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A Lady's Maid
Molly O’Malley, lady’s maid to the progressive Lady Amanda Halloway, is determined to continue the life’s work of her lost love, killed in the Peterloo Massacre. But when her efforts and a trip to Lady Halloway’s charitable orphanage culminate in her own abduction, Molly’s eyes are opened to the horrifying crimes transpiring in the city’s slums. Despite the risks, she broadens her mission and is drawn ever closer to the peril all around them. Thomas Flaherty, a footman in the Halloway household, has been with Molly from the beginning, but he fears she will never trust him with her heart. Even though her cause and happiness are of foremost importance to him, his loyal patience is tested by the fears that keep her at a distance. But with their safety on the line, Thomas is resolved to sacrifice everything for the woman he loves. Risking their lives and their love, Molly and Thomas and a team of nobles on their side will stop at nothing to empower the powerless, no matter the personal cost.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2019
30 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Jen Geigle Johnson
47 books737 followersAn award winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards and LDSPMA Praiseworthy's top award for Romance, Jen Geigle Johnson has more stories circulating in her brain than can possibly be told. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. HIstory is her main jam. Her literary heroes include the greats: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. But she has modern sensibilities as well. Six children and an inspiring husband keep her going and make certain she doesn't stay glued to a keyboard or lost in obscure fascinating details of old castles. She once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. She waterskis like a boss and hits the powder, falling down steep moguls with grace. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love with the man who would become her everything.
Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.
https://www.jengeiglejohnson.com
Twitter--@authorjen
Instagram--@authorlyjen
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenGei...
Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.
https://www.jengeiglejohnson.com
Twitter--@authorjen
Instagram--@authorlyjen
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenGei...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
July 30, 2019
Holy moley! What a story!! I read my first book by Jen Geigle Johnson 13 short months ago and she's quickly becoming one of my favorite new authors. I wouldn't classify this strictly as a romance--there are elements of romance in it but I feel they're secondary to the main theme which is women's suffrage. If anyone would've told me I'd love a book about women's suffrage and child labor in England in the 1830's I wouldn't have believed them.
This book takes place about 10 years after the events in The Nobleman's Daughter, where Molly O'Malley loses the man she loves in the Peterloo Massacre. Lady Amanda and her husband Lord Halloway are still working for women to be given the right to vote and Molly, Lady Amanda's maid, and Thomas Flaherty, a footman in the Halloway household, work with them on this important issue.
I learned so much about women's suffrage while reading this book. I had no idea it was an issue in the 1830's. As I read what Molly and the other women went through I felt as if I was there watching it happen. I loved how Thomas was there for Molly, and how patient he'd been for so many years while she healed from losing Charlie, not knowing if she'd ever see him as more than a good friend. I really liked how Lady Amanda, and Lord Halloway cared for those that worked for them, and helped so many children by building orphanages.
I loved the example of Lady Amanda and her husband. They used their position in Society to help others, not use them for their own benefit. One of my favorite parts was when shy Lady Chloe finds her voice and joins the cause. One of the Lords pointed out that "each household gets a vote already. Why clog the voting process by adding additional voices?" Chloe responds "Because my voice is my own."
This book is about serious subjects--child labor, hunger forcing women to do horrible things to provide for their children, and most in the upper classes turning a blind eye to it (at the least), and some who made the situation even worse, but it's also about love, caring for others who are less fortunate, and striving to make a difference for those who come after us.
Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for my copy to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book takes place about 10 years after the events in The Nobleman's Daughter, where Molly O'Malley loses the man she loves in the Peterloo Massacre. Lady Amanda and her husband Lord Halloway are still working for women to be given the right to vote and Molly, Lady Amanda's maid, and Thomas Flaherty, a footman in the Halloway household, work with them on this important issue.
I learned so much about women's suffrage while reading this book. I had no idea it was an issue in the 1830's. As I read what Molly and the other women went through I felt as if I was there watching it happen. I loved how Thomas was there for Molly, and how patient he'd been for so many years while she healed from losing Charlie, not knowing if she'd ever see him as more than a good friend. I really liked how Lady Amanda, and Lord Halloway cared for those that worked for them, and helped so many children by building orphanages.
I loved the example of Lady Amanda and her husband. They used their position in Society to help others, not use them for their own benefit. One of my favorite parts was when shy Lady Chloe finds her voice and joins the cause. One of the Lords pointed out that "each household gets a vote already. Why clog the voting process by adding additional voices?" Chloe responds "Because my voice is my own."
This book is about serious subjects--child labor, hunger forcing women to do horrible things to provide for their children, and most in the upper classes turning a blind eye to it (at the least), and some who made the situation even worse, but it's also about love, caring for others who are less fortunate, and striving to make a difference for those who come after us.
Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for my copy to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
July 14, 2019
I learned more about women's suffrage, the plight of child workers,the fate of destitute women, and those who took advantage of the most disadvantaged than I ever have with any other book I've read. This story made me feel like I had stepped back in time and was a part of it from the inside instead of merely reading about it in a book. Jen Geigle Johnson brought this all to life for me with her evocative words, her passion for accurately researching and portraying historical details, and her way of painting pictures in my head.
This was a time of much turmoil for women especially because they wanted rights like men and be treated fairly. They wanted their voices to be heard and found worthy. They wanted to have a say in voting for leaders in their communities and country. Some did it diplomatically with public rallies and suffrage meeting in homes, while others were bolder and took more drastic measures in their own hands. Molly was one such character who had a passion that spilled over in her actions. They were not always the wisest choices as you will read about. She was,at times, in much danger and acted irrationally. But I admired her! Her passion also fueled her desire to recruit more women into the cause, thus adding to the ranks of women taking action to be heard. I have to say, I'm not sure I would be as brash or bold if I were in her shoes! She also had a passion for children as evidenced in her work for the orphanage. I can understand her wanting to do more to help alleviate their suffering and station in life.
This was a story that I could get behind because centuries later, I as a woman, have the right to vote & my voice is heard. Many before me laid the foundation and their sacrifice wasn't in vain. I can also appreciate that the child labor law was created, voted on, passed and now I have no fear of future generations of children being forced to work. This touches on so many aspects of life, the grittier,darker side of human nature as well as the good. It's hard to imagine what people went through because our lives today are richer & better. It broke my heart to read stories of how women & children were treated, how some were forced into things no decent human being had the right to force on another. But it also shed light on others who did what they could to help where they were able, especially those wealthy enough to help in financial ways. It opened my eyes! I know that somewhere, somehow I can help someone less fortunate than me in many small ways too.
Finally, the romance! I loved the spark between Thomas & Molly and a secondary between Chloe & Annesley. Reading the journey throughout the book towards their happily-ever-after riddled with twists and turns kept this reader invested, happy, and content when all was said and done.
