No Ocean Too Wide A Novel by Carrie Turansky

It's hard not to read ahead. 1909 England. Excruciating story of a poor family from London. The father had died and the mother got sick. The oldest girl was in service some distance away. When the rent wasn't paid on time and they didn't have enough to eat, the boy tried to steal some bread to feed them and was caught, starting an avalanche of problems. The three were put into a children's home, then sent to Canada, thinking their mother had died and their older sister didn't care. The story is written with great detail and each character comes fully to life. 

Great injustice and bright light shown on the holes in the system of removing children from England. Between the 1860s and the 1930s, more than one hundred eighteen thousand poor and orphaned children were sent to Canada as British Home Children. Much good was done when good people were involved, but so much cruelty took place for many unfortunate children, and no good system was in place to put it in check. This story also tells of two good men who were sent to investigate the system, and how they became involved. And the relationship of Laura, the oldest daughter and Andrew a wealthy lawyer who helped them all. Excellent read that will keep you on edge throughout. If not for the underlying story of God's grace and love, it would be so much harder yet to read. You feel a relationship with each of the characters as their story is brought to light.

"If she found Jesus in the pages of that Bible, she would have a friend who would never leave her side . . . and that was what she needed most for the journey ahead."

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Dauntless (Valiant Hearts) (Volume 1) by Dina L. Sleiman

I seem to be reading books within a theme - mostly about strong women. This is another and is geared towards young adults - but I really enjoyed it even though I'm old.  I have always liked tales of Robin Hood and the idea of living off the land. When I was younger I spent many, many enjoyable hours in the woods near our home.

Lady Merry Ellison, daughter of a Baron who tried to assassinate the King, has been forced to live and hide in the forest after the King tried to wipe out their entire village. But Merry and the children from the village were hidden away before the Kings' men came through. After they were gone it was up to Merry to feed, clothe and take care of everyone - and continue to keep them hidden from the revengeful King. She had learned aerobatic tumbling skills from a young age and to live in the forest - strength, anonymity and restraint mottoes foremost - so she was well equipped to lead this young band. But sometimes they needed to take from the rich to survive.

Merry's friend Timothy Grey, the ninth son of a Baron, grew up with her and shared the same motto and skills. He was betrothed to Merry, but Timothy's family did not join with Merry's father in the assassination attempt and stayed on the good side of the King. Timothy thought Merry was killed long ago. In time since he longed to do something magnificent to earn a title of his own, as he was far down the line in his own family.  Capturing "The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest" would impress the nobility and give him a chance of his own. Little did he know who those "ghosts" were.

This is the story of how Merry and Timothy find each other again, and the struggle to survive and do what is right, no matter the danger. Definitely a great read, pulls on your heartstrings and has deep roots in faith. Highly recommended! I really liked the cover too. Dina L. Sleiman is a new author to me, and can add me to her fan list. I'm looking forward to more in the series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.

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