Carrie Turansky's Blog, page 23
March 1, 2016
March Giveaway for Newsletter Subscribers
Hi Friends,
This month I’m looking forward to connecting with reading friends and offering this special giveaway for those who subscribe to my author email newsletter. It goes out every other month and includes an inside look on what I’m writing, contests, recipes, encouraging articles, and more. The subscription box is in the righthand column of each page of my website.
To enter the giveaway just subscribe to my email newsletter and leave a comment on this blog post during the month of March. I’ll choose a winner April 1st. This giveaway is for US readers only.
This month I’m giving away two wonderful historical romances: To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander and A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears! If you’d like to know more about these books and authors, just click on the covers to visit the authors’ websites.
Happy Reading to you,
Carrie
February 19, 2016
Farewell to Downton Abbey Invitation
Hi Friends,
I hope you’ll plan to join us on Facebook, Monday, March 7, for the Farewell to Downton Abbey Online Tea Party! The final episode of Downton airs Sunday, March 6, so we’ll be ready to talk about our favorite characters, plot twists, and romances as well as some of our favorite books.
I’ve invited two fellow authors who write Downton Abbey Era stories to join us for the party: Kate Breslin, the author of For Such a Time and Not By Sight; and Pepper Basham author of The Thornbearer and The Thorn Keeper. We will each hostess for thirty minutes and will be giving away copies of our books, including my latest novel, A Refuge at Highland Hall.
Grand Prize Gifts: Downton Poster, Downton tote bag, DVD of Season 6, Downton Tea, Downton Motorcar Ornament, Teacup pictured below, English Rose Soap and Peacock Note pad pictured below.
The party takes place on the event Facebook page, 8:00 – 9:30 pm Eastern Time; 7:00 – 8:30 pm Central Time; 6:00 – 7:30 pm Mountain Time; 5:00 – 6:30 pm Pacific Time.
We’ll be giving away these fun Downton Abbey themed gifts as a grand prize to someone who participates by commenting before and during the party. So choose your Downton Era dress, hat, and a tea time treat, and share them on the Facebook page. RSVP for the party at this link!
We’ll send out a reminder to all those who say they are going, so it’s a good idea to let us know. We hope to see you at there!
Blessings and Happy Reading,
Carrie
February 12, 2016
GoodReads Valentine’s Giveaway
Happy Valentine’s Weekend . . . With words of wisdom from the Dowager Countess!
It’s GoodReads Giveaway time! We’re giving away 5 copies of A Refuge at Highland Hall. I hope you’ll enter the giveaway between Feb. 12 – 20, and put A Refuge at Highland Hall on your To Be Read List. Here’s what readers are saying about this book:
“Laughter, tears, romance, and God’s unfailing love and sovereignty, all in a Downton Abby-like setting can be found in this amazing book.”
“This book is very hard to put down. I started it last night and picked it up today after church. I couldn’t put it down until after I finished it. Five Stars and Two Thumbs Up!”
“The history in this story is phenomenal, and it made the trip back into the past WWI era so enjoyable. As I read, I felt like I was living the story along with the characters. This book is a must if you enjoy historical fiction. And this one is a nice clean read! One that anyone will enjoy!”
Just follow this link below to enter the Giveaway!
Happy Reading,
Carrie
Goodreads Book Giveaway
A Refuge at Highland Hall
by Carrie Turansky
Giveaway ends February 20, 2016.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
February 4, 2016
Discover These Amazing Downton Abbey Filming Locations
Downton Abbey’s sixth and final season is well underway, and I’m eager to see what will happen to the characters I’ve grown to love. I’m anticipating tears when I watch the final episode, and I have to say goodbye to the Crawley family, their staff, and friends. But until then, I’m cheering for them and hoping each one will have a happy ending. They’ve given me many hours of enjoyment and great inspiration for my novels.
I’ve traveled to England twice in the last few years on research trips. Both times I visited Downton filming locations to see what I could learn and get a sense of the era and soak up the ambience. Visit my Research Page for photos from those trips.
In my online research I came across this map created by the Wayfair.co.uk team, and they gave me permission to share it with you. If you’re a Downton fan who’s planning a trip to England you’ll want to put some of these locations on your itinerary. If you can’t fly off soon, then you can take a virtual trip via the map and Google Image Search!
Click on the icons below for more information on each location, and for an overview of all of the film locations click on the pull-out tab to the left of the title.
