Carrie Turansky's No Journey Too Far Audiobook Review & Box of Books Giveaway

 

No Journey Too Far

This audiobook was SO good!!! It is Book 2 in the McAlister family series set in Canada and the UK, with orphan children being sent off from Great Britain to Canada--and some kids who weren't orphans at all! Great narration to go with a great story!

Blurb: In 1909, Grace McAlister set sail for Canada as one of the thousands of British Home Children taken from their families and their homeland. Although she’s fortunate enough to be adopted by wealthy parents, the secrets of her past are kept hidden for 10 years until someone from her long-buried childhood arrives on her doorstep. With this new connection to her birth family, will she be brave enough to leave her sheltered life in Toronto and uncover the truth? 

After enduring hardship as an indentured British Home Child, Garth McAlister left Canada to serve in World War I. His sweetheart, Emma Lafferty, promised to wait for his return, but after three long years apart, her letters suddenly stopped. When Garth arrives home from the war to unexpected news, he is determined to return to Canada once more on a daunting mission to find the two women he refuses to abandon: his long-lost sister and his mysteriously missing sweetheart.

No Journey Too Far is available in MULTIPLE formats: paperback, ebook, audiobook download, hardcover, and CD audiobook!

Giveaway: A box of Christian fiction books to one commenter!

Carrie Turansky's "Shine Like the Dawn" -- Audiobook Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Shine Like the Dawn
by Carrie Turansky
(narration Anne Flosnik)
Tantor Audio (2017)

To be Savored!!!

I listened to Carrie Turansky's newest novel via a download from Audible.com. I really enjoy her books! 

One of the things about this book is that is is very well suited for audiobook because there is a fair amount of repetition to clarify things. That makes it easier to stop and start your listening. I usually listen while cleaning or if I am not feeling well. This is a sweet romance with lovable characters set in England. I loved spending time with Maggie and her family! I am hoping little sister, Violet, gets her own story later!

As far as narration, what a thrill! Anne Flosnik is one of my favorite narrators so having her narrate this book was a super treat. This also contributed to me wanting to savor the reading listening experience rather than rushing through it. Since it could be six to twelve months before Carrie's next novel I didn't want to binge listen. 

Extras: There are secondary romances in this book to enjoy. I will say that was a little bit distracting while listening. I think if read with the eyes that would all be a super bonus to the book. I will likely re-listen to this book sometime so I can catch all the lovely layers better. If you are a dedicated one-time read type of person you might want to opt for the ebook or paperback versions. 

Genre: This story overlaps a bunch of subgenres, which is fun. It is primarily a Christian historical romance but with mystery/suspense. There are mystery components as this is a murder mystery and some interesting "red herrings" that will have you wondering. 

Bibliotherapy: This is a great book for people to listen to while going through court cases or when involved in situations that resulted in death or injury. The unfairness in situations, the dealing with people lying, the stress of court -- all those things are portrayed very accurately in Ms. Turansky's book. This story is a contender for Bibliotherapy Book of the Year on OWG Blog. 

Giveaway: Audible.com download of Shine Like the Dawn. Answer this question -- Have you ever had to deal with a grievous injustice? How did God get you through it?

Coping Post-Conference by Carrie Turansky

Coping with Post-Conference and Being Productive

By Carrie Turansky

I’ve just returned home from a great week in Nashville where I attended the first Christian Fiction Readers’ Retreat and the annual American Christian Fiction Writers Conference. Anyone who has gone to a writers’ conference or other work related conference or even on vacation can identify with the list of tasks that await you when you return. How do you cope and make the most from your time away?

Talking to my husband and sharing the highlights of the conference is a great way for me to debrief. I find talking it over with him helps me see the events in perspective and realize how grateful I am for the positive things that happened and what lessons I can learn from the challenging times. Then I focus on the practical needs: unpacking and getting the laundry going. I take over the dinning room table and separate all my trip items into piles: expenses and receipts, business cards, gifts, books, workshop notes, etc. 

Then I make a list of people I need to follow up with via email. If I made a promise to send someone information or a link, I send that. I thank those who met with me or went out of their way to help me at the conference. I review the business cards and make a note on the back if needed and file those away. I shelve the books or add them to my giveaway basket. I record my expenses and file my receipts. I look over my workshop notes and decide what to keep and file those. 

Writers often work in a quiet environment by themselves, so a week of high-level interaction can be draining. Give yourself time to recover. Sleep well, eat well, and move back into your routine as you feel you’re ready. Focus your thoughts on the positive events of the conference and thank the Lord for all He is taught you through your time away.

CFP: Thank you for sharing, Carrie Turansky! Great seeing you at CFRR and ACFW conference! Great tips! 

