Jennifer Deibel is a recent discovery, and I find myself enjoying her novels. The Maid of Ballymacool was no different.

Brianna immediately struck me as a strong heroine, though she isn’t aware of her self-worth. I loved seeing her trying to stand up to her demanding guardian while also remaining respectful. Michael was also a character I found myself easily rooting for.

I loved the kind and respectful way Michael treats Brianna as he fights against the injustice he sees at the school, as well as the surprising way his cousin begins to change her attitude. The romance was sweet and endearing, and I loved the spin on Cinderella.

The setting just about stole the show, though. I loved the bits of dialect Deibel includes. She has a glossary, which was good, but she worked the words in so seamlessly that a lot of times I was able to figure out what the words meant through context.

As for the spiritual thread, it was a bit subtle but there nonetheless, as by the end of the novel, God is clearly as the ultimate judge of our worth. That’s a timely reminder we could all use.

Overall, The Maid of Ballymacool is a sweet story historical romance fans will love. Especially those who love Irish characters.

I have found a new historical fiction author to love and enjoy and in the setting of Ireland I have not yet read much about.

This was the first book I have read by this author, but I immediately placed her other two published books on my 2023 TBR priority list.

Michael was a hero who will steal readers’ heart – he sure did mine. Even though he came from the higher society, he was not scared to step in for those weaker and who can’t fight for themselves. The small changes he implemented made huge differences. There were quite a few instances where I was thinking, “Yes Michael, you tell her!” Brianna was the perfect female lead, with her soft heart and gentleness which creeped into your heart softly and left an impact.

I also loved the strong spiritual messages included in the story and the continuous focus on God.

The mystery around where Brianna came from was also intriguing and even though I figured it out early on, I was kept on edge with wondering how everything will come to light.

The Maid of Ballymacool was an amazing novel full of secrets. It teaches us that no bad secret can stay hidden forever. Eventually, that dirty, little secret will see the light. It teaches us that we are worth more than what people say about us.

This is a story of understanding who we are in Christ. It doesn’t matter what the world says we are, or what standing we have in the world. It only matters what our Heavenly Father says and thinks about us and to Him we are His children. We are loved.

This novel is perfect for anyone who has struggled to be accepted and loved. Just like Brianna we need to know that we are loved and accepted by our Father before we can accept human love and acceptance.

Aside from some characters that were lovable, I liked this book because it was clean.

I received a review copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.

I have recently found Jennifer Deibel's book and I'm oh so happy that I did! Her books transport you back in time to an Ireland I only wish I could visit. Brianna's story is intriguing and I was in a hurry to finish as I was starting to figure out what her history was. I loved the sweetness between her and Michael and how he was determined to stand up for her. This is an interesting and fast read. If you enjoy Christian Historical fiction, I know you will love this as much as I did!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 21 February 2023.

I really enjoyed this sweet slow burn romance that is akin to a Cinderella story. jennifer Deibel books are comfort reads to me and gladly, these cold winter storms kept my heart warm with this beautiful story with main characters Brianna and Michael in 1930’s Donegal. I was immersed into the story that grabbed my heart - what an enjoyable story that took me to a wonderful time in the past in Ireland.

I highly recommend this faith filled, feel good, formidable story.

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕸𝖆𝖎𝖉 𝖔𝖋 𝕭𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖞𝖒𝖆𝖈𝖔𝖔𝖑 𝒷𝓎 𝒥𝑒𝓃𝓃𝒾𝒻𝑒𝓇 𝒟𝑒𝒾𝒷𝑒𝓁

Irish Cinderella tale w/some mystery, clean romance & cruel abuse 💔 😢 ☘
Plenty of tea moments 🫖
Some faith ✝️
Beautiful cover 📙

County Donegal, Ireland September 1935-
While the telling is well-written, it was hard to read the years of worsening abuse that Brianna suffered at the hand of the deranged headmistress due to the misguided ideas she had about her own past.
When Michael arrives on scene, his strength and kindness bring a welcome reprieve to Brianna's life.

This book could be very triggering for anyone who has suffered emotional abuse from a parental figure.
In the end, Brianna's prayers are answered but a warning here is fair.

Quotable: "I don’t pretend to know why His plan for ya included this road you’ve been led down, but I do know He doesna waste a single tear.”

👉🏻Useful Gaelic glossary in the back of the book, which should have been in the front.

⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars = Good

I received an eVersion via NetGalley and the, Publisher. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Read 3/2-3/4/2023

Book 11 GoodReads Reading Challenge 2023 📚

Review shared on various platforms & retail sites

I have put off writing this review because I have been having trouble finding the right words to adequately convey how much I valued this story❤️ Without hesitation I will say that this book is easily a 2023 favorite of mine😍

“The Maid of Ballymacool” follows a scullery maid named Brianna Kelly who was orphaned at a young age. Throughout the story, Brianna is wrongfully overworked and under-appreciated at a women’s school named Ballymacool. However, that all changes when a handsome relative of one of the students at Ballymacool comes to stay on campus for a while… Enter Michael Wray!!!!!

Y’all, without a doubt Michael Wray is one of my top 5 book boyfriends EVER!! His acts of service were top-tier and the way he looked out for Brianna just had me swooning left and right🥹😭❤️ The sweetness of Brianna and Michael’s blossoming relationship truly warmed my heart❤️ Jennifer Deibel proved through this story that romance and attraction is SOOO much more than the physical aspects (although there were some pretty swoony kisses intermixed😍😂😂).

However, what I treasured most about this story were the faith elements🙏🏻❤️ Throughout the story Brianna grapples with her identity as an orphan and her present circumstances as an abused scullery maid. However, through her friendship with an elderly woman named Finnuala, Brianna is consistently reminded that the Lord wastes no pain, and that there is a purpose for every situation He places us in❤️ This central theme touched my heart in so many ways and I loved how Jennifer handled these delicate topics!!

Overall, Jennifer has firmly cemented herself as one of my new favorite authors🤩 I cannot wait to go back and read her backlist🥳

🚨TW: brief instances of corporal punishment in schools, identity issues related to being an orphan
🚨CW: clean romance with NO language and no implied intimacy… just swoony kisses!!

Thank you to @revell for my gifted copy! All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own!!

"Brianna Kelly, don' let anyone tell ya that who ya are doesn't matter. Everything ya do, shows His glory to the world. At least, it can if ye'll let it. You are a daughter of the King, and it's high time ya treat yerself as such" (location 1789). Left at the door of Ballymacool as a baby, Brianna lives a life of servitude. The headmistress is cruel and severe with her and Brianna doesn't know why. When Michael arrives to help his cousin, he quickly sees things aren't right at Ballymacool.

I enjoyed the characters. I liked that Michael didn't care that Brianna wasn't of the same class as he was. It was clear the headmistress had secrets and it was interesting to see how things unfolded. It was a good read with some unexpected twists. I'd recommend it.

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I loved the premise of this book, the setting, the very detailed descriptions of the scenery, and that it was a different take on the Cinderella tale. I do think it was slow at times and I did start skimming, especially when Brianna was doing chores. I wish there had been more of a resolution with Adeline; I feel as if she gets overlooked as a plot point once the bigger mystery of who Brianna is comes into play. Adeline was the whole reason Michael even went to Ballymacool so a resolution of some sort would have been nice. Also, I think it would have been nice to see more of Michael and his parents together; the first scene with him shows how he and his father don't see eye-to-eye and it hints of more, but we never see a resolution to that either. Overall, it was a pleasant read and I hope others love it, but not my particular cuppa.

I adored this story for so many reasons. It was so easy to love Brianna for her sweetness and persevering soul. She has been existing in an abhorrent world where she is treated horribly, overwhelmed with work, and broken in spirit . Many things change that can be attributed to Michael’s presence at Ballymacool, namely Brianna’s unwillingness to continue being a doormat, a light shining on the unfair realities of Ballymacool boarding school, and a smidgen of romance in the air as Michael and Brianna get to know each other. He is a polished hero—strong, confident, and courageous, and Brianna is a charming leading lady who discovers her worth is more than what others say about her. The side characters are delightful, and really contribute to the overall story. There is a bit of a mystery unraveling as the story goes on, but ultimately the magic of Ballymacool prevails for an absolutely satisfying conclusion. The faith elements are subtle but strongly present. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and was not obligated to write a positive review.