There wasn't a thing I didn't love about A Lady's Maid ! It felt like so much more than a story, but rather, watching history unfold before my eyes. I especially loved reading the Author's Notes in the back where she gives insight to her research and how this came about in her mind. Don't skip over that part, I think you'll enjoy it as much as I did! I personally recommend this to history buffs, romantics at heart, and those who appreciate a story that completely envelopes you within its pages.
* I received a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. *
This was a time of much turmoil for women especially because they wanted rights like men and be treated fairly. They wanted their voices to be heard and found worthy. They wanted to have a say in voting for leaders in their communities and country. Some did it diplomatically with public rallies and suffrage meeting in homes, while others were bolder and took more drastic measures in their own hands. Molly was one such character who had a passion that spilled over in her actions. They were not always the wisest choices as you will read about. She was,at times, in much danger and acted irrationally. But I admired her! Her passion also fueled her desire to recruit more women into the cause, thus adding to the ranks of women taking action to be heard. I have to say, I'm not sure I would be as brash or bold if I were in her shoes! She also had a passion for children as evidenced in her work for the orphanage. I can understand her wanting to do more to help alleviate their suffering and station in life.
This was a story that I could get behind because centuries later, I as a woman, have the right to vote & my voice is heard. Many before me laid the foundation and their sacrifice wasn't in vain. I can also appreciate that the child labor law was created, voted on, passed and now I have no fear of future generations of children being forced to work. This touches on so many aspects of life, the grittier,darker side of human nature as well as the good. It's hard to imagine what people went through because our lives today are richer & better. It broke my heart to read stories of how women & children were treated, how some were forced into things no decent human being had the right to force on another. But it also shed light on others who did what they could to help where they were able, especially those wealthy enough to help in financial ways. It opened my eyes! I know that somewhere, somehow I can help someone less fortunate than me in many small ways too.
Finally, the romance! I loved the spark between Thomas & Molly and a secondary between Chloe & Annesley. Reading the journey throughout the book towards their happily-ever-after riddled with twists and turns kept this reader invested, happy, and content when all was said and done.
There wasn't a thing I didn't love about A Lady's Maid ! It felt like so much more than a story, but rather, watching history unfold before my eyes. I especially loved reading the Author's Notes in the back where she gives insight to her research and how this came about in her mind. Don't skip over that part, I think you'll enjoy it as much as I did! I personally recommend this to history buffs, romantics at heart, and those who appreciate a story that completely envelopes you within its pages.
* I received a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. *
February 7, 2023
1831 London, England
Enjoyed this novel by a new to me author!
A Lady's Maid has a bit of upstairs/downstairs in addition to shedding light on the plight of child labor and different points of view regarding the suffrage movement. Lots of history included in the story line.
Lady's maid Molly was a fun character driven to pursue the right to vote for women and protect children even if her methods are unconventional and sometimes illegal too.
Look forward to reading more by the author.
Enjoyed this novel by a new to me author!
A Lady's Maid has a bit of upstairs/downstairs in addition to shedding light on the plight of child labor and different points of view regarding the suffrage movement. Lots of history included in the story line.
Lady's maid Molly was a fun character driven to pursue the right to vote for women and protect children even if her methods are unconventional and sometimes illegal too.
Look forward to reading more by the author.
October 4, 2019
I have to say that I really love when Jen Geigle Johnson has a new historical fiction book available. She writes about moments in history that are sometimes not fully remembered as much as others. A Lady's Maid is a great companion novel to her other two historical fiction novels, The Nobleman's Daughter, and Scarlet. Although you can read them each separately, I have loved reading them in order as several of the characters overlap, as well as the events in history. If you haven't read the previous two books, no worries, you will still find yourself immersed in London and the world of nobles and servants, but most importantly, the backbone of the women's suffrage movement.
The author does a great job connecting the historical events from her other books into this one and showing the fortitude of those who were at the Peterloo massacre, continuing forward in their efforts to not stand idly by but to continue working towards freedom for all. Molly, a lady's maid, Lady Amanda, Lady Chloe and Becky, another lady's maid, take the reader on many adventures. Some good natured and others wrought with peril and uncertainty for themselves and those they're trying to help.
While reading this one, I've had many thoughts about what it would have been like to have lived through this moment of history. What it entailed for men in Parliament, for higher ranking women, for working class individuals and also for children. I'm sure there were many emotions involved for all, ranging from fear to elation at the prospect of more individual freedom.
Jen Geigle Johnson brilliantly showed those emotions through these characters and their struggles, as well as the people that they encountered throughout the story. I had moments where I was so emotionally invested that I truly felt fear for these characters. I know they're fictional, but the fear was from the knowledge that real people in history experienced and lived those moments. Some still do today. I was very emotionally invested in these characters that I shared in their joy and cheered with them, I sighed in relief with them, and I was fearful and sorrowful with them. When an author can pull for those emotions from a reader, I count that a great read. I believe this book, as well as the previous two, will stick with me for many, many years to come.
The point of view alternates between a couple different characters. Molly, Lady Chloe and Lord Annesley. I enjoyed the different perspectives that this brought to light in the novel. Each of them sharing similar beliefs but each adding more to the background of the story.
I haven't shared a quote in a book review for a while but there was one that I loved and felt was a great summation of this story and characters, what they were joining together to bring forth.
"Because my voice is my own. I am a unique and valued person in my own right, and I deserve to have a say in the process of our government and in who represents me."
I'm grateful to all those who came before and who took a stand for what they believed in, to forge the path for a brighter future for those who followed.
Content: Clean. This book does deal with many serious and more sensitive issues. Yet, the author wrote the book in such a way as to bring light to those issues but still keep the book clean and well written. Child labor, slavery, human trafficking, blackmail, attempted rape, beatings, rallies, factory work and accidents, moments of peril, orphans, and other issues related to this time in history.
I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
The author does a great job connecting the historical events from her other books into this one and showing the fortitude of those who were at the Peterloo massacre, continuing forward in their efforts to not stand idly by but to continue working towards freedom for all. Molly, a lady's maid, Lady Amanda, Lady Chloe and Becky, another lady's maid, take the reader on many adventures. Some good natured and others wrought with peril and uncertainty for themselves and those they're trying to help.
While reading this one, I've had many thoughts about what it would have been like to have lived through this moment of history. What it entailed for men in Parliament, for higher ranking women, for working class individuals and also for children. I'm sure there were many emotions involved for all, ranging from fear to elation at the prospect of more individual freedom.
Jen Geigle Johnson brilliantly showed those emotions through these characters and their struggles, as well as the people that they encountered throughout the story. I had moments where I was so emotionally invested that I truly felt fear for these characters. I know they're fictional, but the fear was from the knowledge that real people in history experienced and lived those moments. Some still do today. I was very emotionally invested in these characters that I shared in their joy and cheered with them, I sighed in relief with them, and I was fearful and sorrowful with them. When an author can pull for those emotions from a reader, I count that a great read. I believe this book, as well as the previous two, will stick with me for many, many years to come.
