Book Review: The Governess of Highland Hall

8:35 AM

The Governess Of Highland Hall (Edwardian Brides, #1)
Age Appropriate For: 15 and up (reading level and light romance)

Best for Ages: 15 and up

Description: 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?

Are you tired of Christian romance books were the faith element seems like only an afterthought? Then this is just the book you need to pick up, because The Governess of Highland Hall doesn’t put God second.
I enjoy a romance book as much as the next girl but I do get tired of the Christian romances that are all about feelings. I want there to be some gushy feelings, but a relationship built on those feelings and a couple of kisses are not my cup of tea.

Julia is a heroin that mothers will love because her focus is not on how handsome the man is or his charm, but the strength of character and his faith. I really loved Julia. Her faith and character are something that even the Christian market often lacks. Without being preachy or so perfect it is annoying, she has a faith that is refreshing. She doesn’t just say the right things, she lives them out. She follows her own advice and wisdom, what a thought.

This book was a little slow at times compared to a lot of modern books, however, I enjoyed the change of pace. I think there was only once when I really wished the pace would pick up. Also, I found it a littler tiresome all the points of view were in the story. I don’t mind mutable points of view, but 6 or more is a little much.

The two children of the story: heartbreakers. I loved them so much. William was a strong hero who also was a man of character and faith. Although not the most engaging leading man I have ever met, I admire him and really ended up liking him.

I recommend this book for those looking for a sweet romance story, strong faith and uncompromising characters, and a slower paced book.


I received this book from Multnomah Books via Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

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1 comments

  1. You are the second blogger I follow to review this book - or I've already commented once on this post. Either way, I don't like romances, and I don't like Christian romances - as you said, they are all the same. BUT this one sounds REALLY good and I am going to see if I can hunt it down. (I should reword my romance dislike. I like romances that are well done. Like North and South, that is my all time favourite. I love that story.)

    Anyways...so this book is definitely on my to read list, if only I can find it.

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