Carrie Turansky's Blog, page 3
October 10, 2023
Creating the Cover for The Legacy of Longdale Manor
Have you ever wondered what it takes to create the cover for a novel? I’ve learned it takes a dedicated team of people with knowledge, skills, and creativity to capture the essence of the story in a way that will connect with readers and motivate them to read the description and hopefully buy the book. I am very grateful to have just such a team at Bethany House Publishers!
About one year before the book is released, sometimes before I’m even finished writing the story, they invite me to share my ideas for the cover as well as images of my characters and setting. I spend quite a bit of time on Pinterest and with Google image search, looking for just the right photos that will help the team understand the story. I send those in for them to view as they were considering the best cover design for the novel.
This is the image is sent to represent Longdale Manor.
Those who work in sales, market, and the art department, as well as the editors, come together to discuss ideas for the cover, and then a designer creates cover mock ups. The team discusses those ideas and what they think will best appeal to readers. When they all agree, they send me the “final” cover design options and ask for my feedback.
These are the first two designs. I loved the image of the heroine, the colors, and the manor house on the right, but I had a few suggestions. I asked if they could increase the type size and weight so it would still be readable when the cover was reduced online, and I asked if they could change the paper in the middle to a journal, since that was one of the key items that tied the historical and contemporary plots together.
The designer went back to work and they sent me the next design. I loved the addition of the blue journal and the manor house that seemed to fit the description of Longdale Manor. I asked if they could just tip the journal a bit and I sent them a rough mock up of what I was thinking.
They very kindly took my suggestions and we had our beautiful final cover! I am so pleased with how it turned out. I think it really captures the mood of the story. Can you spot a few other small changes?
Since The Legacy of Longdale Manor released September 26, I’ve heard from so many readers who tell me how much they love the cover design. I’m sure it has caught the attention of new readers and delighted those who are familiar with my stories.
Special thanks for this lovely cover design go out to Raela, Anne, and Jenny at Bethany House, and Kathleen Lynch at Black Kat Designs.
Follow this link to order your copy of The Legacy of Longdale Manor. Does the heroine look like you pictured Charlotte? Did the journal on the cover influence you to want to read the story? I’d love to hear your thought about the cover.
Until Next Time ~ Happy Reading!
Carrie
October 4, 2023
BeLeaf Fall Fiction Giveaway
Hi Friends, just a quick note to invite you enter this fun giveaway, that includes The Legacy of Longdale Manor! There will be three winners!
1st Prize: $100.00 Amazon Gift Card & Some Great Books2nd Place: Books & Gift Basket3rd Place: BooksThe winner will be selected October 18th. This giveaway is for US residents only because of mailing costs. Click over to this Rafflecopter form and choose the authors you’d like to follow.
Until Next Time ~ Happy Reading,
Carrie
September 28, 2023
Do You Read Endorsements?
Do you read those first few pages of a novel where you find the endorsements? Does that sway your opinion and pique your interest in a story?
I’m very grateful for the authors who read an early copy of The Legacy of Longdale Manor and offered their endorsement! I admire each of these authors, and I have enjoyed many of their books. We share a love for history and weaving inspirational themes into our stories. Let me tell you a little more about them and their latest novels.
Melanie Dobson Is a master at writing dual-time novels, and she has a special way of weaving mystery and inspiration into her stories. Melanie joined me and Cathy Gohlke in England on a research trip. I loved sharing that time with her. Her latest novel is The Wings of Poppy Pendleton, which is set on an island in the St. Lawrence River between Canada and New York. You can learn more about Melanie and her books at her website.
Melanie’s Endorsement: “In this enchanting romance, Carrie Turansky opens the door of Longdale Manor and invites readers to explore its vast collection of artwork and the secrets hidden inside. As the characters, both past and present, wrestle to forgive those who’ve wronged them, the beautiful manor house harbors deep sorrows and the sweetest of joys.”
