The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel: Book Review

About the book:

Title: The Maid of Ballymacool

Author: Jennifer Deibel

Release Date: February 21, 2023

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.

Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.

Book Review:

A Cinderella story that’s different from what you’ve read before. I loved the deep storytelling and rich characters created for this tale. Brianna and Michael never fall short in their adventure, and I felt deeply immersed in this world of hidden treasure, romance, and overcoming adversity no matter if it comes in physical or mental form. I loved how Michael faced off with Mistress Magee. The woman had no idea who she was up against, and it thrilled my justice-seeking heart to see them go toe to toe. And it was also interesting to see glimpses into Magee’s story, but my favorite moment was when Brianna lost her shoes in the woods. Those moments when she’s still and silent in prayer raised goosebumps. The faith thread really sings throughout the story, too, and I appreciated its depth and constant presence. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through RevellReads. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.