A review by melissasbookshelf
A Lady's Maid by Jen Geigle Johnson
4.0
We’ve all heard about the suffragette movement of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, but did you know that the women’s suffrage movement goes back to the 1830’s in England? More and more this author is becoming a favorite because although this is historical fiction, Jen Geigle Johnson takes great care in making sure the historical aspects of the time are accurately portrayed including actual dialogue taken from the situations at the time.
My only regret is that I read this book out of order. It is actual a sequel to The Nobleman’s Daughter. The main character Lady Amanda appears in this book. While this can definitely be read as a stand alone, I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I had read about Lady Amanda before reading this book.
Molly is the maid to the progressive Lady Amanda who treats her as more of a friend than a lady’s maid. They were both involved in the Peterloo massacre and are determined to fight for not only universal male suffrage, but female suffrage as well. When Molly is kidnapped in one of the city’s worst slums, she sees the horrible conditions and the way it particularly affects women and children. She is determined to find out who is behind the horrific conditions and bring them to light. Thomas has loved Molly for along time and is determined to protect her. He has patiently waited as Molly has grieved her love who was lost in the Peterloo massacre. However, as he fights alongside Molly’s causes, he hopes that she will be able to heal once and for all and except a life with him.
Also included in this story is Lady Chloe and Lord Annesley. Lady Chloe is somewhat shy and reserved, however as she begins to support Lady Amanda in the women’s suffrage movement and encouraged by Lord Annesley, she begins to find her voice. Unfortunately, Lord Annesley has been acting strangely and seems to be discouraging the very thing that he once supported her in. Lord Annesley is being blackmailed and is walking a tightrope to fight for those he loves and the things he actually believes in and satisfying the blackmailer’s demand.
This book has something for everyone! It has an extremely compelling story of the plights of children forced into labor, women, and the suffrage movement. It also has two enjoyable romances from both “upstairs” and “below stairs.” There is plenty of action and suspense with a dastardly villain. And, for those who love history, it has actual quotes from historical figures. All in all a fantastic read! Now I have to check out The Nobleman’s Daughter to read Lady Amanda’s story!
My only regret is that I read this book out of order. It is actual a sequel to The Nobleman’s Daughter. The main character Lady Amanda appears in this book. While this can definitely be read as a stand alone, I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I had read about Lady Amanda before reading this book.
Molly is the maid to the progressive Lady Amanda who treats her as more of a friend than a lady’s maid. They were both involved in the Peterloo massacre and are determined to fight for not only universal male suffrage, but female suffrage as well. When Molly is kidnapped in one of the city’s worst slums, she sees the horrible conditions and the way it particularly affects women and children. She is determined to find out who is behind the horrific conditions and bring them to light. Thomas has loved Molly for along time and is determined to protect her. He has patiently waited as Molly has grieved her love who was lost in the Peterloo massacre. However, as he fights alongside Molly’s causes, he hopes that she will be able to heal once and for all and except a life with him.
Also included in this story is Lady Chloe and Lord Annesley. Lady Chloe is somewhat shy and reserved, however as she begins to support Lady Amanda in the women’s suffrage movement and encouraged by Lord Annesley, she begins to find her voice. Unfortunately, Lord Annesley has been acting strangely and seems to be discouraging the very thing that he once supported her in. Lord Annesley is being blackmailed and is walking a tightrope to fight for those he loves and the things he actually believes in and satisfying the blackmailer’s demand.
This book has something for everyone! It has an extremely compelling story of the plights of children forced into labor, women, and the suffrage movement. It also has two enjoyable romances from both “upstairs” and “below stairs.” There is plenty of action and suspense with a dastardly villain. And, for those who love history, it has actual quotes from historical figures. All in all a fantastic read! Now I have to check out The Nobleman’s Daughter to read Lady Amanda’s story!