The Legacy of Longdale Manor

Author: Carrie Turansky
Genre: Dual-Time Fiction
Pages: 352
Release Date: September 26, 2023
Publisher: Bethany House

Two women--a century apart--embark on a journey to healing, faith, forgiveness, and romance.

In 2012, art historian Gwen Morris travels to England's Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she meets David Bradford--the owner's handsome grandson--who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a luxury hotel. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd's staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she's left searching for answers.

In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte's grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again.

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Reviewer: Billi Varela

I have enjoyed other dual-time novels, so I enjoyed this book. The mystery is intriguing. But I liked how the author moved away from the timeline. It was smooth and perfect.

The cover is absolutely stunning, and I wanted to see if the book lived up to the design. It did not disappoint me.

The biblical standpoint of this book was done well. The characters had problems and battles that they sought God for. It wasn’t preachy. It was just a daily Christian walk, and how they turned to God for help. It lets the reader feel good and know that it is okay to ask for help from Him. He is there to guide us.

This was a clean Christian read.

I requested and received this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own. 

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Reviewer: Linda Klager

This was a split-time novel covering the years 1912 and 2012. In 1912, Charlotte Harper and her mother adored their father and husband. He is a great Christian speaker, but Charlotte discovers a secret about her father that became known after her father's sudden death. She and her mother do so much grieving, and Charlotte does not want to reveal what she has learned to her mother. Charlotte becomes consumed with grief and shame. This causes Charlotte to have trust issues.

In 2012, Gwen Monroe evaluates a painting and finds out she made a huge mistake. Her grandfather is very disappointed in her work and sends her away to evaluate a dear woman's artwork and furniture. She is sent to the Lake District in the UK. I have read several novels that take place there, and I would love to travel there someday. It sounds like it is such a beautiful and peaceful area.

These two women have a lot of regrets and disappointments to deal with. It is interesting to learn more about the legacy of Longdale Manor and how it relates to Charlotte and Gwen. Both women have many hidden talents and great personalities. It was a pleasure to get to know them.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin

I'd give this book more than 5 stars if I could! Everything about this book is fantastic - the setting, the characters, and the story!

Carrie Turansky brings the Lake District of England to life! I could hear the sheep bleating, smell the gingerbread, and see the beauty of the mountains and lakes.

The characters are relatable and easy to like. Charlotte is my favorite. She's devoted to her family. She also struggles with her faith and being able to trust. She finds solace in writing her thoughts down in a journal. Ian is another favorite. He's a confident yet gentle and understanding man. He enters Charlotte's life at just the right time.

I love that faith is interspersed throughout the book! The characters live out their faith in ways that are realistic. It helped me to remember that everyone is going through something and that we, as Christians, can come alongside those hurting and comfort them.

There are some slightly difficult issues brought up. Unfaithfulness in marriage, alcoholism, and unforgiveness. The author offers hope for these issues - faith and trust in God!

I was provided a copy of the book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

"Two women—a century apart—embark on a journey to healing, faith, forgiveness, and romance," states the Amazon description of Carrie Turansky’s novel, The Legacy of Longdale Manor.

This three-hundred-and-sixty-eight-page paperback targets those interested in an English split-time Christian historical fiction with romance. The topics of adultery, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. As an advance reader copy, the book’s ending includes an author’s note, acknowledgments, ten discussion questions, and a biography with advertisements.

In this tale of restoration and romance, Gwen, a young art appraiser, is sent by her grandfather to Longdale Manor to price antiques and paintings. There she finds an old journal of Charlotte’s, a woman keeping a family secret. With Gwen also having issues with her own father, whom she never met, both women must learn how to forgive others before they can love again.

I enjoy novels that have beautiful descriptions of old mansions and their landscapes, and  Turansky  handles the task well. The relationships between the two female protagonists and their newfound loves are tender and believable. How each woman dealt with the past and moved on is pivotal to the story.

Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ might not care for the prayers or Bible references of the prodigal son and his father. Others may not like stories of split-time due to the multiple characters. I found the tale a little slow and anticlimactic in its resolutions about the women coming to terms with their fathers.

Since there are two time periods involved, it would be nice to include a list of characters, keeping the centuries apart.

If you like historical romances about forgiving one another while protecting family, this is an enjoyable read.

I received a review copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

​I absolutely adored this story! In my opinion, it's not the things or home you leave behind. It's the people you love who leave their mark in this world. What a wonderful legacy to leave!
 
I usually don't like time-slip novels, but when I saw this book with its beautiful cover, I just had to snatch it up! Turansky has done such a marvelous job weaving past and present that I just finished this novel. I couldn't put it down! It's definitely a page-turner, especially if you're a historical lover like me! Just wow!
 
My heart went out to Charlotte. Some secrets are best left alone, but others are not so much like this one was. Yes, this secret was what led to a little mystery, and that's what I loved about this book. I had a feeling about how this book might turn out, but I kept reading anyway.
 
Here's a quote that I liked and a reminder that, in certain situations, we sometimes must be the bigger person in forgiving others.
 
"It doesn’t seem fair that I must be the one to—"
"Ian, life and love are not always fair. The servant leader must be the first to apologize and the first to do what’s needed to show they are sincere and worthy of restoring the relationship. Remember, the Lord said we were to be peacemakers and do our part."
 
It turned out that I was right. I can honestly say that this novel left my heart feeling full and satisfied. This will be my favorite book by the author. I must purchase it so I can add it to my keeper shelf. Five stars for a job well done! I highly recommend it!
 
My thanks go to Bethany House for a copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own!

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Carrie Turansky delivers another epic tale of love, loss, and faith in her latest novel, The Legacy of Longdale Manor.

This dual-time romance follows the lives of two different women. Gwen Morris is an art historian from 2012 who has been sent to Longdale Manor to evaluate items in the home that the owner is putting up for auction. While there, she finds a journal that Charlotte Harper wrote in 1912. Charlotte and her family are reeling after the sudden death of her father. They journey to the Lake District in the hopes that her grandfather will allow them to live with him at Longdale Manor.

The two women's lives parallel each other in a unique way. Both have secrets and trust issues. Both are struggling with their faith. And as luck would have it, they both find love.

I loved this novel from the first page to the last. This faith-filled dual-time romance is perfect for those who enjoy historical fiction and romance. I loved how the author used Charlotte's journal to reach into the future and bring a few surprises to Gwen. It was a very compelling read. I highly recommend it!

I received a copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and was not obligated to leave a favourable review.

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