When seventeen-year-old seamstress, Josephine Nimetz, agrees to take care of a WWI amputee in a remote Alaskan lodge, there’s enough friction to melt the Mendenhall Glacier. Her position is only until June, and it pays well enough to overlook the hardship of managing a rustic home and a shell-shocked veteran.Geoff Chambers makes it clear that he isn’t too fond of the “runt” sent to take care of … of his needs, nor of her painful mistakes. Dealing with a depressed and addicted veteran, pushes Josephine to the brink of leaving, if not for the money her salary brings.But Josephine is a perfectionist, determined to get Geoff back on his feet—figuratively…Although, sending a rich, handsome veteran back into society may cost Josephine the man she has grown
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I have read all of Ms. Britton’s books. Her Biblical series is magical. But I must say, I loved this book. In fact, I think it is her best. Once I started this book I could not put it down. Josephine is a wonderful heroine taking care of a double amputee out in the Alaskan wilderness. Geoff bitter from losing his legs and his ability to take care of himself is one angry patient. The conflict is high and the outcome is heartwarming. Each gives the other the confidence to do more with their lives. The romance was natural and believable and the writing is incredible. Buy this book you won’t regret it.
UNTIL JUNE is such an amazing book! It takes place in Alaska, one of my favorite destinations. The leading male is an amputee veteran. It touches on a pandemic, which is what we are living thru now. And it also touches on PTSD, before there was a name for it. What I wasn’t sure about would be the historical factor, 1918-1919. It’s been awhile since I’ve read historical and wasn’t sure how I’d take to it, but this story just flowed. I read it in one sitting. If you pull pivotal parts from the book, you would believe it to be sad, heartbreaking, difficult to read, but it wasn’t at all. There were many times that I found myself smiling or laughing out loud!
The struggles that Josephine and Geoff faced and then the banter that ensued made for such an enjoyable read. So refreshing to read of a budding, building relationship that is clean reading! Such wonderful characters and personalities! Beautiful visuals painted by the author of the lodge, the landscape and the attire worn during that era. I also enjoyed Josephine’s excitement of arriving magazines and personal mail.
I’ll even admit that it caused me to ask Siri a couple of questions regarding things mentioned in the book, only to learn that those things I researched were really over 100 years old! I didn’t only enjoy my reading time, but I learned a few things too! Author Barbara M.Britton never disappoints in her story telling or her research!
What a wonderful story! I don’t think I will ever forget these two characters.
“An outstanding kiss for her outstanding veteran”
The writing was brilliant!
It is a tender romance, but also a challenge in loving when it is hard.
““Not as beautiful as you. Without you, I don’t know if I would have gotten my life back.” Tears glistened in Geoff’s eyes. Not tears from split-open sores or phantom pains. These were tears she had not seen before, tears of love and happiness.”
Seventeen-year-old Josephine takes the job of caretaker to 20-year-old Geoff Chambers, a WWI double amputee. They stay alone at the Chambers’ isolated island lodge. Josephine breaks Geoff’s addiction to morphine and he becomes his old self.
The relationship between them is fascinating. They go to the island virtually as strangers, but quickly share feelings and concerns. She’s clumsy in caring for him physically at first, and while he taunts her at times, he never really lashes out at her.
He teaches her to play gin rummy, which would horrify her mother. She tends the bedsores on his backside. Kind of racy for Christian fiction. While there is mention of God and prayer, it’s light on a Christian message.
I have read and enjoyed many of Barbara Britton’s Biblical historical fiction books, so I wondered how she would tackle a story in a completely different time period. I wasn’t disappointed.
Ms. Britton gives just enough setting details to picture Alaska in 1918, through Josephine’s eyes. Not to mention the challenge of taking a job caring for a WWI vet who repels her at every turn. But she needs the money.
Of course, going into this book, we know it’s a romance, but it begs the question–how in the world is that going to happen with this unlikely pair? On top of Geoff Chambers’ physical limitations and temperament, these two people exist in different social strata. Yet Ms. Britton makes it believable with a variety of well-chosen scenes and situations.
The relationship dynamics are further challenged by visits to the mine that Geoff manages; Josephine’s mom, sister, and sister’s fiance; the boat captain who brings the mail; and Geoff’s snobbish friend who scorns Josephine.
Something I appreciate about Ms. Britton’s writing style is the fresh similes and metaphors she employs to fit the emotional tone of each occasion. No hackneyed, moth-eaten phrases here.
