The Legacy of Longdale Manor

Title: The Legacy of Longdale Manor

Author: Carrie Turansky

Publisher: Bethany House

Genre: Historical Fiction, dual-time line, Christian Fiction, Romance,

Source: Bethany House

My Review:

The Legacy of Londgale Manor is the first book I have read by Carrie Turansky. The author stated on Goodreads that this is her first dual-time book. I found it well-written and would not have known it was the first time the author had written a dual-time novel.

What drew me to the book was the beautiful cover and wanting to know the story behind the journal. Both storylines had the theme of a father's betrayal. In 1912 the story follows Charlotte and Ian. I liked all the characters (except maybe Ian's grumpy father). Charlotte and Ian start as friends and then become more. They have obstacles to overcome, but Ian is super sweet and they are perfect together.

In 2012 the story is about Gwen and David. Their relationship starts out as enemies to friends to more. I liked Gwen and felt for her situation. I didn't care much for David. He seemed more focused on getting the money for his grandmother's things than anything else. He came across as self-centered and rude, even though he was supposedly doing these things for his grandmother. There was not enough character growth for David for me to care too much about him. While I would normally prefer the contemporary time over the historical, in this story, the historical won out.

This story has secrets, betrayal, family drama, reconciliation, forgiveness, and more. I appreciated seeing how the two timelines merged and how the author wove faith seamlessly through the story.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

★★★★/5

Synopsis (Goodreads): 

In 2012, art historian Gwen Monroe travels to England's Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she becomes acquainted with David Bradley--the owner's handsome grandson--who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a bed-and-breakfast. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd's staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she uncovers a connection to the father she never knew.

In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte's grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again.

Two women a century apart are taken on a journey to healing, faith, and forgiveness in this heartfelt dual-time Edwardian romance from bestselling author Carrie Turansky.