“Child, there’s more to yer story than ye could ever know. And there’s things the good Laird has for ye to do that no one else can. ~pg 153”

I’m a fairly new reader to Jennifer Deibels’ books, but I think every time I read her latest novel, I fall more in love with her writing! She just has this way with words that connect me to her characters, the scenery, and draw me in completely. I really feel as if I am watching everything happen from the sidelines…it’s pure bliss! She engages every one of my senses and makes her world on the pages seem like my world.

As for the characters, Brianna’s plight is much like women in this time period who have to eke out a living as a housemaid, cook or nanny. In this case, she’s been living at Ballymacool girl’s boarding school all her life in the care of her guardian Mistress Magee after her parents’ death when she was but a few months old. Magee is a cruel taskmaster, never satisfied with her work and takes no guff. Brianna’s only friend is an old woman who lives in a small cabin in the woods & treats her like her own daughter. What a delight Finnuala is, she doles out sage advice & reminders of who God is and how He sees the world!

Ah yes, our hero Michael, sent to Ballymacool to keep an eye on his fourteen year old cousin who’s a handful! Well, I already liked him from the very first sentence we met him….why? Because he’s a book lover like myself:

“Few things stirred Michael’s heart and refreshed his spirit like an inspiring read. ~pg. 13”

He quickly sees Brianna’s plight and forges a friendship (all those romantic sparks too!) with her. He’s the epitome of a perfect gentleman, he fights for those less fortunate & has a heart bigger than Ireland! These two are great together & I enjoyed how the author told their story.

The most important thing for me, is the refreshing faith thread. This reminds me (and all who read it), that our identity isn’t within ourselves, but in Christ. That we were made for more in this world and we matter more than we could ever know because of Him. Finnuala puts it so well (let it sink into your own heart):

“Brianna Kelly, don’t let anyone tell ya that who ya are doesn’t matter. Everything ya do, shows His glory to the world. At least it can, if ye’ll let it. You are a daughter of the King, and it’s high time ya treat yourself as such.” “How would I do that?” Visions of fancy robes and demanding breakfast in bed flitted across her mind’s eye. That would never do. “By followin’ His example. He washed the feet o’ others, He befriended the unfriendable, and He never lost sight o’ the purpose laid afore Him by the Father. Our Father.”~ pg. 153”

Faith, a feel-good old-fashioned romance, friendships formed and an unburied mysterious object, all form an exceptionally written story for lovers of these kinds of novels!

*I received a complimentary copy from Revell and was under no obligation to write a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own. *

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel is an enchanting story! I quite enjoyed it! Brianna is a young woman who has spent her entire life living as a servant at Ballymacool, a school for girls. She expects that she will die there, scrubbing pans and cleaning up messes. When Michael is brought to the house to look after his younger cousin, the two find that, regardless of station, life has a way of bringing together what it has planned. A sweet twist on the Cinderella story, readers will be enthralled! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

I really enjoyed this story. I sort of “knew” what was going to happen about half way through the book but I still wanted to finish because I really enjoyed the characters. Very much recommend. Well written.

I just reviewed The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel. #TheMaidofBallymacool #NetGalley

I enjoyed this book because it was a slow romance that also included mystery and different stories intertwining. It was enjoyable and easy to read. I enjoy that in a fiction book because I read a lot of non-fiction and enjoy a good fictional read. I was really pleased with the more realistic timeline of the book and the romance even intertwined with a less realistic (but not impossible) storyline. It was a great mix and a great read for this genre.

In Jennifer Deibel’s The Maid of Ballymacool, readers will find elements of the classic Cinderella tale, along with many new components as well. Not the least of these is the simmering theme of Identity which is imbued throughout the narrative. Brianna Kelly inhabits the role of scullery maid in 1930s Ireland, slavishly toiling away in an estate where she is rarely shown any sort of compassion or love. Unlike the fairy tale, however, this story is a work of historical fiction, based partly on chronicled events and/or plausible incidents that are devoid of any kind of special magic. There are no transforming pumpkins or spontaneously-created ball gowns. That said, Brianna shares many common characteristics with Cinderella, as she creates ways to cope with her dire situation with grace and in God’s strength. She also struggles with an inner longing, as she yearns to be more than just an orphaned girl who labors up to twenty hours a day for her room and board. As a young twenty year-old, she makes discoveries about her identity that reach far beyond her wildest dreams. She begins to unearth clues to her clouded history, which include a mysterious connection to a handsome gentleman. This quest not only teaches her about her identity as a woman, but also about how her past will transform her outlook for the future.

