First published 1992
Darcy has never stayed anywhere long enough to make real friends. At eleven, she moves with her family to Frenchtown, where she meets Kathleen Mary O'Hara. Kathleen Mary opens up a fascinating new world for Darcy, sharing stories about Catholicism, teaching her about sins and miracles, and drawing her into secret games. This friendship arrives at the perfect moment, since Darcy's father has left to fight in the war in Europe. Then Kathleen Mary and her family vanish without warning. Darcy waits for word from her friend, but instead receives devastating news that her father is missing in action. Christmas approaches, and Darcy struggles with questions about faith and divine love. She desperately hopes for a miracle that will bring her father home safely. The young girl must decide whether to believe in the power of prayer and the possibility that God will answer her deepest wishes.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, coming-of-age, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Frenchtown
Period: World War II
128 pages · Paperback · Lions
Content warnings: war