My Thoughts - A Token of Love Author: Carrie Turansky

 

About the Book

Book: A Token of Love

Author: Carrie Turansky

Genre: Fiction, Historical Romance

Release date: September 3, 2024

Separated by centuries, the lives of two women intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice.

In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister’s plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice’s disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction.

In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum’s history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum’s reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for what she believes.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the 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.

 

 

 

 

More from Carrie

Come with me to London!

My latest novel, A Token of Love, is a dual-time story set in London during the late Victorian Era and present day. That prompted my husband and I to take a trip to London earlier this year. We were especially delighted to visit the Foundling Museum which tells the story of the Foundling Hospital, the first children’s charity home in England. The Foundling Hospital and Foundling Museum tie the historical and contemporary plots together in A Token of Love.

Thousands of children were taken in by the Foundling Hospital when their mothers could no longer care for them. Some of the mothers left small items such as coins, thimbles, and pieces of jewelry with their infants as identifiers in the hope that if their situation changed, they might be able to return and reclaim their child. Those items were called tokens, and we saw several of them on display at the Foundling Museum.

Each token is unique and represents a mother’s love and desire to be reunited with her child. It was very moving to view them on display and think of all the heartache and hope behind each token.

More than two years ago, I saw an image of the tokens on Pinterest. That sparked my curiosity, and I followed the research trail to learn more about them. That led to the Foundling Museum’s website, which offers a treasure trove of information and personal stories about the mothers and children connected by those tokens. What I discovered helped me develop the characters and plot for A Token of Love. The story highlights one mother who gave her daughter into their care, then eight years later tries to reclaim her. But her daughter is missing, and that sets off a series of events that stirs all of London. Family drama, romance, inspiration, and a touch of mystery will make the story meaningful for readers.

If you like stories based on true events in history that will touch your heart and lift your spirit, then I think you will enjoy reading A Token of Love!

If you’d like to see more photos from my research trip to London and the Foundling Museum, I hope you’ll visit my website photo page!

My Thoughts 

A Token of Love is written by Carrie Turansky. One of the things that I love about this author is the fact that she has the ability to transport traders back in time. She always does such careful research to bring the story alive. This is a a dual timeline story. 

In this story it’s 1885 in London. Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. However she’s met with a mystery. She teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern.  However there’s so much darkness on the streets. Family members can come back to get their children by leaving a token with the child to help identify them so that they can return home to their loved ones, but very few do. Lillian has a locket to be able to claim Alice. 

 In the 2023 story, Janelle Spencer is helping to run the Foundling Museum and oversee the Foundling Museum Gala. The Foundling Museum has enlisted the help of videographer Jonas Conrad to create a documentary of the Museum’s history. However when they start to uncover the history it’s quite surprising. 

I enjoyed the journey that this story took me on. The author has woven together two time periods together seamlessly. The book is so well written. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 7

Maureen’s Musings, October 7

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 9

Connie’s History Classroom, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Devoted To Hope, October 10

Simple Harvest Reads, October 11 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Live.Love.Read., October 11

Stories By Gina, October 12 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 12

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 13

lakesidelivingsite, October 13

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 14

Cover Lover Book Review, October 14

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 15(Guest Review from Marilyn)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 16

Blossoms and Blessings, October 17

Holly’s Book Corner, October 17

Inspired by Fiction, October 18

Pause for Tales, October 18

Labor Not in Vain, October 19

To Everything There is A Season, October 20

Romances of the Cross, October 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of A Token of Love!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5461/

My Thoughts - Side Launch - By Brock Martin

 

SIDE LAUNCH

Brock Martin

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GENRE:  Historical Fiction

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BLURB:

1939, Canada unprepared but defiant, declares war on Germany and mass produces a mid-size warship, the Corvette. Thus starts the creation and journey of Canada's first Corvette, the HMCS Collingwood. Neither designed nor equipped for the North Atlantic, Collingwood is tasked to protect convoys and take on the predatory Sea Wolves lurking below the waves.

Heart breaking wartime romance as Ian and Kate struggle with love in difficult times. Our hero Ian, takes command of the Collingwood. He is ready to fight with any weapon he is given having witnessed Nazi atrocities and now driven by hatred. Kate is the daughter of the Collingwood shipyards owner, a brilliant woman with a strong desire to make something of herself. She is ready to fight for her country, but first she must fight for success in a male dominated world.

EXCERPT:

Kate woke with a smile, propping another pillow behind her back. She always took a few moments to collect herself and get excited about her day, and today was a big day. She was thinking of Ian, Robbie and her father, and how today seemed to weave together her relationship with each of them. She was particularly happy with the truce that seemed to have occurred between her and her father. Maybe she was reading into his reactions; perhaps he was just excited about today’s launch. But it did seem like he was coming to accept some of her choices. It wasn’t her imagination that her father received her last night with more affection and warmth than she had previously felt. Last night he called her Kate, a small thing perhaps, but she would hold on to any sign of his approval. She had always been “Kathryn” when he was upset with her, and she had been Kathryn for a long time now.

