May Book News from Carrie Turansky

Here I am in the beautiful all white garden at Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey is filmed.

Happy Spring!

These last two months have been very busy as I finished writing The Governess of Highland Hall and turned it in to my editor. She read it and sent it back with her notes and suggestions for revision, and I've just finished those. I'm very thankful for the team at WaterBrook Multnomah who are committed to helping me make it the very best book possible. The Governess of Highland Hall releases October 15th!

Cover for The Governess of Highland Hall!

I am excited to share the beautiful cover for The Governess of Highland Hall with you, my special email newsletter friends, before I share it on Facebook or my website! It's amazing to learn all that goes into creating a cover like this. I'm grateful my publisher allowed me to be involved in choosing the model, clothing, and house that would be featured.

I love the colors and design elements, and I'm very pleased with the end result. I think the designer, Kristopher Orr truly captured the feeling of the book. Doesn't our heroine, Julia Foster, look like someone you want to get to know?

For more photos of Tyntesfield, the beautiful house shown on the cover and the characters visit my Pinterest boards.

Tyntesfield, is a beautiful manor house in Somerset near Bristol, England. It's now owned by the National Trust and open to visitors.

Carrie's Bookshelf

Though My Heart is Torn, by Joanne Bischof: Lonnie only wanted her husband’s love. Now that he belongs to another, can she surrender Gideon to a God with a bigger plan? The second in the Cadence of Grace Series. I loved the first, Be Still My Soul, and it's up for a Christy Award.

Gone South, by Meg Moseley: The charm of the South drew her back to her family’s roots. But when the town’s old resentments turn the sweet tea bitter, can Tish find a welcome anywhere? Contemporary story with real heart!

Wishing on Willows, by Katie Ganshert: Does a second chance at life and love always involve surrender? I recommended Katie's debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter. Robin Price's story continues in this touching contemporary novel.

Are You A Downton Abbey Fan?

The fourth season of Downton Abbey is being filmed now in the UK at Highclere Castle, Ealing Studios, and in the village of Bampton. It will be shown in the UK in September and in the US in January. Is it so popular because of the memorable characters, the stunning settings, or the fast moving plot that focuses on both the wealthy family and loyal staff? Or is it the delightful mix of all those elements? Downton Abbey inspired me to learn more about Edwardian times and set my next book in England. The Governess of Highland Hall releases in October, just in time for all those who are missing Downton Abbey and looking for story set in that time period. For more photos of Downton Abbey and The Governess of Highland Hall click here.

Guilt-Free Carrot Cake
From Pamela Foster - Downton Abbey Cooks Blog

Cullinary Historian Pamela Foster includes applesauce, which Mrs. Patmore would have likely had on hand, and whole wheat flour to make a dense cake that is still sweet and moist.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons apple butter (concentrated applesauce)
1 cup of unsweetened applesauce
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar (or substitute)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
3 tsp. cinnamon
3 cups of grated carrots
add 1 cup chopped dried fruit, i.e raisins, if you like.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9″ x 9″ baking pan. In a mixing bowl, combine the apple butter, applesauce, eggs, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Next, slowly add flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon to the mixture. Blend until all of the ingredients are moistened. Lightly mix in the grated carrots and raisins. Pour into baking pan. Bake in oven for 35-40 minutes. To keep calories down, go without a topping, or go light. Use your imagination: powdered sugared, light icing made of powered sugar and milk, or a low fat cream cheese icing.

The Bayside Treasure Series

With the release of Snowflakes Sweethearts, the Bayside Treasure Series is complete. Each story stands alone, but they are all set in Fairhaven, the beautiful historic section of Bellingham, Washington, and they feature a group of senior age friends who are matchmakers for their young friends and family members. Have you read them all yet? They are available as eBooks or paperback, although it may be a challenge to find the paperbacks in stores. New and used copies are always available online and often sell for a very reasonable price. This series has received wonderful reviews. Here are a few excerpts.

Seeking His Love "This is a sweet love story with a message of forgiveness woven throughout -- forgiving others when they disappoint you and forgiving yourself when you're not perfect."
A Man to Trust: "Caring and sacrifice play a big part in this sweet story. It's real life material with an endearing ending that brought unexpected tears."
Snowflake Sweethearts: "It's a great story about learning to trust the Lord and others, trying new things, serving others and enjoying family and friends. I love Carrie's books - they are always uplifting and wonderful reads - this one had some suspenseful moments too! I look very forward to reading her future books!"

You can learn more and purchase books here. Want to see more photos of Fairhaven and the characters of these books? click here.

Next time I hope to share my newly remodeled website with you. I hope you will stay in touch!

Thanks and Happy Reading!
Carrie
www.carrieturansky.com