Top Ten Downton Abbey Filming Locations
Highclere Castle
Carrie and Scott at Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey is filmed
My husband Scott and I visited Highclere Castle on a beautiful September day and enjoyed a memorable tour of the house and gardens. Highclere is the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, whose family have lived there since 1679. Highclere Castle is awe-inspiring and represents everything that makes Downton Abbey so great.
Exterior shots of the house and most of the interior upstairs activity are filmed at Highclere, using actual furniture in the home. We fell in love with this beautiful house! Highclere has to be number one on any Downton Abbey fan’s list. Fore more about our visit to Highclere, click over and read this bog post.
Downton’s Downstairs’ scene are not filmed at Highclere but at Ealing Studios in London. The downstairs at Highclere has a large kitchen to prepare food for events held there. Part has been converted into a tea room and another section holds a museum full of Egyptian artifacts brought back by one of the Earl’s on his expeditions to Egypt.
2. Bampton, Oxfordshire
Image: World Wide Waftage.
Bampton village, Oxfordshire, doubles as the fictional Yorkshire village of Downton throughout the series. Bampton is a great place to take a stroll as there are a number of different filming locations to be found, the most iconic being St Mary’s Church. It’s know as St Michael and All Angels Church in Downton. This is where we’ve seen many key moments, including Lavinia’s burial in season two, Mary and Matthew’s wedding in season three, and Lady Edith being left at the altar.
3. Cogges Manor Farm, Oxfordshire
Image: Geograph, Rabbi WP Thinrod
Once a working farm, Cogges Manor Farm is now a heritage center and in Downton Abbey it’s known as Yew Tree Farm. The farm has appeared throughout the past three seasons, first as the home of Mr. and Mrs. Drewe and later as Mr. Mason’s new farm. Edith often visited the Drewes in season five to see her daughter Marigold. In season six Daisy and Mrs. Patmore help Mr. Mason move in to his new home at Yew Tree Farm.
4. Inveraray Castle, Argyll and Bute
Carrie and Cathy at Inveraray Castle, Scotland
On a beautiful day in May, when the azaleas and rhododendrons were in full bloom, fellow author Cathy Gohlke and I visited Inveraray Castle in Scotland. This impressive castle is found on the west coast and is the home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell. The castle doubled as Duneagle, the home of the Grantham’s cousins, Lord and Lady Flincher, parents to Lady Rose. They visited the castle in the season three Christmas special. For more about our visit to Inveraray Castle, visit this blog post.
5. Lancaster House, London
Image: Flickr, James Stringer
Lancaster House is a mansion that was once part of the St James’s Palace complex. It’s one of London’s hidden treasures that has made its way into Downton life. The interior of the magnificent and glamorous house was used to portray Buckingham Palace in the Season four Christmas Special, where Lady Rose gave her debutante presentation. You can view at the outside of Lancaster House anytime you like, or you might be lucky enough to attend an event there and admire the dazzling interior.
6. Horsted Keynes Station
Image: Flickr, Ed Webster
Part of the Bluebell Railway, Horsted Keynes Station in Sussex is a preserved railway station that we’ve seen many times as the Downton Railway Station. For those that love the idea of travelling on a steam train and experiencing British life from days gone by then this is the place for you. One of my favorite scenes was filmed here, the day Mary saw Matthew off to war, gave him the little stuff dog, and wished him such good luck. I still tear up every time I see that scene. This is also where Richard Carlisle’s proposal to Mary, and where a very pregnant Mary urgently needed to go to hospital. It’s also where Mr Carson reconciled with Charles Grigg before he goes off to Ireland.
7. Basildon Park, Berkshire
Image: Flickr, Jim Bowen
Basildon Park doubles as the interior for Grantham House, the family’s London residence. This was the grand setting for the preparation for Lady Rose’s coming out ball in season four and for Rose and Atticus’s wedding. You might also recognize Basildon Park from the most recent version of Pride and Prejudice where it was used as Netherfield Park.
8. Downton Abbey London locations
Image: Flickr, Peter Roberts
The Crawley family often traveled to London, and there are several London locations to visit. Some highlights are the Prince Albert Memorial, London Charterhouse, the Chepstow Villas (Edith’s flat), Lincoln’s Inn, The Savile Club (called the Lotus Club in season four), Rules Restaurant, St James’s Park and the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The Peter Pan Statue in Kensington Gardens was the setting when Lady Mary told Lord Gillingham that she wanted to break off their relationship.
