Hi friends! I’m excited to welcome Carrie Turansky back to the blog today to talk about her brand new release, Across the Blue!
Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of nineteen inspirational romance novels and novellas. Carrie and her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, author, and speaker, have been married for more than thirty years and make their home in New Jersey. They often travel together on ministry trips and to visit their five adult children and five grandchildren. Carrie leads women’s ministry at her church, and when she is not writing she enjoys spending time working in her flower gardens and cooking healthy meals for friends and family.
She loves to connect with reading friends through her website/newsletter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. You can also connect with Carrie through Amazon, BookBub and Goodreads!
Her latest release, Across the Blue, released February 20, 2018 from Multnomah!
Love soars to new heights in this Edwardian romance filled with adventure, faith, and inspiration, but how much will it cost Bella and James to follow their dreams?
Isabella Grayson, the eldest daughter of a wealthy, English newspaper magnate, longs to become a journalist, but her parents don’t approve. They want her to marry well and help them gain a higher standing in society. After she writes an anonymous letter to the editor that impresses her father, her parents reluctantly agree she can write a series of articles about aviation and the race to be the first to fly across the English Channel, but only if she promises to accept a marriage proposal within the year.
When James Drake, an aspiring aviator, crashes his flying machine at the Grayson’s new estate, Bella is intrigued. James is determined to win that race across the Channel and gain the prize Mr. Grayson’s newspaper is offering. He hopes it will help him secure a government contract to build airplanes and redeem a terrible family secret. James wants to win Bella’s heart, but his background and lack of social standing make it unlikely her parents would approve. If he fails to achieve his dream, how will he win the love and respect he is seeking? Will Bella’s faith and support help him find the strength and courage he needs when unexpected events turn their world upside down?
Hi Carrie! I’m always honored to have you on the blog! Thank you so much for chatting with me again! 🙂
Carrie T: Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting
MeezCarrie: Yum!
Carrie T: Red tulips
MeezCarrie: I adore red tulips – they make me smile 😀
Carrie T: Thanksgiving
MeezCarrie: Thanksgiving is one of my very faves too! Second only to Christmas lol.
Carrie T: We all Bleed the Same by Mandisa and Toby Mac
MeezCarrie: YES! I love that song!
Q: Tell me some good books you’ve read recently.
Carrie T: There have so many great books that I’ve read in the last few months. I’ve enjoyed listening to Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano, and reading Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke, The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz, and Winning Miss Winthrop by Carolyn Miller. I’m looking forward to reading A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green and Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof.
MeezCarrie: aaaaaaa! The bookworm in me is muppet-flailing! So many of my faves ♥
Q: If I asked your characters to describe YOU as an author, what would they say?
Carrie T: We have a very hard time pulling Carrie out of those research books so she can actually write our story! Her most creative time is early in the morning. In fact, if she can stay in bed for a few minutes after she wakes up to think about us, and our story, then she is one happy and productive author that day. She’s not a speedy writer, but she plugs away at it pretty consistently, keeping track of her word count on her My Book Progress widget on her website. She likes to write the opening of her scenes on a yellow legal pad, and then she types that to get the juices flowing each writing session. Receiving an email from one of her readers really makes her happy and motivated to get our story finished. She dreams about us and talks about us like we’re real people, not just characters in her books . . . and that makes us love her.
MeezCarrie: I love this 🙂
Image Source: PinterestQ: This is your fifth book set in Edwardian England. What about this era interests you?
Carrie T: The early 1900s are such an interesting time period! I’m a Downton Abbey fan, and that first sparked my interest in the Edwardian era. You still have the romance and elegance of the Victorian era, but you also have the new inventions and progress of the modern era. It’s a wonderful combination that makes writing stories set during that time period fun and interesting. The clothes, the homes, and the manners all make it a very special time period.
MeezCarrie: Before I started avidly reading historical fiction, I didn’t even really realize there was much difference between the Edwardian and Victorian eras. I love how even reading fiction can teach me so much!
Q: Bella Grayson, the heroine of the novel, lives on a grand country estate with her family. Was this inspired by a real location? If so, which one?
Carrie T: I had Broadsworth Hall in Doncaster, England, in mind for the Grayson’s family estate when I was writing Across the Blue. I changed some things about the house, so I called it Broadlands. It’s a lovely home, and I hope to visit some day. I have several photos on my Pinterest board. I hope you’ll take a look:
https://www.pinterest.com/carrieturansky/across-the-blue/
MeezCarrie: If you haven’t yet checked out Carrie T’s Pinterest boards, you really must! She’s one of my fave pinners 🙂
Q: A central topic in Across the Blue is the race to make the first flight across the English Channel. How was your interest in early aviation sparked? AND, what was the most fascinating information you discovered in your research for this book?
Image Source: PinterestCarrie T: I visited the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in 2016, and I enjoyed the displays about the Wright Brothers and early aviation. I saw a poster for the First International Air Meet in Rheims, France, and I noticed it took place in 1909. That’s the time period I enjoy writing about, so I decided to do some more research. That’s when I found out about the race across the Channel. The more I read about the race, the newspaper owner who sponsored the prize, and early aviation, the more the story came to life for me.
