Review: The Governess of Highland Hall

The Governess Of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky


The Foster family were missionaries in India, before they returned to England. Doctor Foster needed to recover from an illness, Mother cared for Father, and Julia sought employment to support her parents. She found a position as a governess to Sir William Ransey's two young children and two older cousins. As Julia seeks to find her place in England, she keeps in mind that as soon as her Father recovers, she plans to return to England. (More information available here, as well as an excerpt!)

I loved the cover of this novel - brooding clouds, a large English home in the background with a young woman looking away from it all. My favorite English time period is the Victorian era, so the turn of the century is slightly out of my comfort zone. I was also uncertain about the missionary aspect - would it be too preachy? would the character be out a place?

The Governess of Highland Hall was a wonderful read! Julia's work as a missionary wasn't heavy handed but placed lovingly about the storyline. The faith integration felt very natural, Julia lived out her faith and talked about it simply and honestly. I really enjoyed her faith talk with Sir Ramsey. Yes, there were a romantic story lines woven throughout the story, but gently stated with life's difficulties thrown in as well. Those story lines were predicable for me, but there were plenty of small twists along the way to differentiate it against other faith fiction or inspirational romance.

I was surprised to see that The Governess of Highland Hall was the first book in the series, Edwardian Brides. This story is a wonderful standalone piece, so I am intrigued about what the next installment will feature!

Time Period: Edwardian, 1911
Location: England

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.