Today’s book review features
The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel.
About the Book
Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.
When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.
Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.
From Goodreads
Author Information
Discover more about Jennifer Deibel at: jenniferdeibel.com.
Danielle’s Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel is her third historical romance set in Ireland.
I love the setting of these books. The touches of Gaelic add authenticity to the story. And, in this book, there is even an Easter egg for those who read one of the author’s past ones. That was fun!
This Cinderella story is a beautiful one. Brianna is the type of character you can’t help but root for. Even though everything has gone wrong for her and she is sorely mistreated, she has a lovely spirit about her. And Michael is a true hero, the kind I wish all those of privilege could be.
Trigger warning, here. I’ll admit there were a few scenes that were hard to read. Brianna, like the fairytale Cinderella, suffers abuse. While the author isn’t graphic about it, it’s still hard to see, but I love how Michael handles it.
If you love historical romance, fairytale retellings, Ireland-set stories, or a combination of all three, then give this one a read.
Retail Links
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