I love that when I read Carrie Turansky's books I learn about a piece of history that might not be well known. The story of Lillian in 1885 and Janelle in present day London is expertly woven together with the Foundling Hospital at the center. A Token of Love covers hard topics like human trafficking but it's so faith-filled and heart warming to see how Lillian and Jonas work to help her sister find her daughter. I loved every minute of their story!

I read/listened to the audio book and thought that Susan Lyons does an amazing job narrating!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 3 September 2024

Interesting time-slip story that brings to life a foundling home in England in 1885 and its 2023 Museum. The problem of child trafficking ties both times. Brilliantly illustrates people involved in both timelines and their relationships, with fully believable characters and their struggles with what goes on in their lives, how they work through it and also weaves in romances that you want to cheer on. Hope, perseverance, fighting for what's right, caring about each other. Shining a light in the darkness. Excellent read, important subjects.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ATokenOfLove #CarrieTuransky #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #BethanyHousePublishers

Carrie Turansky is among one of my favorite historical fiction authors and was excited to get my hands on her newest book, A Token of Love. I was far from being disappointed. It is exactly what I would expect from one of her novels. It was full of action, adventure, faith, history, and love. I enjoy travelling back in time to 1850s London and back again to the present day with Lillian, Matthew, Jonas, and Janelle. I loved reading this fabulous tale.



A Token of Love will be getting five stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean historical romance, as well as, dual time line novels. As always, I will be eagerly awaiting new releases from Carrie Turansky for years to come.


I received a paperback copy of Carrie Turansky's A Token of Love from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Turansky has written an engaging novel that explores the vulnerability of girls and young women. Her dual time narrative looks at how girls were misused over a century ago and then relates it to how teen girls today might be lured into harm's way.

I like how Turansky developed the two stories in a captivating parallel way, introducing readers to the similar dangers and then the attempts to stop the evil. The historical part of the novel carried far more emotional force but both stories had a similar pull. I really like how Turansky explained in her Author's Note that much of the historical part of the novel was based on fact.

This is a great novel that will tug at reader's heart strings. Be sure to have a tissue ready as you near the end. Potential readers should note that both aspects of the novel deal with human trafficking, specifically girls and teens. This might be a trigger situation for some. I highly recommend this very well written novel.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Two women centuries apart search for truth, and find love while looking for answers to questions raised by the Foundling Hospital.

Janelle Spencer lives in the present day, running the Foundling Museum. While working with a filmmaker Jonas Conrad, she discovers a shocking secret from the past that threatens her future. While in 1885, Lillian Freemont is determined to be reunited with her niece, and the winding trail leads to a sobering conclusion, as she works with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to bring the girl home.

A compelling dual-timeline story, with two equally engaging parallel stories about women fighting for truth, and living out their faith. I appreciated the strong timeless themes of faith, forgiveness, justice woven throughout.

A well written novel, with excellent characters, great developing relationships, compelling and compassionate. I was drawn in equally to Janelle and Lillian's stories, in this riveting novel, full of faith, gripping storyline, and strong protagonists. Highly recommend!

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

I was engaged in this book from beginning to end. I enjoyed both timelines and all the history woven in. The romance was sweet and I appreciated the faith element as well. A Token of Love was my first book by this author and I'm looking forward to reading more of hers.


I received a complimentary copy and all opinions are my own.

This is a beautiful story. I love the way that Carrie Turansky wove together the two timelines (Victorian and present day) with the Victorian search for a missing child and the present day search for truth about the London Foundling Hospital. It was fascinating (and heartbreaking) to learn a bit about the London Foundling Hospital. I really appreciated how Carrie handled both parts of this story and how interconnected they were.

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

From the moment I began reading A Token of Love, I was drawn into both the historical and the present day timelines of this sweet story. The Foundling Hospital in London provides a compelling setting for both timelines, too, and I loved how Turansky incorporated the museum it is now into the plot.

In the historical timeline, Lillian Freemont never expects the search for her niece (who was surrendered to the Foundling Hospital eight years ago) will send her to places in London that women of her social standing would rarely dare to be. Teaming up with investigative journalist Matthew McGivern opens her eyes – and readers’ too – to the seedier shadows of Victorian London where we are reminded that human trafficking isn’t a recent phenomenon. Lillian is such a wonderful heroine who exhibits great strength despite the deep losses she’s already endured, and Matthew is the perfect match for her and the perfect hero for this timeline. They make a wonderful team, supporting & complementing each other with respect and growing affection. The gritty Victorian setting came alive for me as well, and Turansky’s thoughtful character depictions had me wanting to hug these young girls tight and barrel in to rescue them myself. Best to let Matthew and Lillian do that, though, and I confess that for a while I wasn’t sure what the ultimate outcome would be – though I knew it would be touching no matter what. I was right. It WAS touching, and without giving you any spoilers I’ll just say that it was a rewarding outcome as well.

