Carrie Turansky's Blog, page 26

Finding the Stories . . .

On the stairs in the great hall at Tyntesfield – Highland Hall

Hi Friends,

I’m often asked, “Where do you find the ideas for your stories?” That’s a great question! I usually discover my plot and characters while I’m doing research. Reading books about the time period and location, watching movies, and reading newspapers, diaries, and biographies are some of the ways I find new ideas for stories. Traveling to the location is another great way to learn what’s needed to make my stories come alive.

I just created a new page at my website that gives readers a look at my research process and my trips to England, with lots of photos and fun memories. I’d love to share it with you!

I hope you’ll click on over and pay a visit to England with me!

Happy Reading!

Carrie

Carrie and Cathy at Inverarary Castle, Scotland

 

A Refuge at Highland Hall

Hi Friends,

I’m excited to share the beautiful new cover of A Refuge at Highland Hall with you! This final book in the Edwardian Brides Series releases October 20, but is available now for preorder at Amazon, Christianbooks.com,  and other fine retailers.

 

 

What can you expect in this next story? Many of the same characters that you got to know in Book 1 and 2 return, but this time Penny Ramsey steps forward as the heroine. The hero is a wonderfully brave and daring Bristish pilot, Alex Goodwin, who grew up in India with Julia (Foster) Ramsey and Jon Foster.

You’ll be swept away to England and France in 1915 as Penny and Alex face the challenges and losses of World War One, yet also experience the hope and triumph that comes as they put their trust in God to carry them through. The Ramseys welcome a group of orphaned children to Highland and must send members of the family and staff off to war. You’ll be thrilled by action packed scenes when Alex chases German zeppelins across the sky over the Front Line in France. And 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. But most of all I hope you’ll be inspired by the characters’ examples of trusting God through whatever trials you might face.

Fans of “Downton Abbey” will find many of the same elements in this series: A wealthy, aristocratic family living on a large English country estate with romance, conflicts, and family drama; and loyal servants with troubles and heartaches of their own.

The Governess of Highland Hall was a finalist for the ACFW Carol Award and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and The Daughter of Highland Hall is nominated for Inspy Award.

Why not catch up on the series while you wait for Book 3? Visit my website where you can read the first chapters and order your copies of The Governess of Highland Hall and The Daughter of Highland Hall.

 

Happy Reading!

Carrie

 

Dinner Downton Abbey Style

Hi Friends,

Have you ever wished you’d been invited to dinner at Downton Abbey? Well, even if you’re not headed for England to dine with Lord and Lady Grantham … why not host your own dinner party – Downton Abbey style?

As part of my research for the Edwardian Brides Series I’ve read several books about the time period, including Charles MacPherson’s book, “The Butler Speaks: A Guide to Stylish Entertaining, Etiquette, and the Art of Good Housekeeping.” Here are some tips from his book to help you plan your party.

Setting the Right Mood

The Edwardian era was all about excess. It was the fanciest period England had seen for several centuries, even more ornate than the Victorian era. So think big. The more elaborate you can make the table, the better. The British nobility at the time was very concerned with status, which dictated where people sat. Consider assigning your guests titles, and perhaps make name tags with names and titles. Ask them to dress for dinner, but remember the rules of etiquette: no hats for women after 5 p.m. Ladies always removed their gloves and lay them in their laps.

A Little Dinner Music

Music at an Edwardian-era dinner party would have been provided by a soloist, usually a piano player. So a CD of piano music by a single pianist would be appropriate for a Downton-style dinner. But music would have been only for the predinner reception in the drawing room. Turn off the music when it’s time for the meal.

Mind the Linens

White linens are really what’s done among the aristocracy, MacPherson said. That goes for both the tablecloth and the napkins. Napkins would have been heavily starched and folded into an elaborate shape, so go online to find instructions for a fancy napkin fold, or borrow a book from the library.

