MommySecrets

Being a mom is the hardest thing I've ever done, but it has brought me so much joy! I want to encourage other moms on their journey, I'll share motherhood tricks, spotlight tips I've learned from friends, and I hope you will share your ideas. I will focus on secrets that help families stay balanced, healthy, frugal, creative, and closely knit. I will also share favorite fiction and nonfiction books that I have enjoyed. Many blessings to you on your mothering journey!

Sunday, June 16, 2019

No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky


From the publisher: 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 completely enjoyed the book. I didn't know anything about the immigration process from England to Canada during this time period. I was saddened to read about so many of the situations these young children faced. Turansky does a fabulous job telling a story, depicting emotions, and helping a reader live into history.

The story has so many good lessons on character including honesty, perseverance, loyalty, and service. It's a great story on finding friendships that withstand the trials of life. It's a beautiful story of a family fighting to stay together. It's an inspiring story about young men and women having the courage to fight for the health, wellness, and safety of children who cannot help themselves.

I would recommend this book to women and teens age 15+.  There are love stories woven throughout the story, but they are innocent with no sensual references.

I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest reviews.