Review & Giveaway: Across the Blue by Carrie Turansky
Title: Across the Blue
Author: Carrie Turanskey
Publisher: Waterbrook & Multnomah Fiction
Release Date: February 20, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction
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Set in Edwardian England and ideal for readers who enjoy Julie Klassen novels, this romance about an English aviation pioneer and the girl who falls in love with him is filled with adventure and faith.
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 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 be the first to fly across the Channel and win 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?
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 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 be the first to fly across the Channel and win 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?
MY THOUGHTS
Across the Blue stretches our minds to dream. Carrie Turansky's latest novel filled the pages with intrigue and excitement. James' enthusiasm and devotion to aviation practically jumps off the pages, and Isabella's love for journalism and her mind of exploration pretty much tickles you from the very first page. It's a happy start, and one I'm itching to get to "what lies beyond," because we know there will be something.
Dreams that soar, and then dreams that can plunder, and in time what is more important? I enjoyed Across the Blue for our characters' tenacity and chemistry, but I also find messages and themes of the story interwoven remarkably well.
Engaging from the start, Across the Blue isn't just about reaching for your dreams, but also about life. Themes of forgiveness and missed opportunities, as well as possibilities, not limitations settled in the backdrop of early aviation history gave this story a soaring mark in my book.
Dreams that soar, and then dreams that can plunder, and in time what is more important? I enjoyed Across the Blue for our characters' tenacity and chemistry, but I also find messages and themes of the story interwoven remarkably well.
"It's not easy to forgive someone. . .but when you do. . .it opens the path for healing and restoration."
Engaging from the start, Across the Blue isn't just about reaching for your dreams, but also about life. Themes of forgiveness and missed opportunities, as well as possibilities, not limitations settled in the backdrop of early aviation history gave this story a soaring mark in my book.
"Now was the time for men to break free from the bounds of earth and fly unhindered."
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Please note, if planning to share quoted quotes (quote graphics OK), please verify with release copy, since it was taken from an uncorrected proof copy (ARC). Thank you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CARRIE TURANSKY is an award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas. She has been the winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award, and a finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award and the Maggie Award of Excellence. A prolific writer of contemporary and historical romance, women’s fiction, short stories, articles, and devotionals, Carrie lives in central New Jersey with her husband Scott. They have five adult children and four grandchildren.
GIVEAWAY (Also, there is a Goodreads Giveaway that ends on March 27, 2018. CLICK HERE to enter it.)
The publisher, Waterbrook & Multnomah had graciously offer one reader on Just Commonly a copy of Across the Blue. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below. US mailing addresses only. Thank you.
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
Thank you Carrie for dropping in! James and Bella's story was a delight.
ReplyDeleteLori, thank you for stopping by. Hope you'll have the chance to read this soon!
ReplyDeleteGood luck Kay! I really enjoyed this one and I'm even considering it as a favorite of hers.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Emilee! I hope you'll have thw opportunity soon!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I think you'll enjoy this one too then!
ReplyDeleteThat one is on my TBR! What are your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteGreat! Good luck and hope you'll get to it soon!
ReplyDeleteO great! That is on my TBR for sure!
ReplyDeleteThanks Trixi for stopping in. I need you to push this up your list! Lol. It's a great story. It may be my favorite of Carrie's I've read. Granted this is only the second one. I did enjoyed Shine Like the Dawn too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteRight?! That is one awesome cover for sure.
ReplyDeleteO, totally Patty. Me too. The early aviation topic definitely was one of the first things that intrigued me about this story!
ReplyDeleteHappy reading then and good luck!
ReplyDeleteI am like that too! First ones are always sooo memorable!
ReplyDelete