An Ocean Away

by Lisa Harris

1921--Northern Rhodesia and New York. Lizzie MacTavis is determined to remain with the people among whom God called her to work along the banks of the rugged Zambezi River in southern Africa. Andrew Styles, an anthropologist and explorer, has been commission to bring Lizzie back to New York City at any cost. With a fortune at stake, Lizzie is caught between two worlds when she is finally forced to return to the United States and discovers her life is in danger. Will Andrew turn out to be Lizzie's nemesis or hero?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Christian Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Christian Romance

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2011

About the author

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom, Vendetta, and Port of Origin, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times.

She has fifty novels and novellas in print. She and her family work as missionaries in southern Africa. Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. Visit Lisa’s website to learn more.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

About this book:

“Dateline: 1921--Northern Rhodesia and New York. Lizzie MacTavis is determined to remain with the people among whom God called her to work along the banks of the rugged Zambezi River in southern Africa. Andrew Styles, an anthropologist and explorer, has been commission to bring Lizzie back to New York City at any cost. With a fortune at stake, Lizzie is caught between two worlds when she is finally forced to return to the United States and discovers her life is in danger. Will Andrew turn out to be Lizzie's nemesis or hero?”


Series: It’s a stand-alone.


Spiritual Content- 1 John 2:17 at the beginning; Many prayers; Witnessing; Scriptures are mentioned; Many, many talks about God, mission work, creation, Good News & those in the Bible; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Lizzie is & her parents were missionaries; Andrew thinks that God ignores him, though he used to have a faith (*Spoiler* He prays about 2/3s in. *End of Spoiler*); Many mentions of those in the Bible; Many mentions of missionaries; Mentions of Bibles; Mentions of heathens; Mentions of religions;
*Note: Mentions of superstitions, witch doctors, sorcerers, curses, ghosts, gods, & idols.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: A fire (semi-detailed); Pain (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of pain, blood & deaths (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of beasts, spears, hunting & killing them (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of tribal tattoos & teeth pulling (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of war (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of slavery; Mentions of savages & cannibals; Mentions of the Mafia & hitmen; Mentions of gambling & a gambler; Mentions of cigars; Mentions of divorce; Many mentions of murders, killing & slitting throats (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of illegal liquor, drinkers & drinking.


Sexual Content- three boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kisses; Touches & Embraces (up to semi-detailed); Noticing; a ‘babe’ and a ‘baby’; A couple mentions of prostitutes; A couple mentions of nursing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of births & deaths (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a womanizer & his affairs (no details); Mentions of embracing; Mentions of kisses & kissing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of falling in love; Love, falling in love & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of scandalous clothing & “short skirts” (which are mid-calf length); A mention of an African woman wearing a long skirt, but nothing above the waist.

-Lizzie MacTavis, age 25
-Andrew Styles
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1921
319 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
Ooooh! Another good Lisa Harris book! While technically published before her other books I’ve reviewed (1, 2, 3), it’s different since it’s a historical. This author writes what she knows and it shows. The Harris family is currently living in African as missionaries and I always look forward to their newsletters. The writing was great—like normal! The banter between Lizzie & Andrew was enjoyable. The Spiritual Content and missionary plot was excellent!


Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Abigail McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay I have to be honest and say this made me laugh way more than I think it was supposed to. but the ending! it was so ridiculous and I loved it so much! (my family will attest that I was cackling as each reveal hit in the last 30 pages, lol!)

but in all seriousness, I enjoyed this! it spent more time in Africa than I was expecting based on the description, but that's not a bad thing! Andrew was my favorite character, and seeing his return to faith was great. the writing style is super readable, and I don't think this will be my last experience with Lisa Harris.

four stars from me!

