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.

A Token of Love is written by Carrie Turansky. One of the things that I love about this author is the fact that she has the ability to transport traders back in time. She always does such careful research to bring the story alive. This is a a dual timeline story.

In this story it’s 1885 in 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. However she’s met with a mystery. She teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern. However there’s so much darkness on the streets. Family members can come back to get their children by leaving a token with the child to help identify them so that they can return home to their loved ones, but very few do. Lillian has a locket to be able to claim Alice.

In the 2023 story, Janelle Spencer is helping to run the Foundling Museum and oversee the Foundling Museum Gala. The Foundling Museum has enlisted the help of videographer Jonas Conrad to create a documentary of the Museum’s history. However when they start to uncover the history it’s quite surprising.

I enjoyed the journey that this story took me on. The author has woven together two time periods together seamlessly. The book is so well written.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

A Token of Love is a dual timeline story. It is set partly in the 1880s and partly in the present day. It ties together the 19th century history of the Foundling Hospital with events in the modern age. Without giving too much away, the Hospital was created by good people. Their noble intentions were to care for foundlings and to provide for them. However, the reality wasn’t always this way. There are some descriptions of things like human trafficking in this novel, but it’s done with sensitivity yet, at the same time, without sanitizing anything.

The modern the Victorian characters were all well-drawn. All had struggles with family and identity. These struggles are not easily solved, if at all. In the end, they learn how to value what they have through faith and a sprinkling of love.
There’s also some wrestling with the importance of truth. Is it sometimes better to spare it to save others? Or should one face the consequences of exposing the truth?

Thanks to the publisher for approving my request for this title on Netgalley. This did not influence my review and all opinions expressed are my own.

A Token of Love is a story that’ll stay with me. This dual timeline mystery has a little bit of everything: two compelling romances, an interesting plot involving a Foundling Hospital from 1885, family drama, & faith all set in England. It’s a poignant story that was so hard to put down!

In 1885, Lillian Fremont is searching for her niece who was left at the Foundling Hospital several years ago. She carries the gold token from her sister that matches her niece’s as a way to claim her. But, when her search comes up empty & she feels the hospital isn’t giving her the whole truth, she enlists the help of investigative reporter, Matthew McGivern. As they try to find out what happened to Alice, they unravel a disturbing mystery that leads them into the seediest places in London, and human trafficking.

In modern day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself in charge of the Foundling Museum when her boss goes into early labor. Filmmaker Jonas Conrad is scheduled to come and film a documentary about the museum and doesn’t want to delay filming any longer than he has to. While he and Janelle get off to a bit of a rocky start, they soon become caught up in the history & sordid past of the Foundling Hospital. Trying to balance uncovering the truth with the museum’s reputation, Janelle has to decide if love is worth the risk.

Both of these stories were so compelling. I didn’t realize when I started reading that the subject matter would at times be bleak. Yet, the author did a great job balancing sensitivity with the need to shed light on the terrible events of the past, which this story is based on. I enjoyed the spiritual themes & the way these couples worked together to expose the truth. The romance was a nice touch that helped lighten the story & make it even more compelling.

Recommend to Christian historical fiction & dual time period romance fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

A Token of Love
by Carrie Turansky
Publisher: Bethany House Publishing
Series: None
Rated: 4
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of the Book: “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.”

Impressions: It is something to be noted that sin has been present since the fall. There has been no generation that has not struggled with the temptations of evil. Sometimes I romanticize history as being purer than the present. Perhaps some things were simpler, but the reality is that evil lurked in the past just as it does today. This story, although fiction, touches on some of the evils of the past that have become an epidemic today- human trafficking. This story covers both the past (1885) and the present (2023) in its dual timeline format. I found the plot to be interesting and well-written. The present-day plot was more relatable to me as I found the characters' choices to be more realistic. Perhaps it's that I couldn’t imagine being brave enough to chase after traffickers in the 1800’s. I think the digital world allows for much bolder interactions and therefore gives users the ability to speak up quicker. The very thing that allows for boldness to speak up and out is also what allows others to take advantage. One of the reasons I love reading so much is that it opens doors to ideas and situations that I may never have experienced but provoke me to think about. This is Christian fiction, and spiritual reference was noted. I enjoyed how well redemption was woven into this story. We are precious in His sight. The characters in both timelines found love in this clean romance. All in all, this was an enjoyable but thought-provoking story.

Quotes: “What he said was wrong, but that is between him and the Lord. You can take responsibility for your part, confess it in prayer, and ask for forgiveness. That’s the path toward release from your despair.’ Serena lifted her hand and covered her eyes. ‘How can I ever be forgiven? It’s too late.’ ‘As long as you’re alive, it is never too late. Remember the thief on the cross next to Jesus?’” -Right here my friends is the truth. It is never too late.

“’ Stop looking so glum. You're not sacked. I’m just redirecting your efforts so these articles will make the greatest impact.’” -I liked how this was put, ‘redirecting your efforts.’ It is an optimistic thought when things don’t go as planned. You are just being redirected for your own good.

“’ I’m going to pray and wait for the Lord’s direction.’ Serena rolled her eyes. ‘All right, but don’t blame the Lord if it’s truly fear that holds you back from all He wants to give you.’”

