Jen Geigle Johnson is quickly becoming a favorite author. She has an amazing talent for taking history that is relevant to modern issues, and weaving an enjoyable clean romance story that leaves me feeling more passionate about a cause, and more grateful for the sacrifices real people made for progress in equality. So many romances are just that- a romance story. But Jen packs so much more! Clean romance, history, social justice, and a dash of suspense. Love it!

Very interesting story set in London 1831. Depicts the struggle after Peterloo of the people who were trying to get the vote for poor people and also include women. Fully developed characters let you see into the lives of the Ton and their servants. These main characters are of the best, show how each individual's contributions are important to the whole, and the courage it takes to continue when what you see doesn't look like you're doing any good yet you press on. It shines a light on the things that go on through evil but are out of sight. And that love can grow through adversity.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #ALadysMaid

Fascinating look at a pivotal time in history. I loved the characters and what they overcame! This was a sweet and clean read, I'd rate PG for thematic violence.

Endearing story! Jen Geigle Johnson really put the effort into bringing history to life.
Molly is passionate and brave, coming out sometimes as brash. But her attitude is understandable considering how children and women were treated at the time. This is a thoughtful novel on the subject, making one stop to appreciate all that has been accomplished while also being unable to deny there's still work to be done.

Thanks for providing a review copy. I was unable to get into the book and wont be returning to it, so no official review posted at this time.

I read a lot of historical romance in the past. I find this book very sweet and romantic.
I only wish that the story would have been a little more developed in detail. Sometimes I was getting confused while reading this book.
Otherwise good book.

A sweet and enjoyable regency romance. I love it when the characters are likable because I get invested in their story. There is intrigue enough that it keeps the story moving at a good pace.

I don't know what it is exactly, but when given a straight history book, I'm bored to tears and have a hard time picking it up. But I love a good historical fiction! When I can learn something about history in a story with fictional characters, especially when a sweet romance is thrown into the mix, I'm all over it. A LADY'S MAID delivered just what I was hoping for.

Molly is so passionate about her cause and it was interesting to read about women's suffrage and child labor issues in the 1830s and what some people were willing to do to ease the plight of so many. I love the support Thomas is for Molly.

This story is more than just a romance, which plays a secondary part to the story. I could almost taste the characters fears and adrenaline over their situations. These are some rock solid characters and the risks they took gave me some anxiety. I enjoyed learning more about this time in history through a well-told story.

Content: mild romance; moderate violence/suffering

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

I received this book as an arc copy. Unfortunately, I only received a portion of the book, the first few chapters. It was an exciting book that takes place in England during the suffrage movement. The portion of the book I received ended just after the duchess had come to the home for tea. I can't rate the book completely but feel that it would have been exciting story to read based on the portion of the book I read.

Jen does a fantastic job creating a story that is believable! I loved the many different storylines! It was a detailed read about womens rights, the classes and of course lovely romance! Thank you for a beautiful story!

A Lady's Maid is the story of Molly O’Malley who comes into her own in the book A Lady’s Maid by Jen Geigle Johnson on the cause of female suffrage. We meet Molly first in Geigle’s novel the Nobleman’s Daughter, which took place about 10 years before A Lady’s Maid. also highly recommend reading The Nobleman’s Daughter.

Ballgowns, Almack’s, and Hyde Park --- this novel is not, but it is courageous women striving to get the vote, child labor and kidnapping, and pure evil. There are also two very sweet romances going on.

A Lady’s Maid is based on the historical events surrounding women trying to get the vote. The history behind the women’s suffrage movement was fascinating, and this book really brought this struggle to life. I learned that although the Great Reform Act passed (expanding suffrage to more men), women did not get the vote for almost another 100 years!

I have to admit, that it took me a bit to get into this book, but soon I was taken in and immersed in the time period, and I was so glad that I continued to read! This book is well-written, with engaging characters with depth. There are twists and turns – a real page turner. I shrunk at the Angel Meadow and all the evil portrayed therein; it was hard to read. I loved it that good overcame evil!

A Lady’s Maid is a great addition to historical fiction. Jen Geigle Johnson has a talent for weaving fictional characters into historical events. Loved this one. Wish the rating system would allow a 4.5, as that is the rating I would like to give this book.

I received an ARC from #NetGalley; the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A sensitive book written about women's suffrage, child labour, and a bit of romance thrown in. The characters are well developed and memorable. Fine historical fiction.

A LADY’S MAID

A Lady’s Maid, set in 1830s London, is a nice combination of historical information about the women’s suffrage movement and child labor laws presented with a backdrop of love interests.

Molly O’Malley and Thomas Flaherty, maid and footman to Lord Nathaniel and Lady Amanda Halloway, all work together to improve conditions of the working class. Through becoming involved first hand in some dangerous and despicable incidents in industrial factories and slum living conditions, Molly and the others attempt to make improvements. They are joined in their efforts by their friends Lady Chloe and Lord Annesley.

The book focuses on their positive efforts including holding rallies and working to influence the members of Parliament to support their works in passing new laws. Obstacles including financial blackmail, vote buying, and an especially corrupt businessman add to the danger and excitement.

