Historical fiction set in New York City is always a draw for me as well as a story focusing on events I knew very little about. In this case, it was the abuse and corruption doled out to some immigrants when coming to America through Ellis Island. Many of our grandparents came through Ellis Island a number of years before 1902 when the story takes place and so it was a strong connection for me. Reading the author's notes at the end of the book was quite as interesting as the novel. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As the granddaughter of an Italian immigrant who came into the United States via Ellis Island, I was particularly interested in reading The Next Ship Home by Heather Webb. Wow. I had no idea what the immigrants coming through Ellis Island went through just to pass through the various inspections - and am amazed at their courage and determination. And the ethnic discrimination they experienced both during the process and after they were permitted into the U.S. is absolutely appalling. We are sadly still in such a state in this country.

Heather Webb has developed her characters and her story with great skill. Alma, the daughter of German immigrants, meets Francesca, a young Italian woman, meet at Ellis Island. Their individual stories and their joint story are compelling. I simply did not want to put this book down.

#netgalley #TheNextShipHome

This was OK. It just didn't blow me away.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for my advanced copy of The Next Ship Home.

I am going to keep this short and sweet.
It was good.
I was invested at times and bored at others.
This book gave great insight into immigration and social issues in America at the turn of the century. I have always been fascinated with Ellis Island and I really appreciated the dual perspective. In this novel we follow an immigrant from Italy and a young woman newly hired at Ellis Island.

I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction.

I've been fascinated by Ellis Island since our 4th grade class class trip and I love that years later I'd get to go and do research there in college. So a historical fiction centered around Ellis Island -- yes please!

The Next Ship Home is told from the point of view of two young women. Alma who works at Ellis Island and Francesca who has just arrived from Italy in 1902. They meet when Francesca is detained and forge a friendship as they both try to understand the American dream and their own dreams in a place that isn't very welcoming to immigrants or women.

I liked the author's note and her inspiration for this book. The characters were well written and the way she writes you feel like you're at Ellis Island with the gritty descriptions of the corruption and experience for many immigrants. And then the tenements in NYC and the ways the different immigrant groups barely tolerated each other.

If you're interested in a historical fiction that's well written about immigration and NYC immigrant experience in the early 1900s I recommend this!

This is my second book by Heather Webb.. It won't be my last. This book was a very touching and tough look at the things that happened on Ellis Island in 1902. Both to the female immigrants and the female employees. It's not pretty.

This story is about two young women who are starting out with new adventures in life. One an American citizen, the other an Italian immigrant. Alma is still living at home and in no hurry to marry. Her stepdad decides she needs to get a job and help support the family. He sends her to Ellis Island where she will be working with immigrants. Helping out in any way needed. It's not a pleasant joy by any means. Long hours and exhausting. But she is a hard worker.

Francesca and her sister are new to America. They fled their home and very cruel father to hopefully find a better life. When tragedy strikes Francesca has to find a way to stay in America... That is how her and Alma become the best of friends. Alma helps her. Francesca has had to endure a lot. A lot of ugly things. Being from another country does not help and in every way makes it worse. Men take advantage of her and other female immigrants.

The Next Ship Home gave me a whole different look at things that happened on Ellis Island. I never thought about these things. It just never entered my mind that people were so cruel way back then. Not a whole lot has changed it seems. Each nationality is very prejudice against the next. Men treat women like they are less than human. Life is hard for everyone. This book covers things that will make you think about that. About being a stranger in a whole new country. How scary that must be. It would be terrifying for me to have to go into another country. Unable to speak the language. Not knowing anyone. Having to fight for yourself. Having to fight for food. It had to be so scary.

This book is well written and one that makes you think. Makes you see things in a whole new way. I've read a couple of books set on Ellis Island but they never covered the atrocities that happened. The prejudice. The cruelty. It made me so sad. Made me cry to think of what these people went through.

Most of the characters are so likable. There are a few that you will detest but most are nice and have a heart. The book takes you to a place where you will feel the pain and hunger that these immigrants felt on a boat headed to a new country. How the people in the upper classes reacted to them.

Thank you #NetGalley #HeatherWebb, #Sourcebookslandmark for this ARC. This is my own true feelings about this book.

5/5 stars and a very high recommendation.

This book grabbed me on the first page and did not let go until the end. A wonderful story of two young women coming into their own and learning to stand up for themselves. The author brought the time period alive for me and her character development was extraordinary. There definitely needs to be a sequel - I have to find out what happens next to Alma and Francesca. Highly recommended to anyone who likes historical ficton.

