No Ocean Too Wide

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Average customer rating 4.8 (4 comments)

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Can you imagine being a little seven-year-old girl and wondering when you will see your mommy again? How about fourteen-year-old twins who are separated from each other and feel like they are missing half of themselves? What does a young woman do when she discovers that her two younger sisters and brother have been sent to another country and now appear to be lost to her? These are the situations that the four siblings of the McAlister family encounter in No Ocean Too Wide and it is a story that will remain with you long after you've finished reading it. This is a sad story but it is also a story of hope, faith, and determination. The McAlister's and Andrew Fraser were all believers and even though there were times when they wondered why God was allowing this to happen, they still believed in the power of prayer. Even though this book is set in 1909 it will surely cause today's readers to think about the children who are currently in foster care or awaiting adoption. I recommend No Ocean Too Wide to anyone who enjoys historical Christian fiction and I am looking forward to the next book of the McAlister Family series to learn if this family can finally be reunited! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and I was under no obligation to write a positive review. These are my own opinions.

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I was familiar with the Orphan Train that took poor and orphaned children from our country's over crowded eastern cities to the west for adoption or to serve, often as domestics or farm hands. Prior to reading No Ocean Too Wide I was unaware of the thousands of children who were emigrated from Britain to Canada between the 1860s and 1930s for much the same purpose. The story of Laura, Katie, Garth and Grace brings to life and to light the neglect and abuse suffered by many of these children while not ignoring that some did indeed end up in better circumstances from which they came. Carrie Turansky has a delightful way of showing her readers God's hand and presence even in dire circumstances. She demonstrates the value of recognizing the blessings, both great and small, among the struggles, and the importance of concentrating on those rather than allowing oneself to get bogged down in the stress and unfairness this life can include. I am grateful to have received a copy of No Ocean Too Wide from Multnomah via NetGalley and Summer Launch in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

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No Ocean Too Wide, by Carrie Turansky captured my heart right from the start and never let me go. Ms. Turansky has done a marvelous job bringing to life a piece of the history of the British Home Children emigration to Canada, their hope for a better life and the heartbreak as well. Readers are introduced to the McAlister family who, through one thoughtless choice that set off a terrible chain of events, was caught up in a British social system and torn apart. I loved the courage and strength portrayed as the family encounters setbacks, disappointments, and difficult situations. And their faith in God—each of them, even the teenagers—is depicted realistically, whether it be wavering or strong as they learn to hold on to hope and trust God to reunite their family. The author expertly crafted characters who are well defined and well rounded with attributes and flaws. Laura, the older sister, determined to find her siblings; Andrew, passionate about helping those in need; Mr. Dowd, bold and honest regarding spiritual matters; Katie, alone and abandoned, yet so brave, feisty, trying so hard to do what is right—she broke my heart! And then there are the characters that you want to smack—the nasty matrons at some of the children’s homes and the self-centered guardians who took the children in and exhibited prejudice, neglect, and abuse. Along with a rich historical element to the story, and wonderfully compelling characters that evoke powerful emotions, there is a sweet romance that also touches the heartstrings and captures the reader’s interest. No Ocean Too Wide is a captivating story of the strong bonds of a loving family and the mercy and kindness of God who leads and guides, and promises never to leave His children. Readers who love historical fiction will not want to miss this one. I cannot wait until the next book in this series is released. I was given a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

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The author has given us a story that will linger long after the last page is turned, and rightfully so. By the Grace of God, we could have been one of those children, orphans, or no parent to take care of them. I can’t even imagine the poverty and living on the streets, but the solution? We put faces to these children, but they have a family, and when one of the siblings attempt to retrieve them, well that is what makes this such a great read. You will find your heart breaking, and yes, I know that this was a different time, but people looking their noses down because of circumstances beyond the control of the child, oh! I love that there is another book to come and answer some more of my questions, so be sure to read the author’s notes at the end of the book! I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Waterbrook Multmonah Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.