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A Refuge at Highland Hall
A Refuge at Highland Hall
A Refuge at Highland Hall
Audiobook12 hours

A Refuge at Highland Hall

Written by Carrie Turansky

Narrated by Veida Dehmlow

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

()

About this audiobook

In this third and final book in the Edwardian Brides series, listeners are swept away to England and France in 1915. At this time the Ramsey family, their staff, and friends face the dramatic challenges and losses of World War One, yet they also experience the hope and triumph that comes as they put their trust in God to carry them through. Penny Ramsey helps the family welcome a group of orphaned children to Highland Hall, but she soon discovers that caring for them is more difficult than she'd expected. She writes to Alex Goodwin, a daring British pilot who chases German Zeppelins across the sky over the front line in France, and longs for the day she will see him again.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateOct 20, 2015
ISBN9781494581626
A Refuge at Highland Hall
Author

Carrie Turansky

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of twenty-one inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She loves traveling to England to research her Edwardian novels, including No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and the Edwardian Brides series. Her novels have been translated into several languages and have received starred reviews from Christianbook.com and Library Journal. Learn more at carrieturansky.com.

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Reviews for A Refuge at Highland Hall

Rating: 4.44000016 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

25 ratings8 reviews

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    As with the first 2 stories in Carrie Turansky's Edwardian Bride series, A Refuge at Highland Hall was a clean book and well-written. The story takes place in and around one of England's large manor houses prior to and during World War I. The time frame if 1915-1919 and the background story is the War and how it affects the entire populace no matter their station in life.Refuge is truly a major theme of the book and refuge is found within the confines of Highland Hall. But other types of refuge - refuge of the soul and emotions is found in those in and around Highland Hall and the marvelous way they show gracious caring for one another.There is a touch of drama toward the end, but mainly the story moves along at a gracious, easy reading pace letting the reader peek into the lives of folks during the war years
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Penny Ramsey has left Highland Hall for London to help her sister take care of eight orphaned children that have come into their home and Kate is expecting her first child. The children’s parents have either been killed in the war or have abandoned them. Keeping the children occupied with the restrictions of war time is a challenge for Kate and Penny. While in London, Kate’s physician husband Jon runs into an old friend who has been injured during pilot training. Jon invites Alex Goodwin over for dinner and he entertains the family with stories of his training and life growing up in India. Alex also hits if off with Penny. Eventually, the bombings in London make it unsafe for the family to remain so they return to Highland Hall, which is located in the country. Alex heals and returns to training and the war.Alex has poured his life into becoming the best pilot he can be. He feels a sense of duty and honor to protect the innocent women and children of his country by trying his best to prevent the German zeppelins from bombing England. He and Penny correspond by letter, with each eagerly looking forward to receiving the others letter. As their correspondence continues, their feelings for each other grow. They share a faith in God, but can their budding romance survive war or become a casualty of it?I have enjoyed this entire series, especially this last book. The way this family lived their faith daily was truly a joy to read about. With William and Jon leading their families in daily devotions, prayer and as living examples for their wives and children to see was just marvelous! When mistakes were made by some who made wrong choices, grace and compassion were extended time and again. I thought the author did a great job depicting the anxiety and reality of the emotions during this time period of war. The book contains romance, faith, acts of heroism, bravery, courage and much more. I’m anxiously awaiting the next series this author pens. I’m sure it will hold true to her sense of Christian values.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I enjoyed this final instalment in the Edwardian Brides trilogy rather more than the last book, which I found too ‘preachy’ and clichéd. It was the story of Penelope, the youngest of the two Ramsey sisters, and set in the midst of the First World War- in the summer of 1916, to be precise. Some other beloved characters also return, including Lydia, the faithful servant of the family and close friend of the Ramsey girls, as well as their young cousins John and Milly, now in their teens.

    There is conflict and humour, with Katherine and her husband’s brood of adopted children, whom they bring to Highland Hall to escape Zeppelin raids on London. There is also a chance of love for Lydia, in the form of a man working in the grounds, incarcerated in a local prison camp because of his family’s German roots.
    Character’s feelings and relationships are developed slowly and with sensitivity, and not too much ‘instalove’ mushy romance. Personally, I prefer stories that follow and develop characters and their stories over time even after they are married, then traditional romance tropes. Of course, there is some of that, but it’s not overwhelming.

