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| The Governess of Highland Hall |
Multnomah Publishing, Oct. 2013
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
5 stars*****
Historical Romance At Its Finest!
In The Governess of Highland Hall, author Carrie Turansky has crafted a
wonderful Edwardian era novel set in England; replete with dashing lords and
ladies and opulent mansions with magnificent décor…nonetheless behind those
ornate doors also lurk secrets, pain, and hidden passions.
A missionary in India, Julia Foster has returned to England because of
her father's illness and procures a position as governess of Highland Hall, a
wealthy estate owned by the handsome, brooding widower, Sir William Ramsey.
Julia's job is to care for William's children and his deceased cousin's two
teenage girls. Doing so is quite a challenge as the baronet seems to be cold
and withdrawn towards his own children and distrusts women, and the girls are
openly rebellious towards her.
As Julia befriends William's lovely but crippled sister, Sarah, who is
keeping a deep secret from her brother, she also begins to endear herself to
the children. But what dark secret is William carrying inside and how can he
save Highland Hall from financial ruin? Although his fondness towards Julia
begins to turn to love…will he marry another with wealth to save not only
Highland Hall but his reputation as well?…for to marry a governess is quite
unacceptable for a man of his social standing.
This heartwarming novel, reminiscent of a cross between Jane Eyre and
Jane Austen, will grab the reader from page one and not let go until the
satisfying conclusion. This is one of those books where one falls so in love
with the characters that it is extremely difficult
to let them go! And this novel not only has one romantic plot, but
two more romantic subplots which will break and also delight the reader's heart
and cause several sighs (and tears!) to escape while reading. William is perfect
as the brooding hero, but I couldn't stand this stuffed shirt at first until I
got a chance to see his heart underneath of it! Beautifully written and well
researched, I highly recommend this wonderful novel!!
*****************************
GIVEAWAY: In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month we are giving away this mini pink teapot, which we think Carrie Turansky's governess might have enjoyed! Put OWG on your comment--this giveaway for OWG followers. Put CT if you have bought any of Carrie's previous books and we'll give you an extra entry!
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| Must be an OWG Follower--notate OWG on your comment to enter! |
*Please be sure to leave your email addy for contact purposes should your name be drawn.*
A beautiful, beautiful review Diana! I'm even hungrier to read this story now!! :) And I love the fact that there's two romantic sub-plots! One can NEVER have too much romance, so I applaud and thank you Carrie Turansky! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, NOELA! This is one of my favorites this year and I KNOW you will be quite taken with it as well!
DeleteGood morning Diana, thanks for this wonderful review! You did such a great job capturing the heart of the story. I am so glad to hear you enjoyed it. What a lovely giveaway! Thank you Carrie P., Diana, Marian, and all the Overcoming with God Team.
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome, CARRIE! Keep writing these delightful novels!
DeleteOWG CT WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS TEA POT. angelachesnut246@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteANGELA, you have some extra entries...good for you! And good luck!
DeleteI've been following this book all the way through the release date and I can't wait to read it it. The hype and scope of Carrie Turansky's followers have been overwhelmingly positive! If it's anything like her other books, it will be fantastic! Your review has me even more excited to read it! (OWG, CT)
ReplyDeleteERIN, I so hope you get the chance to read this ASAP! Such a wonderful novel and I have you counted for extra entries!
DeleteHi Erin, thanks! I hope you enjoy meeting The Governess of Highland Hall! Blessings and Happy Reading!
DeleteAnother beautifully written review DIANA! After reading both of these wonderful reviews we've had on here this week I KNOW I have to read this!
ReplyDeleteTERESA, knock this one to the top of that ginormous TBR stack. You will love it! Thank you!
DeleteWhat a lovely review! It sounds thrilling and now I cannot wait to read it!! Thank you for sharing! OWG ~ Juli emeraldelena@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteJULIANNA, you have such a lovely name...perfect for a heroine in a novel such as this one! Hoping you get this one in your hands asap!
DeleteOWG CT I am so wanting to read this book.. Thank you for the opportunity to learn about great books that are out there.
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome, WILANI. Extra entries for the lovely teapot for you, my friend!
DeleteThis is a great review. Now I know I really want to read this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteKATRINA, I'm so glad I "talked" you into it. :D Please come back and leave an email addy for contact purposes. Thanks!
