Review: The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Eighteen-year-old Katherine Ramsey travels to London with her family to make her debut into society and hopefully find her future husband. Her overbearing aunt insists she must secure a proposal from a wealthy young man who is in line to inherit his father’s title and estate. But Katherine questions her aunt’s plans when she gets to know Jonathan Foster, a handsome medical student and strong Christian who is determined to protect the poor and vulnerable in London’s East End. When a family scandal puts a damper on Katherine’s hopes for the season, she has time to volunteer with Jonathan, caring for children in one of London’s poorest areas, and romance blossoms. Katherine’s faith grows and she begins to envision a different future with Jonathan. But when Katherine’s work in the East End puts her in danger, Jonathan distances himself from Katherine to protect her. A wealthy suitor reappears, and Katherine must choose which path to follow.

My Review

This book is told from multiple points of view and has several plots going on. I think it worked in this case since none are too complex and they are also intertwined. Kate seemed slightly immature at the beginning but it was nice to see her character growth as she is exposed to opportunities to be of service to others. Her relationship with Jon grows slowly and steadily throughout the novel which is my favorite kind of romance- beginning with friendship. It has the feel of a Regency even though the setting is early 20th century, I think because of the setting in London and focus on Kate's debut season.

(Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing and Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)