The Governess of Highland Hall
Edwardian Brides Series
By Carrie Turansky
When missionary Julia Foster returns to England with parents she never expected her life to take such a dramatic turn. After all she had hopes of soon returning to India after her father’s recovery. But her father’s recovery was not occurring as she had prayed it would.
Determined to support her parents, Julia takes a job as a governess. But she is not just governess to Sir William Ramsey’s two children, but to his two nearly grown nieces as well! Sir William’s soon find a place in Julia’s heart as she fills a need that they have been sorely lacking – loving care. Sir William’s nieces are another story, having just recently lost their own father.
Miss Foster is a surprise to Sir William in that she’s not afraid to speak her mind, especially where his children are concerned. Her care makes a noted difference in his children – Andrew becomes less unruly and Millicent (Millie) becomes less sickly. Many of the staff are drawn to Julia and her caring attitude. And she soon becomes friends with Sarah Ramsey, Sir William’s younger sister.
When Sir William learns that there is a death tax that could cost him and his family Highland Hall, he doesn’t know where to turn. His newly hired governess’s skills on the mission field prove invaluable when it comes to getting a tighter rein on the estate’s purchases. But will it be enough to save Highland Hall? Or will Sir William have another failure added to his name?
But not everyone is a fan of the new governess! Mrs. Emmitt the housekeeper takes an almost instant dislike of Julia, blaming the young woman for the economizing and changes taking place at Highland Hall. Including the fraternizing between staff and family!
As Julia’s time at Highland Hall continues her heart is drawn to her young charges even as she feels the pull of ministering in India. What does her future hold and how is she to know God’s will?
I found The Governess of Highland Hall to be an enjoyable read. In fact it kept me up until 4:30 am with a “just one more chapter” promise to myself starting at 12:30 am. But 4:30 came around just as I finished my one more chapter. And guess what? The book was finished!
Set in 1911/1912 this is an intriguing look at a small part of English history just before the world is about to experience a tremendous upheaval. Change is coming and the question is was the world ready? Take a quick peek into this change with The Governess of Highland Hall.
I for one would love to see a sequel to The Governess of Highland Hall. There is so much more I would like to find out about - Katherine’s upcoming season, Ann, Mrs. Emmitt and more. What happens to them? If an author leaves you wanting more in my book that makes for a good book!
I was provided a free ARC copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
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Thanks so much for posting this thoughtful review! I appreciate you taking time to read The Governess of Highland Hall and share your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThis is book one in the Edwardian Brides series, so you can look forward to reading book 2 which features Katherine as the heroine and focuses on her first season in London. Book 3 will feature Penny as the heroine and take us into the years of WW1.
Blessings and Happy Reading,
Carrie