Thank you to netgalley.com for this ARC.

Ellis Island is one of my favorite places in NYC. My grandmother actually came through Ellis Island so it holds a special meaning for me. This book was an excellently written story that depicted all the hardships of immigrants and the corruption in Ellis Island as well as the prejudices against certain immigrant groups from the established groups. While I didn't always agree with the actions of the characters I loved reading about the history NYC.

I really enjoyed this story and felt invested in the stories of the two main characters - one who is an immigrant from Italy and the other at matron at Ellis Island and how their lives collided.

More like 3.5. A pretty good read overall - though parts of it could be a bit slow. I enjoyed learning new facts about early US immigration at Ellis Island.

Most of our families are considered immigrants. Many came through Ellis Island. This is a story of a young women and her sister who brave the high seas to escape a terrible home life in Italy. They arrive at Ellis Island full of hope only to encounter a host of problems and hardships. I personally didn't know about the history of poor treatment to some immigrants by the staff at Ellis Island. It is heartbreaking to learn this embarrassing history after all they had to endure to leave their homes for the unknown. The evolving prejudice pecking order always astounded me and we saw this with poor Francesa as she tries to find her place in America. She did discover friendship and in the end considered her work colleagues a new family of sorts. The various communities, German, Irish, Italian, etc. often didn't let others in easily but we see Alma and Fritz move past their parental prejudices and become friends with Francesa.

Engaging story focusing on two young women in 1902 New York City, one from a large a German family and one an immigrant from Italy hoping to start a new life. the story capture the frustrations and dangers many women faced in an era that placed strict limits their life choices. Alma, who yearns for an education, is sent to work at Ellis Island by her mother & stepfather. Francesca survives an arduous ship journey from Italy, only to face being sent back to Italy by a cruel and manipulative immigration inspector. The two meet, conspire, become friends and support each other through multiple difficulties. Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for a preview copy.

Set in 1902, Ellis Island, Alma begins working at the immigrant processing center. Alma soon meets Francesca, who arrives on a ship from Italy, with her sister who is very sick. Alma and Francesca have no idea how much their lives are about to change. Francesca, although young, has been through a lot and has a realistic view of her new world. Alma, while not overly privileged, is naive to the horrific things the immigrants are enduring.

I really enjoyed this story based on true events. It’s scary how little things have changed in the last 120 years. If you are looking for more books about Ellis Island, check out A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner.

I did enjoy this one. I enjoyed both the stories of the two women and how they came together. As well as learning more about Ellis Island. However I don't recommend reading this one after reading multiple WWII novels. Because it is a deep book and deals with difficult topics. I would recommend reading it between to lighter novels.

Another great historical fiction book that enlightened me about a piece of history I knew little of. My great-grandparents came to the USA through Ellis Island around the time this story takes place, and I tried envisioning them enduring the journey, and the treatment (one of my great-grandma's was Italian) they may have endured... similar to Francesca and others mentioned in the story.

And the restrictions on Alma, a native New Yorker who works at Ellis Island, reminded me of how far women have come (and how far we have yet to go) in our rights to be treated equal. Her controlling step-father, and his horrendous choice of a husband for Alma painted a too-true situation for women during that era. I especially loved the fierce loyalty and friendship that developed between Francesca and Alma.

It felt like I was on Ellis island at times, hearing the various native languages, the noise, sweat, fear, and hunger oozing in-between the crowded immigration process. I had to keep reminding myself this is how it was for our ancestors who sacrificed everything for a better life... which meant a better life for us.

Thank you to the author for bringing this piece of history to me, and to the publisher, and NetGalley, for providing me a copy of this great story!

Thank you NetGalley, Heather Webb and Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced copy of this wonderful novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
#netgalley #heatherwebb #thenextshiphome #sourcebookslandmark #historicalfiction

As a native New Yorker I thoroughly enjoyed being totally immersed in this riveting story about Ellis Island and the plight of the immigrants who had to pass through it. I was totally drawn into the time period as I read this novel and enjoyed every moment. It felt as though I was right there! I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction and the early 1900’s time period. A wonderful read!

This had me hooked early and it did not let me go.
Really eye opening read about immigration and Ellis Island. A place of hope for so many but the truth is quite sad.
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Webb focuses on the journey of 2 women. One whose family immigrated previously and one who just made the harrowing trip. Alma works at Ellis Island and has preconceived notions about the immigrants but meeting Francesca slowly changes those. Francesca is hoping for a new life in America but the reality is not as dreamy as she imagined.
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These two women are joined by Alma's German family, an upper class family where Francesca works, anarchy, ruthlessness, and love.
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Highly recommend for those who love histfic. It was mind opening for me about Ellis Island, this was the first book I have read about it and I will absolutely be seeking out more.
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Powerful, captivating and mesmerizing!

