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I loved this book! The Next Ship Home by Heather Webb is historical fiction at its best—deeply emotional, incredibly well written, and unputdownable. Webb’s word pictures are spot-on. I could practically hear the chaos of Ellis Island, smell the salt air, and feel the anxiety and hope radiating from every corner of the page. She built a world I could truly see.
The story follows Francesca, a brave Italian immigrant, and Alma, a young American woman working at Ellis Island. Their unlikely friendship unfolds against a backdrop of corruption, prejudice, and the longing for something better. Both women are impressively developed—flawed, relatable, and fiercely strong. They felt so real, I half-expected to run into them on the street.
Normally, I get annoyed when an ending wraps up too neatly, but this one didn’t feel forced—it just made me smile. Webb hit the sweet spot of resolution without losing authenticity.
This book nails it all: engaging plot, vivid setting, emotional depth, and characters that stick with you. If you like stories of resilience and friendship with a strong historical backdrop, don’t miss this one. Five stars, no question.
** Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for a complimentary review copy. The opinions are my own.