Julie Klassen writes Regency novels that have won rave reviews from readers and many prestigious awards. She has traveled to England several times and led group of readers on some of those trips. Julie loves to weave mystery, romance, and inspiration into her stories and brings the setting and characters to life! Julie’s latest is The Sisters of Sea View, which I loved! And her next, A Winter By the Sea, releases in December. Visit Julie’s website to learn more about her and her books.
Julie’s Endorsement: “Filled with romance, family secrets, and forgiveness, Carrie Turansky’s dual-time novel, The Legacy of Longdale Manor, will stir your faith—and your desire to visit England’s Lake District!”
Gabrielle Meyer’s latest time-crossing novels, When the Day Comes and In This Moment have been huge hits with readers and opened the door for her to write a fourth in this series! I’ve enjoyed listening to the first two, and I’m looking forward to reading/listening to more of her delightful stories! Gabrielle is dedicated and disciplined writer who puts out several novels each year, so be on the look out for her next book! Visit Gabrielle’s website to learn more about her and her books.
Gabrielle’s endorsement: “Two women, one manor house, and a century of family secrets weave together to form a heartfelt journey to redemption and forgiveness. The Legacy of Longdale Manor is a beautiful story of faith, with a hint of English charm that will appeal to fans of All Creatures Great and Small.”
Michelle Griep is the Christy Award-winning author of Victorian era novels with a Gothic feel. She loves everything about England and has written many wonderfully mysterious stories set there! Her latest are Man of Shadow and Mist and The Bride of Blackfriers Lane. I’ve enjoyed listening to her novels on Audible, and recommend them to you! Visit Michelle’s website to learn more about her and her books.
Michelle’s endorsement: “The Legacy of Longdale Manor is a poignant story of broken family relationships set amidst the lush backdrop of England’s Lake District. Author Carrie Turansky weaves together a split-time tale that ties together generations dating back a century. A masterful plot dealing with issues that every reader will relate to.”
Kate Breslin has written some amazing stories set in WW1 and WW2. We share a love for those eras and also for weaving inspirational themes into our stories. Kate lives in the Pacific Northwest, where I’m from, and we’ve enjoyed being roommates at writing conferences. I love Kate’s books! Her latest is In Love’s Time! It’s a truly moving story, and I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I did. You can learn more about Kate and her books at her website.
Kate’s endorsement: “Once again author Carrie Turansky inspires us in this beautifully written tale! Two broken women living a century apart seek healing and a sense of belonging. Yet only faith, family, and forgiveness have the power to change everything and open the heart to finding love. An unforgettable and uplifting story!”
Cathy Gohlke and I first met through a local writers’ group, and we’ve become dear friends. We’ve taken a research trip to England and Scotland and enjoyed many writing retreats together. She is a great encouragement to me! I love all her books, and each time I read a new one, I think, this is her best! Cathy is a Christy Award Hall of Fame author, and her latest book is Ladies of the Lake–a wonderful story about friendship and so much more. I highly recommend it and all her books to you! Visit Cathy’s website for the latest info about her and her books.
Cathy’s endorsement: “Exploring the deep heartache and disappointment resulting from a father’s and religious leader’s moral failure, The Legacy of Longdale Manor illuminates the need to maintain faith through serious trials. The story reveals true repentance, the joy of asking for, and of giving and receiving forgiveness, and brings vividly to life the healing, restorative fatherhood of God. Laced with sweet romance, Turansky illustrates the building blocks for godly relationships in this beautiful time slip story set amid the dramatic beauty of England’s Lake District. A deep and satisfying love story of our Heavenly Father’s shepherding and grace, The Legacy of Longdale Manor will warm hearts and resonate with readers everywhere.”