The point of view alternates between a couple different characters. Molly, Lady Chloe and Lord Annesley. I enjoyed the different perspectives that this brought to light in the novel. Each of them sharing similar beliefs but each adding more to the background of the story.
I haven't shared a quote in a book review for a while but there was one that I loved and felt was a great summation of this story and characters, what they were joining together to bring forth.
"Because my voice is my own. I am a unique and valued person in my own right, and I deserve to have a say in the process of our government and in who represents me."
I'm grateful to all those who came before and who took a stand for what they believed in, to forge the path for a brighter future for those who followed.
Content: Clean. This book does deal with many serious and more sensitive issues. Yet, the author wrote the book in such a way as to bring light to those issues but still keep the book clean and well written. Child labor, slavery, human trafficking, blackmail, attempted rape, beatings, rallies, factory work and accidents, moments of peril, orphans, and other issues related to this time in history.
I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
August 6, 2019
***4.5 stars***
I am in awe of the women who worked to give us the rights that we have today. This book centers on characters who fought for women's suffrage.
Molly is a lady's maid to a forward-thinking lady. She is given leave to work on a cause both she and her mistress believe in. Amanda Halloway is the MC in The Nobleman's Daughter. (Another book that I highly recommend.) The Lady and her maid make a formidable team.
The characters are wonderful. I enjoyed all of them and their role in the book, with the exception of a very bad man, but even he had an important place in the story. This book really brings out the fight for women to vote and the work that was done to accomplish this goal many years before it became a reality. Not only does this book deal with sufferage, but it also opened my eyes to the working conditions of children in factories and the plight of the poor in Regency England.
If you love historical fiction and to learn while you are reading a well thought out and researched book, you should definitely pick this one up. The characters and plot are engaging. It is entertaining while informative. There is suspense, political intrigue, danger, and romance all put together nicely in one package.
This book contains non-graphic violence, innuendo, descriptions of women forced into a brothel, child endangerment, and romance.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I am in awe of the women who worked to give us the rights that we have today. This book centers on characters who fought for women's suffrage.
Molly is a lady's maid to a forward-thinking lady. She is given leave to work on a cause both she and her mistress believe in. Amanda Halloway is the MC in The Nobleman's Daughter. (Another book that I highly recommend.) The Lady and her maid make a formidable team.
The characters are wonderful. I enjoyed all of them and their role in the book, with the exception of a very bad man, but even he had an important place in the story. This book really brings out the fight for women to vote and the work that was done to accomplish this goal many years before it became a reality. Not only does this book deal with sufferage, but it also opened my eyes to the working conditions of children in factories and the plight of the poor in Regency England.
If you love historical fiction and to learn while you are reading a well thought out and researched book, you should definitely pick this one up. The characters and plot are engaging. It is entertaining while informative. There is suspense, political intrigue, danger, and romance all put together nicely in one package.
This book contains non-graphic violence, innuendo, descriptions of women forced into a brothel, child endangerment, and romance.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
August 2, 2019
I don't know what it is exactly, but when given a straight history book, I'm bored to tears and have a hard time picking it up. But I love a good historical fiction! When I can learn something about history in a story with fictional characters, especially when a sweet romance is thrown into the mix, I'm all over it. A LADY'S MAID delivered just what I was hoping for.
Molly is so passionate about her cause and it was interesting to read about women's suffrage and child labor issues in the 1830s and what some people were willing to do to ease the plight of so many. I love the support Thomas is for Molly.
This story is more than just a romance, which plays a secondary part to the story. I could almost taste the characters fears and adrenaline over their situations. These are some rock solid characters and the risks they took gave me some anxiety. I enjoyed learning more about this time in history through a well-told story.
Content: mild romance; moderate violence/suffering
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Molly is so passionate about her cause and it was interesting to read about women's suffrage and child labor issues in the 1830s and what some people were willing to do to ease the plight of so many. I love the support Thomas is for Molly.
This story is more than just a romance, which plays a secondary part to the story. I could almost taste the characters fears and adrenaline over their situations. These are some rock solid characters and the risks they took gave me some anxiety. I enjoyed learning more about this time in history through a well-told story.
Content: mild romance; moderate violence/suffering
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
August 8, 2019
Jen Geigle Johnson has crafted a beautiful story, bringing to light the early days of women's suffrage and the oppressive conditions in the more poverty stricken areas of England. She built the story around characters I can relate to and root for making it easy to fall into this historical fiction.
The story contains a host of characters with Molly and Lady Amanda being the center of all that is happening. One of those revolving around these two is the shy and reserved Lady Chloe who is just beginning to find the power of her own voice. One of my favorite lines comes from her, "Because my voice is my own. I am a unique and valued person in my own right, and I deserve to have a say in the process of our government and in who represents me."
While the book's main message and theme is the women's suffrage movement, there is also sweet romance, a bit of danger and intrigue. This book reminded me of all the brave women who desired something more and weren't afraid to take a stand and work hard to change the ways of a society of repression. It made me proud to be a woman. It also made me especially grateful for the good men through time who have supported and championed the women in their lives- wives, mothers, sisters and daughters. Many of those men types of men were represented well in this book. The world needs good women and men, working together to bring about better lives for all.
This was a very enjoyable and enlightening read. I appreciate the amount of research and time the author took to represent the time and people accurately. I'm looking forward to the next book, set to release next year!
Content: mild violence, mild peril, kissing, mention of brothels
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The story contains a host of characters with Molly and Lady Amanda being the center of all that is happening. One of those revolving around these two is the shy and reserved Lady Chloe who is just beginning to find the power of her own voice. One of my favorite lines comes from her, "Because my voice is my own. I am a unique and valued person in my own right, and I deserve to have a say in the process of our government and in who represents me."
While the book's main message and theme is the women's suffrage movement, there is also sweet romance, a bit of danger and intrigue. This book reminded me of all the brave women who desired something more and weren't afraid to take a stand and work hard to change the ways of a society of repression. It made me proud to be a woman. It also made me especially grateful for the good men through time who have supported and championed the women in their lives- wives, mothers, sisters and daughters. Many of those men types of men were represented well in this book. The world needs good women and men, working together to bring about better lives for all.
This was a very enjoyable and enlightening read. I appreciate the amount of research and time the author took to represent the time and people accurately. I'm looking forward to the next book, set to release next year!
Content: mild violence, mild peril, kissing, mention of brothels
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 15, 2019
Jen Geigle Johnson has done it again! From chapter one until the very end, this book gripped me and did not let go. With themes of women's suffrage and child labor, this book does not shy away from difficult (and timely!) subjects, and I LOVE this about it! Ms. Johnson has given readers a swoon-worthy romance (or two!) AND historical details in one beautiful story. What I loved about this book was that historical details felt well-researched and carefully placed within the story. These women (and men) who fought for women's rights are nothing short of amazing, and I'm so glad Jen Johnson has brought them to life!
