Book Talk Tuesdays: The Edwardian Era and Across the Blue

The Edwardian Era

The Edwardian Era in England covers little more than a decade between the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 and the outbreak of World War I in 1914. During this time period, wealthy British subjects set aside some of the conservatism of the Victorian Era. Instead, they focused on expanding their use of technology and developing their leisure-time activities.

King Edward, a leader in both arts and fashion, favored the styles and trends of continental Europe. Wealth from new technologies and industries created a, non-aristocratic class of nouveau riche eager to buy into the social elite.

At the same time, the death duties (inheritance taxes) enacted by Parliament forced many aristocrats (who had failed to steward their money and disdained any taint of trade) to sell off their estates. Or marry a rich heiress-even if she hailed from the United States or happened to have a father in trade.

With the advent of sewing machines, typewriters, underground railroads (subways), electric lighting, and automobiles, woman discovered more ways to save time and money. They also had better access to education, which caused them to question their assigned roles-that of submissive and unquestioning supporters of the men in their lives.

Woman started to question the social mores that kept them in their place. Queen Victoria’s reign of over 70 years ushered in a long era of conservatism-British subjects and the queen herself wanted to distance themselves from the excesses and lack of morality of the Georgian Era-where the British kings had open affairs and multiple mistresses.

Across the Blue

Isabella Grayson, the heroine of Across the Blue, hails from the nouveau riche class. Her father, owner of three successful London newspapers, has purchased a country estate, Broadlands, from Sir Richard. Although Bella loves her new home (which comes complete with ornate furnishings, artwork, and a house full of servants), she longs for a simpler time when her parents seemed happy.

The social strain of moving from upper-middle class to social elite has put a huge strain on Bella’s mother, sister, and herself. Her parents expect her to marry into nobility now, and despite spending two Seasons in London, Bella has yet to find her soul mate. She yearns for a marriage of equal partners, not just a rung to climb a social ladder. Bella doesn’t feel ready to marry-after all, she has yet to explore her desire to work as a journalist.

Above all, she longs for her father’s approval and affection. Charles Grayson, a proper product of the Victorian Era, sees no reason for his daughter to do anything other than settle down and fulfill her roles of wife and mother. The only interest he’ll share with Bella, though, is a love for the newfangled airplanes.

On their first day at Broadlands, an airplane crashes near their house and Bella’s life changes forever. The pilot, James Drake, works with Professor Thaddeus Steed to create the first airplane worthy of a Channel crossing.

The Unlikely Hero

James, an orphan with a questionable heritage, longs to know more about his parentage. The Professor has raised him-educating him, instilling values, and a desire to know God’s will. Nevertheless, James struggles with the stain of his illegitimacy. He longs to make his mark on the world in order to find position and acceptance.

As Bella and James become friends, their separate goals threaten to pull them apart. They each must learn to rely on their heavenly father and not rush into decisions on their own.

Readers will have a hard time putting the book down as they race to discover what happens next. Fans of Downton Abbey will love this new release by Carrie Turansky. Turansky does detailed research into the time period, and shares her research with her readers via her Pinterest boards.