This was a wonderful read. I've read a few other books by this author and she has a way of bringing a reader into the story as though we're living it, not just merely observing. I love the way she writes, the way she wordsmiths and the way her stories come to life. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions are uniquely mine.

A story about orphans, human trafficking and blended families. But dealt with in a gentle way. I appreciated the author's style and would definitely read her again (this is my first Carrie Turansky novel. I liked how the author blended in the Christian faith for her characters.

A Token of Love is a touching story inspired by real events. The novel unfolds in two timelines: 1885 and 2023, both set in London. Central to both accounts is the London Foundling Hospital, which later became the Foundling Museum.

In 1885, Lillian Freemont searches for her missing niece, Alice, who was taken to the hospital eight years prior. She is joined by a charming reporter named Matthew. Together, they discover a troubling truth about young girls, aged 8 to 11, who are being sold to dangerous men. This theme of human trafficking runs through both timelines but is handled with sensitivity, avoiding graphic details.

In 2023, Janelle serves as the interim director of the Foundling Museum. Jonas, a filmmaker, wants to create a documentary about the museum's history. As they collaborate, they uncover the historical incident involving the young girls from the late 1800s. They work hard to reveal the truth while raising funds to keep the museum open.

The merging of these two timelines is captivating. The similarities between the lives of characters in 1885 and 2023 enriches the story. A Token of Love is filled with emotion and highlights spiritual themes in both couples' journeys. While the romances develop quickly, the author effectively portrays the deep connections that form.

The book's title comes from a token left by Lillian's sister with her baby when she had to let go of her child. Many single and widowed mothers left a token to help reunite with their children later. The golden token on the cover is engraved with the words, "Remember my love." The author deserves praise for crafting a happy ending despite the challenges faced by the characters.

A Token of Love is a historical mystery and a heartfelt love story rooted in faith and strong emotions. The balance of fiction and history makes this novel both worthwhile and moving.

A Token of Love, by Carrie Turansky, is a thoughtfully written dual-timeline story set in London, England during both the Victorian Era and the present day. This moving novel weaves together the stories of two women separated by more than a century, nevertheless linked by familiar burdens, losses, and uncertainties. The carefully constructed plot shifts effortlessly between the two points in time, connecting them with scenes of family, friendship, adversity, justice, and redemption.

This novel is made exceedingly special through dynamic characters who are consistently believable, authentic, vulnerable, and relatable. Even when confronting surprising events, real dangers and unexpected revelations, they exhibit a willingness and a fortitude to support those in need, while also pursuing healing and wholeness for their own hearts. Through their choices and actions, they frequently reveal themselves to be compassionate, thoughtful, resilient, and determined. Their struggles are genuine, challenging their beliefs and threatening their goals, yet their faith and resolve is inspiring.

More than once, this novel broke my heart as I grieved for the characters, and for those who may have actually lived a similar story beyond the world of these printed pages. As shown throughout history, and as illuminated in this book, the human capacity for survival and perseverance against great odds is nearly immeasurable. This book also reflects upon the truth that where there is great loss, cruelty, and injustice, there will also be the possibility for significant renewal, restoration, and redemption. Though this book is heartrending at times, it also proclaims the unflagging reality that where there is unwarranted hatred and oppression, there will always be those who purposefully risk much to oppose such evil.

From the first page to the last, A Token of Love is a tender and heartfelt story of loss, love, faith, and family. This book grows quite meaningful as it explores sensitive, difficult, and relevant themes like justice, protection of the innocent, truth, grace, forgiveness, and restoration. Ms. Turansky is a talented writer, and she has once again created a story that is memorable, important, and enriching. This novel offers an immersive, thought-provoking, and touching reading experience, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.  

*I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher and through NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

This captivating novel connects situations in London during the late 1800s with present-day scenarios, all focused around the Foundling Hospital. Connections between the two time periods abound, along with parallels between the main characters from each of these time periods. Both of the settings and the people in them captured me and made me care about these realistic characters and what happened to them. The story rings true, and it also demonstrates ongoing repercussions to the events portrayed. The suffering and challenges the characters face drive the tale and draw the reader in as the intriguing plot progresses. I also appreciated the powerful faith element and the difference it made in the characters’ lives. The heart-tugging drama would make a great choice for a book club discussion. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #ATokenofLove #NetGalley

"Someone had to take a stand and speak for those who could not speak for themselves."

A Token Of Love is a heartwarming historical romance that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I bet you will too.

This is one of the few dual timeline books I've read that was done in a way that didn't give you whiplash trying to keep plots and people straight.

She also did a great job writing a story
that features the tough but very real issue of human trafficking, and told the truth tactfully. There was no graphic scenes or sexual content at all, so this would be a safe read for any reader. Well done!

