“The Governess of Highland Hall” Book Review

Jun 8, 2015 by Rachel

Welcome back to Rachel’s Back Talk! I’m so glad you could join me again. Today I am reviewing Carrie Turansky’s novel, The Governess of Highland Hall. This was my first book that I read of Carrie’s and it was even more enjoyable after meeting Carrie in person!

 

As is my custom, if I could ask Carrie one question about The Governess of Highland Hall, it would be — “Why did you decide to write a book with a Downton Abbey/Jane Eyre feel to it?” And if you want to know why I asked that question, I guess you’ll just have to read the book to find out!

 

And without further ado, onto Rachel’s Back Talk!

From the Back Cover:

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 finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than 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 the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the 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 and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?

 

Rachel’s Back Talk:

5 – award winning covers

 

I loved this book so much! Carrie’s writing was so inviting and the characters just made me feel so at home. There were many different characters that seemed to have an important role other than Julia and Sir William, but I feel that everything was summed up quite nicely.

Julia was a wonderful heroine. She was so devoted to following Christ and she wasn’t afraid to speak about Christ in front of others. Julia could definitely be opinionated at times, but she had a gentle spirit and desired to help others so much. Overall, I loved how Julia wasn’t afraid to give up what she thought was her purpose. She gradually grew an open mind for the future, and though sometimes it hurt, Julia was willing to do what was best for others over her own self.

And then there was Sir William. That man could be so stubborn at times, but when he finally came around, it was a marvelous change. I enjoyed how Carrie touched on the spiritual life of Sir William as well.

 

Other books by Carrie I will read next:
The Daughter of Highland Hall: A Novel (Edwardian Brides #2)

A Refuge at Highland Hall: A Novel (Edwardian Brides #3)

Surrendered Hearts