Place the napkin on the bread and butter plate, not in the center of the place setting. Why? If an ill-mannered guest didn’t put his napkin in his lap, the butler would have nowhere to set the guest’s plate. And the butler would have been far too genteel to embarrass the guest by telling him to move the napkin.

Use Your Best China

Edwardians loved expensive hand-painted china and decorative transfer ware, which was new at the time. So patterned china would be most appropriate. Haul out Grandma’s dishes, borrow from a friend, or visit a thrift/secon-hand store.

A Myriad of Glassware

MacPherson recommended using cut crystal, which was the style of the day. If you don’t own it, shop the secondhand stores, but don’t worry about finding a matching set. Mixing and matching is fine. After all, Queen Victoria brought it into style because she didn’t have enough matching pieces for everyone at big dinners.

Candles Galore

Use candles in abundance. Remember that electricity was still new in the early 20th Century, and many people were afraid of it, MacPherson said. Elegant dinners would have been eaten by candlelight, since electricity was thought to give off harmful vapors.

Ivory candles are most authentic, since candles at the time would have been the color of the fat from which they were made. But white candles are a good choice, too.

Joys of Servants

The dining scenes on Downton Abbey usually show the guests helping themselves from serving dishes offered by the servants. But during the Edwardian era kitchen staff usually put the food onto the guests’ plate, and the butler placed the loaded plates in front of the guests. What, you don’t have servants? Hire your kids to serve, or maybe find some neighborhood teenagers willing to do the job.

Servants at the time would have worn morning suits, probably made by the same tailor who made the lord’s clothing. The fancier the uniform, the higher the master’s status.

Upper-Class Attitude

“The most important thing is to have self-confidence,” McPherson said. Explain to your guests the history and reasoning behind your choices, from the fruit in the centerpiece to the folds in the napkins. “Don’t apologize and say, ‘Oh, I’m sorry this doesn’t match or that doesn’t match. Instead, project all the self-assurance that befits a host.” Would the Crawleys do it any other way?

What’s on the Menu?

Appetizers

Beef Tenderloin on Black Pepper Brioche with Bearnaise & Horseradish Cream
Lobster Rissoles with Mousseline Sauce
Deviled Eggs
Salmon Mousse Pinwheels
Bread Boxes with Welsh Rarebit

First Course

Grilled Quail and Truffle Salad on Toasted Brioche
Wild Mushroom Consomme (suitable for vegetarians)

Second Course

Lemon and Herb Crusted Sole with Celeriac Veloute, Pickled Cucumber and Celery Leaves
Root Vegetable Napoleon with Celeriac Veloute, Pickled Cucumber and Celery Leaves (vegetarian alternative)
Grilled Provimi Veal Tenderloin Medallion, Fava Bean Agnollotti with English Pea Foam, Spring Vegetable Bundle & Asiago Tulle with Sterling Premium Caviar
Roast Loin of Venison, Tart Greens (savoy cabbage and watercress), Black Currants and Spaetzle

Salad & Cheese Course

Fennel & Orange Salad with Toasted Walnuts, Golden Raisins and Endive, Orange Vinaigrette
A Selection of Artisinal Cheeses – Aged Comte, Humbolt Fog, Bayley Hazen Blue and Thistle Hill Farm Tarentaise

Dessert

Strawberry Charlotte Russe
Frozen Meyer Lemon “Caviar” Parfait (made with tapioca) with Fresh Berry Compote
Passion Fruit Shells Filled with a Selection of Mousses: Raspberry, Passion Fruit, White Chocolate & Ginger Mango

Doesn’t it all sounds delightful?  Polish the silver, starch the linens, send out the invitations, and enjoy the evening with your friends!

Step into Edwardian life in England when you read The Governess of Highland Hall and The Daughter of Highland Hall. Read the first chapters and order your copy here.

 

Thank you to The Detroit Free Press for sharing much of this wonderful information. You can read the full article here.

Thanks to The Catered Affair for their menu. You can read their full blog post here.

