Carrie Turansky's Blog, page 3

No Journey Too Far on Sale!

Hi Friends,

Just a quick note to let you know No Journey Too Far eBook is on sale for $1.99 in the US! This English and Canadian historical romance highlights the challenges faced by the McAlister siblings when they finished their British Home Children indentured contracts and had to establish themselves as adults. Dramatic, heartwarming, and hope-filled, No Journey Too Far was a finalist in the Readers Choice Award and has more than 350 5-star rating on Amazon. Download and enjoy it today! 

Here’s what Sarah Sundin author of Embers in the London Sky had to say about No Journey Too Far:

“A sweet and gentle tale at heart, No Journey Too Far features endearing characters who live out their faith in difficult circumstances. The story also casts light on the prejudices faced by the British Home Children in Canada, even as they entered adulthood. Carrie Turansky’s writing pulls the heartstrings in all the right ways!”

Blessings and Happy Reading,

Carrie

The Joy of Audiobooks!

Happy New Year, friends! I hope you’ve survived the holidays and the first icy blasts of winter. It may be cold outside, but it’s warm and cozy indoors, and that makes it the perfect time to enjoy a new story!

Are you an audiobook listener? I received a fun email from Audible this week with some statistics from my listening habits in 2023. They reported I turned on audiobooks more than 1000 times and listened 15,582 minutes last year! That’s a lot of listening! I enjoyed 26 books, with Jane Eyre being the longest and Aging Faithfully the shortest. I usually listen while I’m working in my kitchen or driving on a longer trip. When do you like to listen?

The number of people who are discovering the joy of audio books is growing every year. Audible offers a free trial to see if you like listening. Follow this link to learn more. I’ve been blessed to have many of my novels narrated as audiobooks. All my English historical novels can be found on Audible and other audiobook platforms. A few of my novellas are also available. More are in the works . . . so stay tuned!

Here are three audiobooks I’ve listened to recently and enjoyed. I recommend them to you!

This month I’m giving away two audiobook copies of my latest novel, The Legacy of Longdale Manor. This is a dual-time story set in England’s beautiful Lake District, with family drama, romance and inspiration. Themes of forgiveness and recovery of faith after betrayal make the story heartfelt and meaningful. To enter this giveaway, just leave a comment and tell me the title of one of my books that you’ve enjoyed. If you need help remembering them, you can hop over to my book page and scan the list there.

I’m looking forward to revealing the cover of my next novel in February – A Token of Love – so keep your eyes on your inbox for that post!  Thanks for being a faithful reading friend!

Blessings and Happy Reading,

Carrie

 

Virtual Christmas House Tour 2023

Merry Christmas Friends! We love to decorate our house for Christmas, and we enjoy inviting friends and family to come for a visit. It would be great if we could sit down with you and share a cup of tea so we could talk about books, and life, and what we’ve been learning and doing this year.

Since it’s not possible for you all to visit in person, we’d like to welcome you to our home with a brief video visit. Just follow this link and enjoy our 2023 virtual Christmas House Tour.

 

Blessings and Merry Christmas,

Carrie

Favorite Christmas Cookies

Hi Friends, One of my favorite childhood memories is baking cookies to give to family and friends during the Christmas season. I wanted to share a few of my favorite recipes with you. So I hope you’ll put on your apron and give one a try. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite Christmas cookie!

When the cookies are done and ready to enjoy, pour yourself a cup of tea or cocoa and settle in with a good book. May I suggest Moonlight Over Manhattan? It’s an inspirational contemporary romance with lots of heart and hope for the holiday season.  You can read more about Moonlight Over Manhattan at this link and download your copy for only $2.99 at Amazon Kindle!Happy reading and baking! I hope you’ll enjoy a few cookies with me!

 

 

 

Gingersnap Cookies

Ingredients:

2 ¼ cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ¾ teaspoon powdered ginger
1 ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cloves
¾ cup butter, softened
1 ¼ cup brown sugar
1 egg
½ cup white sugar (to roll the cookies in before baking)

Directions: 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Cream brown sugar and butter. Add the egg and mix. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until thoroughly blended. Pinch off small amounts of dough and roll into 1 inch diameter balls. Roll each ball in sugar and place 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes, or until the cookies are rounded and slightly cracked. Makes five dozen cookies.

Peppermint Melt Away Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
½ cup confectioners’ sugar
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup corn starch

Frosting:

2 Tablespoons butter, softened
2 Tablespoons milk
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
1 ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Directions:

In a small bowl, cream butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in extract. In another bowl, whisk flour and cornstarch; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Refrigerate, covered, 30 minutes or until firm enough to handle.

Preheat oven to 350°. Shape dough into 1-in. balls; place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 9-11 minutes or until bottoms are light brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

In a small bowl, beat butter until creamy. Beat in milk, extract and, if desired, food coloring. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Spread over cookies; sprinkle with crushed candies. Store in an airtight container.

Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
¾ cup sugar
¾ brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup cranberry juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups dried cranberries
2 cups white chocolate chips

Glaze:

2 cups white chocolate chips
2 tablespoons, plus 1 ½ teaspoon shortening

Directions:

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, cranberry juice and vanilla. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture and mix well. Fold in the cranberries and vanilla chips.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto a greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees 10 – 12 minutes until the edges begin to brown. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

For the glaze, microwave the vanilla chips and shortening at 70% power until melted. Stir until smooth. Drizzle over the cookies.

Merry Christmas,

Carrie

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

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: Books

The 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

 

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

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

 

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

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