A Lady's Maid

Author: Jen Geigle Johnson
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: August 1, 2019

​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.

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Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

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.

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

A Lady’s Maid is an excellent work of historical fiction. Well researched and compelling, the reader is pulled back in time to participate in the story.

The writer gives an honest look at the lives of the Lords and Ladies of the time as they intersect with those of their trusted servants. Differences in station are set aside for common interest in the suffrage movement of the early nineteenth century.

Although the author sought authenticity in writing this book, it is not dry, but full of human interest. As the story moves along the themes of human rights, friendship, hope and love are intermingled with the horrors of forced child labor, and the dire circumstances that families of the lower working class faced. 

For me some of the historical data slowed the story down and I found myself wanting to move on. I recommend this book to those who love historical fiction at its best.

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Covenant Communications Inc. through Interviews and Reviews. This is my honest assessment of the book.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

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.

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