While I haven't had the chance to read the first book in this series (The Nobleman's Daughter), I still very much enjoyed this book. I would classify this book as more of a historical novel with romantic subplots than as a straight romance novel, but with such important themes and a beautiful writing style, this did not lessen my enjoyment. I also understand that the third book in this series is set to release next year, which should make readers very happy!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, regency romance (although this book technically falls outside the regency, there are some commonalities IMO), and for anyone who enjoys a well-written book.
While I haven't had the chance to read the first book in this series (The Nobleman's Daughter), I still very much enjoyed this book. I would classify this book as more of a historical novel with romantic subplots than as a straight romance novel, but with such important themes and a beautiful writing style, this did not lessen my enjoyment. I also understand that the third book in this series is set to release next year, which should make readers very happy!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, regency romance (although this book technically falls outside the regency, there are some commonalities IMO), and for anyone who enjoys a well-written book.
July 18, 2019
I was excited to receive an early copy of this book from Covenant. I had to steal any free time in between work and homework to read. It was worth it. A Lady’s Maid was really great! Jen Geigle Johnson does a fantastic job mixing historical events, intrigue and romance together in one story! I loved reading more about familiar characters from “A Nobleman’s Daughter”, but also loved getting to know new characters like Lady Chloe. There was never a dull moment. Looking forward to more from Jen Johnson!
August 17, 2019
A Lady’s Maid by Jen Geigle Johnson is a Regency period tale with a whole lot of substance and historical bones on which the author built an exciting, relevant story.
This was an interesting, sweet, clean read that takes place ten years after the infamous Peterloo Massacre in Manchester England. It is about three couples in London in 1831: Lady Amanda and husband, Lord Halloway; Molly O’Malley, her Lady’s Maid and their footman, Thomas Flaherty; and Lady Chloe and her admirer and childhood friend, Lord Annesley.
This novel had a style reminiscent of the PBS show Upstairs, Downstairs. However, Lady Amanda and Molly are friends as well as employer /employee. They work very hard as equals in the cause for women’s suffrage.
There is a despicable, evil Lord who is making money on the backs of young children he forces into labor.
Woven into the romances of the couples are the efforts of the common man and woman to win the right to vote. It shows just how great the struggle was for people, especially women to secure their rights in the society of England. There is lots of helpful information and excitement, too. The author’s story tugs at the heart for the plight of the working class and the young children who are kidnapped and forced into the dangerous cotton mills in order to help keep their families fed.
I recommend this book for those who like to learn some history with their romantic adventures.
*A copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications through Interviews and Reviews. I was not obligated to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
This was an interesting, sweet, clean read that takes place ten years after the infamous Peterloo Massacre in Manchester England. It is about three couples in London in 1831: Lady Amanda and husband, Lord Halloway; Molly O’Malley, her Lady’s Maid and their footman, Thomas Flaherty; and Lady Chloe and her admirer and childhood friend, Lord Annesley.
This novel had a style reminiscent of the PBS show Upstairs, Downstairs. However, Lady Amanda and Molly are friends as well as employer /employee. They work very hard as equals in the cause for women’s suffrage.
There is a despicable, evil Lord who is making money on the backs of young children he forces into labor.
Woven into the romances of the couples are the efforts of the common man and woman to win the right to vote. It shows just how great the struggle was for people, especially women to secure their rights in the society of England. There is lots of helpful information and excitement, too. The author’s story tugs at the heart for the plight of the working class and the young children who are kidnapped and forced into the dangerous cotton mills in order to help keep their families fed.
I recommend this book for those who like to learn some history with their romantic adventures.
*A copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications through Interviews and Reviews. I was not obligated to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
July 18, 2019
Wow!! and wow!!
I'm like my friend. I learned a lot in this novel!
The women before us was truly amazing and I appauld them!! I think that the ladies of yesterday would be quite upset with some us that don't cast their vote in these elections!! Think about what a difference that might I said might make!!
This is a new to me author and she truly is a gem! I love her research, stories, and her talent for bringing the lower class to life and their struggles.
Not much is written about women's suffrage. That is one of the reasons I loved this book!!
I love Molly's vivacious spirit! Her sense of adventure even if it's sometimes naughty lol!! But, that is what makes Molly Molly. Her personality is superb and good at keeping her head.
I also love Lady Amanda's gentle spirit. She is a soothing balm at times. I love her approach about certain situations.
In a way I'm glad I'm not a socialite although it probably would help us out a lot!! But then I wouldn't know how to act with that kind of money lol!! Anyone really!!
I even love the shady characters!! They really bring out the mystery part of this book!!
This book will make you want to keep turning the pages to see what is going on with our friends in this book and yes they're easy to make friend's with.
I think the character I most related to was shy Chole. Whenever I get bad vibes about people and or their true character I tend to clam up or I fumble about to sound witty but I end up looking dumb so I just don't usually say anything at all.
But then, there are people like Lady Amanda or Molly that I feel like I can open up to them and be myself. Isn't that strange?
This book is a gem if you want to learn more about women's suffrage and the plight of the lower class. I strongly recommend it! You'll be glad you did!!
Oh and there's a surprise about the book! Let me know if you find it lol!!
My thanks to the publisher and no compensations were received. All opinions are my own!!
I'm like my friend. I learned a lot in this novel!
The women before us was truly amazing and I appauld them!! I think that the ladies of yesterday would be quite upset with some us that don't cast their vote in these elections!! Think about what a difference that might I said might make!!
This is a new to me author and she truly is a gem! I love her research, stories, and her talent for bringing the lower class to life and their struggles.
Not much is written about women's suffrage. That is one of the reasons I loved this book!!
I love Molly's vivacious spirit! Her sense of adventure even if it's sometimes naughty lol!! But, that is what makes Molly Molly. Her personality is superb and good at keeping her head.
I also love Lady Amanda's gentle spirit. She is a soothing balm at times. I love her approach about certain situations.
In a way I'm glad I'm not a socialite although it probably would help us out a lot!! But then I wouldn't know how to act with that kind of money lol!! Anyone really!!
I even love the shady characters!! They really bring out the mystery part of this book!!
This book will make you want to keep turning the pages to see what is going on with our friends in this book and yes they're easy to make friend's with.
I think the character I most related to was shy Chole. Whenever I get bad vibes about people and or their true character I tend to clam up or I fumble about to sound witty but I end up looking dumb so I just don't usually say anything at all.
But then, there are people like Lady Amanda or Molly that I feel like I can open up to them and be myself. Isn't that strange?
This book is a gem if you want to learn more about women's suffrage and the plight of the lower class. I strongly recommend it! You'll be glad you did!!
Oh and there's a surprise about the book! Let me know if you find it lol!!
My thanks to the publisher and no compensations were received. All opinions are my own!!
