Review of The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

About the Book ~

Brianna Kelly has worked at Ballymacool House and Boarding School 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 unearths an intriguing silver platter in the woods, she commits to learning its origins. Could the handsome newcomer hold the key? If so, their discovery could change everything.

For more information about Jennifer Deibel and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Escape to Ireland! If you're looking for a captivating story that could be an Irish fairytale, then check out The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel!

The Maid of Ballymacool was so sweet and enchanting! Seriously, I just cannot emphasize the sweetness enough. This Irish Cinderella was like A Little Princess meets Downton Abbey. Additionally, the setting came alive with the vibrant energy that is all things Ireland, and I thoroughly enjoyed the blend of history and fiction. Michael's sense of justice and defense of those abused was one of my favorite parts of the story! However, there were some secondary characters whose motivations felt unclear, so their attitudes and actions felt jarring at times. 

Brianna's character explored rebuilding trust in people and God after abuse and betrayal. While there's no way in a fictional story to truly portray all the nuances and trauma triggers surrounding rebuilding trust, I thought the author did a good job for the scope of the story itself. Ultimately, Brianna and the reader are pointed back to God's faithful nature to bring life from death. 

Three Stars ~ The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel is a charming story with a beautiful message! The Maid of Ballymacool is a standalone, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy. 

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girls. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

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