[ASC Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW WOW WOW WOW! What a Fast paced adventure, and yes that's with a capital F! I loved and read Lisa's books before, but this one was such a unique and wonderful read! I IMMEDIATELY loved Lizzie, but Andrew took some growing! LOL! Though in the end I loved him to! ;) The Faith intertwined is wonderful, the mystery is twisty, the shocks keep coming, and the setting is so refreshing! If you can get your hands on a copy of this book I highly recommend this unique read, but I will warn you many copies have pages missing. Lisa is so sweet she was able to send me the missing pages from my copy so I could finish the book. <3 For me you LOVES the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency tv show I REALLY enjoyed the African parts since it was reminiscent of that for me. And top it off with the feel of Miss Fisher's 20s flare just set in N.Y. YES PLEASE!

1 John 2:17

Lift Your Head Weary Sinner by Crowder

[Kelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried to read this but after a week stuck on the same few first chapters I couldn’t. The idea of it is so dreamy. Rhodesia in the 1920’s. A man going to find this women he has been hired to find in South Africa. Such an epic tale. Or could have been.
But enough with the cheesy dialog. Every character speaks so stiffly. Like play acting. I think, that’s why I just couldn’t get past it.
I skipped to the end, and it was enough to tell me the chapters remained stiff throughout the end.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Now I almost feel like packing up and moving to Africa! It was a little bit shorter than average, but it wasn't too fast pace and I didn't think that it was really lacking in anything. I also didn't think that the romance was too rushed or physical in any way. Go read this book! I also loved the great historical tidbits that the author included. #atozauthorread

[Ashley Nikole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got 90% through this and then drifted off and never finished. It just wasn't my style--I'm not huge into missionary stories, and I thought there was going to be more suspense and romance, but oh well! It just wasn't my style!

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started but lost interest after two chapters.

[Jenny · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Tikki Brogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say this book was a great read. The writing was wonderful and the adventure was fun. There were a few unpredictable moments as well! I enjoyed it very much.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Summary:
"Lizzie MacTavis is determined to remain in Southern Africa, serving the people who live along the banks of the rugged Zambezi River. But Andrew Styles has been commissioned to bring her back to New York City at any cost- an assignment he predicts will be easy....until he meets Lizzie. With a personal fortune at stake and a tribal war brewing, Lizzie is caught between two worlds. And the striking Mr. Styles isn't making her decision any easier. Danger threatens her life both in Africa and an ocean away. Will Andrew prove to be Lizzie's nemesis or hero?"


An Ocean Away had the ability to take me from my bedroom to the wilds of Africa and to the life of a female missionary in the 1920's. Any book that can do that is a great book to me! While Andrew and Lizzie's relationship moved very slowly, even painfully at times, it was worth it to see how everything turned out in the end. Lizzie was a headstrong character who actually reminded me a lot of myself....I think that's why I liked the book so much. Despite her doubts about leaving the tribe members in Africa, many of whom she brought to the Lord, she decided to do what was best for herself. I was having sympathy pains for Lizzie the entire time she was adjusting to New York! I can't even imagine the culture shock! Especially during the 1920's, when the lovely women's liberation movements were making their way across the United States, starting and centralizing in NY, of course where Lizzie is. As for Mr.Styles, I didn't really like his arrogant attitude at first, but his devotion to Lizzie and determination to keep her safe won me over in the end. In all, An Ocean Away was a great read for girls ages 13 and up who are interested in missionary work and early 1900's society.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: AN OCEAN AWAY
Author: Lisa Harris
Publisher: Summerside Press
June 2011
ISBN: 978-1609361075
Genre: Historical

Dateline: 1921—Northern Rhodesia and New York, New York.

Lizzie MacTavis is determined to remain with the people with whom God called her
to work along the banks of the rugged Zambezi River in southern Africa.

Andrew Styles, an anthropologist and explorer, has been commissioned to bring Lizzie back to New York City at any cost. With a fortune at stake, Lizzie is caught between two worlds when she is finally forced to return to the United States and discovers her life is
in danger. Will Andrew turn out to be Lizzie’s nemesis or hero?

AN OCEAN AWAY is an older title that I had on my to-be-read pile for sometime. I was looking forward as I had enjoyed some of Ms. Harris’ more recent books. The copy I have though, sadly, is deficient. It goes from page 45 to page 165 and so quite a lot of the story is missing. It ruined the story for me. I was sent this to review though, so hopefully the publisher caught and fixed the problem for those who purchased it.

