Set in 1902, mostly on Ellis Island in America, The Next Ship Home is a beautiful and haunting story about friendships, family, despair, hope, courage cruelty and kindness. Two young sisters from Sicily flee a frightfully grim future and in desperation leave everything and board a ship in America. On board class division is very evident with most of the upper class folks turning up their noses at immigrants who shared their quarters with rats and very little in the way of rations. Thankfully there are some kind individuals who see all human beings as people regardless of class or culture and treat them as equals. Such a great lesson for today.

Italian immigrant Francesca is sent to Ellis Island which has a bad reputation even overseas. But it is her only chance. She meets German Alma who is a new employee who commutes to Ellis Island from NYC each day. Through tragic circumstances they become dear friends. Alma faces horrors at home as well so though Ellis Island is horrendous, it is an escape for her. But of course where there are people there is trouble and many turn a blind eye to atrocities committed by "their own".

The most interesting aspect for me was the immigration process which was confusing, chaotic and heartbreaking. I cannot fathom the fear. Not only were they chastised for being immigrants but they could not understand English which further alienated them. But that is only a part of it.

If you wish to learn more about immigration and Ellis Island, do not miss this! Read the author's inspiration for her book (based on a true story) and her research into such a fascinating topic. Historical Fiction readers seeking a unique perspective, this is what you are looking for. Well worth your time.

My sincere thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this inspiring and moving book.

An engrossing, emotional story about Francesca who arrives in America through Ellis Island in 1902. It was not an easy voyage as her continued voyage in America turns out to be. She is faced with discrimination for her gender, race and class.
A fascinating look at what seemingly impossible hurdles immigrants faced - I thoroughly enjoyed this

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This is inscription on the Statue of Liberty that welcomed immigrants to our country. Immigrants looking for a better life for themselves and their family….just like Francesca, our first voice, and her sister Maria, from Italy. After a trip wrought with illness, hunger and deplorable conditions, one can only imagine the relief and hope they felt while landing on Ellis Island. But, looks can be deceiving as Francesca learns of the dark side of this island very early. And she, like so many others, will do anything to stay.

Alma, our second voice, is a German American living with her parents and work in the family business. She is made to work as a Matron at Ellis Island. Due to her ability to pick up languages, she becomes an asset and a calming influence to many immigrants. She has aspirations, but is forced with roadblocks due to her sex. Fate brings her and Francesca together and an unusual bond is formed.

Well written and researched, Ms. Webb opens the door to the dark side of Ellis Island, which I knew nothing about. My heart went out to both women in tough situations and having to make hard decisions. The story is engaging, grabbing me at the beginning, then slowing down slightly, only to reel me in till I could finish it in a sitting. I found the pecking order of the immigrants interesting, wishing my own sets of grandparents were around to talk to about this. Such a heartfelt, enlightening read.

Thanks to Ms. Webb, Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

The Statue of Liberty: a beacon of hope for most, a symbol of manipulation and suppression for others. Webb deftly presents the dark side of Ellis Island and ultimately immigration itself through an amazingly powerful story. This story provides a glimpse into the lives of two women who have to overcome multiple setbacks and adversity in order to secure a future for themselves.
First there is Francesca, an Italian immigrant who travels with her sister to escape the atrocities she was exposed to in her hometown. The voyage is fraught with disease and complications due to social standing. Francesca finds herself emboldened to do whatever it takes to reach the golden shores of the United States. Upon disembarking she once again finds herself in precarious circumstances.
Alma was forced to work at Ellis Island as a Matron by her ruthless stepfather. Alma's family immigrated from Germany, own a beerhouse, and live in a German neighborhood. Alma is a tenderhearted soul who has a passion for languages and wants more from her life then just marriage and a family. She works tirelessly at the Ellis Island processing center where she assists with translating for the immigrants. Alma is appalled at the sinister and cruel ways that the newly arrived immigrants are taken advantage of. When Alma goes out on a limb to befriend and assist the newly arrived Francesca, she finds herself unraveling just how corrupt the system is.
In this book Webb does more than just expose the corruption at Ellis Island. Webb highlights what a huge difference a little kindness and compassion can do. Francesca and Alma represent so many women who were subjected to the stereotype of society. They embody how women became empowered to want and do more for themselves. Webb's writing is delightfully expressive and this book is one that is not to be missed by lover's of historical fiction.
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley.

The Next Ship Home
By Heather Webb

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.

My Review Will Come Closer to my tour stop !

3.5 stars

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. The Next Ship Home follows the story of Francesca, a young Italian immigrant to the USA in 1902, and Alma, a similarly aged woman from a German background who begins work at Ellis Island the same day that Francesca arrives. Their two stories intertwine in various ways. The story exposes the dark underside of Ellis Island - corruption and abuse at the hands of the immigration inspectors. Definitely a side of the immigrant experience I had not learned about.

