No journey too far, p.1
No Journey Too Far, page 1
Praise for
No Journey Too Far
“No distance is too great for love, a truth beautifully laced into No Journey Too Far. Bringing to life the little-known story of British Home Children, Turansky creates a tale of love, loss, and reunion for the continuing saga of the McAlister family as they search for one another after years of separation. Readers will not want to miss this gem—heartwarming and full of grace.”
—J’nell Ciesielski, author of Beauty Among Ruins
“Carrie has penned another stirring tale of the heart, spanning two continents and the all-too-real lives of those caught up in the challenges of the British Home Children. The issues of prejudice, privilege, and powerlessness speak as much to us today as in the past, and encourage us to seek the Maker of all, whose love shows that there is no journey too far for finding His children and bringing them home. Thank you for making this important part of history come alive to us, Carrie.”
—Carolyn Miller, Australian author of Dusk’s Darkest Shores
“Cruelly separated and spread across Canada as British Home Children, the McAlister family have never given up their determination to be reunited. Following WWI, Carrie Turansky continues their heart-wrenching search through a riveting plot and the well-drawn characters we’ve come to dearly love. No Journey Too Far reminds me of the extent our Lord goes to seek us out, win our hearts, and draw us safely home. A beautiful and satisfying conclusion by a wonderful author.”
—Cathy Gohlke, Christy Award–winning author of Night Bird Calling and The Medallion
“In No Journey Too Far, Turansky continues the stirring McAlister family saga and the journey to reunite their family, separated when three of the siblings were mistakenly sent to Canada as British Home Children. The sequel to No Ocean Too Wide begins ten years later, focusing on Garth McAlister’s attempt to find his youngest sister, Grace, the only sibling adopted into a Canadian family. The author skillfully depicts the terrible prejudice the British Home Children faced, yet the story is one of hope, illustrating that in the end faith and determination can overcome any obstacle. A wonderful conclusion to this moving family drama!”
—Susan Anne Mason, author of the Canadian Crossings and Redemption’s Light series
“No Journey Too Far is a formidable story that is genuinely touching, telling of a desperate fight to reunite a family and the extreme difficulties encountered along the way. This book touches upon the shame, abuse, and stigmatization felt by many Home Children, mixed with a loving family bond on both sides of the ocean. Carrie brings the continuing story of the McAlister family to life in a compelling way that descendants will appreciate, and all readers are sure to be moved. Heartfelt, real, and poignant.”
—Lori Oschefski, CEO of the award-winning British Home Children Advocacy and Research Association (BHCARA) and author of Bleating of the Lambs: Canada’s British Home Children
“A sweet and gentle tale at heart, No Journey Too Far features endearing characters who live out their faith in difficult circumstances. The story also casts light on the prejudices faced by the British Home Children in Canada, even as they entered adulthood. Carrie Turansky’s writing pulls the heartstrings in all the right ways!”
—Sarah Sundin, bestselling and Carol Award–winning author of When Twilight Breaks
“A delightful story that explores the fascinating history of the British Home Children, No Journey Too Far is a touching tale filled with excitement, drama, mystery, romance, and faith. Through the McAlister family, Carrie Turansky weaves the hopeful message that God does not let us go, that His grace and acceptance defy all stigmas and prejudices, and that He always keeps His promises. A beautiful novel that historical fans are sure to appreciate.”
—Heidi Chiavaroli, Carol Award–winning author of Freedom’s Ring and The Orchard House
No Journey Too Far
All Scripture quotations and paraphrases, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the King James Version. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. (www.zondervan.com). The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica Inc.™
The characters and events in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to actual persons or events is coincidental.
Copyright © 2021 by Carrie Turansky
All rights reserved.
Published in the United States by Multnomah, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.
Multnomah® and its mountain colophon are registered trademarks of Penguin Random House LLC.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA
Names: Turansky, Carrie, author.
Title: No journey too far / Carrie Turansky.
Description: Colorado Springs : Multnomah, [2021]
Identifiers: LCCN 2020051762 | ISBN 9780525652953 (paperback) | ISBN 9780525652960 (ebook)
Subjects: GSAFD: Christian fiction.
Classification: LCC PS3620.U7457 N58 2021 | DDC 813/.6—dc2
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020051762
Ebook ISBN 9780525652960
waterbrookmultnomah.com
Interior book design by Virginia Norey, adapted for ebook
Cover design: Jordan Wannemacher
Cover images: Arcangel (couple), Mark Summerfield / Alamy Images (train)
ep_prh_5.7.0_c0_r0
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Epigraph
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Epilogue
Author’s Note
Readers Guide
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Books by Carrie Turansky
About the Author
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
—Psalm 9:9–10, NIV
Belleville, Ontario, Canada
May 1909
Grace McAlister held tight to her sister Katie’s hand as they slowly walked across the large open room in the Belleville Town Hall.