August 2, 2019
Having grown up so close to Manchester, I was able to visit a Cotton Mill, and learn all about the plight of the child worker in my youth. At the time it blew my mind what kids had to do to survive.
Of course there’s many aspects to the reality of life you don’t hear about as a kid, and the author does such an excellent job of bringing all of those elements into the story, in an engaging and eye opening way. Learning more about history through a novel is my favourite way to learn.
This is so much more than your typical historical romance - and I enjoyed reading the story of Lord Annesely & Lady Chloe alongside the story of Molly and Thomas, both of them managing a subtle romance as you follow through the major plot of the fight for suffrage, equal rights, child labour laws and the corruption that persisted in places like Manchester.
If you haven’t read ‘The Nobleman’s Daughter’, which comes before this book- I’d completely recommend it.
Of course there’s many aspects to the reality of life you don’t hear about as a kid, and the author does such an excellent job of bringing all of those elements into the story, in an engaging and eye opening way. Learning more about history through a novel is my favourite way to learn.
This is so much more than your typical historical romance - and I enjoyed reading the story of Lord Annesely & Lady Chloe alongside the story of Molly and Thomas, both of them managing a subtle romance as you follow through the major plot of the fight for suffrage, equal rights, child labour laws and the corruption that persisted in places like Manchester.
If you haven’t read ‘The Nobleman’s Daughter’, which comes before this book- I’d completely recommend it.
August 5, 2019
I love reading a good historical romance novel. And Jen Geigle Johnson is one of my favorite authors who writes this type of book. I love the way she writes. Her characters are fantastic and I love the worlds she makes around her characters.
This one features Molly. She’s Lady Amanda’s personal maid. We were introduced to Lady Amanda in The Nobleman’s Daughter. I love the way the book opens with her on her way to do something she knew she would be arrested for, but it was also something she believed in. Molly and Lady Amanda both work hard on the suffrage movement in England, and that’s what Molly was trying to help in the first chapter. It was kind of ironic how she was found and let in on the fact that she was not going to be arrested that day by Thomas.
Thomas…the reader doesn’t see any of the story from Thomas’ point of view. But through Molly’s eyes, it’s obvious that Thomas is a good man. He is always watching out for Molly. And he knows that she isn’t quite ready for a relationship with anyone because she’s still hurting. But he waits. He worries incessantly about her and about the orphanage children they help. Thomas and Molly are two of a kind. They both work hard to make things happen, even when they might be causing danger for themselves.
I loved the way this book is set in the middle of something that really did happen. The author included real events and places in her novel. I loved the way there was danger around nearly every corner and the reader knew who the characters needed to watch out for even though the characters didn’t. There were many times I wanted to yell at the characters to watch out. But…that doesn’t really work.
There are so many good things about this one. I can’t wait for more of Jen Geigle Johnson’s books!
This one features Molly. She’s Lady Amanda’s personal maid. We were introduced to Lady Amanda in The Nobleman’s Daughter. I love the way the book opens with her on her way to do something she knew she would be arrested for, but it was also something she believed in. Molly and Lady Amanda both work hard on the suffrage movement in England, and that’s what Molly was trying to help in the first chapter. It was kind of ironic how she was found and let in on the fact that she was not going to be arrested that day by Thomas.
Thomas…the reader doesn’t see any of the story from Thomas’ point of view. But through Molly’s eyes, it’s obvious that Thomas is a good man. He is always watching out for Molly. And he knows that she isn’t quite ready for a relationship with anyone because she’s still hurting. But he waits. He worries incessantly about her and about the orphanage children they help. Thomas and Molly are two of a kind. They both work hard to make things happen, even when they might be causing danger for themselves.
I loved the way this book is set in the middle of something that really did happen. The author included real events and places in her novel. I loved the way there was danger around nearly every corner and the reader knew who the characters needed to watch out for even though the characters didn’t. There were many times I wanted to yell at the characters to watch out. But…that doesn’t really work.
There are so many good things about this one. I can’t wait for more of Jen Geigle Johnson’s books!
August 4, 2019
This historical story is set in England during 1831 and follows the suffrage movement for both women and common folk during this time. Many historical details are skillfully woven into a tapestry that includes a cool setting, action, intrigue, suspense, and romantic elements. The story before this one, The Nobleman’s Daughter, has some of the same characters and covers the Peterloo massacre. I haven’t read that yet, but it didn’t seem necessary (that takes place 10 years later). The characters are Lord and Lady Halloway and their servants Molly and Thomas, and Lord Annesley and Lady Chloe. The story is organized with two separate story arcs going on—one featuring Molly and Thomas and the other Annesley and Chloe. They are all fighting for suffrage, and want to enlighten the ton about the right for every adult person to have a vote in society. There is an evil villain, suffering victims, and of course, our awesome heroes and heroines. It was a fascinating peek at history and the war to get voting rights for everyone, not just those born into wealth and status. The story had high stakes and lots of twists and turns, so I never knew quite what to expect. It was ghastly to realize how some people and children were treated back then, but I appreciated knowing. This was a great piece of historical fiction that taught as well as entertained. Bravo.
January 14, 2020
It is no secret that I absolutely love regency era novels. But you guys! This one just surprised me like that really good molten chocolate cake you get on the cruise. You think it is going to be good but once you take a bite you have to eat the entire thing and then you wish there was more! This book is awesome sauce because it isn't just one love story...it is two love stories! I loved reading the perspectives from different characters, I loved trying to piece all of the different clues to the puzzle together, and you guys I loved the strong characters! There were times when I was screaming in my head, "Communicate! Tell someone!!! HELLO!!! If you just tell them then problems can be solved!!!" But alas, the characters did not listen to my silent screaming and had to suffer more. That being said, this book is not just your typical regency romance, it is more about women's rights and protecting children from a historical perspective. I loved the historical information along with the emotional roller coaster I got to ride along with all of these characters. A Lady's Maid is powerful, emotional, beautiful, and a story I will not soon forget! I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 9, 2019
There is amazing history in this book. The kind that I am so grateful for as a woman and try not to take for granted the sacrifices of those who paved the way for suffrage. I was glad to learn about the historical details that were new to me. Even though this book has a slow beginning as it introduces a bevy of characters, the action and suspense picks up the pace with quite a few dangerous situations- much of it due to Molly's naive recklessness. I had an overall feeling of anxiety and stress as I read, and had a difficult time connecting with the emotions of the main characters. The narrative is split between several characters, and I felt like it divided my focus. I thought the romantic moments between Molly and Thomas were wonderful, but the ones between Chloe and Annesley fell flat. Perhaps if I had read the preceding book, A Nobleman's Daughter, I would have been drawn in more.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
July 31, 2019
A lady's maid is so much more than a romance. This historical fiction grabs your attention from the dedication page. Jen Geigle Johnson introduces the reader into the world of sufferage and the struggle of the lower classes to be represented in Parliament.
