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Crossing
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, Johnny is rescued by a rum running Irish gang, the Swamp Angels, and given a job running whisky in Hell's Kitchen just as Prohibition makes liquor a hugely profitable, dangerous business.
Fighting for his life and livelihood amid the denizens of the Manhattan piers, Johnny is plagued by the memory of his lost lover, Nora, whose father, the famed Irish revolutionary, James Connolly, met his death through a firing squad that included a reluctant gunman named Johnny Flynn. Nora's last words to him, when she learned of his betrayal and left him, "I love you, Johnny Flynn", echo in his heart, leaving him pulsing with guilt, yearning, and the hope that she might yet forgive him.
Johnny drinks hard. One night, drunk on the floor of Hailey's speakeasy, he encounters a seeming apparition on stage, the ghostly Esme, an Irish singer who suffered unspeakable horrors at the hands of the British Black and Tans. Johnny is dazzled by her. She is not only a singer but a healer, teaching poor and afflicted children to sing and gather hope at an old theater called The Woebegone. From Esme Johnny learns how to overcome the desire for revenge, only to discover that she, too, clings to her own dark dream of retribution.
Hell's Kitchen, Johnny discovers, is thronged with people whose damaged hearts ache for revenge, repentance and love. As he grapples with taking responsibility to help others resolve this overwhelming dilemma, he learns that Nora is coming to New York to advocate for Irish independence. As he confronts her and soon thereafter receives a piercing love letter from Esme, the story comes to a turbulent climax.
"The Crossing" by Ashby Jones is a powerfully written and memorable love story set in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen during Prohibition and dealing with the reconciliation of love and guilt, grief and promise. Deftly combining history, fact, surrealism, and reality into an 'ever-recycling boost of the human spirit', "The Crossing" is a compelling page turner of a read from start to finish and will prove to be a welcome and appreciated addition to community library collections in general, and the personal reading lists of romance and suspense fans in particular.
Fighting for his life and livelihood amid the denizens of the Manhattan piers, Johnny is plagued by the memory of his lost lover, Nora, whose father, the famed Irish revolutionary, James Connolly, met his death through a firing squad that included a reluctant gunman named Johnny Flynn. Nora's last words to him, when she learned of his betrayal and left him, "I love you, Johnny Flynn", echo in his heart, leaving him pulsing with guilt, yearning, and the hope that she might yet forgive him.
Johnny drinks hard. One night, drunk on the floor of Hailey's speakeasy, he encounters a seeming apparition on stage, the ghostly Esme, an Irish singer who suffered unspeakable horrors at the hands of the British Black and Tans. Johnny is dazzled by her. She is not only a singer but a healer, teaching poor and afflicted children to sing and gather hope at an old theater called The Woebegone. From Esme Johnny learns how to overcome the desire for revenge, only to discover that she, too, clings to her own dark dream of retribution.
Hell's Kitchen, Johnny discovers, is thronged with people whose damaged hearts ache for revenge, repentance and love. As he grapples with taking responsibility to help others resolve this overwhelming dilemma, he learns that Nora is coming to New York to advocate for Irish independence. As he confronts her and soon thereafter receives a piercing love letter from Esme, the story comes to a turbulent climax.
"The Crossing" by Ashby Jones is a powerfully written and memorable love story set in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen during Prohibition and dealing with the reconciliation of love and guilt, grief and promise. Deftly combining history, fact, surrealism, and reality into an 'ever-recycling boost of the human spirit', "The Crossing" is a compelling page turner of a read from start to finish and will prove to be a welcome and appreciated addition to community library collections in general, and the personal reading lists of romance and suspense fans in particular.
- GenresFiction
274 pages, Hardcover
Published April 20, 2021
1 person is currently reading
2213 people want to read
About the author
Ashby Jones
4 books678 followersThe 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.
Ashby has written three novels, The Angel's Lamp, The Crossing and The latest, the Little Bird.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 21, 2021
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2021
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!
December 16, 2021
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.
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.
March 16, 2022
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.
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.
March 12, 2022
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!
Thank you to the author and @booksforwardpr for the reader’s copy!
January 29, 2022
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.
I received a free copy of this book.
June 6, 2021
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.
January 10, 2022
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.
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January 27, 2022DISCLAIMER: 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!
* 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!
August 31, 2023
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.
August 31, 2023
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.
August 20, 2021
Turning Tragedy into Triumph and Love
December 5, 2021
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.
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.
August 31, 2023
Great book. Highly indorsed.
August 31, 2023
Interesting book, full of novelty and excitement. I cannot recommend it enough.
August 31, 2023
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.
August 31, 2023
This book has a lot of depth. I suggest you give it a go. You won't be disappointed.
August 31, 2023
This book is amazing, highly recommended. If you’re a fan of this genre then you’ll love this book.
August 31, 2023
So imaginative. Finally, an original and different story instead of the same old same old.
August 31, 2023
Well written but grammar needs to be worked on
October 6, 2021
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!
A truly beautiful story that I think you will enjoy!
April 21, 2022
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!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews