3.5 rounded up! I think I may have liked this one slightly less than the others. It took me a bit to get into it but never had the “I can’t put this down” feeling. There was a complicated back story with Flora to get into and I missed Molly’s perspective/unique voice in those chapters. This was good, but I liked the earlier books in the series better!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I was so excited to get this ARC—what a treat! I absolutely love Molly, and this book did not disappoint. It pulls together everything from the earlier books in such a satisfying way, and I couldn’t put it down.

Molly is one of my all-time favorite characters. She’s smart, relatable, and just so easy to root for. Watching her story come full circle was emotional and rewarding, and I loved every minute of it.

I really hope this isn’t the end of her story. If there’s more Molly to come, I’ll be reading it the second I can get my hands on it!

The Maid’s Secret is a story about Molly Gray, head maid to the extravagant Regency Grand hotel. When the hotel hosts an antique treasure-hunting show, she learns that an old item she’s had her whole life is priceless beyond measure. But before she’s able to sell it, it is stolen in a scandalous heist.

I had higher hopes for this book because I do enjoy a heist, but I found myself a bit bored by this one. The setting has a lot of potential but the characters is a bit of a let down. I understand the characters are largely meant to be archetypes of people you work with, and that can work well if you know what you’re doing. In this novel, however, it made the characters not seem like real people. They’re quippy and not in a fun way, and there are many times where I looked at the main character and went ‘who would act like this?’ And do not even get me started on the Spanish-speaking character who spoke whole sentences in English and replaced one keyword with Spanish.

Despite this, I found the plot to be interesting. The premise of finding out a bit of junk sitting in your house is a priceless treasure is a compelling one, and I was interested enough in how it was all going to wrap up to keep reading. The cuts between the main story and flashbacks to her grandmother’s life as an heiress kept me guessing, and the main plot had some nice moments of humor. Overall I’d give this book a 2.5 - if the characters were a bit more well-rounded, I could see myself giving it a three.

What a great way to wrap up the Molly the Maid series! The whodunit mystery in The Maid's Secret details how Molly becomes an instant millionaire after bringing some of her late grandmother's items to be appraised on the viral TV show Hidden Treasures but then the most valuable item gets stollen!

The past collides with the present as Molly learns things about her late Gran's life to help solve the current mystery at hand.

This was a light, heartwarming mystery that was so enjoyable! The dual timelines of the story worked well together.

By now, after following Molly through so many ups and downs in this series, I feel like she’s a part of me. I’ve watched her evolve, stumble, rise again—and through it all, she’s remained so incredibly real. I feel her fears like they’re mine, hold my breath when she’s anxious, and smile at her joy like I’m living it with her. That connection doesn’t just happen. It’s earned, book after book, and Molly has my whole heart.

What I love most is how she continues to love so openly—so fully—without ever expecting something in return. There’s never a hint of calculation in her affection. It’s raw, honest, and generous, even when it costs her something. Her honesty never wavers, even when it would be easier to lie or to hide, and that’s what makes her so powerful. She’s vulnerable without weakness, strong without ever losing her softness.

And she never gives up—not on herself, not on the people she loves, not even when she probably should. Watching her fight for love, for truth, for her own worth—it’s inspiring in a way that stays with you long after the last page. Molly doesn’t just grow in each book—she blooms, and it’s been a privilege to witness it.

I have been a fan of Molly's character from this series. I really enjoyed the flashbacks of Molly's childhood with her Gran in the second book so I was excited that there is a lot more of Gran's life in this book, and I enjoyed reading about her past. It is Molly's Gran who is the lead in this book and not Molly.
The mystery aspect is not as significant in the storyline. The resolution of the mystery was a bit underwhelming in the previous book, and I felt the same issue with this book. The way Gran's diary ties in to solve the 'mystery' is a bit too straightforward. It was also disappointing that the author did not go into the details of the stolen Faberge egg, the group behind it, and how Molly's mother tied in to all this. It reads like a draft of ideas that needed more polishing to deliver as a cozy mystery. Overall, I would skip this book.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

I ended up listening to this one, and it's just as enjoyable as the rest. I liked that the author brought the Faberge back into it, after mentioning it in the previous books, and I liked Gran's perspective. It helped fill in some gaps.

The Maid’s Secret was my favorite Molly the Maid book. It had all the quirkiness that you expect from Molly, but was also full of romance.
When a traveling antique show comes through the Regency Grand Hotel, Molly is so excited to get her box of treasures appraised. To her amazement, they found one of her treasures to be worth millions, and Molly is flung to the spotlight overnight. Molly must look for answers from her beloved Gran’s past, however, when the million dollar egg is stolen. Gran’s grand love story is revealed to Molly, and I just loved how it was all tied together!
The Maid’s Secret has the mystery that you expect from Nita Prose, but also a beautiful love story to finish the series. I loved it!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the advance readers copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

In The Maid’s Secret, Nita Prose once again enchants readers with the unique and endearing voice of Molly the maid. This time, however, the narrative is deepened by the addition of her Gran’s compelling backstory, which brings new layers of heart and history to the tale.