I have no words to describe this beautiful story, it was heartwarming, heartbreaking and impossible to put down. Strong female characters, beautifully written and unforgettable. All the stars.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Sourcebooks Landmark for this gifted copy.

The Last Ship Home by Heather Webb, Author released February 8, 2022.

Read if you like: History, Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcoffeemx/

I love historical fiction and I am always excited to read a unique slice of history that hasn't been analyzed to death. There is such a wealth of stories that could be told about all of the thousands of people who came through Ellis Island. So when I saw The Next Ship Home, I was really hopeful about the stories that might be revealed. The story that is told is not one to be proud of if you're an American. It focuses on the darker side of immigration - the xenophobia, the extortion and the outright abuse of these newly minted Americans. People fleeing their homes hoping for a better life often faced a challenging entry to the country.

Francesca is a young girl fleeing her abusive father in Sicily, a country my own family immigrated from coming to America hoping for a better life. On the journey her sister falls ill and upon reaching Ellis Island they are sorted to a medical wing where she can recover. This leaves Francesca to navigate her way into this new country alone. She meets Alma, a young and very naïve girl who loves languages and dreams of escaping her prescribed life where she is to be married off. Until then, her stepfather has gotten her a job on Ellis Island. There she begins to see the truth of what most immigrants go through just to enter America for a chance at a new life.

Francesca and Alma's stories weave together nicely and we see how one kind girl can make a huge difference in the life of not just one, but many immigrants. Francesca goes through a lot, some of it is very hard to read, but we see her amazing resilience and desire for the American dream. We also get glimpses of labor disputes in NYC in this time before unions as well as other social issues of the time.

Thanks to Netgalley for access to an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions above are my own.

Heather Webb’s THE NEXT SHIP HOME is a historical novel that will make you stop and think, especially if, like me, you only know the basics of Ellis Island. Told in a dual narrative from two very different women: Alma, born in the United States of German descent, and Francesca, an immigrant from Sicily escaping a brutal home life and hoping to start over with a new life.
When Alma is sent to work at Ellis Island, the narrow view on immigrants fostered by her parents is challenged as she sees what the immigrants endure. Francesca has done whatever it took to get to the land of opportunity only to realize it wasn’t enough, and she will be put on the next ship home. When Alma and Francesca’s paths cross, their lives will be forever changed as they forge an unexpected friendship.
Webb has done an amazingly thorough job of researching Ellis Island and what immigrants who arrived there were subjected to. The treatment was horrible, the corruption rampant. There was prejudice and many of the immigrants who arrived with such high hopes had their dreams ripped from them.
I enjoyed the journey these two women, from very different backgrounds, went on together, growing a friendship, supporting each other on their journey to the life they each dreamed of, and doing what they could to make things better for others.
There was so much to love about this novel. Webb continues to shine when it comes to historical novels. THE NEXT SHIP HOME is based on true events and well-written, extensively researched, and Webb’s characters are fully developed, likeable, and believable. Most of all, it’s a wonderful story. If it isn’t on your TBR, it should be. Don’t miss this one.
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the book. All opinions are my own and freely given.
#TheNextShipHome #HeatherWebb #SourcebooksLandmark #TallPoppyWriter #TallPoppies #BloomReads #TallPoppyBlogger #TallPoppyReviewer #HistoricalNovel #EllisIsland

A wonderful work of fiction that tells a powerful story of the friendship between two women who meet at Ellis Island. Alma's heart desire is to become an interpreter. While working on Ellis Island, she discovers injustices that are prevalent throughout the processing of immigrants to America. She finds an unexpected strength to fight these injustices and to follow her dream. After surviving abuse in her home country, Francesca hopes to find a better life in America. Overcoming grief and abuse, she fights for her future, strengthened by her unexpected friendship with Alma.
The author's pen paints a vivid picture if Ellis Island, both as a place that was fraught with abuse of power and as a beacon of hope that empowered many with the vision and strength to build a better life. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Review will be posted on 3/8/22

Francesca and her sister leave Italy for the United States in hope for a better life. The year is 1902 and there's many immigrants coming through Ellis Island. Francesca can't wait to leave behind her abusive father and get her sister some much needed medicine and help. However, things don't go well for Francesca once she arrives at Ellis Island. Her sister is severely ill and is in limbo there and Francesca finds herself possibly being deported as she has no male family member to account for her or a possible job in America. Cue Alma. Alma is an American born German immigrant who is reluctantly working at Ellis Island at her parent's insistence as she is of the age where she must either get a job or get married. To make matters worse, her parents have an arranged marriage in the works for her with someone who works at Ellis Island. The last thing Alma needs is a marriage as she is a talented linguist and has so much more to offer, especially at Ellis Island. However, if she gets married, she can kiss that all goodbye. When Alma meets Francesca, she knows she has to help her and from that moment on, their friendship is formed and their lives are changed forever. Heather Webb's The Next Ship Home is a glimpse into the corruption that surrounded Ellis Island as well as a heartfelt story about the American dream.

