Readers who enjoy dual time period stories will enjoy this heartfelt novel. Two daughters, both seeking understanding of their fathers will come to terms of the need to forgive as they serve for answers. I love stories where an old journal is found such as Charlotte's. The Lake District setting is a perfect setting. Both Gwen and Charlotte's stories are touching. Recommended!

#TheLegacyofLongdaleManor #NetGalley
A dual time period romance that is about family, learning to forgive and applying that forgiveness towards healing the hurt.

I love finding new authors. This is my first book from Carrie Turansky and I am excited to discover more from her. This was an especially intriguing book for me because I am really enjoying books with a dual timeline. I enjoyed how the journal was kept by Charlotte and found by Gwen and we saw both perspectives of this. Also how the diary was key to so many important events. Both women had complications in their lives and experienced growth. It is enjoyable for me to read books with such amazing character growth and character journeys, with some lovely romance mixed in. This book is a prime example of that. I would not be able to pick a favorite timeline, as both were wonderfully written.
I received a Netgalley link from the publisher. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor is a Christian romance with two time lines (1912 and 2012) set in the Lakes District of northern England. Religious-themed novels are not my jam, and this one draws heavily on faith to help the characters confront life's challenges. I enjoyed the descriptive setting, remembering how much I enjoyed visiting the area a few years ago so finished the book, and the two storylines connecting.

I received an advance electronic copy of the Legacy of Longdale Manor. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read it. My mistake that I accepted a novel that wasn't in my wheelhouse.

This was really sweet! I loved the dual time lines, both stories were interesting and well written. The book flowed smoothly and moved at a nice pace. Everything wrapped up neatly with a bow, which I always like in a love story as well! The issues of faith and doubt were handled well. I really enjoyed this, I think readers of Francine Rivers or Karen Kingsbury would like this story, too!

Thanks to Netgalley for the Advanced copy to read!

Carrie Turansky is a successful author in the world of Christian publishing, but "The Legacy of Longdale Manor" is my first exposure to her work. Fans of the writings of Julie Klassen, Erica Vetsch and Katherine Reay will find a similar approach to historical fiction through the lens of a Christian worldview. Turansky presents characters who are likable, yet flawed. They are damaged, but not beyond repair. Like myself and many with whom I am acquainted, they face disappointments, loss, and are sometimes hurt by those around them. "The Legacy of Longdale Manor" is a dual-timeline novel, but the themes of love, forgiveness and reconciliation echo back and forth across the century in which it inhabits.

In the early 20th century, a Christian family faces the type of scandal which is still occurring today. The Harpers endure the loss of the family patriarch, and a secret sin is revealed. This husband, father and preacher was more flawed than they had ever imagined. How does one reconcile the hypocrisy of a Christian leader with their successful ministry and love of family? How does a now fatherless and husbandless family move on, with almost no resources to survive? As the main focus of this narrative thread, daughter Charlotte must navigate the tumultuous waters of grief, disappointment and betrayal. Her journey leads her through lessons of faith which teach her about forgiveness, healing and trusting. The issue of trust becomes most apparent as she begins to know shepherd Ian Storey. He seems like a kind, trustworthy young man, but certain issues bring doubt to Charlotte’s mind. She must not only learn to forgive her late father, but she must also come to trust in others again. The words of a local minister summarize a major theme of "The Legacy of Longdale Manor":

“Jesus lays this choice before us. We can give our burdens and troubles into His care and live each day with the peace of Christ ruling in our hearts. Or we can hold on to the pain and wrongs done to us and harbor a troubled heart that hardens and grows bitter over time, stealing our joy and draining our days of the full life He wants us to enjoy.” (p. 152)

Like Charlotte Harper, another young woman struggles with similar issues in Turansky’s tale. In the novel’s alternate timeline, Gwen Morris of the 21st century has also faced pain, disappointment and family secrets. In 2012 she finds herself at Longdale Manor, trying to rebuild her damaged career while also wrestling with difficult family issues. She becomes friends with her Longdale clients, and as they work together to maintain and stimulate the legacy of this large estate, secrets are unearthed. Like Charlotte, Gwen is given the opportunity to grow in her faith through the exercise of forgiveness. While she might not struggle with the issue of trust as much as Charlotte, she does grow in that regard as well. The life lessons and matters of faith that both women address across the century are timeless and will continue to resonate throughout human history.

"The Legacy of Longdale Manor" was a delightful, light read, while at the same time addressing the difficult issues of Christian hypocrisy, disappointment and loss. The content does bring up adult matters, but the writing is squeaky-clean. If readers are looking for something with a bit of an “edge”, this is not the book for you. However, if you’d like a historical fiction title that is firmly set in the Christian worldview, with sweet romance and (mostly) happily-ever-afters, this might be a good match. As mentioned earlier, these characters are flawed. However, Longdale Manor is very family-friendly and has excellent messages for those who may be harboring bitterness or disappointment. The words of Charlotte Harper’s journal are good advice for us all:

“I’ve learned forgiveness is just as much for my benefit as it is for the other person. It’s like giving up my right to hurt someone back and letting God handle the justice of the situation as He thinks best.” (p.333)

Forgiveness does not excuse the hurt that was caused, nor does it erase the consequences of the wrong committed. It does lead to a process of healing, however. This theme is seen multiple times throughout "The Legacy of Longdale Manor." Through that recovery, Carrie Turansky's characters not only find more peace in their hearts, but they are able to find sweet, romantic love as well. The Great Shepherd would be pleased with that restoration, as He is the author of love and healing itself.

I enjoyed the story of Longdale Manor and the occupants, a century apart, are fun and interesting. Gwen, an art historian and appraiser, has an job that could be really cool but since she is sent off on this assignment to get her away from a major mistake, she struggles to feel her value. Her faith is weak and her trust is weaker. What she finds at this manor is an encourager, a past that matters, and a family bond that she never saw coming. And what ties it all together is a journal penned by Charlotte a century before. Charlotte found herself in the area of Longdale when her father unexpectedly died, leaving her family scrambling. They came to the area to stay with friends while trying to reconcile with family who lived at Longdale. Charlotte was given the journal to share privately her griefs and burdens she was carrying after finding shocking letters in her father's belongings after his death. Charlotte clings to her faith and those surrounding her and supporting her through this difficulty. Through the shared journal, one writing and one reading, they both find hope through faith, understanding their fathers, and holding family close.

The two women each have different struggles but they both find hope in the peace God alone can offer. They are each reminded of these truths in different ways throughout the story and I really appreciated it being shown that the truths of God and the hope and peace found in Him can intersect our life in many, many ways. Sometimes, we get caught up in how we see God. Books like this show us a different way, or many different ways, to see Him.

One of the things I learned a bit about (and searched out more on because of this novel) was the Keswick Convention. It was neat to read about all the teachers united under this convention. I also enjoyed the setting of the Lake District in England. That is always such an interesting place and is on my bucket list to visit. A good novel brings outside interests and this one did just that.

Another way to extend understanding is to use the discussion questions included at the end of the story. They would make a great book club addition!

The themes of faith through hardship, fatherhood, and family were handled just lovely in this story and I will enjoy reading it again in the future. I will be looking for more stories by Carrie Turansky.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

DNF @ 15% - The plot of this book sounded exactly up my alley, but unfortunately I did not connect with the writing early on. I felt like the author was doing too much "telling" and not enough "showing" and there was no nuance. I may try to pick this up again, because the reviews are fantastic and it may work better for me at a different time.

My full book review can be read at donnahcole.podia.com.

"The Legacy of Longdale Manor" is a captivating and heartwarming dual-time Edwardian romance that seamlessly weaves together the stories of two remarkable women, Gwen Monroe and Charlotte Harper, who are separated by a century but connected by their shared journey of faith and forgiveness.

Carrie Turansky masterfully crafts a story that alternates between the past and the present, immersing readers in the lives of Gwen and Charlotte. Turansky's vivid descriptions of the Lake District transport the reader to the picturesque setting, allowing one to experience the beauty and charm of the English countryside. The dual timeline adds depth to the story, and the characters are wonderfully developed, each with their own complexities and growth throughout the novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Baker Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and provide feedback for Turansky's latest creation!

This was set in dual time periods. 1912 and 2012. Mostly near Keswick North of London in the Lake District. I liked the way the story followed Charlotte Harper and her family in London and their relocation to the Lake District hoping to be reunited with Charlotte’s grandfather at Longdale Manor in 1902.
In 2012 Gwen Morris travels to Longdale Manor to evaluate the antiques and artwork at the manor.
I particularly liked the way Gwen discovers the journal that once belonged to Charlotte Harper. Charlotte’s journal reveals family heartache and the need for forgiveness in order to find happiness. This was about families, grief and identity.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House publisher for a chance to read this book.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor
by Carrie Turansky
Pub Date 26 Sep 2023 |
Bethany House,Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance



Bethany House and Netgalley sent me a copy of The Legacy Longdale Manor for review:


Across generations, two women embark on a journey of healing, forgiveness, and romance.

Art historian Gwen Morris visits England's Lake District in 2012 to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend. She meets David Bradford, the owner's handsome grandson, who wants to turn Longdale Manor into a luxury hotel. A hundred-year-old journal and a shepherd's staff similar to one in a photo of Gwen's parents lead her to search for answers.


Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret after her father's death in 1912. They stay on a sheep farm in the Lake District, hoping to find a home with Charlotte's grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it difficult. Charlotte must decide whether she can trust in love again as she grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey.


You will remember this story long after you finish reading it, as it speaks powerfully of heartbreak and faith.


I give The Legacy of Longdale Manor and Netgalley.


Five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

The Legacy Of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky is a most delightful Christian dual timeline novel that is extremely powerful and has lessons for us all.
The time periods of 1912 and 2012 are linked by Longdale Manor and the location of Keswick. Both time periods have similar themes too.
A major theme is that of forgiveness. We need to forgive because we are forgiven. If we fail to forgive, we risk becoming bitter. Forgiveness is not excusing the sin but it is freeing us and leaving any judgment to God.
In both time periods we see the damage of separation and witness the theme of the prodigal son. Sometimes the separation is not our fault but the fault of our parents. We are not destined to repeat their sins. There is power in reconciliation and much rejoicing when the prodigal returns home.
We see the importance of trusting. “Trusting God through the good times and bad.”. He is our good Father and can be trusted even if our earthly fathers fail us.
God is still at work even when He is silent. “God didn’t seem to care what happened to them.” God does care and God does love throughout all the seasons of our lives. “Facing challenging circumstances did not mean God was not in control.” God is always in control, even when our circumstances seem out of control.
When one is a leader of faith, one needs to be seen to be living out that faith. We need to practice servanthood, being “the servant leader.” We are the hands and feet, the eyes and ears of Jesus. Sometimes our faith leaders will disappoint us. We need to remember that they are only human and face the same temptations we all face.
Prayer is as vital as breathing. “Times of prayer had been an anchor.” When life is hard, we should pray. When life is easy, we should pray. Prayer is just a conversation with God who longs to hear from all of His children.
The location of Keswick came alive for me under the author’s artistic pen. I was also familiar with the location as my brother used to live outside Keswick and so I had holidayed up there. I could very easily picture the locations.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Legacy Of Longdale Manor. It was a powerful and beautiful read. I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“They live out what they believe in their daily lives. It’s not just a Sunday-going-to-church kind of faith.”
I received a free copy from Just Read Tours. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

I love a dual timeline story, especially if a journal is involved and The Legacy of Longdale Manor was just what I was looking for.
Both storylines had interesting characters in modern day Gwen and David, and Charlotte and Ian from a hundred years early. It was fascinating to see how the past and present intertwined.

I was moved by how the issue of forgiveness was woven throughout. I loved seeing the example Charlotte's mom provided her concerning overcoming the pain of the past and offering forgiveness to those in need of it. Very inspiring.

I also enjoy a good quote and Carrie Turansky gave me quite a few, some of my favorites:
"He was helping her move toward acceptance and healing. He was, and would always be, the Father she needed."
"Time is fleeting, the days fade fast. Treasure faith and family, only they will last."

It was a pleasure to read The Legacy of Longdale Manor and visit the charming English Lake District setting. I appreciate Bethany House making a copy available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

One of my favorite things about dual or multi-timeline stories is that moment when I see how the different timelines are connected. I always get a small thrill at the discovery – and at the author’s storytelling skills. In The Legacy of Longdale Manor, Carrie Turansky not only connects the timelines tangibly (which I’ll let you discover for yourself) but on a spiritual level as well.

At first glance, Charlotte Harper in 1912 and Gwen Morris in 2012 don’t have a lot in common. Charlotte is a devoted daughter whose life and faith are turned upside down by the unexpected loss of her father and her discovery of a secret he hid well. Gwen never knew her father, raised instead by a single mom who left her with only a photograph and the inscription on the back as clues to her father’s identity. Yet as the book progresses, we begin to see how very similar they actually are – both disillusioned by their earthly fathers, both stronger than they realize and more vulnerable than they show, and both on an unplanned journey of forgiveness and faith in the bucolic English Lake District.

Turansky has created some wonderfully layered and engaging characters in Charlotte and Gwen but also in Ian Storey and David Bradford, the romantic interests for each heroine, respectively. Ian was my personal favorite between the two, but that’s not anything negative against David. It’s just that Ian’s gentle-but-strong personality and kind heart most drew me to him. I also really appreciated the shepherding references and how they tied in to the spiritual theme in a way that felt quite natural to Charlotte and the 1912 timeline but also to the faith journey Gwen is on as well in 2012. The Legacy of Longdale Manor doesn’t just contain great characters and a meaningful message, though. It also revolves around two specific locations in the Lake District that Turansky paints with charming descriptions that made me want to move into either one at a moment’s notice – or both, if such a thing were possible.

