The Lady's Maid

Product Information

Bottom line, the story is nicely resonant of its historical setting, shedding light on the biases and foul behaviors as much as the strength of bonds even when society would frown on them. I also feel these books should have a glossary to show the meaning of some words as I always have to refer to a dictionary for a number of words. She is married with two grown-up children and four grandchildren, and now lives in Dorset on the beautiful Jurassic Coast with her husband. I never truly liked Josie, raised as a lady, because she is unthinking, hypercritical, and selfish, but I came to appreciate her flawed but contrite nature. As the years have passed, Kate has grown up knowing only poverty and servitude, whilst Josie's world is one of privilege and luxury.

The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. From the start, the story regarding two babies born on the same day and delivered by the same woman seemed a bit unlikely. Some parts of the book seemed a bit contrived to fit the story and didn't really represent natural occurrences. Another enjoyable read from Dilly Court set in the mid 19th century, however, I found it full of unbelievable occurrences. It begins in the night on a hill where a Romany woman awaits the birth of her daughter’s illegitimate child for whom she has arranged a home.

I especially appreciated the clear presentation of the way different strata of society lived, demonstrated both in description and simple comments about how only the wealthy have the luxury of not knowing how much coin they possess.

This was a good "guilty pleasure" historical romance, as tasty and insubstantial as a box of chocolates. This novel set in the 19th century about two babies born to very different circumstances is compelling.Still, rather than being bitter toward her childhood friend, Kate does her best to help Josie come safely through whatever wild plan she’s dragged Kate into. She lived in the rat infested stables with the smell of horses clinging to her hair and clothes, while Josephine Damerell, the spoilt, petted and over-indulged daughter of the house, dwelt in luxury. Until a chance meeting forces Kate and Josie to confront the truth of that night nearly twenty years before - a truth that turns both worlds upside down and threatens to destroy their friendship forever. Two desperate young mothers give up their babies on the same day, and while Kate grows up in poverty, Josie lives a privileged life. Kate, on the other hand, takes charge of every circumstance with her practical hard working personality, overcoming every obstacle except her sense of place.