Francesca really tugged on my heartstrings in The Next Ship Home. I have family members that went though Ellis Island, so I was immediately intrigued by her journey. At times it made me sad and other times I was inspired by the spirit and grit of immigrants who only want a better life. Francesca is dealt some tough hands, but thanks to Alma, she finds that she is able to stay in America despite the fact that she doesn't have a male relative in the U.S. to vouch for her. Alma hooks her up with a job working for a wealthy man whom Francesca met on the passage over. While trying to leave Ellis Island, Francesca is put in a very difficult situation and this instance really highlights the actual corruption, especially towards women, that existed at Ellis Island.

Alma, although born in America, has a lot more in common with Francesca than not, even though they share different nationalities. Alma finds herself at men's mercy many time in The Next Ship Home as well as Francesca, so they bound together to support each other. Alma finds herself being forced into a marriage with a man who she feels nothing towards, and on top of that, she deals with sexist men at Ellis Island. Alma is talented, but is often overlooked. I really adored Alma and Francesca's friendship once it truly blossomed and I loved that they had each other's back in an uncertain world.

Webb did a wonderful job bringing Ellis Island to life as well as highlighting the dark side in Next Ship Home. The novel was well researched and Webb's depictions of corruption, prejudice, and downright criminal behavior were all very eye-opening. I actually did not know about the corruption at Ellis Island, so this was alarming at times. It made me worry about my family that went though there and other women that may have been unaccompanied. However, this story does end on a high note as nothing can really extinguish the power of the American Dream. If you are interested in learning more about Ellis Island and want to read a historical novel about two strong women, I suggest you pick up The Next Ship Home. Although I didn't like it as much as Webb's novels when she collaborates with Hazel Gaynor, it was still a solid historical read.

Have you read many novels with an Ellis Island setting? Are you a fan of Heather Webb? Is this book on your TBR list? Let me know in the comments below.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I have been to Ellis Island so I was very interested in reading this book. This was such a well written and well researched book and it is a very compelling read. Make sure to read the Author’s notes at the end of the book! The two main characters are a young female Italian immigrant and a young woman who is just starting her job at Ellis Island. As Francesca starts her life in America she has many hurdles to overcome and many disappointments along the way. Alma first meets Francesca through her job at Ellis Island. Alma’s life is certainly not what she hoped it would be. She strives to go to university and improve her education in the hopes of becoming an interpreter when such an idea is frowned upon for a woman. Both of these women become close friends and they are both very independent and resilient. The problems at Ellis Island are well documented in the book and are disturbing and heart breaking. Ellis Island and the people who immigrated through there are such an important part of history and I definitely enjoyed reading more about that time. This is an excellent book and I highly recommend it if you are interested in this time in history.

Historical fiction often falls into two camps: The first, a period piece so specific, readers feel that they are living in that time period. The second, a novel with themes that are so timeless, the reader is reminded that humans have been dealing with the same issues over the ages. The latest historical fiction offering by Heather Webb, The Next Ship Home, definitely falls into the latter camp.

In 1902, Francesca and her sister Maria board a ship from Italy to New York. They’re on the run from their abusive father and know no one in the city, nor do they have any prospects. Meanwhile, it’s the first day of work at Ellis Island for Alma, the unmarried daughter of a German woman, whose stepfather has insisted she work at the crowded, dangerous port. Alma loves languages and her knowledge of Italian is quickly put to use to aid Francesca. When tragedy strikes the young immigrant, Alma steps in to help, and an unlikely friendship forms. But the steps that Francesca is forced to take to get off Ellis Island will come back to haunt them both.

To read the rest of the review, click on the link.

If you enjoy historical fiction and are interested in learning about Ellis Island you should read The Next Ship Home. This is a beautifully written, well paced novel following two young woman whose lives intersect at Ellis Island. It is a story of friendship and courage that is worth reading.

This was such a well written historical fiction. It felt like I took the journey right along side Francesca. I loved following both her and Alma as they adjusted to their new lives. I know little history about Ellis Island, and I loved that the author used inspiration from real people who worked there. I can’t believe the horrible conditions and situations immigrants had to go to just for a chance for a better life and some of the reason for denied access were eye opening to me. I would have liked a two-part epilogue; I can’t really say why without spoilers but I just wanted a little more follow up on one person. Overall, it’s a great book that is thought-provoking, and emotional.

Thank you @msheatherwebb and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

The Next Ship Home was an engrossing and well written historical fiction novel by Heather Webb. The setting is the early 20th century, New York City and the famous Ellis Island. Told through the perspectives of Alma, a German American and Francesca, an Italian immigrant and how their lives cross paths while experiencing the greatly flawed immigration system. Historical fiction readers will enjoy this one!