The Maid of Ballymacool + Giveaway

Random Retro ReRead

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 favorite 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 budding romance, and a chance at redemption.

My Review:

published in 2023

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:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

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 December 13 2025

31 thoughts on “The Maid of Ballymacool + Giveaway”

  5. My desire and great anticipation of reading THE MAID OF BALLMACOOL has only increased since your first posting of your review. Just your description of Michael makes my heart beat a bit faster. Plus you can’t get better than fairy tale retelling, armchair traveling to Ireland, an unlikely pair, a man that loves to read, and a story that you want to quickly turn the pages, but your mind demands you to slow down so you can savor every page all add up to what must be five star reading that I can’t wait to get my hands on.

    Thank you so very much for the chance to win a copy!

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  6. We’re all such Cinderella fans, probably from reading the real fairy tale as young children. To have it retold is the best idea ever. Can’t wait till my little granddaughter grows up and gets to read this one too. She’ll love it. Glad you found this one.

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  12. I was smitten with this book when I read it too😍 (I was on the launch team😉) It was the first book I ever read by Jennifer Deibel and it is still my absolute favorite by her. I loved the whimsical character of Brianna and, like you, I had NO idea this was a fairytale retelling going in😱 This was one of my favorites of the year at the time I read it and I definitely still hold it up there as a favorite. (Don’t enter me, as I’ve got a copy already.)

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  15. I’ve been intrigued with this book since it first came out, and the cover’s gorgeous! I didn’t know though that it is a Cinderella retelling! That makes me want to read it even more! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book, Kav!!

    Alison Boss
    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)

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  16. What an enticing review! I thought I had read this, but it’s not on my Goodreads “read” list. I may’ve read it when I was hit & miss on GRs, but doing better with that now. Does that happen to anyone else I wonder? I could see not remembering a book if they change the cover, but jeepers! Anyway don’t enter me. I need to investigate further. LOL

    BTW, Kav, I sent you an email with a question for the book expert! 😃

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    1. I’ve noticed that on Good Reads off and on too. It really messes me up when I’m picking up with a cozy mystery series I haven’t read in a while. I’ll check GR to see where I left off at and then get the next book (usually from the library, thank goodness) and realize that, yes, I have indeed read that one! So annoying. Maybe if you check the preview pages on Amazon it will job your memory? Just answered your email, Diane. I was a layabout this morning…might have been reading in bed longer than I should have. 🙂 In my defence we got another 15 cm of snow overnight and I was kinda hoping my landlord would get to the shovelling before I went out for my morning walk (he didn’t) Luckily it’s light, fluffy snow so not hard to shovel my way out to the street. Happy Reading, Diane!

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      1. Amazon lets me know when I’ve purchased a book & it’s not showing & if I read it from NetGalley I would’ve written a review on Goodreads. So I’m thinking it slipped by me. Hmm… I’m glad I’m not the only one who sometimes forgets, especially when the cover changes. lol A walk in the snow sounds so delightful, but ain’t happenin’ here anytime soon. 😕

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