Title: No Ocean Too Wide (McAlister Family #1) by Carrie Turanksy

Pages: 368

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian

Publisher Waterbrook & Multnomah (June 25th, 2019)

Summary

Between the years of 1869 to 1939 more than 100,000 poor British children were sent across the ocean to Canada with the promise of a better life. Those who took them in to work as farm laborers or household servants were told they were orphans–but was that the truth?

After the tragic loss of their father, the McAlister family is living at the edge of the poorhouse in London in 1908, leaving their mother to scrape by for her three younger children, while oldest daughter, Laura, works on a large estate more than an hour away. When Edna McAlister falls gravely ill and is hospitalized, twins Katie and Garth and eight-year-old Grace are forced into an orphans’ home before Laura is notified about her family’s unfortunate turn of events in London. With hundreds of British children sent on ships to Canada, whether truly orphans or not, Laura knows she must act quickly. But finding her siblings and taking care of her family may cost her everything.

Andrew Fraser, a wealthy young British lawyer and heir to the estate where Laura is in service, discovers that this common practice of finding new homes for penniless children might not be all that it seems. Together Laura and Andrew form an unlikely partnership. Will they arrive in time? Will their friendship blossom into something more?

Inspired by true events, this moving novel follows Laura as she seeks to reunite her family and her siblings who, in their darkest hours, must cling to the words from Isaiah: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God”.

*I received a free copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  A huge thank you to the publisher!*

I had heard so many wonderful things about Carrie Turansky’s books.  However, until reading No Ocean Too Wide, I had not read any of her books.  That being said, because of how well-loved she is, I went into this book with pretty high expectations.  I’m so happy to say, this book did not disappoint!

Oh my goodness, I don’t even know where to start when it comes to this book.  No Ocean Too Wide is one of those books that once you start reading, you don’t ever want to stop.  The writing is so engaging and readable.  The details in No Ocean Too Wide make it so evident how much research and care went into writing this novel.

The characters in this story were so well-written, too.  My heart broke for them and I continually rooted for them and cheered them on.  Laura’s determination and dedication to her family was so admirable.  I feel like she, as a character, really grew the most throughout this book and I cannot wait to see where she goes in book 2!

The romance in this book was really well done, too.  While I felt it was rushed a bit for the ending, throughout the rest of the book it was perfectly paced.

Another thing I loved was the faith content.  This is a Christian fiction novel, and when I go into Christian novels, I have certain expectations.  No Ocean Too Wide fit those expectations perfectly.  This book is filled with just the right amount of faith content.  It’s written in a way that will inspire and encourage you to trust in the Lord despite any circumstance.  Also, unlike some Christian novels,  No Ocean Too Wide is not preachy or over-the-top.  I’ve read some Christian books where I just have to roll my eyes at parts because it’s just so cheesy.  This is not the case for this one!  It is written in such a heartfelt and authentic way, and I appreciated that so much.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed No Ocean Too Wide.  The story was so gripping and I absolutely cannot wait for book 2!  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or well-written Christian fiction.

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