Carrie Turansky
Carrie Turansky is a kind and generous lady who always finds time to encourage others. When I have asked her for advice she was always willing to answer my questions and go above and beyond to help me. Carrie Turansky is an award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas. She has written contemporary and historical romances, women’s fiction, short stories, articles, and devotionals. When Carrie is not writing she enjoys traveling for research and on ministry trips with her husband, Scott. They live in central New Jersey, and they have five children and four grandchildren. Carrie enjoys connecting with readers on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and through her website and blog.
Q: When you are writing, what treat do you like to keep you going?
Carrie: I’m a tea drinker – hot tea on cool days and iced tea on warm days. My favorite teas are Earl Grey and Tazo Passion. I like to snack on berries, veggies and hummus, and I enjoy Ghirardelli chocolate for a treat.
Q: Tell me about why or how you chose the genre you write in and what about it appeals to you?
Carrie: I have written 14 contemporary and historical novels and novellas, but they all have inspirational themes with romance and a happy ending. I’m currently writing the Edwardian Brides Series, which is set in England in the early 1900s, the same time period as Downton Abbey. I enjoyed that TV series, and I wanted to write novels set in that era with inspirational themes. When I started my research I fell in love with the Edwardian time period and I’ve enjoyed bringing it to life for my readers. I love the clothes, the country houses, and the customs and lifestyle.
Q: If you were to pick one character out of your books that could materialize and become a real live person, a friend, who would it be and why.
Carrie: I think I’d choose Julia Foster, the heroine of The Governess of Highland Hall. She is a former missionary to India, and after writing her story it would be wonderful to see her in person and talk about what happens to her in the next phase of her life.
Q: What do you do to get into “the zone” when you are writing? Describe the process.
Carrie: I like to stay in bed for a few minutes each morning and think about what happens next in my story. That’s a great time to let the creative ideas flow. I do like to listen to instrumental music while I write. Movie soundtracks are my favorites. I sometimes start out my writing time by handwriting the first part of the scene. That seems to help me get going.
Q: One fun fact about yourself that readers may not know.
Carrie: I’ve been blessed to travel to England twice to do research for my novels. Those trips have been wonderful inspirations and given me memories and insights that have helped me greatly. I love to look back at those photos and remember all we saw and did while we were there. If you’d like to take a look at my research photos you can see them on this page at my website.
READ MY REVIEW HERE (The Governess of Highland Hall)
Read a sample chapter from Daughter of Highland Hall
READ MY REVIEW HERE (The Daughter of Highland Hall)
Purchase The Governess of Highland Hall: A Novel (Edwardian Brides)
Purchase The Daughter of Highland Hall: A Novel (Edwardian Brides)
Purchase A Refuge at Highland Hall: A Novel (Edwardian Brides Book 3)
Canadian readers can go to Amazon.ca
WIN A COPY of The Daughter of Highland Hall
OPEN TO CANADIAN AND US RESIDENTS
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
34 Comments
Rachel Rittenhouse
I love Carrie’s books! So far, I’ve just read “Governess of Highland Hall” but I totally want to read the others in the series, especially to find out what happens to Katherine. And I just have to say, that I’d love to meet Julia Foster in real life too. 🙂
Melony Teague
Rachel, if you loved the first one, you are going to really enjoy the second one!Thanks for entering to win!
kim amundsen
Enjoy reading your books. Thanks for a chance to win.
Lucy
I haven’t, but I would love to. Thank you for the chance.
Karen Hadley
This book looks inviting and I look forward to reading it. I like the Irish theme, it has me intrigued.
Melony Teague
I know, I have Irish in me too!
Donna Parker
I love books in set in this time period. Would love to read this one.
Melony Teague
I LOVE this time period too, you will definitely enjoy this one!
Claudia
I have not yet read any of Carrie’s books; she has been on my reading list and I’m looking forward to reading them. They all look quite good!
Melony Teague
They are very good! I think so!
Carrie Turansky
I’m glad to see so many of you enjoy reading historical fiction! I loved traveling to England twice to research this series. Visiting Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey is filmed, and Tyntesfield, the inspiration for Highland Hall, were wonderful experiences. I hope you enjoy reading all three books in the series, The Governess . . . The Daughter of Highland Hall, and A Refuged at Highland Hall that comes out in October.
Rhonda G Nash-Hall
Carrie is a new author to me ….would love to win and read/review this! nashhall@aol.com
Angelina (Barbin) Jameson
Carrie’s books are on my list to read. They sound wonderful and the covers are gorgeous.
Melony Teague
I know Angelina, and if I had to pick my favorite cover, I think it has to be the new one which will be released in October! I think Carrie has a photo of herself wearing the same hat! 🙂
Sydney Anderson
I have yet to read any of Carrie’s books, but they are definitely on my “to read” list for this summer! 🙂
Melony Teague
Enjoy them!
Lisa Redecop
I would love to win this book it sounds very interesting.
Charity Andrews
Oooh! I want to read this so badly!
Trixi O.
No, I haven’t had the pleasure of reading Carries books yet! But historical fiction is my favorite genre, so this would go on my want-to-read list 🙂 Thank you for the chance to win a copy of “The Daughter of Highland Hall”
Mary Tomatz
Sounds like a wonderful book!
Carrie Turansky
Good Morning Friends, thanks for stopping by to read the interview and enter the giveaway. If you enjoy Downton Abbey and classic stories like Jane Eyre, then I think you’ll like reading the Highland Hall books. Happy Reading to all!
Alaina
So far I’ve only read “The Governess of Highland Hall” and I’m eager to read more – definite Downton Abbey nut right here (was picturing the Abbey itself as I read)! Hehe. I have a copy of the first one and would love to win a copy of the second!
Melony Teague
Thank you for entering Alaina!
BJ Marley
I haven’t read any of these books yet, but I am looking forward to reading them.
Sparksofember
I haven’t read any yet but they’re been on my wishlist for a while now!
Crystal Balzer
I haven’t read any of Carrie’s books just yet but The Governess of Highland Hall is the next in my queue to read! It’s sitting on my nightstand 🙂
Melony Teague
Crystal! EMAIL ME! You are our winner! info@melonyteague.com
Carrie Turansky
Hi Friends! I’m glad to connect with so many new reading friends! Alaina, that’s fun to hear you enjoyed The Governess of Highland Hall. Kate is the heroine of book 2, and Penny is the heroine of book 3. I hope you enjoy reading the rest of the series!
Brenda Murphree
I have never read one of Carrie’s books. I’ve been trying to win one where I can read it. I will need to put them on my “to buy” list.
anne rightler
I don’t believe I have but I would love to win this one. This series looks good. Thanks for sharing.
Jamie steadman
I don’t think I have read your books, but I will start searching for your books.
Mikal
I’m so excited to read this book! Thank you for the opportunity!
San Salsbury
I have always loved the clothes and culture of the Edwardian Age – I would love to read your take on it!
Valerie S.
I dearly love to watch Downton Abbey so I’m excited to learn about Carrie’s Edwardian Brides series! Thanks for hosting this give-away.