Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes
May 2010 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (first published 2010)
Paperback, 384 pages
Review Copy
Book Synopsis
Jenny Lucas swore she’d never go home again. But being told you’re dying has a way of changing things. Years after she left, she and her five-year-old daughter, Isabella, must return to her sleepy North Carolina town to face the ghosts she left behind. They welcome her in the form of her oxygen tank–toting grandmother, her stoic and distant father, and David, Isabella’s dad . . . who doesn’t yet know he has a daughter. As Jenny navigates the rough and unknown waters of her new reality, the unforgettable story that unfolds is a testament to the power of love and its ability to change everything—to heal old hurts, bring new beginnings . . . even overcome the impossible. A stunning debut about love and loss from a talented new voice. (Taken from CFBA tour site)
Review
When Jenny ventures home to reconcile her relationship with her father, little does she know the journey her life will take. Her ultimate goal is to seek the forgiveness of her dad, she wants him to accept her and Bella. Knowing Bella will have a home and a family to take care of her is the last step in Jenny's plan so she can go in peace. She can't ignore the fact though, that David, Bella's father must be told about his daughter. She figures on waiting until the last minute but seeing how in life nothing ever go's according to plan, David finds out and all of Jenny's "planning" are thrown out the window. Now facing death that wont let go and facing a battle to fight for her daughter, Jenny is shocked to find love, hope and forgiveness along the way.
Truly exquisite writing, I connected with Jenny so deeply that I felt every emotion she felt, I cried when she cried, I was angry and frustrated when she was and I was angry that she was dying. The talent of a true author is when you can take the most painful story and showcase an entire circle of human emotion. Jenny with losing hope and feeling stuck in a desperate situation, Jenny's father with his anger and bitterness and Mama Peg with her strength and humor. Although Jenny's past began with mistakes, you see the goodness that came out of them. She was an amazing strong character, a woman who faces anger, death and deep resentment but also is able to forgive, heal and incredibly put others before her own desires. I wrapped myself around these characters like a warm fuzzy blanket and enjoyed every minute with them.
A tremendous, heart breaking story that brought tears to my eyes throughout almost every chapter. Many books have the ability to make me cry, but this story literally had me sobbing by the end. After I finished Crossing Oceans I would just think about it and start crying again. Goodness Ms. Holmes, you broke my heart a thousand times and then put it back together again.
Rating
Crossing Ocean's is a story of love and forgiveness. Subjects touched on include death, grief, sickness, anger, teen pregnancy and dramatic themed elements. Suitable for all readers including teens, but aimed to the adult audience.
5/5- Christian Fiction- Death, Love and Hope
A big thanks to the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for review copy- this review is a part of the CFBA blog tour, to learn more about them and a complete tour list visit here! To learn more about the beautiful Gina Holmes visit her website
What a beautiful review. I love when I connect like this with a character.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book! We just selected Crossing Oceans as our summer book club selection. I just announced it Friday, so no one has read it yet and I am so eager to talk about it with everyone. I started a ladies book club at our church and have had a great time with it. I am featuring ideas and recipes from our spring meeting this week, in case you would like to stop by.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to have found your blog because I am reading, reading, reading Christian fiction always looking for a jewel that would make a good selection. Thanks for the reviews!
Just read this. What a lovely review! Thank you so much :)
ReplyDelete