Carrie Turansky's Blog, page 24

Free Book ~ Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi Friends,

It’s time to celebrate! Ten years ago this month, My first published novella, “Wherever Love Takes Us” in Wedded Bliss, hit the bookshelves, and I became a published author! My co-authors for that project were Susan Downs, Sally Laity, and Kristy Dykes. Kristy was a wonderful mentor and dear friend. She proposed the project to Barbour and critiqued my novella to help me improve my writing. Kristy passed away a few years ago from cancer, and I still miss her. I will always be grateful for her friendship and encouragement.

Each novella in Wedded Bliss features a couple who is approaching their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary and is facing an issue in their marriage that could destroy it or make it stronger. I loved writing this story and bringing in some of the lessons I’ve learned after 38 years of marriage. For some great tips about building a long-lasting marriage visit this page.

Wedded Bliss is out of print now, but my novella, “Wherever Love Takes Us,” has been republished in a two-novella collection titled Where Two Hearts Meet.

As a way to say thank you to my loyal readers, I’m making Where Two Hearts Meet available as a free download at Amazon November 23 -28. I hope you’ll get a copy and enjoy those two novellas. If you already have Where Two Hearts Meet, why not share this email with a friend and encourage them to get their free copy?

I have more good news! I just signed a new contract with WaterBrook Multnomah to write two more English historical novels. I’m busy working on the first one now. If you would like a sneak peek at the characters and setting, visit my Morningside Manor Pinterest Board.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving week and enjoy a special meal and time with friends and family . . . and maybe a good book too!

Blessings,

Carrie

W.W.1 Letters ~ Penned with Love

Hi Friends,

In this age of email, text messages, Facebook, and twitter, the art of letter writing has almost disappeared. But in the early 1900s letters were the main way to communicate over long distances. In my latest novel, A Refuge at Highland Hall, which set in 1915 in England and France, the hero and heroine exchange several letters while they are separated by the events of World War One. Developing their romance through letters was a fun and unique challenge for me as an author.

Penny Ramsey is a wealthy young woman who longs to do her part in the war effort, but she must help her sister care for a group of orphaned children they’ve taken to their family’s country estate to escape the bombings in London. Alex Goodwin, a brave British pilot, is stationed in France and draws strength from Penny’s letters between his missions, chasing German Zeppelins and trying not to get shot down out of the sky.

Penny’s letters also provided a tie to home and much needed comfort for Alex. Receiving her letters and packages lifted his spirit and gave him courage to press on. Alex’s letters to Penny helped her understand more about his experiences and know how to pray for him and his squadron.

More than 12 million letters and packages were sent from Britain to the troops serving overseas in World War One each week! It was a huge operation that cost a great deal of money, but British government officials knew those letters and packages were important to maintain the troop’s morale.

Learning more about those World War One letters and packages was so interesting! What did the troops like to receive? They appreciated newspapers from their hometown, magazines, chocolate, tea, candy, socks, scarves, and photographs of family and friends. Trench cake, a sturdy fruit-laced recipe, was sent to give the men a special treat. Libraries often held book drives to collect books to be sent to the troops.

When I traveled to England in 2014 the country was preparing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of World War One. In the museum gift shops I found copies of letters and diaries written during that time, and they illustrated the dramatic events and struggles that impacted so many people . . . and the characters and plot for A Refuge at Highland Hall came to life in my imagination.

Can a letter, penned in love, really bring two people together and help them form a lasting bond? You’ll find the answer when you read A Refuge at Highland Hall!

A Refuge at Highland Hall is book 3 in the Edwardian Brides Series. Author Melanie Dobson says: “In a Refuge at Highland Hall, master storyteller Carrie Turansky weaves together another beautifully written tale of courage, hope, and love. Her story swept me back to the streets of London and then on to France during the World War 1. I love reading historical fiction, and it was a joy to learn so much about the era through the endearing Ramsey family. A Refuge at Highland Hall is a powerful conclusion to the Edwardian Brides Series.”

Until next time, Happy Reading,

Carrie

 

Historical Romance Giveaway

Hi Friends,

I’ve banded together with some great authors of historical fiction to bring you this very special giveaway! We’ll be choosing twelve winners at the end of the month, one for each book. Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Connecting with authors is a great ways to learn more about them and their books and find out when their next book will release. Click on the titles below to read more about the book, and click on the author’s names to visit their websites.

