Crossing

by Ashby Jones

The Crossing is a powerful and haunting love story of surprising discovery set in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen during Prohibition. Irish-born Johnny Flynn, a former British soldier, is banished from his homeland and sent to America on a ship so riddled with disease that he realizes the voyage was meant to murder him. When he survives the trip, the captain forces him to walk the plank into the Hudson River. Miraculously, an Irish gang, the Swamp Angels, rescues Johnny and gives him a job running whiskey in Hell’s Kitchen just as Prohibition makes liquor a hugely profitable, dangerous business. Fighting for his life and livelihood, Johnny is plagued by the memory of his lost lover, Nora, whose father, the famed Irish revolutionary, James Connolly, met his death by a firing squad that included a reluctant gunman named Johnny Flynn. Then, Johnny encounters Esme, an Irish singer who suffered unspeakable horrors at the hands of the British.

Genres: Fiction

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2022

About the author

The author has degrees in organizational behavior and clinical psychology. As an undergraduate he studied under the tutelage of William Hoffman, best-selling author and Leonardo Bercovici, screenwriter ousted from the United States during the Macarthur Era, only to return as a legendary writer.

Ashby has written three novels, The Angel's Lamp, The Crossing and The latest, the Little Bird.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a disappointment! I had high hopes for this book.

Johnny Flynn immigrates to America from Ireland during prohibition around the Christmas season. The Swamp Angels hire Johnny as a rum runner. Unfortunately, his voyage from Ireland has given him badly infected styes in both eyes. Hailey, who own a speakeasy, refers him to Esme who uses herbal treatment on his eyes. Johnny and Esme eventually fall in love. The underlying theme throughout the story is forgiveness.

The book was hard to understand and I found myself rereading paragraphs. In addition, the pace was too slow. Finally, the overall story was quite boring.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great historical fiction read about a character you will not soon forget - Johnny Flynn an Irish born British soldier banished to America - surviving a most impossible trip. While in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen Flynn grapples with love and grief set during the Prohibition. I found the story powerful and gripping. Literary Fiction at its best!

[Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I was sent this book by the Books Forwards team in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and not under the influence of the author/publisher/books forward team.

Let me start by saying that I liked the premise. I originally requested this book because the summary intrigued me.
Between the time period and Johnny’s story of being an ex-British soldier turned gang rumrunner, I was heavily intrigued. For me personally, I found myself swept in the lives of the cast of characters. Every character had their own unique backstory that left me both curious and intrigued, but the writing style wasn’t for me.

But, as much as I was intrigued by the characters it felt like a chore to finish the book. For me, it was the writing style, it was just something I did not personally enjoy. At times I felt myself having to reread sections or pause to figure out exactly what was happening.

Now full disclosure before I continue with this review, I understand the time period that this book was written in. I understand what words were used back then. For me, personally, I do not believe that the N word should be used in writing, especially when used in a downgrading matter. In my opinion, there are other was to show a character’s hatred for another race than using the N word. I understand why the author used that word four times, but I do not believe it should have been done. Now looking at a couple other reviews I didn’t see a mention of the use so it might have been removed when published. (I was given a pdf that had a note from the editor to the author in it about getting rid of a random paragraph)

In conclusion,
Would I recommend this to a friend? No, while the characters were interesting, the writing style outweighed my character intrigue.

[Sarah Zama · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very peculiar book. On the surface, it’s a historical novel, set in New York (precisely the infamous Hell’s Kitchen block) during Prohibition, but in a more profound way, this is a coming-of-age story that centres around forgiveness and the power this feeling brings to people.

Johnny Flynn is an Irish young man with quite a difficult past. He took part in WWI in the British army, and after that, he entered the Irish War for Independence against the British and their Black and Tan ‘army’. Not an easy time to live through for an Irish. In fact, Johnny’s memories of that time are sorrowful and guilty.
This is what the story addresses: how do we live with what we’ve done, and how do we find the strength to leave it behind so that we can look a the future?

Most of the characters in this story lived through terrible personal events, and they struggled to get a grip on them. Most of them think that revenge is not only the most obvious thing to pursue but also the just thing to do.
But is it really the best choice?

I really enjoyed how the author explored this subject and how he guided the characters through their journey in discovering what is really more important to them. All the characters in the story are damaged, some even physically, which makes the path to healing more powerful.

I also really enjoyed the general mood of the story, that dreamy quality that permeates it.
There’s a surreal quality to many episodes, enhanced by the continuous mingling of past and present, that sometimes get mixed up so thoroughly it becomes almost impossible to untangle.

Yes, it is an unusual book, but well worth reading.

[Barbi (dreamsofmanderley) Lorenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out The Crossing by Ashby Jones! This book is a great mix of historical fiction, romance, and adventure. It’s set in Hell’s Kitchen in the 1920’s featuring an Irish born soldier, torn by love and a past he can’t escape. I loved the atmosphere and warring factions. It deals with guilt, grief, and hope. If you are looking for a book to read for Irish ☘️ Heritage month, this is a perfect pick! This one will keep you hooked to the end!

Thank you to the author and @booksforwardpr for the reader’s copy!

[Kayla Tornello · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the main character in this book, Johnny, an Irishman who has been forced to America. I appreciated all the historical details in the setting. However, the character of Esme just felt odd to me and I really didn't understand her at all. She didn't seem nearly as realistic as Johnny. I liked the parts of the story that felt realistic, but got distracted by other parts that felt unrealistic.

I received a free copy of this book.

[Laura Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crossing is one great read. It is the stand- alone sequel to the Angels Lamp by Ashby Jones. Set in Hells Kitchen during the 1920s, it is an inspired love story that will draw you in. It reminds me of Les Miserables. There are back alleys, warring gangs, and even a sewer scene! As in Les Mis, love and kindness bloom in a world full of trouble.

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

I initially thought this was going to be a good book. The basic story is ok, but it just rambles on and was just awful. I was trying really hard to read through it but I couldn't take it any longer. I'm going to have to apologize to the person I pass this book along to.

[nora :)]

DISCLAIMER: This book was sent to me to review!

* DNF- I would give this book a try if you are into historical fiction, but it was hard for me to get into the plot and characters. The writing style wasn’t for me but I still think it’s worth a read!

[Scott Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like nothing I've read this year; it's layered in story and intrigue and brimming with character. Enthralled by the complex world, there’s never a dull moment. The characters are uniquely their own, bringing different aspects of life together.

[Jadwiga Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong group of characters, world building at its best, and a story that centers on an intriguing plot and character growth, rather than overused cliches and stereotypes. It checks all the boxes of what a great work of art should be like.

[Beth Ann Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turning Tragedy into Triumph and Love

[Hijinx Abound · Rating 1 out of 5]

Received a copy for review.

So much potential. The bones of this story are great but it is bogged down in so much unnecessary exposition that I could not get through it.

[Jessica Snell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Highly indorsed.

[Lona Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book, full of novelty and excitement. I cannot recommend it enough.

[Christopher Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I found it to be well written and easy to read. I am looking forward to the author's next book.

[John Fuentes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot of depth. I suggest you give it a go. You won't be disappointed.

[Gabriel Plunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, highly recommended. If you’re a fan of this genre then you’ll love this book.

[Michael Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

So imaginative. Finally, an original and different story instead of the same old same old.

[David Holmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written but grammar needs to be worked on

[Books Forward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful love story that keeps you invested till the very end. I was so excited to find out more about Johnny Flynn and what happens next. I haven't read a lot of books set in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen during Prohibition, it was so well done! I felt I was there and that made the book even more enjoyable for me.

A truly beautiful story that I think you will enjoy!

[Corrine Pritchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crossing is a great book for fans of historical fiction, and romance readers! I personally loved both aspects of the story. Johnny's Irish roots were relatable for me as a person with the same roots, and the "love triangle" between him and the two women he loves is so much fun to read about. A definite must-read!