Thursday, September 01, 2011

SURRENDERED HEARTS - Carrie Turansky - Free Ebook


I plan to start featuring ebooks on my blog as well as print books in 2012, but until then, I'm featuring a few selected books. This one is by a good friend of mine. Welcome, Carrie. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
I am excited about what God is doing in my life and in my writing career. I’ve had 8 novels and novellas published since 2005, and I have two more contracted. I’m blessed to be a finalist for the ACFW Carol Award in the novella category, and I’m looking forward to attending the ACFW Conference later this month. I enjoy writing both contemporary and historical novels, and I am working on a new proposal for a historical romance series.

Tell us a little about your family.
I am very blessed and grateful for my family. Scott and I have been married for 33 years. We have 5 young adult children ages 23 – 29. Two are married and one is engaged to be married this fall. We have three grandchildren, and they are all a delight! Our youngest two daughters are twins and still at home with us, but they are getting ready to launch sometime in the next year or so. I homeschooled our kids for a number of years which helped me gain a great education. Our family loves to travel and we spent a year in Kenya as missionaries when the kids will ages 8 - 15.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
I love to read. I’d say becoming a writer has made me a more discerning reader. I sometimes find myself switching into editing mode while I am reading, and if there are too many issues with a book, I will set it aside. But I can still get lost in a well-written story. Right now I am reading A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Grace Whitson and enjoying that very much. I also recently read and loved, Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke. That one comes out early next year, and I highly recommend it.

I loved that book by Stephanie. Tell Cathy to contact me about featuring her on my blog with her book. What are you working on right now?
I am working on a contracted novel for Love Inspired. The working title is A Fairhaven Christmas. It tells the story of a young single mom who returns to her hometown and starts a business as a personal chef, but she ends up caring for an elderly friend who owns a bakery that needs to be renovated. That friend has a grandson who is insisting the bakery needs to be sold. I’m just getting started, so it’s been a lot of fun researching bakers and personal chefs and learning all about those occupations. It will be a fun and touching Christmas story that comes out November 2012.

And must feature that one on my blog. What outside interests do you have?
I love to work in my flower gardens and spend time outdoors in the warmer seasons. We have a small lake near our home and I enjoy walking around it most mornings, watching the birds and fish. I enjoy traveling with my husband, and we have been blessed to go all over the US, a few European countries, Israel, and Kenya. We are very involved in ministry with our church. I lead the women’s ministry and sometimes teach Bible studies and mentoring groups.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
I have set several books in New Jersey near where I have lived for 24 years. I have one set in Vermont, and loved visiting there to vacation and research. But I’ve also set some of my books in Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. I’m originally for Oregon, and I love that part of the country too.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet Nellie Bly. She was one of the first female investigative reporters who created a different identity to research her articles. I’m sure she would have some fascinating stories to share. I’d love to write a book with a heroine like Nellie Bly.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
I wish I would’ve known how long it takes to learn the craft of fiction writing, and then how long it would take to get published. You need a lot of perseverance and patience to be a novelist.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
One lesson the Lord has been teaching me is to have faith and believe He is working even when it looks like nothing is happening and I don’t see answers to prayer. No prayers are ever wasted. God hears and He is working out what is best for those I love and for me. I have seen some wonderful answers to prayer lately for things I have been praying about for many years. It’s very encouraging, and it motivates me to keep praying and trusting God.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
Join ACFW or other writers’ organization and take advantage of all the great connections and resources that are available through that group. Attend a writers’ conference where you can meet authors, agents, and editors and sit in on some good teaching. Set either a daily or weekly word count goal and stick to it.

Tell us about the featured book?
Surrendered Hearts is a contemporary inspirational romance available as an eBook. Jennifer Evan’s life is changed forever when a gas pipeline explodes and causes a fire at her apartment. Losing her home and beloved dog are terrible blows, but the ugly scars that cover her arm, neck and shoulder steal her confidence and cause her fiancĂ© to desert her. With her funds depleted and her job on hold, she heads to Vermont where she hopes to reconnect with her brother and find a way to rebuild her shattered life. 