Carolyn Miller is a delightful author from down-under! We met online and have stayed connected to support and encourage each other. We started a Facebook group for those who love to read and write novels set in the UK and Ireland. You’ll find our group at Inspirational UK & Ireland – Books, Readers, and More on Facebook. Carolyn is a prolific writer with contemporary and Regency novels. Her latest Regency is: Dawn’s Untrodden Green. You can learn more about Carolyn and her books at her website.
Carolyn’s endorsement: “Carrie Turansky weaves an intriguing tale combining old and new, as two couples explore questions concerning family, identity, and what real love truly means. Set in the charming villages and surrounds of England’s Lake District, this is a story to savor over a nice cup of tea.”
Receiving these thoughtful endorsements from authors I respect and admire was so encouraging! I’m grateful to be part of a writing community that offers faithful friendship and on-going support! Thank you, Melanie, Julie, Gabrielle, Michelle, Kate, Carolyn, and Cathy!
Now that you’ve read these endorsements . . . I hope you’ll order your copy of The Legacy of Longdale Manor. I have easy order links on the book page. Thank you!
Until Next Time ~ Happy Reading,
Carrie
September 24, 2023
Legacy of Longdale Manor Launch Week Giveaway
Hello Friends, it’s launch week for my new novel, The Legacy of Longdale Manor! This dual-time story is set in England’s beautiful Lake District where two women, a century apart, are seeking faith, healing, and forgiveness. The contemporary story focuses on Gwen, a young art historian, who travels to Longdale Manor to appraise the antiques and paintings for the owners who want to raise funds to save the crumbling manor house. The historical heroine, Charlotte, and her family suffer a tragedy and betrayal, and they travel to the Lake District hoping to find refuge with Charlotte’s grandfather at Longdale Manor. The two stories are tied together by an old photograph, the discovery of a hand-carved shepherd’s staff, and Charlotte’s one-hundred-year-old journal, which holds healing words for Gwen’s wounded heart.
The early reviews have been so encouraging! I hope you’ll read on to see some of the ways you can join in the launch celebration and help me spread the word!
Join me on Facebook Live Tuesday 9/26, 10:00 AM and Saturday 9/30 at 3:00 PM Eastern for short chats and giveaways!
I hope you’ll pour yourself a cup of tea and stop by my Facebook author page to watch these fun videos. I’ll chat with you for 5minutes about the background, characters, and inspiration for the story, and I’ll offer a giveaway both times – books and tea! Even if you miss the live videos, tune in sometime in the next 24 hours, and you can still enter the giveaway! Follow this link to my Facebook author page.
Longdale Manor on the shore of Derwentwater in England’s Lake District.
Legacy of Longdale Manor Book Launch Giveaway!
Carrie with Renee DiLapo at the Books & Tea Party celebrating the launch of The Legacy of Longdale Manor.
I’m so grateful for faithful reading friends! So many of you leave reviews, share my social media posts, and send encouraging emails in response to my newsletters. This giveaway is to say thank you and let you know how much I appreciate you!
To enter, just leave a comment below, telling me one of my books you’ve enjoyed reading. If you need to jog your memory, visit my website book page to see the full list. This giveaway is open from September 24 – 30. If a US winner is chosen, they will receive the gifts pictured above. If an international winner is chosen, they will receive a $50 gift card. The winner will be contacted by email the first week in October.
Until Next Time ~ Happy Reading,
Carrie
August 28, 2023
Birthday Giveaway 2023
A Birthday Giveaway For You!
My birthday is coming soon, and to celebrate I’m giving away these two books! Both are English historical novels with romance, inspiration, and a touch of mystery! To learn more about author Sarah E. Ladd and her book, In the Shelter of Hollythorne House, visit her lovely website.
I was invited to read an early copy of Roseanna M. White’s novel, A Beautiful Disguise for endorsement and throughly enjoyed it! To learn more about Roseanna and her books, visit her website. Two winners will be chosen. This giveaway is for US residents only. The giveaway is open August 28 – September 28, 2023. To enter the giveaway leave a comment below and tell me which book you’d like to receive.
