A good ending to the series, but in the book I felt there were too many diversions with chapters that although relevant to the story were rather drawn out. Molly and Juan are delightful. She the maid and him the pastry cook working in the same hotel, an amazing love story. The book is full of twists and turns and some humour and well worth the read.

The Maid's Secret is the third installment of the "Molly the Maid" series and I've been a fan from the beginning.
All is finally going well in Molly's life. She's been promoted to Special Events Manager at the Regency Grand Hotel, and her wedding to Juan Manuel is just a couple of month's away. When the popular reality TV show Hidden Treasures chooses to film an episode at the hotel, Molly brings in some of her gran's old belongings. Molly's awkwardness is on full display for the cameras when she discovers that her grandmother owned a valuable heirloom. She quickly becomes a TV sensation and could become a millionaire overnight. These possibilities are quickly crushed when the Fabergé egg is stolen. To solve this mystery, Molly and crew must dig into the past, via Gran's diary.
I enjoyed the diary sections of the novel more than the present time. I always liked Gran and enjoyed learning about her past and how it lead to the present. This was a heartwarming story and a good way to conclude the series.
I do predict that we will be reading more about Molly's mother in the future...

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for this ARC.

This may be an ok book for a certain type of reader, but I just couldn’t get into it. I tried more than once. It just didn’t “speak to me”. Sorry

The Maid's Secret was an absolutely charming finale to the series. With Molly's life finally on track, about to be married to the love of her life and loving her job as Head Maid and Special Events Manager, of course something is about to go wrong... With the taping of a hit show about appraising antiquities coming to the hotel, Molly has her job cut out for her. She definitely didn't expect to be the star of the show! When one of her Gran's old curios is revealed to be a multi-million dollar antiquity, Molly aims to sell, but the egg is stolen right out from under her. To learn the truth about the egg and the theft and for Molly to finally figure out who her friends and who her enemies are, she must dive into the past. The story is told in alternate points of view, Molly's present-time turmoil and Gran's diary pages come to life about her as a young girl. Will the theft be solved, and will Molly get her happy ending after all?

I really loved getting a new perspective in this story. Hearing about Molly's Gran, Flora's life as a young girl gave us a fresh voice and really helped tie the whole story together. With how exciting Molly's present timeline plot sounds, honestly not that much happened, so the past-timeline learning about Flora and how she came to have the egg really amped the story up and made for an intriguing mystery. I really enjoyed the past timeline with the introduction of new characters and the development of Flora and Preston's relationship.

Molly's character development throughout this series was phenomenal. Her quirks stayed the same, but her maturity and outlook on life changed considerably, as did her circumstances. I loved seeing a finale to her story and really appreciated the neurodiversity written into this book.

Although this really isn't my preferred genre, the first book pulled me in and didn't spit me out until this last one; I felt like I had to finish and hear Molly's full story play out. I'm glad the series has ended here, Molly's story is definitely at an end, and a good end at that!

The Maid’s Secret is a heartfelt and charming addition to the Molly the Maid series, earning a solid four stars. This third installment deepens our connection with Molly Gray, the endearing hotel maid whose literal view of the world continues to captivate. When a priceless Fabergé egg is stolen during a reality TV shoot at the Regency Grand Hotel, Molly embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, guided by her late grandmother’s diary.​

Prose masterfully intertwines a dual timeline, Molly’s present-day investigation and her grandmother's past, as the key to the mystery lies in her grandmother's hidden legacy. I found the historical journal entries enriching, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story. The novel balances cozy mystery elements with themes of love, identity, and the bonds of chosen family, all while maintaining the series' signature wit and warmth.​

Though the mystery's resolution may feel slightly contrived to some, the emotional payoff is undeniable. The Maid’s Secret is a delightful read that will resonate with fans of the series and newcomers alike, leaving readers eagerly anticipating Molly's next adventure.

I've always loved these books. The characters are interesting and it's amazing to see how interconnected everyone was. I think my favourite thing about this book is getting to learn more about her gran and her life.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC

The Maid's Secret is author Nita Prose's third book starring Molly The Maid.
Head Maid and Special Events Manager Molly's wedding to Pastry Chef Juan is quickly approaching.
A popular tv show "Hidden Treasures" is being filmed at the Regency Grand Hotel where they both work. Molly brings in a shoebox containing her Gran's old keepsakes to have them appraised when surprisingly one of the items turns out to be a rare and priceless treasure. If she agrees to auction off the item she will instantly become a millionaire. However, the heirloom is stolen before she agrees to sell it and the key to getting it back lies in the diary written by Molly's Gran.
The author gives us dual timelines; present day and the past with excerpts from her grandmother's journal revealing many things Molly didn't know.
I enjoyed this series and felt it had a heart warming ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada/Viking for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This is the third installment in this series and I found it somewhat disappointing. Gran is out of character and hardly recognizable. Otherwise the story is a perfect mix of mystery and heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

I just finished reading "The Maid's Secret" by Nita Prose. Many thanks to Net Galley and Viking for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
Well Nita Prose has done it again. She has created this unforgettable character whose story and anventures make me smile and laught and cry all at the same time.
This book continues the story of Molly the Maid who gets the surprise of her life when what she thinks is a trinket in her Gram's collection turns out to be invaluable and likely to change her life forever. What starts out as a lovely surprise quickly turns into a mystery that could potentially harm Molly. The book also provides the back story of Flora, Molly's beloved Gram, and it is so lovely and sad and inspiring and joyful with a wonderful message and ending.
This book is both funny and sad and mysterious and joyful. Learning about Molly's Gran as she is trying to solve her own mystery is what makes this book so great. The way Nita Prose ties everything together is wonderful and the way she weaves past and present creates a page turner that is read very quickly.
I love this series and I love the character of Molly. She is so authentically wonderful and real, and she reminds us how we should live and treat others.
Brave Nita Prose. Bravo!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy for a review

*NO SPOILERS*

Molly and her grandmother have stolen my heart since the first book of this series. My book club have read Book 1-2.5 and have our favourite characters that we thoroughly discuss. Manuel makes all of us swoon 😅

I read this slow and steady up to 50%. Then I waited until the release to be able to listen to the audio version (my preferred). The audio copy really brings grandma to life in portraying her childhood riches to rags to a different type of rich throughout her life.

Molly and her colleagues were again engaged in a mystery that explored more of their lives/personalities.

Sweet finish (chef kiss) ending though looking forward to the next one already! I NEED to know more!!! Well done Nita Prose!

Our book club will be reading together closer to the end of the year when the novel becomes readily available for our library readers. We may even have to wait until next year as Nita’s series is so popular 😊

With a wedding to plan and the position of Head Maid & Special Events Manager at the Regency Grand Hotel, Molly has a lot on her plate. Even more when hit reality tv show, Hidden Treasures, comes to film at the hotel. When an item Molly brings in for the show ends up being worth millions of dollars, her life is turned upside down. Things take a turn for the worse when Molly’s treasure is stolen from right under her nose. With the help of her friends, family, and her gran’s diary will Molly be able to crack the case before it cracks her?

Once again Nita Prose has brought all our favourites from the Regency Grand back to life! Even Gran is back, through alternating diary entries. Prose does a great job of intertwining the fairy tale story telling style of Gran from the past with the straight to the point no nonsense style of Molly in the present. From her first book to this being the third in the series it has been great to follow Molly’s story and watch her character grow.

Thank you NetGalley, Viking & Penguin Random House Canada for a copy to review.

This is the perfect finale to this wonderful series. I love that in this one we get to travel back in time through Gran's diary to learn more about where Gran came from, who Molly's mother really is, and how Mr. Preston fits into her past. Meanwhile Molly, detective Stark, and the rest of the hotel staff are working overtime to solve the mystery of who stole the Faberge egg, and what their motive was. Another excellent cozy mystery from talented author Nita Prose.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I just love this series. I am so glad we continued to get more Gran in this third book. Even though Gran is no longer with us, she is very much a part of each instalment. I just love the acceptance and love she has for Molly. Another great Molly the Maid story!

Another installment of Molly the Maid, and I enjoyed it ALMOST as much as the previous.

Learning more about Gran's background was tough - and why is Cheryl still working at TRG?! - but I loved revisiting familiar characters, and the Antiques Roadshow-esque plotline was charming.

I'm not saying I don't want more Molly, I'd love to see this author try something totally different.

A cozy library mystery set in a small Northern Ontario town, perhaps?

I really love this series and this book was no different. I really enjoyed the dual perspective of present day Molly and the past journal entries from her Gran. I am definitely said for this series to have ended but I think this last book wrapped everything up nicely!

Nita Prose writes an interesting series about a hotel maid and her life. She depicts a somewhat autistic person who is more than satisfied with her position in life. She doesn't appear to have any weaknesses, except for the few people she loves and/or is somehow related to. She is not greedy, nor does she aim to be higher than what she is. The maid is almost too good to be true...a virtuous individual. Despite being challenged by wealth, the maid remains true. All she desires is a roof over her head, shared with her husband, and the connection with close friends. We should all learn from this maid...to be satisfied with what we have. I enjoyed the book, despite its writing which is somewhat stilted at times, reflecting the maid's thought processes. Lots of sayings that, as example, her Grandmother used to say. Despite her simplicity, she is very wise. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and all the others by Nita Prose. She has much to offer.

Title: The Maid's Secret
Author: Nita Prose
Series: Molly the Maid #3
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: April 8, 2025

I received a complimentary eARC from Penguin Random House Canada via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted

T H R E E • W O R D S

Endearing • Whimsical • Satisfying

📖 S Y N O P S I S

A wedding. A heist. A secret.

