This year’s Frasier Contest has come to a close. Congratulations to the Semi-Finalists, and our Grand Winner! In order to have the Frasier each year, we introduce the Judges on our blog. Its our way of giving back a little bit to the published authors who help us help YOU! So lets meet one of the Judges that made it all possible: Carrie Turansky, with her new book The Governess of Highland Hall!

Q: Carrie, would you give us a little blurb about your the story?

A: Fans of “Downton Abbey” and the English Edwardian-era will love the romance of The Governess of Highland Hall where governess Julia Foster must find her place when she is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help,

Returning to England from the mission field in India, Julia Foster accepts the position of governess at Highland Hall to help support her parents. But she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected. Sir William Ramsey, widowed and left to care for his two young children along with the two teenage daughters of his deceased cousin, is consumed with saving the estate from financial ruin. The last thing he needs is the distraction of a kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith. Will Julia and William be able to cross the great class divide that separates them, or will the pull toward power and wealth keep them from finding a future together? 

Q: What is one piece of writing advice you could give to the MBT Audience?

A: Keep reading well-written books by the authors your admire, but also try new authors. Focus on the genre you want to write, but read other genres so you have a wide exposure to what’s being published now. As you read ask yourself several questions. What do I like about this story? How did the writer hook me? Why do I care about these characters? How does this writer handle the balance between dialogue and narrative? How did the author keep the pace going? What didn’t I like about this book? Why did that matter to me? Learning to be a discerning reader can really improve your writing skills. So I always encourage aspiring authors to keep writing and keep reading and you will grow as a writer.

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Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of nearly a dozen novels and novellas, including Snowflake Sweethearts, Along Came Love, and Surrendered Hearts. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award. She lives in central New Jersey with her husband, Scott, who is a pastor counselor, and the author of several parenting books. Carrie loves to connect with readers on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and her website: http://carrieturansky.com