I received a copy of the book from NetGalley.

Set in 1902, Alma is newly employed as an interpreter at Ellis Island when she meets Italian immigrant Francesca. When Francesca faces deportation, Alma feels compelled to help her even beyond the limits of her job. Will Francesca be permitted to leave the island and realize her dream of living in America?

Having visited Ellis Island myself, I was easily transported to the places mentioned in the novel. What these immigrants endured was beyond awful as they were poked, prodded, and interrogated upon arrival. It's no wonder Ellis Island was nicknamed the Island of Tears. Neither Francesca's nor Alma's lives are easy but they both persevered, ever hopeful for a better future.

"I came to start over, for a better life."

Based on true events and real people, Ship was the epitome of historical fiction with loads of information about the time period, compelling and inspirational characters, a powerful friendship, and even a touch of romance!

Location: 1902 NYC

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘬 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨”
This was a remarkable historical fiction novel, set in 1902 Ellis Island, beautifully written by Heather Webb.
Immigrants aren't the only ones who seek freedom in America.

I couldn't stop flipping the pages on this one and finished in two days. Two women, who are dissimilar to all on the outside, forge a bond that is stronger than family. Facing so many atrocities, they gave each other strength and hope as they trudged ahead in a world when women were still only viewed as whores.

There is nothing more powerful than a woman who is courageous, resilient and stands up for what is right.

Heather Webb’s The Next Ship Home is set in 1902, at Ellis Island, known as The Island of Tears. The novel chronicles the awakening of two young women, Francesca Ricci, desperately escaping her father, arriving by ship from Sicily and Alma Brauer, living with her family of seven in a tenement in New York City’s “Little Germany.” The Brauers run a successful bierhaus despite narrow views. Alma is intelligent but despised and bullied by her stepfather. Her respite from servitude and her parents’ beliefs and mores is her penchant and adeptness for learning other languages. Alma’s domineering stepfather secures a job for her at Ellis Island without her knowledge. As a twenty-two-year-old spinster dependent on her parents, Alma feeling she has no choice, boards the ferry to the island.
Through fear and profound despair Francesca and Alma’s paths cross and a deep friendship is formed. Becoming like sisters they find determination and motivate each other to endure circumstances beyond their control and the courage to make choices when it seems there’s not one. Heather Webb creates doubt and suspense through characters’ dialogue involving anarchism, labor disputes, and strikes. Rumors of lies and deceit by Ellis Island staff and despicable behavior by inspectors, and even Alma’s own family members, keep readers in disbelief and absolutely spellbound. Her sensitive and visual descriptions of neighborhoods and characters add to the anxious feelings when viewed through an immigrant’s eyes. The prospects for Francesca and Alma seem bleak and unsurmountable but as Francesca says, “Anything worth doing or having is a little frightening… or very frightening!”
Readers will follow these young women from the ferry, aboard the trains, on long walks up Park Avenue and even to a riot, but all will survive and celebrate The Next Ship Home as Francesca and Alma embark on America’s shores of optimism.

Alma is having some tough times at home. Her step father wants her out of his house. He wants her married and gone. So, he gets her a job at Ellis Island for starters. Here, Alma comes across 2 young immigrant sisters from Italy. She becomes fast friends with one of the young ladies, Francesca. When Francesca’s sister dies, it becomes a battle to be able to stay in America.

Alma really came into her own in this book. She developed a backbone and stood up for what was right. I found her situation intriguing. Then, there is Francesca. Her life is so totally different from Alma’s and it becomes very complicated the further you move along in the story. You will have to read this to find out!

The only reason for the 4 stars is because the book has a very slow start and the conversations are a bit stilted. This part of the book needs a good editor in my opinion. But, I loved the history in this book. I very much enjoyed learning about the process of coming through Ellis Island and the questionable staff with all their corruptions and complications. What these people went through to achieve their dreams…frightening in so many ways!

Need a well researched historical fiction…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

TITLE: Next Ship Home
AUTHOR: Heather Webb
PUB DATE: 02.08.2022 Available Now

Immigrant Experience ⁣
Women’s Friendships⁣
Powerful Story ⁣
⁣
Heather Webb deftly wrote the dark underbelly world of immigrants and Ellis Island circa 1902. In this immersive and meticulously researched story of friendship, Webb highlighted in this powerful tale of hope, the strength and resilience of women facing adversity. As an immigrant myself, I loved reading about the historical details and the recounting of the early immigration experience. It was eye opening and a gut wrenching read. For many people, America was a place of hope, a chance to rebuild, and start over. Webb captured through Alma and Francesca’s voice and stories, the early experiences of struggle and strength it took to succeed. What an amazing and inspiring story I think Historical Fiction readers would love.