DeleteIf i win my daughter gets the book, but i so want the tea pot as i collect them, the books great by the way, was so thrilled to be able to read it
ReplyDeleteShirley B jcisforme@aol.com
Shirley, we are only giving away the teapot this time, not the book. But I would love for you to win it...especially since you collect them!!
DeleteWonderful review! I've been looking forward to this book for months! Can't wait to (hopefully) read it soon! OWG
ReplyDeleteaeputney [at] liberty [dot] edu
Thanks, AMY! Hope you get the chance soon!
DeleteI really enjoyed this one! I cannot wait for the sequel, especially after hearing about them from Carrie's chat party the other night. :-) Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Renee C.
steelergirl83(at)gmail(dot)com
OWG
You just told me something I didn't know, RENEE! There is going to be a sequel? YES! Good luck in winning the governess's pink teapot!
DeleteHi Diana, Renee is right! The Governess of Highland Hall is the first in The Edwardian Brides Series. I am writing book 2 now. Katherine is the heroine. Penny will be the heroine of book 3, and that one will take place durring WW1.
DeleteSince I have an ARC it doesn't tell the series name at the top, so I didn't know this! Well, this sure makes my day! :) Cannot wait!
DeleteOWG It seems that books written with a Downton Abbey type theme are popular right now. Look forward to reading this book, and hope it is part of a series.
ReplyDeleteMartha
josieringer(at)gmail(dot)com
It is, MARTHA! Read Carrie T's comment right above yours!! Exciting news, huh?
DeleteOWG I'm a survivor. I would love to win this and the book!! LOVE Regency!! tammyredd@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteTAMMY, this time we unfortunately are not giving away this book, but hoping you'll win the lovely little teapot we are giving away. You can read Marian's review this past Tues and enter a comment on A Lady of Defiance for a chance to win a copy of that book if you would like. :)
DeleteOWG - Wonderful review, Diana! I haven't read any of Carrie's books, but I have put her name on my list. The book sounds great. The teapot is gorgeous. Thank you for the opportunity of a awesome giveaway.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
I have not read a one of her books that I haven't loved, BARBARA! Please do try one when you get the chance. Gotcha entered!
DeleteSuch a nice story and review. Looks like a must-read. sonja.nishimoto (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteA very good must-read, SONJA! Put this one at the top of your wishlist!
DeleteGreat review! I, too, loved this book.
ReplyDeleteNo need to enter my name in the drawing. I just stopped by to give my support.
CINDI, what a wonderful gesture! I know Carrie Turansky will appreciate your words of encouragement!
DeleteOWG!!! :) Beautiful little tea pot! I love both Jane Eyre and Jane Austen I really need to read this. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Amada
amada_chavez{AT}yahoo{DOT}com
AMADA. I so hope you get an opportunity to read this! It is wonderful! Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteI'm new to Carrie Turansky, but hope to catch up with her books soon.
ReplyDeleteOWG
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
MARY, you won't be disappointed! CARRIE can write!!
DeleteLove this storyline, Carrie! So many wonderful reviews of this book - want to read it! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy! I love tea, & would love to win the beautiful teapot, also!
ReplyDeletebonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
OWG
Only the teapot is for giveaway this time, BONNIE, but I hope you win it! And please do pick up a copy of this wonderful book...you won't regret it!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, MAXIE! I KNOW this teapot would look lovely somewhere in your home! Good luck!
DeleteI don't have a clue how your comment got deleted above, MAXIE, but I'm so sorry! :( So we'll give you an entry for being a follower, an entry for CT, and an extra entry for the boo boo! A total of 3 entries! Yay!
Deleteawesome review, as always, mdh!! <3
ReplyDeleteThank you, sweet thing!
DeleteOWG CT I would love to win this teapot (it would be a wonderful additon to my teapot collection - I inherited my Mama's collection and have contiued to add a new one here and there). Thank you for the giveaway opportunity! Carrie Turansky books are always a joy to read!
ReplyDeleteYes they are, Kimberly! I would love for you to be able to add this to your mother's collection, but I need you to leave your email! Thanks!