Blessings,

Carrie

Gift of Grace by Sharlene MacLaren

Hi Friends,

Today I invited author Sharlene MacLaren to tell us about her new release, Gift of Grace, which is book 3 in the Tennessee Dreams Series. Sharlene is a talented author and good friend. I hope you’ll visit her website and find out more about her books.

Here’s a brief description of the story:

 Grace Fontaine must bid farewell to her beloved Boston to care for her dying great aunt in the fair little town of Paris, Tennessee. There is nothing holding her in Boston anyway, especially since the death of her fiancé, Jess Quinn, some two years prior when the ship he’d been aboard went down and all reports came back – “No survivors”. Upon her arrival in Paris, Grace quickly meets and falls in love with one of Paris’s charming lawyers, Conrad Hall, who wastes no time in proposing marriage. With his promise to love, care for, and protect her, how can Grace possibly say no? Of course, she knows nothing of his devious plan to inherit her aunt’s abundant wealth – his sole reason for wanting to marry her. Mere weeks before the wedding, a most shocking set of circumstances arises, which could very well put a wrench in the wedding plans. Jess Quinn is very much alive and his arrival in Paris to reclaim his fiancée is proof positive.

Thanks for sharing this good news with us, Sharlene! And thanks for writing stories that inspire and delight your readers!

Happy Reading,

Carrie

 

Remembering John Turansky

John Turansky, Carrie’s Father-in-law

It’s hard to say goodbye to a much-loved family member. This past weekend my father-in-law John Turansky passed away. John had a stroke several years ago and progressively lost much of his memory, but his wife took excellent care of him, making sure he could enjoy his remaining years. As I sort through photos and we get ready to honor him at a memorial service on February 4th, it made me think about the wonderful legacy he has left for us.

John was an energetic pastor who planted several churches and discipled believers for almost 50 years. He memorized hundreds of verses of Scripture and preached practical sermons that touched countless lives. But even more than all those things, I remember the fun family times we shared with him. He loved to play games, especially backgammon and card games. He also enjoyed traveling and liked to take his kids and grandkids on adventures.

Back row: John, Scott, Josh, Melinda, Carrie, and Shirley. Front row: Melissa, Ben, Lizzy, and Megan at Josh’s wedding in 2002.

He was a very wise and thrifty man, often saying things like:  “Do your homework before you spend any money” . . . and . . .  “Turn off the lights!” He also loved to share practical advice with young people: “You don’t fall in love – you fall down stairs. You fall in ditches. You plan your love life.” And, “You’ve got to marry someone who is going places.” His most famous saying was added to all his sermons, encouraging us to apply what we’d heard: “So what?  How does this apply to me?”

Josh and Scott in the Back, Hudson, John, and Hayden in front.

John was always a great encouragement and support to Scott and me as we raised our children. His powerful, positive impact on our children’s lives cannot be measured. He invested love, time, and attention on each one, often making cards and booklets by cutting out photos from magazines to create funny stories, or to illustrate Bible verses or topics. He had a powerful influence on them spiritually. Our oldest son Josh posted about his grandpa’s impact on his life. Even though John lived in Hawaii for many years, he would regularly make the long journey to New Jersey to see his grandkids.

When I think of John, I think of faithfulness . . . devotion to God and family . . . humor and creativity . . . and so much more. He has left us a great expample to follow. He fought the good fight and finished the race well. Now he gets to enjoy heaven, and best of all, see the Savior he loved and served so well all these years.

We love you, Dad. Thank you for leading the way home to heaven.

Would youl like to know more of John’s story? Visit his online memorial page.

 

 

Google Searches, Little Green Men, and More…

Hi Friends,

It’s surprising what you find doing a Google search!  Today I was looking for a painting I’d seen at Tyntesfield, the estate I have in mind as I write my Highland Hall books, and I found a blog post written by the photographer whose photo was used on the cover of The Governess of Highland Hall. When the book came out he recieved a copy from my publisher and wrote about it on his blog – Little Green Men Photography.

