Friday, July 11, 2014

The Governess of Highland Hall

GIVEAWAY
 
TURANSKY, CARRIE
THE GOVERNESS OF HIGHLAND HALL

Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help?

Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.

Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from financial ruin. The last thing he needs is the distraction coming of a kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.

While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families--common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?


My Review:

A finalist in this year's Carol Awards in the Historical Romance category and I can totally see why. A fantastic turn-of-the-century novel with a Downton Abbeyish vibe. This story just flies from the very first page. Turansky has captured the time period perfectly including the whole upstairs/downstairs conundrum. And she's created some memorable characters.

Julia is the shining star. Her unusual upbringing and years working along side her parents in the mission field in India have made her a force to be reckoned with. This is no shy, missish lady. She stands her ground with conviction and compassion. A lethal combination that soon pierces the heart of her reclusive employer and turns his household inside out.

An absorbing novel that delivers an emotional, soul-satisfying read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Governess of Highland Hall please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 13  2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

19 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you enjoyed The governess of Highland Hall. Thanks for this kind review. I'm going to share it. Blessings and Happy Reading!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Carrie...and for writing such an awesome book!

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  2. Sounds amazing, would love to read this! Sign me up! jodycarr96ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. It's a great historical. Good luck, Jody.

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  3. So many good books come out each year, it's easy to miss some gems! Look forward to reading this one...

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. That's what happened with this one. It was on my list but kept getting bounced back for some reason. That definitely won't happen with the next one! Good luck, Patty.

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  4. Please don't enter me! I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed this book and I'm so looking forward to Carrie's 2nd book in the series, the Daughter of Highland Hall, that releases in the fall. Hope I got that title and release time correct. Loved your review, Kav!

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    1. Ohhh -- thanks for giving me a heads up on the fall release. I'll keep my eyes peeled.

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  5. I want to read this one for sure.... rrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. Your wish is my command, Becky...maybe. Good luck!

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  6. Please enter me! I always look forward to seeing what books you have for giveaways ;)
    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

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  7. I'm a Downtown Abbey fan and this sounds really interesting. Great review! :)
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. Downton Abbey has created such a stir hasn't it? And it's definitely rippled over into the literary world. Good luck, Merry!

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  8. Hi Kav. I have been wanting this for awhile. Sounds so interesting. Please put my name in the drawing. Hope will be lucky this time.. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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  9. I love reading historicals and this sounds like a great book that I would enjoy reading. Love the story line.
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. You'll definitely enjoy it, Maryann. Good luck!

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  10. thanks for the chance to read this wonderful novel :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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