DeleteYes, we'd love to have your email--it doesn't show on your Blogger account :(
DeleteWonderful review Diana. This book sounds really good. Hopefully I can win. Love the little teapot. The 20th is my birthday maybe I'll have luck and win. Thanks for the great review and giveaway.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Diana
joeym11@frontier.com
Thanks, DIANA! Early Happy Birthday! It would make a nice gift!
DeleteDiana, Thank you for your review of Carrie. I am looking forward to her new book. Love the characters and story line . This book is on my reading list, her books never disappoint me! Thank you. Lovely teapot so appropriate to the story !
ReplyDeleteOWG CT
mcnuttjem0(at)Gmail(dot)com
Hi, JACKIE! You're so welcome and since you're already a fan of Carrie's, I do hope you'll get a chance to read this one soon!
DeleteOWG follower. What a beautiful teapot. I've lost two friends to breast cancer - hoping they will soon find a cure!
ReplyDeletepbclark(at)netins(dot)net
RUBYNREBA, I'm so sorry for your loss. I've a few friends who were diagnosed, but beat it bc of early detection. Hoping for a cure, too!
DeleteWow, so great to see so many friends have stopped by. I love the teapot too! I will be excited to see who is the winner. I hope you all will have a chance to enjoy reading The Governess of Highland Hall. It has been #1 on the Christian Historical Romance Hot New Release list this week. That's been so fun to see. Happy reading to all. Thanks Marian, Diana, and Carrie!
ReplyDeleteCARRIE, congrats! I can certainly see why! Every time I see the book cover in cyberland it evokes pleasurable memories in me!
ReplyDeleteI love your review, Diana, and I can't wait to read this book!
ReplyDeleteOWG follower
texaggs2000 at gmail dot com
Thank you Britney! You'll love the book and I'm putting an extra entry in for the teapot!
DeleteI'm too late to be entered in the drawing but I loved your review, DIANA! This is a great book and gives several hours of enjoyment. OWG,CP, just in case ;)
ReplyDeleteANNE, you aren't too late since we draw on Sunday afternoons. :) So extra entries for you, my dear!
DeleteAwesome!!! I thought the drawing was last night :/
DeleteNope, ANNIE! :P Today!!
DeleteThanks so much I am gonna love that teapot. So adorable. /
ReplyDeleteBlessings
joeym11@frontier.com
Happy Birthday from OWG, DIANA M!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful review! I have this wonderful book headed my way right now. I cannot wait!
ReplyDeleteOWG
lattebooks at hotmail dot com
Hallo, Hallo again, Ms. Turansky!!
ReplyDeleteI was left you a hearty message over on the S&S a moment ago! :) I was dropping by OWG at the same time, and it was lovely to find you featured twofold! :) Which is why I'll solely focus on the story, rather than explaining my love of this particular section of historical fiction! :) The Edwardian era is generally not as explored as much as the two leading up to it, but I always found that extraordinary, as there is such a breadth of context that could be ruminated into story! The book trailer is smashing, as I liked the actors of whom were selected to bring the main characters into light for the reader who is considering reading the book, as much as the cinescope of sound bearing the resemblance of 'emotional conviction' that anyone who reads & watches period dramas can attest to being part of the appeal! :)
As I read Ms. Flowers review, I am pulled back into Rochester's world, as foresaid (on S&S) I am in the middle of Jane Eyre and this harkens back to me thinking of Rochester's impression of Eyre! There is such a complex to unravel when the custodian of children are so against the warmth and inspiration of the women who are drawn into their life, either for employment as a Governess, or simply, as someone who is trying to broach through that cold barrier they've erected to brace themselves for experiencing what they demean unsuitable or needed. Part of me thinks on aspects of "The Secret Garden" as well.
I had to smile whilst reading Ms. Flowers mentioning Eyre, as I was composing my thoughts above prior to reading her revelation at the end, as I tend to compose my comments on OWG as I 'read' rather than after I have 'read'!! :) This is definitely a book I will enjoy reading and I am hopeful now, it will be amongst the offerings soon at my local library! :)
Thank you for offering such a delightful giveaway!
Is the teapot able to be used OR is it for decoration!?
In either case, its a joy to see it being given, because I adore tea & the role tea plays throughout English History!
[OWG!][inkand-blogaways(at)usa(dot)net]