Molly Gray’s life is about to change in ways she could never have imagined. As esteemed Head Maid and Special Events Manager of the Regency Grand Hotel, two good things are just around the corner—a TV taping of the hit antiquities show, Hidden Treasures, and even more exciting, her wedding to Juan Manuel.

When Molly brings in some old trinkets to be appraised on the show, one item is revealed to be a rare and coveted artifact worth millions. Molly becomes a rags-to-riches sensation, and a media frenzy swirls as she prepares to sell her priceless treasure. Then, on auction day the treasure suddenly vanishes. and Molly and her friends find themselves at the center of the boldest art heist in recent memory.

But the key to this mystery lies in the past, in a long-forgotten diary written by Molly’s Gran. For the first time ever, Molly learns about her grandmother’s secrets, how she was born into a wealthy family and fell head-over-heels in love with a young man her parents deemed below her. As fate would have it, Gran’s greatest love was someone Molly knows quite well…

💭 T H O U G H T S

Molly Gray is one of the most endearing and loveable characters I have come across in my reading life thus far, making The Maid's Secret one of my 2025 most anticipated releases. I was eager to return to The Regency Grand Hotel and Molly's world for one last time, with this being the third and final book.

Written with her signature charm and wit, the story is told in both the present and the past. The present follows Molly as she navigates a reality TV show (think Antique Roadshow) with her Fabergé egg, its eventual disappearance, and the ensuing investigation. The past timeline reveals long-held family secrets through Gran's diary entries. I absolutely loved learning more about Gran's childhood and family history, which tied in perfectly with what was happening in the present day.

The value of the side characters in Molly's world, isn't lost on me. The found family trope is one of my favourites and this may just be one of the best collection of characters around. As someone with an interest in antiques and collectibles, I also enjoyed that angle of the story - a reminder that the value of what something is worth isn't always tied to its monetary value. The hotel setting plays less of a significant role in the plot, however, I was so glad Nita Prose decided to return to The Regency Grand for one last time.

The Maid's Secret combines mysterious and historical elements in such an enjoyable and unique way, wrapping up Molly's story and brining this series to a satisfying close. Although The Maid never needed to be turned into a series, I am so grateful Nita Prose decided to give readers more Molly. If you're used to reading fast-paced mystery and thrillers with wild twists and turns, this isn't going to be the book for you. It's a cozy and heartwarming world with the most endearing cast of characters. With the Molly the Maid series wrapped up, I am looking forward to seeing what Nita writes next.

📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• antiques/collectibles
• heists
• Molly the Maid

⚠️ CW: grief, death, addiction, body horror, blood, gun violence, murder, pregnancy, infidelity, rape, sexual assault, toxic relationship, injury/injury detail, blood, child death, cancer, terminal illness

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"When you have something of value, there's always someone ready to take it from you."

"Love cannot be stolen."

I absolutely loved how the series ended. The character development, the plot, and just how it all came together. I do hope the author continues on more series in the future, as I enjoyed her writing style.
Thanks to the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for this honest review

Cozy. Quirky. Enjoyable!

Molly is back, and it’s another quirky and cozy mystery featuring an art heist, a great love and history unveiled.

Life is about to change for Molly, head maid and special events coordinator of The Regency Grand Hotel when a taping of the tv show Hidden Treasures is set to be filmed at the hotel.

On a whim, Molly brings in some trinkets to be appraised by the hosts and is shockingly surprised to discover one of her possessions is worth millions- the Faberge Egg! A frenzy ensues and Molly becomes quite the popular person!

With the help of the tv hosts, they set a date for the auction which will be filmed for the world to watch. But the egg vanishes after the final bid.

Molly and her friends are once again in the middle of an investigation at The Regency Grand Hotel. The key to this mystery can be found in the past, and with the help of dear Gran’s diary the truth about the beloved egg is revealed along with an incredible love story.

I have been Molly’s number one fan since the release of The Maid and I will continue to scoop up every single one of Nita’s books. Safe to say, this one did not disappoint!

Where this book is a part of a series, I don’t want to give away too many details… but I will tell you, everything you enjoyed about the first 2.5 books is present (and more). This book had so much heart and it was a wildly unexpected emotional journey…. AND we got more of Gran, which is exactly what we all wanted/needed. Oh, and more of the Regency Hotel (I LOVE books set in hotels and restaurants), more of Juan, more Mr. Preston, more Molly-isms…

Basically this book was the perfect next installment in the series and I have zero complaints. If you haven’t dove into the Maid series yet, do yourself a favor and pick one up. They’re sweet, fun, heartwarming, and will make you want to polish all of your silverware.

Thank you NetGally, Penguin Random House Canada and Nita Prose for gifting me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review, please keep sending them my way!!