Fast forward to the present day where we meet the acting Foundling Museum director Janelle Spencer who is proud of the museum’s reputation for continuing the hospital’s legacy of care for marginalized women & children. But when she and filmmaker Jonas Conrad dig deeper into the hospital’s history for the fundraising film he’s making, the discovery of a series of stunning articles from the late 1800s leaves her and the museum on shaky ground. Janelle is another easy heroine to love, and bless her heart she’s facing some tricky situations that had me firmly invested in her story too. Her background makes her uniquely qualified to champion the history of the Foundling Hospital and the museum’s modern day mission, and her personality is engaging and warm. I enjoyed her growing relationship with Jonas (who’s pretty swoony in his own right) and joining them as they unearthed the stories I was already invested in from the historical timeline.

Bottom Line: Each character in A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky is on an emotionally stirring journey that points readers unflinchingly to the heart of God – even the secondary characters and a few tertiary ones too. Compelling history and themes of justice, faith, and restoration weave seamlessly between Victorian and modern-day London, and readers will quickly be absorbed by the engaging plot. I absolutely loved how it all came together in a story that pulled at my heartstrings, gave me a history lesson, left me swooning at times, and continued to bring awareness to the prevalence of human trafficking in our past AND our present. The way that Turansky brings everything full circle at the end between both timelines made me smile through misty eyes and close the book with a happy sigh over a story well told. Fans of Melanie Dobson, Michelle Griep, and Michelle Shocklee definitely need to read A Token of Love too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

In case you need to be convinced that I loved this book, I read it in a day. Typically I like to take my time with anything Turansky writes, but with this one I couldn't. It was so well written, so engaging, so....well everything. A Token of Love has family, love, mystery, danger, faith and so much more.

First, I should say there are some difficult things talked about in this book, as it may be a trigger for some. We tend to only think about trafficking happening today, but Turansky delicately reminds us that it has (unfortunately) been around for a very long time. And while there is hope provided in this book, and Turansky handles the entire topic gracefully, it was just a good reminder of the evil that is in the world and how you wish you could do more for all the people affected by it. It was touching, and I don't want to give a spoiler, but I LOVED the part where Lillian and others held a protest so to speak. That's all I can say about that lol. You'll just have to read!

So let's talk about the two different time periods. I found myself drawn to the historical a teeny bit more, but I think it's because I was just so consumer with Lillian finding her niece. That being said, Janelle's journey was also beautifully written. And the ending with the movie!? Oh gosh I was like crying. Again, no spoilers. But it was so, so good. Both time periods had a great faith message, wonderful character arcs, and again just really grabbed my attention.

Guys, if there is ever a book you need to read by Turansky, this one is it. Read it today. Read it now. This is one of my favorite reads of the year!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A TOKEN OF LOVE by CARRIE TURANSKY is a bauutifully writtem dual timeline novel that tells us about brave people who fight against child trafficking. There is a strong Christian message which is based on Isaiah chapter fifty-eight verses six to eight. The characters are unforgettable and it is heartwarming to see how they risk everything to help the weak and helpless…….
In 2023, Janelle Spencer, acting director of the London Foundling Museum, is working with Jonas Conrad who is making a fundraising film for the museum, when they come across something very interesting in the history of the Foundling Hospital. In 1885, eight year old Alice Crosby, renamed Mary Graham, goes missing. It is with horror, when they read Mary Alice’s book, that they realise that she is not the only young girl to be sold into a brothel in London’s East End……..
When Alice is three months old, her unmarried mother, Serena, is too ashamed of her situation to ask her sister Lillian Freemont for help, and in desperation leaves her baby, with a token on which is written “Remember My Love” tied with a ribbon around her neck, at the Foundling Hospital. So many of the mothers left their children with tokens of their love and they form part of the Museum’s display.
In 1885, desperately ill and living in abject poverty, Serena reaches out to Lillian who joins up with Matthew McGivern, a journalist who works for W T Stead at the Pall Mall Gazette, to look for Alice, who is now eight years old and has disappeared. There is so much corruption, even in the police, and their courage is incredible as they, armed with their faith, go right into the enemy’s lairs……
The two time frames flow well into one another.
The novel gives us much food for thought as the author deals with such an emotional subject.
I cannot recommend the book strongly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This is a dual-timed historical fiction, set 138 years apart in London, England - Victorian 1885 and modern 2023.

