Book Review: The Governess of Highland Hall

I told you I was surrounded by books these days!    This one was a fun read that timed perfectly with the season premiere of Downton Abbey for us here in America.  The Governess of Highland Hall is a book very reminiscent in style, period and tone as Upstairs, Downstairs or Downton Abbey.  One important difference is the biblical world view both in the behavior of the characters and in their thoughts.

The main character, Julia, is a new governess for a wealthy family that lives in a beautiful mansion.  She brings her experience as a missionary in India as well as a strong family foundation of truth and grace.  Her employer, Sir William, has a jaded and sceptical view of the world and relationships due to being cruelly betrayed by his late wife, despite his outward dedication to scripture.  As Julia settles into her role, her strong views of God's grace and redemption confront William.

I enjoyed the setting and description in The Governess of Highland Hall along with the Julia's strong character and her reluctance to do anything that would compromise her.  One thing that bothered me was the actual similarity to Downton Abbey.  I found myself picturing the television characters and wondering if this author wrote this book while watching Downton.  It might just be influence but that did take away from the enjoyment a bit.  Too predictable, too common.

That said, it was a quick, fun read and I will likely read the next one in the series.  Being a bit obsessed with all things England, it fit into that niche perfectly.

You can read the first chapter here.  Are you hooked?

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.
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