9. Grey’s Court, Oxfordshire
Image: Wikipedia
Grey’s Court was used in the third season of Downton Abbey and was called Downton Place. It was considered as a potential downsizing home for the Crawley family after Robert’s bad investment. The family enjoyed a picnic on the lawn of this peaceful estate, including newlyweds Mary and Matthew.
10. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
Alnwick Castle in Northumberland was used as Brancaster Castle in the season five Christmas special. This beautiful castle was transformed to become the holiday base for Lord Sinderby’s shooting party, where Sinderby’s butler, Stowel, caused quite a stir. This is where Lady Mary meets Henry Talbot, and Lady Edith meets Bertie Pelham.
The state rooms inside were used extensively as well as the grounds themselves and there’s now a brand new Downton Abbey exhibition there which features photography, costumes and props from the episode (rumor has it we’ll be seeing this location again in this year’s grand finale).
There are many more impressive sites to explore on the map! Thanks again to the team at Wayfair.co.uk. for sharing it with us!
When Downton Abbey ends, and you’re longing to step back into the Edwardian era, I invite to enjoy reading my English historical novels, The Edwardian Brides Series. Visit my Book Page for more details!
Until next time, Happy Reading,
Carrie
February 1, 2016
February Giveaway!
Hi Friend,
This month I’m hosting a giveaway for my email newsletter subscribers. To enter the giveaway, visit my website and sign up for my email newsletter, then leave a comment on this blog post. If you already subscribe to my email newsletter, just mention that in your blog comment, and your name will be included in the drawing. Dont’ be confused, I have a blog and an email newsletter. The email newsletter goes out every other month to subscribers with book release updates. I post blogs 2-3 times a month with articles related to research, travel, movies, and all kinds of fun stuff like these giveaways. You can subscribe to my blog posts as well.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I’m giving away two romantic stories, The Memoir of Johnny Devine by Camille Eide, and One Upon a Winter’s Heart by Melody Carlson. I enjoyed them both and recommend them to you! For more info about these books click on the covers below. I’ll be drawing the names of two winners at the end of the month.
I’m working hard on my next novel, Shine Like the Dawn, which is an English historical romance with family drama, faith, and a bit of mystery. You can check my progress on the homepage of my website to see how I’m doing. I have two novellas releasing this fall, “A Trusting Heart” in Mountain Christmas Brides, and Moonlight and Mistletoe, a fun contemporary Christmas story set in New York City. Thank you for being a faithful reader!
Blessings and Happy Reading,
Carrie
January 12, 2016
Hooray for Book Clubs!
Hi Friends,
In the last few months I’ve enjoyed visiting several book clubs via Skype and in person. What a fun experience to connect with reading friends and talk about the stories and characters they’ve been reading.
Are you part of a book club? Would you and your friends enjoy chatting with me about one of my books? Each of my novels have discussion questions in the back. That makes it easy to launch into a great discussion. I’d also be happy to share more about the background of the story, my inspiration for writing it, my research trips to England, and whatever else you’d like to ask. Would you like to know my favorite type of tea, or what I’m writing next? Ask away!
Before my virtual visit to your book club I’ll send along bookmarks and some books for a giveaway that day. If you’re interested, just send me an email via my website connect page. I’d love to meet you and share our love for good friends and great books!
Happy Reading!
Carrie
January 1, 2016
January Giveaway!
Hi Friends,
Happy New Year! As I look back at 2015 I’m especially grateful for reading friends. Thanks for your encouragement, positive reviews, and for helping me spread the word about my books!
Here’s what one reviewer said about A Refuge at Highland Hall: “This is a wonderful conclusion to a great series, a terrific read with admirable characters who have substance and courage. Filled with action and faith, this is a book that makes you want to cheer for the hero and heroine. I definitely recommend The Edwardian Brides Series!”
This month I’m hosting a special giveaway for those who subscribe to my email newsletter. To enter the giveaway, visit my website and sign up for my email newsletter, then leave a comment on this blog post. If you’re already a subscriber to my email newsletter, just mention that in your comment, and your name will be included in the drawing. I’m giving away two English historical novels, The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah Ladd and Not by Sight by Kate Breslin. I enjoyed them both and recommend them to you! For more info about these books click on the covers below.
I’m excited to see what God has in store in 2016! I hope it will be a great year for you!
