Maid of Ballymacool - by Jennifer Deibel (Hardcover)

This is such a beautiful story of injustice, love, and redemption. It's like Cinderella with a lovely twist. Once I picked this book up I couldn't put it down and had it devoured in less than a day! If you love a good sweet romance and a handsome Irishman then this is the book for you!

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel shares the story of Brianna Kelly who has grown up at the boarding school. She labors intensely all her days trapped in horrid circumstances. Brianna doesn’t know much about her past other than being dropped off at the boarding school with a locket around her neck. A locket she soon looses. The head of the boarding school, Magee, is downright mean to Brianna, but why? Enter Michael Wray who must go off to the boarding school to help with his younger cousin who is struggling. What neither Michael nor Brianna consider is the impact Michael’s visit will have. I simply could not put this book down! I was enthralled! It is an amazing read. Throughly enjoyable. I have appreciated Jennifer Deibel’s previous works and this does not disappoint. I do disgree with the first sentence on the back of the book. It states, "A slow-building..." Nope. This was not slow building at all. I thought it was excellent! I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I highly recommend! Run to read this book.

Author Jennifer Deibel shares a fascinating tale that is set on the Emerald Isle during the 1930s. Her descriptive powers helped me visualize the County Donegal, the Irish dialect was music to my ears, and I enjoyed the historical details that were woven into her plot. I also loved the well-developed characters who played such an important part in Brianna's search for answers. And then there's the romance! Who wouldn't love Michael Wray and the unexplained attachment that he feels for someone he hasn't met before? Or has he? This captivating story kept me turning the pages to unravel the clues and discover the secrets. Brianna's moments of sadness and defeat are buffered by hope, forgiveness, and the lovely faith message woven into the romance and suspense. Well done, Ms. Deibel, I thoroughly enjoyed The Maid of Ballymacool! I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

The Maid of Ballymacool is a fantastic historical romance set in Ireland with a touch of a gothic feel to it. I have enjoyed all of Jennifer Deibel’s novels. She does an excellent job painting the landscape of Ireland and making you yearn for a visit to the Emerald Isle yourself! The characters in this story are wonderfully thought out and grounded. From the secretive free-spirit of Brianna, the motherly nature of Finnuala, or the vengeful temperament of Magee, they all work together to make a beautiful story. I loved the romance in this novel. It is sweet. It is slow-burn, and it is just right. Their love was not one made up of one romantic gesture after another but by serving each other with Christ-like love. Michael is a perfect gentleman by breeding but also by faith, and I love how he is willing to go against convention to use his name and circumstance to help others. He’s a keeper for sure! Overall, I loved this novel and had a hard time setting it down. I wanted to know the answer to the many mysteries in the story, and I was not disappointed. I highly recommend you take a trip to Ballymacool with Michael and Brianna! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I love the way the author described Ireland, the Ballymacool House and Boarding School, it was absolutely beautiful. The characters are so likeable, I immediately loved Brianna and her sweet spirit. Brianna was such a complex character and had me thoroughly intrigued from the beginning. If you enjoy a good villian, this book has one. Maureen Magee... That woman had my blood boiling from the start. Although her character got under my skin, I think the author did a fantastic job of using her character as an example of what can happen if we allow bitterness and unforgiveness to take root in our heart. I will add that it was pretty easy to guess where the story was going to end up but I didn't know HOW the author was going to do it and so for that reason I was still very interested and I was very happy with how everything wrapped up in the end! This book has mystery, romance, secrets, and it gave me Cinderella vibes. This is my first read from this author and I absolutely love her writing and storytelling that I will be reading her back list! *I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest review.

Once again, Jennifer Deibel created an amazing story. I was drawn in on page one and did not want to put the book down. Readers will be drawn in-experiencing all the “Cinderella” elements while enjoying the new imagining of this classic set in Ireland. Ballymacool is the perfect setting-you can feel what it’s like to walk through the house and visit the Wood-as if you are there along with the characters. The characters are so well written that you will feel as though they are old friends once the story is over. I absolutely love the touches of Gaelic throughout. Brianna Kelly has been at Ballymacool since she was three months old, (right after her parents died), leaving her in the charge of Mistress Magee. She has been a scullery maid in the house turned school for as long as she can remember. Though she has been deprived of most human connection and the love of a family (or of any kind), (all while working from before sun up to the wee hours of the night), she bears it all with grace, dignity and faith in God. Mistress Magee, who is Brianna’s guardian-though you will only see her as a cruel taskmaster whose hatred for Brianna is vicious and heartbreaking. Brianna’s only friend for most of her life is Finnuala, an old woman who lives in the Wood. Her wisdom, love and faith in God is always a balm to Brianna’s heart and mind. Michael Wray, the hero of the story…the “handsome prince”. He is local gentry who comes to Ballymacool at the request of his parents. He has been charged to keep an eye on his willful cousin, who is causing quite a stir at the school. Once there, he eventually befriends Brianna, and becomes a protective force for her. What I love about this character is that he sees Brianna as a person, not as her station. The chemistry that they share is very evident throughout this story. There are so many well written secondary characters throughout the story as well. I love the message of faith throughout and the clear message that our identity is not in who we are or what we do, but who we are in Christ. To quote a favorite condensed conversation in the book: Finnuala: “You are a daughter of the King, and it’s high time ya rest yourself as such.” Briana: “How would I do that?” Finnuala: “By followin’ His example, He washed the feet of others, He befriended the unfriendable, and He never lost sight o’ the purpose laid afore Him by the Father. Our Father.” Page #154 I highly recommend this book-buy it immediately, you won’t regret it. I was give an ARC of this book. This is my completely honest review.

