Carrie Turansky's Blog, page 22

June Giveaway for Faithful Readers

Hi Friends,

Each month this year I’m hosting a special giveaway for my newsletter subscribers. The email newsletter goes out every other month with book news, readers’ events, contests, recipes, and encouraging articles. I hope you’ll subscribe, and then leave a comment below to enter the giveaway. If you already subscribe, just mention that in your comment and I will put your name in the drawing!  This giveaway is for US readers only.

The May winner was: Karen – mylittlebirdie (at) yahoo (dot) com. Please contact me with your mailing address so I can send your books. Karen won two Christy Award finalists: Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke and The Wood’s Edge by Lori Benton.

The books for the June Giveaway are:

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz. Booklist says: “Her characters pop to life on the page, and her vivid descriptions add realistic historical depth.” I loved this story and highly recommend it to you!

The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson. Melanie takes fairytales and creates wonderful stories that stir your heart. I’m sure you’ll enjoy her latest story! To learn more about these books and their authors, just click on the covers above.

Blessings and Happy reading!

Carrie

British Blooms and Books Giveaway

Hello, Gentle Reader, and welcome to the first annual British Blooms and Books giveaway! This week, we’d like to celebrate the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show with you. After enjoying this post, please visit each of the other five authors’ websites (links provided below) and, after a bit of reading fun, follow one simple instruction given in each post, and then leave a comment on each to be entered to win a fabulous, British Blooms and Books prize. (US entries only, please, due to shipping the petit fours.) Thank you for stopping by!

Visiting English Gardens

Hi Friend, Carrie here….

The Garden at Highclere Castle ~ Downton Abbey

I’ve been blessed to take two research trips to England in recent years, and visiting gardens there has been one of the highlights of those trips for me! In September 2012 my husband and I visited Highclere Castle and spent time in the gardens before we toured the house. We walked through the walled flower garden, the all white garden, and the secret garden. What a fun experience to see where Downton Abbey was filmed and imagine the characters there with me.  In The Governess of Highland Hall several scenes take place in the gardens and greenhouse, so I had those memories of Highclere to help me visualize my characters as I wrote those scenes.

Cathy Gohlke and Carrie Turansky visit Tyntesfield ~ Highland Hall.

In 2014 I returned to England with my author friend Cathy Gohlke and we visited Scotland, The Lake District, and Tyntesfield, the estate I had in mind as I wrote the Highland Hall novels. Touring the house and gardens there was very inspiring! In The Daughter of Highland Hall the heroine, Kate Ramsey, and her aunt visit the Royal Horticultural Society Exhibition in London, which was held on the grounds of the Chelsea Hospital. It was so successful that the Chelsea Flower Show has been held there since 1913. I enjoyed reading about the history of the flower show and adding some of that information to The Daughter of Highland Hall, including the Royal Family’s appearance at the event.

The third book in the series, A Refuge at Highland Hall, takes place during World War One. Penny Ramsey brings orphans to Highland to escape the bombing in London. Taking the children outdoors to spend time in the gardens and parkland was one of the ways Penny kept the children busy. Those memories of my visits to Highclere and Tyntesfield helped me bring those garden scenes to life in my books.

Carrie and Cathy at Inverarary Castle, Scotland

I hope you enjoyed this virtual garden tour! To enter the grand prize drawing: Please sign up for my newsletter (the sign up box at the top on the right of this page) and comment below. If you are already a subscriber just mention that in your comment.

One grand prize winner who comments on each of the six authors’ websites and agrees to the boldfaced condition posted at the end of each post will win a signed copy of the six books plus delivery of six English hat petit fours to enjoy while you read! Winner’s name will be drawn via random.org after May 28th.

Tea Hat Petit Fours. (Photo from Divine Delights)

Finished? Well done! Please visit these five other fabulous authors of English historical novels to see what flowers mean to them and their heroines.

