Hello friends, This has been a wild and wonderful week! My novel, The Legacy of Longdale Manor, won the Carol Award in the Historical Romance Category last Saturday night! The award gala came at the conclusion of the four-day American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in New Orleans, and is judged by fellow writers. That made it especially meaningful and encouraging to me.
The Legacy of Longdale Manor is my first dual-time novel and my first novel with Bethany House. It’s a story that’s dear to my heart, and I was so surprised when they announced my novel as the winner, I could hardly get my words out to accept the award.
I was cheered on by some very special friends, and I loved celebrating with them!
Reading friends and launch team members: Gretchen and Staci Scott.
Carrie with Donna Yarbrough
Cynthia Ruchti and Carrie
The Legacy of Longdale Manor is set in England’s beautiful Lake District and tells the story of two women, a century apart, who are taken on a journey to healing, faith, and forgiveness. A one hundred-year-old journal, a carved shepherd’s staff, and an old photo are the items that tie the two parts of the story together. It’s a heartfelt story with family drama, romance, and inspiration. It released in September 2023. Have you read The Legacy of Longdale Manor? It’s available as eBook, paperback, large print, and audio! You’ll find links to order from your favorite store on this page.
Grace Hitchcock, Carrie, Deb Raney, and Morgan Smith.
I loved spending time with authors who have become dear friends and some readers who were also in town to attend StoryFest that is held in conjunction with the ACFW Conference. Do you recognize these authors?
Dinner with author friends Janyre Tromp, Morgan Smith, Liz Tolsma, Sarah Sundin, Gabrielle Meyer, Carrie, Karen Witemeyer, Misty Beller, Grace Hitchcock, Kelsey Anderson, and podcaster, Jenny Snow.
And when I arrived home . . . I was greeted by this lovely surprise from my husband Scott. It was our anniversary weekend, our twin daughters’ birthday, and our son-in-laws birthday! Oh . . . and I’d just released a new book, A Token of Love, the previous Tuesday! You can see why I said it was a wild week. I’m so grateful for the friendship, support, and encouragement I received this past week!
And now for the giveaway!
I’m giving away a signed copy of The Legacy of Longdale Manor to one person who leaves a comment and tells me one book you’ve enjoyed by one of the authors pictured in this post. Please give the author’s name and title of the book! The giveaway is open until midnight, September 20. I’ll let the winner know by email. Thanks for stopping by and connecting!
Until Next Time ~ Happy Reading!
Carrie
I LOVED Liz Tolsma’s What I Would Tell You and What I Promise You, and we now have both in our church library!! All of the books I’ve read by Karen Witemeyer I’ve loved, too!
Hi Trudy, thank for your comment about Liz’s book. I haven’t read that one yet, but I truly admire Liz. She has a great podcast. Have you listened to it? I subscribed and try to catch each episode. The title of the podcast is: Christian Historical Fiction Talk. I recommend it!
Congratulations on winning the Carol award! My husband & I listened to “ The Legacy of Longdale Manor” on Audible together.
We both loved it! You did a great job with the dual-timeline!
We are looking forward to listening to your new book too!!
thanks Cheryl! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed listening to The Legacy of Longdale Manor with your husband. The narrator for A Token of Love is very good too!
CLOAKED IN BEAUTY by Karen Witemeyer is a favorite.
Hi Mary, I’ve enjoyed many of Karen’s books. We were able to sit together for one of the dinners in New Orleans. That was very special. She’s a very talented author and has a great faith and heart.
Snowed in for Christmas by Gabrielle Meyer
Hi bn100, I haven’t read that book by Gabrielle yet. I will have to look for it. She is a wonderful author! Thanks for stopping by!
There’s several books by these authors that I really enjoyed. The one that really stands out is Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin!
Hi Marti, I love Sarah’s books. She does such a great job with her research. Thanks for stopping by!
I am currently enjoying Gabrielle Meyers first book in a series
“When the Day Comes”. I do find myself loving the time travel type series so I would love to be able to read your “Legacy of Longdale Manor”. I had read a short story of yours in a Christmas collection last year and absolutely loved it, which is why I started subscribing to your newsletter. Congratulations on your award!!
Hi Sharon, I’ve enjoy Gabrielle’s latest series too! It’s such a great concept, and she is a very hard working author. I enjoyed having some time with her in New Orleans! One of that series was just announced as a finalist in the Christy Awards, which is a great honor. I think it is the second book in the series.
Congratulations!!!
Love each and every book I’ve read of yours including Legacy of Longdale Manor!
Enjoy so many books from the authors pictured including but definitely not limited to: To Catch a Coronet by Grace Hitchcock, the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series by Misty Beller, and What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma,
Hi Luann, those are all great books you mentioned. I loved having time with these author friends. They are such an encouragement to me, and so are you! Thanks again for all your support with the launch of A Token of Love!
I would love to attend acfw storyfest one day! I really enjoy Gabrielle Meyer’s timeless series. My favorite so far has been the 2nd one, “In this moment.”
Hi Heather, I’ve enjoyed the Timeless series too! It was a real treat to have some time with Gabrielle at ACFW/StoryFest.
I loved Sarah Sundin The Sea Before Us it’s my favorite so far.
Hi Teresa, I enjoyed The Sea Before us Too! And it was wonderful to have some time with Sarah in New Orleans. I love her heart and books!
The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate is one of my all time favorite books. I’m looking forward to reading A Token of Love very soon. It was a special time at the ACFW conference this year. Everyone j met was so encouraging.
Hi Cindy, I’m so glad to hear you had a good conference experience. It was a delight to meet you in person! Blessings on your writing journey!
When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer
Hi Teresa, I loved that book too! It was a real treat to have some time with Gabrielle in New Orleans. Thank you for stopping by!
I have read the 4 most recent books by Sarah Sundin. My favorite is Until Leaves Fall in Paris.
Hi Ruth, I’ve enjoyed many of Sarah’s books! I haven’t read Until Leaves Fall in Paris. Thanks for the recommendation and thanks for stopping by!
Belated Congratulations, Carrie!!
Thank you, Robbie! It was a wonderful encouragement to me!
I recently read and enjoyed Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer
Hi Virginia, I’ve enjoyed several of Karen’s book too! Thanks for stopping by to leave a comment.
Just signed up for your blog
Thank, Linda! I’m glad we can stay in touch.