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Carousel
Jonathan was supposed to be getting married today, but instead he is in Paris; and what’s worse he is now over 120 years in the past.
Transported back by an old amusement carousel, Jonathan finds his life turned upside down as he finds himself stuck in 1889.
Desperate to return home, he goes in search of the carousel. Although his wish to return is high, he soon learns that his reasons to stay could be just as compelling.
Transported back by an old amusement carousel, Jonathan finds his life turned upside down as he finds himself stuck in 1889.
Desperate to return home, he goes in search of the carousel. Although his wish to return is high, he soon learns that his reasons to stay could be just as compelling.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2016
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 4, 2024
I'm always drawn to time travel books, so when I saw this one, I absolutely had to get it!
It was a short read at around 200 pages, but it was absolutely lovely.
We're thrown very quickly into 19th century Paris after Jonathan was jilted at the altar. What starts as a tale of a man desperate to get home, for answers just as much as anything, soon becomes a tale of a man who finds family and acceptance and even love amongst strangers. The story was vibrant and the descriptions really put you in the moment.
It's a great story that really reminds you that sometimes what you need might not initially be what you thought you wanted.
Would recommend to anyone who wants a quick, sweet, time travel romance filled with found family and heart.
It was a short read at around 200 pages, but it was absolutely lovely.
We're thrown very quickly into 19th century Paris after Jonathan was jilted at the altar. What starts as a tale of a man desperate to get home, for answers just as much as anything, soon becomes a tale of a man who finds family and acceptance and even love amongst strangers. The story was vibrant and the descriptions really put you in the moment.
It's a great story that really reminds you that sometimes what you need might not initially be what you thought you wanted.
Would recommend to anyone who wants a quick, sweet, time travel romance filled with found family and heart.
January 22, 2018
Carousel is a standalone time-traveller story by Chris Turnbull.
‘Jonathan admired from his smoke-smeared window the passing traffic and pedestrians. He had seen numerous black and white pictures of the past, but being here and seeing everything in colour seemed like make-believe, as though it was not real life.’
Having read Chris Turnbull’s children's story, A Home For Emy, to my son and awarding it a well deserved 5 stars, I was excited to read Carousel and I wasn't disappointed whatsoever. I couldn't put down the story of Jonathan and was so torn about how I wanted it to end. I could see Jonathan was determined to return home but he'd started to build himself a life in 1889 Paris and had met some wonderful friends along the way. The ending was just perfect but I'm now keen to see what happens to Jonathan next and I feel Carousel ends in such a way that Chris Turnbull could write book 2 if he so wished.
‘You have something much more valuable than money young man,’ the woman’s voice croaked, ‘you have knowledge, you have knowledge of things to come, and you have a secret that you dare not share.’
Without even reading the acknowledgements, I could tell that Chris Turnbull has a great love for Paris and he describes the scenes seen by Jonathan so well that I was able to visual them. Chris Turnbull also includes interesting historical facts about 1889 Paris, most them I didn't know, but merges them with the story beautifully and I have found myself unable to stop talking about the history I've learnt as I've encouraged others to pick up this amazing story that will stay with you for days after.
I keep asking myself why have I not discovered this author sooner! All of his books sound amazing and I'm keen to jump straight into The Vintage Coat, which is also another time-traveller story written by Chris Turnbull.
‘Jonathan admired from his smoke-smeared window the passing traffic and pedestrians. He had seen numerous black and white pictures of the past, but being here and seeing everything in colour seemed like make-believe, as though it was not real life.’
Having read Chris Turnbull’s children's story, A Home For Emy, to my son and awarding it a well deserved 5 stars, I was excited to read Carousel and I wasn't disappointed whatsoever. I couldn't put down the story of Jonathan and was so torn about how I wanted it to end. I could see Jonathan was determined to return home but he'd started to build himself a life in 1889 Paris and had met some wonderful friends along the way. The ending was just perfect but I'm now keen to see what happens to Jonathan next and I feel Carousel ends in such a way that Chris Turnbull could write book 2 if he so wished.
‘You have something much more valuable than money young man,’ the woman’s voice croaked, ‘you have knowledge, you have knowledge of things to come, and you have a secret that you dare not share.’
Without even reading the acknowledgements, I could tell that Chris Turnbull has a great love for Paris and he describes the scenes seen by Jonathan so well that I was able to visual them. Chris Turnbull also includes interesting historical facts about 1889 Paris, most them I didn't know, but merges them with the story beautifully and I have found myself unable to stop talking about the history I've learnt as I've encouraged others to pick up this amazing story that will stay with you for days after.
