Yes, though this is a youth read—for those spanning the ages of eight to twelve—I dove in and read Mystery at Point Beach for myself! I enjoyed the book and especially delighted in the true historical aspects that triggered the character’s adventure! This is a clever story and a page turner. Can you believe it, I gave several of these books to young people and the one parent told me she also read it and enjoyed every word! Thank you, Saralie T., for sharing your delight of this mystery with me also.
How fun it was for my granddaughter and myself to attend the book signing for Mystery at Point Beach at the actual location of sundae wars inspiration! Point Beach campsite is an actual location and the main character was modeled after a young man who attended the book signing! Imagine being so young and having someone write you in as the main character of the book! Fun fun—well that will be what you enjoy when you crack open the pages of this novel and share it with someone ready for adventure and entertainment and more than a few chuckles!
Thank you, Kate Jungwirth and Deborah Ann Erdmann for such a unique and enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to your next in this series!

How long did it take you to convince the young man, who is the main character, to allow you to write him into an adventure?
Deborah said:
The idea for the book came from a weekend camping trip at Point Beach. My brother's grandson, Dominic, came biking into our campsite with a whopper of a story. He claimed he was biking down a trail, whistling "Who Stole the Kishka," when he ran into the park ranger. According to Dominic, the ranger told him to "Knock it off." It's obvious that Dominic had a wild imagination. I thought it was a great idea for a book. The following summer on our annual camping trip, I read a few chapters to Dominic and my brother and sister-in-law at the campfire. They all loved the story and Dominic was especially thrilled to be the main character.

Tell us about how you discovered the intriguing history that became a main element in this story.
Kate said: The original story revolved around a Manitowoc jewelry store robbery, but I felt that Two Rivers would be a better location for the crime scene since it's closer to Point Beach. While researching local businesses, I accidently discovered the history that revolves around the ice cream sundae controversies. It seemed like a fun and fanciful way to draw in young readers, and add to the element of humor that runs through the story. The nice thing about using Point Beach and the Washington House, is that the reader can actually go to these places in person, or online, and make discoveries of their own. 
 
Do you know the next title of the following book in this series? Do you wish to give us a spoiler for that novel?
Kate said:
The next subtitle in the MAPB series is, Pirate Booty. Believe it or not, there were a few notorious pirates on the Great Lakes, and history reveals that sailors sometimes had more to worry about than just stormy weather. The mystery that resurfaces at Point Beach in the second book, will lead the young detectives on a treasure hunt they'll never forget. 

How did you choose the cover by Henry Kiryowa Luja and Kawooya Tonny?
Deborah said:
I asked Kate if we could ask Henry to design our book cover. Kate agreed, so I emailed the manuscript to Henry. Henry and his team came up with several designs, however, Kate and I were unsure if any of them were right for this project. So, we launched a contest, offering $200 to the winning designer. Though we received some nice covers, we still weren't sure, so then we asked family and friends to look at the contest samples, and we included Henry's designs as well. Much to our delight, the young readers in our circle of friends all chose the cover (Henry's) that we ended up using.

Do you want to share anything else about these artists?
Deborah said:
I met Henry Kiryowa Luja online a few years ago. Henry grew up at Bulamu orphanage. Once a person reaches the age of adulthood, they are required to leave the orphanage. What usually happens at that point, is the young person goes back to living on the streets, struggling to survive. Henry was fortunate in that God has gifted him as an artist. He paints, carves wood, does screen printing, makes jewelry and much more. And because Henry has such a big heart, he brings in some of the orphans from Bulamu into an apprenticeship program at his art studio so that they can learn life-skills. I was blessed to have met Henry in person a few years ago. He is a beautiful soul.

What is your favorite memory for developing this story?
Deborah said:
What made this project especially fun for me, was the fact that we used Point Beach in the story, and other local establishments as well. It provided a good setting, and most of the characters used were actually based on real people: the camp hosts who are there every summer, and actually do decorate their site with electric palm trees (though I don't know if they're still hosting there anymore). There is a hippie reunion in the book, with colorful 'groovy' characters. One summer when we camped at Point Beach, a group of hippies in tye-die clothing were playing Woodstock music at their site, so I included hippies in the adventure. The quirky Ranger Rick character is based on the actual ranger who gave Dominic a hard time that summer. I also used our favorite site at Point Beach, site #127. Dominic and Grandpa Bob are camping in a Nimrod, which is a relic of a camper. Years ago, our family had a Nimrod, so it brings back good memories.
Kate said:
My favorite memory for developing this story was when I read it out loud to my then, 8-year-old son, and my husband. They could not wait for me to read another chapter. That's when I knew we were doing a good job.

I see that this is a READERS FAORITE FIVE STARS book! Well done. What do you have to say about that recognition?
Deborah said:
We are pleased that 'Mystery at Point Beach' received 5 stars from the Readers Choice Awards. It was an honor to have them review our book.

Where can your readers connect with you?
Deborah said:
You can find us online at: (Facebook.com/MysteryatPointBeach), and our website: (www.MysteryatPointBeach.com). We have some fun facts from the book on the website, and plan on adding some interactive elements for the young people. We are also considering adding a section for our readers who would like to share their favorite memories of Point Beach.