Set in 1921, it is when the world is beginning to change. The women’s rights movement was beginning. Skirts were shortening. And Lizzie serves as a nurse in Africa—though she’s rarely allowed to serve as such, due to the natives feeling she’s a curse.

Andrew is nice, determined, and stubborn enough to match Lizzie’s personality. I wondered how he could possibly talk her out of her beloved Africa…

There is a recipe included at the end of the book. $12.99 print or $7.68 kindle. 320 pages.

[Keira-- OLD ACCOUNT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dateline: 1921--Northern Rhodesia and New York. Lizzie MacTavis is determined to remain with the people among whom God called her to work along the banks of the rugged Zambezi River in southern Africa. Andrew Styles, an anthropologist and explorer, has been commission to bring Lizzie back to New York City at any cost. With a fortune at stake, Lizzie is caught between two worlds when she is finally forced to return to the United States and discovers her life is in danger. Will Andrew turn out to be Lizzie's nemesis or hero?

I really enjoyed this book! I've never read a Lisa Harris novel before, so I was pretty excited to try this one, and I was definitely not disappointed. I enjoyed the 1920s time-period, and more than that... I loved the African setting! It was so interesting to hear about the missionary work that was being done in Africa back then, and I also liked hearing about the entire setting. It was pretty amazing to read, actually, and I had no idea I would like it this much.
The characters... ahh! I loved the characters so much. Lizzie and Andrew were easily some of my favorite characters. She had such fire and spirit, and he really clashed with that. It was pretty wonderful to read their banter and back-and-forth thing. I'm definitely going to look at some other Lisa Harris books now, because this was just such a great read.
I didn't love the part in New York, but that's just because I enjoyed the African setting, but that's alright. I still loved it, and I'm definitely going to be remembering this one when looking for books with exotic settings.

[Emily]

This was sweet candy to me that I read in a couple of days on vacation. I don't often read fiction and when I do, its' a vacation for my mind. I don't often get alot out of fiction except for a "break" from the heavier reading I normally do. I enjoyed the book because of the setting- a young, single, female missionary in Africa. I served in the Peace Corps as a young, single female and related to the situation the heroine finds herself in. The author writes well and is engaging. Her descriptions were very alive throughout the settings.

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is great to read ebooks when books are no longer published. I've read Lisa's recent material and saw this book from our library. Historical books being more popular according to the FF magazine. Happy to read something of Lisa's, who is a most recent author for me to read (2016). Lizzie and Andrew's story. The environment where you live has a heavy impact on your life and to Lizzie this was the case. Andrew had a dream and lost his way after tragedy but he needed a nudge to find God's direction. Mystery and an inheritance was the drive of some family members.

[Katri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really liking this book in the beginning, but then it started to get too "churchy." And as the plot thickened, everything started to happen too quickly, and the end just seemed to be a huge jumble of events. It was okay, but certainly not one I'd ever read again or recommend to anyone.

[Sandy Duke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. LOTS of Christian principles dealt with here, so don't even start to read it if overt Christianity bothers you. Complex concepts such as the sovereignty of God in the midst of difficult circumstances, and identity in Christ are dealt with.

[Carol McClain · Rating 1 out of 5]

The two halves of the story didn't mesh. Part 1 in Northern Rhodesia was predictable. Part 2 in NY was a different genre with elements that didn't mesh.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I thought it was just going to be romance for a long time, but then near the end, we had a little suspense, which made it fun.

[M.K. Aneal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not one for historical romance...except, for this one. I loved this one!

I always choose a theme for the books I review, and this theme was actually written out perfectly by the author herself in the end note to the readers. "We all struggle to fit in, but if we base our identity on Him, we will find true freedom."

