No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky Book Review

“No Ocean Too Wide” by Carrie Turansky is a Christian romantic historical fiction based on true events. It is Book One in the McAlister Family Series.  This was a compelling novel that I could not put down!  There is no way I can do it justice with just a few words.

My emotions took a roller coaster ride with this book.  I became enraged, shocked, joyful, elated, saddened, scared, hopeless and then hopeful as the feelings from the characters jumped from the characters into me.

This is a story set in England in the early 1900’s.  It centers around the McAlister Family which has a mother, seven year old Grace, fourteen year old twins Katie and Garth, and twenty year old Laura.  As tragedy befalls the family with the mother in the hospital, the children are separated from each other and their mother.

The characters are well described and believable.  Each one has a depth that makes him or her come to life on the page.  There is even a rich, handsome hero!  The conversations sound authentic for the era and location.  The descriptions took me to a time and place that I had never been.

Author Turansky did impeccable research.  I had never heard of this before in all my reading and studies.  I was stunned and livid to learn that children were sent from England to Canada, orphaned or not.  In fact, at times I wished this was not based on a true story.  However, I could not stop reading this captivating tale.

The writing is exquisite.  The book flows at an even pace.  It isn’t sluggish or hurried.  The author has a style that made this book easy to read and not want to put down.  It is quite the page turner.  I eagerly await Book Two.

I highly recommend this poignant novel.  It has stayed with me long after reading it.  I keep thinking of all of the poor children in similar situations.  The Christian element is definitely present.  Themes of faith, family, God, helping others, and hope are woven throughout this emotional, beautiful story.  I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.  I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley but was under no obligation to write a review.  These are my own thoughts.