The Maid of Ballymacool

By: Jennifer Deibel

Narrated by: Caroline Lennon

Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Brianna Kelly has worked at Ballymacool House and Boarding School since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so … familiar.

When Brianna unearths an intriguing silver platter in the woods, she commits to learning its origins. Could the handsome newcomer hold the key? If so, their discovery could change everything.

©2023 Jennifer Deibel (P)2023 Recorded Books

Narrator's Pauses: Hang in There

This review is in regard to the narration of "The Maid of Ballymacool". I enjoyed the story very much, but it took me a little while to settle into Caroline Lennon's performance of the audio. Her accents and variations for the many character voices were excellent. What threw me at the outset was the amount of time she spent between each sentence. As the story opens, Ms. Lennon takes almost a full beat of silence after each sentence. I didn't care for this pacing at all, and went so far as to attempt to return the audiobook to Audible. Due to the company's return policy, I was not permitted to ask for a refund, so I continued listening to the book in conjunction with reading the printed text. I hoped that I would either become accustomed to Lennon's style, or she would begin to pick up the pace between sentences as she read. (Digitally increasing the speed of the audio was not a good solution, as the pacing of her actual spoken words was not the problem-- the silences were the issue.) Fortunately, I believe both factors occurred-- Lennon began to take less time between sentences, and my ear adjusted to her method. As such, I can give a positive review of the book as well as a qualified positive review of the narration. If the pacing concerns you, hang in there. Ultimately Caroline Lennon gives a fine performance. If you hear the sample posted in the Audible book listing, you'll find it is an excerpt from Chapter 25, after Lennon's pacing becomes more even.

Delightful story!

I loved this book with its quirky and lovable characters and swoon-worthy romance. If you like Downton Abbey, you’ll love this story! Highly recommend!

Sweet ending!

Woman takes vengeance on employer by turning family in as traitors in Ireland. Given charge of their daughter, she treats the child as a servant for twenty years until found out by child’s lawyer.

Another adventure in Ireland

Once again Jennifer Deibel takes us on an adventure in Ireland! It is a great book and it really feels like you are transported to Ireland with all the food and the sights! I love how it has the Cinderella story element to it as well! I will definitely be reading it again and be reading more from her!

Enjoyed this very much!

This was my first book by Jennifer Deibel, but it won’t be my last! Lovely story. Really liked the Cinderella feel to it. Interesting antagonist POV as well.

Tremendous

A lovely story set in beautiful Donegal Ireland with mystery, heartache and ultimately a very sweet romance…as well as a charming epilogue.


The audible version is also wonderfully narrated.

Excellent narration!

The story itself was enjoyable, though no real surprises. The narrator, however, was outstanding. Her accent and pronunciation of the language brought the story to life.

Another great story!

Another enjoyable story from Jennifer Deibel! A beautiful love story, even if Christian Romance isn’t your thing.

Sweet story for easy listening

The story started out well and then it became unrealistic, largely due to characters behaving to far out of their social status. Though, sweet story for easy listening.

Dull narration with to long pauses between sentences, though with very good diction.

A Sweet, Heartwarming Read!!!

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook so much! Between the storyline of the characters, the narrator’s Irish accent, and the sweet, clean romance, the author made the story come to life. I will definitely be checking out her other books!