The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall
September 8, 2015, Whitaker House


Luther & Katharina by Jody Hedlund
September 8, 2015, Waterbrook Multnomah

A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky
October 20, 2015, Waterbrook Multnomah

The Lost Heiress by Roseanna White
Spetember 8, 2015, Bethany House

The Bound Heart by Dawn Crandall
October 6, 2015, Whitaker House

A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter
September 8, 2015, Bethany House

The Captive Imposter by Dawn Crandall
November 3, 2015, Whitaker House

Not By Sight by Kate Breslin
August 4, 2015, Bethany House

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz
September 8, 2015, Revell

The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah Ladd
July 7, 2015, Thomas Nelson

The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson
November 17, 2015, Thomas Nelson

A Worthy Heart by Susan Anne Mason
January 5, 2016, Bethany House

Blessings and Happy Reading to All,
Carrie

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WW One British Fly Boys

Hi Friends,

I never thought I’d write a novel set during wartime. I had no desire to make my characters face the hardships and losses that would surely come their way. But when I traveled to England on a research trip I was intrigued by what I learned about life on the home front. So I decided to set A Refuge at Highland Hall in 1915 and take The Ramsey and Foster families  into the “Great War.”

As I got into the research I was fascinated with WW1 aviation. I even took a university online course to learn more about it. I decided to make the hero,  Alex Goodwin, a brave British pilot who would chase German Zeppelin across the front lines in France and Belgium. Aviation was in its infancy, and many of the early planes looked like stick and paper models. I couldn’t believe they actually flew them on wartime missions! The plane below is an Morane Saulnier, the type Alex flies in A Refuge at Highland Hall.

It took great courage and daring to train as a pilot. Their life expectancy was only 6 weeks. Some lived through the war, but many perished defending their country. There were two main divisions of the military flying missions for Britain: the Royal Air Force and the Royal Naval Air Service. Alex flies for the RNAS.

I was deeply touched when I read the biography of Rex Warnford, a young British pilot, and I used him as the inspiration for Alex. Rex was the first British pilot to successfully drop his bombs on a German Zeppelin and knock it out of the sky.

This was an amazing feat, since he only had six bombs, and the Zeppelin crew had a gunner guarding their airship on top at the rear. Rex’s mission was so thrilling I included much of it in Refuge. I think some readers will think the events are too fantastic — it couldn’t have happened that way . . . but it’s all based on Rex’s story and news accounts of his amazing mission.

Rex Warnford

WW1 Pilot dressed to fly

It’s a thrilling story, and I hope readers will feel like they are climbing into the cockpit with Alex as he flies through the sky with great courage, determined to protect those he loves. One of those on his mind is Penny Ramsey, the heroine of the story. She and Alex exchange several letters, and when Alex needs a friend, Penny remains faithful.

Refuge Audio Book Cover

Refuge Trade Paper and eBook Cover

Do you have your copy of Refuge yet? If not, just click on the covers above, and they’ll take you to my website with easy links to order from your favorite retailer.

It’s been encouraging to read all the great reviews being posted for A Refuge at Highland Hall. If you enjoy the story I hope you’ll consider adding your review on Amazon, GoodReads, or one of the other online review sites. Thanks For sharing the journey with me!

Blessings and Happy Reading,

Carrie

The Edwardian Brides Series

Hi Friends,

I know some readers like to wait until a series is complete to start reading…so now is the time to enjoy the Edwardian Brides Series! Start with The Governess of Highland Hall, then The Daughter of Highland Hall, and finally A Refuge at Highland Hall. Each story stands alone with a unique hero and heroine, but the family and setting at Highland Hall continue on in each book. They are set in England in 1911 – 1915, the same time period as the first two seasons of Downton Abbey. Check out the reviews online at Goodreads, Amazon, and Christianbooks (dot) com, and then pick up a copy at your favorite bookstore or order one online. All three are available as paperbacks, eBooks, and audio books.

If you’d like to know more about each book, check these links:

The Governess of Highland Hall

The Daughter of Highland Hall

A Refuge at Highland Hall

Happy Reading to all!

Carrie

Refuge at Highland Hall Release Day!

Hi Friends,

It’s Release Day for A Refuge at Highland Hall, and I wanted to let you know about some of the special sales and giveaways that are going on this week!

If you’re just getting started with the series, the ebook version of The Governess of Highland Hall is on sale for $4.99. Book 2 is The Daughter of Highland Hall. Visit my website for links to your favorite bookseller.

