Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

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Tuesday, October 1, 2013

The Governess of Highland Hall Book Review


SUMMARY:  Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall.  Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help?
     Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India.  But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents' financial support.  Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly find that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging that expected, and she isn't sure what to make of the estate's preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.
     Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph's two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from financial ruin.  The last thing he needs is the distraction of a kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.
     While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families - common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings  But will William choose Julia's steadfast heart over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall's future?

REVIEW:  Set in 1911, this story captured my attention from the start.  I like how Julia wasn't afraid to speak up for something she believed in and, if she thought she had misspoken, she was quick to apologize.  Her strong faith was another item that caught my eye.  In any difficult situation, whether it was when she was giving William advice or trying to tutor William's difficult nieces, she always prayed about what she should do and say.  She wasn't afraid to stand up for what she believed was right - even if it went against societal norms. 
     I also like how William lead his staff and family in Scripture reading and prayer every morning.  Not many characters (or real people) do that and it was refreshing and inspiring. 
     At first, I thought the three different relationship storylines would bog the reader down.  But, seeing how each one was woven together seamlessly with each attachment focusing on different ideals and their different outcomes help make the narrative flow.
     This is a good book I think any reader would enjoy.

This Advanced Reader's Copy was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah for review without compensation.

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of nearly a dozen novels and novellas, including Snowflake Sweethearts, and Along Came Love.  She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award.  She lives in central New Jersey with her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, counselor, and the author of several parenting books. Visit her website at http://carrieturansky.com.

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