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The Kitchen Maid
Jenny is determined to make her own way in the world, and she secures a job as the kitchen maid in a grand house in Yorkshire. Gradually, she gains the attention of the young master of the house, and they fall in love.But their hopes and dreams turn to nightmares, culminating in a scandal that will force Jenny to leave behind everything she knows.
Cast aside by her own family, Jenny faces many difficulties until an usual promise changes the course of her life. Jenny the kitchen maid becomes the mistress of her own grand house. Although she tries to fit in with this new world, however, she never forgets the words that the gypsy told that one day she will return to where she was once happy - and discover her true love . . .
If you've liked books by Katie Flynn and Dilly Court, you'll love Val's heartwarming stories of triumph over adversity.
Cast aside by her own family, Jenny faces many difficulties until an usual promise changes the course of her life. Jenny the kitchen maid becomes the mistress of her own grand house. Although she tries to fit in with this new world, however, she never forgets the words that the gypsy told that one day she will return to where she was once happy - and discover her true love . . .
If you've liked books by Katie Flynn and Dilly Court, you'll love Val's heartwarming stories of triumph over adversity.
562 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2004
103 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Val Wood
45 books94 followers Valerie Wood
Since winning the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction for her first novel, The Hungry Tide, Val Wood has become one of the most popular authors in the UK. Born in the mining town of Castleford, Val came to East Yorkshire as a child and has lived in Hull and rural Holderness where many of her novels are set. She now lives in the market town of Beverley. When she is not writing, Val is busy promoting libraries and supporting many charities. Find out more about Val Wood's novels by visiting her website: www.valeriewood.co.uk
Since winning the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction for her first novel, The Hungry Tide, Val Wood has become one of the most popular authors in the UK. Born in the mining town of Castleford, Val came to East Yorkshire as a child and has lived in Hull and rural Holderness where many of her novels are set. She now lives in the market town of Beverley. When she is not writing, Val is busy promoting libraries and supporting many charities. Find out more about Val Wood's novels by visiting her website: www.valeriewood.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 12, 2014
I loved this book read it three times and love it just as much as the first time
July 26, 2018
Jenny is born in Hull, a town in the north of England. When they mention oil, it's whale oil. Jenny can see at fourteen that she is going to be at home forever helping her mother rear the boys, and wants better. She sneaks off to a posh town and applies for the job of kitchen maid, the only work she knows.
This leads to a string of consequences which involve young love, the jail, early motherhood, social ostracism, elevation and perhaps even love. The conventions of the day were turned on their heads by various people, more so this far north of London where trade was the lifeblood of the folks.
I enjoyed the lengthy read and the well described look at hard work in times past.
This is an unbiased review.
This leads to a string of consequences which involve young love, the jail, early motherhood, social ostracism, elevation and perhaps even love. The conventions of the day were turned on their heads by various people, more so this far north of London where trade was the lifeblood of the folks.
I enjoyed the lengthy read and the well described look at hard work in times past.
This is an unbiased review.
May 25, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, if your into your historical romance stories the is for you.
June 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this book good story and had some unexpected turns, well written story in the Catherine Cookson style which is what I like, if you enjoyed period romance with some suspense this is one not to be missed
February 11, 2017
My wonderfully thoughtful mother brings me back books when she's on holiday instead of other memorabilia. I love her.
This was one of the books from her last trip. I forgot every other book I had been reading at the time I received it and started with this one at once. I wanted to know everything about Jenny, Kitchenmaid.
And I loved it. Sure, I was shocked and sad and anxious but also happy and relieved and fascinated. What a life! I've never read this perspective.
I have to especially comment on the difference of style between diary entries and narrative. That's what made this book even more real.
Now, there was a thing that happened in this book that I, personally, just couldn't live with, therefore the lower rating. But for 98%, I absolutely adored this book. I'd like to pretend the other 2% just didn't happen.
This was one of the books from her last trip. I forgot every other book I had been reading at the time I received it and started with this one at once. I wanted to know everything about Jenny, Kitchenmaid.
And I loved it. Sure, I was shocked and sad and anxious but also happy and relieved and fascinated. What a life! I've never read this perspective.
I have to especially comment on the difference of style between diary entries and narrative. That's what made this book even more real.
