Book Title: Beyond the Dark Oceans

Series: n/a

Author Name: Alison Huntingford

Publication Date: March 31st, 2026

Publisher: Lupin Publications

Pages: 386

Genre: Historical Fiction

Any Triggers: n/a

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Hashtags: #HistoricalFiction #FamilyHistory #WorldWar1 #TheCoffeePotBookClub #BlogTour

Tour Schedule Link: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2026/04/blog-tour-beyond-the-dark-oceans-by-alison-huntingford.html

Book Title and Author Name:

BEYOND THE DARK OCEANS

by ALISON HUNTINGFORD

Blurb:

A family united, a family divided…

In 1906, the Huntingford family leaves England for a hopeful new life in Canada, but for eldest son Georgy, the promise of opportunity quickly becomes a test of endurance, responsibility, and fate. As he comes of age amid the hardships of immigrant life, the outbreak of the First World War pulls him back across the ocean and into a world forever changed by loss and sacrifice.

When Georgy’s brother disappears in the chaos of war, grief and uncertainty fracture the family he is fighting to hold together. Reunited with his cousin Nellie, Georgy finds solace in a love as powerful as it is forbidden—one that offers hope in the darkest of times while threatening to tear his family apart.

Based on true events, Beyond the Dark Oceans is a moving story of love, loyalty, and resilience, exploring how ordinary lives are shaped—and divided—by extraordinary moments in history.

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/3LPxV5

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Excerpt 1:

A WINTER STORM

CANADA Winter 1906

If they’d thought the weather had been bad so far, this was nothing compared to the dark days of January. Now the snow took on a wilder, meaner character and no-one wanted to play in it any more. The house was very cold, and heating supplies were running low. In desperation one day, Ellen sent the two oldest boys out to find firewood wherever they could. Coal had run out in the neighbourhood and wood was scarce. Another storm had been forecast in the newspapers and people were trying to prepare.

‘Don’t go too far, though,’ their mother said. ‘Just do the best you can.’

The sky had an angry pink hue to it and Georgy knew that snow was imminent. He hurried along the streets with William calling at every possible supplier. Nearly everywhere had run out.

‘I’m tired,’ said William. ‘Let’s go home. We don’t want to get caught out in the storm.’

‘Just another couple of streets,’ pleaded Georgy. ‘We can’t go home empty handed. If we don’t have a fire the house will be freezing.’

‘I’m freezing already,’ grumbled William, but he tagged along with Georgy anyway.

In the distance Georgy spotted a small wood yard.

‘Come on,’ he said. ‘They’ll have something, I’m sure.’

It was the furthest they’d ever been from home, but they bravely carried on. Their efforts were rewarded by a kindly man from the yard who sold them as much wood as their arms could carry. Georgy had also brought one of their sledges and they piled it up as well with lots more. By now the sky had turned to a sombre grey and the first flakes of snow were whirling in the air.

‘Quick,’ said William, ‘let’s get home while we still can.’

The going was slow and hard. Carrying and dragging piles of wood was heavy, back-breaking, arm-aching work and they struggled along. The air was becoming thick with snow, and it was blowing against their faces, making it difficult to see. Suddenly Georgy realised that he didn’t know where they were any more. Everything looked so different, and visibility was down to only a few yards. They stopped, both unsure of their way.

‘We’re lost!’ cried William. ‘This is your fault, Georgy. You said we should carry on.’

‘I’m sorry,’ muttered Georgy, trying not to panic. ‘Look, let’s just have a think.’

He felt miserable and cold.

‘Do you see that building over there? That tall one with the spire. Do you think that’s the church near our school?’

They didn’t know but headed towards it hopefully. It was a church but not the right one. Georgy didn’t recognise it at all and felt scared.

‘Let’s go in and ask someone,’ he suggested desperately. ‘At least we can shelter for a minute.’

They entered the dimly lit church, thankful of some respite from the weather. A few candles burnt inside giving a cosy glow, but they could see no-one.

William dropped his pile of wood with a clatter which echoed around the building.

‘My arms hurt,’ he said.

Just then a friendly voice behind them said: ‘Can I help you, boys?’

They turned to see the vicar of the parish.

‘We’re lost,’ Georgy told him. ‘We were getting firewood for our mother, but we can’t find our way home.’ His eyes filled suddenly with tears.

The clergyman smiled. ‘Well, that’s a great thing you have been doing. Don’t worry. We’ll help you find your way. Just tell me your address and I’ll get one of the vergers to take you home.’

Half an hour later they were finally home with their precious cargo of wood. Ellen was profuse in her thanks to the verger, who then went on his way.

‘Oh boys,’ she said, ‘I didn’t mean for you to go so far and get lost. What a scare you must have had. I knew something was wrong when you were so late back. Thank goodness you’re all right.’

‘It was fine,’ said William nonchalantly. ‘Nothing to worry about, was it, Georgy?’

‘No, nothing,’ his brother mumbled, but he was relieved to be home.

Author Bio:

Alison Huntingford is a writer with a deep passion for family history and storytelling. With a background rooted in the rich traditions of the Huntingford family, Alison seeks to honour the stories passed down through generations. She is the author of a successful series of works that explore historical and personal narratives. She is an only child of two only children and so has always felt a distinct lack of family. This has inspired her work.

After an upheaval in her personal life, Alison achieved a degree in humanities with literature through the Open University which helped to give her a new start. A teaching career followed which then led naturally to writing. She is now retired from full-time work, but busier than ever.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their pets, listening to music, going to the cinema, and gardening on her allotment. She also runs the South Hams Authors Network, a local writers collective based in South Devon.

Author Links:

Website: https://alisonhuntingford.com

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Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/alison-huntingford

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Alison-Huntingford/author/B09D8JDJ49

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19175307.Alison_Huntingford