I felt that this book presented some very important and complex information in a way that was particularly easy to read and pleasantly enjoyable at the same time. Heavy subject matter delivered in a light and positive manner.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Jen Geigle Johnson, and Covenant Communications Inc. for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Wow! This was such an interesting story and subject matter. It was fascinating to learn more about the women's suffrage movement in England as well as the horrible Angels Meadow area. It makes me grateful to live in the times that I do and for all those who have gone before that paved the way. They are truly amazing women and men. The love stories were a wonderful bonus.

Jen Geigle Johnson's "A Lady's Maid" is a mix between historical fiction and a historical romance. She does a good job of weaving in history while still keeping romance alive throughout her story. I enjoyed this book, though it took me longer than some to really come to enjoy the characters. In the end, I was glad to have read it -- so be patient if the beginning feels slow!

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review. The opinions expressed are my own.**

I have to say that I really love when Jen Geigle Johnson has a new historical fiction book available. She writes about moments in history that are sometimes not fully remembered as much as others. A Lady's Maid is a great companion novel to her other two historical fiction novels, The Nobleman's Daughter, and Scarlet. Although you can read them each separately, I have loved reading them in order as several of the characters overlap, as well as the events in history. If you haven't read the previous two books, no worries, you will still find yourself immersed in London and the world of nobles and servants, but most importantly, the backbone of the women's suffrage movement.

The author does a great job connecting the historical events from her other books into this one and showing the fortitude of those who were at the Peterloo massacre, continuing forward in their efforts to not stand idly by but to continue working towards freedom for all. Molly, a lady's maid, Lady Amanda, Lady Chloe and Becky, another lady's maid, take the reader on many adventures. Some good natured and others wrought with peril and uncertainty for themselves and those they're trying to help.

While reading this one, I've had many thoughts about what it would have been like to have lived through this moment of history. What it entailed for men in Parliament, for higher ranking women, for working class individuals and also for children. I'm sure there were many emotions involved for all, ranging from fear to elation at the prospect of more individual freedom.

Jen Geigle Johnson brilliantly showed those emotions through these characters and their struggles, as well as the people that they encountered throughout the story. I had moments where I was so emotionally invested that I truly felt fear for these characters. I know they're fictional, but the fear was from the knowledge that real people in history experienced and lived those moments. Some still do today. I was very emotionally invested in these characters that I shared in their joy and cheered with them, I sighed in relief with them, and I was fearful and sorrowful with them. When an author can pull for those emotions from a reader, I count that a great read. I believe this book, as well as the previous two, will stick with me for many, many years to come.

The point of view alternates between a couple different characters. Molly, Lady Chloe and Lord Annesley. I enjoyed the different perspectives that this brought to light in the novel. Each of them sharing similar beliefs but each adding more to the background of the story.

I haven't shared a quote in a book review for a while but there was one that I loved and felt was a great summation of this story and characters, what they were joining together to bring forth.

"Because my voice is my own. I am a unique and valued person in my own right, and I deserve to have a say in the process of our government and in who represents me."

I'm grateful to all those who came before and who took a stand for what they believed in, to forge the path for a brighter future for those who followed.

Content: Clean. This book does deal with many serious and more sensitive issues. Yet, the author wrote the book in such a way as to bring light to those issues but still keep the book clean and well written. Child labor, slavery, human trafficking, blackmail, attempted rape, beatings, rallies, factory work and accidents, moments of peril, orphans, and other issues related to this time in history.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

This is the first book I have read by Jen Geigle Johnson and I have to say she wrote a beautiful story. I loved that in this book you get to see so much dimension because it feels the stories of upper class and the lower, yet they are woven together so perfectly.

I enjoyed Molly and her drive and all of the love mixed in. I related to Lady Chloe's quiet drive. And I so looked up to Lady Halloway's leadership. But it's not just all about the two love stories. Ms Johnson give such a eye opening peek into what women suffrage and child labor was like in England, how it was perceived by different people.

It may take a bit to get used to the two live stories and perspectives as they bounce back and forth, but you will love this tale in the end.

A Lady's Maid is a pretty good read. I enjoyed the characters and history of the story. I give it four stars.

Molly O'Malley is ladies maid to Lady Amanda, both of them are fighting to give women the right to vote, as well as children's rights. They are actively involved in orphanages and seek to protect those who can't protect themselves. Molly can be a little impulsive at times which causes Lady Amanda worry and stress.
During an impulsive moment, Molly finds herself in danger with no way of escape. While in this precarious situation, she learns more about the evil things that happen in the seedier parts of London and resolves to do all she can to right these wrongs.
Jen Geigle Johnson weaves an enlightening tale of valor and courage. This was an enjoyable and eye-opening read that centered around the very difficult social situations of women's suffrage, and child labor. It also has romance, adventure, and a happy ending. If you're looking for something that is a little deeper than a typical proper romance, this is a great option.

It took me awhile to get into this book. At first, the main character really irritated me with how quickly she switched opinions, so I was slow to warm to her. I liked several of the characters (Becky should get her own story), though there were times that I felt it would have been better to stick to an in depth exploration of one character, instead of having several where we just barely scratch the surface. E.g. I kept waiting for an explanation for Lady Chloe's reticence. Did she go through some kind of traumatic experience? Was she humiliated in a public setting? It did seem odd to have her personality undergo such big changes by the end of the book without having more background explanation.
I did learn a lot about the suffragette movement from reading this. The author explains that she took a few liberties in her writing, so I look forward to doing my own research to find out more.
An enjoyable read, but not impossible to put down.