Paperback and ebook

Audio Book

Refuge  at Highland Hall is available in paperback, ebook, and audio. All three can be ordered online and should be showing up on bookstore shelves today or very soon. I hope you’ll order your copy in your favorite format and enjoy this third and final book in the Edwardian Brides Series. For links to booksellers, visit my website.

Early reviews are rolling in for A Refuge at Highland Hall, and I’m very grateful for them! It seems many readers have grown to love the Ramsey and Foster families as much as I have, and they enjoyed finding out how each character overcomes the trials and challenges of World War 1. Whether it’s on the home front in England or in the skies over the front line in France and Belgium, I hope you’ll be captivated by the exciting conclusion to the series.

We’re celebrating this week with a wonderful book launch giveaway. Just follow this link to enter for your chance to win one of two lovely Edwardian prize packages. The image above shows just a few of the special gifts we chose for the giveaway. Click over and take a look, and then fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter.

Visit Liz Tolmsa’s blog and read the story behind A Refuge at Highland Hall through Oct. 22, where she is giving away one copy of Refuge. There’s also a fun interview and review at Melony Teague’s blog. I hope you’ll stop by and leave a comment there!

Thank you for helping me spread the word about my books by reviewing and telling your friends! I love to hear from readers, so feel free to say hello on Facebook or send me a message through the contact form on my website.

Happy Reading to all!

Carrie

Book Launch Giveaway!

Hi Friends,  A Refuge at Highland Hall releases October 20th, and we’re celebrating with an awesome book launch giveaway for my wonderful readers!

Set in England in 1915, A Refuge at Highland Hall is the third and final book in the Edwardian Brides series. The story stands alone, but the Ramsey family and Highland Hall setting continue through the series. Here’s what award-winning author Melanie Dobson has to say:

“In A Refuge at Highland Hall, master storyteller Carrie Turansky weaves together another beautifully written tale of courage, hope, and love. Her story swept me back to the streets of London and then on to France during the conflict of World War I. I love reading historical fiction, and it was a joy to learn so much about this era through the endearing Ramsey family. A Refuge at Highland Hall is a powerful conclusion to the Edwardian Brides series!”

I’m excited to share this new story with you! I hope you’ll preorder your copy so you can be one of the first to read the exciting conclusion to this series.

To enter the giveaway just fill out the Rafflecopter form below, and you could win one of the two Edwardian-Inspired Prize Packages. Winners will be announced Saturday evening, October 24th.

Prize Package Number One: Red Bird Teapot with two matching Teacups and Saucers, Downton Abbey Tea, Heritage Lace tablecloth, Tea at Downton Abbey Book, Edwardian Memorabilia Frame, Downton Abbey Apron, one copy of The Governess of Highland Hall, The Daughter of Highland Hall, and A Refuge at Highland Hall.

Prize Package Number Two: Black Cloche Hat, Black Cashmere and Kidskin Gloves, an Edwardian Necklace, a Lavender Sachet, a can of Downton Abbey Tea, The Edwardian Scrapbook, and one copy of The Governess of Highland Hall, The Daughter of Highland Hall, and A Refuge at Highland Hall.

Blessings and Happy Reading to All!
Carrie

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Counting on God’s Faithfulness

Hi Friends,

In each of my novels the plot and characters are unique, but I often highlight God’s faithfulness and His ability to turn painful and difficult situations around for good . . .His good and ours.

In The Governess of Highland Hall, the first book in the Edwardian Brides Series, I carried out this theme in the life of the heroine, Julia Foster. Julia and her family served as missionaries in India for many years, but when her father has a health crisis they are forced to return to England, and she must find a position to help support her parents. Julia takes on the role of governess at a large country estate, caring for two young children and two teenage girls. She faces many challenges caring for her young charges and trying to understand their aloof, widowed father. A painful past, and current financial struggles plague the hero, William Ramsey, the new baronet and master of Highland Hall. He has a distant relationship with God, and is surprised by Julia’s practical faith, persistent prayer, and patient wisdom. Through her kind and caring actions, she helps him and several members of the family and staff understand more about God’s faithfulness and His willingness to supply courage, guidance, and strength.