Molly, a lady's maid, is frustrated by the lack of movement on the chance for the working class' let alone women's ability to vote. She wants to do so much more than her circumstances allow. Her employer is one of the leaders of the sufferagest movement and loves Molly for her passion for the ability to vote.
This book has again opened my eyes to the struggles of the working class and highlights the differences between the different classes. With two different love sorry arcs this book keeps you entertained and in suspense for what will happen next.
I received this book from covenant communications my opinion is my own.
Molly, a lady's maid, is frustrated by the lack of movement on the chance for the working class' let alone women's ability to vote. She wants to do so much more than her circumstances allow. Her employer is one of the leaders of the sufferagest movement and loves Molly for her passion for the ability to vote.
This book has again opened my eyes to the struggles of the working class and highlights the differences between the different classes. With two different love sorry arcs this book keeps you entertained and in suspense for what will happen next.
I received this book from covenant communications my opinion is my own.
March 12, 2023
Oh wow, I was not prepared for this book! Slums of Manchester, child slavery, sex trafficking, crime boss, regency romance, high society, women becoming empowered....this book really packed a hard punch. It was my first book about womens suffrage. It was heavier and darker than I expected, but I am so glad I read it! This was also my first book by this author, and I very much enjoyed her writing style. I didn't realize I read this book out of order and there is a first one, but it worked just fine as a stand alone, although I have already ordered the first book so I can go back and read that next.
It was not faith based but was clean. It did delve into the world of sex trafficking, but there was enough discretion used even in that, it was a clean read.
If you read this, I would suggest starting at a time when you have extra free time because there is a good amount of suspense, and you're not going to want to put it down!
It was not faith based but was clean. It did delve into the world of sex trafficking, but there was enough discretion used even in that, it was a clean read.
If you read this, I would suggest starting at a time when you have extra free time because there is a good amount of suspense, and you're not going to want to put it down!
August 3, 2019
I love Jen Geigle Johnson’s books! She has such a unique writing style. You can tell she does the research for her books. I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a book that you don’t want to put down.
August 8, 2019
This is not your typical historical book at least for me. I usually like the romance in them. The romance in this book is very light and secondary to the plot of getting Parliament to sign a women’s suffrage bill. There is some fact mixed into the book and a piece of note after the book ends.
Molly is Lady Amanda’s personal maid. Lady Amanda has been working on getting women the right to vote. And Molly is totally on board with it. Molly acts before she thinks and she gets herself into some major problems. Molly has a huge heart and just wants justice for all!
Chloe is the daughter of a high nobleman. She is also shy. But as she learns more about the movement, she finds her own voice.
Annesley is the son of another high nobleman who is caught in the snares of an evil bossman who is willing to help everyone out of their debts in return for helping him with his side business of brothel and pretty much free child labor in the factories. Most of the children go because their parents are high on opium or the like and are told to go.
Annesley was also a spy once and was now out of the business until he is blackmailed into doing some spywork about the movement. Chloe is someone whom he is very fond of and she is right in the middle of the intel and Annesley is sick about it and left with nothing to do about it.
Molly gets in deep with the evil Theo and learns of all he does. She is determined to right this injustice. There are no indecent scenes but there is a child who gets hurt in the factory. There is a kissing scene or two towards the end.
If you are looking for women’s suffrage, child labor laws, woman who fight for justice, parliament, the start of change in England, orphanges, a well written story, finding freedom and happiness with a little romance sprinkled in then this might be for you!
Molly is Lady Amanda’s personal maid. Lady Amanda has been working on getting women the right to vote. And Molly is totally on board with it. Molly acts before she thinks and she gets herself into some major problems. Molly has a huge heart and just wants justice for all!
Chloe is the daughter of a high nobleman. She is also shy. But as she learns more about the movement, she finds her own voice.
Annesley is the son of another high nobleman who is caught in the snares of an evil bossman who is willing to help everyone out of their debts in return for helping him with his side business of brothel and pretty much free child labor in the factories. Most of the children go because their parents are high on opium or the like and are told to go.
Annesley was also a spy once and was now out of the business until he is blackmailed into doing some spywork about the movement. Chloe is someone whom he is very fond of and she is right in the middle of the intel and Annesley is sick about it and left with nothing to do about it.
Molly gets in deep with the evil Theo and learns of all he does. She is determined to right this injustice. There are no indecent scenes but there is a child who gets hurt in the factory. There is a kissing scene or two towards the end.
If you are looking for women’s suffrage, child labor laws, woman who fight for justice, parliament, the start of change in England, orphanges, a well written story, finding freedom and happiness with a little romance sprinkled in then this might be for you!
August 1, 2019
I had no idea this was a sequel to The Nobleman's Daughter, but was very grateful I'd read that one first so I knew the backstory for this story. You don't have to read The Nobleman's Daughter first to enjoy this book, but it will give you a lot better understanding of Molly, Thomas, Lady Amanda and Lord Halloway if you do and their determination to help those less fortunate than themselves.
This book was full of history and a lot of difficult times in history. I love history, so I enjoyed all those aspects, but it certainly made me grateful to be born where and when I was. This book is kind of a twofer as you have the story of Molly and Thomas, as well as Lady Chloe and Lord Annesley. Molly is a very determined woman and this determination gets her into a few scrapes. Luckily she has the wonderful Thomas who always is there to help her out. Lady Chloe grows so much in this story and it is beautiful to watch. A lot of that has to do with Lord Annesley, some good and some bad. This book touched on so many topics and brought out so many emotions. I laughed, cried, sighed, wanted to scream, was scared, angry, grateful and at times content. It's a beautiful story and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
This book was full of history and a lot of difficult times in history. I love history, so I enjoyed all those aspects, but it certainly made me grateful to be born where and when I was. This book is kind of a twofer as you have the story of Molly and Thomas, as well as Lady Chloe and Lord Annesley. Molly is a very determined woman and this determination gets her into a few scrapes. Luckily she has the wonderful Thomas who always is there to help her out. Lady Chloe grows so much in this story and it is beautiful to watch. A lot of that has to do with Lord Annesley, some good and some bad. This book touched on so many topics and brought out so many emotions. I laughed, cried, sighed, wanted to scream, was scared, angry, grateful and at times content. It's a beautiful story and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
July 27, 2019
I loved this book; if you’re looking for a more negative/critical assessment you’ll have to look elsewhere because I’m a fan. I loved how the story was filled with suspense and mystery. Every time I thought the suspense was over, another mishap would pop up. I was on the edge of my seat through the entire book.
I really felt what the characters were going through. My heart raced as Molly and Betsy tried to escape Angel’s Meadow and Theo’s men. I swooned when Ansley and Chloe had tender moments. I felt joy when Thomas and Molly started to have stronger feelings towards each other, yet my heart ached for Molly when she felt she was betraying Charlie.