The main element which drew this reader in to open the pages of The Maid of Ballymacool was the notion of a Cinderella retelling. This fairy tale/genre was my favorite as a girl, and as an adult I still appreciate the rags-to-riches theme, even if the “riches” are metaphorical. What held my interest as I read Jennifer Deibel’s novel was the quality of writing, character development, and plot execution. While not a riveting spy thriller, the story did maintain an even pace with a likable (and sometimes deliciously detestable) cast. I loved the “winks” to the source material, including lost shoes, an almost-fairy godmother-like character, a handsome gentleman of higher social rank, and a passing mention of “goin’ to a royal ball.”

The Maid of Ballymacool does fall under the umbrella of Christian fiction, as certain elements of that faith are mentioned. Some characters do utter short prayers, and the notion that one’s identity and self-worth can be found in God is raised from time to time. Brianna loves to fellowship with God in nature. Deibel makes her beliefs clear, but they are not shoehorned into the content. The story of Brianna Kelly, Michael Wray, Maureen Magee, and others carries the day. Some adult themes are mentioned, including adultery and some physical abuse endured by a few individuals. However, the details given are minimal and not gratuitous. Any coarse language on the printed page is safe for all ages. The romantic element of the narrative is certainly an important aspect, but the details are sweet and fairly chaste.

Jennifer Deibel is a new author for this reader, and I very much enjoyed her latest work The Maid of Ballymacool. Lovers of Ireland, Cinderella, early 20th century historical fiction, and even Downton Abbey will find much to recommend in this novel. Much like Cinderella and Brianna Kelly, the search for significance is a common theme in the lives of many. Ultimately our identity will not be found in our job titles, but in who God says we are. As God’s creations we are all of value and worth, and to quote one line from the novel, "Yer purpose in this world has precious little to do with what job ya hold. It's to do wi' the way ya impact the people around ye."

The Maid of Ballymacool
Jennifer Deibel
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

As an infant, Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School. Although she dreams of more than her position as a maid at the school, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation. During her afternoons off, she explores the grounds, taking pleasure in discovering small treasures to add to the secret collection kept in her room.

Michael Wray is sent to Ballymacool to deal with a cousin who is a student there. While there, he is unexplicably drawn to Brianna despite the difference in their social standing. When he commits to helping Brianna learn the origin of one her treasures, they begin to unravel the truth of Brianna's story as well.

This story, at heart, was one of class distinctions, the ruling class, the hired help, and those seen below servant. The opening of Deibel’s novel was pleasant as one of the higher class inevitably felt the need to rock the boat, be one of the people, and turn his nose up at social conventions. In meeting the female lead, she was also a delight to know as she had a joyful spirit and a thankful heart. Oftentimes it is those with the least that appreciate the smallest comforts or kindnesses the most. What a good reminder to live a grateful life.

We enjoyed the story and the literary descriptions found throughout the book. There were no real surprises, as most of the plot was predictable, but it was laid out pleasantly.

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel is one of my favorite books of 2023 so far! Full of mystery, romance, history, emotions, faith, secrets, Cinderella vibes, a swoon-worthy male lead and a villainous headmistress -- this story has all the makings to be one of my favorite books of the year! 5 stars!

I have loved both of Jennifer’s books so far, A Dance in Donegal and The Lady of Galway Manor, but The Maid of Ballymacool is my favorite one yet! There was something about Michael and Brianna that just made them unforgettable and unique.

Set in the 1930s in Ireland, Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as a baby. She’s worked there her entire life and the Headmistress, Maureen Magee, runs the school and is a force to be reckoned with. Miss Magee also raised Brianna since she was a baby who was left on her doorstep. She is so cruel to Brianna and we are trying to figure out why she holds such a grudge against her – because it’s obvious there’s some internal turmoil secretly stored with Miss Magee about Brianna. Michael Wray comes to Ballymacool to oversee his unruly cousin and from the very beginning he stole my heart in this story. He meets Brianna, they connect immediately, and things take off from here as Michael shows his loyalty and heart throughout the story. He is truly the hero in this story and I LOVED it! What they discover together throughout this book changes so much in Ballymacool House and Boarding School.