This quote stung a bit:  “Reading the blurb on the back, it’s clear that the story is some kind of Edwardian bodice-ripper, unashamedly cashing in on the current popularity ofDownton Abbey.”

Hmmmm, an Edwardian bodice-ripper? I think he must not have read the story. I wondered if I should respond and leave a comment on his blog to set the story straight or let it go. After a thinking a about it a few minutes, here is the comment I posted:

Hello, I’m the author of The Governess of Highland Hall, and the one who pointed the art director to your lovely photo for possible use on the cover. Your photos were a great help to me as I wrote the story and imagined what my characters would do and see at Highland Hall. I watched a documentary about Tyntesfield and found several more photos online that I saved on a Pinterest board . . . but yours were the first. Thank you for sharing them!

I was very excited to finally visit Tyntesfield last May. What a delight! It is even more beautiful in person than in the photos. The National Trust staff was very kind and gave me a private tour of several of the rooms that were closed to most visitors. It was a wonderful day that I will never forget. I took a lot of photos myself that day.

I’ve gone on to write two more books in the series. The Daughter of Highland Hall released last October. It is mainly set in London, and now I’m working on A Refuge at Highland Hall, which releases this coming October. This story brings us back to Highland Hall (Tyntesfield) and follows the Ramsey family through WW1. The hero is a very brave and daring British pilot who must learn how to build a new life after he is injured in the war, but not before he takes down a German zeppelin. I enjoyed the research and learning more about WW1 in England and France. I try to give my readers a look back at history as well as romance, family drama, and inspiration.

The Governess of Highland Hall is not a bodice-ripper. My novels are inspriational, clean-reads that can be enjoyed by teens through greatgrandmothers with no embarrassment. I’m very happy about that, and so are my readers. The Governess of Highland Hall has done well in the US and has been translated into Dutch. It’s been a finalist for two national writing awards and has some great reviews on Amazon.

I hope you’re pleased to see your photo used for the cover. I would’ve sent my thanks earlier, but I just found this blog post when I Googled Tyntesfield images. I hope you keep taking and sharing great photos! You never know who you will inspire!

————————

When we or our work are criticized or belittled, we have a choice how we respond. It felt great to set the record straight, yet do it in a way that I hope was kind and informative. I hope the Little Green Men agree! :  )

***Update, check out Ian Wilson’s reply to my comment. It seems I’ve won a friend who is eager to share more photos with me for future projects.

Happy Reading,

Carrie

 

Looking Back With a Grateful Heart

Hi Friends,

Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to a great 2015. As I look back at 2014, I am grateful for so many blessings and experiences.

One of the highlights from last year was my trip to England in May. My Edwardian Brides series is set there, and I was eager to see more of the country and visit the location I’d chosen for the setting. For months my friend and fellow author, Cathy Gohlke, and I exchanged emails and phone calls as we planned our trip. Our excitement grew as we made reservations and purchased our tickets.

Finally on May first, we flew overnight from Philadelphia to Manchester. From there we took a train down to Bristol. The next morning we set off to explore Tyntesfield, the beautiful country estate I have in mind as I write about Highland Hall. I’d seen several photos of Tyntesfield online and even watched a documentary about its history, but I was not prepared for how amazing it was to see it in person.

We went to the gift shop first where we met our friend and fellow author Melanie Dobson, who was also doing research for her novels. The day was bright and sunny, and the gardens were in bloom. As we toured the house and grounds I was continually awestruck by the beautiful details in the woodwork, tile, furniture, paintings and sculptures. Cathy, Melanie, and I kept smiling and saying how beautiful it was as we snapped more photos. It just felt so unreal to be there!

I’d hoped to see the night nursery, since many of the scenes in The Governess of Highland Hall take place there, but we were told an antique mirror had fallen and broken on the floor, causing a mercury spill which was dangerous, so the room was closed. But when the staff learned I was an author who had set a novel at Tyntesfield, we were taken upstairs on a private tour of the day nursery and shown the governess’s bedroom. What a delight! It was just as I had pictured it. We saw several other beautiful rooms as well.