My emotions were on a roller coaster throughout the book. From Thomas saving the babe from the river, Chloe feeling unease at meeting Lord Oswald, Molly finding out her sweet children were working for Theo, Chloe finding her beloved Governess, the story was filled with so many wonderful threads that worked together to create a beautiful tapestry.
I really felt what the characters were going through. My heart raced as Molly and Betsy tried to escape Angel’s Meadow and Theo’s men. I swooned when Ansley and Chloe had tender moments. I felt joy when Thomas and Molly started to have stronger feelings towards each other, yet my heart ached for Molly when she felt she was betraying Charlie.
My emotions were on a roller coaster throughout the book. From Thomas saving the babe from the river, Chloe feeling unease at meeting Lord Oswald, Molly finding out her sweet children were working for Theo, Chloe finding her beloved Governess, the story was filled with so many wonderful threads that worked together to create a beautiful tapestry.
August 8, 2019
Author Jen Geigle Johnson has written a beautiful and powerful story about women who chose to make a difference for those to follow. These women sacrificed greatly to make a better world for women going forward. Making it possible for women to also have rights. It’s obvious that Johnson has done her homework and thoroughly researched her story, enhancing it and bringing it to life and portraying it so that readers can better understand and know what life used to be like for women. This is a wonderful story that not only brings to life the history of women’s suffrage, but also has a romance element as well. Readers who pick up this story will be absolutely delighted with the contents!
Genre: historical, regency, romance
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: August 1, 2019
Number of pages: 350
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: historical, regency, romance
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: August 1, 2019
Number of pages: 350
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
dnf
August 4, 2019DNF
Historical Accuracy
Go on, say that phrase to a group of historical romance lovers and watch what happens next. Probably bloodshed.
In short: there were a lot less hot, rich, young dukes than romance novels suggest. Very few of them married impoverished ladies or governesses and they all probably had really bad teeth.
There's still a lot of novels about hot dukes with lots of money and great teeth marrying a governess. And there's nothing wrong with that. If that's your jam, have fun. (Nb: another part of that discussion is people complaining that it's "not historically accurate for LGBT people or POCs to get a happy end" and often that argument comes from people who read/write a lot about hot dukes with great teeth but that's not what I want to talk about right now).
But some people also object to romances between hot dukes and governesses because it's essentially a relationship between employer and employee and they are uncomfortable with the power imbalance in that kind of relationship and they can't just ignore that. Does that make them better people than those who can ignore it? No. It just means that some people can ignore those things and enjoy something and others can't. Just like some people can ignore it when the descriptions in a book show that the author never set foot in the place they're describing, or that they haven't grasped the finer points of a certain law or that they have a character use a word that only came in use 25 years after the book takes place and others can't ignore these things.
Which finally brings me to this book.You were probably already wondering if I would ever get to the point.
I cannot ignore that every single of the 'nice' nobles in this book is totally cool with voting rights for women and the working classes, that they not only have absolutely no issues with it but are actively working for it. That they are basically BFFs with their servants. And that this way the only conflict comes from cartoonishly evil moustache-twirling villains who blackmail and kidnap and laugh evilly. And in between all this, our nice nobles insult the non-nice nobles because that's not going to have any consequences.
Would it have been nice to have so many people with so modern attitudes in the past? Of course, but there weren't. And I can't just ignore it. Especially not when there are books that deal with Regency politics in a much better way (Rose Lerner's St. Lemeston books, especially True Pretenses or KJ Charles' Society of Gentlemen). That feature friends who disagree on things, sometimes quite severely. Where not everything is fluffy all the time, because politics can't be completely fluffy-fied.
Historical Accuracy
Go on, say that phrase to a group of historical romance lovers and watch what happens next. Probably bloodshed.
In short: there were a lot less hot, rich, young dukes than romance novels suggest. Very few of them married impoverished ladies or governesses and they all probably had really bad teeth.
There's still a lot of novels about hot dukes with lots of money and great teeth marrying a governess. And there's nothing wrong with that. If that's your jam, have fun. (Nb: another part of that discussion is people complaining that it's "not historically accurate for LGBT people or POCs to get a happy end" and often that argument comes from people who read/write a lot about hot dukes with great teeth but that's not what I want to talk about right now).
But some people also object to romances between hot dukes and governesses because it's essentially a relationship between employer and employee and they are uncomfortable with the power imbalance in that kind of relationship and they can't just ignore that. Does that make them better people than those who can ignore it? No. It just means that some people can ignore those things and enjoy something and others can't. Just like some people can ignore it when the descriptions in a book show that the author never set foot in the place they're describing, or that they haven't grasped the finer points of a certain law or that they have a character use a word that only came in use 25 years after the book takes place and others can't ignore these things.
Which finally brings me to this book.
I cannot ignore that every single of the 'nice' nobles in this book is totally cool with voting rights for women and the working classes, that they not only have absolutely no issues with it but are actively working for it. That they are basically BFFs with their servants. And that this way the only conflict comes from cartoonishly evil moustache-twirling villains who blackmail and kidnap and laugh evilly. And in between all this, our nice nobles insult the non-nice nobles because that's not going to have any consequences.
Would it have been nice to have so many people with so modern attitudes in the past? Of course, but there weren't. And I can't just ignore it. Especially not when there are books that deal with Regency politics in a much better way (Rose Lerner's St. Lemeston books, especially True Pretenses or KJ Charles' Society of Gentlemen). That feature friends who disagree on things, sometimes quite severely. Where not everything is fluffy all the time, because politics can't be completely fluffy-fied.
July 16, 2019
I love the story of how people especially the women in this story fought for what they believed in. I love how they found their voice and stood for their rights. I loved the support from the men in their lives and how they were always by their side. I love the love between Molly and Thomas. I could relate with her hesitation at first with him but how their love grew and the things they went through together was so beautiful. The reality of hunger, child labour and other vices of the society was beautifully illustrated in this book. The rich history and insight was remarkable.
I learnt so much about women suffrage, the plight of women without a "protector" over them. I learnt so much about child labour that was so sad to read but educative. This book helps me to see that now I am enjoying compares to how women lived before.
The loves stories between the characters was heartwarming and swooning.
A beautiful read.
I received a copy of this book from Netgallery and this is my honest review.
I learnt so much about women suffrage, the plight of women without a "protector" over them. I learnt so much about child labour that was so sad to read but educative. This book helps me to see that now I am enjoying compares to how women lived before.
The loves stories between the characters was heartwarming and swooning.
A beautiful read.
I received a copy of this book from Netgallery and this is my honest review.
July 8, 2019
Molly O’Malley is a lady's maid. She tragically lost the love of her life ten years ago. She wants to love again, but she is afraid of what she stands to lose. Thomas Flaherty is a footman in the same household. He loves Molly and has patiently waited for her, but he worries she will never be ready to let him in.
I liked hearing from the working class of Thomas and Molly. Though Molly has a very unusual relationship with her employer, because it is so friendly and casual. I loved hearing more about the orphanage and the children.