PENS OF PRAISE
CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP
 
November 20, 2017
Monday 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
 
Faith Church
2201  42nd Street, Manitowoc, WI  54220
   Faith Church is located next to Festival Foods
   Not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43
 
Just like the changing lake or sky, COZY, SWEET, OR WHAT GOES BUMP IN THE NIGHT is our topic this month.  Mystery is woven into life and story. How do we capture that slippery excitement onto the pages of our manuscripts? Come and experience the methods and thrill of writing a tale that will stoke your curiosity and drive you to turn the pages of your own manuscript well into the night. This lesson is co-taught by Kathy Leist and Susan Kinney.
 
We are a safe place to share. We invite you to bring your WIP (Work in progress!) for a five-minute read.
PROMPT:
 “And the clock struck one…” Use your imagination for this one!
 
We will share a few book titles for researching a novel and how to write!
 
Bring your favorite coffee or tea with you! Our precious Kathy Leist brings treats—we all appreciate her so! J
 
As always, if you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact Becky McLafferty @ rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com or
Susan Marlene@ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com
 
 
 

This Edwardian England novel holds mystery and secrets, which are tucked into the character’s lives so neatly that I just had to keep reading! Margaret Lounsbury (Maggie) is part of loving family, the daughter of a wealthy man, before tragedy shatters her life. Maggie and her little sister’s world is upended in what seems to be a permanent departure from their childhood wealth and affluence. She and her sister, Violet, live with their grandmother, while Maggie works in their millinery shop. Behind Maggie’s elegant and ladylike appearance is a troubled heart vexed with unanswered questions from the past and growing unforgiveness.
Nathaniel Harcourt inherits Morningside Manor, his father’s estate, and has partial control of his father’s engineering company. Nathaniel is challenged with family relationships as well as important business decisions, which seem near-to-impossible to solve. His interest in Maggie is believable and frankly, I enjoyed reading this work of fiction all the way through!
What an excellent title, which is quoted from part of Psalm 37:6 in the Bible! This is a highly recommended novel on my book shelf and I encourage any reader of historical fiction to give Carrie Turansky’s novels a look-see.

QUESTIONS FOR CARRIE:

1. Yet again, your novel is another lovely read, Carrie! How did you pick this plot and location?
   An English photographer who read my blog suggested I might like to set a story at Cragside in Northumberland, England. I researched this beautiful estate and read the biography of the man who was the original owner and developer, William Armstrong. He planted thousands of trees and created a huge garden with a few lakes on his property. Reading about his home and experiences helped the story and characters come to life in my mind. I liked the way some of my other favorite authors often included a mystery or secret that made the story intriguing, so I decided to add a mystery to this novel. That made writing it more challenging, but I like a challenge, and I think my readers do too.
2. Do you have another book or two to follow this one or is it a stand-alone story?
   Shine Like the Dawn is a stand-alone novel, though I thought it would be interesting to follow Maggie’s yunger sister Violet and her love for horses in a sequel. My publishe3r asked me to write two stand alone for this contract, so that’s what I’m doing with Shine Like the Dawn and Across the Blue.
3. I enjoyed your hero, what a likeable fellow from the beginning! Does he remind you of anyone?
   Nathaniel Harcourt’s personality and characteristics are a combination from my imagination. As far as his appearance, I had actor Matthew Macfadyen in mind as I was writing the story.
4. Where did you write this novel? Starbucks, a writer’s room or elsewhere?
   I have several places I like to write at home with my laptop. These include my corner desk in my dining room, my recliner in my living room, and out on my back patio in warm weather.
5. What was your favorite memory when writing this novel? Was it a piece of research, a trip, deciding on a character’s personality or a favorite conversation when developing your story?
   When I was about halfway through writing Shine Like the Dawn I went on a writers’ retreat with two friends. We often enjoy talking through our stories and brainstorming ideas. Including a mystery element was new to me, so I was eager to share that aspect of the story and ask for their input. They both said the ending was too predictable, and I needed to give more of a twist so that readers would not be able to figure out the mystery as easily. It’s a good thing they gave me their input! I know that strengthened the story.
   
6. Do you have a snack or drink you wish to enjoy when writing?
   I enjoy Earl Grey tea with lavender in the cool weather and iced Tazo Passion tea when the weather is warm.
7. Would music, art, or the great out-doors inspire you more when you write?
   I often listen to instrumental movie soundtracks when I’m writing, and I find that helps my creativity and sets the mood. Using earphones blocks out other noise and lets my family know I am busy writing. I also like to take a break for a walk around the lake near our home. Getting out in nature and seeing God’s beauty always inspires and refreshes me.
8. What is your favorite read at this present time? It is hard, but let go of the past and think of this time and place!
   I am enjoying reading an advanced copy of A Rebel Heart by Beth White. It’s set a few years after the Civil War in the deep south. Beth is a wonderful writer and I love all her stories. It’s a real treat to be asked to read A Rebel Heart for endorsement.
9. What bit of research did you enjoy for this story that you couldn’t include in this novel? (If you wish to use it in a future piece than another fun bit of research!) You write in such a wonderful time period!
   When I read William Armstrong’s biography I enjoyed learning about his inventions, and I would’ve loved to include more about those. He was an engineer and his home was the first to be lit by hydroelectricity in the mid-1800s. He also had a visit from Queen Victoria and went to a great deal of expense to make elaborate preparations, including lighting up his huge garden. That would be been fun to include but it didn’t fit in this time.
   
10. Thank you, Carrie for your time and attention! It was fun visiting you today! How do you wish your readers to contact you?
    I love to connect with readers through my website and blog, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and GoodReads

Website and blog: http://carrieturansky.com
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/carrieturansky/boards/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorcarrieturansky/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carrieturansky
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/247470.Carrie_Turansky


Thank you, Susan!
Carrie