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Maids of Maddington #1
Welcome to the Madhouse
- Literary Titan’s Book Award
- 2022 Speak Up Talk Radio Firebird Book Award
- 2022 Bookfest Award
- 2022 Pencraft Book Award
The only thing her friend is guilty of is falling in love with the wrong man.
When young Eliza first joins Maddington House, known locally as ‘The Madhouse,’ as an under housemaid in 1895, she finds herself alone in the world of the rich and privileged.
A world where everyone takes what they want and no one takes responsibility…
Enter Annie.
Kind, pretty, vivacious Annie. The housemaid everyone loves to be around. Eliza’s new friend and close confidante.
Annie’s beautiful aura and charming spirit are hard to resist, so it doesn’t come as a surprise when Edward Montague takes notice.
Edward, the only son of the house, is handsome, charismatic, and manipulative, but Annie doesn’t seem to see him for who he really is. Charmed by his relentless pursuit and bold promises, she falls in love with him hard…
Only to crash even harder.
Eliza knew right from the start that their secret meetings and love confessions would not end well, but she never expected her friend to end up on trial because of that man.
As hidden secrets, back-door deals, and scandalous love affairs unfold before the shocked circle of high society and her friend is accused of a horrible crime, Eliza must do what she knows is right: stand by Annie even if no one else is willing to.
After all, her friend is innocent.
It’s someone else that should be put on trial.
- 2022 Speak Up Talk Radio Firebird Book Award
- 2022 Bookfest Award
- 2022 Pencraft Book Award
The only thing her friend is guilty of is falling in love with the wrong man.
When young Eliza first joins Maddington House, known locally as ‘The Madhouse,’ as an under housemaid in 1895, she finds herself alone in the world of the rich and privileged.
A world where everyone takes what they want and no one takes responsibility…
Enter Annie.
Kind, pretty, vivacious Annie. The housemaid everyone loves to be around. Eliza’s new friend and close confidante.
Annie’s beautiful aura and charming spirit are hard to resist, so it doesn’t come as a surprise when Edward Montague takes notice.
Edward, the only son of the house, is handsome, charismatic, and manipulative, but Annie doesn’t seem to see him for who he really is. Charmed by his relentless pursuit and bold promises, she falls in love with him hard…
Only to crash even harder.
Eliza knew right from the start that their secret meetings and love confessions would not end well, but she never expected her friend to end up on trial because of that man.
As hidden secrets, back-door deals, and scandalous love affairs unfold before the shocked circle of high society and her friend is accused of a horrible crime, Eliza must do what she knows is right: stand by Annie even if no one else is willing to.
After all, her friend is innocent.
It’s someone else that should be put on trial.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2022
288 people are currently reading
906 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 6, 2022
This is a lovely story the combining the richness of a grand house in the 1800s of London in the abject poverty of the common folk.
The characters were very well written easy to relate to within the time frame.
The book is a very fast read and wonderful does a very good job of drawing up the poverty the 1800s in London.
I recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters were very well written easy to relate to within the time frame.
The book is a very fast read and wonderful does a very good job of drawing up the poverty the 1800s in London.
I recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 10, 2022
Eliza Collins is the new under made at The home everyone refers to as“The madhouse. “She is excited to get this great job as her ma and siblings could really use the money. Especially since Lil Bibby is sick with the consumption. Little does Eliza know she will come to find lifelong friends, love, trouble and hope. This is a beautiful story about women coming together regardless of where they startEd instead of focusing on the differences they focus on what they have in common that is looking toward the future. This was a great book and one I highly recommend. I was given this book by book sirens and I am leaving this reveal voluntarily please forgive any errors as I am blind and dictate my review but all opinions are definitely my own.
January 17, 2025
As a huge fan of shows like Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs, this book was right up my alley. I could picture the cast of characters being on a TV show. I thought the book was well written and had a good story line. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
Thank you to both the author and publisher for the Kindle copy I won in a giveaway.
Thank you to both the author and publisher for the Kindle copy I won in a giveaway.