Thank you, NetGalley for an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky is a Victorian London Split-Time Christian historical romance novel. Part of the story takes place in London in 1885 when Lillian is asked to find her niece who was taken to the Founding Hospital by her mother. The other part is modern day London when Janelle and Jonas are working together to make a film about the Founding Hospital for a fund raiser and they stumble onto the mystery surround the young girl.
This is a very enjoyable story to read. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense surrounding the young girl both in 1885 and modern day. This story points out that human trafficing has been going on for a very long time. I enjoyed the wonderful strong characters in this story and how strong they were during difficult times. This story grabbed my attention from the very beginning and held it to the end.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

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

How often do we idealize the earlier days, thinking life was simpler, easier, or more carefree? Carrie Turansky, in her poignant dual time novel, A Token of Love, details two distinct time periods of London, one present-day and one from the 1880s. In both eras, the same ugly problem (involving misuse and abuse of girls and women) raises its head. What will the people of that era do to stop it? Will their faith be an impetus for their push for change, and can a few really make a difference?

I loved the great historical research that accompanied the writing of this book. So much that I have been unaware of. I loved learning about the Foundling Museum and its history, and how it and its fellow organization, Coram, worked to educate and better the lives of the children in both centuries. The novel is by turns romantic and suspenseful, rich in relationships, and pushes the characters to the end of themselves. Will God help mend their various broken hearts, broken families, and broken dreams?

I considered some tidbits in the book that formed a strong part of each story as very informative. It was neat to learn about the start of investigative journalism, film making and all that goes into even a small film, and also to read about Josephine Butler. Thankfully, author notes sort out the fact from the great creative writing. Included discussion questions make this book a great book club choice.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit thru NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Could she move forward and offer her heart again, knowing grief and loss could be right around the corner?”

“We are sisters, and sisters never give up on each other.”

“…terrible losses. Some we may have brought on ourselves; others happened because we live in a broken world where sin takes a great toll. We can’t change what happened to us in the past, but we can learn from it.”

“Your feelings are important, but truth is a much better guide.”

“We all have ​regrets, but there is no need to dwell on them. Seek the Lord’s forgiveness and let Him carry them for you.”

Wordsmith Carrie Turansky has written a poignant split time Christian novel, A Token of Love, that is set in London, England. The two time periods are between the years of 1885 and 2023. This extraordinary book immediately grabbed my attention and refused to let go.

The Foundling Hospital in 1885 is similar to an orphanage. It is a place where family members may take children with the goal of getting them back one day. This is done by matching tokens. However, it is not always that easy as Lillian learns when she ventures there to collect her niece, Alice. Hitting a dead end, she asks investigative journalist Matthew McGivern to help her locate Alice.

Janelle Spencer is helping to run the current day Foundling Museum and direct the Foundling Museum Gala. The Museum has enlisted the help of videographer Jonas Conrad to create a documentary of the Museum’s history. Jonas finds some unethical activities in the Museum’s history, and he and Janelle search for answers and the truth.

This is an eye opening, emotional story of justice, morality, hope, trusting God, and the relentless search for truth. There are twists and turns that will keep readers riveted to the book as they turn page after page. I found myself pondering the events of this excellent tale long after finishing it.

I highly recommend this split time novel. It is brilliantly written. This would be perfect for a reading group. There is so much to discuss. I give it a five star rating. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

I enjoyed this book. I enjoy this author’s work in general and thought this book was well researched and written.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Four stars.

There is nothing better for me than reading a book by this author. When it is a split time story that is a bonus for me. Her writing takes me to a place where a where much was going on behind closed doors.We start in 1885 where a prominent hospital is highlighted. It had a prestige reputation but secrets were hidden from many. I can’t imagine thinking your baby has died then discover that the child is alive. Will justice prevail ?

I love the storyline about the token that many parents left with their child as a remembrance of their heritage. A small coin or a locket holds family history and is hoped to identify their child if they can come back to get them. Let’s think about the parents who had no choice but to give up their child. The heart wrenching decision will last a lifetime. Oh how I wanted to help find those who looked gir their child.

Lillian is a very strong faith filled woman. Her determination to find her niece fills the pages with hope. I loved how she overcame many obstacles and never once thought of giving up. What she uncovers with the help of a journalist is hard to put into words. Battered, abused young children being used as maids or the unthinkable of losing their innocence.To think that human trafficking went on so long along shows how little we have done today to protect innocent children.

Matthew is writing a story on the hospital and runs into Lillian. He joins Lillian to help find her niece and expose the truth about the hospital. He wants to help Lillian while also sharing with the world a dark secret that needs to be shared . I liked how he is courageous, caring and also faithful in his walk with God.

We move forward in the story to 2023. Here we meet Janelle and Jonas. I absolutely loved how this thread of the story gives us a glimpse into the life of a teenager you will meet. Her attitude is not upbeat but soon her life will be changed. Janelle has a new promotion at the museum and finds out that Jonas is there to do a documentary on the infamous hospital from 1885.

The author does an amazing job of bringing justice to a forgotten group of children. It stated many years ago yet it is still present today. Each character found that trusting God would help them through their trials. I loved that this story is based on true historical facts. It piqued my curiosity and decided to read more about the hospital on my own. I have to end my review so I don’t give anymore away. Be prepared for tears, hope, secrets, and most of all hope.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

I just love dual-time stories with historical and contemporary points of view. “A Token of Love” is such a tale, with great characters, history, and mystery that kept my interest all the way through.

Prior to reading this story I didn’t know about London’s Foundling Hospital, and I love when a story teaches me something new. Although the book brought me to tears, the threads of faith and hope shines so bright and left me with a satisfying sigh.

If you enjoy dual-timeline redemption stories that make you laugh, cry, and sigh, this one is a great choice. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by this author. The amount of research she puts into her work is evident, and her stories just get better and better.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions are 100% mine.