Molly O’Malley, lady’s maid to the progressive Lady Amanda Halloway, is determined to continue the life’s work of her lost love, killed in the Peterloo Massacre. But when her efforts and a trip to Lady Halloway’s charitable orphanage culminate in her own abduction, Molly’s eyes are opened to the horrifying crimes transpiring in the city’s slums. Despite the risks, she broadens her mission and is drawn ever closer to the peril all around them.
Thomas Flaherty, a footman in the Halloway household, has been with Molly from the beginning, but he fears she will never trust him with her heart. Even though her cause and happiness are of foremost importance to him, his loyal patience is tested by the fears that keep her at a distance. But with their safety on the line, Thomas is resolved to sacrifice everything for the woman he loves.
Risking their lives and their love, Molly and Thomas and a team of nobles on their side will stop at nothing to empower the powerless, no matter the personal cost.
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Jen Geigle Johnson has crafted a beautiful story, bringing to light the early days of women's suffrage and the oppressive conditions in the more poverty stricken areas of England. She built the story around characters I can relate to and root for making it easy to fall into this historical fiction.
The story contains a host of characters with Molly and Lady Amanda being the center of all that is happening. One of those revolving around these two is the shy and reserved Lady Chloe who is just beginning to find the power of her own voice. One of my favorite lines comes from her, "Because my voice is my own. I am a unique and valued person in my own right, and I deserve to have a say in the process of our government and in who represents me."
While the book's main message and theme is the women's suffrage movement, there is also sweet romance, a bit of danger and intrigue. This book reminded me of all the brave women who desired something more and weren't afraid to take a stand and work hard to change the ways of a society of repression. It made me proud to be a woman. It also made me especially grateful for the good men through time who have supported and championed the women in their lives- wives, mothers, sisters and daughters. Many of those men types of men were represented well in this book. The world needs good women and men, working together to bring about better lives for all.
This was a very enjoyable and enlightening read. I appreciate the amount of research and time the author took to represent the time and people accurately. I'm looking forward to the next book, set to release next year!
Content: mild violence, mild peril, kissing, mention of brothels
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was a very enjoyable and enlightening read. I appreciate the amount of research and time the author took to represent the time and people accurately. I'm looking forward to the next book, set to release next year!
Content: mild violence, mild peril, kissing, mention of brothels
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
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