Title: Across the Blue
Author: Carrie Turanskey
Publisher: Waterbrook & Multnomah Fiction
Release Date: February 20, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction
Links*: Amazon l Goodreads l Book Depository l CBD l Itunes
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.
Hi Annie, thank you for sharing your thoughts about Across the Blue! It was fun to read the quotes you pulled from the book. I'm glad you enjoyed James and Bella's story. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carrie for dropping in! James and Bella's story was a delight.
DeleteCongrats on the tour. I have not read any of her books. I would love to read this one. It sounds so interesting. About dreams and hopes.
ReplyDeletequilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
Lori, thank you for stopping by. Hope you'll have the chance to read this soon!
DeleteThank you for your wonderful review on "Across the Blue" by Carrie Turansky. I have this book on my TBR list and would love the opportunity to read it.
ReplyDelete2clowns at arkansas dot net
Good luck Kay! I really enjoyed this one and I'm even considering it as a favorite of hers.
DeleteI have not had the privileged of reading Carrie's books yet but I want to! Hopefully soon!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Emilee! I hope you'll have thw opportunity soon!
DeleteI greatly enjoyed Shine Like the Dawn!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I think you'll enjoy this one too then!
DeleteI’m currently enjoying The Governess of Highland Hall. I am looking forward to reading more of Carrie’s books.
ReplyDeleteThat one is on my TBR! What are your thoughts?
DeleteI'd like to start with "Across the Blue"
ReplyDeleteGreat! Good luck and hope you'll get to it soon!
DeleteI think the book of Carrie's that I've enjoyed the most is "The Governess of Highland Hall".
ReplyDeleteO great! That is on my TBR for sure!
DeleteI haven't read any of Carries books yet, but I do have them on my very massive want-to-read list :-)
ReplyDeleteLovely review and thanks for the giveaway. Across the Blue is one I'd love to have!
Thanks 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.
DeleteWould love to read this book about a female aviation pioneer. Vivian Furbay jtandviv (at) q (dot) com
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
DeleteTHAT COVER - I can't get over it! <3 <3 <3
ReplyDelete~ Savannah | Scattered Scribblings
Right?! That is one awesome cover for sure.
DeleteHi Carrie! Nice to see you again!
ReplyDeleteFriends, if you haven’t read the book yet, you are missing out :)
Totally Natalya!
DeleteHey Carrie and Annie! I loved The Daughter of Highland Hall. Across the Blue is on my MUST read list! :)
ReplyDeleteYay! I hope you'll get the chance ASAP!
DeleteThis book sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteIt is good!!! Hope you'll get to read it soon!
DeleteI have not read any of Carrie's books yet. This book with the topic of the early days of aviation intrigues me.
ReplyDeleteO, totally Patty. Me too. The early aviation topic definitely was one of the first things that intrigued me about this story!
DeleteI have not gotten to read any of these great looking romances yet. But I would love to start with daughter of Highland Hall.
ReplyDeleteHappy reading then and good luck!
DeleteHow can I pick a favorite of her books? I have loved them all so far, but I guess I could say The Governess of Highland Hall was my favorite, just because that was the first one I ever read and what got me started on reading the rest!
ReplyDeleteI am like that too! First ones are always sooo memorable!
DeleteWonderful review Annie!
ReplyDeleteI loved Across the Blue! And the cover is beautiful. Congratulations Carrie!
Blessings, Tina