"The Next Ship Home is a wonderfully immersive novel that kept me engrossed from the first page to the last. Through a seamless tale of immigrants, corruption, resilience, and hope, Webb illuminates a dark side of America too often lost to history. An important, timely read featuring a cast I loved to root for." -- Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday

"With meticulous research and deft prose, Heather Webb crafts an unflinching look at the immigrant experience, an unlikely and unique friendship, and a resonant story of female empowerment. The Next Ship Home is truly a beautiful and powerful book." -- Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman with the Blue Star

"Powerful and poignant, The Next Ship Home shines a literary light on Ellis Island's dark history, where the prejudices of the past often sit uncomfortably close to the present. Written with a clear passion for the subject matter, Webb captures the injustices, suffering, hope and determination of a generation of immigrants. Francesca and Alma roar from the page, and leave the reader caring for them deeply. A richly imagined novel, and a must-read for fans of historical fiction. Brava!" -- Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of When We Were Young & Brave

"Reading this story is like stepping back in time to the gut-churning experience of arriving at Ellis Island in 1902 and being willing to do anything for a shot at a fresh start in a new country. The Next Ship Home serves as a powerful and humbling reminder about the courage it takes to start over." -- Elise Hooper, author of Fast Girls and Angels of the Pacific

"The insightful historical details delving into the Ellis Island immigration process make this novel essential reading for anyone yearning to understand the roots of the American Experience. Highly recommended." -- Kris Waldherr, author of The Lost History of Dreams

"Centered around Ellis Island--symbol of America's greatest hopes and scene of some of her greatest travesties--The Next Ship Home is the heart-wrenching story of two young women fighting for freedom and independence. In this timely and utterly immersive story, Webb unflinchingly exposes the prejudice, sexism, and corruption rampant with the immigration system of the times while still weaving in hope that we can do and be better." -- Kerry Anne King, bestselling author of Whisper Me This and Everything You Are

"The Next Ship Home is one of the rare stories that will nestle itself in your soul and make a home there. Heather Webb creates two remarkable, endearing heroines that you will root for from beginning to end. Her depiction of Ellis Island and turn-of-the-century New York is lush with meticulously researched detail. But most striking, Webb tackles the thorny and complex issues of immigration and workers' rights with sensitivity and grace. Her message is compassionate and timely, and I was blown away by how deftly Webb weaves it through Alma and Francesca's stories. The Next Ship Home deserves a place as one of the great books of the American Experience." -- Aimie K. Runyan, international bestselling author of Across the Winding River and Daughters of the Night Sky

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Pub date: 2022-02-08

Length: 432 pages