I loved learning about those early aviators and how they designed the first airplanes. Their determination to come up with a design that would actually fly was very inspiring. We take air travel for granted today, but only a little over 100 years ago flying machines were brand new and piloting an airplane was an amazing feat. I was surprised to learn that more than 200,000 people attended the first International Air Meet in Rheims, France, in 1909. The crowds went wild watching those first aviators demonstrate their skills. I enjoyed including that air meet in the book.
MeezCarrie: That is so interesting! What brave pioneers they were – i barely trust planes today, much less when they were still experimental lol.
Q: What do you most want readers to take away from Across the Blue?
Carrie T: I hope readers will be inspired by James and Bella’s pursuit of their dreams and enjoy the journey with them. I hope their imaginations will be sparked and they will look for ways to reach for their dreams. Most of all I hope their faith will be deepened and they will see how God’s work in their own lives.
MeezCarrie: Amen!
Thank you so much for taking time to talk with me! 🙂 Before we say goodbye for today, tell us what‘s coming up next for you.
Carrie T: Have you heard about the British Home Children? Between 1869 – 1939 more than 100,000 poor and orphaned children were taken from their homes in England and sent to Canada to work as indentured farm laborers and household servants. Some were well treated and some were adopted, but many suffered because of prejudice, neglect, and isolation. My next two novels will focus on the McAlister family and their struggle to be reunited after the three youngest siblings are sent to Canada as British Home Children. My heart has been gripped by the true stories of been reading, and I’m looking forward to honoring the memory of these children in my next two novels. It’s a serious subject, but they will be hopeful stories with romance, adventure, and inspiration set in England and Canada.
MeezCarrie: oh my goodness! I haven’t heard about this before – see? Fiction teaches me so much!
Carrie Turansky & Multnomah Books are giving away a copy of Across the Blue to one of my readers! (US only) This giveaway is subject to Reading Is My SuperPower’s giveaway policies which can be found here. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.
What most interests you about Across the Blue?
I love learning more about Carrie and her books. I also love the early 1900s and love learning a little more about history through her books.
I love the 1900’s and when it’s coupled with aviation, I’m sold. I love vintage planes and stories about pilots.
I love books set in the Edwardian era. The story sounds great.
What a great article. Looks like an interesting read. And I Loooved that song ❤️❤️. Thanks for the chance
I love books about Edwardian England. This one looks so good!
The Romance! I love the cover. Thank you
What I like most about this book is the takeaway message about deepening my own faith and learning to recognize God at work in my life. I know He is working hard for me and I want to see it and praise him and thank him.
I’ve loved the cover of this book since the cover reveal! Great interview, and MeezCarrie, I love the question about Carrie T’s characters describing her as an author (and Carrie’s response). 🙂
Hi Karen, thanks for your kind comments about the cover and my characters’ response to Carrie S.’s question. That was a fun one to answer!
I loved The Governess of Highland Hall, and I’ve been wanting to read more of Carrie Turansky’s books. This one sounds amazing. Early aviation has always fascinated me!
HI Julie, that’s fun to hear you enjoyed the Governess of Highland Hall. Across the Blue is set in the same time period in England. There are also two more books in the Highland Hall series: The Daughter of Highland Hall and A Refuge at Highland Hall. Each book has a unique hero and heroine, but the family and setting continue through the series. Happy Reading!
Thank you for inviting me over to you wonderful blog today! It’s great to connect with you and reading friends!
I love books of this time frame. It’s like seeing a glimpse of what it might have been to live during my grandparents time. Although my grandparents sure didn’t live in a mansion, it’s a way of seeing the grandeur of the big mansion era as well. My father was a career military man so the plane on the cover fascinates me as well. I’d love to chance to read “Across the Blue”.
Any book written by Carrie Turansky is great. I just finished the Edwardian Brides series. One of the best books and series I have ever read.
Marilyn
Thank you, Marilyn! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the Edwardian Brides Series. Have you read Shine Like the Dawn? It’s a stand alone English historical novel set in that same time period. Happy Reading!
The fact that this covers one of the most sought after race attracted my attention. The romance and faith really bring this book to the forefront of my list to be read.
Across The Blue is a wonderful read including adventure and romance! This book includes characters that will inspire you to reach for your dreams. Certainly worth your time.
I lovecthe cover. It makes me want to read the book and learn more about the story. I just read the Governess of Highland Hall and now I want to read more by Carrie.
Hi Carol, that’s great to hear you enjoyed reading The Governess of Highland Hall! There are two more books in that series, The Daughter of Highland Hall, and A Refuge at Highland Hall. I loved visiting Tyntesfield, the manor house pictured on the cover. If you’d like to see photos of that trip you’ll find them on the research page of my website: http://carrieturansky.com/index.php/research/
I love the cover. It makes me want to read the book and learn more about the story. I just read the Governess of Highland Hall and now I want to read more by Carrie.