Certain expectations arise when reading stories in the “Christian” romance category. One is reading without fear of encountering graphic sex scenes, which is good. But I also appreciate the lack of prudishness. There’s a realness, an earthiness, in Ms. Britton’s romance novels. And as far as the “Christian” aspect, expect to be entertained by a wholesome story through a Christian worldview lens without being bombarded by cliches and the “Christian-ese” of preachy characters and ruminations.
As the story wrapped up, I had a few questions about certain characters’ responses (which I can’t mention without giving too much away), but all in all, “Until June” is a very satisfying read. I was caught up in the story and highly recommend it!
A moving and encouraging story.
Until June by Barbara Britton is a beautiful story of overcoming. A wounded vet, Geoff Chambers, and a plucky seamstress, Josephine Nimetz are brought together in the most unlikely way as she is charged with caring for this understandably angry young man. I loved Jo’s spirit and the way she stood up to Geoff’s anger. She would not be overcome. This is a timely story of the most unlikely love, in the most unlikely place, under the most unlikely circumstances. Bravo to Barbara Britton for a well-written and timely story.
5 things from Until June
by Barbara M. Britton
1) Jo is an accomplished seamstress hired to care for a double amputee soldier.
2) Geoff served in WWI and came back, broken in body and spirit.
3) Together they write a serial for a magazine, showing a hero can be not the standard, dashing, two-legged variety.
4) Geoff is shell-shocked and deals with a morphine addiction.
5) He laughed. Geoff Chambers actually laughed. For her, that was better medicine than aspirin.
I really enjoyed this book. I feel the author honored veterans well, by showing the raw and
real struggles. A captivating story set up in Alaska where Geoff and Jo set out on a journey
of discovery.
Barbara Britton’s work, Until June, is different than other romances I’ve read and keeps the reader turning pages. Kudos to her. Set in post-World War 1, the story is centered around Geoff Chambers, a handsome soldier who lost both legs in battle.
The story’s heroine, seamstress Josephine Nimetz, is hired to care for Geoff as he recovers from war injuries and assimilates into civilian life again. No easy task. She agrees to leave her home in Anchorage and spend the winter months attending to the wounded soldier.
The lodge tucked into the beauty of Alaska’s majestic lakes and forests is the centerpiece of the story. Geoff convalesces at the dwelling which is assessable by boat only. It is a place of protection from the dangers outside, yet cannot guard against the authentic human emotions of admiration, courage, and romance which reside within.
Until June leaves nothing to the reader’s imagination as Geoff suffers the trauma of his severed legs and the pain that only morphine can help him tolerate.
The story which is dedicated to all veterans allows the reader to share the raw feelings of pain, embarrassment, and fear. The story will capture the reader’s heart and not let go.
Until June by Barbara Britton is the story of a severely physically and emotionally traumatized World War One veteran and his seventeen-year-old caregiver. Isolated on an island in Alaska in 1918, Josephine Nimetz learns a greatdeal more than she expected to about her patient and about herself.
The author demonstrates excellent character development as she delves into the wounds of veteran Geoff Chambers. Josephine’s stamina, compassion, and courage bring about miraculous changes in Geoff’s attitude, healing, and outlook on life.
The historical time period and location of the story provide a perfect backdrop for this sweet romance. I liked how this couple. who seemed so at odds with each other developed a mutual respect that grew into affection and finally a deep love.
The after effects of war are well portrayed in the battles Geoff and Josephine face together as they struggle through Geoff’s morphine addiction, self-esteem issues, and capacity to love.
Barbara Britton brings to light the sacrifice so many of our military men and women offer on the battlefield. She exposes the deep scars that continue to fester long after the battle has been won.
Thank you to the author, Barbara Britton, for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Barbara M. Britton goes beyond the call with her book, “Until June.” Heroine Josephine Nimetz is suddenly tasked with the care of Geoff Chambers, a veteran of the Great War who has suffered extensive injuries both within and without. The two are isolated on an Alaskan Island where they will remain until June. Josephine is a seamstress by trade and she quickly finds that caring for a wounded veteran can be extremely difficult. The writing is exceptional as the two slowly grow to see each other, and their own selves in a different light.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Beautiful captivating story. I loved the flow of the story and the characters.
I liked how Josephine’s presence influenced Geoff’s grumpy nature because of the physical and internal injuries he sustained as a result of war. I loved the setting of the story; the lodge and they they made a home there. I enjoyed their love story.