    The historical details seemed to be accurate, and those about the early pilots who fought in the First World War were fascinating. Aside from a few Americanisms as I observed in some of the last books, I had no real complaints with this one. Another reviewer did mention a loose end or two that were not tied up with a couple of the characters, and that might bother some readers, but I don't want to give away too much.
    The Christian messages and theme seemed to be woven well into the story, and come to the characters quite naturally considering their backgrounds rather than seeming forced or unrealistic. Generally, this was a satisfying conclusion to the series, and a solid work of historical fiction reminiscent of Downton Abbey.

    I received an e-book edition of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss for review. I also purchased the audio version of my own volition. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Penny Ramsey has left Highland Hall for London to help her sister take care of eight orphaned children that have come into their home and Kate is expecting her first child. The children’s parents have either been killed in the war or have abandoned them. Keeping the children occupied with the restrictions of war time is a challenge for Kate and Penny. While in London, Kate’s physician husband Jon runs into an old friend who has been injured during pilot training. Jon invites Alex Goodwin over for dinner and he entertains the family with stories of his training and life growing up in India. Alex also hits if off with Penny. Eventually, the bombings in London make it unsafe for the family to remain so they return to Highland Hall, which is located in the country. Alex heals and returns to training and the war.Alex has poured his life into becoming the best pilot he can be. He feels a sense of duty and honor to protect the innocent women and children of his country by trying his best to prevent the German zeppelins from bombing England. He and Penny correspond by letter, with each eagerly looking forward to receiving the others letter. As their correspondence continues, their feelings for each other grow. They share a faith in God, but can their budding romance survive war or become a casualty of it?I have enjoyed this entire series, especially this last book. The way this family lived their faith daily was truly a joy to read about. With William and Jon leading their families in daily devotions, prayer and as living examples for their wives and children to see was just marvelous! When mistakes were made by some who made wrong choices, grace and compassion were extended time and again. I thought the author did a great job depicting the anxiety and reality of the emotions during this time period of war. The book contains romance, faith, acts of heroism, bravery, courage and much more. I’m anxiously awaiting the next series this author pens. I’m sure it will hold true to her sense of Christian values.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I am beginning to love reading books about WWI and this was a great one to read. It was fun to read how Penny and Alex meet and then get to know each other. Some of the historical bits were great also. I loved learning a little about the Zeppelins and other things with planes at that part of time. There was a little suspense in the story and a lot of romance. It was nice to see the difference in living in London or in the country. It was smart for people to send the children into the country if they could. This was a wonderful edition to the Highland Hall series. I received a copy of this book from Bloggingforbooks for a fair and honest opinion.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Friday, October 23, 2015A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky, © 2015Edwardian Brides Series, Book 3A lovely story of hope and love during turbulent times.Happenstance acquaintanceship builds throughout the story, as those spark a need further on.1915, World War IMoved to the countryside at Highland Hall, near Fulton, in Berkshire, a family closes up their Kensington home following blitz bombings throughout London by the Germans, removing women and children out of harms' way.The childhood home of sisters Kate Foster and Penny Ramsey, they rejoin their cousin Sir William Ramsey and his wife Julia, now overseeing the estate of Highland Hall since the death of the sisters' parents. Julia's brother, Dr. Jonathan Foster and his wife, Kate, have brought their orphaned and abandoned children they rescued from the streets in need of care. Five girls and three boys, ages four to fifteen, the country life has brought them hope and a new experience of being able to play freely on the grounds.German prisoners are brought in to care for the fields, after the departure of the men going to British war aide. All is not as it seems, as some were children when they arrived with their families from Germany, but because of their parentage they are detained in encampment with guards. Those who had been bankers and other trades, going on with their lives, caring for their families and loved ones. War has brought upheaval to their lives as well, disrupting what they hold dear.Lieutenant Alexander Goodwin and his sister, Lindy, become reacquainted with hope for a future contact between them. Their parents had divorced, now their father deceased and their mother remarried. It took bravery for Alex to knock on the London home he had not lived in to seek out his welcome and his younger sister separated from him for so many years. Spurned away, he seeks refuge with new friends, Dr. Jon whom he has known since their boyhood in India, on his three-day weekend before returning for pilot training with the Royal Naval Air Service against enemy craft.Penny and Alex write to each other after he returns to his service. Uplifting for him, gives her a personal interest in the war, as they share encouragement back and forth.My favorite part was how Alex spoke into Andrew Ramsey's life by being honest and vulnerable with his own decisions. Young Andrew will one day inherit Highland Hall, as the eldest son. Invaluable imparting wisdom and love by example, Alex will have a huge turn about in Andrew's life choices.The Edwardian Brides Series includes book 1, The Governess of Highland Hall; book 2, The Daughter of Highland Hall; and book 3, A Refuge at Highland Hall written by author Carrie Turansky.***Thank you to author Carrie Turansky for inviting me to be a part of the review team for this third novel, A Refuge of Highland Hall, and to WaterBrook Multnomah for sending me a pre-release copy. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Carrie Turansky has done it again! The third and final entry in the Edwardian Brides series brings the journey of the Ramsey and Foster families to romantic-sigh-inducing, faith-affirming, and entirely satisfying conclusion.Though each story in the series stands alone, they do build upon each other, and at the opening of A Refuge at Highland Hall, Penny Ramsey and Alex Goodwin have both received their first bruises of adulthood: Penny, a heartbreak over a lost *idea* of love, and Alex, an injury and professional black mark following a plane crash during his military training. Not to give anything away... ***spoiler alert!*** ...but it's very engaging how the author sets up more serious wounds later in the story from the very opening pages.***End spoiler section! You can resume reading now! :)In my opinion, author Carrie Turansky's style is best described as engrossing. She handles multiple points-of-view and subplots with skill and flair, and as in the other books of the series, this novel contains a secondary romance. Due to the wartime setting, it also brings quite a bit more action than the first two Highland Hall books, while still remaining true to the voice of the series.The faith elements are strong and steady throughout. The WWI backdrop provides true-to-life prompting for the characters to "pray without ceasing." The story emphasizes leaning on the Lord in times of conflict, whether that conflict arises between nations or schoolboys. Several characters are challenged to grow in faith and personal governance, learning to make wise choices, accepting circumstances, and thriving in God's choices for them.A rich and well-plotted story, with expert pacing and characters who feel deeply and inspire the reader to do the same. I enjoyed A Refuge at Highland Hall a great deal, and strongly recommend it for readers who love twentieth-century historicals, chaste romance, and Christ-honoring fiction!The other books in this series are:The Governess of Highland HallThe Daughter of Highland HallI received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review; my opinions are my own!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Every once in awhile a reader will come across a book that sweeps them away to another era. They are so immersed in the story that they can't stop reading. This is one of those few books that captivates you from the beginning. This is the third installment of a breathtaking series called The Edwardian Brides series. The story is set during WWI and we find one of the main characters, Penny coming to live with her sister and brother-in-law. She has her hands full with helping her sister with orphan children they have graciously opened their home to. At one point in the story we are introduced to Alex. He is a pilot for the British and is set to return to battle very soon. They become smitten with each other and they find it hard to say goodbye when he has to leave. Is true love awaiting them? Can their feelings stay strong even though they are miles apart from each other? The descriptive details of Alex at war is so vivid you feel like you are in the fighter plane with him. You can almost hear the bombs as they explode around the plane and pierce your ears with the loud rumble the plane makes. Even though Penny and Alex exchange letters during his time at war, she worries for his safety and the emotions are real and heartfelt . There are many dimensions to the story that keep the reader so intensely involved as the words flow effortlessly across the pages. The author does an amazing job of writing about the struggles the characters deal with. She shares their true emotions that come to life on the pages. I recommend this moving story to anyone that loves a gripping storyline filled with conflict , hope , faith, unforgettable characters and a book you will remember long after the last word has been read. This is one book that I will always cherish as it gave me a story that will forever be in my heart. I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review