Amy Carmichael, missionary to India

In my research for The Governess of Highland Hall I read A Chance to Die, the biography of missionary to India, Amy Carmichael, and was touched by her deep devotion to God and her assurance of His faithfulness. I wove some of those elements into the back-story and character of Julia Foster. She lives out her faith each day, applying what she believes to the challenges she faces. As a result she has a powerful impact on the family she serves and the others on staff at Highland Hall.

I’ve featured missionaries returning home after a time overseas in several of my novels. I chose that back-story for some of my characters because it is a familiar situation for me. I spent three months in Belgium as a short-term missionary when I was in my twenties, and our family spent a year in Kenya serving with Africa Inland Mission just a few years ago. I remember experiencing reverse culture shock when we returned home to the US after our time in Kenya. Some of my missionary experiences . . . driving through a riot in Nairobi and hearing about a revolution in Congo where our friends served . . . made me wonder how God could ever bring good out of those kind of circumstances. But looking back years later, I can see God’s faithfulness and the way He does wove it all together for good . . . His good and mine.

When readers open one of my books I hope they will be entertained by a heartwarming story, but I also hope they will be challenged and inspired. As they see the difficult and painful situations my characters must overcome and how their faith and trust in God helps them, I hope their belief in God’s faithfulness will grow even stronger.

How has God taught you more about His faithfulness? I’d love to hear from you!

GoodReads Giveaway and More

Hi Friends,

October 20th, Release Day for A Refuge at Highland Hall, is coming quickly….just four more weeks! I’m excited and grateful for the positive early reviews, and I’m happy to see readers can preorder the book at many online retailers. Visit my my website to order your copy. I enjoyed researching and writing this book, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

I wanted to let you know about a few opportunities to win a free copy of A Refuge at Highland Hall. Check out these interviews and giveaways:

We are giving away ten copies of A Refuge at Highland Hall on GoodReads. I hope some of my friends are winners! Click here to enter.
Visit Jenni’s blog for a fun virtual tour of Tyntesfield – Highland Hall and enter the giveaway by leaving a comment. Jenni’s blog.
Visit Lena Nelson Dooley’s blog and leave a comment there for a chance to win a copy. Lena’s blog.

I had a wonderful time in Dallas last week at the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference. On Thursday night the authors dress up like their characters for the Genre Dinner. It was fun to see all the creative outfits. I’m pictured above with Pepper Basham, who also writes English historical novels. I enjoyed her first novel, Thornbearer.

Until next time, Happy Reading!

Carrie

Seeking the Perfect Hat

Hi Friends,

Last Fall when WaterBrook Designer, Kristopher Orr, started planning the cover for A Refuge at Highland Hall, he invited me to give feedback about the choice of cover models and the costume she would wear. We also discussed the setting and mood and what else we could include on the cover to draw readers into the story.

I wanted Penny Ramsey’s clothing to show that the story is set in 1915. We found several dresses that looked like they fit the period and could be rented from a theatrical costume company for the photo shoot . . . but we couldn’t find the perfect hat.

These are the dresses we considered for the cover. The lavender dress on the far left was the one chosen. The young woman on the lower left is how I imagined Penny looked as I was writing the story.

I decided to “Google” Edwardian Hats, and that search took me to Etsy where I discovered Darna Michie and . After exchanging a few emails, Darna very graciously agreed to design a hat for us for a very reasonable price. My publisher paid the same amount they would’ve spent to rent a hat, and I chipped in the rest, with the understanding they would send me the hat after the photo shoot.

As you can see from the cover shoot photos above, the dress was more blue than we realized, so Kristopher did a little photoshop magic to adjust the color of the dress to match the hat. I think the dress color in the final design is just right!

Thank you Kristopher, for your amazing work on my covers! Thank you Darna, for designing such a special hat. It really gives the cover that authentic look, and we’ve already received so many complements.

I love to dress up in costume for speaking events related to my books, and I can’t wait to wear this lovely hat and the dress that was made to look very similar to the one on the cover!

I’ll be wearing them at the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Conference Genre Dinner next week in Dallas. I’ll wear them again for the Open House, celebrating the release of A Refuge at Highland Hall, at my home in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Saturday October 17th 2:00 – 4:00pm. And you’ll find me dressed up at the Paris in a Cup Costume Tea Party on Saturday October 31st, 11:00 and 2:30, in Orange, California. I’d love to meet you at one of these events! For more information, please visit my Extra Page at my website.

Do you like to dress in period costumes or wear unique hats? Please tell me more!