No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky Book Review

No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky is the first book in a series that explores the British Home Children who were sent across the ocean from London to Canada in the late 1800's to early 1900's. Many of these children were orphans, but this novel gives a glimpse into a family that was torn apart by this system that promised a better life for children.

Laura McAlister is working as a lady's maid for the very affluent Fraser family in England when she finds out that her widowed mother has become ill.  When she arrives in London, she discovers that her brother and sisters have been put in orphanages.  She is desperate to find her siblings and tries not to worry her mother. Laura encounters many obstacles and frustrations as she searches for her family and  when she finds out that her siblings have been shipped off to Canada, she sneaks her way into a position that will allow her to travel the same route that will lead her to her siblings. She meets Rose who becomes a kind and caring friend.  And while on the boat, she meets Andrew Fraser (again), who not only is the son of her former employer, but also an attorney who is on assignment to learn more about the children being transferred through the orphanages to families in Canada.  She begins to form an unlikely friendship with him as they continue their search for her family. Laura had to rely on God's provision through this scary and lonely trial. When Laura finally tracks down one of her sister's she is appalled by her living and working conditions.  She is adamant to find her the rest of her family.   Will Laura and Andrew rescue her siblings?  Will they move beyond their friendship to something more?

This book addressed a new topic for me that I had actually never heard or read about before.  I was highly intrigued about how all these children were moved from one continent to another.  This historical fiction gave a glimpse into the life of a family that learned the struggles and heartache that could happen accidentally.  I especially liked how how even though the main character, Laura, seemed to be a very responsible and careful young lady, she had to take great risks and even conceal her identity to pursue her siblings.  I can't imagine all that this family had to endure.  It seemed very wrong and even though there were many well meaning authorities, when it came time for choosing homes, it was not done properly in my opinion.  The novel does not end here, but will continue on with a story for each of the McAlister children.  I look forward to following this family.

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book for review.  All opinions are my own.*


Be sure to check out the author at her website for more amazing books:  Carrie Turansky.