The Maid of Ballymacool is an extraordinary Cinderella retelling enriched by the beauty and culture of Ireland! The tender romance of Michael and Brianna is paired with a mystery buried in Ireland’s tumultuous past, and the result is a riveting and breathtaking tale! I especially loved the glimpses of the villain’s point view as truth comes to light, motivations are revealed, and the mystery unravels. Rich with spiritual truths and life lessons, this story speaks to the soul as much as it entertains. Brianna’s strength, graciousness, and forgiveness in the face of such disdain are astounding and inspiring. The messages in this book are deep and proclaim the love and power of Jesus Christ to the reader. A powerful gospel-filled story— with a touch of Irish enchantment— makes this a captivating escape to the Emerald Isle! I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher for review purposes. My thoughts are my own. I really did love it!

Topic or themes I saw: Abandonment, dreams, feeling unseen. Identity, worth, and significance. Read it if you love: ✔️Ireland setting with some Irish dialect ✔️Cinderella type stories ✔️Christian romance ✔️ Stories that have a search for identity Story: This enchanting tale takes us to a real place: the Ballymacool House in Ireland. While the characters and their stories were fictional, I love when the settings are real. The author’s note at the end was really cool in explaining what was real and what was fictional. The story behind some of the treasure Brianna found was super neat. I also love stories where the villain has their own story, where you can see how they got to be the way they are. That is done well in this one. Favorite Quote: “Sometimes the most useful things we can do, don’t look useful at all.” Thank you Revell for gifting me a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

There is so much to love about The Maid of Ballymacool! The characters are likeable and multilayered. The friendship and slow-grow romance are delightful. The setting and language are lovely. I really enjoyed the bit of mystery and the beautiful themes of family, identity, and a sense of belonging! Definitely a charming and entertaining read! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

What an enchanting and refreshing take on the Cinderella fairytale! I loved it! Brianna Kelly was abandoned as a child and taken in by the Ballymacool House and Boarding School and has worked there ever since she could remember. Antagonized by Mistress Maggie, the Headmistress of the school -and her guardian-, Brianna resigns herself to a life of servitude. Even though she wishes so much more, she feels powerless to change her situation. Her escapes are her visits to the forest, where she searches for treasures that she hides beneath the floorboards of her humble room. Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, hesitantly arrives at Ballymacool, sent by his father, with the mission to deal with his unruly cousin Adeline, to stay there all the time that is necessary to help her smooth her rebellious ways. But when he meets Brianna, he is immediately drawn to her. There is something about her that warms his heart. When Brianna discovers a piece of silver in the woods, she is determined to find out its true origins, with the help of Michael. What they could uncover may be lifechanging. Will Brianna and Michael have a chance at a Happily-Ever-After despite Brianna being of the “lower” class? What a beautiful, touching and heart-tugging novel! I don’t want to spoil the story but suffice it to say that I was in awe at the end for such a heartfelt storytelling! I think it’s my favorite of hers, and the others are incredibly good too! What I liked best was the character development. Brianna was someone I could learn so many things from. Her humility, her kindness, her gentle nature, her innocence. I was amazed of how she could stand Mistress Magee’s mistreatment and abuse with such dignity, and especially without anger or hatred. Mistress Magee was the perfect wicked stepmother, oh how she grated on my nerves. But Briana showed compassion even to her. Finnuala was instead a sweet character, and Briana’s perfect ally, she was like her fairy godmother, so endearing. And Michael, sigh! He was a swooning hero! He was a true gentleman, with a kind and compassionate heart too. He was respectful of people regardless of their station. And the way he supported Brianna and pushed her to be what God meant her to be. I fell in love with him since the first scene where he crashes against her with all the dishes and how he’s so helpful and teaches everyone what a caring person would do when someone is in trouble. I loved that he was never influenced by the headmistress when she constantly insulted Brianna. He was her knight in the shining armor. There was also a faith inspired thread in the story too, about true worthiness, God’s Unconditional Love and Redemption. It didn’t feel preachy at all. The plot was captivating and it didn’t drag. I especially enjoyed all the beautiful descriptions of the setting in Donegal, Ireland. I could almost feel all the greenery and natural beauty! The writing style is beautiful and flows perfectly. All in all, it was a fantastic historical romance that delighted me! I’m not sure if it can be addressed as a Cinderella retelling, because the plot is different, yet it has similar elements, but if that’s the case, then it’s one of the best Cinderella retellings I’ve read! I can’t wait to read another book from this author! Even if I have to wait another year for it, it’s so much worth it! I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