June 6, 2022
So, the storyline had great potential but it took forever to get to the actual plot of the story. I also felt like I was reading a journal and not a book, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but there were too many extra things going on. It was also hard to connect with the characters as well because there just wasn’t enough in depth info to really get to know them. I think it would have been better if maybe it had been told from a couple perspectives or in a different style. Just didn’t do it for me but I’m just one opinion.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 14, 2022
Stories about grand houses with lots of servants are a staple in historical fiction. A lot of the time, the house and servants are a backdrop for the story. Author Valerie Anne Hudson’s Maids of Maddington: Welcome To The Madhouse is a twist on that kind of story. Yes, it takes place in the home of a fabulously wealthy family. However, the story is very light on the “upstairs” part of the drama. Instead of focusing on fashionable upstairs intrigue, this story is told entirely by a housemaid.
Our narrator, Eliza, is a young woman who comes from grinding poverty. She works as a servant in the homes of wealthier people as a means to support herself, her mother, and her siblings. She is good-natured and dutiful. Eliza has no flaws to speak of. The story kicks off when Eliza starts working in the eponymous Madhouse’s Montague household. She finds a true friend, only to nearly lose her in a classic morality tale.
On the first page, the reader is immediately flung, in medias res, into the hubbub surrounding a high-profile murder trial. But, while a crime was committed, there is a long buildup. Hudson takes readers on that journey, seen through Eliza’s eyes, which builds the suspense. Eliza’s character is one that you grow fond of as she is courageous and kind, and you follow her on her journey as she struggles to take care of her family. Eliza and Annie form a beautiful relationship, and the drama that surrounds them makes this one read that is hard to put down.
Welcome To The Madhouse is an entertaining and engrossing story. The reader gets to see the ugly side of life in the Victorian era is at the heart of the tale, and Hudson effectively uses the contrast between the elegant lives of the Montagues and the difficult lives of Eliza’s family. This cozy little story is definitely worth reading, and I look forward to reading more books in the series.
Our narrator, Eliza, is a young woman who comes from grinding poverty. She works as a servant in the homes of wealthier people as a means to support herself, her mother, and her siblings. She is good-natured and dutiful. Eliza has no flaws to speak of. The story kicks off when Eliza starts working in the eponymous Madhouse’s Montague household. She finds a true friend, only to nearly lose her in a classic morality tale.
On the first page, the reader is immediately flung, in medias res, into the hubbub surrounding a high-profile murder trial. But, while a crime was committed, there is a long buildup. Hudson takes readers on that journey, seen through Eliza’s eyes, which builds the suspense. Eliza’s character is one that you grow fond of as she is courageous and kind, and you follow her on her journey as she struggles to take care of her family. Eliza and Annie form a beautiful relationship, and the drama that surrounds them makes this one read that is hard to put down.
Welcome To The Madhouse is an entertaining and engrossing story. The reader gets to see the ugly side of life in the Victorian era is at the heart of the tale, and Hudson effectively uses the contrast between the elegant lives of the Montagues and the difficult lives of Eliza’s family. This cozy little story is definitely worth reading, and I look forward to reading more books in the series.
September 20, 2023
Launching into an intricate and meticulous snapshot of the Victorian era, Welcome to the Madhouse, the first of the Maids of Maddington series, does not hesitate to expose its readers to the realities faced by many during that time – exposing the gap between the rich and the poor, and activating a strong sense of interest towards various contextual themes, concepts, characters, and emotions.
Through the eyes the young protagonist, Eliza, the introduction of her newfound friend Annie, and the integration of poverty, hardship, love, loss, greed, and deceit, readers are fully and masterfully immersed into the era’s realities. Despite seizing the opportunity to work as a maid for the wealthy at the Maddington House, known locally as ‘The Madhouse’, Eliza continues to face the realities that come with being from a poor family, especially when her bond with Annie (also a maid at the Maddington House), is tainted by the scandalous behavior enacted by those in higher positions.
With contextually accurate language, settings and themes, Welcome to the Madhouse is a thoroughly engaging and informative read, with little to fault. Additionally, the presentation, pace, and character development, given its length, is curated and balanced almost to perfection, with only a few fluctuations in the introductions and few editorial errors throughout, making it a strongly suitable and recommended choice, and a strong candidate for a reread, for almost anyone.
https://www.editorsweekly.com/book-re...
Through the eyes the young protagonist, Eliza, the introduction of her newfound friend Annie, and the integration of poverty, hardship, love, loss, greed, and deceit, readers are fully and masterfully immersed into the era’s realities. Despite seizing the opportunity to work as a maid for the wealthy at the Maddington House, known locally as ‘The Madhouse’, Eliza continues to face the realities that come with being from a poor family, especially when her bond with Annie (also a maid at the Maddington House), is tainted by the scandalous behavior enacted by those in higher positions.