I received a complimentary e-book from Bethany House Publishers to review through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.

Tropes I noticed and liked:
•Touch her and ⚔
•Found family
•Friends to more
•He helps her on a mission

Beautifully crafted story with endearing characters.
Heartbreaking and heartwarming.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy.

I really enjoyed this book by Carrie Turansky; it was hard to read slowly because I wanted to know what happened next. There are two timelines, 1885 and the present.

In 1885, a young woman had to give her child to the Foundling Home. But when she reaches out to her sister, they both want to get her eight-year-old back. Easier said than done. The sisters meet a journalist who wants to help, even as he’s falling for one of the sisters. What happens is fascinating and draws attention to human trafficking.

In the present day the story deals with making money for the Foundling Museum. As they prepare for a benefit gala, Janelle and Jonas learn more about the past. This part also touches on human trafficking. Jonas begins to love Janelle as they work to piece the past together.

I loved the dual-timeline aspect of this book & enjoyed flipping between the two times.I’ve read Carrie Turansky before and will again. This is my honest review in exchange for this book. 5 stars

A Token of Love
by Carrie Turansky
Pub DateSep 03 2024
Bethany House |Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance





Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley provided me with a copy of A Token of Love for review:



Love, truth, and justice intertwine the lives of two women separated by centuries.




A long-lost niece is reunited with Lillian Freemont in 1885 London eight years after she was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital. Armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of London's shadowy streets. The partnership between Lillian and Matthew blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction as they unravel the mystery of Alice's disappearance.



A modern-day Londoner is unexpectedly given the responsibility of running the Foundling Museum by Janelle Spencer. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum's history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn when they uncover articles from the past that reveal a haunting connection to today. When Janelle finds herself caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum's reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything.


I give A Token Of Love five out Of five stars!


Happy Reading!

My favorite book by this author that I have read. A moving story of a foundling museum and a mystery that traverses time. At once heartbreaking and sweet I couldn't stop reading this book. I loved the characters and really enjoyed both timelines. The romances were so sweet and I couldn't get enough of the couples.

I especially loved the historic timeline, but I usually do in dual timeline novels. The rich history and setting drew me in immediately and I was always eagerly anticipating what would happen next to our characters.



**trigger warning, could be spoiler....

This book deals with tough topics of girls and young women being sold to brothels.


*thank you to Baker Publishing and #NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts in my review are my own.

I really enjoy split time books because I love seeing connections between now and the past. In this split time novel both time periods are set in/around the Foundling Hospital, which is such an interesting setting because we don't really have those anymore. The idea of tokens to identify your child/ parent definitely reminds me of Annie, and from the start intrigued me. This book is filled with so much history, a little romance, a suspenseful mystery (will they find Lillian's niece), and a faith-filled life view that points to hope. Good book! I definitely recommend it.

Beautiful, heartfelt, inspirational dual timeline story. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Foundling Hospital in London in the 1880's, and the present day Foundling Museum. Author Carrie Turansky beautifully paints pictures of both eras that draw the reader in with a page-turning story that gives us a real feel for the history, and the museum in the present day. The stories drew my interest and imagination. If I ever get back to London, I would love to visit the Foundling Museum.

The characters in the story have integrity, courage, and pray often in their daily lives for discernment, truth, and taking a stand for what is right. Most may be fictional, but they bring to life the actual history of Foundling Hospital and how they tried to care for young ones whose parents couldn't care for them. A few historical people are woven into the story!

Many single or widowed mothers left their babies to be cared for at the Foundling Hospital often left a token for the baby, in the hopes some day they could get them back and care for them well. In the story, token #942 was a round metal disk that said "Remember My Love".

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read A Token Of Love. I highly recommend this interesting slice of history, and the beautiful dual timeline story the author created! All opinions are my own.

It’s been a few years since I read a book by Carrie Turansky, but when I saw A Token of Love, I knew I wanted to read it. I think I’ve read three other of her books, and loved two of them. And, this one is split-time, which is one of my favorite types of story. I ended up reading a number of reviews of this book before I had the chance to read it for myself, and that whetted my appetite for it.