Action packed historical fiction based on true events of WWII and the Battle of the Atlantic. Murderous Wolf Packs, German Commandos, a nail-biting secret mission, spies and saboteurs. Side Launch takes the reader through a roller coaster of emotion.

If you are a fan of history and love to learn, this Canadian historical fiction is for you.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Brock Martin, a retired captain, served ten years as a Canadian Forces Search & Rescue pilot before his current role. The Canadian Forces gave him the opportunity to travel many areas of Canada and gain an immense appreciation of his country. He has been involved in operations across Canada, including the high arctic.

His free-spirited upbringing in the wilds of Northern Ontario gave him a love of the outdoors and adventure.

Brock is fascinated with historical fiction. He loves to learn of past thrilling adventure through the eyes of fictional characters. He was captivated when he learned the very ships that fought in the Battle of the Atlantic were built in Collingwood.

The Battle of the Atlantic was a massive achievement of Canadian perseverance, dedication and sacrifice of its men and women. Brock wrote this fast-paced, action packed story to honor Canadian heroism.

CONNECT WITH BROCK MARTIN

WEBSITE: https://www.brock-martin.ca/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Brock-Martin-102136659247617

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22345264.Brock_Martin

PURCHASE LINKS SIDE LAUNCH

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0228860180

Chapters Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/side-launch/9780228860181-item.html

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/side-launch-brock-martin/1141317544

MY THOUGHTS

Side Launch is written by Brock Martin. It is a historical fiction about Canadian involvement in The Battle of the Atlantic during World War II. It tells the story of Canada's first Corvette, the HMCS Collingwood. I love military history, but have never looked at World War II from Canada's point of view. The author has done a good job in creating a story that will draw you in within the first few pages of the story. 

I learned a lot from this book. I love that we got a look at the WRENS (Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service). I love reading about women and their contributions to war. The author has written some great descriptions to where you feel like you are watching the story unfold through the pages. 

Not only is this a historical fiction book, there is also a romance. I loved seeing the romance build between Ian, who is Captain of the HMCS Collingwood and Kate who is the daughter of the  Collingwood Shipyard owner. 

The book is well written. The storyline is engaging. The author has done careful research. Thank you to the author, publisher and Goddess Fish Promotions for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

ENTER: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4985

My Thoughts - WHERE THE STARS CROSS written by Dottie Sines

WHERE THE STARS CROSS

Dottie Sines

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GENRE:  Historical Romance

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BLURB:

In the depths of the Great Depression, Ellie suffers another crash—that of her marriage. She’s left struggling to restore her shattered life, feeling as damaged as the stained-glass panels she refurbishes for Chicago’s historic structures. While visiting her aunt in Marietta, Ohio, a charming river town, Ellie encounters towboat captain Wyatt and feels a searing attraction to him. But thanks to past and subsequent wounds, her attempts at opening herself to love seem futile. Her hope for love and her determination to find the place she belongs are further complicated by her tendency to make impulsive decisions. In her journey, Ellie draws on an unrealized level of courage and learns she must identify her brightest passions in charting her course.

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EXCERPT:

Climbing from her automobile, Ellie ambled around to the sidewalk, where she tipped herself onto her toes to stretch her legs and flung out her arms with a moan, promptly smacking a hand into what felt like a human. She pivoted.

“Oh, my goodness, I’m so…” The “sorry” came a heartbeat or two later, followed by, “Are you all right?” even though there was no way this man wasn’t okay.

Tall and sturdy enough to survive much more than a little whack in the chest, his faded blue-and-white pinstriped shirt, tan leather vest, and well-worn trousers did nothing to detract from the toned lines of his body. A sampling of gray wove through the hair peeking out from beneath his newsboy cap. Slightly wavy, sandy blond hair, which on anyone else would need a good trimming but suited him fine. He hadn’t shaved in a day or two.

“Lengthy drive, I take it?” His mouth curved into a half smile, crinkling the corners of soft, hazel eyes. “Nothing like a good punch to work out the kinks, huh, Slugger?”

Ellie drew in her lips. A laugh didn’t seem appropriate right now. “Really, I am very sorry,” Ellie said. “You are all right, aren’t you?”

“I think I’ll be fine,” he said with a nod and a languid blink of those captivating eyes. “Ma’am,” he said with a tip of his cap before he and his comrades continued toward the river.

