Most writers are introverts. So, when we find writer friends, they are a treasure, especially when their faith walk is so inspiring. That is Carrie Turansky, bestselling, and award-winning author.

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of twenty-one inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She loves traveling to England to research her Edwardian novels, including No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and the EDWARDIAN BRIDES series. Her novels have been translated into several languages and have received starred reviews from Christianbook.com and Library Journal.

Carrie’s latest book The Legacy of Longdale Manor releases this month. I had the opportunity to read an advanced reader’s copy (ARC) and it easily earned my 5-star rating. Here’s a bit about her novel:

Two women–a century apart–embark on a journey to healing, faith, forgiveness, and romance.

In 2012, art historian Gwen Morris travels to England’s Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she meets David Bradford–the owner’s handsome grandson–who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a luxury hotel. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd’s staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she’s left searching for answers.

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 to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte’s grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets 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.

I’ve known Carrie for many years and have appreciated her wisdom and compassion, as well as talent as a writer. Now, how about we both get to know Carrie a little more?

What did you read as a child?

I loved to read and visited the library every two weeks. When I was young, I would check out a big stack of picture books and bring them home to enjoy. Two of my favorites were One Morning in Maine and Make Way for the Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. When I was a little older I remember enjoying Charlotte’s Web, Heidi, and Little Women. I had a great aunt who used to give me the Newberry Award winning novel each Christmas. Two that I remember loving and still own are The Bronze Bow and Island of the Blue Dolphins. Reading was a wonderful chance to explore new places and learn new things without ever leaving home!

Carrie, you have always reminded me of the C.S. Lewis quote: “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”

What did God teach you while writing The Legacy of Longdale Manor?

The Legacy of Longdale Manor is my first dual-time novel. Learning how to weave the historical and contemporary plots together was an exciting challenge for me. I’m very grateful for the guidance I received from the Lord as I wrote the story. I did have a general idea where the story was going, but I always try to be open to where the Lord is leading me as I write. He knows what will make it the most meaningful to the reader, and I want to tap into that and follow his directions.

The Fatherhood of God is one of the important spiritual themes in the novel. My heroine needed to heal from the hurt of her father’s betrayal. I had a great relationship with my father, but I know many people have been wounded and need healing in that important relationship.

I hope the struggles both my heroines encounter and how they resolve those issues will encourage readers who might face similar situations. Writing this story deepened my appreciation for God as father and drew me even closer to Him.

That is beautiful!

Do you have a recipe featured in your story that you’d like to share?

On one of my research trips to England, we stopped in the beautiful little village of Grasmere in the Lake District. People lined up down the street to purchase little paper-wrapped packets of gingerbread. We’d read about it when we prepared for the trip, so we were eager to try it. And we were not disappointed. It was delicious and nothing like American gingerbread. It was sweet and spicy and a little chewy, sort of like a cross between cake and a cookie, but even better! My characters enjoyed this gingerbread in the story.

Grasmere Gingerbread Recipe

Ingredients:

1 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp baking soda

Pinch of sea salt

1/2 cup (1 cube) of butter at room temperature, plus extra for greasing the pan

Flour for dusting the pan

Instructions:

Preheat the over to 350 degrees.

Prepare the 8 inch square cake pan by lining it with a parchment paper that covers the bottom and extends slightly over on both sides, allowing for easier removal of the gingerbread after baking. Apply a thin layer butter and evenly coat the bottom and corners of the parchment paper in the pan. Dust the lined pan with flour, then tap the pan over the sink to remove excess flour.

Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl and rub the butter into the mixture until it is the consistency of breadcrumbs. This is best done in a food processor or blender. The dough won’t come together as with other cookie doughs – it will remain as crumbs.

Set aside 2½ oz (70 grams)  of the crumb mixture. Press the remaining crumb mixture into the pan, using a mini rolling pin or push the crumbs down firmly with a piece of parchment paper. Spoon the reserved crumbs over the top and press very lightly to distribute the crumbs over the surface of the dough

Lightly score the top of the gingerbread, first dividing it into four squares and then dividing each square in half.

Bake the gingerbread for 25 minutes, then immediately remove it from the oven. Cut the gingerbread into portions along the marked lines while it is still hot.

Oh, my goodness! My mouth is watering!

Carrie and me at Sea Isle City on a writing retreat. Sharing the writing life with special friends makes the journey sweeter!

How do you find encouragement on your writing journey?

Carrie, Tessa Afshar, and Cathy Gohlke on a women’s retreat. These are two of my friends who love the Lord and go to great lengths to share their wisdom, love, and support. I’m thankful for good friends!

I’ve found great encouragement from connecting with friends who share my love for the Lord and for writing. Those friends seem to understand my love for a well told story and my desire to share those stories with readers. Brainstorming and talking through plot ideas is so much fun and so very helpful. I’ve been blessed with a few dear friends, like you, Terri, who have been that kind of friend to me. We’ve enjoyed writing retreats, traveling together, and so much more!!

Goodness! I miss those times. Surrounding ourselves with mature women of God–who are also writers–is indeed a blessing. And, as I said before, your friendship is a gift.

Ready for the GIVEAWAY?

The September A2A Giveaway!

Yes! Thanks to Bethany House Publishing, this month’s giveaway is a copy of Carrie’s, The Legacy of Longdale Manor! Thank you, Bethany House!

Carrie has also included some little treasures, too.

There’s one winner and it could be you! How? Well, by entering! Not just once, but up to SIX times!* Leave a comment below and share this blog and if you haven’t already, please subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this blog and receive a free gift from me — and an extra entry.

NOTE: WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY?*

Check out my YouTubeA2A interview with Carrie. Because, in the video interview Carrie will read a touching excerpt of The Legacy of Longdale Manor, answer different fun questions! Really fun! By Liking and Commenting on the video episode, you will have one more entry.* Sharing the video, another entry.* Subscribe, and you have TWO entries for a chance to win.* 

The Deadline is September 15th!

Watch our A2A interview!

That means, my friends, if you comment and subscribe -– or are already a subscriber -– to my blog, then watch the video and LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on the VIDEO, then Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, your name will be entered SIX TIMES!*

If you already have a copy of The Legacy of Longdale Manor, be sure to let you friends and family know so that they can enter!

Coming up: October’s Author Highlight is the multi award-Winning and bestselling author Tamera Alexander.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Carrie! Until next month, God bless and KEEP READING!

*So sorry, entries from the contiguous US only.