The book begins in 1885 with 2 sisters, Lillian and Serena, with 2 differing life choices, but where forgiveness and love wins! Lillian teaches Serena that "Praying for guidance is always the right response, no matter how desperate we feel". They have both "suffered terrible losses" and they lean on each other as they get to grips with the unimaginable.

Enter Matthew who is a journalist, who takes risks to help both Lillian and Serena. He puts his life in danger and realises that his "commitment to Christ ..... did not mean the road would always be smooth.....". He also helps Lillian to trust and love again, as she doesn't "want pain or fear to guide my life any longer"!

We also encounter a group of God-fearing ladies who help change the course of history through prayer and giving voices to those who had none!

In 2023 we find Janelle, a woman of faith, thrust into a higher position of responsibility at the Foundling Museum, where she works. Her workload has suddenly become pressurised! She allows Olivia, her neighbours' daughter, to volunteer at the museum, and in doing so, she adds drama to her own life. Olivia is a troubled teen who has to deal with some close-to-home issues, but finds forgiveness and reconciliation.

Jonas is employed to help Janelle at the museum by doing research and making a film of the history of the Foundling Hospital, and there they unravel a mystery that could make or break the future of the museum. Just as Matthew does with Lillian in 1885, Jonas helps Janelle find love again and are brought together through their faith in God as well as through work.

The story covers a difficult issue, but one that mustn't be ignored as it's something that still goes on today. It's a powerful, beautifully written story, where the two timelines are woven perfectly, highlighting faith, forgiveness, love, a strong belief in prayer, and seeking justice.

It's a page-turner and I hope readers find it as enthralling as I did!

I enjoyed this story. I found the story emotional and touching. I loved how well researched the story was and how well the author told the story of children from the Foundling Hospital. I loved the dual time lines and that we got to see them connect and how the past influenced those in the future. I liked seeing the growth in the characters and seeing the change they made in their world. This inspires me to want to find ways to change my world for the better. I definitely highly recommend this story.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

1885 and 2003 London

Lovely! This novel pulled me with the first chapter set in 1885 London. Widow Lillian Freemont discovers her estranged sister is ill and has a daughter that was given to the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Lillian's search for her niece had me turning pages.

In the current day thread interim head of the Foundling Museum Janelle Spencer works with filmmaker Jonas Conrad in creating a documentary. The hope is that the documentary will garner enough donations for the museum to survive.

While I enjoyed both threads, it was the historical one that had me most engaged. The romance between Lillian and investigative reporter Matthew McGivern was slow burning and beautifully created.

The cover is perfect for the pages inside.

This dual time story by Carrie Turansky was so well done that once I started reading I didn’t want to stop. I really enjoyed learning the history of tokens that were left with children who were placed in foundling homes.

This was a challenging read in the 1885 portion, as we see young girls sold into brothels but Turansky handled it gently and with hope.

Characters in the past and present day were well developed and interesting. They were brave and determined for truth to be told. I enjoyed both settings equally well. As always, Turansky tells a riveting story.

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

I really enjoyed this novel. The love stories. The mystery. The biblical components. The dual timelines. The story really drew me in. I really enjoyed following the characters as they solved their mysteries…and as the haunting history was revealed.

It was a novel that not only brought to light certain deeds (human trafficking), but also helped show its presence not only in our modern day but also in the past. I was previously aware of it, but this really opened my eyes to how it affected women and children in the past. It was obvious that the author did some research when writing this book. The author did a great job at approaching this subject, unveiling its presence with care.

If you’re looking for a Christian historical fiction novel with some intrigue, check this one out!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from the publisher and author through NetGalley. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