Sandra Byrd’s Page: http://www.sandrabyrd.com/british-blooms-and-books-giveaway/

Melanie Dickerson’s Page: http://melaniewrites.blogspot.com/2016/05/british-blooms-and-books-6-book-giveaway.html

Kristi Ann Hunter’s Page: http://www.kristiannhunter.com/#!british-blooms-and-books/dtpk9

Julie Klassen’s Page: http://inspiredbylifeandfiction.com/british-blooms-and-books-giveaway/

Roseanna White’s Page: http://roseannamwhite.blogspot.com/2016/05/british-blooms-and-books-contest.html

A Fun Event for Readers, Reviewers, and Authors

I’m excited to be one of the authors taking part in the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat One Day Event, and I wanted to be sure you had all the information so you can plan to attend! I’ve invited the three women who are organizing the event to to be my guests today to tell you all about it. Welcome, Bonnie, Carrie and Annie!

Come join us at the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat One Day Event (CFRR) in Nashville, TN this summer! Our event theme is “Honoring God through Christian Fiction.”  Enjoy speaker sessions, author panels, breakout sessions, prayer & worship and author signings with your favorite Christian fiction authors! With 30+ authors, food, swag (including free books), games and TONS of giveaways, you don’t want to miss this event!

When is it, you ask?

August 24, 2016
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

For more information, including schedule, authors list, registration info and other logistical questions, check out our website HERE, or click on the image above.  Registration is now open! Late registration begins on June 16th. Once capacity is reached, registration will close. So hurry up and register!

Standard Registration Fee: $98
Late Registration Fee: $120

To go ahead and register, just go right HERE.

AND for the first giveaway at the event, all those registered can enter for the chance to win a BOX of Christian Fiction from the stewards of the event.  Just click on the image below to enter. (Link also available on our website).

We hope to see you there!

Time to Celebrate Moms

May is the month to celebrate moms and show our love and appreciation for all they have done for us. Read on for a special Mother’s Day Giveaway!

My mom, Dorothy Swain, was a wonderful artist, quilter, seamstress, and writer. She enjoyed decorating our home and making it a special place. We used to joke about never trying to walk through the living room in the dark because Mom might have rearranged the furniture since we’d last looked. From the time I was a young child, she put a paintbrush in my hands and encouraged my creativity. I’m very grateful for that. Mom used to sew most of my clothes. I remember seeing her bending over the sewing machine when I went to bed and then waking up to find a new dress finished and ready to wear. Mom passed away before my books were published, but I know she’d be happy to have another writer in the family. In the photos below: Mom and I on Easter, I think I’m three years old. On the right: Mom and I at my cousins wedding when I was 21.

My Mother-in-law, Shirley Turansky, is a treasure. She continues what my mom started, encouraging me to use my gifts and talents. She is a huge supporter of my writing and often tells her friends about my books. I am very blessed to have these wonderful women in my life. In the photos below: My mother-in-law Shirley and I at the beach in Hawaii. On the right: Carrie, Shirley, and my daughter-in-law, Melinda.

 

Now I hope to pass on that blessing and encouragement to my daughters Melissa, Lizzy, and Megan, my daughters-in-law Melinda and Galan, and my granddaughters Hanalei and Sahlor. In the photos below: My daughters Megan, Melissa, and Lizzy. Bottom left: My daughter-in-law Galan with her daughter Sahlor and my son Ben. Bottom right, my granddaughter Hanalei.

In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m giving away an audio-book copy of The Daughter of Highland Hall or A Refuge at Highland Hall. To enter the giveaway tell me one reason you appreciate your mom in the comments below. Giveaway ends Monday May 9th, 9:00 pm Eastern time. The giveaway is for US residents only.

Blessings and Happy Mother’s Day!

Carrie

May Giveaway for Readers

Hi Friends,

Each month this year I’m hosting a special giveaway for my newsletter subscribers. The email newsletter goes out every other month with book news, readers’ events, contests, recipes, and encouraging articles. I hope you’ll subscribe, and then leave a comment below to enter the giveaway. If you already subscribe, just mention that in your comment and I will put your name in the drawing!  The April winner was Janet Dowell.

The Christy Awards committee just announced the finalists for this year, so I’m giving away two book on that list. The first is Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke. This amazing time-split novel tells the story of a daughter searching for answers about her mother’s involvement in WW2 Germany.  The second is The Wood’s Edge by Lori Benton. British settlers and Oneida tribe members cross paths on the New York frontier in the mid-1700s.  If you enjoy well written historical novels, then I think you’ll love these two books! Being Christy Award finalist is a huge honor, and I’m so happy for these author friends! Visit Cathy’s website for more info about her and her books, and visit Lori Benton’s website too!  This giveaway is for US readers only.

