Crossing Oceans

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1. Christy Lockstein  •  May 13, 2010 @3:31 pm
   

   Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes is a stunning debut novel. Jenny Lucas has returned home after five years to do the hardest thing she’s ever had to do. She left home after being dumped by her childhood sweetheart, David, just before she could tell him that she was pregnant. Her father’s cold treatment after the death of her mother made her turn to David for comfort, but feeling abandoned by both of them, she left town to raise her daughter, Isabella, alone. Facing a death sentence from cancer, Jenny comes back home to find someone to care for Isabella when she’s gone. I knew that this book would break my heart from the very first page. Holmes perfectly captures the agony and ecstasy of being a mother, and her portrayal of Jenny’s trying to say good-bye to her child is poignant and heart-rending without being melodramatic. Just as in real life, when someone young and good is dying from a terrible illness, I found myself ranting at the unfairness of it all. The story goes even deeper when Holmes refuses to engage in cliches. David is a married jerk, and Jenny’s father still can’t seem to show his emotions, although his reaction to Jenny’s diagnosis is one of the most moving in the entire novel. A twist midway through took my very breath away. Jenny’s decisions show the true love of a mother, and her faith is inspiring. This is truly one of the most moving books I’ve read…ever! Even long after I’ve finished reading, I still find myself thinking about the message of love and devotion and focusing on my blessings. Gina Holmes is an author to watch!

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