A Refuge at Highland Hall

Penny Ramsey has always considered Highland Hall her home, but when Britain becomes involved in World War One she travels to London to assist her sister Kate with the eight orphan children she and her husband Jon have taken into their home. Doing her part for the war effort takes priority over Penny’s dreams of romance until she meets Alex Goodwin, a Royal Naval Air Service pilot in training.

Alex is determined to prove his worth and do his part to defend his country. Knowing he is heading off for the dangerous assignment of  chasing Zeppelins across the front line in France, he feels it’s unwise to form any romantic attachments. But he can’t help admiring the pretty, warmhearted Penny and wondering what it would be like to find her waiting when he returns home from the war.

As Penny writes to Alex, their friendship blossoms, and she becomes his tie to home and normalcy as he faces the hardships war. But being an RNAS pilot means confronting the enemy, and the fallout form those experiences push Alex beyond Penny’s reach. Can God mend the brokenness left by the losses of war? Will faith and forgiveness bring them together again? (Amazon)

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My Review: Another satisfying story of romance and and action filled with charming characters and historical details. Set within the backdrop of World World One. This time the main character is Kate's younger sister Penny and an old family friend of Jon's, Alex Goodwin. Penny is visiting her pregnant sister to help Kate take care of 8 orphaned children she and Jonathan are caring for when she meets young RAF pilot, Alex Goodwin. The two have an instant attraction but are soon separated: Alex is assigned to protect England from the Zeppelins that are bombarding London. Due to the danger, Kate, Penny, the children, and servants are all sent to live at Highland Hall. 

Due to the distance separating them, their romance develops throughout a series of letters, until a tragedy sends Alex back to England. As he struggles to face his new normal, will he risk developing a closer relationship with Penny? Letters are also an essential part of another blossoming romance that seems doomed to failure. To be honest, I found myself more drawn to this story and wanting to learn more.

This is Book 3 in the Edwardian Brides series, and it was good to revisit familiar characters. (Reading the first two books is not essential, but I do recommend them.) This one did not hold my attention quite as much, but is still a very enjoyable book. I think there were just too many other story lines that I wanted to have more details about...and I really can't complain because Turansky left me wanting more; I consider it to be a mark of a very skilled story-teller.

I received this book at no cost to myself from Waterbrook-Multnomah's Blogging For Books program. I was only required to write an honest review.

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.