I adore historical fiction, and this is such an interesting premise. I recommend because of the story itself, writing style, and its ability to transport you into a different world/time period.

The Next Ship Home by Heather Webb puts a spotlight on Ellis Island in 1902. The author examines corruption, treatment of immigrants, and prejudice. This is also a novel of friendship and hope. The message is as relevant now as it was then. Sensitive subject matter is carefully handled. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this timely, well-written page turner!

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

Reminder to surround yourself with strong women who wholeheartedly support you, even (especially) when the men in their lives affect yours negatively. Female empowerment, overcoming obstacles, finding true love - a wonderful tale of the American dream and its realities.

Heather Webb is an auto buy author for me as she never disappoints. This was a book that pulled me in from the first page and kept me up reading late night after night.
"A young Italian woman arrives on the shores of America, her sights set on a better life. That same day, a young American woman reports to her first day of work at the immigration center. But Ellis Island isn't a refuge for Francesca or Alma, not when ships depart every day with those who are refused entry to the country and when corruption ripples through every corridor. While Francesca resorts to desperate measures to ensure she will make it off the island, Alma fights for her dreams of becoming a translator, even as women are denied the chance."
Alma and Francesca form an unlikely duo, so both can achieve their dreams and not what society thinks they should become. The secret they share might destroy both their chances for any type of happiness.
I highly recommend this book to those that love a great historical fiction about strong women.

Alma’s and Francesca’s back stories will long remain in my mind. Both of them, as well as Fritz, walked off the pages of the book and into my heart. Learning while I read is such a bonus treat for me. Having been to Ellis Island and having read the background stories there I had a semi picture of the hurdles immigrants faced both on the ship and getting through the inspections. Cramped close quarters, lack of food and water, lack of privacy, illness, poverty, lack of family/jobs upon arrival, language barriers, animosity of staff working at Ellis Island, separation of family members, the list seems never ending. This gem of a story brought to light the dilemmas women were forced to deal with along with the consequences of their choices. The author’s notes really added to my knowledge of the extent of the corruption that existed as well as the public perception and treatment of specific groups of immigrants.
I was caught up immediately with the plight of Maria, Francesca’s sister, and was enthralled throughout the entire story. Some authors introduce characters and I am puzzled by their purpose in the context of the story but each character Heather Webb introduced added a layer of interest and understanding to the story, particularly Mrs. Lancaster.
Many many thanks to Heather Webb, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for affording me the pleasure of reading this 4 1/2 star emotional read.

Heather Webb is such an incredibly gifted writer. I have read and loved many of her novels, she has written independent novels and cowritten novels with Hazel Gaynor. All of them have been wonderful reads and I always look forward to her upcoming novels. This book was obviously no different. I had this one on my radar for months!

When I was a little girl I was fascinated by Ellis Island. I recall learning about is in 5th grade and really romanticizing the idea of coming to a completely new country and having to navigate a new culture, in many cases a new language, and to try and make a home. I think I watched the film Fievel Goes West a million times as a kid and as I got older, other films like Far and Away, Titanic and The Godfather II because I was so interested in this time period and immigration. Even as an adult, I focused a large part of my masters degree to western migration and the Oregon Trail during the mid to late 1800s with Ellis Island being a key part of my research.

Obviously this book is HIGH up on my TBR list and I couldn’t wait to dive in and start reading but I held off so that I could savor it and enjoy it rather than burn through it too quick. I easily could have read this one in one sitting but I did draw it out so that I could savor it because it was just a great read and I love Webb’s prose!

Summary

Ellis Island, 1902: Two women band together to hold America to its promise: “Give me your tired, your poor…”

Ellis Island, 1902. Francesca arrives on the shores of America, her sights set on a better life than the one she left in Italy. That same day, aspiring linguist Alma reports to her first day of work at the immigrant processing center. Ellis, though, is not the refuge it first appears thanks to President Roosevelt’s attempts to deter crime. Francesca and Alma will have to rely on each other to escape its corruption and claim the American dreams they were promised.

A thoughtful historical inspired by true events, this novel probes America’s history of prejudice and exclusion—when entry at Ellis Island promised a better life but often delivered something drastically different, immigrants needed strength, resilience, and friendship to fight for their futures. (summary from Goodreads)

Review

As predicted, this one caught my attention the same way I was fascinated by immigration and Ellis Island when I was in 5th grade. It drew me in and I just loved the idea of this novel so much instantly! I thought Webb did a marvelous job capturing the atmosphere that many immigrants might have encountered when they made the decision to come to America. There is something about the spirit of an immigrant that just pulls me in and makes the character incredibly compelling before I even have a chance to really get to know them. Sometimes it takes me a bit to get into a character and just feel what they are all about before I feel invested in them, but with this book I was immediately interested in Francesca and what would drive her to board a ship from Italy to America. As we get into the story her reasons are made known and the reader will no doubt fall more and more in love with her character because of it. Francesca is brave and I just adored her and thought Webb did an excellent job capturing the spirit of immigrants with her character!

I especially loved how this book focused on the struggles that female immigrants faced during this time. I don’t recall a lot of books that I have read that focus so much on the immigration and female perspective so this one feels unique. In films like Far and Away or The Godfather II, the focus has always been male dominated and I really appreciated seeing a strong female voice and story in the pages of this book. I was completely invited in the novel, characters, story, and above all the history!

This one was quite the page turner for me because I just loved the history and all the other compelling aspects of the story and characters. As I mentioned earlier I could have read this in one sitting but I wanted to draw it out to savor it and I am glad I did. There is a lot of emotion and history that I think readers will want to unpack and won’t want to miss or breeze through. If you are a historical fiction fan then you absolutely need to read this book. It’s wonderfully written and so so so wonderful!

Book Info and Rating

Format: 432 pages paperback

Publication” Expected publication February 8th 2022 by Sourcebooks Landmark

ISBN: 9781728243146

Free review copy provided by publisher, SourceBooks Landmark in partnership with Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 5 stars

Genre: historical fiction

Alma has been brought up to see the immigrants as ‘less than’ and notice their differences. What if there are things they have in common too?

Alma is new at her job on Ellis Island when she is touched by the story of Francesca and her sister Maria. In a job like hers, Alma certainly can’t be helping every single woman who she feels deserves a break, but the stars aligned and Alma truly can’t bear the thought of Francesca and Maria being sent back to Italy.

Through their growing relationship, Alma learns more about being her own woman, while Francesca puts all her efforts toward fitting in as an American. The systems and treatment of women at the time doesn’t make either of their goals easy.

This was a touching story about how far these women may be willing to go for someone they haven’t known very long. The atmosphere and functioning of the processes on Ellis Island during this time period was interesting and involved history that I mostly knew nothing about. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. It felt like an honest historical fiction about the early 1900s, and the author did a great job of breathing life into the characters.

Heather Webb did not disappoint with her newest novel!!!!!! Her signature style of authenticity was evident on every page and I loved it!!!!!

This story is fiction but it depends on in-depth research by the author, a few facts & names & characters & events weaved by the author as per the story's requirement. It is not only a heart-rending tale about migration, the process & corruption, but also a heartwarming story of human spirit, friendships & women empowerment.

The author wanted to explore the idea of what it means to be American, a citizen of the world’s “melting pot” comprised of many cultures, ethnicities, and religions.

From the author:
"I hope readers may see not only the abuse that took place during that time at Ellis Island and the power differential between immigration official and immigrant, but also that the issue of immigration isn’t cut and dry. The laws governing immigration were, and are still, continuously shifting. I hope my readers were able to get a feel for how difficult and complex the issues surrounding immigration can be."

An amazing read.
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Ellis Island, 1902: Two women band together to hold America to its promise: "Give me your tired, your poor ... your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..."
A young Italian woman arrives on the shores of America, her sights set on a better life. That same day, a young American woman reports to her first day of work at the immigration center. But Ellis Island isn't a refuge for Francesca or Alma, not when ships depart every day with those who are refused entry to the country and when corruption ripples through every corridor. While Francesca resorts to desperate measures to ensure she will make it off the island, Alma fights for her dreams of becoming a translator, even as women are denied the chance.
As the two women face the misdeeds of a system known to manipulate and abuse immigrants searching for new hope in America, they form an unlikely friendship―and share a terrible secret―altering their fates and the lives of the immigrants who come after them.
Inspired by true events and for fans of Kristina McMorris and Hazel Gaynor, The Next Ship Home holds up a mirror to our own times, deftly questioning America's history of prejudice and exclusion while also reminding us of our citizens' singular determination. This is a novel of the dark secrets of Ellis Island, when entry to "the land of the free" promised a better life but often delivered something drastically different, and when immigrant strength and female friendship found ways to triumph even on the darkest days.