I keep asking myself why have I not discovered this author sooner! All of his books sound amazing and I'm keen to jump straight into The Vintage Coat, which is also another time-traveller story written by Chris Turnbull.
December 16, 2019
⭐ 3.5 stars ⭐
This is the first book I've read by Chris. Met him at a few signings and managed to snag a copy before he ran out as his books are very popular.
I was intrigued by the premise of this book and have to say was a nice little read. A number of grammatical errors drove me a little mad but if you look past this the story is lovely and on the whole flows quite nicely, perhaps could do with time skipping a little less between some of the chapters but did not detract from the story.
I would have liked to have read a chapter or two of Jonathan's family during the time he is gone to see the other side and what they must have been thinking etc... would have added another dimension to the story.
Would recommend though as a nice quick romantic read.
This is the first book I've read by Chris. Met him at a few signings and managed to snag a copy before he ran out as his books are very popular.
I was intrigued by the premise of this book and have to say was a nice little read. A number of grammatical errors drove me a little mad but if you look past this the story is lovely and on the whole flows quite nicely, perhaps could do with time skipping a little less between some of the chapters but did not detract from the story.
I would have liked to have read a chapter or two of Jonathan's family during the time he is gone to see the other side and what they must have been thinking etc... would have added another dimension to the story.
Would recommend though as a nice quick romantic read.
August 8, 2017
I was fortunate to meet Chris at a book signing event and was fortunate to pick up two of his books there. Carousel is brilliant. I really felt for Jonathon at the beginning of the story being away in a different time and place but I loved how easily things changed for him with the introduction of friends and someone more important.
Really brilliantly written by a brilliant author. I'd definitely recommend this book to other people and other works by Chris.
Really brilliantly written by a brilliant author. I'd definitely recommend this book to other people and other works by Chris.
April 30, 2018
A delightful, whimsical story that takes us back in time to Paris 1889. The picture of Paris that the author creates is a slice of perfection. The story is sweet and whilst it is a short read, it was very enjoyable. I would like to know more, find out what happened next in the life of Jonathan, and life he left behind. However the story is a standalone with no strings attached, the story is what it is and its an escapism from the real world.
February 27, 2019
Carousel transports you from a moment of heartache in the early part to a magical journey the next.
It takes you back to 1889 where Jonathan has ended up. It is a warm, inviting story of community and support. It shows how acts of kindness can change someone's choices and how love always finds a way.
Chris writes this story with so detailed vivid description you feel you are in the year 1889 along with the characters.
It takes you back to 1889 where Jonathan has ended up. It is a warm, inviting story of community and support. It shows how acts of kindness can change someone's choices and how love always finds a way.
Chris writes this story with so detailed vivid description you feel you are in the year 1889 along with the characters.
February 1, 2020
After being jilted at the altar by his wife to be, Jonathan finds himself far from his Jersey home, in 1880’s Paris. Although desperate to find his way back home, he starts to build a life for himself in Paris. When the opportunity to return to his own time finally appears, he’s in two minds whether or not to go.
A sweet and charming story. The likeable characters, and the attention to detail, made Carousel an absolute pleasure to read.
A sweet and charming story. The likeable characters, and the attention to detail, made Carousel an absolute pleasure to read.
September 19, 2020
This is a sweet time travelling romance set in Paris 1889. The main characters, Jonathan and Camille, are engaging. The author has clearly done his research on that era and I felt as though I'd been transported there right along with Jonathan.
A thoroughly enjoyable, quick read.
A thoroughly enjoyable, quick read.
August 20, 2017
full review to follow
September 13, 2021
The promise of love, time travel, Paris and a carousel. We need more beautiful tales of romance in our lives.
Thank you Chris, it was beautiful.
Thank you Chris, it was beautiful.
August 14, 2023
Really loved the time travel aspect. Was a very light and uplifting story
December 3, 2016
Absolutely loved this book the idea of being taken back in time to the 1800s and Paris upon a Carousel is absolutely charming I hope to come back and do a more full review later.
Still HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Still HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2017
This is an innocently pleasurable book which draws you in. Jonathon’s life changes dramatically after being jilted at the altar on his wedding. A gentle story which guides you along and makes you want to keep reading. Nice characterisation. As always a fantastic read from a talented writer.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews