SEEKING HIS LOVE - Carrie Turansky - Free Book

I'm blessed to have my good friend Carrie Turansky on the blog today. Welcome, Carrie. Why do you write the kind of books you do?


I write the type of books I like to read, inspirational romance, both historical and contemporary. I am a romantic at heart, and I love stories that provide hope, inspiration, romance and a happy ending.

I do, too. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Wow, there have been so many happy events in my life. It’s hard to choose just one. My wedding, the birthdays of our first three children, and the adoption celebration for our twin daughters are all high on my list. The wedding of my oldest son and oldest daughter were also wonderful days. But I think the happiest times are when all the family is home together for the holidays. That is rare these days, since three of the five no longer live in the North America.

My oldest grandson is in the military. We were all together just before he returned to Afghanistan from his R&R. I know that happy feeling of having them all together, which doesn't come as often as I would like. How has being published changed your life?

I still clean the bathroom, do the laundry, shop and cook for my family, and enjoy ministry with my husband. Those things haven’t changed. But I suppose I have more confidence in my gifts and abilities now that I am published. It has helped me expand my ministry of encouragement to others. And it has given me opportunities to travel and meet other writers, which has helped me develop some wonderful friendships that have enriched my life.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished Denise Hunter’s Nantucket love story, Driftwood Lane. Denise really knows how to create memorable characters and build romantic tension in every scene. I always enjoy her books. Others I’ve read and enjoyed lately: Sons of Thunder, by Susie Warren, Scared and Priceless, both by Tom Davis, a Tailor Made Bride, by Karen Witmeyer, In Harms Way, by Irene Hannon.

What is your current work in progress?

I am currently working on a proposal for HER HEART’S SONG, the first in a new series for Steeple Hill Love Inspired. It is about a young woman who dreams of playing her flute in a symphony orchestra, but her plans are on hold while she helps her widowed grandmother manage her Christian bookstore. Then a charming photographer comes into her life, and she must decide if she will cling to her old dream or embrace a new one with him.

I can hardly wait. You must let me feature it on my blog. What would be your dream vacation?

My dream vacation would be to take a cruise from Italy to the Greek Islands. I recently saw the movie Letters to Juliet, and loved all the scenes filmed in Italy. I’ve always wanted to visit the Greek Islands ever since I read the book Moon Spinners when I was twelve. Maybe I will get to put those two dreams together one day!

Stranger things have happened. How do you choose your settings for each book?

For my first three books I chose cities where I’ve lived or visited, but for the last few books I did online research to select my settings. The current series I am working on for Steeple Hill is set in Fairhaven, Washington, which is up on the beautiful northwest coast. Fairhaven is known as “Bellingham’s south side artsy-historic brick-and-sandstone district.” You can still see many of the historic buildings that house a variety of interesting businesses such as Village Books, Fairhaven Bike and Sea, Three French Hen’s boutique, and Wood’s Coffee shop. No chain stores or restaurants are allowed in Fairhaven, only locally owned business. The close proximity to the Puget Sound, Mt. Baker, and several lakes and forest areas offer opportunities to enjoy swimming, hiking, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding and biking.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

I would like to meet and Dr. James Dobson and his wife Shirley. Our family has been very blessed by their ministry over the years. Our kids were raised listening to Adventures in Odyssey, and I learned so much practical wisdom from the Focus on the Family broadcasts and now from Dr. Dobson’s new radio ministry Family Talk. I would love to meet them and thank them personally.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love to work in my flower gardens and spend time outdoors. Over the years friends have given me some beautiful perennial flowers, and I enjoy tending them each spring and summer. Our yard has become a beautiful haven, like another room of our house. Besides gardening, I also enjoy cooking, flower arranging, traveling, spending time with my family, and playing with our pet bunnies.

Two different times in our married life, we've raised rabbits for food. We never let the kids make pets of the bunnies, but they could name and love on the breeding stock. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

I have a tendency to overwrite and just be too wordy. One way I am learning to overcome this is to have my computer read my manuscript aloud to me. It’s easier for me hear if I am repeating things or overwriting. Running my chapters by my critique group is also very helpful.

