Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes

Reviewed by April Gardner

"Crossing Oceans forced me to think in a way rare to women’s fiction, and I admire the author for her boldness."

Death has a way of forcing one’s hand, which is the only reason Jenny has come home. With her five-year-old daughter, Isabella, in tow, she re-enters small town life with the hopes of setting things right with her dad, the world’s most stubborn man. David, Isabella’s father, is another challenge she’d rather not face, but who else will care for her daughter after Jenny’s gone?

Arrogant and controlling, David hasn’t changed one iota since he got her pregnant just out of high school. When he learns he has a daughter, nothing will stop him from full custody—starting immediately.

And why must true love show its face now, of all times? What’s a dying woman going to do with a man who proposes months before her predicted date with the coroner?

Crossing Oceans gripped me from the get-go. Author Gina Holmes masters the art of angst. I had no idea I was in for such a gripping ride. If you’re a reader who shuns a tear-jerker, this one isn’t for you. But for everyone else, you’ll cherish it. Sometimes, a girl just needs a good cry.

Don’t get me wrong. Crossing Oceans is not all doom and gloom. It overflows with themes such as hope, restoration, and beating the odds. The odds are certainly stacked against Jenny, which creates perfect literary tension. To be honest, Holmes didn’t always resolve the tension in ways I would have liked. Several times, I nearly threw the book across the room. “What mother would do that?” I’d scream. But then if I was dying, maybe I’d do that too…

Crossing Oceans forced me to think in a way rare to women’s fiction, and I admire the author for her boldness. She strips away pretenses and exposes us all for who we are—temporal, selfish, proud. The last book to leave me this raw was Jenkins’ Though None Go With Me, a book (as heart wrenching as it was) I never want forget.

I turned the last page, set Crossing Oceans down, and--after giving my nose a good blow--went through the rest of my day carrying Jenny in my heart and mind. Will I ever forget her? I doubt it. Will I forget the lessons she taught me? I certainly hope not.

April W Gardner writes adult and middle grade historical fiction. Her first novel, Wounded Spirits, releases with Vintage Romance Publishing in November of this year. She is a member of ACFW and reviews for Title Trakk, At Home With Christian Fiction, and FIRST Wild Card Blog Tours. A military spouse, April has performed the art of homemaking all over the world. Currently, she lives in Georgia with her darling Hubby. A homeschool mom, she fills her mornings talking fractions and phonics with her two sweet kiddos. In her free time, April enjoys reading, gardening, and DIY. In no particular order, she dreams of owning a horse, visiting all the national parks, and speaking Italian. Visit April's Website or her blog, A Writer's Journey. You can also get to know April on Facebook and Twitter.