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.
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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 is 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 ( )

This is book 3 of the Edwardian Brides series. The story begins in 1915 during World War I. Penny Ramsey has gone to London to assist her pregnant sister Kate and her husband Jon with the 8 orphaned children they have taken into their home. Penny meets Lt. Alexander Goodwin, a Royal Naval Air Service pilot in training, at an outing for convalescing soldiers. He is also a friend of Jon's and she sees him again when he visits at their home. When zeppelins start bombing London, Penny and her family return to Highland Hall, her childhood home that is in the country. Alex will return to the Royal Naval Air Service to complete his training and he will go on to fight in the war in France. Penny and Alex correspond with letters and their affection for one another grows over time, but when tragedy strikes their friendship and love will be put to the test. They will need the strength of family and their faith in God if they will be able to push through the problems and have any chance at a life together.

I don't want to give away too much of the story as it would contain spoilers. I haven't read the other two books in this series but this book read just fine as a stand alone. The author provided just enough background information on the other characters so I never felt lost or confused. The story flowed very smoothly between the different characters. I enjoyed reading the correspondence between Penny and Alex and watching their affection for each other grow. There was also a secondary romance that was very sweet to see develop. I liked how the family comes together to help one another and how they put their faith in God to see them through. The ending was great and I hope to go back to read the other two books in this series so I can read Julia and Kate's stories.

I received this book free through GoodReads First Reads in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )

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. ( )

A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky is book 3 in the Edwardian Bride series. While it is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone novel. I found it to be quite a relaxing read that I enjoyed over the holiday break.

It's full of faith, history and romance as well as hope, new beginnings and miracles. I found this book be uplifting and inspirational ~ I highly recommend it!

Thank you to Multnomah and Netgalley for the free copy provided to me in exchange for an honest review. ( )