like this one as much. However, it was still a worthwhile read.
The novel begins in 1940 with a young American woman named Claire delivering 5 French Jewish children to England. Claire had been working for the French Resistance and was also in love with one of the men involved named Arnaud. She never intended to actually leave France but when the promised escort for the children doesn't arrive, she is forced to accompany them across the English Channel. Fortunately, she remembers that she has an aunt living in England. Claire has never met her, though, because her mother and aunt have been estranged for over 20 years. Fortunately, the aunt agrees to take in the children and Claire although she is reluctant due to her grief over the loss of her only son to the war less than a year before. Eventually, she takes in 5 more German Jewish children in a short time.
It is a very heartwarming story to read about how the aunt and all of her household, especially her housekeeper, grow to love the children. Claire holds back afraid to love them because she has been hurt in the past by her parents. She is also still holding onto hope of returning to Arnaud in Paris. Other key characters are David Campbell, a man who ends up billeted at the estate while working on a war project and Dr. MacDonald, the kindly older physician who has always been in love with Claire's aunt.
I especially loved reading about the children and what goes on in their lives during the years they have to remain in England not even knowing if their parents are still alive.
There are 'cameo' appearances of Beatrix Potter and C.S. Lewis in the book. Since Claire has always wanted to be a writer, both of these well known historical characters, are introduced into the story of the novel. Although Claire doesn't actually meet C.S. Lewis, she does correspond with him. There are several references to his writings in the novel---especially dealing with Claire's struggle to know what love is, how to love, and how to believe God loves her.
Although I enjoyed this book, the drawback in it was the character of Claire. As other reviewers have mentioned, she acted like a selfish, spoiled teenager during at least the first half of the book---withholding her love from the children, pining over Arnaud, failing to take responsbility for the children, etc. I was so glad to see her change before the novel ended. The parts of the book describing the children were my favorite parts of the book and those directly involving Claire's introspection were my least favorite.
This is Christian fiction but it spiritual themes are not evangelistic---in trying to convince people of a need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Instead, it admonishes us to see God's love and to surrender to His love.
The novel begins in 1940 with a young American woman named Claire delivering 5 French Jewish children to England. Claire had been working for the French Resistance and was also in love with one of the men involved named Arnaud. She never intended to actually leave France but when the promised escort for the children doesn't arrive, she is forced to accompany them across the English Channel. Fortunately, she remembers that she has an aunt living in England. Claire has never met her, though, because her mother and aunt have been estranged for over 20 years. Fortunately, the aunt agrees to take in the children and Claire although she is reluctant due to her grief over the loss of her only son to the war less than a year before. Eventually, she takes in 5 more German Jewish children in a short time.
It is a very heartwarming story to read about how the aunt and all of her household, especially her housekeeper, grow to love the children. Claire holds back afraid to love them because she has been hurt in the past by her parents. She is also still holding onto hope of returning to Arnaud in Paris. Other key characters are David Campbell, a man who ends up billeted at the estate while working on a war project and Dr. MacDonald, the kindly older physician who has always been in love with Claire's aunt.
I especially loved reading about the children and what goes on in their lives during the years they have to remain in England not even knowing if their parents are still alive.
There are 'cameo' appearances of Beatrix Potter and C.S. Lewis in the book. Since Claire has always wanted to be a writer, both of these well known historical characters, are introduced into the story of the novel. Although Claire doesn't actually meet C.S. Lewis, she does correspond with him. There are several references to his writings in the novel---especially dealing with Claire's struggle to know what love is, how to love, and how to believe God loves her.
Although I enjoyed this book, the drawback in it was the character of Claire. As other reviewers have mentioned, she acted like a selfish, spoiled teenager during at least the first half of the book---withholding her love from the children, pining over Arnaud, failing to take responsbility for the children, etc. I was so glad to see her change before the novel ended. The parts of the book describing the children were my favorite parts of the book and those directly involving Claire's introspection were my least favorite.
This is Christian fiction but it spiritual themes are not evangelistic---in trying to convince people of a need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Instead, it admonishes us to see God's love and to surrender to His love.
February 19, 2018
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 as 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”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...
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 as 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”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...
March 27, 2018
Until We Find Home was a story that quietly took me by surprise. The first few pages started out quite fast and intense, and then life slowed down for our characters and I must admit I felt antsy to move on in the story. I also did not care for the main character of Claire at first either. I felt she was clueless and selfish and a bit cruel in some of her dealings with the children. However, as I continued reading and let the story take me through its pages and I let me expectations go, I was quite astonished at how it seems that even I grew a bit with the characters as their story unfolded.