Bill Morgan, her brother’s roommate and the head naturalist at the Wild River Nature Center, is a strong, quiet man whose faith runs deep. He is frustrated when his efforts to share his faith with Jenn seem to push her farther away. But caring actions sometimes speak louder than words, and Jenn’s heart is drawn to Bill in spite of the spiritual gulf that separates them. Will she hold on to her pain, or will she surrender her heart and find the faith and love she seeks?

I can’t wait to get this on my Kindle. Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter One
A wisp of smoke curled through the tall evergreens and drifted toward Jennifer Evans like a ghostly snake. Her steps stalled, and she clutched the handle of her duffle bag until her nails bit into the palm of her hand. The scent of burning wood filled her nose. Her throat tightened, and her heart raced as if some primitive survival instinct had kicked in.

Stop! It’s just smoke from a fireplace or wood stove. She inhaled a calming breath and forced her frightening memories back into their hiding place.

Shifting her focus away from the trees, she searched the quiet Vermont road ahead of her. The man at Wild River Resort said it was only about a mile to her brother’s house. But the weight of the duffle bag pulling on her tender right arm made her feel like she’d already walked twice that far.

She could see why her brother liked Vermont. Birds darted through the trees, calling to each other. A slight breeze lifted the evergreen branches in a swaying dance. The refreshing scent of pine and cedar replaced the offensive smoky odor.

It was wild, beautiful, and peaceful. Her heart ached at that thought. Peace seemed like a dream she could never quite grasp no matter how hard she tried, and the turmoil of the last few months had only heightened the needs in her heart.

Sighing, she shook her head. She had to find her brother. Switching her bag to the other hand, she started off again.

The road curved to the right and she spotted a house set back under the shady trees. Number 427 was painted on the mailbox. That was it. A tremor passed through her fingers as she reached in her jeans pocket and pulled out the folded letter from Wes inviting her to his wedding. She checked the return address. His scratchy, almost illegible handwriting brought a small smile to her lips. He should have been a doctor instead of a missionary, she mused. Then she reminded herself he wasn’t a missionary anymore. Now he worked as an assistant naturalist at the Wild River Resort Nature Center.

She tucked the letter back in her pocket. How would he feel about her arriving a few weeks early for his wedding?

I know I'll love reading it. How can readers find you on the Internet?
I hope readers will stop by my website:  www.carrieturansky.com.
They can read the first chapter of all my books there, find recipes featured in my books, read reviews, see photos, and find contact info and links to order my books.

Blessings to all and happy reading!
Carrie

Thank you, Carrie, for the interesting peek into your life for my readers.


Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.

31 comments:

Rebecca said...

Thank you so much for the chance to win this. This looks like an amazing book. I would love to win this. Thanks again.

I am from Oklahoma.

Anonymous said...

I would love to win a copy to win a copy of this book. Thank You for the chance.

angela from ky

Patsy said...

This book sounds really good. Love the cover. Would love to read it.
from Mississippi
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Faith Hope and Cherrytea said...

deliteful book & a wonderful opp to win ~ MUCH appreciated! thankyou!
CA for me

Carrie Turansky said...

Hi Friends, thanks for stopping by to read more about Surrendered Hearts. It's always great to connect with people who enjoy Christian fiction.

So...Oklahoma, Kentucky and Mississippi....let's hear from friends in some other states. : )

Blessings,
Carrie

Carrie Turansky said...

Oh, and California too! Thanks for stopping by.
Carrie

Linda Kish said...

Count me in, too, please.

California.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Lena Nelson Dooley said...

Carrie, I'm so glad I thought about asking the readers to tell us where they live. I've really enjoyed seeing all the different places our readers are.

Lena Nelson Dooley said...

And when they have a picture of themselves, it's almost as if we were face to face.

Carrie Turansky said...

