The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky – A Book Review

   

This dual timeline novel follows the budding romance between Gwen Morris, junior specialist for art history and antiques, and David Bradford whose business converts historic estates into hotels, spas, and multi-unit apartments in 2012, and between Charlotte Harper and Ian Storey in 1912. Both Gwen and Charlotte have been betrayed in a way that impacts their ability to trust their hearts to others, and both are fortunate enough to have spiritual mentors that gently teach them how to forgive. This story unfolds in a beautiful way, as Gwen gets to know Charlotte from a journal Charlotte's family has saved and cherished. These women's stories exemplify how faith can be nurtured through adversity. This story is set in England's Lake District, and the author masterfully portrays its beauty without lengthy descriptive paragraphs that slow stories down. Rather as her characters interact in this environment she lets the readers live the sites, sounds, smells, and tastes of the villages and countrysides.

I recommend The Legacy of Longdale Manor to fans of historical and dual timeline stories, to those who love stories of faith, and to those who are struggling with forgiveness. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own.

No Journey Too Far by Carrie Turansky - A Book Review

   

It was interesting to continue the story of the McAlister family which began in No Ocean Too Wide. While No Journey Too Far would work as a stand-alone read, the reading experience is richer if one reads the books in sequence. This book focuses on Garth and Grace who along with their sister, Katie, were mistakenly taken from England to Canada as Home Children. Turansky does a wonderful job of educating her readers about the challenges faced by British Home Children, especially those caused by prejudice. While I did enjoy the story, I did wonder if the economic needs of the characters were too easily dismissed or solved, making parts of the story a bit unrealistic. That, however, did not greatly impact my enjoyment of the story.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of No Journey Too Far from Multnomah via NetGalley without obligation, and to have the opportunity to serve on the Launch Team for this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.

No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky - A Book Review

   

I was familiar with the Orphan Train that took poor and orphaned children from our country's over crowded eastern cities to the west for adoption or to serve, often as domestics or farm hands. Prior to reading No Ocean Too Wide I was unaware of the thousands of children who were emigrated from Britain to Canada between the 1860s and 1930s for much the same purpose. The story of Laura, Katie, Garth and Grace brings to life and to light the neglect and abuse suffered by many of these children while not ignoring that some did indeed end up in better circumstances from which they came.

Carrie Turansky has a delightful way of showing her readers God's hand and presence even in dire circumstances. She demonstrates the value of recognizing the blessings, both great and small, among the struggles, and the importance of concentrating on those rather than allowing oneself to get bogged down in the stress and unfairness this life can include.

I am grateful to have received a copy of No Ocean Too Wide from Multnomah via NetGalley and Summer Launch in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

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