I found the description of this book very misleading. I could only read about a quarter of the book before I gave up. This is a 'woe is me' book about the fight for womens rights in Europe. I found the !ain character Molly to be depressing and not someone you felt like rooting for. Sadly, I did not enjoy this book. I gave three stars however, became I feel like some would enjoy the topic and struggle of women's rights and the writing was solid. Just not a book for me.

I'm not sure what I expected when I picked this up, but it wasn't what I got. This book felt almost like a history book on part of the women's rights movement, but turned into a novel - sort of. Don't get me wrong, it's very readable and I enjoyed it overall, but the romance element is minimal, which surprised me from the description. If you're looking for a book that is largely historical fiction but with a bit of romance woven in, and are interested in the history of women's attempts to get the vote, this will be both educational and interesting. I found it thought-provoking inasmuch as it made me realise just how much such movements, though well-intentioned and possibly even theoretically necessary for the good of society, are against the teachings of Jesus - not to do with women seeking their rights, but to do with any of us trying to claim that we have rights at all. But that's by the bye!

All in all, the writing was good and the story interesting, but probably not really what I had been anticipating or looking for. I'm not sure whether I'll try more by the author, but if historical fiction is your style rather than historical romance, this book is for you. Note that although the book deals with the characters coming across some truly awful conditions (child slavery and forced prostitution, to name only a couple), the content is kept clean and not overly descriptive - just enough to leave the rest to the imagination.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Romance, clean; Series, but stand alone read.
This was more of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but rounded up for the historical elements, and the passionate themes for Women's suffrage and rights in this novel. There are several story lines running in this novel, you see characters from the previous novel as well, but can be read as a stand alone read.
Molly and Thomas, are so committed to helping their class and those below them escape the prisons of the factories and slums in the are near the orphanage that Lady Halloway and her husband help run.
The other characters and players, are interesting, passionate about their cause, and also learning about each other, and their fears and hopes, and learning to speak their voice and make their cares and concerns heard in the face of opposition in so many quarters. The historical aspect of this novel was particularly interesting, and interesting to see how some of the voting went, the political process (and corruption and manipulation by powerful players), were so relevant and current, even today.
Molly's concern, her worries and cares trying to stay true to the cause, and caring for all the oppressed as they are discovered.
The other ladies and gentlemen, are also in the middle and supporting Molly and Thomas. The multiple story lines weaving together and making a great historical read with an interesting picture of change and hope as rally's, protests, gatherings, and meetings helped promote change, even though it wasn't exactly what they hoped for.
Great characters, I loved seeing the change and determination in the main characters, and of course, the other story line, some love and hope for a wonderfully full future.

I love stories set in historical England and the idea of reading about women trying to get the vote in the early 1800s was intriguing. Unfortunately, this story fell flat for me. The character of Molly was very boring and one dimensional. The idea that she was smart enough to hold her position in service and sit on a board, yet dumb enough to pull the stunt she did in the beginning was very discordant. When I learned she was 28, it furthered my confusion on her overall character. Toss in the nobleman and his wife that she served and I could not understand what the author was trying to tell me with the strange dynamics. It only got worse as two ladies maids run into a bad part of town and basically get kidnapped and run into all sorts of disreputable situations just to further along the overall theme of the story. All in all, a very confusing story that needs more outlining and character development before becoming a good story.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I didn’t realize this book was tied to A Nobleman’s Daughter, which I read awhile ago. I don’t know that it’s necessary to read it first, but you would be more connected to several characters if you do. This takes place ten years after that.

There are quite a few characters in this book, and initially I was a little lost about who the focus of the story was on. I think it could have been stronger to keep the focus on one couple instead of two couples, but they each added to the story in some way. Sometimes the timeline during the switching back and forth between characters didn’t line up.

Those issues aside, the details about the fight for women’s suffrage were interesting. I also really felt for the poor people that were forced to remain in their poverty. Some parts were a little slow and I found myself skimming at times, but there was also some good action that was engaging.

I did not realize this book was part of a series. That said I really didn't like Molly's character. She was whinny, didn't think things through, she put people in bad situations and seemed to not care. I really wanted to like her and for her to have redeeming qualities, but when she started to make headway she reached a point and started to revert back and justify her actions.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

I love the history behind this book! I had no idea that women’s suffrage was worked on for so very long before it finally came about. I think many will pick up this book and thouroghly enjoy it. I enjoy books most when I feel connected to the characters and emotionally invested and I just could not get the connection while reading this book. The characters had diverse personalities and many were refreshing with how they did not stay in societies box of normal behaviors. I hope to try this book again sometime and connect to the characters and I really enjoyed the history I learned in A Lady’s Maid.

