"The Maid of Ballymacool" by Jennifer Deibel

The Maid of Ballymacool (Feb. 21, 2023) by Jennifer Deibel.

*This is a standalone novel.*

Since she was a wee girl, Brianna Kelly has lived and worked at Ballymacool House and Boarding School for Girls under Mistress Maureen Magee, rigid headmistress with “hair pulled so tightly into a bun at the back of her head, Michael feared it would tug her backward.” In 1935 Ireland, Brianna is a gentle, Christ-centered, hardworking young woman who can’t ever do enough/work quickly enough/be perfect enough for harsh, demanding Mistress Magee. Brianna is less than staff, for at least they receive wages. She finds simple joy in collecting small “treasures” on her walks through the woods near the school. Her only friend is Finnuala, a beautiful-souled older woman, who lives within walking distance. This changes with the arrival of Michael Wray, of the ascendency class and the son of local gentry, who’s called upon to deal with his unruly, detestable cousin, Adeline. His arrival had hoped to calm things down at Ballymacool, but Michael finds himself “in the middle of a sticky thicket.” When Brianna’s cherished pendant goes missing – purportedly the only piece of her family that she has – Michael finds he has questions surrounding Mistress Magee. From the questions emerge a mystery, one involving Mistress Magee and the Ballymacool estate that could be hugely impactful in Brianna’s life going forward.

            This Christian, historical fiction novel is a “Cinderella” story set in the Emerald Isles. A new-to-me author, I found the story to be a quick read with well-fleshed-out characters, a lush atmosphere, an unfolding mystery and the sweetness that surrounds a budding romance that’s wrapped in historical details and God’s unceasing love. With the setting in Ireland, there are occurrences of Gaelic words and phrases and a delightfully handy glossary near the back. I’m an avid reader of Jen Turano’s novels, so for readers who are fans of her stories, they may fancy Deibel’s. Brianna’s mistreatment at the hands of Mistress Magee (literally, at times) is upsetting, but the history incorporated is fascinating, and the tale has gumption, compassion and faith. The story twinkles like bejeweled velvet.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”