I am so glad that Carrie Turansky has written a second novel to follow No Ocean Too Wide. It is a beautiful wrap-up of the story of the McAlister family. This book picks up ten years after the first one and tells the stories of the youngest sibling, Grace, and brother, Garth. Grace was adopted into a wealthy family, but Garth served out his indenture and went to war. The McAlister family is still looking for Grace in Canada even though the rest of the family is living in England.

Turansky has chosen a fascinating subject in the history of the British Home Children. Her research is evident and made me want to find out more. The novel is written from several points of view so that the reader gets to know many of the characters through their thoughts as well as their actions. The addition of a court case adds to the excitement of the tale.

I found this to be a very enjoyable read and a satisfying addition to the first book. I would definitely read the first book before I read this one since it is a continuation to the story.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a beautiful story about young adults overcoming hardships and bad cards dealt to them in life.

I really enjoyed this story. Not only was it rich with historical detail, set in Canada after the great war, included a mystery or two, but also included two beautiful growing romance stories and reconciliations.

My favourite character was Emma – her inner beauty and strength shined throughout this story and I loved how she trusted God and asked for His help to let the truth be revealed.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, do not overlook this series.

A sequel to the book 'No Ocean Too Wide' written by Christian author, Carrie Turansky, continues the fictional story of the McAlister family. The first book laid out the story based on what truly happened to children, known as the British Home Children, through the inspiring tale of four siblings separated in the early 1900's. Three of these children were sent across the ocean to Canada where each went to separate homes. Book #2 picks up 10 years later to tell us the story of what happened to these characters. Garth fulfilled his contract as an indentured servant and went off to war and Grace was adopted by a wealthy family. Garth returns home after the war to reunite with his family. The McAlister family had been searching for Grace all this time without any success in finding her. Garth returns to Canada in the search of his sister, Grace, and also Emma, the girl he loves. Find out how the story unfolds as the author immerses you into the lives of each character. It is a well-written historical fiction story that will capture you from the beginning. I didn't want it to end!! I highly recommend both Book #1 and Book#2.

'I hope that these books will honor the memory of the more than 100,000 children who came to Canada as British Home Children... Carrie Turansky'

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for my Advanced Reader Copy. I was not required to leave a positive review

Tender love story. Great read. Great historical detail. This story is part of a pair. Make sure you read both. You will fall in love with both the children and the adults in this story. What a plight to not be able to afford to keep and feed your children.

No Journey Too Far was the conclusion of the story of the McAllister siblings, British children who were forcibly adopted and taken to Canada in the first years of the 20th century. Their story began in No Ocean Too Wide.

I must confess I found it hard to catch up at first, because it’s been a while since I read the first book, and this jumps forward 10 years. It might be worth re-reading the first novel as refresher before getting into this one.
These two novels present a fascinating story about British Home Children, whose plight was a National Scandal which is only just starting to be addressed. Some stories about children forcibly adopted or taken as “orphans” from parents who were still living are only just coming out.

Carrie Turansky has created an evocative and emotional family saga in her two stories, and this was a satisfying conclusion all around. It explores controversial historical event in a way that is both approachable, readable, and interesting. I was rooting for Grace and Garth, as well as their newfound families all the way through, whilst remaining acutely aware that many people in their situations did not get a happy ending.
No Journey Too Far is an excellent story full of faith, family, and love. I would recommend it and the prequel to all lovers of historical fiction.

Thanks to Waterbrook for approving my request for this title via Netgalley. This did not influence my review and all opinions expressed are my own.

The first book in this series about the McAlister children, who sailed from England to Canada in the early 1900s, touched my heart. This sequel, equally heart-tugging, carries on the story about these British Home Children, who were mistakenly sent away as orphans. Readers long for the family to be reunited, but the obstacles pile up and make one wonder if everything will ever turn out well for them all. Whether these characters had a hard life or one of privilege, each longs for the connection of family—a universal desire that all can relate to. The author wove a fine plot with surprises and twists that add delight and suspense along the way. I hope these characters appear in another novel. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own. #NoJourneyTooFar #NetGalley

I loved this heart warming story. While reading you will become intimately involved/connected with the lives of the characters.
Personally prior to reading this I was unaware of the British Home Children and the things they had to endure.
It was a real eye opener.

I read this book months ago now and it still stuck with me. I never was aware of the plight of the British Home children before and have since read other books by this author and on this topic.
reviewed on amazon

No Journey too far is book 2 in the McAlister Family series by Carrie Turansky. I recommend that you read these books in order. In the first book in the series, Garth his twin sister Katie, and younger sister Grace were all sent to Canada as orphans, called "British Home Children". Grace is adopted, Katie and Garth were not so lucky. In this second book, Garth has survived fighting in WWI and returned to England to visit his mother and two sisters. Grace is still in Canada and no one has been able to locate her. Grace is almost 18 and makes one last ditch effort to find the siblings she believes gave up on her. A letter arrives in England and the family decides that Garth should take letters from each of them and meet up with Grace. He was already planning to go to Canada to find Emma Lafferty, his sweetheart that he promised to return to after the war, but had lost touch with. Will the family finally be reunited?

