A Token of Love is written by Carrie Turansky. One of the things that I love about this author is the fact that she has the ability to transport traders back in time. She always does such careful research to bring the story alive. This is a a dual timeline story.

In this story it’s 1885 in London. Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. However she’s met with a mystery. She teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern. However there’s so much darkness on the streets. Family members can come back to get their children by leaving a token with the child to help identify them so that they can return home to their loved ones, but very few do. Lillian has a locket to be able to claim Alice.

In the 2023 story, Janelle Spencer is helping to run the Foundling Museum and oversee the Foundling Museum Gala. The Foundling Museum has enlisted the help of videographer Jonas Conrad to create a documentary of the Museum’s history. However when they start to uncover the history it’s quite surprising.

I enjoyed the journey that this story took me on. The author has woven together two time periods together seamlessly. The book is so well written.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

A Token of Love is a dual timeline story. It is set partly in the 1880s and partly in the present day. It ties together the 19th century history of the Foundling Hospital with events in the modern age. Without giving too much away, the Hospital was created by good people. Their noble intentions were to care for foundlings and to provide for them. However, the reality wasn’t always this way. There are some descriptions of things like human trafficking in this novel, but it’s done with sensitivity yet, at the same time, without sanitizing anything.

The modern the Victorian characters were all well-drawn. All had struggles with family and identity. These struggles are not easily solved, if at all. In the end, they learn how to value what they have through faith and a sprinkling of love.
There’s also some wrestling with the importance of truth. Is it sometimes better to spare it to save others? Or should one face the consequences of exposing the truth?

Thanks to the publisher for approving my request for this title on Netgalley. This did not influence my review and all opinions expressed are my own.

A Token of Love is a story that’ll stay with me. This dual timeline mystery has a little bit of everything: two compelling romances, an interesting plot involving a Foundling Hospital from 1885, family drama, & faith all set in England. It’s a poignant story that was so hard to put down!

In 1885, Lillian Fremont is searching for her niece who was left at the Foundling Hospital several years ago. She carries the gold token from her sister that matches her niece’s as a way to claim her. But, when her search comes up empty & she feels the hospital isn’t giving her the whole truth, she enlists the help of investigative reporter, Matthew McGivern. As they try to find out what happened to Alice, they unravel a disturbing mystery that leads them into the seediest places in London, and human trafficking.

In modern day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself in charge of the Foundling Museum when her boss goes into early labor. Filmmaker Jonas Conrad is scheduled to come and film a documentary about the museum and doesn’t want to delay filming any longer than he has to. While he and Janelle get off to a bit of a rocky start, they soon become caught up in the history & sordid past of the Foundling Hospital. Trying to balance uncovering the truth with the museum’s reputation, Janelle has to decide if love is worth the risk.

Both of these stories were so compelling. I didn’t realize when I started reading that the subject matter would at times be bleak. Yet, the author did a great job balancing sensitivity with the need to shed light on the terrible events of the past, which this story is based on. I enjoyed the spiritual themes & the way these couples worked together to expose the truth. The romance was a nice touch that helped lighten the story & make it even more compelling.

Recommend to Christian historical fiction & dual time period romance fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

A Token of Love
by Carrie Turansky
Publisher: Bethany House Publishing
Series: None
Rated: 4
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of the Book: “Separated by centuries, the lives of two women intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice. In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister's plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice's disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction.
In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum's history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum's reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for what she believes.”

