Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Historical Fiction set in Ireland: The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

What it’s about:

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.

My Review:

Jennifer Deibel’s stories are a delight to read. In The Maid of Ballymacool, Brianna works hard every day, but never pleases the head of the school. Even in the most difficult times, she keeps her faith and enjoys the respite of the nearby forest. Michael arrives at Ballymacool with the intent of helping his cousin, then leaving. Then he meets Brianna. Deibel weaves a story of deception, and anger with hope and joy. I love the pictures she paints with her words and the beautiful ending to a fairytale like story. If you haven’t read Jennifer Deibel’s books, I highly recommend them. I received a copy of this book for free from Netgalley. My opinions are my own.

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