Until Next Time ~ Happy Reading,
Carrie
August 16, 2023
Join Us For Books and Tea!
Mark your calendar and plan on a fun afternoon with books, tea, treats, selfies, signings, giveaways, and encouraging conversations! We’ll be celebrating the launch of my latest book, The Legacy of Longdale Manor, and I’d love to introduce you to of my special author friends! Robin W. Pearson, Cathy Gohlke and I will give short book talks and read from our novels that are shown below. Tea and light refreshments will be served, and we’ll have our books available for sale. Books make great gifts! We’d be glad to sign them for you. Cash and checks are appreciated for book sales.
RSVP: Please let us know you’re coming by replying to this email.
Cathy Gohlke: Bestselling, Christy Hall of Fame, and Carol and INSPY Award-winning author, Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she and her husband of 40 years, Dan, divide their time between Northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. Visit her website at:
http://www.cathygohlke.com
Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of twenty-two inspirational novels and a winner of the ACFW Carol Award and the Holt Medallion. She loved traveling to England to research her Edwardian novels including The Legacy of Longdale Manor, No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, and The Highland Hall series. Her novels have received stared reviews from Christianbooks.com and Library Journal, and they have been translated into several languages. Learn more at:
https://carrieturansky.com/
Robin Pearson: Though she has lived up and down the East Coast, Robin and her husband sprouted from Southern soil and will always be rooted in North Carolina. The South flavors her faith, her family, and her fiction—not to mention her food. She is the author of three novels, including the Christy Award winner, A Long Time Comin’. Robin is a devoted wife and the homeschooling mother of seven children. You can learn more about Robin at her website: https://robinwpearson.com/
We hope you can join us for this very special Books and Tea Party!
Blessings and Happy Reading,
Carrie
July 11, 2023
Ladies of the Lake
Hi Friends,
Today we’re celebrating the release of a wonderful new women’s fiction novel, Ladies of the Lake, by Cathy Gohlke. I was able to read an early copy, and I absolutely loved the story! I invited Cathy to answer a few questions for us, so you can learn more about this amazing novel! I hope you’ll read on and see for yourself why this is a book you’ll want to order and enjoy this summer!
Where did the inspiration for this book come from?
When I first read of the Halifax Explosion (December 6, 1917) I was astonished that I’d never heard of it, considering that before the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in WWII this was the biggest manmade explosion that had ever occurred.
Reading of the devastation, of lives lost and those forever changed by burns, crippling and blindness in the Halifax Explosion, I was reminded of all my mother endured as a small child after being badly burned, how she overcame that tragedy, and yet how those injuries affected her throughout her lifetime.
It was fascinating to me that with so many disappearing in the explosion some took the opportunity to reinvent themselves and change their identity. I asked, why would a person do that? What would make a person choose to leave everything and everyone behind and forge a new life?
The growing disregard for others and increased bullying that I witness through social media and in our society greatly concerns me. I wanted to show through story that such things to which we may turn a blind eye can go beyond rudeness and can have serious and lasting consequences that we may never intend or imagine. It is our responsibility to temper our words and actions, and to stand against bullying for the sake of others.
I was inspired by Joseph’s handling of those who wronged him in the Bible, how he reacted when faced with the opportunity to retaliate or to forgive, or to forgive and embrace and wanted to see how that could play out through fictional characters.
Lastly, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of young people growing up in boarding schools, so looked for a girls’ boarding school in New England, knowing that I wanted to set the main part of the story in the U.S. That’s when I discovered Miss Porter’s School and its long and interesting history. I could well imagine four girls growing up as close friends in such a setting and together facing numerous challenges—many like challenges we face today.
Ladies of the Lake focuses on four friends. Were any of them inspired by real relationships in your own life?
I am blessed with a precious natural sister who was my very first friend and lifelong confidante, and dear longtime women friends, each a true sister of my heart. Those relationships have taught me the importance of sharing faith, truth from our hearts, trust, integrity, of championing one another’s successes, of comforting through trials and sorrow, and of refusing to allow jealousy, envy, or competition to worm their way between us. Close relationships can be challenged when years, courses and stages of life or miles come between. Love is not fragile but requires nurturing. Staying connected through letters or emails, cards, phone calls, and visits requires diligence and commitment. The value, the joy, and the strengthening of those relationships for ourselves and for the witness to our next generation as an example is worth every investment.
Which of the four young women in this novel was your favorite to write?
Addie. I understood her shyness, her desire to fit in with other girls, her feelings of shame and vulnerability as a young person and her eagerness to grow into her desired gifts of teaching and writing. I understood her desire for friendship, her sacrificial loyalty to those she embraced as family, as well as her desire to disappear when faced with returning to the world she’d known became conflicted and too hard, and when duty called her to a new direction. I appreciated Addie’s/Rosaline’s sacrifice, her determination to raise her niece as her daughter, and her great love and desire to protect her. I was inspired by Addie’s courage in overcoming her fear to return to the school years later for her daughter’s sake, even though she knew it would cost her everything to confess her secrets, to remember and confront all those she’d left behind, especially the man she’d always loved. I loved writing Addie’s character arc, her growth into the woman she was meant to become.
The Public Gardens in Halifax.
Your novel centers on the Halifax Explosion. Why did you choose this historical event to anchor your novel?
When I first read of the Halifax Explosion (December 6, 1917) I was astonished that in all my WWI research I’d never heard of it, especially considering that before the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in WWII (1947), this was the biggest manmade explosion that had ever occurred. I realized that if that was true for me, it must be true for others.
Reading of the devastation, lives lost and those forever changed by burns, crippling and blindness, I was reminded of all my mother endured as a small child after being badly burned and how she overcame that tragedy. I’ve long wanted to explore, trough a fictional character, some of the fortitude I’ve witnessed in my mother’s long life. This was the perfect opportunity to do so.
It was also fascinating to me that with so many disappearing in the Explosion some took the opportunity to reinvent themselves and change their identity. I wondered why a person would do that. What would make a person choose to leave everything and everyone behind and forge a new life?
This book explores themes of friendship, love, and resilience. Which theme was the most fun to write?
Friendship. I loved exploring the wonder and complexities of growing up with close friends from diverse backgrounds. The joy of knowing there was always someone there to comfort or champion, even when others might bully or misunderstand juxtaposed with the inevitable rivalry and sometimes misunderstandings among friends was fascinating to write.
A group of close friends was something I longed for as a young person but with too frequent moving never experienced for long. As an adult I’ve learned to value greatly the healthy friendships of other women. Busy lives and geography can make staying in touch difficult—unlike girls who see each other daily in a boarding school. I’m keenly aware that nurture must be intentional and not neglected.
Why are female friendships so important?
Women need the friendship, mentoring, companionship, and sisterhood of other women. Such bonds are precious and can prove life-sustaining through hard times. Who, besides your sister or best friend—your sister of the heart—will tell you the unvarnished truth, even when it hurts, will rejoice with you over the smallest victory, will stand with you through embarrassing or hard times when all others desert, and is ready to take your phone call even in the dead of night?
Women are unique in countless ways and understand one another’s hearts through similar life experiences. Being able to share life journeys, without explaining every detail—knowing the other woman understands—is a great gift.
Cathy visiting Halifax to research this novel.
How did research play a role in your writing process?
Shortly before the Pandemic, my husband, Dan, and I embarked on an anniversary trip to Nova Scotia, originally planned to fulfill my longtime desire to see Prince Edward Island and all things Lucy Maud Montgomery, and to fulfill his desire see the Maritimes. Before going, I read The Great Halifax Explosion, by John U. Bacon, and knew immediately the event described was the background for my story—that, and Prince Edward Island, beloved birthplace and favorite girlhood haunt of Lucy Maud Montgomery.