Yes, Lena, It has been fun to see where your blog readers call home. : )

Blessings,
Carrie

Sylvia said...

I'm from NC and this book sounds very interesting. I love the cover. It's just beautiful and I'm glad it has a man and a woman on it.

nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

Megan said...

I would love to win this book, it sounds so good! Please enter me in this giveaway.

From Illinois

lovetoread205 [at] gmail [dot] com

Katie Marie said...

A friend recommended Surrendered Hearts to me by Carrie Turansky not too long ago. She kept saying how really wonderful it was. Now I am curious!! lol

I'd love a chance to win this book! Thanks!

Katie from Florida

Carrie Turansky said...

Hi Friends, thanks for visiting the blog, for your kind comments and interest in reading Surrendered Hearts.

Katie, that's fun to hear a friend recommended it to you! Telling others about books you enjoy is a tremendous help to authors. Thank your friend for me!!

Happy reading everyone,
Carrie

Charlotte Kay said...

Carrie,
I am from O H I O, the Buckeye State,
and I would love to win this ebook to read when we travel to Florida next month!
May our Lord continue to bless you as you bless us readers with your God-inspired writing.
Many Blessings and Smiles:)
Charlotte Kay
Ps Loved the interview

Edwina said...

Thanks for the opportunity to win this book - it sounds great!

edwina(dot)cowgill(at)yahoo(dot)com

From GEORGIA

Unknown said...

Thanks Carrie and Lena...i haven't read any of Carrie's books, but will be looking out for them! i have read a lot of historical romances this past year, and would love to read this contemporary romance. Thanks for the giveaway, and chance to win. Was wondering, Carrie, if you'll ever write about something happening in Kenya? mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com from Peace River Country, Alberta

Coolestmommy said...

I'm late chiming in, but from NE. :-)
Sounds like a wonderful book. I enjoyed reading about you, too, Carrie.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

apple blossom said...

live in ND
please enter me thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Joanna Richmond said...

sounds Like a great Book. I would love to win this Joanna Richmond, Blanch, NC.

Abigail Mitchell said...

Looks very interesting. Thanks for the chance to win.
God Bless!
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.

Kristie said...

Sounds like a good read. I could never be a missionary like you have been. Talking about my faith does not come easily to me. Plus I need to read the Bible more. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Nathanael Richmond said...

Looks very interesting! I would love to win this book.
Nathanael Richmond
Blanch, N.C.

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

It looks interesting! I would really like to win this book.
Sarah Richmond
Blanch, N.C.

Carrie Turansky said...

HI Friends, thanks for stopping by and for your interest in reading Surrendered Hearts.

I wanted to answer Marianne's question. I would LOVE to write a book set in Kenya! It's tough to sell books with international settings to CBA publishers, but it seems like that is starting to change. I have an idea file for African stories. My daughter and son-in-law work in Kenya, so they are a great resource too.
Blessings,
Carrie

Courtney said...

Sounds like an amazing book and I'd love to win this!

Courtney from WA

Ingrid said...

Hi Carrie, thanks for a great Interview, I always love reading about the Author of a Book I want to read.
Yesterday was my Birthday and my Children got me a Kindle, I'm so excited to have one and can't wait to download some Books. Please enter me in your drawing.
Thank you

I'm from Southern Illinois
ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com

Carrie Turansky said...

Happy birthday, Ingrid! Hope you enjoy your Kindle! There are some great bargains in Christian Fiction for those who have eReaders. Check out the webstie: www.inspiredreads.com. They list Christian fiction and non-fiction that is low prices or free.

Surrendered Hearts is only $2.99. : )
Blessings,
Carrie

Sarah said...

Would love to win!

Sarah H
Oklahoma

Mama Cat said...

This sounds like an awesome book - would love to win it! Characters sound outstanding, learning to live Christian values in spite of extreme adversity. Thank you!

I live in Arizona.

Sharon Richmond said...

Sounds very interesting, I love to read and would love to win this book.
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.