With contextually accurate language, settings and themes, Welcome to the Madhouse is a thoroughly engaging and informative read, with little to fault. Additionally, the presentation, pace, and character development, given its length, is curated and balanced almost to perfection, with only a few fluctuations in the introductions and few editorial errors throughout, making it a strongly suitable and recommended choice, and a strong candidate for a reread, for almost anyone.
https://www.editorsweekly.com/book-re...
November 6, 2025
WELCOME TO THE MADHOUSE (MAIDS OF MADDINGTON #1) by Valerie Anne Hudson -- Eliza is a young girl living in extreme poverty in London in 1895. She works for an abusive woman in her house as maid and other duties. She finds new work in the large house (Maddington House, called "the Madhouse" by servants) of a rich and influential family (the Montagues). She enjoys her new job and higher pay, and forms a close bond with another maid, Annie. The handsome, charismatic, and manipulative beloved son of the family, Edward, returns home and pursues the beautiful and charming Annie, a relationship that ends in Annie's being pregnant. Should she have an abortion? Give the child up for adoption? Hidden secrets, back-door deals, and scandalous love affairs unfold, scandalizing the family, servants, and privileged High Society folk. Eliza remains true to her friend, helping her make decisions. But Edward accuses Annie of a horrible crime and there is a trial. Fans of Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs will enjoy the Madhouse with its characters, plot, and goings-on.
June 4, 2022
Unputdownable! I liked it!
“Welcome to the Madhouse” is a fascinating novel penned by Valerie Anne Hudson. The moment I started reading, I was glued to the pages because of the stories told in the series.
The plot revolves around Annie, a young and vivacious housemaid who decides to take part in Maddington House, which belongs to a wealthy family. Fortunately, she meets Eliza, the other handmaid, and they become close friends. Life seems nice until Annie comes across Edward, the only son of the house, and she falls deeply in love. After that, her life takes a twist.
It's an excellent but twisted story full of unexpected situations that make the story more absorbing. While I was reading, I felt immersed in Annie and Eliza´s world and I felt pity for those people who have to work in conditions that sometimes are unfair. But I still think that this story taught values of resilience, friendship, love and bravery. I loved it, that's why I highly recommend it!
“Welcome to the Madhouse” is a fascinating novel penned by Valerie Anne Hudson. The moment I started reading, I was glued to the pages because of the stories told in the series.
The plot revolves around Annie, a young and vivacious housemaid who decides to take part in Maddington House, which belongs to a wealthy family. Fortunately, she meets Eliza, the other handmaid, and they become close friends. Life seems nice until Annie comes across Edward, the only son of the house, and she falls deeply in love. After that, her life takes a twist.
It's an excellent but twisted story full of unexpected situations that make the story more absorbing. While I was reading, I felt immersed in Annie and Eliza´s world and I felt pity for those people who have to work in conditions that sometimes are unfair. But I still think that this story taught values of resilience, friendship, love and bravery. I loved it, that's why I highly recommend it!
October 20, 2022
Good for fans of Downton Abbey
I received this book in a goodreads giveaway. This is a quick and fun little read that gives me strong Downton Abbey vibes. I would say it is more so a “slice of life” style book that gives more of the day to day workings of a Victorian household, but the plot line of the attempted murder is good and keeps your attention.
This book is a fast read at under 200 pages (almost has a short story type of vibe) and the storyline maintains your interest throughout. The characters are relatable and interesting. I think the author did a great job of making the characters someone you want to invest in and keep up with.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would read others in the series. Thank you to goodreads and the publisher for my copy!
I received this book in a goodreads giveaway. This is a quick and fun little read that gives me strong Downton Abbey vibes. I would say it is more so a “slice of life” style book that gives more of the day to day workings of a Victorian household, but the plot line of the attempted murder is good and keeps your attention.
This book is a fast read at under 200 pages (almost has a short story type of vibe) and the storyline maintains your interest throughout. The characters are relatable and interesting. I think the author did a great job of making the characters someone you want to invest in and keep up with.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would read others in the series. Thank you to goodreads and the publisher for my copy!
June 2, 2022
A great historical read
Welcome to the Madhouse is a page turner of a book with so many twists and turns you don't get time to catch your breath.
Readers get to know the cast of well-developed characters and learn about life in London at the turn of the 19th century. Eliza goes from being a naive fifteen year old, to being a strong woman able to help her friends and family. And boy, the characters have some troubles in this book.