Ellie’s feet felt their way to the door of the five-and-dime. Wowee, did that bloke look better from the front or the back? Biting her bottom lip, she reached for the door handle.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Dottie scratched out her first fiction as a little kid transfixed by the books she read all those lazy summer days on the front porch swing. Two of her short stories have been published in The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park’s literary journal, Hemingway Shorts, having placed among the top ten entries in its annual short story contests.

Where the Stars Cross, Dottie’s first novel, is available for purchase at:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Stars-Cross-Dottie-Sines/dp/1509257373/ref=sr_1_1 (where it’s on the Hot New Releases list for 20th century historical romance!)

Website: https://www.dottiesines.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555443236996

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dottie_sines_author/

MY THOUGHTS

Where the Stars cross is written by Dottie Sines. This is my first exposure to this author, and it will not be my last. This is a slow build historical romance with such great descriptions you will think that you are standing there watching the story unfold. Set back during the Great Depression, we see our female main character, Ellie suffer an end to her marriage. 

She goes to visit her aunt in Marietta, Ohio. She suddenly finds herself attracted to the to towboat captain. However, she still has scars and baggage that she has to deal with. She has had her heart broken by her cheating ex husband. I love that her Aunt Lillian helped her find her happiness again. The author truly has a gift. She writes her scenes so beautifully. Her story will draw you in. 

The author has done careful research to transport readers back to the Great Depression Era. My sister went to Marietta College and I knew a lot of the areas that the author was writing about. She has crafted well written characters and a slow build romance. I hope to read more from this author. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Goddess Fish Promotions for allowing me to read a copy this book - all thoughts are my own. 

GIVEAWAY

The author will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner.

ENTER:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4979

My Thoughts - The Resistance Bakery Written by Siobham Curham

 

Book overview 

Paris, 1943. The scent of fresh baguettes hangs in the air as Coralie unbolts the door to her bakery with trembling fingers. She must get out of the city. Hiding her precious leather recipe book inside her coat, she promises never to let the secret locations of the people she worked tirelessly to save fall into German hands…

Present day. Raven is unhappy about being shipped off to the other side of the country for the summer to stay with the mysterious French grandmother she barely knows. And discovering a tattered, leather-bound book with yellowed pages full of handwritten recipes and coded numbers, she is stunned.

Her grandmother has never baked for her. And she refuses to talk about Paris, or the past. Flipping through the book, a faded photograph of a laughing couple falls out. As Raven scans the writing on the back she can scarcely believe her eyes…

What really happened in that tiny French bakery all those years ago? And could this forgotten recipe book finally bring healing to a woman still haunted by wartime secrets? Or has Raven’s discovery shattered any chance of bonding with her grandmother, before her time runs out?

About The Author 

Siobhan is the award-winning author of almost 50 books for adults, young adults and children - fiction and non-fiction. It's safe to say that she loves writing! And whether she's writing historical fiction about World War 2, teen novels, or kids' books about talking animals, there's one common theme to Siobhan's work - she loves to write books that uplift, entertain and inspire, and hopefully leave the reader feeling better for the experience. Her work has also been featured in many newspapers and magazines, including the Guardian, Breathe and Cosmopolitan.

Having overcome many obstacles on her path to writing success, Siobhan loves nothing more than helping other people achieve their dreams. She's given talks and run workshops for thousands of people all over the world on the themes of writing, daring to dream, resilience and overcoming fear and is planning to launch a series of online courses on these subjects in 2024.

You can receive free weekly inspirational posts and stories from Siobhan via her weekly newsletter, WONDERSTRUCK, on Substack at: http://www.siobhancurham.substack.com

You can also connect with her on social media at...

Facebook: Siobhan Curham Author

Instagram: @SiobhanCurhamAuthor

Twitter: @SiobhanCurham

For more information about Siobhan and her books, coaching and courses, please visit: http://www.siobhancurham.com

My Thoughts

The Resistance Bakery is written  by Siobham Curham. This is a captivating dual timeline story that will transport readers back to World War II. We see wartime in Paris in 1943. 

Coralie holds a leather book that has recipes and code written in it. She’s doing what she can to help push back against the enemy. I always love stories where we see those pushing back. Especially Paris resistance. Coralie works in a patisserie. They specialize in sweets and treats. When the German Intelligence overtake her workplace she decides that the best way for her to survive is to befriend them…… and find out what she can. She was so brave and I loved how even when she wanted to give up she kept going. 

Present day Raven is sent to spend some time with her grandmother. She really doesn’t know much about her. She’s shocked when she finds the tattered book full of recipes and code. Her grandmother had never baked for her. Raven knew that she had to uncover  the truth. Her grandmother never talks about her past or the war. What will Raven find out? 

Perfectly woven together dual timelines. The author has crafted such a captivating story that will draw you in within the first few pages. The author has done careful research to bring this story alive. 

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.