Carrie Turansky's Blog, page 28

Local Book Launch~October 5th

Carrie and her husband Scott, pastor of Calvary Chapel Living Hope, Robbinsville, New Jersey

Hi Friends,

I hope you’ll mark your calendar and plan to join me on Sunday, October 5th, for the official launch of my new book, The Daughter of Highland Hall, Book 2 in the Edwardian Brides Series.

I’m grateful for my church, Calvary Chapel Living Hope, and I’m excited they’re willing to celebrate this book launch with me during our 10 o’clock Sunday Morning service. I’ll be sharing briefly about the story and about using books as an outreach tool. Then after the service I’ll be signing and giving away copies of The Daughter of Highland Hall, one per family. We’ll also be serving some special homemade British refreshments that day.

I hope you’ll come and enjoy the worship service with us and pick up your copy of The Daughter of Highland Hall! For information about Calvary Chapel Living Hope and directions please visit our church website: www.takejesushome.com.

If you don’t live close enough to attend, I hope you’ll pick up a copy at your local bookstore, or you can order it from my website.

Blessings and Happy Reading,

Carrie

Come and Join Me for a Book~Signing Luncheon Tea!

Hi Friends, If you live in the Orange County, California area, I hope you’ll join me and my friends Cathy and Valerie, owners of Paris in a Cup, as we launch my newest book, The Daughter of Highland Hall, Saturday, October 18th with a book signing luncheon Tea. The Meet and Greet and book signing starts at 10:30, and the Luncheon begins at 11:00 am.

Fans of Downton Abbey, Jane Eyre, and Pride & Prejudice will enjoy this pure and inspiring romance, taking place in Edwardian England amid a clash of cultures and changing times. This is book 2 of the Edwardian Brides Series, but don’t worry this enjoyable read stands alone. In case you want to start with the first book in the series, The Governess of Highland Hall, I will have extra copies on hand for you to purchase.

I’ll be sharing about my visit to Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey is filmed, and how that series inspired my novels. I’m dressing up Edwardian style, and you’re welcome to dress up if you’d like, but that’s optional. Your paid reservation includes a copy of The Daughter of Highland Hall, a lovely lunch, delicous tea, a question and answer time, and applicable tax and gratuity. The cost is $49.95. Seating is very limited; reservations are prepaid and are non-refundable.

To make your reservation visit www.parisinacup.com or call 714-538-9411.

Paris in a Cup is a lovely Tea salon, visit their website to see the photos.

To learn more about The Daughter of Highland Hall visit this page.

I hope to see you there!

Carrie

New Highland Hall Audio Book!

Hi Friends,

I have some exciting news to share! Today is the release day for the new audio version of The Governess of Highland Hall. The story is read by Veida Dehmlow, a very talented British narrator, and she does an excellent job giving the characters different voices and bringing the story to life.

Audio books are great to listen to while you exercise, drive, clean house, or take a walk. They are especially nice to listen to on road trips. You can take the story with you wherever and whenever you’d like to listen!

The Governess of Highland Hall Audio Version is available from Tantor Audio Books: $10.00 to download, $15 for MP3 CD, or $20 for Audio CDs or from Amazon: $20.24, or Free with Amazon Audible 30 day free trial.

Do you enjoy audio books? What is your favorite time or place to listen to one?

Happy Listening!

Carrie

 

Song of the Prairie

Hi Friends,

Today I want to welcome my good friend and fellow author, Vickie McDonough, to my blog. Vickie writes inspirational prairie romances that have won multiple awards. Vickie’s newest book, Song of the Prairie, just released! It’s book 3 in the Pioneer Promises Series.

Vickie, please tell us about the heroine in the story.

Janie Dunn’s dream of being an opera singer suddenly fades when, at her dying cousin’s request, she flees Boston with her deceased cousin’s newborn son to protect him from his abusive father. She moves to Kansas to live with her brother, but life takes another dire change when he is suddenly killed. Is a marriage of convenience the answer to her problems? Is Kansas far enough away from Boston that they are safe from the baby’s vengeful father?

What can you tell us about the hero?

I loved writing my hero, Aaron Harper. He’s the oldest of the three Harper brothers and has waited patiently for me to tell his story in the final book of the series. He’s such a good, honorable man, but he’s troubled because he was unable to make his first wife happy. He feels partly responsible for her death even though he wasn’t. I loved giving him the woman he deserves—a woman who could love him as much as he loves her.