We spent our first day in Halifax exploring the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic where I saw graphic images and testimonies of the Explosion and its aftermath. The gift shop featured several excellent research books which I gladly purchased. I spent another day at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, gaining a better understanding of travel, especially for women of the period traveling alone. The Public Gardens in Halifax were breathtaking, and I smiled when I saw just where the proposal could take place. So many streets in Halifax, from the town’s famous Clock Tower that the stopped at the moment of explosion to the Memorial Bell Towers and Fairview Cemetery, where unidentified victims of the Explosion—as well as those drawn from the water after Titanic sank—are buried breathed more of the story into my brain.
We spent time on Prince Edward Island, especially the Anne of Green Gables Museum, Montgomery’s beloved Silver Bush at Park Corner. At trip to Charlottetown and attending the Anne of Green Gables musical was a treat. A trip to Farmington, Connecticut to snap photographs of Miss Porter’s School and the surrounding area rounded out my tours.
Beyond those wonderful explorations I read numerous research books and memoirs, as well as the published journals of Lucy Maud Montgomery, a history of Miss Porter’s School, and interviewed for some unique family histories from the period. It was only difficult to stop the research and write the book!
What will fans of Little Women and Anne of Green Gables enjoy about this story?
Fans of Little Women will enjoy the strong and diverse personalities of four girls growing up together, of their united force in facing the trials others present them, as well as the differences that come between them. They’ll recognize and appreciate the girls’ fierce bonds, the hard lessons each one learns yet how those life experiences ultimately mature them, drawing them closer.
Fans of Anne of Green Gables will love the references to Prince Edward Island and the life and work of Lucy Maud Montgomery. They’ll love the anticipation and reaction of the release of each Anne or Pat of Silverbush book, as well as the correspondence and that beloved author’s mentoring of Addie, the main character, who claims a kinship with Montgomery and dreams of becoming a writer.
Fans of both books will appreciate the precarious and sometimes humorous escapades and scrapes in which the girls find themselves—sometimes as victims and sometimes as perpetrators. Readers will enjoy watching the girls grow into women, using their individual gifts for the good of all.
How does faith play a role in this story?
There are similarities between the life and choices Joseph and his brothers of the Bible are faced with and the life and growing realizations of Addie and Dorothy in Ladies of the Lake. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. Ultimately, despite horrific experiences not of his own making, he forged a new life with a new name in a new country. Addie, through sudden tragedy, chose to make herself over by claiming a new name and forging a new life in a new country. Like Joseph, when the time came that she was faced with confronting or receiving those she’d never expected to see again—she learned to forgive, and ultimately to reconcile, reclaim, and to provide for those she believed had hurt her.
Surrender to the Lord of personal hurt and pride, as well as seeking, accepting, and offering His forgiveness, to others and ourselves, are all major faith themes in Ladies of the Lake.
What do you hope readers take away from Ladies of the Lake?
Sometimes our closest family is found in our dearest friends. I hope readers will embrace the great worth of their friendships among women, how we need one another, how as the Bible says, “iron sharpens iron” and “two are better than one.” I hope readers will recognize the beauty, the strength, but also the potential fragility of those relationships if they are not nurtured and maintained.
The story speaks of the importance of trust, kindness, compassion, and the transformation of repentance when we are wrong and ask forgiveness, and the joy and freedom of when we offer forgiveness. I hope that if readers find themselves in fractured relationships this story will inspire a path toward that first step in seeking and accepting or offering forgiveness that will ultimately bring forth reconciliation and restoration.
The story addresses bullying and its consequences, the cruelty of gossip and prejudice, and how easy it is to misunderstand and/or misrepresent what we hear or imagine. It shows that sometimes doing nothing is the same as doing wrong. I hope it alerts us to recognize and stand against bullying, for ourselves and for those who need a voice but have none.
