The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel
Release Date: February 21, 2023 by Revell
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Romance
5+ Stars!!!
Description: 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.
Malice, solitude, antics, mystery, several heart wrenching moments, special treasure expeditions, suspense, sweet and tender romance, and so much more are all captured in this fantastic novel, The Maid of Ballymacool, by Jennifer Deibel! I highly recommend this book to everyone -- especially those who enjoy historical fiction and/or romance.
The Maid of Ballymacool exquisitely captures faith, family, and culture in a beautiful and memorable way. Each character is well developed, and every scene is remarkably described in this emotionally engaging, multi-faceted story of finding one’s identity.
The main character of The Maid of Ballymacool is Brianna. She certainly exemplifies Philippians 1:4-9 and to be content in every circumstance (Philippians 4:11b). This well-written, fictional character has inspired me to be more Christ-like and be more obedient to Him and His commands -- no matter what my circumstances are. Additionally, another impactful character, Finnuala, tell us that our purpose in the world has precious little to do with what job we hold -- it is to do with the way we impact the people around us. When we focus on God, His ways, and being obedient to Him, everything is meaningful and the impact we have on others will inspire them to follow Him, too. As with Brianna, each one of us are meant for something more -- something meaningful.
I am already missing the characters, the engaging dialogue, and the beautiful setting; I must re-read this outstanding novel soon!
As soon as possible, I will be reading Jennifer Deibel’s other two books, A Dance in Donegal and The Lady of Galway Manor.
One more thing: The exquisite cover of The Maid of Ballymacool is more than beautiful and draws the read into the story, doesn't!?!
I appreciate the eArc of The Maid of Ballymacool I received from Revell through NetGalley.com. I was not required to write a review or paid to do so. The words above are my honest review.