Impressions: It is something to be noted that sin has been present since the fall. There has been no generation that has not struggled with the temptations of evil. Sometimes I romanticize history as being purer than the present. Perhaps some things were simpler, but the reality is that evil lurked in the past just as it does today. This story, although fiction, touches on some of the evils of the past that have become an epidemic today- human trafficking. This story covers both the past (1885) and the present (2023) in its dual timeline format. I found the plot to be interesting and well-written. The present-day plot was more relatable to me as I found the characters' choices to be more realistic. Perhaps it's that I couldn’t imagine being brave enough to chase after traffickers in the 1800’s. I think the digital world allows for much bolder interactions and therefore gives users the ability to speak up quicker. The very thing that allows for boldness to speak up and out is also what allows others to take advantage. One of the reasons I love reading so much is that it opens doors to ideas and situations that I may never have experienced but provoke me to think about. This is Christian fiction, and spiritual reference was noted. I enjoyed how well redemption was woven into this story. We are precious in His sight. The characters in both timelines found love in this clean romance. All in all, this was an enjoyable but thought-provoking story.

Quotes: “What he said was wrong, but that is between him and the Lord. You can take responsibility for your part, confess it in prayer, and ask for forgiveness. That’s the path toward release from your despair.’ Serena lifted her hand and covered her eyes. ‘How can I ever be forgiven? It’s too late.’ ‘As long as you’re alive, it is never too late. Remember the thief on the cross next to Jesus?’” -Right here my friends is the truth. It is never too late.

“’ Stop looking so glum. You're not sacked. I’m just redirecting your efforts so these articles will make the greatest impact.’” -I liked how this was put, ‘redirecting your efforts.’ It is an optimistic thought when things don’t go as planned. You are just being redirected for your own good.

“’ I’m going to pray and wait for the Lord’s direction.’ Serena rolled her eyes. ‘All right, but don’t blame the Lord if it’s truly fear that holds you back from all He wants to give you.’”

Thank you, NetGalley for an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky is a Victorian London Split-Time Christian historical romance novel. Part of the story takes place in London in 1885 when Lillian is asked to find her niece who was taken to the Founding Hospital by her mother. The other part is modern day London when Janelle and Jonas are working together to make a film about the Founding Hospital for a fund raiser and they stumble onto the mystery surround the young girl.
This is a very enjoyable story to read. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense surrounding the young girl both in 1885 and modern day. This story points out that human trafficing has been going on for a very long time. I enjoyed the wonderful strong characters in this story and how strong they were during difficult times. This story grabbed my attention from the very beginning and held it to the end.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

“Someone had to take a stand and speak for those who could not speak for themselves.”

How often do we idealize the earlier days, thinking life was simpler, easier, or more carefree? Carrie Turansky, in her poignant dual time novel, A Token of Love, details two distinct time periods of London, one present-day and one from the 1880s. In both eras, the same ugly problem (involving misuse and abuse of girls and women) raises its head. What will the people of that era do to stop it? Will their faith be an impetus for their push for change, and can a few really make a difference?

I loved the great historical research that accompanied the writing of this book. So much that I have been unaware of. I loved learning about the Foundling Museum and its history, and how it and its fellow organization, Coram, worked to educate and better the lives of the children in both centuries. The novel is by turns romantic and suspenseful, rich in relationships, and pushes the characters to the end of themselves. Will God help mend their various broken hearts, broken families, and broken dreams?

I considered some tidbits in the book that formed a strong part of each story as very informative. It was neat to learn about the start of investigative journalism, film making and all that goes into even a small film, and also to read about Josephine Butler. Thankfully, author notes sort out the fact from the great creative writing. Included discussion questions make this book a great book club choice.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit thru NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Could she move forward and offer her heart again, knowing grief and loss could be right around the corner?”

“We are sisters, and sisters never give up on each other.”

“…terrible losses. Some we may have brought on ourselves; others happened because we live in a broken world where sin takes a great toll. We can’t change what happened to us in the past, but we can learn from it.”

“Your feelings are important, but truth is a much better guide.”

“We all have ​regrets, but there is no need to dwell on them. Seek the Lord’s forgiveness and let Him carry them for you.”

Wordsmith Carrie Turansky has written a poignant split time Christian novel, A Token of Love, that is set in London, England. The two time periods are between the years of 1885 and 2023. This extraordinary book immediately grabbed my attention and refused to let go.