Jen Geigle Johnson has a way of not only making history come to life, but making it relevant to the reader. 

I loved the juxtaposition this book created against it's predecessor, A Nobleman's Daughter. Where the heroine and hero in that story were bold and fearless these were quite and somewhat reluctant heroes who grew into their roles and purpose. Both kinds of people have a place in this world and I loved that representation. 

There was not one, but two relationships developing in this book and both added dimension to the story. It was beautiful to see Molly's struggle with guilt, and the realization that it is possible to love again after loss.

Overall the story kept and held my attention, I felt invested in the characters success and a desire to learn more about this time in history. I officially love Jen Johnson's historical romances and can't wait for more!

I received this book free an exchange for my honest review. #NetGalley
I enjoyed this book, even though it was a little fanciful. I can't really see a maid putting her job on the line to protest. I understand that sacrifices were made, but a maid required her salary and wouldn't put that money on the line. It was an interesting read all the same though.

I loved this book! I didn't realize just how much went into women's rights becoming a possibility, and how long the battle was fought. This is an excellent historical read!

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I enjoyed this recency era novel about sufferage. The slow build romance between Thomas and Molly and lady Chloe and Lord Annseley. There were several bit of historical knowledge wrapped in this novel from the Peterloo massacre to Reform Bill. Great read overall.

A great read about suffrage in the Victorian/Regency era with a little romance thrown in. I learned more than I had previously known about the suffrage movement...in particular the women's suffrage movement. I did not know that they were actively trying to get a vote that early in history. As far as the characters go, I was drawn into their stories. Molly was a bit immature and I felt that she would make rash and foolish decisions. Thankfully Thomas was there to help bail her out of them. This made for a good balance between the two. The developing story between Chloe and Annesley was sweet with obstacles, but I'm glad that they were able to overcome them. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a good historical read with strong female leads.

I received a free copy of this book. All thoughts above are my own.

The book starts out with lady's maid, Molly O'Malley trespassing and throwing rocks at the Prime Minister's house in order to call attention to the plight of women's suffrage. Luckily, she isn't arrested and Thomas, a footman, brings her home. Molly wants to help the cause that Lady Amanda Halloway has introduced her to, but has to rein in her enthusiasm a bit. Turning her attention to an orphanage and the children, Molly is pulled into a web of criminals and conspiracy that could cost her everything. Thomas who has been waiting patiently to act on his feelings for Molly is now in a race against time to find her. Both Molly and Thomas were well-drawn characters that represent the servant class well and how they were also affected by the suffrage movement. There were definitely some laugh out loud moments with these two as well as some very serious ones as Molly's heart tries to heal from past love.

A Lady's Maid also has a second romantic arc featuring Lady Chloe, a friend of Lady Amanda's, and Lord Annesley, who is given a mission to spy on the women's suffrage movement. I really enjoyed the intrigue and growing relationship between these two. Lord Annesley is in between a rock and a hard place as he's required to report on the activities of his friends, and yet he agrees with many of the things Lady Chloe, Lady Amanda, and Molly are fighting for in regards to women's rights.

I thought the author did a wonderful job in weaving the history of the women's suffrage movement into the story and creating three-dimensional characters to witness and let us see this slice of history through their eyes. The romances had plenty of twists and turns, and combined with a side of danger and intrigue, make this book one for your keeper shelf!

First, thank you to Netgalley and Covenant Communications for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this book although it took a number of chapters in for the book to hold my attention. As much as I wanted to I couldn't get completely engaged with the four main characters as I usually do when I thoroughly enjoy a book. I am not sure why that is the case. The story moves forward at a good pace (I finished it in two days) so it held my attention after it took pace, but it was just a good read for me.

As others stated, perhaps I may have needed to read the previous book but I do think this was written well enough to stand on its own as the author does a good job of filling a new reader in with Molly's backstory.

A great balance of history of the women's suffrage movement and would still recommend.

Having grown up so close to Manchester, I was able to visit a Cotton Mill, and learn all about the plight of the child worker in my youth. At the time it blew my mind what kids had to do to survive.

Of course there’s many aspects to the reality of life you don’t hear about as a kid, and the author does such an excellent job of bringing all of those elements into the story, in an engaging and eye opening way. Learning more about history through a novel is my favourite way to learn.