What a beautiful and heart-tugging dual time story based on real events!
It’s 1885 and Lillian Freeman, a young widow still dealing with the heartache of loss, finds herself embarked in a dangerous journey as she searches for her long-lost niece who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital. Thank God, she meets Matthew McGivern who is a journalist and is investigating on a series of cases of missing girls from the same Hospital, and compromises himself into helping Lillian find her niece. While spending time together for this purpose, Matthew’s feelings deepen, but is Lillian ready to open herself up to love again when it holds so many risks? Will the result of their investigations lead to the truth and justice these children deserve?
Meanwhile, we get a good glimpse to a related event in the present day, as we join Janelle’s journey of suddenly becoming the Director of the Foundling Museum and its challenges to survive. But when filmmaker Jonas arrives wanting to make a documentary on the Museum and help the funding campaign, they both get involved in the discovery of disturbing facts about the history of the Museum. Should the truth come out to light? Or should Janelle hide their findings in order to keep the Museum’s image and success?
First of all, I want to compliment the way the dual timelines were managed. The story flew flawlessly and I never felt confused when we changed the timeline. I always find a big challenge for a dual timeline story to be easy to read, because there are more characters involved and the different periods of time, but A Token of Love shines in this and many other aspects. I love stories that are based on real events, and with this one you can truly recognize how well researched it is. The theme is a hard one: child trafficking. But it is dealt with respect, yet with realism. Be prepared to share a few tears, but don’t worry, the story is so full of hope, and the characters, in spite of being flawed, are so inspiring, that your heart will soar after the pain. The plot has a good pace and it never drags, addressing the difficult issues from the start. I felt captivated and totally engaged waning to know how the story was going to end. Also, cheering the main characters in their quest of finding truth and justice, and discovering what is the right, not only convenient, thing to do.
I loved the story, the characters were relatable and lovable, and the faith inspired message of trusting God, living your faith, find forgiveness, and discover that doing what is right to God’s eyes may require some big sacrifices, but it’s all worth it and so fulfilling. The romances were really clean and sweet, just like I like them. All in all, a book that inspired me and warmed my heart, and that I highly recommend to anyone. I'll definitely be rereading this again!
I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the ARC and finished copy of A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky. All opinions are my own.

This was my first time reading a book by this author, but I definitely want to read all of her books now. A Token of Love was truly an amazing book and is without a doubt one of my favorite books I’ve read this year.

This story was beautiful and did such an excellent job discussing the issue of human trafficking in a way that wasn’t just informational but also moving and heartbreaking. While this story was fictional, the topics discussed were not, and I thought the author handled the subject matter delicately, and she offered resources to educate readers further.

The connection between the dual timelines in this book was interesting, and I appreciated how the characters used information that they learned from the past to further improve the future. While some stories with dual timelines fail to keep my interest in both time periods, this was not the case in this book. I loved the time spent both in the present day and in the late 1800s.

The characters in this story were so lovely, and the relationships they formed (both romantic and otherwise) were beautiful. I loved seeing the characters grow into themselves and in relationships with others in ways they never imagined. The kindness and bravery of the characters was inspiring, and I appreciated that they were imperfect.

As this was my first book by this author, I didn’t know what to expect as far as faith elements. I was, however, pleasantly surprised to see how the author wove themes of spiritual growth and prayer into these characters’ lives in a natural way without being pushy.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone! It was beautiful, and I didn’t want to put the book down.

"A Token of Love" is a romance with two connected stories, one set in 1885 London and the other in present day. The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. The romantic pairs worked well together. Historical details were woven into the story. My only complaint is that the men in the 1885 story were all disrespectful toward women, even the hero. Lillian's a wealthy widow who had been handling her own affairs for years. Matthew's a stranger from a poor background. He thought about how he's so far beneath her that no relationship could occur. But then he started acting like her husband or relative, ordering her staff around and guiding her actions.

For example, in one scene early on, Lillian and Matthew were in a closed carriage together, he suggested they have the coachman leave them alone, and she agreed. He told the coachman to leave, and he did. Wait, Lillian's the one who paid him. The coachman ought to make sure she's okay and wanted to be left alone with a man. Yet he never questioned the orders of a stranger. In another scene, Lillian walked down a street while dressed plainly but respectably when two constables arrest her as a prostitute. They'd be able to tell by her dress, education, and the fact she's not a known prostitute that she's a respectable lady. Instead, they refuse to listen to her....until Matthew vouches for her.

Lillian didn't mind Matthew taking over, and they shared a passion to help poor women and children, so they made a good pair. It's just that I doubt most men were that disrespectful toward respectable women. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this historical-focused story.

This is a well-crafted story of faith and a journey through huge challenges. It's told in a dual timeline, and is a great pick for fans of historical fiction,

This is a dual timeline historical fiction. Split between 1885 and present day.
Though a split timeline there are many connecting factors and things that were relevant in the latter time are still very relevant today.
1885 London: The Foundling Hospital is supposed to be a safe house for children of bad circumstances but when young girls are disappearing from there with no records being kept and without a trace there is an investigation. When some of the children are placed in the Foundling Hospital, they are brought in with a golden token identifying them so they can be reclaimed at a later date. As the investigation continues, we get a taste of the seedy underhanded ways some people operate and the dangerous ways of the streets.
2023 London: Now the Foundling Museum, I found this interesting the documentation of the Foundling Hospital and what happened to some of its. As more is uncovered and comes to light it may not show the Foundling Museum in its best light. Now the question is how to keep investigating and not spoil the reputation of the museum. I enjoyed immensely the research that was put into this as this is based on historical facts. Informative and interesting. Well written!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.