The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

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: The Daughter of Highland Hall is the second book in the "Edwardian Brides" series by Carrie Turansky, but it is not necessary to have read the first book to follow along with the story. There was enough background info woven into the story that I was able to get the gist of the relationships of all of the characters. Of course, my curiosity is piqued enough to want to go back and read Book One.

I love historical fiction written about this era and I enjoyed this book thoroughly. There were several story lines that were neatly connected together and the characters were well developed. Watching Katherine grow from a self-centered girl to a compassionate woman who puts the needs of others first came about naturally, as well as the strength of character that developed as she matured. Her Christian faith also evolved from that of a disinterested believer to a follower of Christ without feeling forced.

The character of Jonathan was also interesting as he transformed from one who is focused on pleasing his father and following in his footsteps. He had career choices to make, and while all were excellent, acceptable decisions, I loved that he prayed over the decision instead of simply doing what others thought was best. He also loved Katherine enough to care more about her loving Jesus than loving him.

Very well written book and I hope to read others by Turansky in the future. I certainly recommend it to readers of historical Christian fiction.
FTC Disclaimer: "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Carrie Turansky website

Strong-willed and beautiful, debutante Katherine Ramsey feels ready to take the London social season by storm, and she must. Her family estate, Highland Hall, has been passed to older male cousin Sir William Ramsey, and her only means of securing her future is to make a strong debut and find a proper husband. With her all-knowing and meddling aunt as a guide, Katherine is certain to attract suitors at the lavish gatherings, sparkling with Great Britain’s elite.

When a shocking family scandal sidelines Katherine, forcing her out of the social spotlight, she keeps a low profile, volunteering with the poor in London’s East End. Here Katherine feels free from her predictable future, and even more so as a friendship with medical student Jonathan Foster deepens and her faith in God grows. But when Katherine is courted anew by a man of wealth and position, dreams of the life she always thought she wanted surface again. Torn between tradition and the stirrings in her heart for a different path, she must decide whom she can trust and love—and if she will choose a life serving others over one where she is served. - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=226885#sthash.QPabcc19.dpufEighteen-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.