This book introduced me to some fascinating history I didn’t know much about. The storytelling was both entertaining and educational. This new-to-me author impressed me with her gifted eye for details. The setting and the characters truly came alive on the page!
I loved Bella and James. Their goals were strong and admirable. I was rooting for them to succeed from the very start. James will undoubtedly claim your heart as he does Bella’s. He’s honorable, hard-working, and sincere. And Bella herself is much the same – genuine, kind, and ambitious. Their charisma drew me in and kept me guessing how they’d reach their happily-ever-after.
I enjoyed learning about the early days of aviation and how the author wove facts into her fiction. I also enjoyed following Bella in her pursuits to become a journalist. She’s a smart, talented lady who witnesses history and writes about it passionately. As a writer myself, I wanted to hug her for not giving up. 🙂
It was a long story, but it was packed full of adventure and history. I was pleasantly surprised by some twists along the way too. Well-researched and well-crafted, Across the Blue is bound to sweep you off your feet.
I received a free copy from the publisher. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
Before 1909, flying across the English Channel seemed an impossible feat–but James Drake, a brave young aviator, was willing to try. Defying her parents’ expectations for a good match? Also impossible–but Isabella Grayson was willing to try.
Within the palatial surroundings of her family’s Edwardian estate, Isabella Grayson longs for something more. Despite her father’s success as a newspaper baron and her own journalistic talents, her parents want her to marry an established aristocrat to improve their social standing rather to pursue her dream of writing for one of her father’s newspapers.
When aspiring aviator James Drake crashes his flying machine on the Grayson’s expansive grounds, he is surprised to learn he landed on the property of the very man who is sponsoring the race to fly across the English Channel–a race James is desperate to win. And although Bella’s striking beauty and intellect capture his attention, James must remain focused on his goals is he has any hope of building an honorable reputation apart from his parents’ shameful past.
As the race draws closer and unexpected events threaten to turn James and Bella’s world upside down, will their faith and love be strong enough to help them overcome the challenges ahead?
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Purchase Links
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / CBD
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CARRIE TURANSKY is an award-winning author of eighteen novels and novellas. She has been the winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award, and a finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award and the Maggie Award of Excellence. A prolific writer of contemporary and historical romance, women’s fiction, short stories, articles, and devotionals, Carrie lives in central New Jersey with her husband, Scott. They have five adult children and five grandchildren.
For more, visit her at www.carrieturansky.com
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Carrie Turansky is one of my favorite authors. I’m excited to read this book.
Hi Connie, I’m excited to share this new English historical novel with you! What an encouragement to hear you’ve enjoyed my books! I hope Across the Blue will be added to your list of favorites. Happy Reading!
So glad you stopped by, Connie! Hope you get to read this book soon. 🙂
Carrie! How fun to see her on here.
Hi Cara, I was just thinking I’ve missed hearing from you since you finished the Author Encouragement show. I still check in with the Facebook group but it’s not quite the same. I love hearing your voice and seeing your smiling face! I’m glad I connect with Savanna and so many other author friends there. Blessings to you on your writing journey!
I loved having Carrie join us. Glad you could swing by too, Cara! 🙂
Excellent review, Savanna! I love Carrie’s books! 🙂
Thank you for the encouraging words, Caryl! I hope you enjoy reading Across the Blue!
Thank you, Caryl. I always appreciate your sweet company here on the blog. 🙂
It’s very high on my reading radar. I thoroughly enjoy Carrie’s books!
Hi Rebecca, Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoy James and Bella’s story!
Wonderful!! Hope you get to read it soon, Rebecca. 🙂
Hi Savanna, thank you for sharing your review of Across the Blue! I loved the research and learning about early aviation and women in journalism. I’m excited to see the story come out to reading friends very soon. Blessings to you on your writing journey!
Thank you, Carrie, for taking the time to stop by and visit with us. I loved your story! Hope to see you at ACFW again. 🙂
Just a few pages into this one but so far it is very interesting. I am a history buff and like how Carrie weaves the historical facts into the story.
Hi Paula, that’s fun to hear you love history too! I really enjoyed doing the research for this book! I hope you enjoy James and Bella’s story!
Yes, didn’t she do an amazing job? So glad you could join us, Paula.
Across the Blue is on my TBR pile after it releases 🙂 I had requested my Overdrive digital library to purchase the ebook and they did, so I will be the first of many to read it!
I’ve not yet read a book by Carrie, but I am excited to discover her writing for myself. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and I’ve read high praise for her books. I’m very much looking forward to it! From you review, Savanna, I am in for a real treat. Thanks for always sharing your view on books,I’ve added many to my want-to-read lists because of them 🙂 You are a blessing to me as a reader and to authors for getting the word out about their books!
Carrie, I just wanted to say (again) that I am really looking forward to reading Across the Blue! Can’t wait to discover a wonderful history lesson through your talented hands 🙂
Trixi, you are always a ray of sunshine with your sweet words. Thank you, friend. I know you’re a huge support to authors. Happy Reading!
Hi Trixi, thank you for your kind comments! I enjoy weaving historical events into my novels as well as romance, family drama, and inspiration. I hope you enjoy Across the Blue!
Great review! Very excited to read this one.
Thanks, Nicole! I can’t wait to share James and Bella’s story with you!
Thanks for stopping by, Nicole!
This book sounds so good! It reminds me SO much of Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines! The movie is old but the humor holds up, lol. I’m excited to read Across the Blue and compare the two!
Hi Karen, I haven’t seen The Magnificent Men and their Flying Machines. I’ll have to look it up! I hope you enjoy reading Across the Blue!
That sounds like something I need to check out too, Karen. How fun! Definitely check out Carrie’s books. I have no doubt you’ll enjoy it! 🙂