Friday, September 27, 2013

Review: The Governess of Highland Hall

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky is the first book in the Edwardian Bride series. This is my first time reading this author's stories, and I wasn't disappointed. It was a well written tale set in 1911 England, and it reminded me of BBC period dramas.

Julia Foster journeyed with her parents to India twelve years ago to become missionaries, but they had to return to England when her father fell ill. While he recuperates, Julia becomes a governess at Highland Hall for Sir William's two children and his two teenage cousins. But just until her father's health improves.

Sir William recently inherited Highland Hall along with it's myriad mismanagement problems. As he tries to unravel the accounts, he finds out he has to pay an exorbitant fee - the death taxes. Faced with losing the family estate, William tries to think of a way out of his predicament.

As he observes Julia with his children he comes to admire and respect her. William asks her advice about his financial problems, and he is comforted by Julia's honesty and her faith in God. They begin to grow close without even realizing it. Once Julia's father is better, she plans on going back to India with her parents. But will her heart be in it?

I really liked this book. I loved that the time frame was the beginning of the 1900s, and that the main character was mature. Plus, the missionary aspect was pretty unique. The one thing I didn't really like was the resolution of the conflict in the story. One, it was too predictable. Two, it was too unbelievable. But other than that it was a pretty good read. :-)

I was given this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

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