Carrie Turansky

This is a wonderful story split between 2012 and 1912 in England’s Lake District. Two women learn about heartbreak, love, disappointment, and forgiveness. You’ll be transported back and forth between times to the same locations and learn how the two connect. Betcha can’t figure it out!

The author beautifully wove in Scripture and faith and forgiveness and how important it is for us, although it may be difficult, with God nothing is impossible.

Favorite quotes:

“When we choose to forgive others, we are not excusing what they did or saying it was right. We’re releasing them into God’s hands and allowing Him to deal out justice as He sees fit.”

“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.”

“Peace…peace of heart and mind. That’s what she needed, and it seemed the choice was up to her. It would not be as simple as saying one prayer. She would need to continually release her cares to the Lord and wait for His peace. But His peace was promised, and she would take hold of it.”

“We make our plans, but the future is in God’s hands.”

“Mr. Donovan reminded me that one of Satan’s chief schemes is to convince us we have a right to hold on to our grievances. He wants to destroy relationships and keep people apart. But we can defeat him by letting go of offenses and forgiving others as the Lord has forgiven us.”

“Time is fleeting, the days fade fast. Treasure faith and family, only they will last.”

“Forgiveness was not a one-time event—it was a process. There would be layers to peel back and work through.”… (meer)

I'd give this book more than 5 stars if I could! Everything about this book is fantastic -

the setting, the characters, and the story!

Carrie Turansky brings the Lake District of England to life! I could hear the sheep bleating, smell the gingerbread, and see the beauty of the mountains and lakes.

The characters are relatable and easy to like! Charlotte is my favorite. She's devoted to her family. She also struggles with her faith and being able to trust. She finds solace in writing her thoughts down in a journal. Ian is another favorite! He's a confident yet gentle and understanding man. He enters Charlotte's life at just the right time!

I love that faith is interspersed throughout the book! The characters live out their faith in ways that are realistic. It helped me to remember that everyone is going through something and that we, as Christians, can come alongside those hurting and comfort them.

There are some slightly difficult issues brought up. Unfaithfulness in marriage, alcoholism and unforgiveness. The author offers hope for these issues - faith and trust in God!

I was provided a copy of the book from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.… (meer)