Bio for Carrie:

Bestselling Inspirational Romance Author Carrie Turansky writes heartwarming historical and contemporary novels and novellas. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award. She lives in New Jersey with her husband Scott, and they have five grown children and four grandchildren. When she’s not writing you’ll find Carrie working in her flower gardens, walking around the lake near their home, or cooking healthy meals for friends and family. She loves to connect with reader through her website: Carrie Turansky.com, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

NOW AVAILABLE!!! Check at your local Christian book stores! Also available online.
Mountain Christmas Brides (Barbour Publishing, September 2016)

From a Wyoming ranch in 1880, to a logging camp in Washington Territory in the late 1800s, to Denver, Colorado, in 1913, meet nine couples who find that Christmas is the perfect time for climbing to the heights of romance. Watch as their faith and courage propel them through challenges that come with mountain winters to cozy fireside celebrations that lead to lasting proclamations of love. Penned by an exclusive selection of Christian fiction authors—including Susan Page Davis, Carrie Turansky, Lena Nelson Dooley, and others—this collection of nine romances is one to treasure.

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away a paperback copy of Mountain Christmas Brides with stories by Carrie Turansky, Susan Page Davis, Lena Nelson Dooley, Darlene Franklin, Debby Lee, Mildred Colvin, Gina Welborn, and Tamela Hancock Murray! 

(Revised!) Audiobooks of the Year List by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

Whispers In The Reading Room AND The Painter's Daughter, TIED for Audiobook of the Year 2015 -- Stellar stories combined with wonderful narration. I had quite the conundrum because I had listened to Julie's book in 2015 and chose it for Audiobook of 2015 BUT then I listened to Shelley's book in January, but it released in 2015 and after much prayer I decided they were both tied.  That being said, the audiobooks that I include on my list are of such HIGH quality that it truly was hard to put them in order -- so next year I might not!!!

Audiobooks of the Year

Bibliotherapy Audiobook of the Year (Includes strong bibliotherapy elements as well as a wonderful book and narration.)

Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

Most Romantic Audiobook

The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White

The Lost Heiress (Ladies of the Manor, Book #1)

by Roseanna M. White

Best Final Audiobook in a Series

A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Highly Memorable Audiobook of the Year 

Pattern for Romance by Carla Olson Gade

Contemporary Audiobook of the Year

A Healing Heart by Angela Breidenbach

Favorite Series on Audiobook 2015: Tracie Peterson's Bride's of Seattle (I am finishing the third book now.) All released in 2015 on audiobook.

(I accidentally left off Melanie Dickerson's and Kristi Ann Hunter's audiobooks in my original post  - these are both beautifully done audiobooks. I highly recommend and hope to post reviews of both very soon!!!)

My Backlist audiobook Series of the Year is by Jane Perrine: Tales from Butternut Creek! All wonderful!!! These released in 2012 and 2013 and are Women's Fiction with strong romantic

NOTE: I will have some books, available in audiobook, that I read rather than listened to, that are on my NEXT list, which release within the week! So if you are an author I love and weren't on here but have an audiobook, watch for those I read rather than listened to!

GIVEAWAY: Audiobook certificate for a book OR winner's choice of format.  Answer these questions: How many of these books were on your favorites list and which format do you prefer your books in - audiobook, Kindle, or paperback?  (Watch for my upcoming Kindle/paperback list of favorite books of the year, coming soon!)

Carrie Fancett Pagels Reviews Carrie Turansky's Audiobook A Refuge at Highland Hall

A Refuge at Highland Hall Audiobook Cover

A Refuge at Highland Hall
by Carrie Turansky

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Five Stars *****

A Delight!!!

Blurb: In this third and final book in the Edwardian Brides series, listeners are swept away to England and France in 1915. At this time the Ramsey family, their staff, and their friends face the dramatic challenges and losses of World War One, yet they also experience the hope and triumph that comes as they put their trust in God to carry them through. Penny Ramsey helps the family welcome a group of orphaned children to Highland Hall, but she soon discovers that caring for them is more difficult than she'd expected. She writes to Alex Goodwin, a daring British pilot who chases German Zeppelins across the sky over the front line in France, and longs for the day she will see him again.

CFP: I listened to this audiobook as an audible.com download. Because of the sheer number of characters and subplots, I'd recommend listening to the book in small doses.  The reader may find it better to read with their eyes. I really enjoyed the book and I found I could follow the plot if I kept my listening times short and if I listened while cleaning. I wouldn't recommend this as a book to listen to if you are driving because you won't want to miss out on all the excitement in the book, particularly as you get halfway through and on because so much is happening you don't want to possibly skip any threads.

This is an Edwardian era book, set in Great Britain. The hero is an Air Force pilot and the heroine one of the daughters of Highland Hall.  There are other romances afoot, too, which makes for double the fun in the listen!

I have recently been through a dry season in my reading and it was so wonderful to get Carrie's book on audio. The downside is I kept wanting to sit down to listen to it while I was trying to clean and listen at the same time!

You can find Carrie Turansky's books at Christian Book Distributors, Barnes & Noble,  Amazon, and at other bookstores.  It is available in multiple formats including ebook, paperback, audio download and MP3 disc audiobook.

Giveaway: A copy of the bound ARC of this book. Are you an Avid Christian Audiobook Listener like me? If so, you can opt for an audible.com download as your prize! To be eligible please leave your email addy written (at) and (dot) to prevent spammers.
 

Time for Tea & Romance - 7 Author Event This Tuesday

Tuesday, July 23rd, SEVEN Christian Historical Romance authors are celebrating their books on Facebook!!!

I LOVE online parties! How about this lineup? I will be kicking us off at 6 pm.

Carrie Fancett Pagels 6:00 pm
Each author has a time slot of thirty minutes. I’ll be up first at 6 pm.  Each Author has their own graphic like mine, above, that the talented Melissa Jagears made for us

Gina Welborn 6:30 pm




JulieLessman 7:00 pm

CarrieTuransky  7:30

TameraAlexander 8:00

Melissa Jagears  8:30

MaryluTyndall 9:00 

Carrie Turanasky's Grand Prize is fabulous - tea cups, a beautiful tablecloth, and tea and goodies!  

MaryLu is giving away a lovely ruby necklace. There will be copies of books and other things such as an adorable children's tea set during Melissa Jaguars' giveaway - so feel free to share the party with your little girls!!!

GIVEAWAY: Guess what, I have a secret giveaway that is ONLY for OWG BLOG FOLLOWERS who comment on this post and come to the party - a necklace and earring set like the one I'm giving away at the Tea Party! Answer this question: IF you've read The Lumberjacks' Ball give a HINT about what teacups and tea parties have to do with the book (NO SPOILERS though please!!!) IF you have NOT read the book yet, what is your guess as to the connection?

Diana Reviews The Daughter Of Highland Hall By Carrie Turansky

The Daughter of Highland Hall

The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Multnomah Books, Oct. 7, 2014

 Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars~*****

No Spoilers!

Edwardian Fiction At Its Finest!

With pen in hand, er keys rather, author Carrie Turansky once again sweeps the reader away on a wonderful Edwardian adventure -- from the glamorous balls, social functions, and opulent mansions of the very elite -- to the poverty stricken streets of London's East End.

The beautiful and spunky, Katherine Ramsey, is determined to take the social season by storm and secure her future by finding a wealthy husband. Under the strict tutelage of her aunt, Lady Louisa, Kate attempts to learn all the social graces needed to attract eligible suitors and win the approval of their parents as well. She catches the eye of the aristocratic, charming, Edward Wellington, but a scandal in her family threatens to rob her of the very future she has so carefully planned out. She refuses to give up, however, for surely Edward can give her everything she needs and desires out of life...or can he? As Kate is introduced to the poor and needy in London's East End by handsome medical student, Jon Foster, will she find that a life of service to others in dire need is so much more satisfying than a self-indulgent one? 

I fell in love with this amazing book from the very first chapter! Not just simply a novel of fluff, frippery, and finery, Ms. Turansky compassionately delves into the plight of the poor on the opposite end of the spectrum. Realism unfolds as the heroine, hero, and a secondary character become involved trying to rescue an unwed pregnant woman from her abusive boyfriend, and much danger ensues as a result! I especially love how the heroine evolves considerably from the first book in the series, The Governess of Highland Hall. This novel may be read easily as a stand-alone, as the author does a fine job of recapping the characters we so grew to love in the first book. If you enjoy a book with a realistic plot and characters, plenty of romantic tension, excitement, and a spiritual thread throughout, then be sure to order your copy of The Daughter of Highland Hall today!

 
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I was given an advanced reader's copy by Multnomah in exchange for my honest opinion. 

 This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, and your local bookstore. 

GIVEAWAY! Carrie Turansky has generously offered to give away a paperback copy of The Daughter of Highland Hall to one blessed commenter!! International winner -- ebook only!
 

Diana's 2013 Favorites!

 Here's a list of my favorite 2013 books in no particular order! It was very difficult to choose as you authors totally outdid yourselves this year!

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Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz 

A beautifully written novel laden with secrecy, deceit, betrayal, and hidden passions. Laura Frantz is a master storyteller!

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Return To Shirley Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels

 This is a riveting, historical read you won't want to miss. Truly a memorable story of hope and obedience!

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Captured By Moonlight By Christine Lindsay

Christine Lindsay sweeps us away to the exotic, hauntingly beautiful land of India in this exciting story of romance, faith, and intrigue!  

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Forsaken Dreams By MaryLu Tyndall

A riveting novel that sweeps us away on a riveting, seafaring journey -- beginning in the ravaged, post civil war torn South to the lush beauty of Brazil!

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The Governess Of Highland Hall By Carrie Turansky

A wonderful Edwardian era novel set in England; replete with dashing lords and ladies, secrets, pain, and hidden passions! A must read!

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Heaven Is Not Far By Marian Baay

An emotive, soul-stirring short story of a love that transcends time, distance, and even the Civil War! Heartwarming debut!

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Love At Any Cost By Julie Lessman

A passion-filled, heartwarming journey to beautiful San Francisco...with its lush lawns of the very wealthy on Nob Hill to the poverty stricken streets of the Barbary Coast! One not to miss!

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Beyond The Valley By Rita Gerlach

A powerful, heartrending historical read, full of excitement and romance! You simply must put this one at the top of your TBR stack!

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Whispers Of A New Dawn By Murray Pura

A powerful story of love and healing on the turbulent road to the bombing of Pearl Harbor!

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My Hope Is Found By Joanne Bischof

A lovely, heartrending tale of sin's consequences, redemption, and unrequited love, that will keep you flipping those pages well into the night! I loved this entire series!

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Burning Sky By Lori Benton

A hauntingly beautiful, heartrending tale of a kidnapped white woman caught not only between two very different worlds, but also two handsome men from diverse cultures!





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            Unforeseeable and Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl

Exciting, suspense-filled sequels to Inescapable---set in the quaint, homey Mennonite town of Kingdom!  

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The Captive Maiden By Melanie Dickerson

An enchanting, captivating story of knights, castles, and romance; reminscent of the classic tale, Cinderella!

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The Painted Sky Volumes 1-8 by Murray Pura 

 An exciting story of adventure and romance on the sweltering, rugged plains of New Mexico! Will be released as a paperback soon and you may recognize some of the characters from OWG!

 

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A Highlander For Christmas by Jamie Carie

 

I loved this breathtaking Christmas novella set in the beautiful Scottish highlands...of castles set against the backdrop of misty, verdant hills---of kilts and colorful tartans, and the seemingly ill-fated romance between a brave clan chieftain and an English lady!



**Thank you to all of the wonderful Christian authors who provided me and so many others with hours of reading pleasure in 2013! See you next year!**

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Click on to book title to purchase any of these great novels!

 

Name a couple of your favorite books from 2013! Have you read any of the books on my list?

Diana Flowers Reviews 'The Governess of Highland Hall' by Carrie Turansky

The Governess of Highland Hall

The Governess of Highland Hall

by Carrie Turansky

Multnomah Publishing, Oct. 2013

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

5 stars*****

Historical Romance At Its Finest!

In The Governess of Highland Hall, author Carrie Turansky has crafted a wonderful Edwardian era novel set in England; replete with dashing lords and ladies and opulent mansions with magnificent décor…nonetheless behind those ornate doors also lurk secrets, pain, and hidden passions.

A missionary in India, Julia Foster has returned to England because of her father's illness and procures a position as governess of Highland Hall, a wealthy estate owned by the handsome, brooding widower, Sir William Ramsey. Julia's job is to care for William's children and his deceased cousin's two teenage girls. Doing so is quite a challenge as the baronet seems to be cold and withdrawn towards his own children and distrusts women, and the girls are openly rebellious towards her.

As Julia befriends William's lovely but crippled sister, Sarah, who is keeping a deep secret from her brother, she also begins to endear herself to the children. But what dark secret is William carrying inside and how can he save Highland Hall from financial ruin? Although his fondness towards Julia begins to turn to love…will he marry another with wealth to save not only Highland Hall but his reputation as well?…for to marry a governess is quite unacceptable for a man of his social standing.

This heartwarming novel, reminiscent of a cross between Jane Eyre and Jane Austen, will grab the reader from page one and not let go until the satisfying conclusion. This is one of those books where one falls so in love with the characters that it is extremely difficult to let them go! And this novel not only has one romantic plot, but two more romantic subplots which will break and also delight the reader's heart and cause several sighs (and tears!) to escape while reading. William is perfect as the brooding hero, but I couldn't stand this stuffed shirt at first until I got a chance to see his heart underneath of it!  Beautifully written and well researched, I highly recommend this wonderful novel!!

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This book may be purchased through CBD, Amazon, BAM, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month we are giving away this mini pink teapot, which we think Carrie Turansky's governess might have enjoyed! Put OWG on your comment--this giveaway for OWG followers.  Put CT if you have bought any of Carrie's previous books and we'll give you an extra entry!

Must be an OWG Follower--notate OWG on your comment to enter!

 

*Please be sure to leave your email addy for contact purposes should your name be drawn.*