This is a story of family. Of opening your heart to those blessings that God has placed in your life. It may not be how you thought they would be like, but they are blessings just the same. This story also deals with letting go of our past hurts and even our dreams so that new and better dreams can take their places.
This story takes place during the years of World War 2 and deals with the refugee children that were sent away from their parents and homes for their own safety, especially Jewish children from other countries. We have British, American, Scottish, French, and German all trying to get along and eventually becoming a true bona fide family. All the characters grew on me and I enjoyed watching their journey from strangers to family. I also really liked all the literary works and their authors that were mentioned throughout. This was a thought-provoking and heartwarming tale.
Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
This is a story of family. Of opening your heart to those blessings that God has placed in your life. It may not be how you thought they would be like, but they are blessings just the same. This story also deals with letting go of our past hurts and even our dreams so that new and better dreams can take their places.
This story takes place during the years of World War 2 and deals with the refugee children that were sent away from their parents and homes for their own safety, especially Jewish children from other countries. We have British, American, Scottish, French, and German all trying to get along and eventually becoming a true bona fide family. All the characters grew on me and I enjoyed watching their journey from strangers to family. I also really liked all the literary works and their authors that were mentioned throughout. This was a thought-provoking and heartwarming tale.
Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
February 12, 2018
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.)
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.)
January 24, 2018
I am one of those readers who must finish a book no matter how hard I’m struggling with it. Whether that be the plot, the main character, or something else entirely, I will put in the time to get that final page. Because, sometimes, sticking with a story pays off.
In Until We Find Home, Cathy Gohlke’s newest release, I had an issue liking the main character. Claire Stewart is so wrapped up in herself, in living her life the way she’s dreamed it to go, she doesn’t connect with those around her who are starving for her love and attention.
From her Aunt Miranda to the French Jewish children she helped rescue and the German Jewish children who join their circle, Claire is surrounded by people who can give her a more abundant and full life than she could ever dream of. A patchwork family filled with love, hope, and care even during the worst of times. If she would only open her eyes, her heart, and her arms.
Another American turns the tide of this story. David Campbell’s graciousness, his understanding of what the little ones need mores, and his generosity are a picture of God’s love for His children.
While the different points of view were a bit much at times, including those of the refugee children made this book a richer, fuller expression of life in England’s Lake District during World War II.
Reads like this one are what cause me to continue to that final page when I’m not as into it as I want to be. If I’d given up on Claire’s story, I would have missed her change of heart as well as the hope and beauty of the end.
Disclosure statement:
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
In Until We Find Home, Cathy Gohlke’s newest release, I had an issue liking the main character. Claire Stewart is so wrapped up in herself, in living her life the way she’s dreamed it to go, she doesn’t connect with those around her who are starving for her love and attention.
From her Aunt Miranda to the French Jewish children she helped rescue and the German Jewish children who join their circle, Claire is surrounded by people who can give her a more abundant and full life than she could ever dream of. A patchwork family filled with love, hope, and care even during the worst of times. If she would only open her eyes, her heart, and her arms.
Another American turns the tide of this story. David Campbell’s graciousness, his understanding of what the little ones need mores, and his generosity are a picture of God’s love for His children.
While the different points of view were a bit much at times, including those of the refugee children made this book a richer, fuller expression of life in England’s Lake District during World War II.
Reads like this one are what cause me to continue to that final page when I’m not as into it as I want to be. If I’d given up on Claire’s story, I would have missed her change of heart as well as the hope and beauty of the end.
Disclosure statement:
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 1, 2018
Another moving story by one of my favorite authors. Rich historical detail, imperfect characters who grow in grace, and unique cameos by beloved writers of old.
Cathy's books are a treasure trove of emotional story-telling and vivid history-come-to-life. I didn't want to close the last page on Claire, David, Aimee, and Miranda, and the rest of the children, or leave England's gorgeous Lake District.
4.5 stars for Until We Find Home, with high recommendations for all of Cathy's books.
Cathy's books are a treasure trove of emotional story-telling and vivid history-come-to-life. I didn't want to close the last page on Claire, David, Aimee, and Miranda, and the rest of the children, or leave England's gorgeous Lake District.
4.5 stars for Until We Find Home, with high recommendations for all of Cathy's books.
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