Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?

Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?

On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love."

My Review:
In the early 1800s, life was difficult for females--even those of wealth. Margaret, who stands to inherit a fortune, finds herself forced into servanthood until her next birthday. She learns of a plot that would force her to marry against her wishes and fears for her safety. She flees her step-father's home with only a few coins.

Without any marketable skills, Margaret hires on as a housemaid. Ironically, she empties the chamberpot of the man whose proposal she has rejected.

The compelling plot contains a bit of mystery and had me hooked from the first chapter. I had a hard time putting this one down. Discussion questions included.

Thank you to Bonnie at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Bethany House for my copy.

If you would like to read the first chapter, click here.

If you would like to buy a copy, click here.