Set in Edwardian England and ideal for readers who enjoy Julie Klassen novels, this romance about an English aviation pioneer and the girl who falls in love with him is filled with adventure and faith.Isabella Grayson, the eldest daughter of a wealthy, English newspaper magnate, longs to become a journalist, but her parents don’t approve. They want her to marry well and help them gain a higher … them gain a higher standing in society. After she writes an anonymous letter to the editor that impresses her father, her parents reluctantly agree she can write a series of articles about aviation and the race to fly across the English Channel, but only if she promises to accept a marriage proposal within the year. When James Drake, an aspiring aviator, crashes his flying machine at the Grayson’s new estate, Bella is intrigued. James is determined to be the first to fly across the Channel and win the prize Mr. Grayson’s newspaper is offering. He hopes it will help him secure a government contract to build airplanes and redeem a terrible family secret. James wants to win Bella’s heart, but his background and lack of social standing make it unlikely her parents would approve. If he fails to achieve his dream, how will he win the love and respect he is seeking? Will Bella’s faith and support help him find the strength and courage he needs when unexpected events turn their world upside down?
more
How many of you dreamt that you could fly when you were a child? I remember dreaming one night that I had on a cape and was standing at the edge of a cliff. I took off and suddenly I was flying. The wind grazed my face as I flew through the air. I glanced down and saw trees that looked like little plants. When I woke up all I could think of was how wonderful it was to feel free. We all have dreams and this story reminds us to never up on your dream.
The story of the Wright Brothers is very famous and the author does an incredible job of explaining about flying machines in the 1900s. I absolutely adored Bella right away. She is a very determined young woman. She comes from a very wealthy family who owns several newspapers. Her parents are determined to see their daughter marry into a prestigious family. I loved how Bella had other ideas. Her dream is to become a journalist. Oh my Bella what a dreamer you are. Has anyone told her that women can’t be journalists? Her interest in aviation is refreshing and I loved how she was so supportive of this new adventure of flying machines. Will her father believe in her and allow her to write for the paper?
James is a very skilled pilot and is determined that nothing will stop him from being the first to fly across the English Channel. He sure has his work cut out for him when his flying machine crashes on Bella’s family estate. At that moment I felt a connection between the two characters. They each have a dream and decide to support each other to achieve what is so important to them. What dream have you had that others supported? Did you give up or continue to pursue the dream? Will James be the first to fly across the English Channel?
What I loved about the story is how the author makes readers feel like they have traveled back in time and are witnessing James as he prepares to follow after his dream. Each time he took the flying machine up in the air, I could visualize how he must have felt. He never gave up and with Bella supporting him his confidence became stronger. There were times my heart bear a little faster as he tried to keep the flying machine in the air. Mixed in the story is a bit of mystery about James. What secrets about his childhood have been hidden from him? The relationship between Bella and James is sweet and has a few bumps that they need to work out. Thank you for writing a story that is filled with hope, faith, forgiveness and dreams. It is a beautiful story that not only highlights the start of aviation everywhere but reminds us that dreams do come true with determination and faith.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I enjoyed this read and quickly found myself rooting for James Drake to be the first to fly across the English Chanel, and we see the beginnings of the air industry in Europe.
Wait until you take your tour of the beautiful estate that our girl’s parents have purchased, the breath-taking gardens and the massive mansion, and then watch, or read, how everything is connected, including James.
We see jealousy rear its ugly head, and wonder how Bella is going to explain everything to her parents. Will James get answers to his questions about his parentage, and how is Bella and her family involved? Will she end up marrying someone she doesn’t love to fulfill her bargain with her folks?
Bella is a spunky girl and I was surprised at how this girl gets involved in the air industry, especially as a woman, at this time woman didn’t even have the right to vote.
Come and enjoy you time in Edwardian England, and watch as the world soon discovers flying.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit and the Publisher Multnomah, and was not required to give a positive review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Carrie Turansky! This was an interesting setting and time period that I don’t recall being used in a novel. Flight was just achieved, and a race was on to see who could fly across the English Channel first. The facts, history, and characters were all done well for the time period, and I thoroughly enjoyed the uniqueness of this read.
Not only did I enjoy the plot, but I really liked the characters in this book. I found myself cheering for the winner. The book does a great job of bringing the characters to life so that you feel their joys and disappointments.
I’m not sure what made the author interested in flight or it’s beginnings, but it was a terrific setting and story for a book. This is definitely one of her best.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
A wonderful, compelling story filled with adventure, bravery and love. Making certain decisions in her life could possibly cause problems with Bella’s family. Her devotion to family and being true to herself is very important to the story. A mystery from James’ past causes him to want answers. This story is exciting and heartwarming. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher and this is my personal honest opinion.
This is not a book to devour all at once but needs to be savored like a delicious meal. This takes place in the early 1900’s when times were changing and men were trying to perfect aviation and women were seeking to break into a man’s world. Exciting times told in an exceptional way that holds your attention. The attention to detail is impressive as you can tell the research into the telling took exhaustive hours. You can picture the first aircraft struggling to stay airborne and feel the winds as they are to about. Bella is a strong woman in a world where woman were expected to marry for financial gain instead of love, while James is struggling to make a name in the field of aviation. He is also seeking to find the real story of his parents while growing in his realization that God has always taken care of him through the brokenness of his past. It is a story that will grab your heart as it deals with family, faith, friends, and finding love. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Across the Blue, by Carrie Turansky, is an especially charming historical fiction novel set primarily in England during the Edwardian era. I greatly admire Ms. Turansky’s elegant and expressive writing. Her elaborate descriptions of the clothing, manners, customs, and culture of a time long since faded into memory make this novel especially fascinating and engaging.
The characters within this book are truly authentic and relatable. I found myself easily invested in their stories, sincerely caring about them and eagerly turning the pages to learn more about them and their fears, their dreams, and their faith. The gently unfolding romance in this novel is wonderfully endearing and heart-warming. Ms. Turansky has the talent to ensure that the mere touching of two foreheads is a literary moment so sweetly thrilling that it causes you to pause in your breathing.
The compelling mystery within this story, the focus on early advancements in aviation, and the expectations placed upon women at the turn of the last century quickly became my favorite components of the overall plot. Like all great stories, Across the Blue artfully integrates an intriguing thematic combination of struggle and success, heartache and hope, and loss and restoration. With its thoroughly satisfying blend of history, romance, faith, and mystery, Across the Blue is a well-written, delightfully entertaining novel that I can enthusiastically recommend to all readers.
*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Travel back in time to 1909, Edwardian England, a time when keeping up appearance is paramount to maintaining one’s status in society. The world is on the cusp of making aviation possible, and war with Germany looms on the horizon.
“Isabella Grayson’s shoes sank into the plush red carpet of Broadlands’ south hall, and she released a soft sigh. What luxury!”
From the very first line, I found myself immersed in the story. The setting is picturesque and the details are exquisite. The characters are lively, authentic and believable. I was swept away in an eloquent tidal wave of words.
It was quite enjoyable to learn about how aviation impacted England. Of course, this story is so much deeper than the history of aviation, there is also the culture clash between Old Money, New Money, and the Middle class. And lets not forget about lovable characters!
I looked forward to free moments when I could read this story and get lost in the pages, often I would read past my bedtime, I just couldn’t put the story down. I give this delightful story 5 stars and would encourage those who also enjoy historical fiction to pick up a copy.
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Early aviation history and a love between different social classes combined for a very compelling and page-turning read in Carrie Turansky’s Across the Blue, set in 1909 England. Along with the developing romance between newspaper heiress Isabella Grayson and aviation enthusiast James Drake, there were other subplots to the novel which added much interest and mystery. Side characters Thaddeus and Martha were very pleasing in their supportive roles. Themes of forgiveness, trust and finding one’s identity in Christ were beautifully addressed throughout the novel. I enjoy reading books set in this time period and this story definitely delivered!
A very delightful historical romance. The story is set in the exciting time of the birth of aviation. I found it very interesting and informative. I enjoyed the romance of the rich woman and poor man and how everything changed for them when secrets were revealed
Carrie Turansky’s latest novel, Across the Blue is a wonderful tribute to the early aviators as they compete to be the first to cross the English Channel in 1909. I was immediately drawn into the story of the friendship that developed between two unlikely people. James Drake, pilot, dreams of being the first to fly across the English Channel. But this is not his only dream. He also hopes to uncover the secrets surrounding his birth and parentage. Not only is he ambitious, he is also a young man filled with integrity. He is willing to listen to the advice and wisdom of those God has placed in his life. Isabella Grayson is from the elegant world of new money. Her family’s expectations do not include pursuing a career in journalism. Isabella is filled with spunk, willing to chase her dream. But she is also vulnerable, hoping to earn the approval of those she loves. Turansky includes historical detail and vivid descriptions that draw her reader into the world of early 1900’s England, masterfully weaving the threads of faith and hope throughout the story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Loved this book — the characters, the setting, and the plot. I adore books where the heroine is a writer of some kind, so Bella and her journalistic dreams were perfect!
I’m ready to go back to England for sure. Turansky does a great job creating a sense of place; I loved revisiting Canterbury, and this just solidified my desire to see the White Cliffs of Dover.
Of all Turansky’s novels, Across the Blue is my favorite! It was exciting reading about the first flight across the English Channel. I was utterly captivated by the historical details. I ended up reading into the wee hours of the morning and didn’t even realize it was so late or early as the case may be.
Bella and James are both determined strong individuals with adventurous spirits, on the cusp of innovation and creativity in 1909. Mild drama, romance, oh the sweet romance, and a fascinating mystery having to do with James’ parentage kept my head in the clouds and the hours just flew by! Superbly written characters along with intriguing plot twists combine to make Across the Blue an inspiring story.
I received an uncorrected proof from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.