What can I say that has not already been said in prior reviews regarding Carrie Turnasky’s captivating story about Kathryn, The Daughter of Highland Hall? How can Ms. Turnasky always be at her best with each novel that she writes? I really adored this book! It has been quite a while since I read the first book in this series, and I had double the fun of re-reading parts of The Governess of Highland Hall – about William and Julia to refresh my mind and it picked up right where this book left off.

It is now April 1912 in London, England and the young teenager Katherine Ramsey is preparing for her presentation before the King and Queen of England, followed by her debut. Where Katherine behaved as a bratty kid in the previous novel, it appears that she and Julia have come to a new understanding of congeniality. Of course, when a woman like Lady Louisa Gatewood, Katherine’s aunt, insists that every well-bred young lady must be made ready for her debut into English society and ready for marriage – frustration sets in with all the curtsy practice involved. Lady Gatewood aided Katherine in creating a list of qualifications for her future husband. He would need to be a man of wealth and title.

Let us refer to Katherine as Kate from here on. Before coming to London from Berkshire, England – a bit of family history. Kate would have inherited Highland Hall, but lost control of her inheritance upon her father’s death. Her second cousin William Ramsey had taken her father’s title as baronet and became the master of Highland Hall as well as her guardian until she married. Highland Hall in Berkshire had been partially destroyed by fire necessitating a move to Ramsey House in London. Much of this story concentrates on Julia Foster and her family. Jonathan Foster, her brother, was a medical student intending to return to India to continue the mission his family had begun. Jon was employed by Dr. Pittsford who had moved his practice to the East End of London, a slum full of danger. Jon lived in William’s home in London. A wedding for William and Julia was in the future. There was already strife between William and his brother David.

A nervous Kate had made a big faux pas at her presentation before royalty. Imagine the uproar from Aunt Louisa! Jon’s shoulder was available for Kate’s commiseration. More trouble abounds when Kate’s lady’s maid learns her unmarried sister Helen is pregnant and in an abusive situation. However at her debut, she met Edward Wellington who met every detail of her list. Could this be her future husband? Edward asked to court her, but was strongly influenced by his parents. Then, emanated the big scandal involving Williams brother David. Edward dropped out of the picture and Jon and Kate began to fall in love.

All of this and more creates a novel reminiscent of Downton Abbey….and I am fond of that series. Ms. Turnasky weaves together fascinating facts, mystery, humor, and faith in God and well developed characters with accurately researched Edwardian etiquette. I am not at all certain how Carrie Turnasky gives such a great pen to her ideas, but I am glad she is an expert doing so. I am in awe of her writing - naturally making it all about God’s answers. If you haven’t read The Governess of Highland Hall, I suggest you do before you read The Daughter of Highland Hall. Both are stand-alone novels – that go together. I am certainly looking forward to the third book, A Refuge at Highland Hall. Might Ms.Turnasky bring war and the wounded into this novel? We won’t know unless we read it!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Litfuse Publicity Group for my review. ( )