The Maid of Ballymacool swept me away to another era with striking ease. The feelings were conveyed so naturally and the descriptions of time and place came across as such accessible and seemingly effortless prose that I was no longer just reading the story, I was fully immersed and became a part of it! This book was amazing! I loved Brianna and the whole host of lovable and quirky characters that brought this story to life. The storyline of an overworked and under-appreciated maid, who still boasts a cheerful and thankful spirit, has got to be one of my absolute favorites! I am SO enamored with this book and the truly stunning talent that I’ve discovered in Author Jennifer Deibel! Though this was my first book by her, I am already a huge fan of her style and will be looking to read the rest of what she has available, along with keeping an eye out for what comes next from her!

I am glad to have discovered this new-to-me author, and will be looking forward to reading more of her work in the future. Scientists have said that reading fiction develops empathy. That is due to books like The Maid of Ballymacool. One cannot help but feel empathy and righteous anger at the plight of Brianna Kelly. She is treated more as an indentured servant than as the adopted daughter of the headmistress of Ballymacool House and Boarding School for Girls. Having been left on Mistress Magee's doorstep as an infant, Brianna has become resigned to living a largely isolated life filled with chores and an absence of relationships other than the occasional visit to an elderly woman who lived in a cottage in the woods. That is, until the appearance of Michael Wray, a member of the ascendancy class who visits the school to assist with his rather difficult young cousin. Deibel builds her story with a mix of drama and whimsy, a delightful combination. She draws the reader into her characters' lives, both the primary and secondary characters, making them real even though their circumstances would be foreign to the majority of us. Readers will applaud the advocates that rise to the occasion, and weep for the pain, emotional and physical, of those who are betrayed, neglected, or fearful. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Maid of Ballymacool from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Wow! I loved this touching story set in Ireland in the 1930s. The well-structured plot with perfectly placed twists and revelations kept me totally immersed from beginning to end. Michael, the wonderfully honorable hero, and Brianna, the precious but mistreated heroine, headline the compelling cast of characters. They are now on my list of Favorite Fictional Couples. A slow-building and sweet romance, a beautifully sketched historical setting, and encouraging faith lessons on self-worth, trust, and hope combine to make an emotional, unputdownable read. I totally enjoyed this book and highly recommend it especially for historical romance fans. I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation t write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“Have ya ever felt like ye were meant to do something—be something—other than what ya are?" Brianna asks in Jennifer Deibel’s novel, The Maid of Ballymacool. ~ What ~ This three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page paperback targets those interested in a historical romance involving finding one's identity by learning past secrets. With no profanity, topics of verbal and physical abuse may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes the author’s note, acknowledgments, a glossary of terms, a teaser of a new book by the writer, her biography, and advertisements. In this story set in Ireland in 1935, twenty-year-old orphaned Brianna Kelly knows that being unimportant, unseen, and unnoticed as a maid at a boarding school is her only station in life, yet she yearns for something more. When local gentry Michael Wray is sent to the Ballymacool House, he shows an interest in her that seems impossible. As secrets are uncovered about the house's past and its occupants, Brianna learns that she is loved and wanted by many. ~ Why ~ I love historical fiction about love and hardship in a foreign country, and this one that covers Ireland is realistic and interesting. I appreciated the different characters and their roles of economic status. The headmistress's deliberateness and lack of compassion are pivotal to how Brianna's attitude and personality are molded. The budding romance between the protagonists is believable and tender. Adding the glossary was helpful with some of the Irish wording. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story, but it is not overdone. Some may feel the read is Cinderella-like and a character or two are stereotypical. ~ Wish ~ It would be thoughtful to have included the eternal plan of salvation. ~ Want ~ If you like a romantic tale of a hard-working, dedicated woman who feels inadequate while searching for her identity, this sweet Irish love story with warm your heart. Thanks to Revell and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

I so enjoyed this book! I loved the setting. I loved the characters. And as I read the story and the strict rules and regulations, reminded me of my mom's experiences as a young student. It is a beautiful story and Brianna lives a life of servitude at the Ballymacool house and school for girls. The secrets will keep you guessing and so if you like a little mystery with your romance, you will love this book as well. I loved the Christian feeling of this book and how the circumstances of her life show that there is importance to our lives - no matter our station in life. I received a copy of this book and was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.