The Lady's Maid

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This novel set in the 19th century about two babies born to very different circumstances is compelling. 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.

This was a good "guilty pleasure" historical romance, as tasty and insubstantial as a box of chocolates. This is the second historical novel I have read by Dilly Court, and once again, she sunk me into the period with all the prejudice and classism endemic in the 1800s. 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.As the years have passed, Kate has grown up knowing only poverty and servitude, whilst Josie's world is one of privilege and luxury. While some might protest the love story for Kate and Harry (a man whose wealth comes from trade), including Kate, there are enough historical accounts to show that love did defeat the class and wealth barriers, especially among those who earned their wealth. A lot of drama and twists of fate before the happy ending coupled with an unexpected turn-around in circumstances.

The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged.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.