Review: The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

November 19, 2014

Title: The Daughter of Highland Hall
Author: Carrie Turansky
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Pages: 326
ISBN: 978-1-60142-498-3
Publication Date: October 7th, 2014

Synopsis:
What if the title, the estate, the life of security and splendor...what if it wasn'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:
I wasn't sure how I was going to like this book going in. I remember Katherine from the Governess of Highland Hall and she wasn't my favorite character. However, I was pleasently surprised with how Carrie Turansky was able to use that and shift her character from beginning to end in this book. It ended up being a very enjoyable, light read for the weekend.

When we were first introduced to Kate in the first book, she had a chip on her shoulder and expected everyone to cave to her demands. She has come a long way from that girl and in this book, Kate is trying to find out who she is and what she really needs to focus on, because what she originally though hasn't turned out to be as grand and glorious as she had thought. Kate's transformation was a very realistic one. She was a girl who had a lot think about and with speed bumps thrown in her path several times, it helped shift her focus. Plus, she has a steady support from Julia, her former governess and future aunt.

Jon Foster is your typical hero. He was a gentleman, he stood up for the weak, he gladly offered support and cared for people who didn't have the ability to help themselves. He is a guy that every girl would love to meet. He isn't one that needs to make a change. However, he is one who does face a big decision. He also stands by his sister, Julia, and helps lift Kate up in some of her trying times in this story.

I was uncertain about one character and about his motivation for things when he was first introduced, but as the story progressed, he proved opposite of my thoughts. That was refreshing. He reasoning were that of what many people his age have faced and he was just trying to do the right thing. I think Kate did the best for the situation.

This story was also a good insight into how society can be fickle. The patterns still continue to this day, just in different forms, but it doesn't change.

This was sweet story and a nice read.

Too Read 
3.5 out of 5

About the Author:
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 four grandchildren.





Thank you to Blogging for Books, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.


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