I hope it reminds us all that politics and war should never trump relationships, especially among those who, whether blood relations or not, are family in Christ.
Bestselling, Christy Hall of Fame, and Carol and INSPY Award-winning author, Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she and her husband of 40 years, Dan, divide their time between Northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com, and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks; on Bookbub (@ CathyGohlke); and on YouTube, where you can subscribe to Book Gems with Cathy Gohlke for short videos of book recommendations.
Congratulations to Cathy on the release of Ladies of the Lake! I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!
Until Next Time ~ Happy Reading,
Carrie
June 14, 2023
Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #2
Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all the stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes!
Hello Friends, My name is Carrie Turansky and I’m the author of more than 20 inspirational novels and novellas. For the last few years I’ve set my stories in England in the early 1900s – The Edwardian Era. I loved traveling to England to research my novels and bringing lovely settings and interesting characters to life for you to enjoy. You can learn more about me and my books here on my website and on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. I’m a romantic at heart, and I love to weave faith and love into all my novels. My next release is a dual-time story set in England’s beautiful Lake District —THE LEGACY OF LONGDALE MANOR. Here’s what it’s about:
Two women, a century apart, are taken on journeys to healing, faith, and forgiveness in this heartfelt dual-time Edwardian romance.
In 2012, art historian Gwen Monroe travels to England’s Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend. While at Longdale Manor, she becomes acquainted with David Bradley—the owner’s handsome grandson—who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by selling Longdale’s art and antiques. When Gwen stumbles upon an intricately carved shepherd’s staff similar to one in a photo of her parents and a one-hundred-year-old journal, she uncovers a connection to the father she never knew.
In 1912, after her father’s death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District hoping to find a home with Charlotte’s grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and heartrending secrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again in . . . The Legacy of Longdale Manor.
On my last research trip to England, I fell in love with The Lake District, and knew I wanted to set a story there. Let me tell you a little more about this beautiful area . . .
Exploring England’s Enchanting Lake District
England’s Lake District is a region known for its breathtaking natural beauty with shimmering lakes, quaint villages, and rugged mountain, or fells as they’re called by the locals. It has become a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for peaceful getaway.
Langdale Chase on Dernwentwater is the inspiration for Longdale Manor. Photo by Bob Radlinski and used with his permission.
A Nature Lover’s Paradise
The Lake District has several beautiful lakes, including Windermere, Derwentwater, and Ullswater. I chose to set The Legacy of Longdale Manor at a beautiful old estate on the shore of Derwentwater near Keswick. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, these tranquil lakes provide the perfect backdrop for scenic walks, boat rides, or relaxing by the shore. The serenity of the landscapes, dotted with lakeside villages, thriving farms, and historic country houses, offers visitors a sense of peace and is the perfect place to rest and be renewed.
Literary Connections
I’m not the only author who has felt a special sense of inspiration from spending time in the Lake District. Many famous literary figures from the past found their inspiration there, including the poet William Wordsworth and Children’s author, Beatrix Potter. We visited Dove Cottage, Wordsworth’s former residence and also his schoolhouse. One of my favorite places to tour was Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm, where we saw several views that inspired illustrations for her most famous story, Peter Rabbit.
Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm. Photo by Brian Robertson
Visiting England’s Lake District was an amazing experience. I hope you’ll put it on your bucket list! Whether you’re seeking adventure, inspiration, or simply a place to unwind, this lovely region has something for everyone. And while you wait for that trip, I hope you enjoy reading THE LEGACY OF LONGDALE MANOR!
Here’s Your Critical Stop #2 Info:
If you’re interested, you can preorder THE LEGACY OF LONGDALE MANOR at Baker Book House for 40% off and free shipping before 9/26/23, or at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD or at your local bookstore!
Clue to Write Down: AGAIN
Link to Stop #3, the Next Stop on the Loop: Kimberly Woodhouse’s site!