While Molly’s journey remains charming and filled with her signature quirks, it was Gran’s story that truly captured my attention. Her past is woven thoughtfully into the present-day mystery, enriching the plot and adding emotional resonance.

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. Fans of The Maid will find this sequel both familiar and refreshingly insightful.

Oh Molly the maid how I love you! I have loved this series and this one is right up there! Mystery, quirkiness, and laughter! As always such a fun read!

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reader copy!

5 stars!

It is always a treat to read a new Molly the Maid book!

The Maid's Secret is a little different than the previous books in the series - this one uses journal entries to tell Gran's tale. It was fun to finally learn about Gran's old life and who she used to be. Meanwhile, in the present, Molly receives potentially life-altering information and must decide how to move forward. The book flows between Molly in the present and Gran's diary in the past.

I did enjoy this one, but it's not a five star for me - the mystery piece fell a little bit flat. There's an art theft, which would have been the perfect spot to showcase Molly and her sleuthing skills, but overall this felt like a very minor part of the story.

Get ready to be swept off your feet and onto the edge of your seat with The Maid’s Secret! Nita Prose has crafted a charming tale that combines a delightful whodunit, a touch of romance, and a sprinkle of family secrets — all served up in the glamorous setting of the Regency Grand Hotel. Meet Molly Gray, the ever-dedicated Head Maid and Special Events Manager, who finds her life flipped upside down when she becomes an unexpected star on the antiquities TV show Hidden Treasures. Her discovery of a rare, million-dollar artifact sets off a media frenzy, but things take a dramatic turn when the treasure vanishes just before auction. Now it’s up to Molly, her loyal friends, and a dash of detective work to crack the case. And just when you think the story is all about recovering stolen treasures, the plot deepens with revelations from Molly’s grandmother’s long-lost diary — uncovering love stories, family secrets, and a connection to someone Molly knows all too well. It’s a spirited mix of mystery, romance, and heartwarming surprises that keeps the pages turning. Prose’s signature witty narration and engaging characters make The Maid’s Secret a genuinely fun read that will charm fans of cozy mysteries and heartfelt family sagas alike. While some twists are predictable, the warmth and humor make up for it. A captivating blend of intrigue and love — highly recommended!

The key to the mystery lies in the past, in a long-forgotten diary written by Molly’s gran. For the first time ever, Molly learns about Gran’s true-to-life fairytale, a young girl to the manor born, the only child of a wealthy magnate. But when Gran falls head over heels in love with a young man her parents deem below her station, her life is thrown into turmoil. As fate would have it, the greatest love of Gran’s life is someone Molly knows quite well….

I ADORE this series, and Molly Gray is a character that has stayed with me. I was so excited to read this book and learn more about her beloved Gran. This book did not disappoint. There was mystery, heartwarming charm, wit and warmth. The present day aspect was not as strong as in the past books in the series. It was nice to see Molly come into her own, and I wish we saw more of that and her relationship with Juan Manuel. I'm glad we got the snippet of Molly's past and Gran's perspective, but I think it was clear the series is done. I will forever love the first and second book the best!

I thoroughly enjoyed this series. In The Maid’s Secret, we get a deeper look at Molly's grandma's history. I loved to get her back story and learn about her. She was always an endearing character and I was even more enamored with her. I will say, I did miss Molly as she didn't take center stage.

Thank you for allowing me to read this book as an ARC.
I have loved all the previous Maid books including the novella one from Christmas, and I sure loved this one too! It again was a fun, easy and quick read. Perfect when life is busy and enjoy a fun read. Of course our protagonist is totally likeable and so normal and down to earth, as usual sometimes very naive but just adorable. This book gives a lot more background into her heritage and background so it was nice to get to know her family better.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that loved the last ones but it's also a great read as a standalone. 5 🌟

Molly Gray is proud to be the Head Maid & Special Events Manager at the opulent five-star Regency Grand hotel, which is 'a timeless treasure, a five-star Art Deco jewel.' Molly is engaged to Juan Manuel, the head pastry chef at the Regency Grand, and the betrothed couple are happily planning a small wedding at city hall - which is all they can afford on their modest salaries.

Today, though, Molly has other things on her mind. The hit TV show 'Hidden Treasures' - where celebrity appraisers Brown and Beagle assess items brought in by the general public - is filming an episode in the Grand Tearoom of the Regency Grand. Molly is in charge of the tearoom, and when it's full of guests, Molly will ring the bell and 'a tuxedo-clad army of waiters will march in carrying triple-tier tea trays replete will all manner of delicacies.'

In addition, the hotel staff has been invited to bring collectibles for Brown and Beagle to appraise before the show starts. Molly has a curio cabinet filled with her late Gran's 'treasures', and she packs up souvenir spoons, a vintage teacup, a Swarovski swan, an old key, and a bejeweled ornamental egg on a golden pedestal that Molly thinks is 'a worthless trinket'. As it turns out, Beagle assesses the egg as a one-of-a kind Fabergé treasure, worth at least five million dollars.

Molly immediately becomes a public and internet sensation, with people chasing her down for autographs and selfies. This is awful for Molly, who just wants to go about her 'Molly the maid' job, 'returning the hotel rooms to a state of perfection.' Brown and Beagle convince Molly to let them auction off the Fabergé egg, which will make Molly rich AND quell the public attention. When the egg is sold for ten million dollars, it starts a string of trouble that involves Molly, her friends, her grandfather, and Police Detective Stark.

The brouhaha about the Fabergé egg is interspersed with entries from the diary of Molly's deceased Gran, a maid who raised Molly on her sparse salary. Molly and Gran's apartment was small with threadbare furniture, but it was always sparkling clean and filled with warmth. Gran had been a quiet, affable woman who taught life lessons with sayings like:

To err once is human. To err twice is idiotic.

If you choose the right job, you'll never work a day in your life.

A life without love is not worth living.

Molly thought Gran had struggled all her life, so Gran's diary comes as an astounding revelation. Gran's journal reveals her name was Flora Gray, and she was 'born into a life of unimaginable wealth and privilege.' Flora's parents were entitled snobs who taught their daughter to look down on anyone below their social class, and Flora wholeheartedly embraced the snobbery and pretension. Gran's diary goes on and on in this vein, detailing her arrogant behavior (which is REALLY horrible), and leading to the unfortunate events that caused her downfall.

By the end of the book, things settle down, and Molly and Manuel get married and make plans for their future.

I have mixed feelings about this novel. On the one hand, it's fun to visit with the recurring characters, including;

Angela - a hotel bartender who's Molly's best friend;
Mr. Preston - Molly's recently discovered gran-dad;
Mr. Snow - the manager of the Regency Grand Hotel;
Cheryl - a petty thief and the worst maid in the world;
Police Detective Stark - who's investigated several cases at the Regency Grand; and more.

Conversely, the 'mystery' in the story is rather mundane and Gran's diary is completely unbelievable. It's impossible to reconcile the sweet caring Gran detailed in previous books with the mean pretentious Flora Gray described in Gran's journal. In addition, Flora's 'love interests' are straight out of generic romance novels. In my view, Gran's diary is filler for a thin story.

Nevertheless, I'm a fan of 'Molly the Maid', and it was entertaining to follow her adventures in this tale.

Thanks to Netgalley, Nita Prose, and Ballantine Books for a copy of the book.

This book was not at all what I expected which made it really hard for me to get into at first. While all the other books in the series have been cozy mysteries, this one was more about Gran and Molly’s family history. I didn’t feel as if Molly was the main character in this one and she didn’t have the same energy that I loved so much in the first two books! The letters from her grandma didn’t seem to flow with the timeline of the rest of the story and it felt a bit disjointed.

Overall, I have really enjoyed this series and thought this was a nice ending. Molly is so charming and this cast of characters is very lovable. Molly’s relationship with each character is so special and well written.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!

I don't know what it is about these books but I absolutely love them. They are not my usual type of book I read but they keep me interested and happy every time i read one. This book I loved as it gave so much more of a backstory. Honestly I think I was more intrigued with the back story than with the actual story being told! Either way I enjoyed this book and it was just a warm cozy book that brought a smile to my face.

I loved the first book in this series but my adoration has gone down with each book and this one just really didn't do it for me. I felt like it was too repetitive of what had happened before- I don't think her Gran's story was anything new as it was all hinted at previously. The mystery in this one wasn't that thrilling. I don't know if it's because cosy mysterys may not be my thing or what but I just didn't connect with this one.

It gave what I didn't know I wanted!

I was both excited and sad for the conclusion of The Maid series. Molly is one of my most cherished characters, and this finale to her saga was bittersweet. Her relationship with Gran is so special, so the fact that Nita was able to incorporate her into this story was brilliant. I was prepared for another mystery, but instead was given a heartwarming genealogy. It is exactly the ending I wanted but wasn't expecting.

An incredible conclusion to an incredible series! Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC (even though my pre-order arrived first) haha. I hope Molly's story continues to touch people.