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 … 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.
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This story has stayed with me for days. I loved the approach Ms Johnson took for such a sensitive topic as women’s suffrage and child labor laws mixing in some romance and of course the perfect amount of drama/action. I appreciated the strong historical references-I’m pretty sure that’s why this story has stuck with me. Fantastic writing!!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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!
A Lady’s Maid was not quite as I had expected it to be. Set in England, the story is about the early days of women’s rights and how two women fought for those rights. It deals with the effect that this had on lower class families and orphanages. And, yes, there are two love stories taking place.
The book was very well written, and I barely noticed the subtle overtones of the love stories. But they were indeed there. In addition to these love stories, I also gained a fondness for the main characters. I found myself rooting for them at each turn of the page.
I was provided a copy of the book by the publisher, and this is my honest and unbiased 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.
From start to finish this is a book you won’t want to put down. Back into the world of steampunk vampires and other paranormal creatures, Nacy Campbell Allen revamps the classic Repunzle tale into something delightfully sinister. If you are looking for romance, suspense, mystery and a dash of magic this book delivers it all!
First book I read by this author and really enjoyed reading it.
This book gives a good feeling for the time period of the story.
On one side the noble houses (involving the politics of those days) on the other side the working class and poor.
The struggle for survival of the poor been used by unscrupulous wealthy people and sometimes been driven to extreme measures. The use of children in textile factories to keep cost to a minimum.
Today as a woman we take our rights for granted and its hard to believe that it wasn’t that long ago that the woman could not vote. The author has taken some liberties with the dates of some of the events described in order to make a better story. Read her notes at the end to get some clarifications.
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 is SO FASCINATING! As you read you will find yourself in the ton with the noblest of the nobility. Then you will stumble into the darkest abyss of the place called Angel Meadow. You will read of the children and women who must suffer like none other and the people who are trying to help them gain freedom and personal rights. Molly and Thomas will quickly become your heroes and you will anxiously read to the very last page wanting to know more. It is SO GOOD! I highly recommend this book!
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, 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.
What did I think? I thought “A Lady’s Maid” was a very good, very educational, and very moving story. Jen Geigle Johnson is a new to me author. After reading this story, I’m looking forward to delving into her other books. I really like the history learned throughout Molly’s compelling story.
Women’s rights, children’s rights, children’s working conditions, and political corruption are a big part of the main focus of this book. However, there is a sweet romance building between Molly and Thomas that I loved. He is so patient with her. He is a true hero. Coming to her aid in times of trouble and rescuing her from a very dangerous man. I loved how he loved her even when she was afraid to love again after a devastating loss.
I also loved how the noblemen and women helped Molly grow into the strong woman she is. The support they give Thomas and Molly is unique for the time period.
While this book deals with heavy subjects, it didn’t feel too heavy or overdone. I liked the suspense and drama.
Molly’s letter at the end is priceless.
I highly recommend this book!
*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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.
I loved this book! To see this time of women’s suffrage and human rights through the eyes of a lady’s maid was fascinating. I also very much enjoyed the love stories. There were two separate love stories that were very different and wonderful to see unfold. I love that this author writes wonderful and complex characters. I also enjoy that her stories are clean and sweet. And I love the happy ending! I definitely recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
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 is a book that History buffs will really enjoy. I learned so much reading this book about Suffrage in England in the 1800’s. It is well researched and told the story of the many dangers that women and children faced during this time. It is an eye opener as well as entertaining. There are two romances going on that you will love. Molly, a Lady’s Maid to Lady Amanda and Thomas, the Footman are in love but Molly keeps getting into major trouble as she works for suffrage for women and the working class. Also Lady Chloe and Lord Annesley are having problems that are keeping them apart. I highly recommend this book as one that you are sure to enjoy. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
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!
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. *
“We are missing influence from half of our population. The gentler, more thoughtful half. And I feel we suffer for it.”
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.