Blessings and Happy reading!

Inspiration for Writers and Speakers and a Giveaway!

Hi Friends,  If you’re a writer or speaker I have some good news for you! A new devotional book called As the Ink Flows released earlier this month, and I want to recommend it to you. Authors Glenda Dekkema, Melony Teague, Carol Ford, Claudia Loopstra, and Marguerite Cummings have written more than 90 thought-provoking devotions to spur you on in your writing and speaking journey. I’m delighted to give away one copy to someone who posts a comment below and tells me why they’d like to receive this book, US readers only. Winner will be chosen Monday, May 2. You can order your copy in paperback or eBook from Judson Press or from Amazon.

Blessings and Happy Reading,

Carrie

Things I Miss About Downton Abbey

Are you missing Downton Abbey? In the last six years it became one of the most popular British dramas of all time with millions of viewers around the world. I loved the show, and I was sad to see it end. It was a great inspiration for my English historical novels and a wonderful resource for my research on Edwardian life. But what exactly am I going to miss about the show?

The House:  The show is set at Highclere Castle, which is stunning. It’s a wonderful example of Victorian Neo-Gothic architecture, and if it reminds you of the Houses of Parliament that’s because they shared an architect. The house became a silent character on the show. It gave the show a weighty permanence, no matter what happened to the characters that great house didn’t change. And that’s amazing. Highclere Castle itself is one of Britain’s greatest stately homes, and I loved visiting there in 2012, when Downton was just beginning to become popular.

The Clothes:  The fashions are one of my favorite aspects of the show. Not only were the costumes beautiful, it was really fun watch styles change from 1912 – 1925. The Edwardian era was a time of great change for Britain and you could see it in the fashions. Remember the scandal when Sybil wore trousers! And oh all those lovely hats! I was delighted to visit the Downton Costume Exhibit when it came to Winterthur Museum in PA a couple years ago.

The Melodrama:  It was often said that Downton was a soap opera about posh people. The show was definitely melodramatic, but I would argue that was a strength, not a weakness. I’m going to miss all the trials and tribulations of the characters. Whether it’s moving the body of the Turkish guest in the middle of the night, or Mrs Patmore facing struggles opening a B&B, I loved it all.

My Favorite Characters: Upstairs and downstairs, I had my favorite characters, and I’m going to miss them all. Despite all the trouble someone like Miss O’Brian or Thomas created, their scheming added the needed conflict and drama. One of my favorite characters was Sybil for her strong spirit and her love for Tom Branson. Another favorite character was Matthew, he helped the audience understanding the complex world of the British aristocracy in the early 20th century. Just like everyone else, I was devastated when he died. But I still enjoyed the show after that. These characters feel like friends and they will be missed. And who’s not going to miss The Dowager Countess – Violet’s brilliant quips?

The Time Period: The early 20th century is such an interesting time. Britain was on the cusp of massive change, brought on by the tragedy of the First World War. I’m also interested in the interwar years, and it was fascinating to watch them drop hints at what was to come, like Edith’s lover being murdered by Nazi thugs. I’m a little sad we won’t see Downton continue into the World War II era – that really would be the end of the Great House era, and when Downton would probably be opened to paying visitors. Let’s hope if they do make a movie they will fast forward to the pre-war years and we can watch events unfold through the eyes of the children, now grown up.

Click on the image to watch a farewell to Downton Abbey short video.

The Reminder That We Can Still Have Manners:  At Downton their was always a proper way of doing things, especially under the influence of Mr. Carson, the butler. Our modern age can sometimes seem crass and shallow in comparison. Downton is a fictional reminder that we can still use good manners without being snobby.

Thanks to the Anglotopia for some of this info! If you love all things British, then you’ll want to visit their blog!