The summary on the back of the book gave no hint that there would be two other major characters and many chapters would be told from the point of view of Lord Annesley and Lady Chloe. Chloe is shy, but she finds her voice fighting for women's suffrage. Due to his father's poor choices, Annesley is forced to act like a puppet for the villain of the story, Theo. The longer he follows Theo, the more he is pulled away from Chloe.
As a side-note, I found it funny that it seemed like every character in the book winked. A lot.
During this period of history, there were positives like the fight for a woman's right to vote. There were also the devastating events like the Peterloo Massacre, child slaves, and brothels.
"If it was important enough for him to die for, then it is important enough for me to live for."
Molly, Thomas, Lord Annesley and Lady Chloe came from different social classes but all came together to fight for what they believed in.
"Suffrage was the great unifying topic."
Historical fiction is my favorite genre. I enjoy when authors research an era and weave historical events into their book in an interesting way. Some speeches in the book during the suffrage rally were direct quotes from those who really fought for women's right to vote. Coughing during the political speeches was so juvenile. I was surprised to find out that people actually did that.
To read more about the fight for the freedom of the lower classes, you can find Lady Amanda and Lord Nathaniel's story in The Nobleman's Daughter.
More reviews can be found here.
October 26, 2021
Wow, just wow. I almost put the book down because it was not my typical romance read but I was intrigued by what would come of reading about the efforts made for women’s suffrage. I appreciate the research that the author put into this and felt the heartache and desire that the women of this age must have felt back then to have wanted to have their voices heard. I feel so blessed and lucky to live in a country and a time where I can go and cast my vote, because my voice matters and because of women before me who worked so hard to allow me and future women this right. I even go as far to say that this book would be a wonderful classic, and great book to require our teens to read so that they could feel and understand the measures taken to allow us this right to vote. My favorite part was the letter Molly wrote at the end, it made me cry and was the perfect ending given the time of the book.
Molly is Lady Amanda’s (from the first book) maid and has fervor for women’s suffrage. Chloe is a lady of a wealthy powerful Lord that grew up as a respectable shy young woman until she attends a meeting where the women discuss reasons for women’s suffrage. The two women could not be more different. But both work for the same thing; women’s suffrage. Through Molly, we see the horrors and injustices done to women, young girls, and children. Through Chloe, we see a young woman grow into a woman who learns and tells other women that their voices matter too, and deserve to be heard. Together, not just for Chloe and Molly, but for all women, women’s suffrage is raised to the forefront.
Molly is Lady Amanda’s (from the first book) maid and has fervor for women’s suffrage. Chloe is a lady of a wealthy powerful Lord that grew up as a respectable shy young woman until she attends a meeting where the women discuss reasons for women’s suffrage. The two women could not be more different. But both work for the same thing; women’s suffrage. Through Molly, we see the horrors and injustices done to women, young girls, and children. Through Chloe, we see a young woman grow into a woman who learns and tells other women that their voices matter too, and deserve to be heard. Together, not just for Chloe and Molly, but for all women, women’s suffrage is raised to the forefront.
July 26, 2019
A Lady’s Maid features the rich historical research I’ve come to expect from Jen Geigle Johnson’s books. I learned much about the suffrage movement in England in the 1830s and the terrible conditions the poor, especially women and children, endured during this period of time. The relationship between lady’s maid Molly and her employer, Lady Amanda, was interesting and unusual, especially as they were working together to bring about voting for women. The connection between Molly and Thomas as working class characters was intriguing, and the devotion and care that Thomas showed Molly was sweet and tender. Contrasting with that was the relationship between Lady Chloe and Lord Annesley as titled characters, but their romance was just as sweet and tender.
This story has a little of everything—history, suspense, intrigue, romance, plus a big helping of faith, courage, and hope. I enjoyed reading the Author’s Notes at the end explaining more about the history of the suffrage movement in England, some of the historical figures, and the results of the efforts of those involved.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications. All opinions are my own.
This story has a little of everything—history, suspense, intrigue, romance, plus a big helping of faith, courage, and hope. I enjoyed reading the Author’s Notes at the end explaining more about the history of the suffrage movement in England, some of the historical figures, and the results of the efforts of those involved.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications. All opinions are my own.
August 7, 2019
A Lady’s Maid by Jen Geigle Johnson is a follow-up to her first book, A Nobleman’s Daughter. Though they are connected, you don’t necessary have to read them in order, but I do advise that you do so the story connects with you better.
I had the lucky opportunity to get copy of this book prior to it’s release at the beginning of this month. The main idea was to finish it before release, but with a hectic last few weeks I have not had much time to devote to this book like I would have liked to, because this book was powerfully good. I believe that I was all the more invested to the story because I was already connected to the characters from A Nobleman’s Daughter.
Both of these books are historical romances taking place in England in the 1800s. The first one dealt with the working class suffrage, and this book focused more on women’s suffrage. I learned a lot about those dealings from these books, and the romance in the books are bonus, especially from this book where you get two going on. It was awesome!
I highly recommend this book to all romance and historical lovers out there.
I had the lucky opportunity to get copy of this book prior to it’s release at the beginning of this month. The main idea was to finish it before release, but with a hectic last few weeks I have not had much time to devote to this book like I would have liked to, because this book was powerfully good. I believe that I was all the more invested to the story because I was already connected to the characters from A Nobleman’s Daughter.
Both of these books are historical romances taking place in England in the 1800s. The first one dealt with the working class suffrage, and this book focused more on women’s suffrage. I learned a lot about those dealings from these books, and the romance in the books are bonus, especially from this book where you get two going on. It was awesome!
I highly recommend this book to all romance and historical lovers out there.
August 19, 2019
Jen Geigle Johnson has a way of not only making history come to life, but making it relevant to the reader.
I loved the juxtaposition this book created against it's predecessor, A Nobleman's Daughter. Where the heroine and hero in that story were bold and fearless these were quite and somewhat reluctant heroes who grew into their roles and purpose. Both kinds of people have a place in this world and I loved that representation.
There was not one, but two relationships developing in this book and both added dimension to the story. It was beautiful to see Molly's struggle with guilt, and the realization that it is possible to love again after loss.
Overall the story kept and held my attention, I felt invested in the characters success and a desire to learn more about this time in history. I officially love Jen Johnson's historical romances and can't wait for more!
I loved the juxtaposition this book created against it's predecessor, A Nobleman's Daughter. Where the heroine and hero in that story were bold and fearless these were quite and somewhat reluctant heroes who grew into their roles and purpose. Both kinds of people have a place in this world and I loved that representation.
There was not one, but two relationships developing in this book and both added dimension to the story. It was beautiful to see Molly's struggle with guilt, and the realization that it is possible to love again after loss.
Overall the story kept and held my attention, I felt invested in the characters success and a desire to learn more about this time in history. I officially love Jen Johnson's historical romances and can't wait for more!
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