This is so much more than your typical historical romance - and I enjoyed reading the story of Lord Annesely & Lady Chloe alongside the story of Molly and Thomas, both of them managing a subtle romance as you follow through the major plot of the fight for suffrage, equal rights, child labour laws and the corruption that persisted in places like Manchester.

If you haven’t read ‘The Nobleman’s Daughter’, which comes before this book- I’d completely recommend it.

It seems like I am in the minority here, but I thought this book was rough. From the book's description, I thought this book was about Molly and Thomas, but I thought they were two of the least developed characters in the story. The book bounced around from person to person with no real ultimate story to land on. And the final fight scene was so confusing I'm still not entirely sure what happened even though I read it many times. The redeeming part of the novel was the epilogue where women fighting for suffrage later on are reading the journals of Molly and the words written are very encouraging and inspirational for women. I so wanted this book to be good, but I think it just needed some additional work before being printed.

Thank you NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC.

There is amazing history in this book. The kind that I am so grateful for as a woman and try not to take for granted the sacrifices of those who paved the way for suffrage. I was glad to learn about the historical details that were new to me. Even though this book has a slow beginning as it introduces a bevy of characters, the action and suspense picks up the pace with quite a few dangerous situations- much of it due to Molly's naive recklessness. I had an overall feeling of anxiety and stress as I read, and had a difficult time connecting with the emotions of the main characters. The narrative is split between several characters, and I felt like it divided my focus. I thought the romantic moments between Molly and Thomas were wonderful, but the ones between Chloe and Annesley fell flat. Perhaps if I had read the preceding book, A Nobleman's Daughter, I would have been drawn in more.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

A beautiful story set in the early movements of woman’s suffrage. Jen Geigle Johnson really immerses you into this time in history by giving you the perspective of multiple characters of both the working class and nobility. You get a real feel for what rights these women were fighting for. They wanted a voice of their own and the author did a wonderful job of conveying that. Plenty of suspenseful moments with a bit of romance too. Overall a very enjoyable story. Thanks to Netgalley and Covenant Communications for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this historical fiction about events I know only a little about. The story deals with British suffrage for women and the working class, and also child labor laws and the politics that go on around all of it.

As far a romance goes this book is a two for one as it features two couples. But while the romance is nice the story deals with so much more than that. The characters grow and become better people as they gain confidence in themselves. The title would lead the reader to believe that the book's main focus is on Molly the Lady's maid and she is a focus but others have a focus too and are just as important to the story.

This cast of people in nobility and working class roles all work together in fighting for rights of women and protecting children. And what we see they are up against is pretty disheartening. And some of it is down right horrifying. Part of the time my stomach was in knots and I wanted to bite my nails as I worried about the characters. A couple times I wanted to scream at Molly because I knew she was making a mistake.

There is a happily ever after ending for the love interests but the story doesn't end with everything tied up neatly. Molly and her cohorts do not get everything they are fighting for. Their work is just a step in the path toward their goals.

I haven't read the first book yet but I think this one was stand alone enough that I didn't really miss important elements. I'll be picking up the first one soon.

I liked the authors notes that explained what was fact and fiction. And I feel like I learned something about British history.

Sex: no, some innuendo and an understanding of what is goingk on in a brothel. Some crude comments and leering.
Language: no
Violence: yes but not horribly graphic, threatening situations, defending self by fighting, threat by knife, intention to sexually attack unwilling woman in brothel.

Molly O’Malley, enjoys being a lady's maid to Lady Amanda Halloway, but she also wants to further the cause of suffrage for women. When she sees firsthand the terrifying existence for many in the slums, where children are abducted and forced to work in factories and women are forced into brothels, Molly wants to do more for them. Focused as she is on her missions, she can't help but notice how the Halloways' footman, Thomas Flaherty, supports her in all her efforts. Having lost a man she loved once before, can she open her heart to love Thomas?
Chloe Wetherton has always felt shy and awkward among the ton, but as she gets involved in the suffrage movement, she begins to find her voice. She also finds herself more and more drawn to her childhood friend, Lord Annesley. As her confidence grows, however, she can't help but notice that Annesley doesn't seem as supportive of her efforts in the suffrage movement as she expected.

I liked the two different female characters--bold, headstrong Molly was a good contrast to the more timid Chloe, who is just beginning to find her voice. There's a lot going on in this story--two romances, plus the suffrage movement (including trying to figure out who is working so hard against the movement) plus the efforts to clean up the slums., which makes for an interesting read. I really liked seeing the suffrage efforts in Regency England, as it's a topic I definitely haven't seen explored in other books (other than the first book in this series.

I read a copy of the book provided by the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.