“It’s all right, Grace. We’re going to meet our new family this morning.” Katie smiled down at her, but it didn’t look like her real smile.
Grace swallowed hard and pushed out her words. “What if they’re not nice?”
“Anyone who would take in children who are not their own must have a kind heart.” Her words sounded brave, but she still looked worried.
Grace matched Katie’s steps as they followed the line of girls who had come with them on the big ship from England to Canada and then on the train to Belleville. She wished she had eaten more of the porridge at breakfast that morning, but her tummy felt funny, and she’d pushed her bowl aside after a few bites. She missed Mum, Garth, and Laura. Where were they? Why didn’t they come and take her and Katie home?
Grace and Katie joined the line of girls along the back wall of the room. Miss Delaney, the tall lady with red hair who had come over on the ship with them, talked to two men and an old lady sitting at a long table in the front of the room.
Who were they? Where was her new family? Would they like her? When could she and Katie go home and see Mum?
A buzzing began in Grace’s head like there was a bee inside. She squeezed her eyes tight until the buzzing finally went away. Taking a slow deep breath, she opened her eyes. Everything would be all right. Katie promised it would.
She smoothed the pinafore over her green dress. All the other girls were dressed the same, and each wore a blue jacket and straw hat like hers. Most of the girls were bigger, like Katie, who was fourteen. She looked down the row, searching for Millie, the only girl in their group younger than Grace. Millie was six, and Grace was seven. They’d played together on the ship. Would Millie find a new family too? What if no one wanted her? What if no one wanted Grace and Katie?
The buzzing in her head came back. She stepped closer to Katie and leaned against her side. Her sister’s arm felt warm like when they used to sit together in the big chair at home and Katie would read her a story.
Miss Delaney crossed the room and stop
ped in front of Grace. She wore a plain brown dress and small hat, and her pink cheeks were covered with freckles. “All right, girls. I want you to stand up straight. Look smart and be quiet and respectful to the people who come in to see you.”
Grace’s tummy tightened. She peeked up at Katie. Her sister stood taller and lifted her chin like Miss Delaney.
A side door opened, and a man and lady walked in and came toward the line of girls. The man was tall and wore a black suit and hat. He looked at each girl as he and the lady moved down the line. The lady wore a dress the color of pennies. Her big hat was the same color, with lots of flowers and feathers on top. She had a pretty face and blue eyes. As the lady came closer, Grace could see she had brown hair under her hat.
The man and lady stopped in front of them. The lady looked down at Grace for a few seconds and smiled. She turned to the man. He nodded and then took the lady’s arm and they moved down the row.
“They didn’t like us?” Grace’s voice felt tight and shaky.
Katie put her arm around Grace. “Don’t worry. I’m sure there are more families coming in soon.”
Grace fiddled with the edge of her pinafore and counted the boards on the floor around her. She thought about Mum and the times they used to go to the park near their flat over the dress shop. Grace liked feeding the ducks and chasing Garth and Katie across the grass. Mum would smile as she watched them from the bench in the shade of the big tree by the pond. Grace wished they could all go to the park again.
“I’d like you to come with me, Grace.”
Grace sucked in a breath and looked up. Miss Delaney stood in front of her.
Katie gripped Grace’s hand. “Why? Where are you taking her?” Her voice sounded high and scared.
Miss Delaney motioned toward the front of the room where the man and lady stood. “That couple would like to talk to her.”
Katie pressed her lips together for a second, then nodded. “Go ahead, Grace.” Katie let go of Grace’s hand. “Just be sure to tell them I’m your sister and we have to stay together.”
Before Grace could answer, Miss Delaney took her hand and tugged her across the room. Her face felt hot, and she could feel her heart beating hard. Why couldn’t Katie come with her to talk to the man and lady? What did they want to say to her?
“This is Grace.” Miss Delaney gave her a little push toward the man and lady. “She’s seven years old.”
The lady in the penny-colored dress smiled. “Hello, Grace. I’m Mrs. Hamilton, and this is Mr. Hamilton.”
Grace knew she should say something, but she couldn’t make her voice come out. She bit her lip and looked at the floor.
“Have you been to school yet?” The man’s voice was strong and loud.