I love my critique group, too. What advice would you give to a beginning author?

I encourage all beginning authors of Christian fiction to join American Christian Fiction Writers. As an ACFW member you will find answers to your questions on the e-loop, monthly classes, critique groups, and lots of encouragement. I’d also suggest that you finish your first book, and then go on and write the next one. With each book you will learn more and increase your skills. Attend writers’ conferences. Meet with other writers. Join a critique group. Read books in the genre that you’d like to write. Study the CBD fiction catalog, and follow some writers’ and agents’ blogs for up to date info on the publishing industry.

All wonderful advice. Now, Carrie, tell us about the featured book.

I have two books coming out in September. The first is CHRISTMAS MAIL-ORDER BRIDES, a 4-in-1 historical romance collection from Barbour. The co-authors are Vickie McDonough, Therese Stenzele, and Susan Page Davis. Here’s the info: Marriage Arrives by Mail-Order - Just in Time for Christmas! Three unmarried women contact Mrs. Mayberry’s Matrimonial Society for Christians of Moral Character seeking husbands and then travel the Transcontinental Railroad, hoping for love at the end of the line.

I will be featuring that book later on this blog.

The second book is SEEKING HIS LOVE, from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Here’s info on that one: False accusations by a former student haunt Rachel Clark, the new director of the Northcoast Christian Youth Theater. Hoping to make a fresh start in Fairhaven, she rents space at an old school from a group of artists led by widower Cameron McKenna. To keep his financially strapped group afloat, Cam agrees to include Rachel’s theater program, but he’s not sure he can trust the beautiful director, especially when past secrets come to light. Then Cam must temporarily care for his fourteen-year-old niece, and he needs Rachel’s help and advice. When Rachel’s past is exposed, the truth threatens their fragile relationship, yet promises to bring them closer to each other, and closer to the Lord.

Please give us the first page of the book.

SEEKING HIS LOVE
By Carrie Turansky

Rachel Clark stepped into the dark auditorium of the old Fairhaven School, and a shiver of anticipation raced up her back. Cool air ushered a dusty smell toward her, teasing her nose. With only the dim glow of the Exit signs to show her the path, she walked down the sloping aisle toward the stage.

The house lights came up. She blinked at the sudden brightness and took in the scene. Rows of padded folding seats in three sections filled the cavernous hall. Two carpeted aisles led to a large stage with a plush burgundy curtain.

Warmth and wonder tingled through her. “This is perfect.” She turned and searched for Hannah Bodine.

The silver-haired curator of the local historical museum poked her head out from the sound booth at the back. Dressed in a flowing tropical-print blouse and coral Capri pants, she stepped into the aisle. “Do you like it?”

“Yes, it’s exactly what we’re looking for.” Rachel hurried forward and mounted the steps. Waltzing to the middle of the stage, she scanned the auditorium. “Do you know how many seats there are?”

“Let’s see.” Hannah strolled forward, counting the rows of burgundy chairs. “Looks like almost four hundred.”

Rachel smiled and nodded. “That’s a hundred more than we have now.” With a larger house they could increase their ticket sales and income, something she and her small staff desperately needed if they were going to hold on to their jobs.

“I think this would be a good home for your group,” Hannah added. “Why don’t I take you to meet Cameron McKenna, and you can make arrangements to speak to everyone at the co-op meeting tonight.”

“That would be great.” Rachel ran her hand along the velvet curtain as she crossed the stage, memories of past performances making her smile. She descended the wooden steps and met her friend down in front.

“Thanks, Hannah. I was beginning to think we were going to be a homeless theater company.” Rachel crossed her arms and rubbed away a chill at that thought.

I can hardly wait for my copy to arrive. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is http://www.carrieturansky.com/ .

Thanks, Lena! I appreciate the opportunity to connect with to your blog readers.

And they love having you as much as I do, Carrie.
 
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