SHINE LIKE THE DAWN by Carrie Turansky

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