Blessings and Happy Reading,
Carrie
December 27, 2015
Books Like Downton Abbey ~ Part 2
Hi Friends,
Many people are looking forward to the final season of Downton Abbey, which begins on January 3, 2015 in the US . . . but what will Downton fans do when the final season comes to an end? They could watch reruns of the series . . . or they could read novels set in the same time period. Here are several that I’ve enjoyed and my three latest, which are all set in the early 1900s in England:
Not By Sight by Kate Breslin
In the spring of 1917, all of Britain’s attention is on the WWI war front and the thousands of young men serving their country on the front lines. Jack Benningham, dashing heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, is young and able-bodied but refuses to enlist despite the contempt of his peers.
A wealthy young suffragette, Grace Mabry will do anything to assist her country’s cause. Men like Jack infuriate her when she thinks of her own brother fighting in the trenches of France, so she has no reservations about handing him a white feather of cowardice at a posh masquerade ball. But Grace could not anticipate the danger and betrayal set into motion by her actions, and soon she and Jack are forced to learn the true meaning of courage when the war raging overseas suddenly strikes much closer to home and their fervent beliefs become a matter of life and death.
The Lost Heiress by Roseanne White
Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs. Though raised in the palace of Monaco, she’s British by birth and was brought to the Grimaldis under suspicious circumstances as a babe. When Brook’s friend Justin uncovers the fact that Brook is likely a missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the North Sea to the estate of her supposed family.
The mystery of her mother’s death haunts her, and though her father is quick to accept her, the rest of the family and the servants of Whitby Park are not. Only when Brook’s life is threatened do they draw close–but their loyalty may come too late to save Brook from the same threat that led to tragedy for her mother. As heir to a dukedom, Justin is no stranger to balancing responsibilities. When the matters of his estate force him far from Brook, the distance between them reveals that what began as friendship has grown into something much more. But how can their very different loyalties and responsibilities ever come together?
The Thornbearer by Pepper Basham
From the decks of the ill-fated Lusitania to the smoke-filled trenches of France, Ashleigh must choose between the forgiveness of her past, life in the present, and a Savior who can rescue her from them all.
When her fiancé leaves her eight months before their wedding, the unexpected blow ignites a battalion of insecurities stemming from her father’s intimate betrayal. Her worst fears are confirmed – who could ever love a soiled woman?
In an attempt to escape the shame and disappointment of her past, Ashleigh boards the ill-fated Lusitania to cross the war-torn waters of Europe. Much to her dismay, she isn’t traveling alone. Sam Miller is always making up for his best friend’s mistakes. Determined to help Ashleigh, he offers his compassion and protection as she ventures across a perilous sea. With the faint hope of renewing his lost love for Ashleigh’s sister, Sam never expects to find the woman of his dreams in his best friend’s former fiancé and his own childhood companion.
As they travel across the Atlantic, neither is prepared for the life-altering and heart-breaking journey of their friendship. When the truth of Ashleigh’s past explodes in the middle of war and Sam rejects her, Ashleigh must decide if God is enough – or if the double weight of her betrayal and past will crush her life forever.
The Thorn Keeper by Pepper Basham
With her past in shambles, how can she fashion a future of hope? Catherine Dougall’s past of manipulation has left her future in threads. With a new faith, she longs to take the remnants of her life and make something beautiful, but shame, societies’ judgments, and the natural consequences of an unplanned pregnancy test her newfound hope. Dr. David Ross doesn’t help either. His kindness, sacrifice, and tenderness tempt her to impossible dreams. A fallen woman doesn’t merit a fairytale.
David Ross has made every effort to keep his life above reproach. His passion for the sick pump fresh purpose through his choices, but without financial support to maintain his war hospital, all is lost. When his notorious aunt offers an easy solution, David is tempted to give in to her demands, but his growing affection for the reformed flirt, Catherine Dougall, unwinds the careful wall around his heart and offers an unexpected choice. When the worst of war tears them apart, can love renew the memory of what was lost or will tragedy steal away their hope forever.
Hope Rising by Stacie Henrie
What a heart-warming, emotion wringing, beautiful tale of love lost, found and given during a very hard time. This author paints a picture with words of war time sufferings, pains and triumphs for those of us who will never know. A story that flows and takes you along for the well-written ride of a book life-time. War-time nurse Evelyn has some tough life changes happening to her. Corporal Joel has to deal with injuries, healing, and guilt. Sorrow and changes haunt them both as they try to discover if an answer is sitting right in front of them. Gods answer to their dreams is not what they expected but amazingly so much more than they ever could have dreamed! I truly loved the budding romance between these two memorable characters. It was beautiful and believable. The secondary cast of characters were engaging and interesting as well. The perfect pairing of war-time information and background mixed with the lives and feelings of these people made this a deeply engaging page-turner.
