What do I love best about books? Well, everything. But, I really love when I stumble across a topic I don't know about in a book and the writing makes me want to look more into that subject. In this case, the book focuses on the fact that around 1869, thousands of children, some homeless, some perceived to be and others who were neglected, were taken in by homes in England, then adopted out. Not only were they adopted out, they were sent to Canada and other countries. While some were fortunate and received good homes, others were simply taken in to become domestic and farm workers. This story depicts a fictional journey of a family torn apart by these true events.
Now, No Journey Too Far is the sequel to Ms. Turansky's book, No Ocean Too Wide, and while there's enough explanation through this book to understand the backstory, I HIGHLY recommend you read the first one before this. It just really delves in to the stories of Katie, Garth, and Grace deeply and you make a connection with them enough to want to know what happens in this one.
However, I'll just say that In No Ocean Too Wide, Garth, Katie, and Grace's mother falls ill and they are believed to be alone and neglected. They are taken into a home for children and sent to Canada. I don't want to spoil too much but what follows in that book is the trials and heartbreak they face being separated from their mom and older sister, Laura. Laura already lives away from home working as a lady's maid. But, she hurries home in an attempt to reunite her family.
This book continues ten years after the first one and Garth is returning home from war with his friend Rob. They go on a huge journey to attempt to find Garth's youngest sister, Grace. Nobody has any knowledge of what happened to Grace when she was adopted by a couple. Again, no spoilers, but we get to see what happened to Grace and also get to follow Garth as he pursues his own happiness. I must add, much deserved happiness after all he has gone through.
But, as we all know, no life comes without trouble and this is where faith and gratefulness for our blessings comes in. Garth, his girlfriend Emma, and Grace stand strong in their faith and belief that God is with them as multiple things happen and obstacles seem to stand in their way. Through it all, they stick together and show each other love and compassion and value the importance in their relationships.
I received an advance copy of this story from Multnomah and I have to admit, I rushed to read the first story first and I am so glad I did. As far as my review, I really enjoyed finding out what happened to Grace and Garth and I am even more glad that I got to read them back to back because I don't think I would have wanted to wait that long between books (lol). Ms. Turansky always does a wonderful job in not only weaving a beautiful story, creating wonderful characters, but also throws just enough intrigue in the mix to keep you reading!
Thank you to Multnomah and to Ms. Turansky for another great experience!
