This exciting sequel to "No Ocean too Wide",captivated my attention right from the beginning. This story follows Grace Hamilton who was one of the British Home Children. Separated from her family at the age of seven, she often wonders what happened to her family. She finds her childhood trunk in the attic that contains clues to her past. She decides to find out the truth about her family. Meanwhile, her family is desperately looking for her. Her brother, Garth goes on a mission to find her. Along the way, he finds his sweetheart who has troubles of her own. This historical novel has it all: wonderful characters, suspense, murder, love and faith. I truly recommend this book!
I received an advance reader copy from the publisher and Net Galley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. ( )

Author Carrie Turansky has created a mesmerizing sequel to No Ocean Too Wide, and she vividly portrays the changes in her wonderful characters over the past few years. I sympathized with Grace's efforts to please her adoptive parents, and her devastating belief that she would be shunned if people learned that she had been a British Home child. She and her older brother Garth now have a chance at love and romance, but will they be able to overcome the many obstacles that await them?

This book had history and mystery to spark my interest, but the faith and strong family ties were what kept me reading. I was once again touched by this family's hope, determination, trust, and faith, and I am thankful to have learned the history behind the British Home Children. Turansky has written a stunning story and I highly recommend No Journey Too Far to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction set during the post World War I era.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley but I was under no obligation to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

I’ve waited two years for the continuation of the McAlister family’s story, and the wait was worth it. No Journey Too Far by Carrie Turansky finds two of the four siblings are happily settled, one is still missing, and the other is in search of his sweetheart.

This is another book filled with history, a small mystery, and some romance, but at the heart, this story is about the bond of family. Years, miles, and an ocean separates the McAlisters but they do not give up hope in locating their little sister.

It was both fascinating and horrifying to read about the British Home Children and their experiences as well as the prejudices others had about them. A well-researched and engaging conclusion to the series, No Journey Too Far reflects how God’s hand works in unseen ways to bring out good in our lives.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Readers learn more about the Canada 1919 British Home Child prejudice as Emma Lafferty is in a fight for her life. Garth searches for his true love, Emma, and his sister Grace. He seeks out Grace first and then went on a wild, frantic search for Emma. This is a thrilling, heartwarming conclusion to the McAlister family saga.

Grace was young when she was adopted, but her parents never talked about it. Grace had a hole in her heart and an ache in her soul for her family. She was grateful to her adoptive parents and that they treated her well. She was raised in a privileged home, and she did her best to please her parents and followed the rules, so she would be viewed in the right light for the coming out season. But her adoptive parents wanted her to never speak about being a home child. This did not sit well with Grace. How could she not be honest with her husband to be, or anyone else for that matter.

I always enjoy the author notes: She states, “I wanted to continue the story not only to tell what happened to Grace and Garth, but also to highlight some challenges British Home Children faced when they became young adults. After they finished their indentured contracts, many had to strike out on their own and find ways to make a living and provide for themselves. Some young men went off to fight in WWI or WWII, and not all of them survived. Those who did often hide the fact they’d come to Canada as Home children, because of the stigma and prejudice against them.”

The author does a brilliant job of showing the hardships and prejudices of this group. I like how she also showed the triumphs. This is a wonderful conclusion, showing a family’s search for love and restoration. I liked the natural spiritual thread as these characters seek answers for their future.

It is a satisfying, entertaining, informative summer read, and one that would work well for your next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org ( )

In No Journey Too Far, Carrie Turansky continues her captivating saga of the McAlister family and their experiences as British Home Children. This story focuses on Garth McAlister and his search for his sister Grace and his sweetheart Emma. After serving in WWI, Garth returns to Canada with his friend Rob to continue his quest to reunite his family. Meanwhile, Grace has found a way to try to reconnect with her birth family, and Emma is trying to regain contact with Garth. I was struck by the difficulty of communicating with others over 100 years ago compared with the relative ease of today.

Turansky has created some memorable, colorful, and engaging characters for this series, and I enjoyed learning more about them and their struggles and triumphs. One of my favorite things about reading historical fiction is learning more about different slices of time and history while I’m enjoying an absorbing story. I didn’t know about the British Home Children before reading this series. Some of them fared quite well, but others were treated horribly. Turansky’s impeccable historical research is obvious in her attention to detail, and I learned much about this time period while reading this book and the preceding one, No Ocean Too Wide.

Filled with history, suspense, romance, and inspiration, this story is a tale of faith, hope, and a longing for family ties and love. I’m looking forward to more from this talented author in the future. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ( )