"Sailing on an Ocean of Tears" by Donna Kendall tells the heartwarming story of three diverse women, whose paths become intimately intertwined one rainy evening, when Isabella, a vibrant Italian immigrant in New York City, stumbles upon an elderly American homeless woman, named Ruth, seeking shelter from the storm. The two women soon become unlikely friends and in the course of their rapport they discover a kinship to each other and to a mutual acquaintance named Bridget, a caring mother from Ireland. Isabella, Ruth and Bridget have all coped with substantial pitfalls over the years, and as their friendship grows, they share their tribulations and life dreams with one another.

Crystal Dreams Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9781591460879
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (8/07)

Three women with different backgrounds cross paths and become intertwined. Each looks back at their lives and what made them what they are today. Isabella runs the restaurant that she inherited from her parents. Once it was a thriving business but
now she struggles to keep it open. Isabella is a strong woman with great compassion. At closing time one evening she finds a homeless woman and offers her food and shelter.

Over tea the two share memories. Ruth’s father died in a car accident when she was only 5, her mother was an alcoholic and abusive. Ruth grew up knowing she wasn’t wanted. “Pa didn’t want you, and neither did I. You were a mistake, Ruth,” Life had never been easy for Ruth and it continued in a downward spiral until she met Isabella.

Isabella’s parents were Italian immigrants; they were close knit and loving. The family was devastated when Anna, Isabella’s mother died of cancer. Isabella took over the role of lady of the house. A boy by the name of Julius delivered linens to the family restaurant. Julius and Isabella became friends and slowly came to care strongly for each other. It was difficult for the two to find time for their relationship. Much of Isabella’s time is spent between restaurant and family responsibilities. Julius wanted so much more from her. He wanted her heart.

Ruth and Isabella, strangers that meet by accident, are friends by God’s will. Could the Bridget they each know be the same Bridget? Bridget is an Irish woman forced to relinquish her children for their own good. She still mourns their loss years later.
This Irish quote speaks to the soul of every mother. “The soil of a mother’s heart is made for suffering so that the children may bury their pain there; every hurt, every tear, every disappointment. Tis the only way they can grow.”

This is a beautifully written fiction. The characters are real and come to life on the pages. The women are strong and have suffered much. While each comes from different walks of life, each has suffered tragedy in their lives. Through that tragedy they form a bond. I like this book and highly recommend it to those who enjoy fiction. Most women will enjoy the strong female characters and will shed a few tears while reading this marvelous book.