THE DAUGHTER OF HIGHLAND HALL - Carrie Turansky - One Free Book

Welcome back, Carrie. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

Watching Downton Abbey first stirred my interest in the Edwardian era. Then I met with an editor at a conference who was looking for a historical romance set in England that was similar to Downton but unique. I decided to take up the challenge. When I was doing research for the Governess of Highland Hall, the first book in the Edwardian Brides Series, I came across several references to the London season that told how a young woman prepared to come out in society, including her formal presentation to the king and queen. I wanted to find out more about how young women in Edwardian times prepared for marriage and found a mate … and that led me into all kind of fun research, and the story for The Daughter of Highland Hall grew out of that.

I loved Governess of Highland Hall. I can’t wait to read this one. If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Time together with other authors is such a treat! I’d invite Becky Wade, Katherine Reay, Susie Warren, Deborah Raney, Debbie Macomber, and Terri Gillespie. I’ve enjoyed books by all these ladies, and it would be fun to brainstorm ideas and just have a good chat.

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Oh, wouldn’t that be fun! I’d invite Cathy Gohlke, Sarah Ladd, Julie Klassen, Kristy Cambron, Lori Benton, and Liz Curtis Higgs. It would be great to talk about research trips and tips with these lovely ladies.

Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

It’s a challenge to stick to my schedule and finish my word count for the day as well as balance writing with everything else going on in life. We have a very active ministry, adult children, and grandchildren we try to stay in touch with often, and lots more going on. Life is never boring at our house! It takes discipline and perseverance to reach my writing goals. I don’t think that will change no matter how many books I write.

Tell us about the featured book.

Book two in the Edwardian Brides Series, The Daughter of Highland Hall, follows 18-year-old Kate Ramsey on a journey of faith and self-discovery as she travels to London to make her debut in society. Her overbearing aunt insists she secure a marriage proposal from a wealthy, titled man to gain a position and secure her future. As Kate begins making the round of balls and garden parties, she attracts the attention of Edward Wellington, who seems to have all the qualifications she is looking for, yet, she’s not sure if he is the best choice. Will that lifestyle bring her true happiness?

When a shocking family scandal forces Kate out of the social spotlight, she has time to volunteer with medical student Jonathan Foster, the handsome and caring brother of her governess. Jonathan, a strong Christian, is determined to help the poor in London’s East End. As her friendship with Jonathan deepens and her faith grows, Kate begins to envision a different kind of future, one that includes Jonathan. Is she ready to make the sacrifices that choice would require? If she does, what will her family and society think?

Please give us the first page of the book.

If she lived to be one hundred and five, Katherine Evangeline Ramsey would never understand why every debutante must begin the London social season by curtsying to the king and queen. Of course, she was excited to be presented at court and to take part in her first season. She had looked forward to it for years, however, mastering the required skills had proven more challenging than she’d expected.

But her aunt, Lady Louisa Gatewood, insisted that was how every well-bred young lady made her debut into English society and announced she was ready for marriage. Kate certainly hoped her aunt was right. Because marriage to the right man was the only way she would gain control of her life and create a future for herself.

Pulling in a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders and prepared to practice her curtsy once more.

Mr. Philippe Rounpear, her gray-haired dancing master, lowered his bushy, silver eyebrows and pointed his white-gloved finger at Kate. “You must float over the floor like a swan gliding across a lake.” He gave a firm nod. “Try again, please.”

How many times was he going to make her do this? Kate stuffed down her frustration and cast a heated glance at her aunt Louisa, who sat on a high-backed chair by the piano, taking on the role of King George V.

Her aunt stiffened. “Katherine, the only way you will gain a position in society is to take your training seriously.”

“I am taking it seriously!” The words flew from Kate’s mouth before she could stop them.

“Then you must conquer these presentation formalities and do them perfectly.”

Kate swallowed the sharp reply rising in her throat, tugged her skirt aside, and stepped into her next curtsy.

Mr. Rounpear’s voice rang out. “No, no! You look as stiff as a broom.” He crossed the oriental carpet of her cousin William Ramsey’s London drawing room and tapped her left shoulder. “You must relax your posture. Think grace, think poise.”

Heat flushed her face. She looked past the dancing master at her younger sister, Penny, who sat next to their aunt, pretending to be Queen Mary. Penny’s eyes danced as she waited for Kate to attempt her next curtsy.

Kate narrowed her gaze at her sister. Just wait. In two years you will be eighteen, and you’ll have to prepare for your own presentation. You won’t be laughing then!

Mr. Rounpear clapped his hands. “Miss Katherine, our hour is almost over. One more time, please.”

“All right.” Katherine blew out a breath and tried to relax her shoulders. She would get this right or expire in the process. She had to. Her future depended on it. Lifting her chin, she stepped to the side, then crossed one leg behind the other, and slowly sank down in front of her Aunt Louisa.

“Better.” Mr. Rounpear nodded. “Not perfect, but better. Now lower your head, count to three, then rise slowly.”

Katherine’s legs burned as she waited and then rose.

“Now take two steps to the right, and curtsy to the queen.”

Katherine glanced at Penny and took the first step, but when she took the second, her foot tangled in her skirt. She gasped and her hand shot out.

Penny smirked and covered her mouth.

Katherine swayed, struggling to recover her balance.

Mr. Rounpear scowled. “Is that how you will conduct yourself at your presentation?”

“Of course not.” Kate untangled her skirt and turned toward the windows, frustration bubbling up within. This man was impossible! She would like to see him curtsy fifty times and never lose his balance.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I enjoy connecting with readers on my website and blog: http://carrieturansky.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorcarrieturansky

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/carrieturansky/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/carrieturansky

Thank you, Carrie, for sharing this new book with us.

More about Carrie and this book here: http://litfusegroup.com/author/cturansky 

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Daughter of Highland Hall - Christianbook.com
The Daughter of Highland Hall: A Novel (Edwardian Brides) - Amazon
The Daughter of Highland Hall: A Novel (Edwardian Brides Book 2) - Kindle

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