I recieved a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
What a beautiful, inspiring story! Until June just oozes with nostalgia and has a strong undercurrent of respect and honor for the dedication and sacrifices our Veterans make. This story carries a blended essence of simplicity, innocence, cost, and atonement. I sank in immediately and couldn’t put it down. The pacing was steady, but the central pulse of the story urged me to keep turning pages.
The early 1900s Alaskan setting is unique and picturesque. I could visualize the landscape with clarity and the lodge became familiar, with a warmth I didn’t want to leave.
The characters are what makes a story come to life (for me) and I adored Josephine’s virtuousness, inner strength, and determination. She is good to the core, desiring the comfort and protection of others over herself. Even though she is young, she’s unwavering, and inexperienced, yet resolute. She initially struggles to find her footing while caring for Geoff, but gradually discovers her strength and confidence, showing extraordinary growth by the end of the story.
Geoff has suffered much during the war, and the aftermath is just as difficult. With severe injuries to his body and his mind, he has much to overcome. He is angry, resentful, in pain, and dealing with addiction. He’s certainly not in search of love or healing, but in need of both. I respected and loved him even when he acted unlovable, and that grew even stronger when Josephine began to chip away his hard exterior.
The secondary characters carried weight as well, with varying roles and personalities (such as the annoying sister, dependent mother, and several genuine and not-so-genuine friends.)
The thread of hope and faith throughout this story gives such depth and meaning, and the sweet romance softens the edges of the traumatic mental and physical injuries Geoff carried with him.
I highly recommend Until June. It is a beautiful story of love, perseverance, sacrifice, and healing. It honors our Veterans and displays sweet and selfless love.
#BarbaraBritton #UntilJune #CoverLove
I was blessed to receive a complimentary copy of this book.
“No two persons ever read the same book.” (Edmund Wilson)
When I sat down to compile my thoughts about this book, Edmund Wilson’s quote came to mind. I feel my life experiences contributed greatly to my enjoyment of this story. For starters, I’ve read all of Barbara Britton’s books so I was already familiar with her style of writing. While she has written biblical fiction exclusively up to this point, her foray into 20th-century historical fiction was every bit as delightful. The second thing that connected me to the story was the setting. I lived in Anchorage and Eagle River, Alaska from December 2001 to April 2006. It’s one thing to visit that great state and a whole other thing to experience the life and culture of the people who live there. Britton captured the grit and grandeur of the people and the land. Finally, I joined the US Air Force at the age of 17 where I served nearly 10 years in the medical corps. Later, I married a military pilot who’s since deployed 8 times! It was easy to see a little of my own naivete in Josephine “Jo” Nimetz as well as to sympathize with the veteran she cared for. While neither my husband nor I have experienced the same horrors of war as Geoff, we have seen the effect of PTSD on service members and their families. Britton draws attention to this diagnosis without allowing it to define her character.
Between these pages, you’ll find a little mystery, a budding romance, and a message of hope. Regardless of the fact that you will come to this book with different experiences, you will turn the last page feeling uplifted and satisfied.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
This is a well written book that hooks you on the first page. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it was wonderful. The author made the book come to life with her words. If you are looking for a wonderful historical fiction book, grab this book. I loved it! Thank you Pelican Book Group via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book takes place at the tail-end of WWI. I love historical romance and this was a new time frame for me. Barbara Britton is a talented writer. I found the characters fresh, the storyline compelling, the end satisfying.
I have read every one of Barbara Britton’s books. She is a great writer whose characters are realistic and relatable, and whose descriptions immerse me in the locale and era of the story. Therefore, I was thrilled to hear she has a new book coming in June that is set during WWI, and I snapped up the opportunity to be an advanced reader. Although unlike any of her biblical novels, this is a Barbara Britton story, and you are going to love it. Be prepared to laugh, sigh, and cry. What an amazing story. I love Geoff and Josephine. They’re both broken, but in different ways, and I loved watching them heal each other. I loved how as Geoff began to believe in Josephine, she gained confidence. The author took an incredibly difficult topic and handled it with realism but sensitivity. Wow. Josephine’s sister, Ann was perfectly annoying. I wanted to slap her a couple of times, but appreciated that Josephine was more mature than I was with her! Loved, loved, loved Tubby, especially at the end when he was so protective of Josephine and shared about his own loss. I could go on, but suffice it to say you will want to read this book.
I received a free ARC from the author, and a positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.