Book Review of
Across the Crying Sands

Lynn's Review

Across the Crying Sands by Jane Kirkpatrick is a Christian historical fiction book published in 2025.

Across the Crying Sands is a historical fiction book set in the late 1800s, on the northwest coast of Oregon, between Astoria and Tillamook, near the Columbia River and the border with Washington State. 

This book is published by a Christian publisher so it is considered Christian historical fiction, but there is little to no religion in this book. I would not consider it Christian fiction, except for who published it. I think this is a book anyone can enjoy. 

I picked up this book because it is set in an area I that I knew well. The main part of the book is about Cannon Beach and Manzanita, which are both places that I have been to many times because I grew up about an hour from that area. I have been going to Cannon Beach, Manzinita, Tillamook, and Astoria my whole life. 

This book is about Mary Gerritse, a young woman who becomes the first female mail carrier to deliver mail on the rugged and remote Northern Oregon Coast. 

After John and Mary get married, they quickly realize that homesteading on the Oregon Coast is not easy. The weather is challenging, the Pacific Ocean is unpredictable, and money is hard to come by. They must overcome numerous challenges as they live in this harsh environment. 

I loved the history in this book. I grew up in the area, so I knew a lot of the history, but I did not know the history of how the road between Seaside and Cannon Beach came to be. 

I also didn’t know that the sound the sand makes in Cannon Beach was so unique. If you have been to Cannon Beach and walked on the sand, you have probably heard the squeaking noise. I have walked on those beaches many times, so I know the sound well, but I had no idea it was a rare phenomenon only found in a few places around the world. 

I also learned some of the history of Cannon Beach that I was not aware of.

This is why I loved historical fiction. It teaches me so much. 

I will say that I did not love the character of Mary or of Mary’s mom. I struggled to understand some of the decisions that they made. At times, the decisions didn’t feel true to the time period of the book.