Review: A Refuge at Highland Hall

A Refuge at Highland Hall is available! This new novel is book three in Carrie Turansky's Edwardian Brides series.  The Governess of Highland Hall is book one and shares the story of governess Julia Foster and Highland Hall master Sir William Ramsy. Book two, The Daughter of Highland Hall, shares the story of governess Julia's former charge Katherine (Kate) Ramsey and Julia's brother, Jonathan Foster. The characters of book three focuses on another former charge of Julia's, Penelope (Penny) Ramsey with a side story of Lydia Chambers, Penny and Kate's lady's maid.

I would recommend reading the previous books before diving into A Refuge at Highland Hall. The Ramsy family has expanded with marriages as well as with friends, family, and servants. If you've previously read the books, but it's been a while, Turansky kindly shares a cast of characters list at the beginning of the book! I'll admit it's been a while since I last read a Highland Hall book. I started reading book three and it took little time to get reacquainted with everyone.

World War I has begun. Dr. Jon and his family are living in London when bombs are dropped. To keep his family safe, he sends them to Highland Hall. Everyone packs up to go except Dr. Jon who needs to stay and care for the soldiers in town. Before everyone leaves, Dr. Jon brought home a soldier friend, Alexander Goodwin. Alex is determined to be a pilot (a dangerous job that has slim survival rates). Penny is drawn to Alex and offers to write while he is away.

Turansky wrote a very compelling story. She captured the fear, longing, and faith of a vast array of characters - soldiers, sweethearts, prisoners, children, adults, elderly, and young. I was quite impressed. She wove two main storylines together as well as kept the other members in the family active. The cast of characters is two pages, but don't let that deter you from reading A Refuge at Highland Hall. It's good to hear about all the members of this tight knit family. I would like to hear more about the Foster / Ramsey families. I hope Turansky continues writing!

Time Period: Edwardian/WWI, 1915
Location: London, England

Thank you, Blogging for Books for this review copy! I enjoyed it!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.