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California Rising #2
Far Side of the Sea
A woman running from God. And the man she desperately loves. Because of the lies she believes.
Taken from her conquered Californio family during the 1846 Mexican-American War to be forced into marriage with a Yankee she despises, proud Spanish beauty, Maria Vasquez, draws a knife, and begins her journey to the far side of the sea. She will flee to Valparaiso, Boston, and finally San Francisco trying to forget the blood on her hands, only to find it is blood that will save her.
Dashing American ship captain, Dominic Mason, will win Maria's heart, but shatter it when he rejects her for another, setting her on a journey back to San Francisco. There she discovers her heart can never be conquered, it must only be surrendered, not just to the man she loves, but to the God who will never let her go.
Captain Dominic Mason knows how to fulfill his duties. He's living for God and country, determined to obey the Almighty and help bring California into the Union. Yet death and the devil's deception will rob him of all he holds dear in San Francisco.
As California rises to statehood amid the madness of the gold rush, men will die for gold and for Maria. Will she ever escape the darkness that enslaves her in San Francisco and discover the everlasting light and love she so longs for? Far Side of the Sea is the second book in the California Rising trilogy.
Taken from her conquered Californio family during the 1846 Mexican-American War to be forced into marriage with a Yankee she despises, proud Spanish beauty, Maria Vasquez, draws a knife, and begins her journey to the far side of the sea. She will flee to Valparaiso, Boston, and finally San Francisco trying to forget the blood on her hands, only to find it is blood that will save her.
Dashing American ship captain, Dominic Mason, will win Maria's heart, but shatter it when he rejects her for another, setting her on a journey back to San Francisco. There she discovers her heart can never be conquered, it must only be surrendered, not just to the man she loves, but to the God who will never let her go.
Captain Dominic Mason knows how to fulfill his duties. He's living for God and country, determined to obey the Almighty and help bring California into the Union. Yet death and the devil's deception will rob him of all he holds dear in San Francisco.
As California rises to statehood amid the madness of the gold rush, men will die for gold and for Maria. Will she ever escape the darkness that enslaves her in San Francisco and discover the everlasting light and love she so longs for? Far Side of the Sea is the second book in the California Rising trilogy.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2016
75 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Paula Scott
7 books49 followersPaula has a background in journalism. A fifth-generation Californian, her great-great grandmother came to California in a covered wagon and married a California farmer. Paula’s family has been farming ever since. Paula works on her family's stone fruit farm, writes historical and contemporary fiction, and blogs about life, love, and farming at paulascott.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 22, 2017
Wow.
I am still processing all the emotions and thoughts I have about Far Side of the Sea. This book completely undid me, and so I offer this fair warning to you, my readers: Don’t expect to finish this book the same person you were when you started it.
Maria’s story is not an easy one to read. It’s raw and painful and there are moments you may need to set it down for a bit and come back to it. But oh my goodness, what a beautiful message waits for those of us who walk this journey with Maria from beginning to end.
The tie-in to Psalm 139 in Maria’s life is perhaps my favorite part of Far Side of the Sea. Watching her, from the literal bed she has made in a figurative hell, work through the truth that God is with us even there. That is mercy. And absolutely, that is redemption.
Bottom Line: Far Side of the Sea by Paula Scott is a novel steeped in grace and sacrificial love, despite the scenes that may be difficult to read. It is more than a romance; it is a story of the most tender redemption, the sweetest rescue, and the most profound truth. And in the midst of all of that, there are lines like this, “He kissed her like this was his last kiss. Like she was the end and yet the beginning of everything he knew” and I sigh blissfully around my tears. This is not a novel I will forget anytime soon. If you love Francine Rivers' Redeeming Love, then you absolutely MUST read Paula Scott's Far Side of the Sea!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
Read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
I am still processing all the emotions and thoughts I have about Far Side of the Sea. This book completely undid me, and so I offer this fair warning to you, my readers: Don’t expect to finish this book the same person you were when you started it.
Maria’s story is not an easy one to read. It’s raw and painful and there are moments you may need to set it down for a bit and come back to it. But oh my goodness, what a beautiful message waits for those of us who walk this journey with Maria from beginning to end.