If you love Downton Abbey, then I think you’ll enjoy the The Highland Hall novels. Book 1 is The Governess of Highland Hall, Book 2 is The Daughter of Highland Hall, and Book 3 is A Refuge at Highland Hall. They are set in England in the same time period as Downton Abbey, 1911 – 1915, and they have similar upstairs – downstairs drama and romance, as well as inspirational themes. I hope you’ll enjoy them. Happy Reading!

What will you miss about Downton Abbey now that it’s gone? Do you think they will make a movie? Let me know in the comments!

Two Special Events for You

Hi Friends,

I’m looking forward to two opportunities to connect with reading friends. I hope you’ll check your calendar and see if you can join me. I’d love to meet you!

Saturday, April 16 ~ Downton Abbey Meets Peter Rabbit English Tea Party: I’ll be meeting new friends and signing books at the United First Presbyterian Church at Larison’s Corner, 1000 Old York Road in Ringoes, New Jersey, 1:00 – 4:00 PM.  The event will feature traditional English tea foods, hot tea, Downton Abbey trivia quizzes, Come in Downton Abbey attire and get a prize. There will be a children’s tea with crafts related to Beatrix Potter’s 23 tales. Take a photo with Peter Rabbit. Learn more about the author Beatrix Potter. Cost: Adults, $7; ages 12 and under, $3; under age 3, free. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Round Valley 4H Horse Club. For more information, visit the church website or call 908-722-5812.

Wednesday, August 24 ~ Christian Fiction Readers Retreat: I’m one of the participating authors at this special event for readers, bloggers, and authors in Nashville, Tennessee. Come and enjoy the day with some of your favorite Christian fiction authors including Laura Frantz, Julie Lessman, Ruth Logan Hearn, Mary Connealy, Melanie Dickerson, Mesu Andrews, Kate Breslin, Pepper Basham, and many, many more! I’ll be taking part in a panel discussion, enjoying lunch with readers, and signing books. For more details and to register please visit this website.

I hope to see many of you at one of these events . . . but if not, we can stay connected on Facebook, Pinterest, and GoodReads.

Until then, Happy Reading,

Carrie

April Giveaway!

Hi Friends,

This month I’ll be turning in my next novel, Shine Like the Dawn, to my editor at WaterBrook. I’m sure there will be at least two rounds of revisions, but it always feels great to finish a book and turn it in on time! I’m looking forward to telling you more about Shine Like the Dawn soon and sharing the cover in the next few months. If you’d like a sneak peek at the characters and setting, visit my Shine Like the Dawn Pinterest Board.

Each month this year I’m hosting a special giveaway for my newsletter subscribers. The email newsletter goes out every other month with book news, recipes, and encouraging articles. I hope you’ll subscribe, and then leave a comment below to enter the giveaway. If you already subscribe, just mention that in your comment and I will put your name in the drawing!  The March winner was Rebecca B.

This month I’m giving away Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell and The Pelican Bride by Beth White. If you enjoy historical romance, then you’ll love these two books! Visit Beth White’s website for more info about her and her books. Visit Siri Mitchell’s website for info about her and her books.

Until next time, Happy Reading, Carrie

Easter Greetings

Hi Friends,

I wanted to wish you all a happy Easter! I hope you’re finding some special ways to celebrate the resurrection with family and friends. Last week I packed up boxes and mailed Easter surprises to my grandkids, including Peeps, candy, and devotionals for the older kids. On Sunday we will be hosting an Easter breakfast at Calvary Chapel Living Hope and then enjoying a special worship service with our church family. If you live nearby, we would love to have you join us at 9:00 for breakfast and 10:00 for our worship service. Here’s a link to our church website with info and directions.

I love Easter! The arrival of spring and seeing nature come back to life is a great reminder of all Jesus did for us through His life, death, and resurrection. It gives me a renewed perspective on life and great hope for the future.

Here is a verse that talks about that hope: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”1 Peter 1:3

Do you have that kind of hope . . . do you know Him?

This weekend we celebrate Jesus . . . our awesome Savior and Lord, who loved us enough to leave all the wonders of heaven, walk the earth and experience life here, then He took the death penlty for our sin and rose from the dead to give us hope of eternal life. That’s a great reason to celebrate!

Want to know more about Jesus and how you can begin a closer relationship with Him? Check out this link or email me through my contact page at the website.

Blessings,

Carrie