Alongside the daily life of a serving maid, there is the trial of Eliza's best friend Annie which adds another interesting layer to the story.
A recommended read.
Welcome to the Madhouse is a page turner of a book with so many twists and turns you don't get time to catch your breath.
Readers get to know the cast of well-developed characters and learn about life in London at the turn of the 19th century. Eliza goes from being a naive fifteen year old, to being a strong woman able to help her friends and family. And boy, the characters have some troubles in this book.
Alongside the daily life of a serving maid, there is the trial of Eliza's best friend Annie which adds another interesting layer to the story.
A recommended read.
June 6, 2022
As the first installment of the “Maids of Maddington Series”, “Welcome to the Madhouse” by Valerie Anne Hudson is a story set in 1895, which is a period ruled by the rich and the privileged. Annie, the housemaid, is nothing like that but her personality captivates Edward, the only son of the house.
I really enjoy reading this type of novel. And undoubtedly, this is a story I loved. Just by looking at the cover I knew it was my cup of tea. It is not very long and can be read in a couple of days. Now I am eager to read more from this series. I would recommend this story to those who like romance, stories set in the past and well created characters, because this novel has that and more.
September 26, 2022
Eliza Connor has lived a poor life and worked along with her siblings so their family could barely scrape by. Then she gets a job at Maddington House, aka The Madhouse. This is where her life becomes even more interesting and perhaps too interesting for her taste. Her position does lead to some very good things in the end. Highly recommend this one if you are into a bit of a thriller and mystery without any supernatural elements. The storyline and characters are both believable and well-developed to keep the reader turning the pages to see what happens to each and every one of them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 13, 2023
Historical Drama
There is a special charm when reading a book set in history. They tend to narrate with a period style, and it somehow fascinates me. This is one such story.
The main protagonists are Eliza and Annie. The tale is about the hired help for upper class Montagues. This story has plot twists, suspense and many intimate scenes. Since it is set in Victorian times, the bigotry, patriarchy, sexism, and other discriminatory points are driven home effectively.
If you have enjoyed classics like Pride and Prejudice, go for this one. It is similar in presentation but has a very different and engaging tone to it.
There is a special charm when reading a book set in history. They tend to narrate with a period style, and it somehow fascinates me. This is one such story.
The main protagonists are Eliza and Annie. The tale is about the hired help for upper class Montagues. This story has plot twists, suspense and many intimate scenes. Since it is set in Victorian times, the bigotry, patriarchy, sexism, and other discriminatory points are driven home effectively.
If you have enjoyed classics like Pride and Prejudice, go for this one. It is similar in presentation but has a very different and engaging tone to it.
February 13, 2023
This was a well written book. It had everything in it. It was written from the 1800s in London. When all large wealthy homes had servants/
Eliza was a very poor young girl and was on her way to an interview when the book started. The position was for a house maid to a very wealthy family.
She was so very happy when she was hired that day that she almost skipped home to tell her Ma.
She started at Maddington House a week later. She was so happy that she would have a bed all to herself and she shared a room with one other maid. She and her family all lived in one room and she never had a bed of her own. She knew that things were looking up for her.
Eliza was a very poor young girl and was on her way to an interview when the book started. The position was for a house maid to a very wealthy family.
She was so very happy when she was hired that day that she almost skipped home to tell her Ma.
She started at Maddington House a week later. She was so happy that she would have a bed all to herself and she shared a room with one other maid. She and her family all lived in one room and she never had a bed of her own. She knew that things were looking up for her.
October 15, 2022
Welcome to the Madhouse is Book 1 in the Maids of Maddington by Valerie Anne Hudson. I felt that this book was so good and well written. The characters are realistic and the author did an outstanding job of laying a foundation for each character. The story was told from the newest maid's point of view. Although Eliza tells the story, the focus is also on Annie. There is a mystery in the story, but, I really enjoyed the book. I am looking forward to reading book 2, Love, Lies, and Betrayal. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 11, 2022
This is my first book by this author. It was an extremely easy read with accuracy around the Victorian era. I liked the authenticity of mentioning things that were going on during those times, even if not relevant to the character (for example Jack the Ripper).
Eliza’s family were in difficult situations and it was described very well, as was Maddington House belonging to a rich family and the view of society at that time.
Eliza’s family were in difficult situations and it was described very well, as was Maddington House belonging to a rich family and the view of society at that time.
