The Coming-of-Age Story at its Best

This week it's a great pleasure to share my review of a saga I loved reading - A Maid's Ruin by Lynne Francis.

This thoroughly engaging and enjoyable story follows the fortunes of young Molly Goodchild, a dairymaid whose life is one of unrelenting hard work. She dreams of better things, but this doesn't mean she isn't a practical person, well versed in the demands of everyday life and family responsibilities. One of the things that makes her so likable is that while she is definitely ambitious, she also has a certain naivety which is very appealing. Unfortunately for her, this is what also leads to her downfall.

I was enormously fond of Molly. She is a naturally strong character who shows both determination and tenacity in the face of adversity, but at the same time, her youth and inexperience make her vulnerable. I found her utterly believable and I rooted for her all the way.

This emotional and dramatic story is set in Georgian times and Lynne Francis has filled the pages with period detail and beautfully written descriptions of the various settings. A lot of research has gone into this book, adding vibrancy, immediacy and depth to the telling.

This is the coming-of-age story at its best.

* * * *

Blurb:

Margate, 1786. Dairymaid Molly Goodchild dreams of a better life. Up at the crack of dawn to milk her uncle's cows, the one comfort of her day is her friendship with apprentice gardener, Charlie.
 
When dashing naval officer, Nicholas, arrives in town, Molly's head is turned by his flattering attentions and she casually spurns Charlie - believing this is her chance to escape a life of drudgery. Yet when Molly needs Nicholas most, he lets her down.
 
With her hopes in tatters, Molly is forced to flee Margate for London, where she finds herself struggling to survive.
 
What will she risk in her search for a better life? And will she ever find the love she deserves?

* * * *

Amazon links:

A Maid's Ruin on Kindle and in paperback

Kobo link:

A Maid's Ruin as an ebook