One of the most surprising and beautiful parts of Tyntesfield is the chapel. The Gibbs Family who oringially build Tyntesfield were deelply committed to their faith and added this lovely chapel to their home. The stained glass windows and the mosaics are amazing.

 

I treasure the memories of that visit to Tyntesfield. And as I look back on the photos and read the notes in my journal, I’m thankful I could share the day with two good friend who understood how meaningful it was to me.

You may not be able to visit Tyntesfield in person . . . but you can get a taste of what it’s like when you read The Governess of Highland Hall, The Daughter of Highland Hall, and next fall, A Refuge at Highland Hall. You can order your copies here.

Until next time, Happy Reading!

Carrie

Christmas House Tour

Do you enjoy visiting friends at Christmas? I do, and I love to see how people decorate their homes for the Christmas Season. Recently I read an inspiring book called The Nesting Place, by Myquillyn Smith. She also writes a blog that shares ideas for repurposing furniture and decorating on a budget, emphisizing creativity and beauty, not perfection.

This month “The Nester” invited readers to post photos of their homes decorated for Christmas on her blog. That’s such a fun idea I decided to borrow it and invite my blog-reading friends over to our home for a virtual visit.

Welcome to our home! I like to gather evergreens and holly to fill the pots on our front steps and to make a swag to hang by the door.

 

One of the first things you’ll see when you come in the front door is this olive wood nativity set Scott and I brought back from our visit to Israel shortly after we were married. Joseph has lost his staff and the star has come down off the stable roof, but we still enjoy puting it out each year.

I like to bring out my Teddy Bear Collection each December. This year I placed them on our front landing at the top of the stairs so our young guests could enjoy them. The largest bear in the back, “Joshua Bear” was one we gave our son Josh when he was a baby 30 years ago.Each December I also bring out my basket of Christmas books. We’ve collected these over the years and read many of them aloud to our kids and grandkids. There are a lot of happy memories in that basket.Our living room is the gathering place in our home on Christmas and all year long. I try to make it cozy and inviting.

I found this pretty pillow online at Dayspring. I especially like the contrast of the bright red birds against the cream and gold background. This simple white nativity below was given to us by dear friends who are missionaries in Kenya. When I put it out it reminds me of them and the wonderful work they are doing there. The quilt table-topper was a gift from another good friend.



Since I’m from Oregon where we always cut down a fresh Christmas tree, we continue that tradition here in New Jersey. Scott and I visit a the McLaughlin Tree Farm in Robbinsville, near where our church meets.

Our dining room with just a peek at my corner desk. We’ll be eating Christmas brunch here before we open our gifts.These gold angles were given to my by my mom, Dorothy Swain. The Mitchell Tolle print of the grandmother teaching her granddaughter to quilt also reminds me of my mom who was a wonderful quilter and artist.

This colorful angel was given to me by my sister-in-law, Traci, and I enjoy bringing it out each December. We hope you enjoyed your visit. Scott and I wish you a very Merry Christmas. May you be blessed with God’s peace and joy as you celebrate the Savior’s birth.

Would you like to see some more homes decorated for Christmas? Visit the Nester’s Blog for the Christmas House Tour.

Blessings and Happy Reading!

Carrie

 

An Edwardian Christmas

Hi Friends,

How did they celebrate Christmas in England 100 years ago? I’ve collected some delightful images to share with you. Come on over to Pinterest and take a look. You don’t need to have an account to view this special board. Just click on the link below.

Merry Christmas,

Carrie

Follow Carrie’s board Edwardian Christmas on Pinterest.

Heartwarming Christmas Stories

Hi Friends, I enjoy reading novels set during the Christmas Season, and I’ve written a few too. Here are some I wanted to recomment to you, plus a few of my holiday novels and novellas. For more information just click on the covers.

