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| The Daughter of Highland Hall |
Multnomah Books, Oct. 7, 2014
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
~5 stars~*****
No Spoilers!
Edwardian Fiction At Its Finest!
With pen in hand, er keys rather, author Carrie Turansky once again sweeps the reader away on a wonderful Edwardian adventure -- from the glamorous balls, social functions, and opulent mansions of the very elite -- to the poverty stricken streets of London's East End.
The beautiful and spunky, Katherine Ramsey, is determined to take the social season by storm and secure her future by finding a wealthy husband. Under the strict tutelage of her aunt, Lady Louisa, Kate attempts to learn all the social graces needed to attract eligible suitors and win the approval of their parents as well. She catches the eye of the aristocratic, charming, Edward Wellington, but a scandal in her family threatens to rob her of the very future she has so carefully planned out. She refuses to give up, however, for surely Edward can give her everything she needs and desires out of life...or can he? As Kate is introduced to the poor and needy in London's East End by handsome medical student, Jon Foster, will she find that a life of service to others in dire need is so much more satisfying than a self-indulgent one?
I fell in love with this amazing book from the very first chapter! Not just simply a novel of fluff, frippery, and finery, Ms. Turansky compassionately delves into the plight of the poor on the opposite end of the spectrum. Realism unfolds as the heroine, hero, and a secondary character become involved trying to rescue an unwed pregnant woman from her abusive boyfriend, and much danger ensues as a result! I especially love how the heroine evolves considerably from the first book in the series, The Governess of Highland Hall. This novel may be read easily as a stand-alone, as the author does a fine job of recapping the characters we so grew to love in the first book. If you enjoy a book with a realistic plot and characters, plenty of romantic tension, excitement, and a spiritual thread throughout, then be sure to order your copy of The Daughter of Highland Hall today!
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I was given an advanced reader's copy by Multnomah in exchange for my honest opinion.
GIVEAWAY! Carrie Turansky has generously offered to give away a paperback copy of The Daughter of Highland Hall to one blessed commenter!! International winner -- ebook only!
I am so looking forward to having a chance to read this! I absolutely loved the Governess of Highland Hall and this one sounds just as good, if not better! I can't wait to read Katherine's story. :)
ReplyDeleteamyputney89 [at] gmail [dot] com
Hi Amy, that's fun to hear you enjoyed The Governess of Highland Hall! In this story Kate Ramsey steps forward as the heroine. It was a fun story to write. I enjoyed learning about court presentations for young debutantes and the London Season….all to find a suitable husband. I hope you enjoy this new story!
DeleteAMY, I can't pick a favorite. They were just both so fun to read!
DeleteI would love to read this Highland Hall book, I've read the Governess & looking forward to the Daughter ! !
ReplyDeletedkstevensne *at* outlook dotcom
Hi, DEANNA! You will enjoy how Carrie brings back the characters we grew to love in Governess, then!
DeleteI can't wait to read it! chris_davebures@bellsouth.net
ReplyDeleteI hope you don't have to wait too long, CHRIS. Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteOoooo...this sounds like a fun read! I was checking out Carrie's Pinterest board last weekend during the Scavenger Hunt and thinking that I'd really like to read "The Daughter of Highland Hall". Loved looking at the gowns that were worn by the young ladies when presented during their Social Season. Great review, Diana! :)
ReplyDeletebookwarp(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks so much, Angi! I just loved these two books and am looking forward to the next in the series...which I only have to wait a whole year on! :(
DeleteHi Angi, that's fun to hear you checked out my Pinterest boards! I have an art background, so I love Pinterest. Its has helped me collect information for research and also to give the cover designer ideas for my book cover.
DeleteThank you for this book review. It really peaked my interest in both this book and the previous one. I would love to read them both and will go to Amazon to order the first one today! eldora2193@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteHow awesome, my friend! You won't regret it. :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoy The Governess of Highland Hall and then the Daughter. Each story stands alone and is complete, but I think it's fun to start with book one so you meet all the characters in the family and the staff and can follow them through the series. Happy Reading.
DeleteWhat a great review. I haven't read either book but your review really peaks my interest and I want to now read both books. Thank you for the great review and because of you I will now add this to my to be read list.
ReplyDeleteDEANNE, I am so delighted! Thank you for the kindest compliment a reviewer can receive! Now I feel as though I have done my "job" and what a wonderful one it is indeed!
DeleteThe cover is beautiful. Sounds like a good read!
ReplyDeletetlw131 [at] gmail [dot] com
Yes, it is, TERRI -- the cover and the good read! Blessings~
DeleteA wonderful review thank you. I'm going to enjoy this.
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed you will, MARY! Throwing your name in the hat and thanking you for your kind words, too!
DeleteThank you again for a wonderful review! I love your blog!!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fantastic book! I have had it in my TBR list sin it was released! Got my fingers crossed!!!
(So glad I subscribe via email cspicuzza83@gmail.com, so I get your blog posts!!)
CHRISTINA, we so love having you here! Yes, keep your fingers crossed, your arms and legs, your eyes, and praying always helps, too. LOL
DeleteHi Diana! What a beautiful cover on what sounds like a wonderful book. Thank you, Carrie for a great interview! The Daughter Of Highland Hall is a winner and I would love to be one too!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Hi, MELANIE! I just tossed your name in my cyberhat. I know you will enjoy it!
DeleteGood review Diana. I have tried before to win this book. I love the cover. Please put my name in. Hello to all of my OWG girls. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
ReplyDeleteThanks, MAXIE! Always great to see you here! This is quite a lovely cover, I agree. Keep your fingers crossed like Christina above. lol
DeleteHmmm, I thought I left a comment, but must not have hit "Publish". lol! (So, if this is duplicate, I apologize!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely review... most certainly has me adding this (and the first in the series) to my TBR list! Thank you, Carrie, for the giveaway!
Blessings!
Kelly Y.
kelly *at* dkcountryarts *dot* com
Hi Kelly, Thanks for adding The Governess and The Daughter of Highland Hall to your TBR list. I hope you enjoy them!
DeleteOnly one, KELLY! ;) Thx for your kind words! I so hope you get the chance to read this wonderful series soon!
DeleteThis book sounds like a fabulous read. Thanks for the wonderful review, Diana. Would love to read this. Put my name in the drawing, please.
ReplyDeleteCarol
cgdinasia@yahoo.com
You're welcome, CAROL! I hope you get the chance to read this wonderful book soon! Blessings~
DeleteHi Carol, so glad you stopped by. If you enjoy English historical fiction, then I think you'll like The Daughter of Highland Hall. Happy Reading!
DeleteI do enjoy English historical fiction, this will be a great read :)
ReplyDeletedstevens @ windstream dotnet
CARRIE is a wonderful writer of both historical and contemporary fiction! Got you entered, DEANNA. Thank you! :)
DeleteGood morning. Really enjoyed the interview and would love to read your book!. Thank you for a chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteI love reading historical christian fiction.
Blessings, Tina
Good morning, TINA! Thank you for coming by. I know you will love this series!
DeleteI've not ready any of Carrie's books, but this sounds really good!
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi, PATTY! You have really missed out! Carrie is a wonderful storyteller! I hope you get a chance to get acquainted with her books soon...maybe here! :)
DeleteI couldn't put the first book down! I was given an ecopy of Daughter of Highland Hall from Bloggong for Books to review on my blog, which I will shortly, and loved it also. I'm hoping to get a paperback copy? Thank you, Carrie, for writing such lovely stories and, Diana, for posting about them.
ReplyDeleteEMILY, if you win you will receive a paperback. I'm so glad you enjoyed the books!
DeleteWe have the first book in this series in our church library. I would love to win "Daughter of Highland Hall" to add to our shelves.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
This would be an awesome addition, LIBRARY LADY! Hoping you can get the whole series.
DeleteThe Daughter of Highland Hall sounds so interesting, I love that it strays from the ballroom into the life of the lower class. Compassion is a beautiful character trait. Please add me, thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
In both books in this series, Carrie includes a storyline revolving around someone in a lower class. I enjoyed reading both sides of the coin, and the compassion displayed by the main characters. It is a lovely character trait. Tossing your name in the hat, MERRY!
DeleteWow, sounds like a great book! I'll have to add this to my "to read wish list"!
ReplyDeleteHi, REGINA! Make sure to put it at the top! :) Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteI would love the to read this book, thanks for the chance to win!!! I just love the cover of this book!!!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you!!!
sarahrichmond(dot)12(at)gmail(dot)com
It is so lovely, SARAH! Hoping for a win for you, my friend!
DeleteI'm still listening to the audiobook and really enjoying it, Diana! Great review, as usual--you spoil us here on OWG blog! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThx so much, Carrie! :D Carrie is doing a wonderful job on this series. Can't wait to read The Refuge of Highland Hall coming up next year!
DeleteThanks Diana. Another #1 review as usual. I would love to win this book. I have tried before. But you know the saying, 'if at first you don't succeed, try and try again." so here I am. ((( hugs))) to all of those on OWG. Love these ladies.
ReplyDeleteMaxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Persistency is a quality we admire her at OWG, dear MAXIE! Hoping it pays off for you! :)
DeleteOh, and we at OWG all love you, too, MAXIE! Big hugs and God bless!
DeleteThis book looks fabulous. I am a huge fan of books during this time period. It sounds like this book has wonderful depth. Thanks for the great review. I would love to read it.
ReplyDeleteBecky B
boernerb (at) fuse (dot) net
You're welcome, BECKY! Hoping you get the chance ASAP!
DeleteI am hoping to win this for my friend in Michigan. I sent her the Governess of Highland Hall for her birthday and I could send this with her Christmas pressies. This is such a good story. :)
ReplyDeleteMIPPY, what a thoughtful gesture! Yes, it certainly is!
DeleteI hope I'm not to late for this contest. I just read the review and I would love to read the book. I love the Christian fiction genre and have read books by Carrie before. Fingers crossed for a win!
ReplyDelete