Blog Tour & Review :: The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Title: The Daughter of Highland Hall

Author: Carrie Turansky

Publisher: Multnomah Books (October 2014)

Source: Received from publisher via LitFuse Publicity Group

Buy book: here

About the Book:

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 anew 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 serving others over one where she is served.

Review:
Ever since I started watching Downton Abbey (and I was late to start watching the show), I've been hooked on everything similar to it (books, movies, TV shows). This book definitely help to fuel the fire! Thankfully because I am so familiar with Downton Abbey, it made it a whole lot easier to understand Edwardian England and it's customs, especially regarding the social season. I am also a huge fan of Call the Midwife, so it helped me to understand the London East End and the contrast between the two different societies.

I did not read the first book The Governess of Highland Hall, but this book could easily stand-alone. I appreciate when authors help to fill in the gaps for you. I may have to go back to read the first one before I read the third one next year.

This coming-of-age story starts with Kate getting ready to be debuted this social season and I couldn't help but picture Mary from Downton Abbey in my head. She is being presented to the King and Queen and her aunt is determined to find her the right man to propose to her by the end of the season. Turansky does an excellent job of including lots of details in her writing to really help bring the story to life and I loved living and experience Kate's world while reading this book.

What is so fascinating about this time period is that you can't help but drawn into the romance of the era and the dynamics between the upper class and the serving class. At the beginning of the story, Kate's world was very black and white, but as the story progresses, you follow her as she struggles through a more "grey area" of life, between what's right and wrong, especially what's right and wrong for her. This includes her journey in not only her social awakening, but a spiritual one as well. Kate struggles with doing what society wants of her, what she thinks God's plan is for her life, and what she wants for herself.

This book begs to be a movie! Or a mini-series, perhaps? Can't wait for the next one!

Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

About the author:

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas, including Surrendered Hearts, Snowflake Sweethearts, and Along Came Love. She has been the recipient of the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award. Turansky’s first historical fiction novel, and the first in the Edwardian Brides series, The Governess of Highland Hall, is a 2014 Carol Award finalist. While Turansky has been writing articles, devotions and essays since 1999, writing fiction is her passion, and she’s thankful for the creative ideas God has put into her mind and heart.

Turansky was born and raised in Oregon but currently lives in central New Jersey with her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, counselor and the author of several parenting books. They have five adult children, two lovely daughters-in-law, a wonderful son-in-law and four adorable grandchildren. The Turanskys partner in ministry at Calvary Chapel Living Hope, a church they helped plant along with a team of hardworking, Jesus-following friends.

When she’s not writing Turansky enjoys spending time with her family, working outside in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or walking around the lake near her home.

To keep up with Carrie Turansky, visit www.carrieturansky.com, become a fan on Facebook (AuthorCarrieTuransky) or follow her on Twitter (@CarrieTuransky) and Pinterest (CarrieTuransky).