Across the Blue by Carrie Turansky

ABOUT THE BOOK

Set in Edwardian England and ideal for readers who enjoy Julie Klassen novels, this romance about an English aviation pioneer and the girl who falls in love with him is filled with adventure and faith.

Isabella Grayson, the eldest daughter of a wealthy, English newspaper magnate, longs to become a journalist, but her parents don't approve. They want her to marry well and help them gain a higher standing in society. After she writes an anonymous letter to the editor that impresses her father, her parents reluctantly agree she can write a series of articles about aviation and the race to fly across the English Channel, but only if she promises to accept a marriage proposal within the year. When James Drake, an aspiring aviator, crashes his flying machine at the Grayson's new estate, Bella is intrigued. James is determined to be the first to fly across the Channel and win the prize Mr. Grayson's newspaper is offering. He hopes it will help him secure a government contract to build airplanes and redeem a terrible family secret. James wants to win Bella's heart, but his background and lack of social standing make it unlikely her parents would approve. If he fails to achieve his dream, how will he win the love and respect he is seeking? Will Bella's faith and support help him find the strength and courage he needs when unexpected events turn their world upside down? 

MY THOUGHTS 


Across the Blue by Carrie Turansky
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is 1909 and barriers are about to be broken. James Drake wants to be the first man to cross the English Channel in an airplane and Isabella (Bella) Grayson wants to be recognized as a journalist. Their paths cross when James and his mentor try to interest Bella's father into investing in their venture. Bella is intrigued by aviation so she is drawn to this young pilot and James is drawn to her beauty. They both feel a great attraction but there are huge obstacles in their relationship. Bella's family is "newly rich" and they want her to "marry well" so that they will be be accepted into high society and James is a poor young man who doesn't know who his father was or if he is still alive. It becomes apparent that the Graysons will do whatever is necessary to prevent their daughter's involvement with James.

"Across the Blue" is a fascinating look at early aviation and the beginning of the advancement of women. It is filled with details of life in England in the early years of the twentieth century and there are many historical facts about aviation woven into the story. There is also a mystery surrounding James's parentage and a reminder that a true family doesn't have to be related by blood. Both of the main characters have many trials in their lives. Bella wants her family's approval but she also craves her independence and James wonders if he will ever find his father or have a chance with Bella. I liked that both of them place their trust in God and rely on prayer to help them through.

This is a well-written and entertaining book filled with a subtle message of faith, grace and forgiveness and I recommend it to all fans of historical fiction and Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher but I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.


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