What type of reserach did you do for this story?

I had to do quite a bit of research for Janie’s character. Her dream is to be an opera star and sing on the big stage—and she has the voice for it—but the right doors haven’t opened for her. I had to study opera a bit and learn some musical terminology to make creative analogies and metaphors for her character.

This sounds like a great story! I know readers are going to enjoy it.

What are the titles of the other books in the series?

Whispers on the Prairie and Call of the Prairie.

We are giving away a copy of Song of the Prairie to one person who leaves a comment. I’ll choose a winner on Sunday, August 17th. US entries only.

Blessings and Happy Reading!

Carrie

 

Writer’s World Blog Tour

Hi Friends,

I’ve been invited to participate in the Writer’s World Blog Tour by fellow author and friend, Jocelyn Green. Jocelyn is an award-winning author of multiple fiction and nonfiction works, including Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives, and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she co-wrote with Dr. Gary Chapman. Her first novel in the Heroines Behind the Lines series, Wedded to War, was a Christy Award finalist, and the gold medal winner in historical fiction from the Military Writers Society of America. A native Northerner, she and her Southern-born-and-bred husband live in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with their two children. Her goal with every book is to inspire faith and courage in her readers. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com and www.facebook.com/jocelyngreenauthor.

Jocelyn’s Writer’s World Tour blog post went up on August 4th. Please check it out here: http://www.jocelyngreen.com/blog-2/

Now it’s my turn to answer the blog tour questions.

What are you working on now?

I’m writing A Refuge at Highland Hall, Book Three in the Edwardian Brides Series. It’s an English historical romance set during World War One on a large country estate in Berkshire. This is the same time period as Downton Abbey Season 1 and 2, and I hope to capture a similar emotional tone in this series. The books feature a wealthy aristocratic family and their loyal staff members as they go through the ups and downs of life and love, and face the changes The Great War brings to everyone at Highland Hall. Penny Ramsey, the young heroine of this story, faces many challenges, including helping the man she loves find hope and a renewed faith after he is critically injured in the fighting. I’ve plotted out the story, but I’m just writing chapter three, so I have a long way to go. But Book One, The Governess of Highland Hall, is available now. Book Two, The Daughter of Highland Hall, releases, October 7th. For more info about the series I hope you’ll visit: www.carrieturansky.com

How does your work differ from others in its genre?

There are a growing number of CBA authors setting novels in England, but there aren’t too many who write novels that take place during the Edwardian era, so that makes my books unique. I love doing in-depth research, and then I enjoy using what I’ve learned to bring the time period to life for my readers. Some have told me my descriptions help them see what’s happening in the story, and they enjoy that aspect of my writing. Others have said they like the way my characters work through difficulties and live out their faith. I’ve taken two recent trips to England to help me develop this series, and I think that has helped me create a realistic setting that my readers enjoy.

Why do you write what you do?

I am a romantic at heart and an optimist who believes that love, especially God’s love, can overcome great obstacles and bring healing and hope to broken lives. My characters face great struggles, but I always write a happy ending for them. Good overcomes evil. God’s grace and truth offer hope in the most difficult situations. I like to weave spiritual themes into my novels through the conflicts my characters face. The way the characters work through the challenges often shows my beliefs about the importance of love, faith, and family relationships.

How does your writing process work?

I like to start by researching a time period, an area, or an incident in history. Also love to read diaries and biographies of people who lived during that time period. Following those research trails helps me find my stories. I need time to absorb it all and mull it over for a few weeks. Then I use writing tools like Susan May Warren’s My Book Therapy resources and Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake Pro to work on the characters and synopsis. I sometimes write note cards for each scene. Then I start writing chapter one and move ahead in the story. I wish I could write faster, and that’s something I am working on with this book. I’m trying to free myself up to get the first draft done more quickly and then have more time for revisions after that. Some days the words flow, and other days it’s a painful struggle. But it’s always a joy to type “The End” and know readers will be carried away to England to share the journey and experiences with my characters.

The Tour Continues!

