Member Reviews

A family separated, a murder charge, and another family determined to keep secrets. Mystery, faith, danger, and the possibility of love are found in this amazing story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

Was this review helpful?

As a fan of Carrie Turansky’s novels and her recent historical story No Ocean Too Wide, I was excited to read the sequel. I was not disappointed.
In No Journey Too Far, Turansky continues the McAlister saga ten years after the first book, with the youngest child, Grace and Katie’s twin, Garth. Turansky also continues the legacy of the McAlister’s faith. A journey that is fraught with great challenges that drives the story’s characters to their knees—toward or away from God.
Turansky has always given the reader heartwarming, believable romance, but she is gaining credible chops with the mystery genre. And (somewhat spoiler alert) her courtroom scenes? Aces.
Prior to Turansky’s novels, I knew nothing about the British Home Children and the challenges and prejudices they endured. It would seem human nature has done little to evolve from fearful and oppressive behaviors. Turansky has provided a beautiful “what if” scenario—and example of what “loving our neighbor” can look like, especially today.
I highly recommend both No Ocean too Wide and No Journey Too Far for an inspiring, page-turning read, with strong female characters, and a historically accurate tale.
I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through #NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

I was very excited to read No Journey to Far, as I loved the first book in the series. However, I found this book to be slow and not nearly as good as the first. I would not recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Family First

A delightful story of family, friends and Romance. I loved the characters and remembered them from the first book "No Ocean Too Wide" which I read in 2019. I wondered if Laura and Andrew ever found Grace.

The history of the British Home Children is fascinating to me as I had never heard of it before I read "No Ocean Too Wide". This book goes into when those children grow up and fend for themselves. I cannot believe that after ten years of being in Canada there was still so much prejudice against the orphans from Britain called the British Home Children.

This is a story of Garth, Robert, Emma and Grace. Four British Home Children now grown up and finding their way in life. They find love and romance and plan for the future but there are still challenges and obstacles they must overcome to return to their home in England.

The story of how they work to overcome these obstacles and challenges is the story told in this book It is inspirational, romantic and sometimes a bit sad. I loved the characters, the descriptions of the clothing and the people in the story as well as the very vivid descriptions of the lands where it took place.

A well written and great read I would recommend it.

Thanks to Carrie Turansky, Waterbrook and Multnomah Publishers, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

No Journey Too Far is a fantastic read! I loved getting to know some of the characters in the first book, No Ocean Too Wide, and catching up with them in book 2. Turansky continues to bring to life an aspect of history I really hadn’t been familiar with prior to reading this series. I particularly appreciate how book 1 dealt with the younger years of British Home Children, and in book 2, we get to see the challenges older children went through. Really quite shocking to see how many people distrusted BHCs and gave them a bad rap for one "reason" or another.

A well-researched book that truly brings history to life.

As the second (and, I believe, final) book in the series, I do recommend reading No Ocean Too Wide first, both to avoid spoilers of book-1 events and to get to know the family and historical setting.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I loved being reunited with old friends, and finding a conclusion to the location of lost relatives.

The great war is now over, and Garth and Rob have returned to England and family, and then they will journey to Canada to reunite and find lost loved ones. Of Course, challenges await, and we don't know whom they will be able to find or if they will return to England and their family.

We are given some sweet romance, and reminded of past events, so if you have not read the first book, you shouldn't be lost, but you might want to grab a copy of No Ocean To Wide, it is so good!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Waterbrook Multnomah, and was not required to give a positive review.

Was this review helpful?

Garth McAlister has returned from his military service in World War 1, and his main goal now is to find the last of his missing sisters, Grace McAlister. He knows she was sent to Canada with her other sisters, but he has no idea where she ended up after being adopted. With the support of his family and his military friend, Rob, he is going to return to Canada and begin searching for her. Garth's persistence in finding his sister was so sweet. Nothing was going to stop him from uniting his family at last. Andrew, his elder sister's husband,had been busy tracking down clues while Garth was at war; but the war had made it difficult to send and receive mail between Canada and England. Now that the war had ended, Garth felt there was truly a chance to find Grace.

I loved Garth's "don't give up" attitude even to the point of putting off getting back to his girl in Canada. Family came first and foremost to him. His family's dynamics were so strong, and the caring and concern between them was wonderful. The role the trunk played in the story was a nice touch, and it definitely sent Grace in search of family information she'd never known. I didn't care for how standoffish Grace's adoptive parents were as well as how they basically treated her as as "show piece" without truly loving her for whom she was. But it was nice to see their change of heart towards the end.

This series definitely makes me want to take a look at some non-fiction material about the British Home children, and I know that there is an actual group now of their descendants trying to discover more about their English families.

