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| ISBN: 9781601424983 Waterbrook/Multnomah Publisher |
Book two in the Edwardian Brides Series, The Daughter of Highland Hall, follows 18-year-old Kate Ramsey on a journey of self-discovery as she travels to London to make her societal debut. Her overbearing aunt insists she secure a marriage proposal from a wealthy, titled man. As Kate begins making the round of balls and garden parties, she attracts the attention of Edward Wellington, who seems to have all the qualifications on her list. Yet, is he the best choice? Will this lifestyle bring her true happiness?
Fans of this time period, as represented in the popular TV show Downton Abbey, will be charmed by The Daughter of Highland Hall, which captures both the upstairs and downstairs aspects of Edwardian life, giving readers an emotional connection with the aristocratic Ramsey family and the hardworking, loyal servants.
This pure and inspiring romance will warm the hearts of readers and ultimately point them to the Author of their own love stories.
My thoughts: I recently reviewed another book by a different author set in the same time frame - pre-World War I but that story was set in the United States. Now we're "across the pond" in pre-World War I England. The setting is the social astute with the presentation of one of their own to the Queen and commencing of the young lady's social season. Kate is a young 18 year old whose family home, Highland Hall, has now been passed along to a distant cousin because male heirs are the ones who inherit title and land.
Characters include a young doctor who grew up in India as the son of missionary parents and who feels the calling to return and serve the poor of India with his medical training. Kate the young lady being presented to court has an inheritance, just no land. Previous characters from Turansky's first book in this series - William and Julia - are about to marry. These are well-drawn characters and the plot moves with grace as they live out their stories.
All is not necessarily well, though. Cutting remarks are made as to Kate's family connections being questionable. Any despairing remark can ruin a social season and cost the young lady the opportunity to marry well. There is a man of wealth and stature in Kate's future, that is unless her family or she herself is criticized to the extent that her season is cut short and ruined.
I found it interesting to compare life during these pre-war years in different parts of the world. Both include snobbery. Both include "lower" class. Both include spiritual truths. It is such a joy to have books available to read that are well-written, clean, entertaining, knowledgeable, and that contain spiritual truths.
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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.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of Daughter of Highland Hall by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I received no compensation for this review.
We experienced social snobbery in our church when I was a child. There was a family that "controlled" the church and my family were treated like the lower class. It was the reason that my family left the church and it took many years for God to restore our hearts.
ReplyDeleteLoraine - So sorry about your family's experience. The church is made up of sinners saved by grace and not perfect people. Hard to accept that all in the church are not "good" but it is the sad fact of life. So glad God has restored your hearts and I hope He has given you a place to serve where you can extend His Grace to others.
DeleteI think what I like the most about the Edwardian period is the clothing. What wonderful dresses!
ReplyDeleteI really don't recall any instances of social snobbery in my life, thankfully!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about the Edwardian period is the clothing. It looks so elegant, though still not particularly comfortable. The customs of the time, especially of the upper class, seem so foreign to me today. That's probably why they seem so interesting to read about.
ReplyDeleteIn college, I attended an upscale dinner party with a boyfriend... I was so out of my league, it was a night to never repeat! I like the elegance of the Edwardian clothing. Carrie's book sounds wonderful, I look forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteAs I commented above, I like the elegant way of dressing during the Edwardian period. :)
ReplyDeleteSnobbery, yes...in a school situation, with a little clique that let me know I wasn't allowed. But that's OK, because I found better friends.
ReplyDeleteI would love the Edwardian clothing, although it might be a little "stuffy" to have to wear too often!
ReplyDeleteYes, I was the recipient of snobbery as a child in church and at work within the past few years. I didn't know any better as a child and was very hurt but at work I just figure the person has insecurity issues because they put their shoes on the same way I do!!
ReplyDeleteAny points associated with any entry to post this on a blog: Please delete any points for that entry. I do NOT own a blog that I can post giveaways to. I thought it meant to post to Pinterest or Google+, etc. My apologies. I've gone and entered replies to the other giveaways where I've done the same thing. I would not want to be disqualified for incorrect entries. Thank you.
DeleteG Wag/Mare Wagenbach
Don't worry. Just keep trying and posting and sharing on any social media you have. I know some folks don't have a blog or don't have rights for posting. If they do, then they have an option to share the review or giveaway on it. If not they just skip over that entry. Thanks for being a Chat With Vera reader!
DeleteI like the clothes, & the social ways. Always seemed they were going somewhere & had to be dressed to perfection ! !
ReplyDeleteSadly, I've seen social snobbery occur too. Too bad that hasn't washed away over the years.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the fashion of this era.
ReplyDeleteI think that the clothes from this era are awesome!
ReplyDeleteI was on a trip visiting relatives in Denmark.One of my uncles got mad at me when I thanked the waitress. He made some comment about that not being done (thanking the waitress) in his country.
ReplyDelete