Nothing But Miracles

By: Jamie Steinberg

Dory (don’t call her Doris) is a twelve-year-old girl who lives with her brothers (Fish is older and Pike is younger) in the Lower east Side area of New York. Her father is currently serving overseas as World War II roars on. Fish is only seventeen years old, and he is left in charge of running their household and looking after his siblings. They survive off of the money their father sends home and whatever the neighborhood provides. When their little bubble gets threatened by a new landlord, Dory comes up with a unique situation to help keep her siblings together and safe. Nothing Else But Miracles is a heartwarming tale of family, love, determination and the kindness of others that is sure to a fast fan young adult favorite read.

The Byrnes children lost their mother at a young age and all they have is their father. He avoided the WWII draft before as their mother had just passed away, but he has been called up again and Fish gives him permission to head overseas – something Dory won’t let him live down. Fish may still be in high school, but he is now tasked with playing papa until the real one returns. The kids do not go without food as their father has their neighbors looking out for them and assures that that should they need anything the neighborhood will provide. The lady who owns the local bakery gives them leftover crullers and they have weekly dinners at Mr. Caputo’s restaurant. It is there that Dory learns that there is a hidden upper area to the restaurant which was a hotel but has been untouched for years and that it can only be reached by a dumbwaiter. This sparks something in her that makes her determined to discover what remains in the hotel – as she is hoping there is a treasure hidden.

Unfortunately, The Byrnes’ landlord passes away unexpectedly, and the new one is not very friendly. When he quickly decides he isn’t a fan of the family he threatens to turn them in to the authorities if their father doesn’t present himself. The family worries that they will be quickly shipped off to an orphanage when Dory gets a brilliant idea to move the family to that secret hideout above Caputo’s restaurant. I don’t want to say much more, otherwise I’ll give too much away about what the book has in store, but the entire book is a sweet, endearing tale from start to finish.

Author Kate Albus does an exceptional job of investing the reader into the trajectory of the Byrnes children. These sweet babies are struggling, and you desperately feel for every situation they find themselves in. I won’t spoil the ending, but I will politely beg Albus for a follow-up tale.

Nothing Else But Miracles is a special tale that will fulfill your sense for adventure while warming your heart. No matter the age you are, Dory and the Brynes will find their way into your heart and you’ll be joining in me a quest to get a follow up novel from Albus sooner rather than later.