"The Daughter of Highland Hall" by Carrie Turansky

Last year I read and very much enjoyed Carrie Turansky's Edwardian tale, "The Governess of Highland Hall," and I have been looking forward to its sequel ever since. Fans of "Downton Abbey" will enjoy the familiar setting, as we get a look at London society in the days before World War I, when family reputations were protected and advantageous marriages were still sought for the sons and daughters of the day.

We met 18-year-old debutante Katherine Ramsey in the first book, when she was a rather unlikeable but sympathetic character, covering up her grief and uncertainty with sarcasm and pride. Now more settled and having benefited from the influence of her governess, Kate is ready to be presented at court and seek a marriage proposal from an affluent suitor. Her deceased mother's sister, Aunt Louisa, is her sponsor, and she is more determined than anyone to make sure Kate connects with all the right social circles and secures a successful future for herself. If only Kate could be less awkward and more certain that was what she wanted with her life!

While staying in London for the season, the Ramsey family is joined by Jonathan Foster, the brother of our heroine from the first book. Jon is close to finishing his medical training, and while he had planned to go back to India as a missionary and continue his father's work there, his heart has recently been tugged by the needs of London's East End and the help that a free clinic is bringing to the inhabitants. Jon begins volunteering as often as he can while praying about God's will for his future. Attracted to the lovely Kate, Jon seeks to be a safe place for her to be herself apart from the demands and expectations of her aunt.

Kate is soon being courted by a wealthy young man and it seems almost too good to be true that things could be lining up for her so quickly. But when the actions of her cousin David bring the Ramsey family to disgrace, will Edward still be an attentive suitor? While waiting for things to sort themselves out, Kate begins accompanying Jon to the clinic in the East End. As her eyes are opened to the poverty so close to home, she begins to feel the shallowness of the plans she has always had for herself. She admires Jon for his strength of character and his giving nature, but she feels she cannot disappoint her aunt and let their relationship develop beyond friendship.

With social intrigue and the danger of going into the worst parts of London, "The Daughter of Highland Hall" explores the ways God works in the lives of His children. Trustworthy to direct our paths, He uses relationships and situations to help guide us into the place He would have for us in His kingdom. I also enjoyed the subplots and secondary characters in this book. I very much look forward to the next release in this series, scheduled for Oct. 2015. I'm sure it will be as excellent as these first two have been.

If you would like to read the first chapter of "The Daughter of Highland Hall," you can do so here, or to enter the author's giveaway which includes the book as well as Downton-themed prizes, click on this link. Hurry, the giveaway ends tomorrow!

I received my copy of the book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.