 Author: Carrie Turansky Genre: Split-Time Historical Romance Pages: 384 Release Date: September 3, 2024 Publisher: Bethany House Separated by centuries, the lives of two women intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice. In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister's plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice's disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction. In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum's history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum's reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for what she believes.
 Reviewer: Winnie Thomas A Token of Love is an absorbing split-time novel set in London in 1885 and 2023 and centered around the Foundling Hospital and the subsequent Foundling Museum. Talented author Carrie Turansky has seamlessly woven the two different timelines together to make a cohesive and interesting story. Turansky’s obvious extensive research shines and brings authenticity to the tale. I was quickly invested in both storylines. Lillian and Matthew were searching for Lillian’s niece, Alice, who was missing from the Foundling Hospital in 1885 after being left there eight years before. As they search, it’s apparent that something nefarious is happening to some of the children. In 2023, Janelle finds herself temporarily in charge of the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives there to create a fundraising film, they find some alarming information that could damage the reputation of both the Museum and the Foundling Hospital. I enjoyed seeing both of these relationships evolve and change as the couples worked together to solve the mysteries. Turansky has written a strong faith element into the tale, which adds inspiration and messages of forgiveness, faith, and hope. I liked reading the author’s note at the end of the book which adds some interesting information about her research. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Diana Varela Wow! This was a real eye-opener. The history in this novel really surprised me. There is a mystery in it that left me reading it quickly because I wanted to know what happened next. Suspense made an appearance that left me on the edge of my seat. And the surprise element, I totally didn’t see any of them coming. Carrie Turansky’s writing style was easy to understand. A Token of Love is preachy, but I didn’t find anything wrong with that. It blended in beautifully with the book. There are good character traits, and there are characters that learn to overcome whatever hinders them from living. I liked the message in this book. Bad things happen in life. Some choose to sink, while others choose to turn to God. This is shown through the characters. Although romance is not the main focus of the book, there is still romance that blossoms in the midst of the mystery. The true purpose of the book was unveiling the truths of the museum and what happened in the 1800s. It is a dual-timeline story that was set in London. Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Linda Klager Featured were two time periods: 1885 and 2023. The focus was on the Foundling Hospital in the UK. In 1885, Lillian Freemont wanted to help her sister connect with her daughter, whom she had given up years ago at the Foundling Hospital. This little girl named Mary would be about 8 years old now. Serena was very distraught and her health was jeopardized by this despair. She and her daughter each had a gold token of their love. It was a gold disk punched so that a red ribbon could be worn around one’s neck. Lillian was assisted by a pastor and a news reporter. The newsman named Matthew McGivern was immediately angry that he needed to assist Lillian, but his editor said he must get a great newsworthy story. At first, Lillian was told that Mary died, but the cleaning woman secretly told Lillian that Mary had been taken from the Foundling Hospital. Where could Mary have gone? In 2023 Janelle Spencer was the acting supervisor running the Foundling Museum. Her boss needed to go to the hospital early to give birth to her twin daughters. Janelle was working with Jonas Conrad so that he could produce a film to raise the dwindling support of this museum. I liked the cover of this book very much because it showed a woman holding a gold token in her hands. The author wove this very nicely into the story. Many women who unfortunately gave up their children to the Foundling Hospital gave tokens of love. There was a very desperate concern for these women. Women’s and children’s rights were mentioned in this book. A lot of reform needed to happen! There were very brave men and women fighting for women’s rights. There was danger, and reputations were threatened. God’s love prevailed, and He helped, which caused a great stir in the community and reform was beginning. I learned a lot reading this book and highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest review. Reviewer: Conny Withay “This is a heartbreaking situation, but the Lord knows where she is, and it’s not beyond His ability to help us find her,” Lillian tells her sister in Carrie Turansky’s novel, A Token of Love. This three-hundred-and-eight-four-page paperback targets those interested in an English split-time Christian historical fiction with romance. The topics of physical abuse, human trafficking, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The book’s ending includes an author’s note, acknowledgments, ten discussion questions, an excerpt from a previous book by the writer, and a biography with advertisements. In this dual-time story set in 1885 and 2023, widowed Lillian is begged by her ill sister to reclaim the eight-year-old daughter she left at the Foundling Hospital in London. Having a token for identification, Lillian is aided by Matthew, an investigative reporter, to find the young girl who is not where she belongs. In the current day, Janelle becomes temporarily in charge of the museum at the same historical hospital and uncovers disturbing information with the help of Jonas, a filmmaker. Both must decide whether to uncover the dark past. I enjoy novels that have God as a focal point, and this one does well, even brushing upon the plan of eternal salvation. The dual time is woven together with perfection, even though the ending was predictable. The subject of the abduction was tenderly told without being too graphic. The romance built nicely between the protagonists without being stereotypical. Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ might not care for the prayers or Bible verses and trusting God during both good and bad times. Others may not like stories of split-time due to the multiple characters. The theme of child-selling and human trafficking may be disturbing to some readers. While the direness of the children was handled with care, the current-day sixteen-year-old's speech could have been more realistic to how teens speak today. Not all pronouns of God are capitalized for reverence and should consistently be. If you like a tragic tale of rescuing the abducted in two different eras plus love, loss, and longing, this one will make you cry knowing the most vulnerable have been exploited down through the centuries. I received a copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. Reviewer: Lori Parrish I just loved this dual-timeline story. Turansky has really outdone herself in this wonderful book. This was a fantastic read I couldn’t put down and didn’t want to. Lillian’s story is my favorite, yet I loved the other story too. I understand why Serena did what she did. My heart really ached for her. Those poor children! I was appalled at what was going on with them. My heart broke for them too. They didn’t deserve that. Children are supposed to be our future. I also love the 2023 timeline too. I enjoyed getting to know Jannelle. It is amazing how history can teach us a few things in the hopes that it won’t be repeated. I admired those brave women who paved the way for us. I also wanted to add that the author has done a wonderful job on the toughest subjects of all. This book shows that even museums have a history themselves! Five stars for a wonderful rollercoaster of a ride! I loved every minute of it. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine. Reviewer: Adriann Harris Carrie Turansky, a gifted storyteller, has written another brilliant compelling story! A Token of Love, an equally powerful dual-timeline set in 1885 and present-day London, will keep readers turning the pages in this enthralling book. In seamlessly linked together timelines, Turansky continuously reminds us to trust in God during difficult times. Turansky’s historical detail is astonishing, and her realistic characters brought this story to life. In each timeline, the story centers around the Foundling Hospital, the first children’s home in England, now a museum, and its link to child trafficking in 1885. In 19th century London, Lillian and Matthew are frantically trying to find her niece who was sold to a brothel from the Foundling House. As they work together battling London’s underbelly to solve the mystery of her whereabouts, love blossoms. In modern day Janelle and Jonas discover the scandal working together on a historical fundraiser film of the hospital for the museum. Janelle must decide whether to expose it or keep it hidden from potential donors of the museum. Through faith in each other to do the right thing, love blossoms in this timeline, too. Yes, readers, Turansky penned an exquisite book with two love stories, and mysteries, centered on a theme that unfortunately still exists today, child trafficking. I loved this heartfelt story of two eras woven together by the quest for love and justice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Turansky, a wonderful historian, wrote a captivating story that will forever remain in my heart. Though not always easy to read, I highly recommend A Token of Love, a great story with a meaningful message that will be with you long after it ends. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House via Net Galley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own. Reviewer: Laura J. Davis
A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky is a highly engaging, exceptional tale of people and places that are years apart, but united by heartache, loss, love and an enduring faith in God. A split-time romance filled with mystery, this memorable book will keep the reader entranced until the last page. I loved the faith element. In 1885 Lillian and Matthew trust God will help expose the seedy underbelly of child trafficking, while in present-day London, Janelle and Jonas must decide if exposing the past will be detrimental to the Foundling Museum and its potential donors. With side characters that bring the theme of child trafficking to the forefront, the author has created an interesting and thoughtful narrative that will leave the reader with much to think about. If you enjoy romance, mystery and history, then you will love A Token of Love. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley for my honest review. Leave a Reply. |
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