This is a wonderful sequel to No Ocean Too Wide. It was nice to catch up with both the McAlister family, but also their friends and loved ones we met in the first book. Ex-Corporal Garth McAlister is the main character in this story. He is well liked and compassionate, especially after what he dealt with as a Home Child. He was badly treated and abused as a farm hand, but fulfilled his contract. Most of the people in the local communities treated them badly as well and there was a lot of prejudice towards them. If something illegal happened it was easy to blame the Home Children, which is what happened to Emma. Garth is extremely loyal and caring and was not going to give up on finding Emma and when he finally does, he does whatever he can to get her out of trouble. Meanwhile, he meets up with Grace and when her parents throw Garth out and refuse to let her see him, she runs away. Now the law are looking for Garth for kidnapping. This is a Christian fiction book so there is a spiritual element. It was important to the McAlisters to pray and practise their faith, but it was not overdone. I enjoyed this Historical Fiction story that is based on actual events and recommend it to those who want to know more about British Home Children and who enjoy stories based on true events.

I was selected to be in the book launch for this title, but found out that this was book number two. You would not want to skip book number one. This book concludes the story of the McAllisters and tells us more about the lives of the British Home Children in Canada. The McAllisters get a happy ending, finding the last child after ten years. We learn more of how the British Home Children were treated- quite often very badly just because of the British Home Child label. The book is so well written and enjoyable, a very good mix of history and life stories. (less)

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No Journey Too Far
A Novel
by Carrie Turansky
Pub Date 08 Jun 2021 | Archive Date 31 Oct 2021
WaterBrook & Multnomah, Multnomah
Christian



I am reviewing a copy of No Journey Too Far through WaterBrook & Multnomah, Multnomah and NetGalley:



Grace McAlister set sail for Canada in 1909, as one of the thousands of British Home Children taken from their families and their homeland. Despite the fact that she was fortunate enough to be adopted by wealthy parents, the secrets of her past are kept hidden for ten years until someone from her long-buried childhood arrives on her doorstep. With this new connection to her birth family, will she be brave enough to leave her sheltered life in Toronto and uncover the truth?





Garth McAllister left Canada to serve in World War I, after enduring hardship as an indentured British Home Child. His sweetheart, Emma Lafferty, promised to wait for his return, but after three long years apart, her letters suddenly stopped. When Garth comes home from the war to unexpected news he is determined to return to Canada once more on a daunting mission to find the two women he refuses to abandon—his long-lost sister and his mysteriously missing sweetheart.





I give No Journey Too Far five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

A year or two ago, I read No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky, and ever since, I have been watching for its sequel. When I saw No Journey Too Far, I snatched it up. My TBR pile is so huge that it took a long time to get around to reading it, but it was certainly worth taking time for! One funny thing, though: Somehow I forgot that I was reading it and started another book. Then, I went to write a review of it and couldn't remember what happened...and then I realized I was only 12% of the way through! As soon as I started in again, though, I could hardly put it down.
By the end of the first book, Grace, the youngest of the McAlister children, had not been located, though Laura had been searching for her. Now, ten years later, just after the close of the Great War, Grace's adoptive mother is preparing her for her debut into Toronto society. Grace is getting fed up with all the fuss, and starting to get very frustrated with being forced to lie about her origin as a British Home Child. Then, she finds some information that may help her to locate her birth family!
Meanwhile, back in England, Garth is arriving home from his time in the army, fighting against the Germans. He is worried about his love, Emma, whom he left behind in Canada. He has not heard from her for months. Has she forgotten him and found another man, or has something happened to her? He soon hurries to Canada to find both women—Grace and Emma.
One mishap after another conspire to keep Emma and Garth apart. During the search, Garth gets to know Grace—and so does his friend and companion. But will the young people ever be able to get back to England to the McAlister family? This well-written story kept me turning pages to find how how things could be worked out! I liked the spiritual growth written into the stories of these people, especially in Grace's life. She had to learn not to be controlled by other's expectations. It was heart-breaking to see how people looked down on the British Home Children. I found it very interesting to read about those children. A lot of them came to our country, too.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

This review will also appear on www.ignitelit.com in March or April.

Second novel in the story about the McAlister Family. Continues the story about the siblings who have been separated. The younger ones were sent to Canada (love learning the history behind this event and not something I would have learning about otherwise). The older sister is on a quest to find them and bring them home.

Author does an amazing job of describing the events that took place during this time in history and interweaving the struggle of a family trying to stay together with a love story.

Rich in historical detail, this was a beautifully written story, with the element of faith. I enjoyed learning more about the British Home Children and their hopes to find their families. If you like historical romance, you are sure to love this one.
Many thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This second book was long awaited for me, as I felt the hang off in the earlier book, hard to bear. This one ties up some of those loose ends, giving you that satisfaction that many of the people in this time period didn't get. It really brings to life the hardships that the orphans and non-orphans faced, making you deeply mourn the loss that they suffered as well as abuse.