Where Treetops Glisten, By: Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, Sarah Sundin:  Holiday romance blossoms during World War II! In White Christmas, Abigail helps Jackson care for his mother. In I’ll Be Home for Christmas, fighter pilot Pete gives a special gift to a widow and her daughter. And in Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, combat nurse Meredith wonders if the man who betrayed her has returned. Three heartwarming holiday novellas by three great authors!

 

Evergreen, By Susan May Warren: An empty nest has Ingrid Christiansen dreading the upcoming holidays, but her husband, John, couldn’t be more excited about this new season of life. He even has a surprise trip abroad planned. He’s sure she’ll love it. What’s more romantic than Christmas in Paris? Before he can stop her, however, Ingrid agrees to spearhead a major church project. Then their faithful dog, Butterscotch, needs emergency surgery, draining their savings. And then-because disasters strike in threes-an unexpected guest arrives, dredging up old hurts. As a beautiful blanket of snow transforms the north woods into a winter wonderland, a deep chill settles over John and Ingrid’s marriage. With the holidays fast approaching, their only hope of keeping their love evergreen depends on turning the page on the past and embracing a new chapter of their future.

Christmas At Holly Hill, by Martha Rogers: It is October 1898, and Clayton Barlow has just returned home after serving time in prison for his part in a bank robbery. His family welcomes him, but the townspeople are skeptical. Bored with life in the small town but determined to make a new start, he goes to work with his father, hoping to regain the town’s trust. Clayton recognizes the schoolteacher at the Prairie Grove School as his childhood friend, Merry Lee Warner, and old feelings surface. Still, he doubts that he could ever get a woman like Merry to love him.  As the townspeople prepare for Christmas, their suspicions about Clayton lead to trouble. Will the trusting heart of an unlikely new friend be enough to restore Clayton’s relationships with his neighbors and reunite him with God and Merry?

Snowflake Sweetheart, by Carrie Turansky: Bringing her daughters to the one place she feels safe, single mother Annie Romano returns to Fairhaven, Washington. Though hoping to start a new life as a personal chef, Annie accepts a different job, caring for an elderly friend. Alex Jameson, the handsome man she secretly loved as a teenager, needs a live-in caregiver for his ailing grandmother. A big-city workaholic in town temporarily, Alex doesn’t seem to realize how much he needs family-or love. But this holiday season, his grandmother’s matchmaking friends and one fatherless little girl start pulling at both Annie’s and Alex’s heartstrings. Just in time for the most special Christmas ever. Book 3 in the Bayside Treasures Series.

A Man to Trust, by Carrie Turansky: After years spent helping run her family’s Christian bookstore, it’s time for Adrie Chandler to give her own dream a chance. But can she really trust the beloved shop to new manager Ross Peterson? The man is too handsome, too charming, too much a reminder of another dream Adrie had to let go of-marriage. Yet Ross surprises her by knowing a thing or two about making sacrifices. Suddenly, Adrie’s questioning what she really wants. And whether the dreams she once thought unlikely are within reach after all. Book 2 in the Bayside Treasures Series.

 

Christmas Mail-Order Brides, By Carrie Turansky, Susan Page Davis, Vickie McDonough, and Therese Stenzel:  Ride the transcontinental railroad as marriage arrives by mail-order—and just in time for Christmas. Annika arrives in Wyoming to discover her intended is missing. Jolie’s journey to Nevada is derailed by disaster. Elizabeth carries a load of secrets to Nebraska. And Amelia travels to California to wrap up her final attempts at matchmaking. Will the holiday season be the ticket to spark love in unexpected ways? Carrie’s Novella: A Trusting Heart: Swedish immigrant Annika Bergstrom travels to Wyoming as a mail order bride, but when her prospective groom, Chase Simms, disappears, she finds herself falling in love with his brother Daniel. Will she take hold of her chance for love, or wait for the man she has promised to marry?

Happy Holiday Reading to All!

Carrie