The Foundling Hospital in 1885 is similar to an orphanage. It is a place where family members may take children with the goal of getting them back one day. This is done by matching tokens. However, it is not always that easy as Lillian learns when she ventures there to collect her niece, Alice. Hitting a dead end, she asks investigative journalist Matthew McGivern to help her locate Alice.

Janelle Spencer is helping to run the current day Foundling Museum and direct the Foundling Museum Gala. The Museum has enlisted the help of videographer Jonas Conrad to create a documentary of the Museum’s history. Jonas finds some unethical activities in the Museum’s history, and he and Janelle search for answers and the truth.

This is an eye opening, emotional story of justice, morality, hope, trusting God, and the relentless search for truth. There are twists and turns that will keep readers riveted to the book as they turn page after page. I found myself pondering the events of this excellent tale long after finishing it.

I highly recommend this split time novel. It is brilliantly written. This would be perfect for a reading group. There is so much to discuss. I give it a five star rating. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

I enjoyed this book. I enjoy this author’s work in general and thought this book was well researched and written.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Four stars.

There is nothing better for me than reading a book by this author. When it is a split time story that is a bonus for me. Her writing takes me to a place where a where much was going on behind closed doors.We start in 1885 where a prominent hospital is highlighted. It had a prestige reputation but secrets were hidden from many. I can’t imagine thinking your baby has died then discover that the child is alive. Will justice prevail ?

I love the storyline about the token that many parents left with their child as a remembrance of their heritage. A small coin or a locket holds family history and is hoped to identify their child if they can come back to get them. Let’s think about the parents who had no choice but to give up their child. The heart wrenching decision will last a lifetime. Oh how I wanted to help find those who looked gir their child.

Lillian is a very strong faith filled woman. Her determination to find her niece fills the pages with hope. I loved how she overcame many obstacles and never once thought of giving up. What she uncovers with the help of a journalist is hard to put into words. Battered, abused young children being used as maids or the unthinkable of losing their innocence.To think that human trafficking went on so long along shows how little we have done today to protect innocent children.

Matthew is writing a story on the hospital and runs into Lillian. He joins Lillian to help find her niece and expose the truth about the hospital. He wants to help Lillian while also sharing with the world a dark secret that needs to be shared . I liked how he is courageous, caring and also faithful in his walk with God.

We move forward in the story to 2023. Here we meet Janelle and Jonas. I absolutely loved how this thread of the story gives us a glimpse into the life of a teenager you will meet. Her attitude is not upbeat but soon her life will be changed. Janelle has a new promotion at the museum and finds out that Jonas is there to do a documentary on the infamous hospital from 1885.

The author does an amazing job of bringing justice to a forgotten group of children. It stated many years ago yet it is still present today. Each character found that trusting God would help them through their trials. I loved that this story is based on true historical facts. It piqued my curiosity and decided to read more about the hospital on my own. I have to end my review so I don’t give anymore away. Be prepared for tears, hope, secrets, and most of all hope.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

I just love dual-time stories with historical and contemporary points of view. “A Token of Love” is such a tale, with great characters, history, and mystery that kept my interest all the way through.

Prior to reading this story I didn’t know about London’s Foundling Hospital, and I love when a story teaches me something new. Although the book brought me to tears, the threads of faith and hope shines so bright and left me with a satisfying sigh.

If you enjoy dual-timeline redemption stories that make you laugh, cry, and sigh, this one is a great choice. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by this author. The amount of research she puts into her work is evident, and her stories just get better and better.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions are 100% mine.

This book reminded me of a couple of Turansky's other books that dealt with the British Home Children. In this book, the Foundling Hospital is at the forefront. It's a dual timeline book. In 1885, Lillian's niece has gone missing from the Foundling Home. Lillian and reporter Matthew try to figure out what is happening to some missing girls. In the present, Janelle works at the Foundling Home Museum and is working with Jonas on a fundraising film. When they come across some disturbing news in their history, they have to find out the truth.

I'm not a big fan of dual timeline books but this one was pretty interesting in both parts. It looked at some hard issues in both the past and a little bit in the present. I enjoyed learning more about how to make a film. I liked the characters. It just felt so similar to other books by Turansky.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I love that when I read Carrie Turansky's books I learn about a piece of history that might not be well known. The story of Lillian in 1885 and Janelle in present day London is expertly woven together with the Foundling Hospital at the center. A Token of Love covers hard topics like human trafficking but it's so faith-filled and heart warming to see how Lillian and Jonas work to help her sister find her daughter. I loved every minute of their story!

I read/listened to the audio book and thought that Susan Lyons does an amazing job narrating!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 3 September 2024

Interesting time-slip story that brings to life a foundling home in England in 1885 and its 2023 Museum. The problem of child trafficking ties both times. Brilliantly illustrates people involved in both timelines and their relationships, with fully believable characters and their struggles with what goes on in their lives, how they work through it and also weaves in romances that you want to cheer on. Hope, perseverance, fighting for what's right, caring about each other. Shining a light in the darkness. Excellent read, important subjects.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ATokenOfLove #CarrieTuransky #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #BethanyHousePublishers

Carrie Turansky is among one of my favorite historical fiction authors and was excited to get my hands on her newest book, A Token of Love. I was far from being disappointed. It is exactly what I would expect from one of her novels. It was full of action, adventure, faith, history, and love. I enjoy travelling back in time to 1850s London and back again to the present day with Lillian, Matthew, Jonas, and Janelle. I loved reading this fabulous tale.



A Token of Love will be getting five stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean historical romance, as well as, dual time line novels. As always, I will be eagerly awaiting new releases from Carrie Turansky for years to come.


I received a paperback copy of Carrie Turansky's A Token of Love from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Turansky has written an engaging novel that explores the vulnerability of girls and young women. Her dual time narrative looks at how girls were misused over a century ago and then relates it to how teen girls today might be lured into harm's way.

I like how Turansky developed the two stories in a captivating parallel way, introducing readers to the similar dangers and then the attempts to stop the evil. The historical part of the novel carried far more emotional force but both stories had a similar pull. I really like how Turansky explained in her Author's Note that much of the historical part of the novel was based on fact.

This is a great novel that will tug at reader's heart strings. Be sure to have a tissue ready as you near the end. Potential readers should note that both aspects of the novel deal with human trafficking, specifically girls and teens. This might be a trigger situation for some. I highly recommend this very well written novel.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Two women centuries apart search for truth, and find love while looking for answers to questions raised by the Foundling Hospital.

Janelle Spencer lives in the present day, running the Foundling Museum. While working with a filmmaker Jonas Conrad, she discovers a shocking secret from the past that threatens her future. While in 1885, Lillian Freemont is determined to be reunited with her niece, and the winding trail leads to a sobering conclusion, as she works with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to bring the girl home.

A compelling dual-timeline story, with two equally engaging parallel stories about women fighting for truth, and living out their faith. I appreciated the strong timeless themes of faith, forgiveness, justice woven throughout.

A well written novel, with excellent characters, great developing relationships, compelling and compassionate. I was drawn in equally to Janelle and Lillian's stories, in this riveting novel, full of faith, gripping storyline, and strong protagonists. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was engaged in this book from beginning to end. I enjoyed both timelines and all the history woven in. The romance was sweet and I appreciated the faith element as well. A Token of Love was my first book by this author and I'm looking forward to reading more of hers.


I received a complimentary copy and all opinions are my own.

This is a beautiful story. I love the way that Carrie Turansky wove together the two timelines (Victorian and present day) with the Victorian search for a missing child and the present day search for truth about the London Foundling Hospital. It was fascinating (and heartbreaking) to learn a bit about the London Foundling Hospital. I really appreciated how Carrie handled both parts of this story and how interconnected they were.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

From the moment I began reading A Token of Love, I was drawn into both the historical and the present day timelines of this sweet story. The Foundling Hospital in London provides a compelling setting for both timelines, too, and I loved how Turansky incorporated the museum it is now into the plot.

