Thursday, February 23, 2012

A MAN TO TRUST - Carrie Turansky - Free Book


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 9 novels and novellas published since 2005, and I have one more contracted. Last September my novella, A Trusting Heart in Christmas Mail-Order Brides, won the ACFW Carol Award. 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.
My family is a huge blessing in my life. Scott and I have been married for 33 years. We have 5 young adult children ages 24 – 30. Three are married. We have three grandchildren, and they are all a delight! Our youngest two daughters are twin 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. Those are happy memories we will always remember.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
I have always loved 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. I recently read and loved, Promise Me This by Christ award winning author Cathy Gohlke, and I highly recommend it. Next up is A Wedding Invitation by Alice Wisler.

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, and that creates all kinds of trouble for the heroine, the hero and his grandmother. It’s a sweet and touching Christmas story that comes out November 2012.

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. I also love to cook and bake, and I’m always looking for new healthy recipes.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
Several of my books are set in New Jersey where I have lived for 24 years. I have two 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. With the internet, a writer can research and learn about any location.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
I’d loved to talk to Teddy Roosevelt and hear about when he went west to start a cattle ranch. That was quite an undertaking for a wealthy Harvard educated man. It sounds like a great set up for a story. I’d also like to meet Nellie Bly who lived in the late 1800’s. She was one of the first female investigative reporters who went under cover 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 trust that He is strong and He is loving. Both of these character qualities are true about Him, and they fit perfectly together. Because of that, I know I can trust Him. 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?
A MAN TO TRUST
After years spent helping run her grandmother’s Chrsitian bookstore, it’s time for Adrie Chandler to give her own dream of becoming a professional musician a chance. But can she really trust the beloved shop to new manager Ross Peterson? The man is too charming and too much a reminder of another dream Adrie had to let go—marriage. Yet Ross surprises her by knowing a thing or two about making sacrifices. Suddenly, Adrie is questioning what she really wants. And whether the dreams she once thought unlikely are within reach after all.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter One

Today, of all days, Adrienne Chandler should’ve been swathed in white chiffon and Belgium lace. Instead, she wore khaki pants and a navy-blue knit shirt with the words Bayside Books stitched in red over the pocket. Rather than floating down the church aisle on the arm of her father, she hid in the back office of her grandmother’s bookstore, hovering over a slightly lopsided birthday cake.

Adrie struck a match and lit the two large purple candles shaped like the numbers seven and zero on top of Nana’s cake. With a quick huff, she blew out the match and touched up a spot where the chocolate cake peeked through the pale pink butter-cream frosting.

If her life had gone as she’d planned, she’d be enjoying wedding cake rather than birthday cake, but it was time to stop dwelling on what should’ve been and make today special for her grandma.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I hope readers will stop by my website:  www.carrieturansky.com. I’m also on Facebook and Twitter. At my website readers will find the first chapter of all my books, recipes featured in my books, reviews, photos, contact info and links to order my books.

Blessings to all and happy reading!
Carrie


It's been a pleasure to once again feature you on my blog.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Man to Trust (Love Inspired) - paperback
A Man to Trust (Love Inspired) - Kindle


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.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

27 comments:

Unknown said...

This sounds like one awesome story line, Carrie. Of course, it doesn't hurt that it's talking about a book store (i owned one, solely for the chance it gave me to read and share great novels) and worked in a book distribution centre (ditto). Loved the interview and giveaway. Thanks

Marianne from Arizona
mitzi underscore wanham at yahoo dot cm

Carrie Turansky said...

Hi Marianne, working in a bookstore sounds wonderful! I enjoyed setting this story in a bookstore and thinking through how that help make the story unique. The heroine is musician and that's another connection many people will make with her.

Thanks for stopping by today!
Blessings,
Carrie

tweezle said...

I really enjoyed your interview, Carrie! I also homeschooled and it's amazing how much you learn along with your children!

Your book sounds like a wonderful read! Thanks for the chance :)

scottsgal said...

I enjoy walking around a lake and watching wildlife too. thanks for the chance to read this
msboatgal at aol.com
cheryl in IL

Anonymous said...

Great Interview. Sounds like my kind of book. I would love to win.
Angela from KY

Carrie Turansky said...

Hi Tweezle, Yes, homeschooling my five kids gave me a great education and so much precious time together. That's fun to hear you also homeschooled your kids.
But I'm also glad they've all graduated now and I can focus on writing and other things. There are blessings in every season.
Carrie

Carrie Turansky said...

Hi Scottsgal, Our little Lake is a great place to walk. One of my favorite things it to watch the fish jump out of the water. For some reason, that just tickles me and makes think God is sending me a message to enjoy my day and that time with him. Hope you enjoy your next walk!
Carrie

Amada Chavez said...

I am in DIRE need of a Christian fiction book to read, and this one sound GREAT! We live in the boonies, and we can't get to a book store often enough! My address is Willard, NM. but we live farther south.

Judy Cooper said...

Another great book to enjoy. Please enter my name in the contest. Thank you. Judy C. in Louisiana

Mary Preston said...

I loved the first page of A MAN TO TRUST thank you. I could very happily live in a bookstore.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Coolestmommy said...

What a heart-rending opening. I can't wait to see how God works through her life in this story.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Judy said...

I loved the interview. I so love the fact that you are God centered! Give me a good christian fiction read any day!

My sister home schools her 7 children. Actually four have graduated now and only 3 left to go. Gracie is the youngest at 9 years of age.

This book sounds like it will be really good. I would love to win a copy of "A Man To Trust".

Thanks for a great interview and this book giveaway.

Blessings!
Judy from Indiana

Sharon said...

Carrie - Thanks for sharing with us! Would love to win a copy of "A Man to Trust".
Sharon
Eagan, MN

Joanna Richmond said...

it sounds like a interesting book. I would love to read it. thanks fro the chance to win Thanks
Joanna Richmond
Blanch NC

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me I would love to win a copy of this book it sounds like a great story! Thanks and God bless.
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Carrie Turansky said...

Thanks, Friends, it's encouraging to read your comments! I hope you'll enjoy A Man To Trust.

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Looks interesting!
Please enter me in the drawing!
God Bless,
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.

apple blossom said...

love loveinspired books thanks for chance to win
live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

rubynreba said...

I really enjoy Christian fiction and having it set in a bookstore sounds great!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

Sorry - I forgot! I'm from Iowa.

Merry said...

Thank you for a peek at A Man to Trust, I always enjoy a story of a love lost and a new love found. Please include me, thanks!
Merry in TX

Rhianne's Grandma said...

Sounds like a great story...love the book cover......Rhianne's Grandma/OH

Jo said...

What a great story line this is. I can't wait to read it. I love the fact that it involves a Christian book store. Thanks for the opportunity to be entered in the giveaway.

Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Bethany said...

Your family sounds like a lot of fun- and so does the book! I'd love to be entered--

cbus.blogger at gmail dot com

A.Jones said...

Please enter me! Thank you for the chance to win!

I live in New York

Anonymous said...

I would love to read this book....sounds great.Thanks..Jackie Tessnair from N.C.

Nathanael Richmond said...

Enter me in the drawing!
Nathanael
Blanch, NC.