Well written, it will give you a picture into the children stolen from their homes in England, and their part in settling Canada. I would recommend you read the earlier book before this one.

I was excited for this sequel! Such great characters who bring to life the reality of orphans and how they were treated. A great historical perspective blended with love, family, and the importance of faith above all. Highly recommend this book!

I had been so impatiently waiting for the release of this one ever since I finished reading the first in the series. Carrie Turansky did an amazing job of creating unforgettable characters that helplessly grip your heart. I can't imagine the struggle children went through who were taken from their families and shipped overseas to be adopted (or even just taken in for their labor) by strangers. Then for them to not only lose their parents or other caregivers, but to be ripped from their own siblings without the hope or assurance that they'd ever see each other again. The level of trauma these kids had to overcome is astounding. Through the two installments of this series I think the author did a great job of capturing the heartache without killing the hope. Even though the characters went through a lot of tough stuff, you could still see God at work. I really enjoyed both books in this series and know that the characters will be ones that stay with me. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!

*I received a copy of this book through Multnomah publishing. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone

No Journey Too Far
McAlister Family Saga #2
By Carrie Turansky

For too long Grace McAlister has been gone. With no clues as to where she may have been taken after 10 years her family still has hope that someday they will find her. With the war in Europe concluded, Garth McAlister plans to return to Canada. But he first plans to spend time with the family he was taken from all those years ago. Concern for the woman who captured his heart has him returning to Canada - Emma Lafferty is the woman he promised to return to but all communication from her abruptly ended several months ago. Can he find Emma and Grace? Or will the hole in the family and his heart be a permanent fixture in his life?

In No Ocean Too Wide, we were introduced to the McAlister family who due to illness is torn apart by the "well-intentioned" of England. Forbidden to see or care for her younger siblings, Laura McAlister follows them across the ocean to Canada where they were dispersed as if they were little more than a commodity to be shuffled about. But though partially successful Laura was able to bring just one sibling home - Grace. Years have passed and war has stymied their efforts but in No Journey Too Far we are able to experience the conclusion to the search to restore that which was lost. This is a story of hope even in the face of unexpected obstacles. And it is a story of family and the bonds that draw us together. And it is a story of prejudice - treating those who were labeled British Home Children as something lower than the very association with them somehow tainted those around them. And this is a story of love.

I really enjoyed revisiting the McAlisters, it is hard to believe how recently children were shuffled around and passed off as a less than desirable living being just because of their parental status and their economic class distinction. This is a touching and moving fact-based historical read and one that you should not avoid. There are emotional moments throughout the book and the series that will move you and make you think, and in my opinion, that is the mark of a truly stellar book - it entertains while subtly making you think and consider ideas and topics you would not normally give more than a passing thought to. This is excellent reading and one that should take the top space on your tbr stack!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own.

This story of sibling orphans separated from one another seared my emotions.

Author Carrie Turansky brilliantly explores this premise from the eyes of two children in the McAllister family. Grace is adopted by a wealthy Canadian family, prominent in Toronto society. Her parents tell her they know nothing about her birth family and forbid her to tell anyone she is a "Home Child." Wondering why this is a stigma, Grace feels unsettled and longs to know more about the hazy memories she has of siblings.

Garth McAlister works out his indenture with a cruel man until he joins the military. As he serves in WW2, he corresponds with a young woman he's come to care for, promising to return for her when the war is over. When the war ends, his life intersects with that of his lost sister Grace and his return for his love is delayed with tragic consequences.

While the siblings had enormous obstacles to overcome, they persevered to a completely satisfying ending. I enjoyed learning more about the historic Canadian Home Child program. Stories like this warn us, teach us to do better. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy Historical Fiction. While it is Book 2 in the McAlister Family duology, you don't need to read NO OCEAN TOO WIDE to enjoy NO JOURNEY TOO FAR. But I think you will want to.

I am very glad that we got the rest of Garth and Grace's part of the story. It would have felt so unresolved without this second book! The two romances featured this time around were both really cute, and the support that these characters all showed each other was lovely.

Emma was a nice addition to this cast of characters, but I felt the story focused on her a bit too much and took away from the reunion of the McAlister family. It was good to see another perspective of a British Home Child in Canada and how she was treated so unfairly by many, but I think the amount of pages used to tell her part of the story could have been lessened and still would have had the same impact.

This second instalment focuses on prayer, faith, and God even more than the first, which distanced me from the story - but I'm sure other readers will find comfort and connection with those parts of the novel. The word choices and placement of some statements just didn't feel natural to me and didn't allow me to connect with the characters as much.

This is a book of much adventure with a twist of a court-hearing and a reconnection with long lost relationships because of the setting of war. This book continues the story of the results of a family shipped across the sea to be offered over to families to be raised. There was a separation of the children and this is the story of one of the children. It’s exciting to read about the development of the life of this young lady. The excitement of growing up and connecting with her love. I’m really enjoying all the books in this series.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


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