In the historical timeline, Lillian Freemont never expects the search for her niece (who was surrendered to the Foundling Hospital eight years ago) will send her to places in London that women of her social standing would rarely dare to be. Teaming up with investigative journalist Matthew McGivern opens her eyes – and readers’ too – to the seedier shadows of Victorian London where we are reminded that human trafficking isn’t a recent phenomenon. Lillian is such a wonderful heroine who exhibits great strength despite the deep losses she’s already endured, and Matthew is the perfect match for her and the perfect hero for this timeline. They make a wonderful team, supporting & complementing each other with respect and growing affection. The gritty Victorian setting came alive for me as well, and Turansky’s thoughtful character depictions had me wanting to hug these young girls tight and barrel in to rescue them myself. Best to let Matthew and Lillian do that, though, and I confess that for a while I wasn’t sure what the ultimate outcome would be – though I knew it would be touching no matter what. I was right. It WAS touching, and without giving you any spoilers I’ll just say that it was a rewarding outcome as well.

Fast forward to the present day where we meet the acting Foundling Museum director Janelle Spencer who is proud of the museum’s reputation for continuing the hospital’s legacy of care for marginalized women & children. But when she and filmmaker Jonas Conrad dig deeper into the hospital’s history for the fundraising film he’s making, the discovery of a series of stunning articles from the late 1800s leaves her and the museum on shaky ground. Janelle is another easy heroine to love, and bless her heart she’s facing some tricky situations that had me firmly invested in her story too. Her background makes her uniquely qualified to champion the history of the Foundling Hospital and the museum’s modern day mission, and her personality is engaging and warm. I enjoyed her growing relationship with Jonas (who’s pretty swoony in his own right) and joining them as they unearthed the stories I was already invested in from the historical timeline.

Bottom Line: Each character in A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky is on an emotionally stirring journey that points readers unflinchingly to the heart of God – even the secondary characters and a few tertiary ones too. Compelling history and themes of justice, faith, and restoration weave seamlessly between Victorian and modern-day London, and readers will quickly be absorbed by the engaging plot. I absolutely loved how it all came together in a story that pulled at my heartstrings, gave me a history lesson, left me swooning at times, and continued to bring awareness to the prevalence of human trafficking in our past AND our present. The way that Turansky brings everything full circle at the end between both timelines made me smile through misty eyes and close the book with a happy sigh over a story well told. Fans of Melanie Dobson, Michelle Griep, and Michelle Shocklee definitely need to read A Token of Love too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

In case you need to be convinced that I loved this book, I read it in a day. Typically I like to take my time with anything Turansky writes, but with this one I couldn't. It was so well written, so engaging, so....well everything. A Token of Love has family, love, mystery, danger, faith and so much more.

First, I should say there are some difficult things talked about in this book, as it may be a trigger for some. We tend to only think about trafficking happening today, but Turansky delicately reminds us that it has (unfortunately) been around for a very long time. And while there is hope provided in this book, and Turansky handles the entire topic gracefully, it was just a good reminder of the evil that is in the world and how you wish you could do more for all the people affected by it. It was touching, and I don't want to give a spoiler, but I LOVED the part where Lillian and others held a protest so to speak. That's all I can say about that lol. You'll just have to read!

So let's talk about the two different time periods. I found myself drawn to the historical a teeny bit more, but I think it's because I was just so consumer with Lillian finding her niece. That being said, Janelle's journey was also beautifully written. And the ending with the movie!? Oh gosh I was like crying. Again, no spoilers. But it was so, so good. Both time periods had a great faith message, wonderful character arcs, and again just really grabbed my attention.

Guys, if there is ever a book you need to read by Turansky, this one is it. Read it today. Read it now. This is one of my favorite reads of the year!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.