What starts as a simple book about family is so much more. In 1934 the Adler family is expecting an exciting summer. Their daughter, Fannie, is expecting her second child. Their other daughter Florence has been training to swim the English channel. In the midst of all this excitement, Joseph Adler opens the Adler home to the daughter of a childhood friend. The young lady, Anna, is Jewish and has applied to all colleges in Germany to continue her education but has been denied. Mr. Adler has vouched for Anna and she will attend college in America.

Into this simple life, tragedy arrives. Florence dies. Fannie is in the hospital on complete bed rest with a difficult pregnancy. Mrs. Adler makes the decision not to tell Fannie, fearing the shock could create issues with Fannie’s pregnancy. Imagine trying to act happy when you are grieving the loss of your child!

Rachel Beanland has written a book that captures how messy life can be. This poor family goes to extremes to protect their daughter’s unborn child. They also have to deal with the shady behavior of their son-in-law and watch their granddaughter to be sure she doesn’t spill the beans to her mother. Fortunately, Fannie delivers a healthy baby. It would be heartbreaking for any additional tragedy to befall this family.

This book also shows that in spite of the difficulties in life, family will be there for you and help overcome obstacles. While the Adlers endure so much, you find yourself hoping that they will manage to emerge stronger and they do.

The book is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster but the story is far from simple. The characters are complex and flawed. Much like life, they do the best they can. In this particular set of circumstances, it is exactly enough.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻

Additional Thoughts: This is the first book I’ve read by Rachel Beanland. She is a wonderful author who has a talent for crafting beautiful stories. I look forward to her next one.