I’ve tagged three of my author friends to join the tour. So I hope you’ll jump aboard with us. Cathy Gholke, Terri Gillespie, and Sherri Wilson Johnson will be posting on August 18th. Here’s a bit about these interesting ladies and links to their blogs:

Cathy Gohlke is the two-time Christy Award-winning author of the critically acclaimed novels Saving Amelie, Band of Sisters, Promise Me This (listed by Library Journal as one of the best books of 2012), William Henry is a Fine Name, and I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires (listed by Library Journal as one of the best books of 2008), which also won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Award. When not traipsing the hills and dales of historic sites, Cathy and her husband divide their time between Northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore. Visit her online at her website: http://authorcathygohlke.com

Terri Gillespie has been writing stories since her grandmother set up an ancient Royal typewriter on a metal table and stool. As her brothers and cousins played outside on their grandparents’ small farm, Terri typed and illustrated adventure stories about horses, dolphins and elephants. Today her stories are adventures of a different kind—contemporary fiction and nonfiction about women who have been wounded by life and long for identity and purpose. Her novel is titled She Does Good Hair and she’s written a women’s devotional, Making Eye Contact with God. When she’s not writing—or reading—she and hubby Bob work together on various corporate and institutional video productions. They celebrate a major collaboration this year, their 40th wedding anniversary. Terri loves to connect with her readers via her website: www.terrigillespie.com, Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriGillespie, Twitter: @TerriGMavens, and Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/terrilgillespie.

Sherri Wilson Johnson is an Inspirational Romance novelist, a speaker, and a former homeschooling mom who’d rather have laugh lines under her eyes than worry lines across her forehead. She lives in Georgia with her husband, her two children and her Chihuahua, Posey. Her favorite thing to do when she’s not with her family is to curl up with a good book or to work on her current work-in-progress. She loves to dream of visiting romantic places and is passionate about the Lord, motherhood, homeschooling, and writing. Sherri is the author of To Dance Once More and Song of the Meadowlark. Her third novel, To Laugh Once More, releases in September. She is a columnist with Habits for a Happy Home and Choose NOW Ministries. Visit Sherri’s blog: http://sherriwilsonjohnson.com/blog/ 

Giveaway ~ Celebrating 100 5-Star Reviews on Amazon!

Hi Friends,

The Governess of Highland Hall has received over 100 5-Star Reviews on Amazon, and it’s time to celebrate! As a way to say thank you to my friends and help more readers discover this story . . . I’m hosting this fun giveaway of Highland Hall themed gifts. See the photo and list of items below.

I purchased the recipe book, tea towel, and bluebell sachet in England on my last trip. So they’ve traveled all around the UK and back home with me . . . and I’m excited to share them with you!

The items in the Giveaway include:

Two English Bone China Teacups
Tea Towel from England’s Lake District (Home of Beatrix Potter)
Bluebell Sachet
Vintage Teatime Recipe Book
Scone Mix
Orange Marmalade and Raspberry Jam
Box of Twinnings Tea
The Daughter of Highland Hall Postcards and Bookmarks
An Autographed Copy of The Governess of Highland Hall

Everyone who enters the giveaway will receive email updates from me, so you’ll be the first to know when I have a new release or free eBook available.

The Giveaway runs from August 2 – 9. I’ll notify the winner by email after the giveaway closes. Please share this link with your friends!

Good luck and Happy Reading!

***Update***  I’ve heard from several people who say they are having trouble with the password and are unable to leave a comment. I’m sorry. We are working on this problem and hope to fix it soon. You can refresh the page and try again, or you can leave me a comment through the form on my connect page of the website and I will enter your name in the drawing. Thanks!

Carrie

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Edwardian Hairstyles & Jewelry

Hi Friends

As an author of historical fiction I want to help readers step back in time and bring my chosen time period to life. One way I try to do this is by including the fashions, hairstyles, and jewelry of the era. I want my descriptions to help readers “see” my characters and sense a connection with them.

My next book, The Daughter of Highland Hall, follows the Ramsey family as they travel to London in 1912 for the social season. The heroine of this story is Katherine (Kate) Ramsey, a wealthy young debutante who is looking forward to coming out into society and hopefully receiving a marriage proposal while she is in London for her first season.

Researching the clothes and jewelry Kate might have worn for the different events she would attend and how she would’ve fixed her hair was fun research! I learned young women spent hours each day dressing, changing, and preparing for the next event. It’s a good thing these wealthy young women often had a lady’s maids to help them because they never would’ve been able to do it all themselves!

Pinterest has been a great place to research Edwardian fashions, jewelry, and hairstyles. I have created several boards with images that I can refer to and that my readers can enjoy.

Would you like to see more photos of Edwardian hairstyles, jewelry, or fashions? Click on over to my Pinterest pages and take a look.

The Daughter of Highland Hall is available for pre-order and will be released October 7th. Until then I hope you’ll enjoy reading The Governess of Highland Hall or one of my other books listed here.

Happy Reading!

Carrie

 

 

Visiting the Lake District ~ Home of Beatrix Potter

Lake Windermere

Hi Friends,

One of the highlights of my trip to England this spring was visiting the Lake District, which is the northwest section of England. The azeleas, rhododendrons, and bluebells were blooming, and new lambs frolicked in the pastures. I fell in love with this beautiful area, and I hope to go back one day.

Cathy Gohlke and I stayed in the lovely village of Windermere, which is on one of the largest lakes in the area. We enjoyed touring the countryside, taking in views of the lakes and valleys (called fells), and visiting several other villages including Grasmere, Keswick, and Ambleside.

Beatrix Potter at the door of Hilltop Farm

Beatrix Potter, the author of Peter Rabbit and many other children’s stories, owned several farms in the Lake District, and she wanted to preserve the land for future generations to enjoy. In her will she left much of her land to The National Trust. Besides writing and illustrating children’s books, she was involved in raising prize-winning sheep.

We visited Beatrix’s Hilltop Farm and enjoyed walking through her home and garden. Guides in each room showed us scenes from her books that were actually views of her home and garden. I read a book about Beatrix while we were in England, and I loved learning more about her life and her writing. Very inspiring!

Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop Farm and Garden

William Wordsworth’s Daffodil Garden

The poet William Wordsworth is also from the Lake District. We visited his school and the churchyard where he and his family are buried. There was a lovely daffodil garden planted there in his memory. We also ate the most delicious gingerbread made in a tiny shop in Grasmere. It was a bit chewy like a cookie…spicy and sweet. the perfect treat to have with our afternoon tea!

The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

 

 

Have you ever read any of Beatrix Potter’s books or William Wordsworth’s poetry?

Cathy and I are both thinking about setting more stories in England ….

Until then, Happy Reading!

A Carol Award Finalist!

Hi Friends,

I have some happy news to share! The Governess of Highland Hall has been named as a finalist for the ACFW Carol Awards. The Carol Awards are American Christian Fiction Writers recognition for the best in Christian fiction published by traditional publishers in the previous calendar year. There are three finalists in each of eleven catagories. The winners will be announced in ST. Louis on September 27th at the ACFW annual conference. To purchase your copy of The Governess of Highland Hall follow this link.

I am honored to be on the historical romance list with Jody Hedlund for her novel, Noble Groom, and Elizabeth Camden for, Into the Whirlwind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you looking for some great summer reading? Then check out this list of the finalists for the ACFW Carol Award!

Happy Reading!

Carrie

The Daughter of Highland Hall . . . Cover Reveal

Hi Friends,

I am thrilled to share the beautiful new cover design for The Daughter of Highland Hall, Book 2 in the Edwardian Brides Series! I’m just finishing the copy edits this week, then I’ll send it back to the publisher for typesetting and printing. It will release October 7th as an eBook and paperback.

If you enjoyed The Governess of Highland Hall, then you’ll want to find out what happens to  the Ramsey family and their loyal staff as they journey to London for Katherine’s presentation to the king and queen and her first social season. Two men capture her interest and challenge her views about life. Will she receive a proposal and find the freedom and love she is seeking . . . or will a new dream stir her heart?

You can pre-order you copy of The Daughter of Highland Hall at CBD, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble. It will be available at other retailers soon. Until then, check out my book page  for other books you might enjoy.

Here’s what one reviewer said about The Governress of Highland Hall: “I loved this book! As I am a huge Downton Abbey fan, this lovely story of Julia, the governess of Highland Hall, filled in the gap between seasons very nicely. Carrie Turansky has such a beautiful writing style, bringing all her characters to life, and highlighting their faith in the midst of all their struggles. If you enjoy Downton Abbey, or books set in that time period, you will find this book hard to put down. I know I did! And I will definitely be watching for the next one in this series, as well as any other Carrie Turansky books I can get my hands on! 5 stars!”   Thanks Cathy D.

Blessings and Happy Reading,

Carrie