Hope Remembered by Stacie Henrie
Nora Lewis just wants an escape after losing her fiance in the Great War. When she inherits property in England, she boldly packs up and leaves America for a fresh start. But, if not for her dashing new neighbor, Colin Ashby, she’d be lost. Even as their friendship deepens, Nora knows a British aristocrat would never be free to love an American orphan, no matter how much the war has changed the world …
After his brother’s death in the war and his own experiences as a pilot at the front, Colin returns home broken, only to discover his family’s estate is also in ruin. The pressure is now on him to save his home and the Ashbys’ place in society with a well-bred match to a wealthy heiress. Too bad he finds more of a kindred spirit in Nora, the beautiful American next door. She, too, has faced the rigors of war and survived. Now the ex-soldier will have one more battle to fight–this time for love.
The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky
Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.
Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.
The Daughter of Highland Hall By Carrie Turansky
Strong-willed and beautiful, debutante Katherine Ramsey feels ready to take the London social season by storm, and she must. Her family estate, Highland Hall, has been passed to older male cousin Sir William Ramsey, and her only means of securing her future is to make a strong debut and find a proper husband. With her all-knowing and meddling aunt as a guide, Katherine is certain to attract suitors at the lavish gatherings, sparkling with Great Britain’s elite.
When a shocking family scandal sidelines Katherine, forcing her out of the social spotlight, she keeps a low profile, volunteering with the poor in London’s East End. Here Katherine feels free from her predictable future, and even more so as a friendship with medical student Jonathan Foster deepens and her faith in God grows. But when Katherine is courted anew by a man of wealth and position, dreams of the life she always thought she wanted surface again. Torn between tradition and the stirrings in her heart for a different path, she must decide whom she can trust and love-and if she will choose a life serving others over one where she is served.
A Refuge at Highland Hall By Carrie Turansky
In this third and final book in the Edwardian Brides Series set in 1915 England and France the Ramsey family and their staff and friends face the dramatic challenges and losses of World War One, yet they also experience the hope and triumph that comes as they put their trust in God to carry them through. Penny Ramsey helps the family welcome a group of orphaned children to Highland Hall, but she soon discovers caring for them is more difficult than she’d expected. She writes to Alex Goodwin, a daring British pilot, who chases German zeppelins across the sky over the Front Line in France, and longs for the day she will see him again. You’ll be delighted by two pure and heartwarming romances: Penny and Alex, and Lydia Chambers and Marius Ritter, a lady’s maid and a prisoner of war.
Did you read my earlier post: Books Like Downton Abbey Part One?
Happy Reading to All!
Carrie
December 21, 2015
The WWI Christmas Truce
Hi Friends, When I was researching the events of World War One for my novel, A Refuge at Highland Hall, I read about a spontaneous truce that began on Christmas Eve and carried through to Christmas Day 1914, only a few months after the war started. It’s interesting to consider how the meaning of Christmas could inspire these men to put down their guns and set their differences aside even for a short time. Take a look at this video about what happened that Christmas on the front line. And below that is another three-minute video about the history of this event. Both are inspiring and worth watching!
Whatever struggles you’re facing this holiday season, I hope you’ll allow God’s peace to calm and comfort your heart. As you celebrate with family and friends may the true meaning of Christmas lift your spirit and draw you closer to Him!
Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Carrie
December 3, 2015
December Giveaway
Hi Friends,
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are looking forward to celebrating the Christmas season with friends and family. We love Christmas, and as soon as we put away the Thanksgiving leftovers, we get out the Christmas decorations. The tree is up and the house is ready, so I hope you’ll stop by and pay us a visit with our Virtual Christmas House Tour.
This month I’m hosting a special giveaway for those who subscribe to my email newsletter. I have two books to giveaway: A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs and An Amish Second Christmas with four novellas by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Ruth Reid, and Tricia Goyer. These books would make a lovely gift!
To enter the giveaway leave a comment below, then visit my website and sign up to receive my email newsletter. If you’re already a subscriber to my newsletter, you’ve taken care of that first step, and you can just leave a comment below. That’s all there is to it. I’ll announce the winner on New Years Day, and I plan to give away books each month in 2016, so watch for this contest in the newsletter.
May your Christmas Season bring you peace and joy!
Carrie
