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.

Review: God is on the Cross

God Is on the Cross: Reflections on Lent and Easter by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

God is on the Cross: Reflections on Lent and Easter offers forty devotional readings during the Lenten season leading up to Easter. Dietrick Bonhoeffer is listed as the author, but he died in 1945. O. C. Dean Jr. translated Bonhoeffer's letters, sermons, and writings while Jana Reiss compiled and edited the book.

The readings are arranged by themes of prayerful reflection, self-denial, temptation, suffering, and the cross. Each day includes a reflection written by Bonhoeffer, scripture, and occasionally additional material for further reflection. The readings can be enjoyed in one sitting for the busy individual. If readers want a longer study during Lent, they can re-read each entry throughout the day or find a biography about Bonhoeffer to pair with this devotional.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Westminster John Knox Press (WJK)!

Review: Geocache Surprise

Geocache Surprise by Jake Maddox

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Tim was looking forward to spending the final day of summer with his friends at the beach. But his friends had other plans - geocaching. What on earth is geocaching? It couldn't be better than a day hanging out at the beach.


A geocache fiction book for kids!? How fantastic! Geocaching is a new(er) outdoor craze that is very entertaining. Anyone can do it! The big ticket item needed is a GPS device. Tim didn't own one in the story but receives one in the end. The story called for it, but it seemed unrealistic. Jake Maddox does explain the sport very well and it can definitely interest others into going geocaching. He doesn't leave you hanging for more information either. At the end of the book, Maddox shares more information about GPSs and geocaching. I would highly recommend going on a geocache adventure of your own.

Reviewed from a library copy.

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