Stars: Though the beginning was a little slow, the story definitely picked up and I couldn't put the book down towards the end. The story had a satisfying ending as well.

Wishes: I wish Francesca's story and background had been a little more developed. The novel's prose was a little too simplistic at times for me.

Ellis Island is an Island of Tears, both happy and sad. Francesca flees Sicily and an abusive father. Arriving at Ellis Island with. Maria, her dying sister, she is faced with the option to prostitute herself to enter America. Alma, German-American, ruled by a controlling stepfather, is sent to work at the inspection station where she sees firsthand the immigrant experience. The two women meet and an abiding friendship results. Corruption has seeped into Ellis Island’s inspectors and workers. There are those that practice it, those who close their eyes to it and those who are trying to stop it. The novel’s title is especially poignant, referring to the plight of the rejected, for whatever reason, immigrant, who must wait on the island in view of the promise of freedom, until the next ship home. Heather Webb’s research is revealed through the storylines of her characters. We support those who play a role in President Teddy Roosevelt’s efforts to clean up the Island and combat the prejudice against people from other cultures seeking the American promise.

The Next Ship Home is historical fiction at its finest—a gripping story and compelling characters who bring to light the time, place, and events of long ago. In 1902, Francesca sets sail from her home in Sicily, to the promise and hope of a better life in America. There, she is aided by Alma, a young woman who has just come to work at Ellis Island. Each of their stories are compelling and transformative, each of them learning from the other as they break through deeply ingrained prejudice and fear, and a society that holds both women down. I was cheering for them both as they found their voices and their strength, searching for hope, fulfillment and a bright future. My own ancestors came through Ellis Island from Italy, and I couldn’t help but think of their own plight as they settled in a strange, new place.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This historical fiction based at Ellis Island was a pretty good story. It was definitely sad and heartbreaking at times. But it also was uplifting and really shows that friendship can happen across ethnic lines, back in a time where segregation of the immigrants was common.
At times this book moved too slow and got somewhat boring but the overall storyline was good. Maybe a bit longer than necessary though.

My family went through Ellis Island in 1906 and 1908, first when my great grandfather came from Sicily and later when great grandmother joined him. I instantly wanted to read The Next Ship Home because of this connection, but now I wish I had the opportunity to speak with my family to learn about their experiences. I had no idea the struggles, obstacles, and mistreatment that went on. It makes for a perfect setting to bring to life strong young woman who grow and learn and change the world around them for the better. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Francesca and Maria arriving at Ellis Island in 1902. Like most immigrants fleeing from God knows what, willing to do most anything for a new start in America.. The story submerges you in vivid details, the fascinating background story of the sisters life in Sicily, Heather Webb, the Author was brilliant at providing such depth to all the characters that it kept me thoroughly engaged from start to finish.. The Next Ship Home serves as a powerful and humbling reminder about the courage it takes to start over.!
I loved this book and highly recommend it to all~

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Next Ship Home.
Set in New York in the very early 1900s, Webb creates the scene as we meet immigrants of different backgrounds, cultures, and at different stages of their experience in the United States. Ellis Island was the hub of where immigrants landed from many countries in eastern Europe. By this point, Irish and German immigrants were higher up on the pecking order of things, while the Polish, Italians, and Greek were the shunned ones.
Alma is the daughter of German immigrants who run a beer hall. She secures a job at Ellis Island but hopes to become an interpreter. We meet Francesca, an Italian immigrant from Sicily who is escaping hardship and abuse and hopes for a better life. Surrounding them are a cast of characters, some stereotypical, all trying to make their way in the bustling city.
The book takes on a lot. Webb uncovers the atrocities happening at Ellis Island and peppers in factual information uncovered by investigations and news reports. Wrapped around this are the families of immigrants (1st and second generation) and how they cope.
The scenes were vivid as I could really place myself in the places. The characters were mostly likeable or hated if warranted. There are a lot of stereotypes thrown out but then, as a second generation American myself, know that this was normal conversation of the time. I found the dialogue campy and rolled my eyes at how some of the things were said, but I really enjoyed the storyline, just liking it better as a narrative than in the dialogue. A very high 3* will round to 4* for the purposes of this early review.

this story is based on a true story of two women arriving on ellis island in 1902 and how they have to fight to get off the island to start their new life. very interesting story.

What a wonderfully written story about Ellis Island. I love Historical Fiction and now want to research more about this place. This story involves 2 young girls, Francesca and immigrant from Sicily. Alma a German young girl working as a matron on Ellis Island. Both young girls seeking freedom in 2 different scenarios, become fast friends, becoming like sisters. Francesca seeking her new life in America, Alma seeking her freedom from parents who are trying to force her into a marriage she wants nothing to do with. I really liked this book and haves given it a strong ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What was it like to be an immigrant going through Ellis Island in 1902? Heather Webb, in The Next Ship Home, gives you a insider's view through the eyes of Francesca Ricca, an immigrant trying to escape poverty and an abusive father, and Alma Brauer, a German/American who works at Ellis Island. As their lives intersect, a deep friendship develops between these two young women.

