lindsey's Review of The Daughter of Highland Hall (Edwardian Brides, #2)

by Carrie Turansky

What if the title, the estate, the life of security and splendor… what if it isn’t enough?

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.

I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

I normally don't read books in a series out of order, but I made an exception for this one, and luckily it wasn't a problem. While this is the second book in the Edwardian Brides series, The Daughter of Highland Hall can be read as a stand-alone novel. I have a general idea of what happened in the first book, just from reading some of the back story in this one.

The Goodreads blurb says fans of Downton Abbey, Jane Eyre, and Pride & Prejudice will enjoy this novel, and that is completely spot on. The Downton Abbey influence was felt throughout the entire novel, which is definitely not a bad thing, as I really enjoy the show.

Set in Edwardian England, The Daughter of Highland Hall follows debutante Kate as she enters into London's society for her first season. Her only goal for the season is to secure a proposal from a wealthy man - one who is, ideally, in line to inherit a title and estate. Kate's guardian, her uncle William, and his soon-to-be wife, Julia, are devout Christians, and they encourage Kate to grow spiritually and focus more on her faith. That's helped along when she starts spending time with Julia's brother, Jon, at the clinic for the poor. Ultimately, Kate must decide whether to follow her heart or continue to abide by society's strict rules.

I really enjoyed reading this novel, and I believe it sets a high standard for Christian fiction. I've read several books from the genre, but this is easily my favorite so far. I will definitely read the next book in the series when it's released (next October!), and I would highly recommend this to fans of Christian fiction, historical fiction, and Downton Abbey.

The Daughter of Highland Hall (Edwardian Brides, #2)

by Carrie Turansky

Reviewed by lindsey on Oct 9, 2014

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