Bottom Line: I’ve long enjoyed Carrie Turansky’s historical romances, but until now I haven’t had the opportunity to read one of her contemporary stories. The Legacy of Longdale Manor gave me the best of both genres, and I found myself thoroughly entertained. Charlotte and Gwen feel like heroines I could easily befriend if they weren’t fictional characters, and Ian and David provide some swoony moments too. I loved visiting the Lake District vicariously on these pages, and I most especially loved the thoughtfully presented themes of forgiveness, the Good Shepherd, and the only Father who will never fail us. There’s also a fascinating bit of evangelistic history tucked away for curious readers. You’ll fall in love with these settings and characters, too, and I hope more dual timeline novels are in Turansky’s future and subsequently our own!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

3.5 Stars

It's been more than two years have passed since I’ve read something from Carrie Turansky, and with The Legacy of Longdale Manor, the author tackles the popular dual-time genre.

Turansky takes readers to England’s Lake District in 2012 with Gwen and 1912 with Charlotte. The historical timeline in this one was more engaging for me (but since the author is known for her historical novels, that isn’t a surprise). I was hoping for a little more depth to Gwen’s story, but hers does have the biggest gut punch, in my opinion.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor is a mellow story that strolls through the lives of both women. At times the plot drags, but then picks back up with some tension. I had a harder time connecting to Gwen than Charlotte, but by the end of the book, I was rooting for two happily ever afters.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

If you love dual timeline stories then you will love this book. This story takes place in 1912 & 2012. In 1912, we have Charlotte Harper, whose father recently passed away. She is shocked when she discovers that her father was unfaithful to her mother. This results in her wavering from God and having doubts. I loved watching her on her journey and finding faith in God again. She finds love with Ian and I just loved how much Ian cared for her. In 2012, Gwen Monroe who goes to Longdale Manor to do work appraise artwork. She meets David and they form a relationship. They are a great couple as well. She also finds about her long lost father. This story is a great story about forgiveness and has a great Christian message. Well written and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor is a dual time novel by Carrie Turansky. Set in the time line between 1912 and 2012.

In 2012 Gwen Morris travels to England to appraise paintings and antiques, hoping to redeem herself for a grave error she has made. Lilly Benderly and her grandson David are hoping the sale of her antiques will garner enough money to repair the Manor to turn it into a hotel. During her stay Gwen discovers a 100 year old journal that may be a link to her estranged father, who she never knew.

In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper discovers letters that could ruin her family's reputation. She must keep this secret from her mother, and subsequently pours her heart out in her journal. After losing everything, they travel to Longdale Manor to try to restore the relationship that was broken with her grandfather. Although her grandfather refuses to allow them live there, the Storey family, a long time friend of Charlottes mother, invites them to stay and so begins a friendship between her son Ian and Charlotte.

This is a sweet clean story set in the Lake District. The history and real time are woven beautifully with faith, forgiveness and love intertwining. Both Gwen and Charlotte must come to the conclusion that God is the only perfect Father.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A compelling dual timeline story of two women 100 years apart, bound together by Longdale Manor, faith, forgiveness, and the choices we make.

A beautifully told story, with well developed characters and strong themes of faith and forgiveness woven into the very fibers of the story. Art Historian Gwen Monroe finds a journal while working at Longdale Manor, discovering a poignant story struggling faith that resonates with her own searching heart.

I especially liked Charlotte's story set in 1912, as she makes a new home in the Lake District on a sheep farm, after uncovering a terrible secret about her family. I liked how she finds true friends in Ian and the local pastor who helps her hold to what is true.

Overall, a touching story of faith through the troubled times, told through two main characters, with excellent emotional depth, and growth throughout. Highly recommend this beautiful dual timeline story, great for fans of historical and contemporary fiction alike, with strong faith themes, well done characters, and romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was okay for me. I enjoyed the dual time period and thought that was very well done. I thought it was too heavy on the religion though, to the point of being preachy. (I am a very religious person, fyi, I just don’t like it in your face in a novel.) I think the story would have been better had it not been so religious, I understand that a lot of people will disagree with me on that, and it’s fine! I’d love to hear about how that aspect made the story for people. I did think the characters as a whole were well done and well rounded people. I wanted good things for them!

Author Carrie Turansky did an excellent job writing a dual time novel. Turansky skillfully wove 2012 and 1912 together, leaving no unexplained trails.

Strong characters, both Gwen and Charlotte are dealing with issues coming from family failings. Both need to forgive so they can move on to what God has for them. Jumping to conclusions is simple for both of them, making me want to shake them once in a while. When I emotionally respond to the characters it’s a good book. The descriptions of Longdale Manor and the Lake District were also very well done. I didn’t get a lot of “English” feeling; it could have been the United States but I still enjoyed the story.

If you’re looking for sweet, clean romance, mystery, and interesting family dynamics then this book would be for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.