The reason I loved Michael so much in this is he showed such love, loyalty, strength, commitment. He was not afraid to stand up for what is right, especially to the headmistress. Jennifer pulled Michael in the story at all the right moments when I, as a reader, would think “I hope Michael is about to show up!” and he did! He just has such a tender, loving heart and respect for others that I loved. He also had a good foundational faith that I really appreciated.

Brianna was such a complex character, and I was so intrigued from the very beginning. Her story really reminded me of Cinderella in many ways. She was passive because of all the hardship she had in her life and Michael helped her really open herself up to everyone else and be able to grow. Also loved the side characters, specifically Finnuala.

Overall, this is my favorite of Jennifer’s books so far and I highly recommend if you love Historical Romance! (Also, loved seeing a couple of characters from A Dance in Donegal here! 😊 )

Thank you to Baker Publishing, Revell and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy to honestly read and review.

This book is SO GOOD! It is moving, sweet, heartbreaking, full of hope, heartwarming, and so much more. Whenever I picked up "The Maid of Ballymacool", I was whisked back in time, and went on such an emotional journey with Cinderella-esque retelling.

Jennifer Deibel's writing style is incredible, and so full of heart. Her passion for writing, and the story she is telling, is so clear. Her characters all feel like such real people, and I could truly envision each and every moment throughout this novel.

Brianna is a young woman, who has been a maid at Ballymacool House for many years, truly for as long as she can remember. She is treated absolutely horrifically by the headmistress of the school, but, Brianna never lets this change her incredibly kind, brave, caring, and warm heart. Michael is such a caring, loving, and warm man who goes to Ballymacool to help his cousin. Upon arriving, he soon realizes that much of what is going on at the school is wrong, and steps in to help in any way he can to make it a better place.

(Possible Spoilers!)
Oh my goodness, Brianna and Michael are so sweet together. They both truly bring out the best in one another, and watching the care they have for one another blossom and deepen was so beautiful. Their love for one another is so moving, and I hope we see their story continue! Also, I absolutely adore Finnuala.

If you enjoy Historical Fiction and Historical Romance, I highly recommend this book! I so look forward to reading what Ms. Deibel writes next.

Thank you so much to Revell Publishing, Austenprose PR, Jennifer Deibel, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, and to Revell Publishing and Austenprose PR for the beautiful finished copy as well! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I have loved previous books from Jennifer Deibel and was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest, The Maid of Ballymacool. After reading this one, her writing just keeps getting better and better. I adored meeting Michael and Brianna and going back in time to the beautiful Ireland. Their story was full of delight, mystery, and romance. I thought it was a great retelling to the Cinderella tale. I loved every single page of it.

I am giving The Maid of Ballymacool five stars. I believe fans, readers and lovers of the clean historical fiction genre will definitely want to read this one. I think most will love it as much as I did. I would love to read more upcoming releases from Jennifer Deibel in the future.

This historical romance novel sets its retelling of Cinderella in early 20th century Ireland. Readers will recognize the bones of classic Cinderella tales, but the story still follows its own path enough to have a unique plot. Readers will sympathize with poor "Cinderella," Brianna, and fall in love with her "Prince Charming," Michael. The evil stepmother figure is truly awful, and the fairy godmother figure feels magical while remaining within the confines of reality.

I read this book while recovering in the hospital from the birth of my fifth child, and it was the perfect way to pass the time. I loved discovering the story of Ballymacool - I didn't want to put this book down, and I was grateful that I didn't have to! One thing that really interested me was that this book offered a different political perspective than many books set during this time period. Most Irish historical fiction books focus primarily on the perspective of the oppressed Irish people. This story involves characters who cooperated with the British because they saw it as the most prudent way forward given the circumstances, and it presents these characters in a neutral/positive light. I liked learning more about this perspective, and it makes the story stand out from others in its subgenre.

I really enjoyed this book and I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to read it! If you enjoy fairy tale retellings, books with Christian messages, historical romances, or if you're looking for an Irish book to read around St Patrick's Day, I recommend The Maid of Ballymacool!

Thank you very much to Jennifer Deibel and Baker Book House for providing me with a copy of this book! All thoughts expressed in this review reflect my own honest opinions.