No Ocean Too Wide - McAlister Family by Carrie Turansky Paperback
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4.7 out of 5 stars with 9 reviews
100% would recommend
8 recommendations
5 out of 5 stars
23 April, 2021
We’re not giving up - we’ve just begun the fight..
This is the most incredible story - one that I am quite sure everyone should read. I would imagine that anyone that enjoys history and all we can learn from it, has heard of the British Home Children (BHC) as well as the Kindertransport during the war. In many ways the same, but also so very different. While the children from war-torn countries were sent away for their safety, the BHC were sent to America to reduce the number of destitute children roaming the streets of London and other places. Unfortunately some of those sent away were from loving families that were temporarily unable to provide for their needs. This is the story of one such family. Garth and Katie, 14 year old twins, were sent to different homes, since boys and girls were not in the same home. Young Grace, 7, was allowed to stay with her sister, Katie. Child emigration was regular at that time - the children were sent to Canada, where they were then put into homes that were prepared to accept a child into their family as well as care for them. The people overseeing those homes didn’t value family connections, so were these siblings likely to ever see each other again? Andrew Frasier and Henry Dowd were given the task of following this emigrant cycle to see if it was all done legally. Were these children all orphans or were some taken from their families without permission? What were the conditions the children were living with in Canada? Answers for these and other questions were what they hoped for. This incredible story has been on my desk, just waiting for me to sit down and read. Published by Multnomah the comments and impressions given are my own and were in no way solicited.
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
2 September, 2019
Wonderful Historical Fiction
Author Carrie Turansky has penned a hope-filled novel, in spite of the difficulties the characters faced.
There were many scenes in which the heartbreak, or suffering, or anger was so real. The romance was sweet, and the characters were likable. Not everything was neatly tied up at the end of the story, so I'm looking forward to the sequel.
I especially enjoyed getting to know fourteen-year-old Katie. Until recent events, she had had a happy childhood, but circumstances brought her into some undesirable placements. She remained hard-working, loyal to her family, and committed to the truth. Her older sister Laura was equally hard-working and dedicated to her family.
Readers of historical fiction will be sure to enjoy the story of the McAlister family in their quest to reunite.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Multnomah, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
26 June, 2019
Another fabulous historical romance by author Carrie Turansky
I fought tears throughout the journey the siblings embarked to Canada. The trials Kate and Laura endured broke my heart and as a mother I was weeping mess. I can’t say enough about this gem with unexpected ending. The many twists kept me engaged and thirsty for book two!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
26 June, 2019
Faith, Family, & Love
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
25 June, 2019
A heart-touching review
This poignant story of the McAlister siblings touched my heart. It’s hard to imagine children that young being placed on a boat in London; shipped to Canada; and then becoming basically indentured servants for families in Canada. It seems atrocious to us today, but that’s what happened with thousands of children in the early 1900’s. Some were placed in very good homes, but some found themselves extremely mistreated with no one to advocate for them. The author has done a wonderful job of incorporating the facts about these children and presenting their difficult situations to us through the story of the McAlister family. My heart ached for Katie, Garth, and Grace as they found themselves separated from each other and having little hope of being reunited. Their adult sister, Laura, risks much to travel to Canada to find them. Her faith is severely tested, and she has to trust God’s guidance and her friends’ support to accomplishment what seems impossible.
There’s a love story that builds all through the story between Laura and Andrew. Separated by social class and economic status, Laura has no choice but to trust Andrew to help her with her search for her siblings. Their relationship does not always run smoothly, and they both have much to learn about faith and trust. I enjoyed reading this book and since all was not completely settled at the end of this one, I’m eager to continue the McAlister family story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
25 June, 2019
Wonderful English Historical Fiction
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.
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
24 June, 2019
Thought-provoking historical fiction
What a fascinating story of tragic loss, familial loyalty, and enduring love! Carrie Turansky has a way of creating a hopeful and encouraging tale even in the midst of heart-breaking historical events. This first book in the series details Laura McAlister as she leaves her service position in 1908 England to go after her younger siblings who were mistakenly sent to Canada to fill the roles of indentured servants. Her family has already suffered from the death of their father and severe illness of their mother so Laura, as the eldest, cannot just sit still and let her family be ripped apart by a faulty child emigration process. Laura is determined, resourceful, and tender-hearted. Andrew, the son of Laura's employer and a lawyer, becomes involved in Laura's quest for her siblings when they cross paths while she's looking for their whereabouts and he is hired by the government to investigate the child emigration process. Their journey takes them to Canada and is filled with joy and sorrow, hopes and unfulfilled longings, friendships and lies, great fortunes and misfortunes. Katie, Laura's fifteen year old sister, has a strong voice in the storyline and gives a different perspective to the plot. Garth, Katie's twin brother, and Grace, their seven year old sister, will get their voices heard in the next installment of the McAlister Family series.
If you enjoy a well-written historical fiction, you will definitely enjoy this book. I received a copy of the book from Waterbrook & Multnomah and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
21 June, 2019
Stellar Historical Read
I had to digest this book before writing my review, as it brings to life a piece of history that should not be forgotten. Carrie Turansky does a wonderful job of doing stellar research and then weaving a story that lets us view history through new eyes. My heart was aching and I felt emotionally drained when I finished and I warn you to have tissues on hand. This book struck home for me as my mom was raised in an orphanage and therefore I could identify with these characters and feel their hurts and frustrations. The author paints a picture with each stroke of the pen and you will be reflecting on it days later, as it carries a powerful impact . This is an outstanding Historical and I recommend it as a must read. I loved each of the main characters and can’t wait to read the next book that continues the story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
12 June, 2019
Thought Provoking and Beautifully Written!
3.5 stars
"What did she expect? This was what happened when you made a hasty decision, compromised your convictions, and tried to manipulate the situation."
Laura McAllister didn't start out to be deceptive, one thing just led to another, and before she knew it her misrepresentations of the truth landed her in a situation that demanded an explanation . . . to none other than the son of her former employer, Andrew Frasier. However, drastic measures had been Laura's only available recourse after discovering that her younger siblings had been removed from their home and placed in a precarious location; a British children's home where dozens of assumed orphans were being emigrated to Canada at an alarming pace.
Andrew Frasier is shocked to see his mother's former lady's maid traveling under an assumed identity. As a young lawyer, he was still trying to gain experience and expertise under the tutelage of Henry Dowd, who had been granted a government commission to study the practices of British orphanages and their subsequent placements of children. Seeing Laura in her current position compromises his initial impression of the lovely young woman. Just what is she up to? And can their brief acquaintance be useful in his current investigation?
Carrie Turansky's rich, relaxed writing voice serves her well in this engaging story where she meticulously places flesh and bones upon a skeleton that most readers never knew existed in the closet of Biritish history. Cleverly leaving a few questions unanswered, the next book in the series will, without a doubt, be highly anticipated.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.