But wait! Before you go, I’m giving away your choice of one of my novels: No Ocean Too Wide, No Journey Too Far, or The Legacy of Longdale Manor, to one winner. All you have to do is sign up for my e-newsletter (the signup form is on the right sidebar on this page.) If you’re already subscribe, you’re welcome to enter by listing your email on Rafflecopter form below. Additional points for those who follow me as an author on Goodreads or on Instagram! This giveaway is for USA residents only. Thank you!
Thanks for joining us for the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt!
Carrie
May 8, 2023
Mother’s Day Giveaway 2023
Hi Friends, Do you have plans to celebrate and honor the special women in your life this weekend? It’s a beautiful time of the year in New Jersey, and I often plant annual flowers in my yard on Mother’s Day weekend. Geraniums, marigolds, and snapdragons are some of my favorites.
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May is the month to celebrate moms and show our love and appreciation for all they have done for us. Read on for a special Mother’s Day Giveaway!
This painting by my Mom hangs in our living room.
A quilt made my my mom.
My mom, Dorothy Swain, was a wonderful artist, quilter, seamstress, and writer. She enjoyed decorating our home and making it a special place. From the time I was a young child, she put a paintbrush in my hands and encouraged my creativity. Mom used to sew most of my clothes. I remember seeing her bending over the sewing machine when I went to bed and then waking up to find a new dress finished and ready to wear. Mom passed away before my books were published, but I know she’d be happy to have another writer in the family.
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Carrie, Shirley, and my daughter, Melissa.
My Mother-in-law, Shirley Turansky, is a great example and wonderful treasure! I have learned so much from her. She continues what my mom started, encouraging me to use my gifts and talents. She is a huge supporter of my writing and often tells her friends about my books. I’m looking forward to visiting her soon in California. I am very blessed to have these wonderful women in my life.
Mother’s Day Giveaway Gifts
In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m giving away the pretty book and tea themed tote bag above and winner’s choice of a paperback copy of one of my books. Click on the covers to learn more about each book. To enter the giveaway choose one word from the illustration below that describes your mom and tell me why you appreciate her in a comment on this blog post. This giveaway is for US residents only and ends Monday May 15th, 9:00 pm Eastern time. I’ll choose a winner and contact you by email.
Until Next Time ~ Happy Reading,
Carrie
March 31, 2023
Make Your Own Resurrection Garden
Easter is coming, and one way I like to prepare for Holy Week and Easter is to make a Resurrection Garden from items I have around my house and garden. This is also a fun and creative way you can share the Easter story with your children or grandchildren, or just enjoy it yourself. I shared this idea on Facebook last year, and several friends took up the challenge and shared photos of their Resurrection Gardens. You can see several of those below. I’m sorry I didn’t saved their names with the photos.
My 2022 Resurrection Garden.
If you’d like to make one, here are the steps. Use a plate, pie tin, or low round container for the base. Fill it with a shallow layer of potting soil, then lay a mug on its side in the soil as the empty tomb. Pack moist dirt over the top of the mug. Cover the tomb with moss and press it gently into the soil. If you don’t have moss you could use Spanish (craft/floral) moss or low plants from your yard. Create a path with small stones. Look for small plants to add to the garden. Find a bigger rock and place it next to the tomb. Use twigs and thread or string to form the crosses. Poke them into the hill over the tomb. Add a He is Risen sign taped to toothpick. Spray it with water a few times a day to keep it healthy through Easter.
Below you’ll see a few of the resurrection gardens made by my friends. I like the way each one is unique. They used whatever they had available. If you’d like to see a demonstration of the steps, here is a link to a YouTube video. She makes a similar project with items from the Dollar Store. So even if you live in an apartment, you can still purchase the items you need to make your own resurrection garden.
I hope these projects inspire you, and you’ll make your own resurrection garden. If you do, I’d love to see yours! You can reply to this email or post it on social media and tag me. Most of all, I wish a very joy-filled and meaningful Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday!
Blessings,
Carrie
