A Lady’s Maid

Posted August 5, 2019 by thebeccafiles in / 0 Comments

Title: A Lady’s Maid

Author: Jen Geigle Johnson

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publishing Date: Aug 1, 2019

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Length: 304 pages

About the Book:

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.

My Review:

Jen Geigle Johnson is a new author for me but one I’ve wanted to read for quite some time. The premise of this book had me highly intrigued and so I was excited to have the opportunity to read it. Although the back cover description of this book gives detail solely to Molly and Thomas, I would consider it just as much Chloe and Annesley’s story as well.

I was quickly drawn into the story through wonderful characters that seemed to come alive through the pages. I’ll admit that it wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but still held my attention. I was expecting more of a “fight from the trenches” instead of a more political battle, however I feel it was respectfully true to the times. Women’s suffrage and rescuing orphans were the two hot topics that were valiantly fought for throughout the novel. I believe the author portrayed the reality of the issues with a clear respect for the true history. As a reader I’ll admit to waiting for vigilante justice for certain characters instead of seeing the big picture of the real fight at hand with a desire for more permanent change instead of a (most likely) bloody bandaid solution. I certainly don’t envy the battles the historical figures had to face, but I’m grateful that they fought.

While it wasn’t what I was expecting, I don’t think that was a bad thing. Righteous anger and patience can be very difficult to balance especially when seeking wisdom from the Lord. Real change doesn’t happen overnight. I was torn between frustration over the history and a respect for the need to “fight smart.” I’m sure this is a book that is going to stay with me for a very long time. I’d recommend it to historical fiction fans especially those with a vested interest in women’s history in politics.

*I received a copy of this book from Covenant Communications. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.