Across Oceans

Over the Atlantic #1

by Kelsey Gietl

He’s haunted by the past.
She’s running from the future.
One chance encounter will change them both.

Three years after his sister’s death, Reuben Radford’s once idyllic family is crumbling. Between his mother’s madness, his father’s criticism, and persecution by his own guilty conscience, the future has never seemed more bleak. He needs an escape. But who can he trust when the secret he carries is trying to destroy his very self?

The daughter of esteemed English upbringing, Maggie Archer has spent life dreading family obligations, no more so than the day her mother insists she select a prestigious husband. Except Maggie has lived with the effects of her parents’ own loveless marriage for too long. She vows never to lose her heart in the same way, but is she prepared for how much that promise may ultimately cost her?

When Reuben and Maggie’s paths unexpectedly collide, circumstance takes them on a voyage that forever changes their futures - and themselves. Will their choices set them free or will one reckless decision send them both down with the ship?

Genres: Historical Fiction

365 pages, Paperback

Published August 10, 2017

About the author

Kelsey Gietl is the award-winning author of the Over the Atlantic, the War Across Waters, and the Larksong Legacy historical fiction series. Combining Catholic Christian faith, family, and lessons from our past, her books provide inspirational stories of hope, redemption, and realistic romance. She is a member of the Catholic Writers Guild and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Reviews

[Kelsey Gietl]

I don’t feel like I can rate this book since I also wrote it, but rereading it after several years away was like visiting old friends. 🥰

[Angie Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF a few chapters in. Maggie was really annoying me, especially because her rebellion against the norms felt less like a reasonable protest against too-strict rules and more like she was just being very childish and immature. I liked Reuben a little better, although he was still pretty shrouded in mystery, but the way he was starting to react to Maggie--letting her make him feel guilty for not wanting to break rules and interpreting her bored expression at the party as "a goddess who tired of being forced to mingle with mere mortals"--really grated on my nerves. However, I might have pushed through until a frank comment about a couple of girls having "seduced every man at this party." Not sure where that was heading, but I wasn't comfortable with it.

[Tanya Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Across Oceans captivated me from the first chapter and held my attention through to the final page. I was instantly drawn into the lives of Maggie and Reuben and found myself rooting for them throughout the story despite their many quirks. The narrative flowed easily allowing me to get lost in the historical time period of England's early 1900's. A beautifully crafted novel and one I would recommend to any historical fiction reader. I eagerly look forward to more novels from Ms. Gietl.

[Susie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I write this review from the perspective of having already read Gietl’s other two published books, Twisted River and Broken Lines. While Across Oceans held promise, it also had some inconsistent characterisation and contrived plotting. But it sets the scene for the following books and, knowing what comes after, I can say it is worth it to keep going.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read

This is my third book by this Author and it’s very interesting how she goes back in time from the first book to tie it all together. Her characters ar3 all relatable and her books are hard to put down.

[Sarah Crowne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I do not normally read historical fiction, however, this book captivated me from the beginning. Excellent character development, the characters have stayed with me long after reading. This was a great beach read on my recent vacation. I highly recommend!

[Florence Migga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Across Oceans tells the love story of Reuben Radford and Maggie Archer. It will be a delight for those who love historical fiction. I actually really enjoyed reading the Author's Note at the end of the book as she talked a bit about what was real, what was made up, and the inspiration behind the story.

I also enjoyed reading about everything surrounding the May Day festivities in a couple of the towns where this story took place. And when I first saw the name of a well-known ship mentioned, my heart started pounding faster as I debated the implications of what this could mean for the story....

Read the full review on Book Nerds Across America:
http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com...