The Governess of Highland Hall (48 page)

5. Sarah’s handicap was caused by a stroke when she was an infant, and it limited her use of one hand and arm. Clark helps her see that God can bring good into our lives through our handicaps and struggles. Can you share a difficult experience or limitation you’ve faced in your life and a way God used it for good?

6. William thought inheriting the title of baronet and overseeing his family’s estate would help him regain his feelings of self-worth. What are some other ways a person could regain a sense of self-worth and experience healing after they have been hurt or betrayed?

7. Katherine was preparing for the London social season and her debut in society where she hoped to meet her future husband. What do you think of these methods of finding a mate? Were they too shallow, or do we overthink it today, relying less on family connections?

8. Sarah and Julia enjoyed a special friendship. What do you think drew them together? What are some of the blessings you have enjoyed in your friendships?

9. Andrew had a hard time controlling all his extra energy. What are some ways Julia helped him deal with that challenge? Do you find children with Andrew’s challenges receive greater empathy and resources today or not?

10. At the beginning of the story, Julia felt her family was called to serve the Lord in India, but in the end she changed her mind and decided to stay in England and marry William. What do you think of her choosing a different direction in life? Have you ever sensed the Lord directing you to serve Him in a particular way? Have you ever changed course and gone in a different direction?

11. Sarah asks Julia to keep information about Clark from William. Do you think she was right in doing so, and was Julia, as William’s employee, right to keep the secret to herself?

12. When the story opens William has a formal and distant relationship to God. How did it change over the course of the story, and what brought about those changes?

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

There were many people who provided support, information, and encouragement in the process of bringing this book to life. In the research and writing of
The Governess of Highland Hall
, I am deeply grateful to

• Cathy Gohlke, fellow author and friend, who helped me brainstorm the original ideas, loaned me research books, and gave me constant encouragement throughout the writing and revision process. This book would not have been possible without your love, friendship, and support.

• Steve Laube, my literary agent, for his wise counsel and guidance, and for being an anchor and a tireless advocate. I feel blessed to be your client.

• Terri Gillespie, Claudia Gentile, Katy Dovgala-Carr, and Ella Furlong, my friends and fellow authors, for providing helpful brainstorming and thoughtful critiques.

• Iola Gulton and Evangeline Holland, for their help with English customs, dress, and language, and for general knowledge of the time period. As an American writing a historical novel set in England, I definitely needed their input and assistance.

• Shannon Marchese, Karen Ball, Laura Wright, and Rose Decaen, my gifted editors, who helped me revise and polish this story so readers might truly enjoy it.

• Kristopher Orr, the talented designer at WaterBrook Multnomah, and Mike Heath, of Magnus Creative, for their work on the cover that so beautifully portrays the mood, heroine, and setting of the story.

• Amy Haddock, Ashley Boyer, and the whole team at WaterBrook Multnomah, for their outstanding work with marketing, publicity, production, and sales, and to each one there who played a part in bringing this book to you.

• Scott, Josh, Melinda, Melissa, Peter, Ben, Galan, Lizzy, Megan, and Shirley, for their love and belief that I could write something worthwhile. It’s a joy to share the journey with you!

Most of all, I thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His constant love and watch-care over my family and me. I am grateful for the gifts and talents He has given, and I hope always to use those to bring Him glory and honor.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

C
ARRIE
T
URANSKY
has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of eleven inspirational romance novels and novellas. Carrie and her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, author, and speaker, have been married for more than thirty-five years and make their home in New Jersey. They often travel together on ministry trips and to visit their five adult children and three grandchildren. Carrie also leads women’s ministry at her church, and when she’s not writing she enjoys spending time working in her flower gardens and cooking healthy meals for friends and family.

She loves to connect with reading friends through her website,
www.carrieturansky.com
, and through Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Coming soon!

Look for
The
DAUGHTER
of
HIGHLAND HALL
in October 2014.

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