Grace kept her eyes down. If she said yes, would they ask her to count or recite? She could do that with Katie but not with people she didn’t know.
The lady bent down toward her. “Can you tell us something you enjoy doing?” Her voice sounded nice, but when Grace glanced at her face, there were lines across the lady’s forehead. Was she mad because Grace didn’t answer?
Grace peeked over her shoulder at Katie. Her sister sent her a pleading look, but Grace wasn’t sure what she was supposed to say or do.
“Mr. Hamilton and I have a dog named Cooper,” the lady continued. “He’s a very pretty collie. We like to take him for walks in the park or spend time with him out in our garden. Do you like dogs?”
Most of the dogs Grace had seen in London lived on the street and weren’t very friendly. Her mum had always told her to stay away from them. What should she say?
“What’s your favorite food?” the lady asked.
If she said Mum’s meat pies, would they know what she meant? Grace shrugged.
The man frowned. “Why won’t she speak to us?”
Mrs. Hamilton patted Grace’s shoulder. “I’m sure this is all a bit overwhelming.” She turned to Miss Delaney. “Do you have information about her background and family? Is she in good health?”
“She’s in excellent health. All the children are given examinations before they leave England and on arrival in Canada.” Miss Delaney opened a file and sorted through some papers. “She’s an orphan from London with no relatives who can care for her. She was born on May 16.” She closed the file and looked up at Mrs. Hamilton. “I can assure you she will have more to say once she feels comfortable. Isn’t that right, Grace?”
“Yes ma’am,” Grace whispered.
Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton looked at each other. Mr. Hamilton nodded and then turned to Miss Delaney. “Very well. We’ll take her.”
Grace gasped. They were going to take her? What about Katie? She turned and looked toward the back wall. Her sister watched her with wide eyes.
Mr. Hamilton stepped up to the table and signed a paper. Mrs. Hamilton took Grace’s hand and started toward the side door.
Grace pulled back. “Wait!”
“It’s all right, dear.” Mrs. Hamilton gripped harder and continued toward the door. “Our motorcar is just outside. Have you ever ridden in a motorcar?”
“No! No!” She screamed and tried to wriggle away.
Mrs. Hamilton held on tight. “There’s no need to make a fuss.”
Grace’s eyes burned and overflowed, and her cries turned to jerky sobs.
“That’s enough! Settle down, Grace!” Mr. Hamilton scooped her up and hurried across the room.
Grace tried to get away, but Mr. Hamilton’s strong arms pressed her hard against his chest. She jerked her head up, searching for her sister as they passed out the door. Katie stood by the wall, a wide-eyed, fearful look on her face. Grace’s heart lurched, and she screamed her sister’s name. But the door slammed behind them, and she couldn’t see Katie anymore.
Toronto
February 1919
Grace Hamilton shifted her weight from one foot to the other. How much longer was this going to take? They couldn’t expect her to stand perfectly still on this footstool forever. She shot a look at the dressmaker, kneeling at her feet, and then at her mother. “Are we almost finished?”
Impatience flashed in her mother’s eyes. She crossed the parlor toward Grace but then pressed her lips together and held her peace.
Mrs. Wilson pulled a pin from her lips. “It shouldn’t be too much longer. I’m almost done pinning the hem.”
Grace turned and glanced at the clock. “I’m supposed to meet Abigail Gillingham at one to work on our plans for the church charity sale supporting injured veterans.”
Mother’s eyebrows arched. “Abigail can wait. This final fitting is more important.”
Grace twisted around. “But, Mother—”
“For goodness’ sake, Grace, stand still! You’re almost eighteen. You must learn to have patience and conduct yourself like a proper young lady!”
Grace froze in position, her frustration simmering just beneath the surface. Being forced to pose like a statue had worn her patience thin. But if that was what it took to be free to meet her friend and have some time away from home, then that was what she would do.
Mrs. Wilson poked the next pin into the sky-blue satin fabric and looked up at Grace. “I must say this color is a perfect match for your eyes, and it highlights your blond hair very nicely.”
Mother sent Grace a pointed look, her expectation clear. Grace swallowed her frustration and gave the expected response. “Thank you, Mrs. Wilson.”
Her mother nodded, seeming satisfied. “Grace will be wearing this gown when she makes her debut at the St. Andrew’s Ball in April.”
Mrs. Wilson turned toward Mother. “I didn’t realize she was coming out this spring.”
“We had planned to bring her out next year, but now that the war is over and the soldiers are coming home, her father and I have decided it’s best not to wait.”