The tie-in to Psalm 139 in Maria’s life is perhaps my favorite part of Far Side of the Sea. Watching her, from the literal bed she has made in a figurative hell, work through the truth that God is with us even there. That is mercy. And absolutely, that is redemption.
Bottom Line: Far Side of the Sea by Paula Scott is a novel steeped in grace and sacrificial love, despite the scenes that may be difficult to read. It is more than a romance; it is a story of the most tender redemption, the sweetest rescue, and the most profound truth. And in the midst of all of that, there are lines like this, “He kissed her like this was his last kiss. Like she was the end and yet the beginning of everything he knew” and I sigh blissfully around my tears. This is not a novel I will forget anytime soon. If you love Francine Rivers' Redeeming Love, then you absolutely MUST read Paula Scott's Far Side of the Sea!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
Read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
May 12, 2017
1846 California, pre-statehood. Still owned by Mexico and inhabited by Mexicans and Indians, but American Army soldiers and other "Yankees" are increasing about this time.
Maria is a troubled young woman. She's always believed she was cursed, even hearing haunting voices all her life. The beginning starts with a tragic event, proving her curse.
She escapes and becomes a cabin "boy" on a ship. Unfortunately she's found out by the captain who she previously knew from her family's rancho.
I have to quit the review here. I'm confused about this book. Part of me liked it, part of me was terribly bothered by it.
If I say all that bothered me about it, I'd give away most of the book. So I'm just going to leave it there and not even go back to it.
Maria is a troubled young woman. She's always believed she was cursed, even hearing haunting voices all her life. The beginning starts with a tragic event, proving her curse.
She escapes and becomes a cabin "boy" on a ship. Unfortunately she's found out by the captain who she previously knew from her family's rancho.
I have to quit the review here. I'm confused about this book. Part of me liked it, part of me was terribly bothered by it.
If I say all that bothered me about it, I'd give away most of the book. So I'm just going to leave it there and not even go back to it.
June 8, 2017
Paula Scott will capture your imagination and take your heart on a journey with this novel. The beauty and the ugliness in life and within ourselves is played out clearly in this story. Scott's novels are not those portraying all goodness and love, but like the Bible, her novel shows the sin and the struggles, as well as the redemption and salvation. So, for those looking to read a novel about perfect people, this is most certainly not it. However, if you like me, enjoy a redemption story, a prodigal story, then this one is for you. I would recommend it to those who enjoyed Rivers' Redeeming Love.
Maria is headstrong, proud and oh so rash! From the beginning you just sense it, that she will bring about her own self-destruction. Of course, there are factors at play; there are lies that the enemy whispers and circumstances past and present that weigh in. But no matter, ultimately we, just like her must decide what voices we will listen to; truth or lies. Just as we must chose life or death; Jesus or our sin.
That is not to say that it is only Maria who struggles and battles in this novel, but she is definitely our main character. This novel is moving, real and held my attention with no problem throughout. I am looking forward to seeing what will transpire in Book 3 and the faith/truth lessons she has to impart.
I would encourage you to read the Historical Notes found at the end of the novel. Scott included this at the end of that section and I think it clearly sums up her heart for this novel: "I especially wanted to impart the truth to you that no matter what's been done to you, or what you have done that makes you feel ashamed or ruined or unredeemable, you are precious to God because of Jesus. Sin can leave us feeling so ruined, the sins we commit or the sins committed against us, but the blood of Christ makes us brand new every single time. The blood of Christ cleanses sinners and sets us free to be loved by God and by others. I'm praying God touches your heart with his love and grace and endless mercy...".
Read no further if you would like NO spoilers!
For those sensitive readers, I will warn you that there is instances of violence, rape and abuse. While none of it is very graphic, these occur in the story.
Maria is headstrong, proud and oh so rash! From the beginning you just sense it, that she will bring about her own self-destruction. Of course, there are factors at play; there are lies that the enemy whispers and circumstances past and present that weigh in. But no matter, ultimately we, just like her must decide what voices we will listen to; truth or lies. Just as we must chose life or death; Jesus or our sin.
That is not to say that it is only Maria who struggles and battles in this novel, but she is definitely our main character. This novel is moving, real and held my attention with no problem throughout. I am looking forward to seeing what will transpire in Book 3 and the faith/truth lessons she has to impart.
I would encourage you to read the Historical Notes found at the end of the novel. Scott included this at the end of that section and I think it clearly sums up her heart for this novel: "I especially wanted to impart the truth to you that no matter what's been done to you, or what you have done that makes you feel ashamed or ruined or unredeemable, you are precious to God because of Jesus. Sin can leave us feeling so ruined, the sins we commit or the sins committed against us, but the blood of Christ makes us brand new every single time. The blood of Christ cleanses sinners and sets us free to be loved by God and by others. I'm praying God touches your heart with his love and grace and endless mercy...".
Read no further if you would like NO spoilers!
For those sensitive readers, I will warn you that there is instances of violence, rape and abuse. While none of it is very graphic, these occur in the story.
August 8, 2019
I'm absolutely loving this series. Even though it's fiction it's so well researched that it's believable. I also greatly appreciate authors who respect their readers and allow them to imagine a scene or situation. Paula Scott does this beautifully.
January 1, 2017
Couldn't put it down!
Beautiful writing & storyline that draws you in from the first page! Raw & real, a story filled with forgiveness & true unconditional love! I can't wait for book three!
Beautiful writing & storyline that draws you in from the first page! Raw & real, a story filled with forgiveness & true unconditional love! I can't wait for book three!
January 26, 2019
My opinions on this book are pretty much the same as my opinions on the first in this series. This is the second book I've read by this author and I was very impressed. Although parts of the book are a bit "edgier" than the usual Christian fiction books I read, the message of salvation is loud and clear, and that is definitely something I look for in a Christian fiction book - the Gospel.
This book contains the story of Maria, a California girl, who is also part of the first book as a supporting character. She is a bit wild, free spirited, but haunted by her own demons and spirits since she was a child. Not of her own desire, she ends up with a murder on her hands, and has to flee her beloved California. With the help of Gavilan she assumes position on a ship with no knowledge of who the captain is.
From the time I began reading this book, I was hooked! It was difficult to put down. The story is intriguing and draws the reader in. The book is full of twists and turns, characters you will love and grow attached to. The depth of Christ's love, His mercy and forgiveness is clearly demonstrated throughout the pages of this book. However, Maria must learn to accept that love and surrender to God.
Some of the content is not for the faint in heart, and the edgier parts would not be recommended for teens. The evil described can give you chills at times.
I received a copy courtesy of the author and was not asked to write a positive review. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This book contains the story of Maria, a California girl, who is also part of the first book as a supporting character. She is a bit wild, free spirited, but haunted by her own demons and spirits since she was a child. Not of her own desire, she ends up with a murder on her hands, and has to flee her beloved California. With the help of Gavilan she assumes position on a ship with no knowledge of who the captain is.
From the time I began reading this book, I was hooked! It was difficult to put down. The story is intriguing and draws the reader in. The book is full of twists and turns, characters you will love and grow attached to. The depth of Christ's love, His mercy and forgiveness is clearly demonstrated throughout the pages of this book. However, Maria must learn to accept that love and surrender to God.
Some of the content is not for the faint in heart, and the edgier parts would not be recommended for teens. The evil described can give you chills at times.
I received a copy courtesy of the author and was not asked to write a positive review. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 20, 2018
Series review on Faithfully Bookish
Like many historical fiction fans, I go absolutely gaga over rarely explored (or new-to-me) settings! While territorial California isn't the exclusive setting, the California Rising series is an ode to California's roots and growing pains. Specifically, in book 2, I appreciate the way the hero patiently woos and loves the heroine despite her best efforts to push him away.
This series is loaded with nuggets of historical content related to and preceding the transitional period of the 1840-50s. The cultural climate is vibrant and rich with several diverse backgrounds thoroughly represented. Many race related injustices and tragedies are mentioned or explored yet the beauty of what makes each culture unique is respected and revered.
In my opinion, California Rising's crowning glory is its engaging tales of good versus evil and God's boundless redeeming grace which covers the heights, width, and depths of human depravity. Readers who don't shy away from the raw truth of sin and darkness will especially enjoy this series. Paula Scott has a uniquely straightforward writing style with complex interwoven story threads and I look forward to her future work.
I purchased Kindle copies of books 1 & 2 and received a complimentary copy of the third book in this series from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Like many historical fiction fans, I go absolutely gaga over rarely explored (or new-to-me) settings! While territorial California isn't the exclusive setting, the California Rising series is an ode to California's roots and growing pains. Specifically, in book 2, I appreciate the way the hero patiently woos and loves the heroine despite her best efforts to push him away.
This series is loaded with nuggets of historical content related to and preceding the transitional period of the 1840-50s. The cultural climate is vibrant and rich with several diverse backgrounds thoroughly represented. Many race related injustices and tragedies are mentioned or explored yet the beauty of what makes each culture unique is respected and revered.
In my opinion, California Rising's crowning glory is its engaging tales of good versus evil and God's boundless redeeming grace which covers the heights, width, and depths of human depravity. Readers who don't shy away from the raw truth of sin and darkness will especially enjoy this series. Paula Scott has a uniquely straightforward writing style with complex interwoven story threads and I look forward to her future work.
I purchased Kindle copies of books 1 & 2 and received a complimentary copy of the third book in this series from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 8, 2018
Maria Vasquez has always heard voices in her head--dark voices telling her that she is a curse to everyone around her, sinister voices telling her that she is nothing but a bringer of death. At the end of the first California Rising book, Maria was abducted by a rich landowner obsessed with her beauty. In a troubling scene at the beginning of the second volume, she knifes him for assaulting her. Afraid she'll be tried for murder, she disguises herself as a cabin boy and flees California. By accident, however, she takes passage on the ship of Captain Dominic Mason, the handsome American who fills every one of her girlish daydreams. The only problem is, Dominic has a fiancee named Sally waiting for him in Boston. Can Maria convince Dominic to marry her instead before the ship rounds Cape Horn? Or will the curse surrounding her take him too if she tries to obtain his love?
The first book in the California Rising series left me feeling conflicted about the hero, but this second book I enjoyed more. The story reminded me of Francine Rivers' Redeeming Love. The timeline of the book spans several years, accounting for the long traveling time it took to sail from San Francisco to Boston and back! This adds an interesting dimension to the book as Maria matures from an impulsive and passionate teenager to a fiercely loyal woman with maternal instincts. Maria and Dominic's relationship deepens as time goes by, and all the vicissitudes they encounter make their HEA even sweeter.
The first book in the California Rising series left me feeling conflicted about the hero, but this second book I enjoyed more. The story reminded me of Francine Rivers' Redeeming Love. The timeline of the book spans several years, accounting for the long traveling time it took to sail from San Francisco to Boston and back! This adds an interesting dimension to the book as Maria matures from an impulsive and passionate teenager to a fiercely loyal woman with maternal instincts. Maria and Dominic's relationship deepens as time goes by, and all the vicissitudes they encounter make their HEA even sweeter.
December 30, 2016
What can I say.....
Wow....I love Paula Scott!!! When I read the first book Until The Day Breaks I didn't think she could get any better.. Guess what I was wrong. I laughed I cried I screamed her writing is quickly becoming hard to beat. After reading headstone I found myself measuring all my books to her writing style, and they would fail miserably. My daughter and mother in law both agree... that being said. BUY THIS BOOK BUY BUY BUY, don't just get it for free with unlimited, BUY IT because you will be reading it again....
Wow....I love Paula Scott!!! When I read the first book Until The Day Breaks I didn't think she could get any better.. Guess what I was wrong. I laughed I cried I screamed her writing is quickly becoming hard to beat. After reading headstone I found myself measuring all my books to her writing style, and they would fail miserably. My daughter and mother in law both agree... that being said. BUY THIS BOOK BUY BUY BUY, don't just get it for free with unlimited, BUY IT because you will be reading it again....
October 31, 2019
Another Beautiful Story
Much like the first book in the series, Scott paints a beautiful and realistic picture of California during the gold rush. Maria grows so much in this story! And who couldn't love Sally? Nothing breaks my heart more than the death of beloved characters and this was no different, though I cried more over the last death than the previous two.
A must read! I have the third book waiting for my to start it!
Much like the first book in the series, Scott paints a beautiful and realistic picture of California during the gold rush. Maria grows so much in this story! And who couldn't love Sally? Nothing breaks my heart more than the death of beloved characters and this was no different, though I cried more over the last death than the previous two.
A must read! I have the third book waiting for my to start it!
July 4, 2020
Car Side of the Sea
Wow! This is another great book by Paula that I didn't want to put down. I hate when that happens and I have other obligations. The characters are interesting and engaging. I love how these ordinary sinful people find their way back to Our Lord. We all sin and need God's grace. Maria went through so much heartache because she wouldn't surrender her will to God. Dominic even questions his self that God has planned Maria for him all along.
Wow! This is another great book by Paula that I didn't want to put down. I hate when that happens and I have other obligations. The characters are interesting and engaging. I love how these ordinary sinful people find their way back to Our Lord. We all sin and need God's grace. Maria went through so much heartache because she wouldn't surrender her will to God. Dominic even questions his self that God has planned Maria for him all along.
November 21, 2020
In the midst of evil, God Is!
Reading this meaty,rich,unpredictable, novel, challenges your faith, and causes you to think deeper, about the realities of life! As 2020 has been such a challenge,and being aware of the war between good and evil has been real, this book is instrumental in rising to the challenge! Incredible read!!
Reading this meaty,rich,unpredictable, novel, challenges your faith, and causes you to think deeper, about the realities of life! As 2020 has been such a challenge,and being aware of the war between good and evil has been real, this book is instrumental in rising to the challenge! Incredible read!!
July 17, 2017
Far side of the sea
This was an outstanding series. God is always with us and for us! Hope one day there will be a book 3. Want to see the children Dominic and Maria have. vaya con dios!
This was an outstanding series. God is always with us and for us! Hope one day there will be a book 3. Want to see the children Dominic and Maria have. vaya con dios!
July 11, 2018
Great Reading
At a recent trip to CA, I was advised to read the books written by Paula Scott. That was the best advice I had received in a long-time. Having just finished with book two, I can't wait to start book 3. The first two books were page turners.
At a recent trip to CA, I was advised to read the books written by Paula Scott. That was the best advice I had received in a long-time. Having just finished with book two, I can't wait to start book 3. The first two books were page turners.
May 8, 2017
Bittersweet story
Bittersweet story of people loving those they cannot have. The heArt wants what it wAnts no matter how hard the mind says otherwise. Very emotional love story.
Bittersweet story of people loving those they cannot have. The heArt wants what it wAnts no matter how hard the mind says otherwise. Very emotional love story.
December 17, 2018
Loved it. The first was great and the second amazing!
January 15, 2018
The plot was good,but too many things didn't add up or make sense.
June 13, 2020
Loved this book!
I was truly encouraged to trust God and to cry out for the people I love after reading this book
I was truly encouraged to trust God and to cry out for the people I love after reading this book
May 13, 2022
Spellbinding!
I really loved this book and hope it continues with Isabella. Wonderful writing. Looking forward to many more hours of reading.
I really loved this book and hope it continues with Isabella. Wonderful writing. Looking forward to many more hours of reading.
November 4, 2023
Great book
June 12, 2017
Another wonderful tale
Paula is able to transport the reader to the messy streets and lives of early San Francisco. Without being predictable, she shares the gospel`s story of redemption. By creating characters we care about, we root for the kingdom and the character's salvation.
Paula is able to transport the reader to the messy streets and lives of early San Francisco. Without being predictable, she shares the gospel`s story of redemption. By creating characters we care about, we root for the kingdom and the character's salvation.
January 21, 2017
This is a very moving story. This story brought me through a lot of emotions. I was taken in from the very first page. So much happens to Maria throughout the story. When I try to describe it I keep wanting to tell different parts. I won't spoil it for anyone who buys this book. I will just say I loved it very much. This is book two in the series and I haven't read book one and don't feel like I missed out. I plan to read the other two books because this one was so good.
July 4, 2017
loved it!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews