Every Given Day

Author: Cathy Gohlke
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 368
Release Date: September 8, 2026
 Publisher: Tyndale Fiction

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.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

I always love reading a book by talented author Cathy Gohlke, because I know I’m going to be in for a great, inspirational story steeped in history. Set in New York during the end of World War I in 1918 and amid the Spanish flu epidemic, Every Given Day stars schoolteacher Gwendolyn Armstrong who rushes to her ill sister’s home in New York to tutor her niece and nephew. When members of the family and staff pass away from the flu, Gwen takes over the care of her nephew Alistair who has contracted juvenile diabetes, which was always fatal at that time.

Dr. Malcolm McNeill has been keeping up with research on diabetes treatment and steps in as a friend and advocate for Alistair and Gwen. Hoping for a cure before it’s too late for Alistair, Malcolm works tirelessly to get him in new drug trials. 

Beautifully written and carefully researched, this story is both a captivating story and a fascinating history lesson. It’s a wonderful example of why I enjoy reading historical fiction. I love learning about little slices of history while reading an absorbing story. The addition of inspirational faith elements to the tale deepened my enjoyment. I recommend this book and author to those who enjoy well-written historical fiction that leaves a lasting impression.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

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