July 10, 2022
Enjoyable historical fiction.
When Eliza gets a job as an underhousemaid at "the Madhouse" (Maddington House), she makes a best friend and starts on a path to lift her family out of dire poverty. But, then, the best friend gets in trouble (In both the old fashioned and more modern sense of the word.)
I love the rich historical setting, the well-rounded characters, and the honest look at life for poor women at the tirn of the last century.
When Eliza gets a job as an underhousemaid at "the Madhouse" (Maddington House), she makes a best friend and starts on a path to lift her family out of dire poverty. But, then, the best friend gets in trouble (In both the old fashioned and more modern sense of the word.)
I love the rich historical setting, the well-rounded characters, and the honest look at life for poor women at the tirn of the last century.
August 17, 2022
Set in late 1800s London, we immediately wonder how anyone of the lower class survived. Large families, scant food, children working in an attempt to make ends meet, where good luck comes because you have snagged a long-houred position that comes complete with room and board, an immediate rise on the social ladder of that era. Add to this just the right amount of intrigue and you have a great story. Well-written too.
January 3, 2026
Ooph, not a good start to the reading year. I’m not sure how this book ended up in my kindle but I have deleted it and would certainly not read the next installment in the series. I thought the 1895 London mansion setting and upstairs/downstairs theme might be interesting but didn’t expect the triteness and historical stereotypes of this book. I could have outlined the plot myself with all the hackneyed tropes.
May 25, 2022
Strikingly vivid imagery
This book takes you on a whirlwind of emotions. You’ll feel like you are in step with Eliza and Annie. This is a story that will take you back in time and the character development throughout is astounding. A truly great read.
This book takes you on a whirlwind of emotions. You’ll feel like you are in step with Eliza and Annie. This is a story that will take you back in time and the character development throughout is astounding. A truly great read.
December 27, 2022
A very enjoyable read!
I never lost interest and thoroughly enjoyed how the story progress as seen through Eliza's point of view. So well done that I am looking forward to reading the next book.
I never lost interest and thoroughly enjoyed how the story progress as seen through Eliza's point of view. So well done that I am looking forward to reading the next book.
February 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this historical fiction with a bit of mystery.
The characters are well developed, interesting story, and time period-location.
Happy ending which is always good, and a strong, moral main character. Clean dialog.
I plan to read more from this author.
The characters are well developed, interesting story, and time period-location.
Happy ending which is always good, and a strong, moral main character. Clean dialog.
I plan to read more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2023
Madhouse Mystery
An interesting tale of the rich and poor on the late 1800s. The center of the story is the Maddington House or Madhouse where the downstairs staff serves at the whim of the wealthy upstairs. Until roles are lost and traded for revenge.
An interesting tale of the rich and poor on the late 1800s. The center of the story is the Maddington House or Madhouse where the downstairs staff serves at the whim of the wealthy upstairs. Until roles are lost and traded for revenge.
December 28, 2023
The Madhouse
I picked this book up four times to read but fell asleep in the first chapter. I picked it up again this morning and read the whole thing. Once it gets going you won't put it down. It's a really good book with a "different" story line.
I picked this book up four times to read but fell asleep in the first chapter. I picked it up again this morning and read the whole thing. Once it gets going you won't put it down. It's a really good book with a "different" story line.
November 7, 2022
Couldn’t Put it Down!
Fantastic period drama with lots of twists and turns, scandal, and excitement! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quick read.
Fantastic period drama with lots of twists and turns, scandal, and excitement! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quick read.
November 25, 2022
Very good book
Loved the story and the characters. Not a very long book. Good for those who want something shorter to read.
Loved the story and the characters. Not a very long book. Good for those who want something shorter to read.
February 5, 2023
Not at all what I expected.
February 27, 2023
easy
Seriously quick and Easy weekend read. Such an Engaging story and intriguing characters. Will definitely be looking into the next book in the series.
Seriously quick and Easy weekend read. Such an Engaging story and intriguing characters. Will definitely be looking into the next book in the series.
March 12, 2023
Short but good
This story seemed short ,it went so quick. Really entertaining! Loved the characters and how they interacted in the mad house. All is well that ends well.
This story seemed short ,it went so quick. Really entertaining! Loved the characters and how they interacted in the mad house. All is well that ends well.
January 2, 2024
Easy to jump into the story which I enjoyed, however I felt it took forever to get to the plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews