Book Review: The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Book Details:
Title:  The Daughter of Highland Hall 
Series:  Edwardian Brides #2

Author: Carrie Turansky

2014, Waterbrook Press

ISBN: 9781601424983

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary:

Eighteen-year-old Katherine Ramsey travels to London with her family to make her debut into society and hopefully find her future husband. Her overbearing aunt insists she must secure a proposal from a wealthy young man who is in line to inherit his father’s title and estate. But Katherine questions her aunt’s plans when she gets to know Jonathan Foster, a handsome medical student and strong Christian who is determined to protect the poor and vulnerable in London’s East End.

When a family scandal puts a damper on Katherine’s hopes for the season, she has time to volunteer with Jonathan, caring for children in one of London’s poorest areas, and romance blossoms. Katherine’s faith grows and she begins to envision a different future with Jonathan. But when Katherine’s work in the East End puts her in danger, Jonathan distances himself from Katherine to protect her. A wealthy suitor reappears, and Katherine must choose which path to follow. 

My Review:

I read the first book in this series The Governess of Highland Hall. This book picks up right after that, but I think it could easily be read as a stand-alone book. There are definitely references to the past book and a tiny bit of the continuing story of Julia Foster and Sir William Ramsey, but I do not think it would make the reader confused.

This was a pretty good story set in London England during the Season in the early 1900’s. Katherine Ramsey is coming out for her debut Season in London and is trying to find a suitable husband. She is looking for a wealthy man with a title, of course. Her aunt takes her to her presentation to the Queen and to all the high society parties.

Jonathan Foster is finishing up his medical training and is trying to make a decision for his future. Does he go back to India to continue in the missionary work of his parents, or does he make is own way and work at the local hospital or the free clinic in the East End. The more he works with the poor in the East End, the more he feels pulled there. Katherine starts volunteering with Jonathan at the clinic and grows to love the work.

There is also an interesting side story going on about Katherine’s lady’s maid Lydia and her sister Helen. Helen has run off from the family farm to London with a man! Lydia is extremely worried for her and Katherine and Jonathon offer to help her find her sister. They come to find her living in a very unsavory place and have to work together to get her out of her situation.

The budding romance between Katherine and Jonathan was very genuine, I thought. It wasn’t forced or contrived and I felt like it moved at a moderate pace. There were the usual misunderstandings, but what relationship isn’t?

I felt like this was a pretty good read. It was interesting to read about places like the East End and their conditions and also about the opposite side of society like the presentation to the royal family.

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Disclosure: I was provided with a free copy of this book free of charge by Blogging for Books for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.