Fun interview, Carrie and Carrie! 😀
Carrie S., you always have such interesting interviews with wonderful guests. Thanks my BFFF!
Carrie T., I loved this book. The cover is so gorgeous, and it was so interesting to read about early aviation history. The characters were amazing. Thanks for a great read!
I really like reading about the time period. Also, it sounds like an interesting storyline. A wealthy woman wanting a career.
I really like Carrie Turansky’s books, so that’s why I’m interested in reading Across the Blue.
I’m not sure I can pick one thing that interests me about ‘Across the Blue’. I loved Downton Abbey and that time period in history. The writer in me loves the female journalist. My husband is a retired Air Force Loadmaster so the aviation appeals to me as well. So many good things to look forward to with this one. Thanks for the interesting interview and the giveaway!
That the story is set in England.
I love this time period! Thank you for sharing 🙂
I think just the whole book sounds so interesting I can’t wait to read it. The cover looks so awesome
As a former airline employee, anything about the history of aviation is very interesting. I also love reading in general but particularly historical fiction
I love books from this time period. Also, still going through Downton Abbey withdrawals.
That cover is GORGEOUS! And the title is awesome – I’ll have to check it out.
Right?!?!
I want to see Bella and James’s dream come through. Sometimes I forget how many women could live their dreams because of family obligations.
true!
This sounds like a fun and adventurous book. My Dad was a navigator during WWII and one of my brother’s has a pilot license so this would be of interest to me.
definitely!
The era, the captivating story and the historical aspect which interests me greatly.
yes!!
I haven’t read your books yet but I am very interested. This one has a lovely cover and I enjoy historical love stories so I’m sure I’ll love it.
I think that aviation history is very interesting so I would love to read the book. Congrats on the new book and tour. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
thanks, Perrianne!
I love stuff about aviation.
I am ashamed and horrified to admit I haven’t read any of Carrie’s books yet. I have several. I’ve heard fabulous things about them. I want desperately to read them, but I never seem to have time. I will though! I will. 😀
This one sounds great. I love historical fiction. 😀
GASP!! 😉
The aviation history sounds interesting. I really look forward to reading it!
it’s really interesting!
I love learning something new in history with Carry’s books.
me too!
I love learning about the setting and history of a work of fiction. Although I had little interest in history when I was in high school, it fascinates me now, and I can relate much more closely with it. I am looking forward to reading more by Carrie. I do not yet have Cross the Blue, and would be thrilled to win it. I had not noticed until today that Carrie is a pastor’s wife. I am a pastor’s daughter, and admired both of my parents so much for the love and care they gave to people in our church, in our community, or anyone in need. They are my heroes.
Amen.
I’m looking forward to reading Across The Blue… love the thine period out is set in and Carrie Turansky’s stories.
me too!
Your book sounds like a wonderful read! I’d love to read it.
Your book sounds like a wonderful read! I’d love to read it. I love aviation. My dad was a co-pilot in WW11
oh wow!
I have read other books from Carrie, thank you for this wonderful interview. I look forward to getting a chance to read this one.
Enjoy!
It’s Carrie Turansky what more would interest me…lol! 😉 It just sounds lie an awesome book and that cover sure is nice too!
Thanks for the giveaway Carrie.
LIKE not LIE…my keys sometimes stick on my laptop and I don’t notice until I hit enter, of course!
That happens to me too!
Right? Totally reason enough 🙂
I don’t really have a fear of flying (and have done it successfully several times=) but I still don’t really understand how it works!
Reading about the early days of flying will be interesting.
It really is!
I attended her facebook live party to talk about the new book and how she does the research for her books. I was very enlightening how she does it. Thank you for a chance to win this great book. I only heard great things about this book.
She does such a great job!
I absolutely love the time period and I’m looking forward to reading Across the Blue. I’ve also been looking forward to reading the Highland Hall series as well. So much to read!
So many great books – so little time. Lol
I love the timeline it is set in.
Me too 🙂
Aviation is a fascinating subject. I love to fly.
I am terrified of flying lol. But I enjoy reading about it 🙂
Sounds like a lovely story! I enjoyed the interview and look forward to reading your book.
Um, everything! Author, cover, Edwardian Period, avaiation, that beautiful hat on the cover, the synopsis! ?
I love the Air and Space museum so I think reading about aviation in the early 1900s will be fascinating. I think that was such an exciting time period to witness – all those glorious firsts: electricity, cars, flight, telephone, etc.
I love the beautiful cover,beautiful like the Shine like the Dawn cover .
and love her books .Thank you for the interview and the giveaway.
The cover is sooo beautiful! One of my favorite time periods to read about is the Edwardian time period (I LOVE Downton Abbey!!!), so I’m really looking forward to reading Across the Blue. Carrie Turansky is a wonderful author! I also find the story-line focusing around aviation very interesting as well. Thanks for the GREAT interview, Carrie & Carrie 🙂
I love the idea of the adventure and glamour surrounding aviation in the Edwardian era.