The Daughter of Highland Hall Book Review

Edwardian Brides

Book Two

SUMMARY:  What if the title, the estate, the life of security and splendor . . .  what if it isn't enough?

     Strong-willed and beautiful, debutante Katherine Ramsey feels ready to take the London social season by storm, and she must.  Her family estate, Highland Hall, has been passed to older male cousin Sir William Ramsey, and her only means of securing her future is to make a strong debut and find a proper husband.  With her all-knowing and meddling aunt as a guide, Katherine is certain to attract suitors at the lavish gatherings, sparkling with Great Britain's elite.

     When a shocking family scandal sidelines Katherine, forcing her out of the social spotlight, she keeps a low profile, volunteering with the poor in London's East End.  Here Katherine feels free from her predictable future, and even more so as a friendship with medical student Jonathan Foster deepens and her faith in God grows.  But when Katherine is courted by a man of wealth and position, dreams of the life she always thought she wanted surface again.  Torn between tradition and the stirrings in her heart for a different path, she must decide whom she can trust and love - and if she will choose a life of serving others over one where she is served.

REVIEW: Carrie Turansky's latest novel focuses on Katherine and her time enduring the high society social scene as she makes her debut into society.  She has matured from the frivolous and spoiled young girl to a responsible and others-minded young lady.  I like how she volunteers her time to help the underprivileged in London's infamous East End without any fear for her own safety.  I also like how she risked her own safety and place in society to help a young lady escape her abusive boyfriend, without asking for anything in return.  The only thing that left me with questions was Katherine's personal faith in God.  I saw the journey she made from someone of weak faith dependent on what she had done and when she was seeking God during her forced exile from high society but I do not remember reading her acceptance of what Jesus did for her on the cross.
     This is the second book in the series.  Although I think it is very helpful to read the first to completely understand Katherine's relationship with Julia and Jonathan's struggle with what to do after medical school, I think you will understand what is going on without reading the first one.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Waterbrook Multnomah for review without compensation.

Carrie Turansky is an award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas.  She has been the winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award, and a finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award and the ACFW Carol Awards and Genesis Contest.  She has written contemporary and historical romances, women's fiction, short stories, articles, and devotionals.  She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott, and they have five adult children and several grandchildren.

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.