Well written and extremely interesting story about a little know subject that definitely makes me want to find out more.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Was this review helpful?

No Journey Too Far, the second installment of the McAlister family novels, continues and expands on the lives of previously mentioned siblings Garth and Grace. The time gap between the end of the first book and beginning of the second is ten years. You will learn about Grace’s upbringing as well as Garth’s. I really enjoyed this book. However, I don’t think it was quite as suspenseful as the first. It was still a page turner! Some parts of the story seemed to drag on just a little bit and other parts were quickly revealed. I was still able to read this book quickly as it kept my attention the entire way through. I liked how there was a time gap between the two books. Reading about Grace and Garth allowed me to see how British Home Children were treated as adults. There are a few plot twists throughout the book that kept me reading. This was my second read by author Carrie Turansky (No Ocean Too Wide being my first) and I will read more of her works in the future. They are historical but easy to read and understand.

Was this review helpful?

“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” Psalm 9:9-10 KJV

I love how Carrie Turansky’s books follow a theme verse. This Bible passage rang true from the first page of No Journey Too Far, the second book in the McAlister Family series. Even though this story takes place ten years after the first, it felt like no time had passed as the story picks up where the first left off. It was a treat to read what events had taken place in the years that had passed for the characters, but I was eager to learn how Garth’s and Grace’s stories would unfold.

What I found most interesting was the development of both characters. In the first book, nothing more is known of Grace’s life after she was separated from her siblings. In the second story, readers get to know Grace as a young woman and the trials that have shaped her into the graceful, strong person she has become. She bravely seeks out the truth of her past and ventures into unfamiliar territory in order to discover where, and to whom, she belongs. Her naivety sets the stage for some humorous scenes.

The introduction of Emma’s character added more depth to Garth’s story. I really enjoyed learning more about their relationship and their sweet love story. The mystery added more intensity to an already incredible tale.
As in the first book, what I liked best about this novel was the message of God’s faithfulness and love reflected on each page. Carrie is an amazing author that I highly recommend. I look forward to reading more of her stories. 5/5

Was this review helpful?

I was looking forward to this one because it is a follow-up to No Ocean Too Wide which I really really liked. However, I was disappointed because the character development wasn't as deep and rich. No Journey Too Far spent way too much time "preaching" rather than telling the story. No balance. It was disappointing because there was so much potential after the first book.

Was this review helpful?

Excellent read! This can be read as a stand alone, but there is a lot of background story in the first book, No Ocean Too Wide.
The British Home Children are part of England and Canada’s history. Mostly orphans, shipped from England across the ocean to indentureships (adoption if lucky), to work for a living. The author does an admirable job of choosing a family to show the different aspects of this sore subject. Whether indentured, adopted, marching off to war, or being accused of murder, the stigma of being a British Home Child would follow these already suffering children throughout their lives.

Was this review helpful?

This sequel to No Ocean Too Wide takes place ten years later as Garth returns to Canada to find his youngest sister, Grace and his sweetheart, Emma. Based on true stories, this book shows the hardships some of the British Home Children had as people looked down on them and treated them horribly. Emma's story was especially heartbreaking. The stigma as a Home Child was emphasized as Grace's adoptive parents chose to hide Grace's heritage. Faith and prayer is an important message throughout the book. Recommended!

Was this review helpful?

NO JOURNEY TOO FAR by Carrie Turansky

In 1909, seven-year-old Grace McCallister along with her fourteen-year-old twin siblings Garth and Katie were all transported from England to Canada, as British Home Children. All three of the children were separated. Garth and Katie each went to a cruel taskmaster who held their indentured servitude papers until they turned 18 or 21. Grace was more fortunate and was taken in by a wealthy couple and raised as their natural daughter. When Grace would ask questions about her past, her adoptive parents always brushed them aside, not wanting to speak of the taboo subject of the British Home Children.

Katie and Garth were found by their mother and their older sister Laura. They hired private detectives to try to find their missing baby sister Grace.

At 17-years-old, Grace McCallister Hamilton's adopted mother wants to present her to society, so that Grace will be able to attract and snare a wealthy young man. Grace's mother doesn't care what her daughter wants, she says that love is a luxury that Grace cannot afford. Grace's mother insists that Grace keep her identity as a British Home Child a secret, even from the man she marries. Grace is appalled that her entire life before coming to the Hamilton's must be kept a secret.

A chance encounter reveals where Grace last came from so she writes the orphanage to see if she can trace anyone from her past.

Garth McCallister left his place of indentured servitude and headed off to war. When he left behind his sweetheart Emma, he vowed that nothing would ever keep them apart, when he returned. Yet, when he returns, Emma has disappeared.

This is a novel of the past reconciling with the present, of hope, and of limitless love. Highly recommend.

I have kindly received a complimentary copy of #nojourneytoofar from #netgalley #carrieturansky @carrieturansky #waterbrookmultnomah #multnomah @multnomah I was under no obligation to post a review.

Was this review helpful?

After reading the first book in this series, No Ocean Too Wide, I could not wait to get my hands on the sequel, No Journey Too Far. Carrie Turansky did not disappoint! I finished reading this book in one day, because I would pick it up every time I had a second of free time!

No Journey Too Far continues the story of the McAlister family. Grace, who was 5 years old when she was separated from her sister and adopted into a family in Canada, is now 17 years old. Her adopted mother wants to introduce her into society and find her a suitable husband. Grace, however, longs to marry for love and for the love of her family in England. One day, she accidentally stumbles across a trunk that offers her some hope in finding her family. Her response to this sets in motion a chain of events that will change her life forever.

Garth McAlister, Grace's brother, has returned from fighting in the war and is desperate to reconnect with his girlfriend, Emma Lafferty. They were apart for three years, and she has not been responding to his letters. Garth is worried because Emma was working for a very unkind employer, and now is missing. He sets off to Canada with his best friend, Rob, to find two of the most important women in his life: the little sister that has been gone for 10 years and his missing girlfriend.

I could not stop reading this book because I wanted to see what would happen to Grace and Emma. This is a book that will keep you engaged, and features wholesome, Christian characters. I would highly recommend it, but make sure that you read the first book in the series, No Ocean Too Wide, first!

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this second book of this series. I enjoyed learning about the history behind the story. It was well done.

Was this review helpful?

Wonderful sequel to No Ocean Too Wide. I had never heard of the British Home Child immigration program before, and this series of historical fiction stories highlight a difficult time in history inspired by true events.

No Ocean Too Wide takes place in 1908 in England where some of the McAlister children were labeled as orphans and sent to Canada after their mother becomes gravely ill and was hospitalized. No Journey Too Far takes place in 1919 where the family is still searching for their youngest daughter Grace after 10 years. I love how this story follows the family to a beautiful conclusion.

Carrie Turansky weaves a compelling story, laced with both hardship and faith, mystery, and romance, family, both real and adopted, and prejudice against the English orphans.

Fans of historical fiction will love this series. Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own

Was this review helpful?

Read the first novel in this series No Ocean Too Wide before reading this one. It will be a much richer experience and you will understand much more about what is going on in this story. The novel revolves around the adult lives of Garth and Grace who were British Home Children illegally sent to Canada in the early 1900s. Garth is just back from WWI with his friend Rob (also a former BHC) when his family receives news about Grace who has been “missing” for 10 years. Emma has been waiting for Garth to return to Canada, but through a series of misadventures loses touch with him just as the war ends in Europe. There are some twists and turns and a bit of a mystery as the story unfolds, but friendship and trust seem to be the overarching themes. All-in-all a lovely sequel to the first novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

After returning from the war, Garth McAlister makes it his mission to find his little sister and his sweetheart, Emma. Both were British Home Children, sent from England to Canada when they became orphans.

Emma and Garth worked on the same farm as indentured servants. They grew to love each other, pledging themselves with an understanding. But when Garth no longer received letters from Emma while away at war, he wonders if she no longer cares for him. The obstacles of prejudice and trials brings them on a journey of faith.

This is the second story by Carrie Turansky about the fictional McAlister family and the British Home Children. The characters and settings are interesting and moving with historical value. This is a good clean story, where there is a mysterious murder, suspense, determination, faith and love. It can be a stand alone read.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Fans of author Carrie Turansky and this one, in particular, have waited impatiently for No Journey Too Far, the second in the McAlister Family saga. The wait was worth it; what a wonderful story of grace and faith as Garth travels from England to Canada to search for his sister Grace and Emma, the woman he loves. The British Home Children emigration program of WWI may have seemed a good idea, yet so much heartache and prejudice came as a result of the relocation of the children. The author captures these issues so well. The characters are compelling, unforgettable and Turansky sets them well in a backdrop of astonishing history. Readers who love historical fiction will not want to miss this heartwarming story of love and reunion, filled with drama and mystery. It is a story of faith and recognizing that God is not silent or stingy, withholding his blessings but that He is working behind the scenes to answer our prayers. Wanting to read more about this family, I was sorry to see the story end.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I so enjoyed the first book in this series No Ocean Too Wide. I couldn't wait to learn more about the McAlister family. I love the way Carrie Turansky can bring both laughter and tears to your eyes. For me No Journey Too Far was the perfect mix of suspense and joy. I can always count on this author to weave threads of faith and family in her stories.

I thank WaterBrook and Multnomah through NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Was this review helpful?