I was not disappointed! I had actually forgotten just how much I enjoy Carrie Turansky’s books. Once I started reading this one, I was hooked. Both stories caught my attention and drew me in; I wouldn’t be able to choose a favorite between them. I loved the way Lillian and Matthew worked together to find and rescue Alice. The reality of life for women and girls in London in 1885 was grim, but there were people working to improve conditions. I also loved the story of Janelle and Jonas, and how they worked together to dig up the truth (and rescued someone along the way). The process of making the film was also interesting.
As with the other books I enjoyed by Carrie Turansky, I appreciated the extensive author’s note at the end of the story. I always like to know how much of the book is true!
While I enjoyed the historical parts of this book, as well as the storyline, there was not a lot of spiritual depth. There was definitely a Christian tone to the book; all the main characters went to church and had a faith in God. That element felt like it was less important, though, than in a lot of books I read.
I recommend A Token of Love for people who enjoy split-time novels, or for those who like to read about people fighting social injustice. Or, just for those who love the cover, like I do! I am rarely drawn to a book by the cover (the description is much more important for me), but this one’s cover caught my attention. It will also appeal to people who love historical fiction with clean romance included.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
WARNING: Chapter 3: Mention of girls being sold to work in brothels. Chapter 5: Short discussion about brothels, no details given. Chapter 20: Kiss. Chapter 26: Attempted abduction. Chapter 28: Kiss

This is not the easiest read. The author did a beautiful job ensuring that the sensitive subject was handled with care. This was a hauntingly beautiful story. I loved it. It was at times a bit heavy but very well written.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This is the Sept 2024 release of Carrie Turansky's newest novel. This is a dual-timeline for the same location (Foundling Hospital 1885/Foundling Museum present day) with two clear narrators: Lillian-1885 and Janelle-present day.

Woven in this romantic historical fiction is a tale of child trafficking of young innocent girls and the search to find one such girl. The lead character for 1885 is a 30ish widow searching for her niece. There is also side messages of providing education to allow women to thrive in society.

The plot was tied up nicely. This one wasn't a big emotional story--more informational about the Foundling Hospital as well as a societal problem with child traffiking even during that time period. And a quest for a second try at love.

I'd give it 3.5 stars...but for Goodreads I'll go with 4.

*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC to review. All opinions are 100% my own.

A Token of Love is a poignant dual-time story written by one of my favorite authors, Carrie Turansky. The setting is London in the 1880s and present-time, and the storyline deals with the potential scandals of a Foundling Hospital. The historical details included by the author enriched the story and kept my interest. The characters in both eras are realistic and relatable as the author authentically shows both their strengths and their weaknesses. This tale of broken families, broken hearts, and human trafficking is heart-wrenching, and yet the author expertly brings to light hope and faith in God, who gives help and strength. Readers who enjoy historical fiction filled with mystery, romance, and God's steadfast love will not want to miss A Token of Love. I was given a complimentary copy of the book through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

Four and a half stars. This dual timeline historical romance kept my interest from the beginning. Engaging action, wonderful character development, and a real, heart-wrenching exploration of human trafficking, both in 1880's London and today - with the two timelines woven together in a compelling, well-orchestrated manner. Recommended.

5 stars

Thank you to the publisher and LibraryThing for the free copy and chance to review this book. The following is my honest opinion.

A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky got me right in the feels. Though it contains a little bit of romance, the main theme is a mother's love. Sometimes I had to put the book down for a couple of days since the subject matter was tough.

The dual timeline novel takes place in modern London and in the 1880s. The characters from both time periods were well-done and I quickly found myself rooting for them.

I highly recommend.

I found this story very interesting and enjoyed reading it. Learning about the Foundling Hospital was fascinating, and the authors fictional bringing in of the trafficking of girls brought us a well-rounded story. Both story lines leant themselves to the telling of the story and I loved how everything ended.

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

A Token of Love
By Carrie Turansky

A Token of Love is a standalone title and a perfect introduction for anyone who has never read Carrie Turansky's work. It is a split-time story centered around London's Foundling Hospital. The two stories are over a hundred years apart, set in 1885 and 2023.

In 1885, Lillian Freemont has been championing the cause of women and their need for education and respectable, well-paying employment. When she learns that her niece was placed in the Foundling Hospital, she attempts to reclaim her. But lies and secrecy have hidden the truth of Alice's whereabouts. And what Lillian learns is more than a little alarming and she needs help. And the help she gets is from investigative reporter Matthew McGiven who just happens to be investigating missing young women.

In 2023, Janelle Spencer is acting director of the Foundling Museum having to work with a filmmaker hired to create a documentary of the museum's history. Jonas Conrad is determined to make the best film he can, his future depends on its success. But when his research leads to some unsettling history it could derail the entire project and hurt the museum.

Jenelle and Jonas then conduct more extensive research into the history of the Foundling Hospital and here is where our two stories come together. Alice's story is at the heart of everything, and it is an interesting story. And with everything there are two sides to every story that drive it forward and the author does a wonderful job bringing it to life in both time periods. This is a search for truth and justice.

This book will appeal to those who enjoy Historical Fiction, Victorian-Era Fiction, Split-time Fiction, or a mystery.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.