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The Governess of Highland Hall

Finalist for the ACFW Carol Award and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

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 Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the 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?

Author: Carrie Turansky
Series: Edwardian Brides Series, Book 1
Genre: English historical romance
Tag: Christian Fiction
Publisher: Multnomah
Publication Year: October 2013

More in the Edwardian Brides Series

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Endorsements

“The idea of pairing the pretty governess with the widowed nobleman is not a new one, but the addition of some fresh elements — as well as some Downton Abbey-reminiscent POV switches! — make this sweet inspirational romance interesting and enjoyable.

The upstairs/downstairs drama, servant gossip, and backdoor scheming of minor characters make for a fast-paced read with great texture. Set in the interesting time when horse-drawn carriages and motorcars co-existed among the elite, a time when England’s noble classes were facing new governmental challenges to keeping their lifestyles aligned for the next generation, The Governess of Highland Hall is worthy reading for any fan of English period romance.”

– Review from USA Today, by Sarena Chase

There is much to like about Carrie Turansky’s The Governess of Highland Hall: A sweet, noble heroine, a proud, yet vulnerable hero, and a Downton Abbey-inspired setting. Endearing supporting characters and two romances add to the pleasure. Fans of Christian fiction and Downton Abbey will enjoy this story!

– Julie Klassen

best-selling author of The Tutor’s Daughter

“The Governess of Highland Hall is a delightful journey to Edwardian England with a cast of colorful characters and plot twists at every turn. With a nice mix of upstairs-downstairs drama and a spunky heroine, Carrie Turansky weaves a tale that will enchant “Downton Abbey” aficionados. Lovely and heartfelt.”

– Carla Stewart

award-winning author of Chasing Lilacs and Sweet Dreams.

“Fans of sweet romance will delight in The Governess of Highland Hall where love blossoms both upstairs and down in Edwardian era England. Set on a majestic estate of old, author Carrie Turansky has woven a tender and uplifting tale with a heartwarming message.”

– Joanne Bischof

award-winning author of the Cadence of Grace series

“In The Governess of Highland Hall, Carrie Turansky weaves a compelling cast of Edwardian characters into a sweeping, faith-filled romance with all the upstairs and downstairs intrigue of “Downton Abbey”.

– Cathy Gohlke

Christy Award-Winning author of Promise Me This and Band of Sisters

“With its engaging cast of characters, a setting reminiscent of “Downton Abbey” and a storyline that celebrates faith, family and friendship, The Governess of Highland Hall is more than an historical romance. It’s a book that’s sure to delight Carrie Turansky’s current fans and bring her many more.”

– Amanda Cabot

bestselling author of Christmas Roses and With Autumn’s Return

“Prim and proper and perfectly wonderful, The Governess of Highland Hall is an exquisitely woven “Downton Abby” tapestry of English nobility and their servants. With the utmost sensitivity and skill, Carrie Turansky has penned a breathless Edwardian love story not to be missed!”

– Julie Lessman

award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series

“Carrie Turansky’s The Governess of Highland Hall is a deeply emotional story of learning to submit to God’s will. Fans of “Downton Abbey” will enjoy the Edwardian time period…the English traditions…and the upstairs, belowstairs intrigue. The characters are richly developed, Turansky’s prose lyrical. Enjoyed my stay at Highland Hall!”

– Beth White

Carol Award winning author of Controlling Interest and The Pelican Bride (coming in April 2014)

“I admit I’m a Downton Abbey junkie. Thankfully, I got my fix with Carrie Turansky’s delightful new novel. Everything about this book breathes Upstairs-Downstairs, and I was swept away into the world of Highland Hall, the language, the customs, the clothes – the drama, the romance, oh the romance! Absolutely charming, if I do say so myself!”

–Susan May Warren

RITA and Christy award, bestselling novelist of Duchess

The Governess of Highland Hall is as delightful as an English high tea, replete with an endearing cast of characters living on a grand English estate and flavored with memories of India. Carrie Turansky lends a lovely, fresh voice to a fascinating era!

– Laura Frantz

Author of Love’s Reckoning