Not everyone who works at Ellis Island is kind and compassionate to the immigrants. A few take advantage of them and others threaten and abuse them. Alma has to rethink the prejudices taught to her by her mother and step-father. She struggles to find her voice to defend her own convictions and her wishes for her life.

A subplot is the tale of Alma's brother, Fritz, who works digging the New York subway system and the laborers who want to unionize for better working conditions and wages.

I have not seen many books that address this time in history, While it shows the underbelly of New York in the early 20th Century, it also shows how looking at each person as a human being can help to destroy prejudices. That 's a lesson we all need today. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley. This book is scheduled for release on February 8.

There is something spectacular about reading a novel that you sit down to read and lose all sense of time. THE NEXT SHIP HOME is a novel that I sat down to read and a few hours later can’t stop crying and smiling for these characters. Heather Webb blends the voices of two young women who are facing their own plights but share a strength, sense of conviction and one of the most beautiful friendships I’ve seen developed on literature. Alma- a young woman who is considered a spinster by her cruel stepfather who finds strength on the love she and her brother share and who is ahead of her time. Francesca an Italian immigrant who has come to America to escape her father and faces her deepest loss and fears. Through these two women I got an experience of Ellis Island in away that is very different than what we are taught in school. This book blends fact and fiction and Webb’s extensive research adds such authenticity to the characters and their story. These strong women will stay in my heart. Thank you for writing this @msheatherwebb thank you for telling the stories that need to be told.

Thanks to the publisher @bookmarked @msheatherwebb @tallpoppywriters and @this_is_edelweiss and @netgalley for the early read.

Alma and Francesca should never have become friends. Alma had just started a job at Ellis Island when Francesca and her sister arrived and went through Ellis Island to gain entry into the United States. When Alma heard their story, she wasn’t immediately interested in helping, but as time goes on, she found herself wanting to assist with the situation. Eventually, the women became friends and learned that friendship and love are vital, and family is made up of more than blood relatives.

Thank you, Netgalley, for giving me the chance to read this amazing book! This was my first read of 2022, and it was a great choice.
I’ve visited Ellis Island, listened to and read the stories about those “huddled masses longing to be free”. Looking around the vast building is an opportunity for a history lover’s imagination to run wild. From this book, I learned so much information about what immigrants had to endure to be able to board the ferries and enter the United States. Unfortunately, a lot of what I read was certainly not pretty; much of the immigrant experience, particularly for young women, was downright deplorable. What made this book stand out for me was the determination these foreigners had; they would do whatever it took to get to America for that longed-for better life. In spite of corrupt officials, class barriers, racism, and poverty, many immigrants eventually made it off the “Isle of Tears” and onto another island, Manhattan, the jumping-off point for them to begin again. It warmed my heart to read about the kindnesses of many of the matrons, nurses, translators, and New Yorkers to these foreigners, helping them through difficulties and convincing them that coming to “the land of the free” was an opportunity, not a mistake. As the author states in her end notes, 50% of all Americans can trace back to at least one ancestor coming through Ellis Island, thanks to the workers that got them successfully through the red tape.
I am (hopefully!) going to be in New York in February 2022 on a trip with my husband, also a history buff. We will definitely re-visit that “Isle of Tears” with a fresh view, largely due to this wonderful book. Here’s hoping the gift shop is selling it, because it will release on February 8th. A copy purchased there would be a true treasure.
I recommend this to all adult history buffs! **I received a digital ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.**

4.5 stars rounded up.

In 1902, Francesca arrives in America, having left Italy in hopes of a better life. She arrives the same day that Alma begins working at Ellis Island. Alma, born in America, is the daughter of German heritage with a gift for language. Alma’s family taught her to dislike immigrants, and Italians are at the top of their list. But Alma sees Francesca’s struggles, and, though the challenges are somewhat different, they are also similar in that, because they are women, they have been controlled by the physical and emotional abuse of men—men who wield their authority to essentially enslave women.

I’ve read stories about the immigrant experience both at the turn of the century and much more recently, so I was familiar with some of the struggles and the abuse that people without money or the ability to speak English fluently can be subjected to, but I never stopped to think of any abuses that occurred on Ellis Island such as screwing immigrants over financially, or, for women, being subjected to much worse abuse.

I liked the characters, except, of course, the mean men, and the story is compelling.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this historical novel, which RELEASES FEBRUARY 8, 2022.

Excellent historical set in N.Y. and Ellis Island. Great main characters Alma and Francesca couldn't be from more different backgrounds but become good friends at Ellis Island. Alma a matron working there, Francesca and a newly arrived immigrant.
The gritty but realistic events are are sometimes shocking or heartbreaking
but historically accurate. Overall a great story of strength, perseverance and what one can do with the desire for a better life.