Lisa Harris is a name known among the Christian fiction world, and for a good reason. She is a very clever, and creative writer with a wonderful talent of storytelling. I received this book as a gift from my brother and sister-in-law, probably because of the fact it's about a missionary. (How I've always wanted to be a missionary!) I shrugged it off for awhile, for the fact it is historical romance, which is not a favorite genre, or even a liked genre, of mine. When I did pick it up and delve into the story, I was amazed! While this is romance, it isn't just romance. This is a story, with highs and lows, that brings you into Africa, and later into New York in the 20's. This book will take you places, and give you a meaning to go along with it!
Mrs. Harris had a keen point and theme writing this, and I applaud her effort; it was graciously touching! (In all areas.)

Yes, I Have Negatives:

#1. Lizzie who? I did love the characters here, but I felt I was only seeing them from afar, and not in deeper detail. I'm a bit picky when it comes to character detail, so for some this is easily unnoticed. For me, however, I was hoping to get more info on all the characters introduced, main and supporting. How did Lizzie feel about herself? Did she like the animals in Africa? Was she talented musically or in the home? And how about Andrew--where even was his parents? I know these aren't things that must be added, but I like to see a person from the inside out, even their most dreaded fears. I felt these people didn't become too realistic to me. I'm sure the message will travel with me far, but not so much the characters, their actions, or their point of views.
#2. Simply sentences. The reading here, while intriguing, is pretty simple. I noticed myself eyeing the way the thoughts sped softly along. Excitement was just a story. Feelings were merely words. I was reading a story, which was good, but that was pretty much it; if you're looking for a lot of feeling and excitement in thoughtout illustrations and sentence structure, then look elsewhere. Although, may I remind you that there is always more to the story than that, of course...
#3. Picture on the front. Call me crazy, but I don't like it when a picture of the supposed character is plastered on the front. To be honest, I always see a different person than what is shown, and then I'm just confused. I'm sorry, but I love it when the writing is good enough to display the character and her appearance; we really don't need the image to distract us from her more important qualities that are on the inside, which lead to the outside.
#4. Oh, that was fast! Not the book. I'm talking about the places visited. I loved the fact I traveled to many a place while reading it (in the book), but I sometimes felt I was in a speeding get away car. I felt quite rushed, to say the least. Don't get me wrong, some scenes were perfectly spent, but others, well, I felt I blinked and I'd skipped a whole segment of something that was missing (if that makes any sense). "I'm here in a home, feeding kids, and now I'm already on the sidewalk, talking to a stranger. Don't mind me. I'm super fast."

So Greatly Positives:

#1. Easy and enjoyable! If you're looking for a enjoyable, not-too-hard-on-the-brain book to read before bed, this is perfect! The story was really entertaining, and it was a welcome companion before bed every night.
#2. What a lovely theme you have, dear novel! Really, the theme was grand! Did I mention--the theme was grand? Really, I should. While I mentioned in the negatives that the characters didn't seem to get painted quite enough, I believe that could've been a chosen technique by Harris, for because of that, the theme was plastered on every wall in the house! "Who are you? What defines you?" It's one of my favorite themes, and while it is quite profound, this book did an amazing job of explaining where your meaning comes from! Come on, give it some handclaps!
#3. Clean, pure romance. Within a world of weird and wrong, this book shows how beautiful and true real love can be. True love. The love that sacrifices itself for someone else. The love that sees the purpose in the hurt. This is a wonderful romance novel, and not at all (not even a once) disgusting or odd. (Now ain't that rare?)
#4. Cleverly fun! I'll be honest--I didn't see that ending coming in a long shot! I had no clue. While it can be labeled historical romance, fiction, and Christian, make sure to label it mystery too, for it had quite a shocking ending. A good one. But, a shocking one.

Overall, this is a novel worth reading! I loved this book, and while the text seemed small, and the story at first basic, keep reading on, because this is a keeper! Full of truth and fun, this book is almost a favorite. I'll be sure to read more by Lisa Harris; she is a writer who writes to the readers, and not merely at them.

Another note of thought: Missionary work can be dangerous, but with God in control, the results of helping others will be wonderfully amazing!

Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, loves you! You have a purpose, found in Christ!
John 15:16 - Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Read what please Him! Jesus loves you! <3

~M.K.

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