The Maid of Ballymacool + Giveaway

Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so…familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.

Fan favourite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a buddying romance, and a chance at redemption.

My Review:

I didn’t know this was a fairy tale retelling when I started reading/listening, but I immediately thought of Cinderella as the story progressed and, lo and behold, it actually is a retelling of that classic tale! And incredibly well done. There are definitely departures from the original, but all the important elements are here and told in an exquisite storytelling style. Jennifer Deibel’s best ever (to date.)

Have to say right up front that I was beguiled by Caroline Lennon’s narration. She breathed a whole other dimension into this story — especially when it came to Irish words and names. And there’s something magical about listening to a seanchai (Gaelic storyteller) and that’s what this read felt like. I’m still basking in all the bookish glee. 🙂

And this story!!! Beautifully written, expertly paced — you know, that feeling where you are so immersed in the story that you want to stay there forever? And, though you’re dying to find all the answers and get to the happily very after, you’re also not in any rush to do so? That’s the kind of read this is.

And these characters!!! I might have a huge crush on Michael. Be still my heart. Tender and kind. Not afraid to stand up for what’s right. He doesn’t take his advantageous position in life for granted. Plus, he’s a reader. With an Irish accent! Does it get any better than that? I think not!

Brianna’s smitten as well, though she’s wary because how could a scullery maid make a match with an aristocrat? But Deibel has all kinds of surprises in store for this couple (and her readers) that flow together like, well, a fairy tale!

The perfect uplifting escape read with tons of charm.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Maid of Ballymacool, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 18, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

31 thoughts on “The Maid of Ballymacool + Giveaway”

  1. I’ve had my eye on this book, Kav! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I haven’t read any of Jennifer Deibel’s books yet.
    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

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  4. WOW! “The Maid of Ballymacool” sounds like the perfect way to escape from the problems of the world. Love a story that sucks you in delightfully so from the beginning and has you never wanting to leave. Love retelling of old time storybook story – if done properly.

    Thank you for your review that brings this wonderful book to our attention and for the fabulous opportunity to win a copy.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  6. Ohhh *happy sigh* 😌 I am SO in love with this book!😍 It was the first book I’d read by the author, but it has made me a fast devotee, lol! I wasn’t aware it was supposed to be a fairytale retelling until I’d finished it already😅 But yes! It was EXCELLENT!!! I couldn’t recommend it enough to people! Definitely a must-read in my opinion, one of my top reads so far, this year😉 (Don’t enter me, I’ve got a copy, lol.)

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  8. Fairy tale re-tellings are so fun. I enjoyed a previous book by Jennifer Deibel so I need to be sure to add The Maid of Ballymacool to my “want to read” list.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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  11. Story was all that and MORE!! I loved it & your review….those are my sentiments exactly! I can’t wait for more books by Deibel (and her swoony Irish heroes) 😉

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      1. I actually have a paperback of this one, so it’ll be me butchering the Irish words, lol. Don’t tell my Irish grandpa 😉

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  13. I just went back to the original blog to see the author’s books you had earlier reviewed. So, my memory is now refreshed. I love to armchair travel, particularly since I have some Irish roots. Thanks!

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  14. I’ve not read any of Jennifer Deibel’s books, but her covers are great! Any you make me want to listen to the audiobooks…

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  15. I was first captivated by the cover and delighted this was a re-imagining of the Cinderella fairytale. I’m excited to read more books by this author. Thanks for your review! This was a powerful and engaging story.

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