Heaven Sent

The Legacy Of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky is a most delightful Christian dual timeline novel that is extremely powerful and has lessons for us all.

The time periods of 1912 and 2012 are linked by Longdale Manor and the location of Keswick. Both time periods have similar themes too.

A major theme is that of forgiveness. We need to forgive because we are forgiven. If we fail to forgive, we risk becoming bitter. Forgiveness is not excusing the sin but it is freeing us and leaving any judgment to God.

In both time periods we see the damage of separation and witness the theme of the prodigal son. Sometimes the separation is not our fault but the fault of our parents. We are not destined to repeat their sins. There is power in reconciliation and much rejoicing when the prodigal returns home.

We see the importance of trusting. “Trusting God through the good times and bad.”. He is our good Father and can be trusted even if our earthly fathers fail us.

God is still at work even when He is silent. “God didn’t seem to care what happened to them.” God does care and God does love throughout all the seasons of our lives. “Facing challenging circumstances did not mean God was not in control.” God is always in control, even when our circumstances seem out of control.

When one is a leader of faith, one needs to be seen to be living out that faith. We need to practice servanthood, being “the servant leader.” We are the hands and feet, the eyes and ears of Jesus. Sometimes our faith leaders will disappoint us. We need to remember that they are only human and face the same temptations we all face.

Prayer is as vital as breathing. “Times of prayer had been an anchor.” When life is hard, we should pray. When life is easy, we should pray. Prayer is just a conversation with God who longs to hear from all of His children.

The location of Keswick came alive for me under the author’s artistic pen. I was also familiar with the location as my brother used to live outside Keswick and so I had holidayed up there. I could very easily picture the locations.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Legacy Of Longdale Manor. It was a powerful and beautiful read. I will leave you with my favourite quote:

“They live out what they believe in their daily lives. It’s not just a Sunday-going-to-church kind of faith.”

I received a free copy from Just Read Tours. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON

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.