Now, there was a thing that happened in this book that I, personally, just couldn't live with, therefore the lower rating. But for 98%, I absolutely adored this book. I'd like to pretend the other 2% just didn't happen.
March 18, 2013
I can't seem to find what my book cover looks like and the only version I can find is this ebook. My Mum loaned me this book to read. Nice story, easy reading, and quite enjoyable. The only complaints were Jenny would get on my nerves with her endless self doubts and that the story line was quite predictable throughout.
August 5, 2012
thoughly enjoying this book im nearly finished it:). would recomend it to you all finished this winder full book i enjoyed every page its one of those bookss once started cant put it down enjoy:-)
December 15, 2013
very touching about the struggle s of a young strong women and her family, who eventually blossomed in to strong women in her own right. fantastic reading.
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May 17, 2014Fantastic book by a favourite author the characters are wonderful the stories being set in the area i live in makes it easy to get into the places and settings in the story
October 20, 2016
Excellent book, would recommend.
August 9, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book so much, it took me in a journey to England in the 1860s on forward. It was such an interesting period and what an interesting story. Jenny The Kitchen Maid who had a very interesting life full of drama since she was 13 and finally getting her happy ending by her 30s. I felt like I was reading one of Jane Austin’s books which I really love, I think I really enjoy this era I would probably be looking for more of Valerie Wood’s books.
November 5, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
This is a great story of love and sacrifice. The author used plenty of detail to describe the Times and food and clothing without going overboard and making it boring. It kept me completely interested and not wanting to put it down. No horror or suspense just a lovely story of families and their love and sacrifices. I highly recommend it. I want to read more by Val Wood.
This is a great story of love and sacrifice. The author used plenty of detail to describe the Times and food and clothing without going overboard and making it boring. It kept me completely interested and not wanting to put it down. No horror or suspense just a lovely story of families and their love and sacrifices. I highly recommend it. I want to read more by Val Wood.
September 1, 2018
A fill in book for me, thought it would be another Upstairs Downstairs, Downton Abbey sort of book, which to some extent it was. Decided to read it because it’s set in Hull, Beverley and Driffield. Much as I expected but with a good storyline and easy to read, won’t tax you though. What you read is what you get.😊
December 14, 2019
Fantastic read
I have only ever been a Catherine Cookson fan, for this style of writing, and so was skeptical. For my book challenge I had to read a local author and chose Val Wood because I could see that her books are set in the local area too. I loved this! the story, the characters, the history, the twist, everything. I will certainly be reading more.
I have only ever been a Catherine Cookson fan, for this style of writing, and so was skeptical. For my book challenge I had to read a local author and chose Val Wood because I could see that her books are set in the local area too. I loved this! the story, the characters, the history, the twist, everything. I will certainly be reading more.
January 7, 2020
Fantastic will read another book by this author.
March 28, 2022
Very good, from beginning to end.
October 8, 2025
3.5 STARS
Reread of an old favourite from my teenage years. With a pre-Coronation Street Michelle Keegan modelling as Jenny the Kitchen maid on the main cover! Double nostalgia.
Reread of an old favourite from my teenage years. With a pre-Coronation Street Michelle Keegan modelling as Jenny the Kitchen maid on the main cover! Double nostalgia.
October 22, 2023
Jenny is determined to make her own way in the world, and she secures a job as the kitchen maid in a grand house in Yorkshire. Gradually, she gains the attention of the young master of the house, and they fall in love.But their hopes and dreams turn to nightmares, culminating in a scandal that will force Jenny to leave behind everything she knows.
Cast aside by her own family, Jenny faces many difficulties until an usual promise changes the course of her life. Jenny the kitchen maid becomes the mistress of her own grand house. Although she tries to fit in with this new world, however, she never forgets the words that the gypsy told her: that one day she will return to where she was once happy - and discover her true love . . .
A well written story, the author has great attention to detail really taking you back in time and allowing you to imagine and be there living Jenny’s life with her.
Cast aside by her own family, Jenny faces many difficulties until an usual promise changes the course of her life. Jenny the kitchen maid becomes the mistress of her own grand house. Although she tries to fit in with this new world, however, she never forgets the words that the gypsy told her: that one day she will return to where she was once happy - and discover her true love . . .
A well written story, the author has great attention to detail really taking you back in time and allowing you to imagine and be there living Jenny’s life with her.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews