I’ve just finished reading The Girl Below Stairs by Jennie Felton, and I have to say, it was exactly what I needed to get me out of a reading slump. This book not only captivated me from start to finish, but it also introduced me to a new author whose writing style I thoroughly enjoyed. If you’re someone who enjoys historical fiction with strong character development and a bit of mystery, this novel is definitely worth considering.
The Blurb
Edie Cooper has grown up at Fairley Terrace. Now twenty, she spends her days working as lady’s maid to Christina, the beautiful adopted daughter of the wealthy Fairley family, and her nights dreaming of a future with handsome Charlie Oglethorpe.
Although broken-hearted when Charlie leaves for London, Edie finds consolation in her unexpected friendship with Christina, who asks for help in uncovering her true parentage.
But their search for answers put Edie and Christina in grave danger. Someone at Fairley Hall wants to keep long-buried secrets hidden. Will Edie be able to protect Christina? And will she find a path to happiness with Charlie?
The Story
Set against the backdrop of a grand estate in Somerset, the book follows the life of Edie, a young lady’s maid from a working-class coal pit family. From the very beginning, I was drawn to Edie as a character. She’s strong, practical, and knows the value of the role she has in life—being a lady’s maid. Despite her young age and the pressures that come with her job, she never steps out of line or lets the privilege get to her head. I found her relatable and easy to connect with, which made the story even more enjoyable.
The book spans over a decade, and I must admit, I was impressed with how well the pacing was handled. Despite the passage of time, the narrative didn’t feel rushed or disjointed. The author did an excellent job of showing how the characters evolve and how their relationships shift as the years go by.
The Characters
Edie is undoubtedly the heart of the story, but there are several other characters that I found particularly interesting. Lady Christina, for example, didn’t resonate with me as much. While she was well-written, I found her a bit too childish and somewhat sheltered, almost as if she lived in her own bubble, disconnected from the realities of life that Edie knew so well.
On the other hand, Lady Elizabeth, Christina’s adoptive mother, stood out in a positive way. What made her portrayal stand apart from others in similar stories was her genuine interest in the people around her—not just her high-status peers, but also the staff and tenants on the estate. This added a layer of warmth to the book that I appreciated.
And, of course, we can’t forget about Charlie Oglethorpe, the quintessential “bad boy” of the story. The dynamic between him and Edie is one that many readers will recognise. You find yourself rooting for them to be together, yet you also sense that neither of them is truly ready for that kind of relationship. It was refreshing to see a romance that didn’t rush to a happy ending but rather took its time, allowing both characters to grow.
Twists and Turns
What I loved most about this book was the way Jennie Felton crafted its twists and secrets. It’s one of those stories where you think you know what’s coming next, but the author keeps surprising you with unexpected developments. The secrets in this book are not only intriguing but are also tied to themes that reflect the complexities of society in the past. The way these secrets were revealed felt both realistic and thought-provoking.
Felton does an excellent job of showing the societal constraints of the time. There are things the characters can’t do or say, and these limitations shape the plot in ways that are both subtle and profound. It really gives you a glimpse into the social hierarchies of the past and the difference between how people were expected to behave then compared to today’s world.
Setting
As a resident of Somerset myself, I absolutely loved how the author captured the beauty of the region. Felton’s descriptions of the surrounding countryside were vivid and rich, making me feel as though I were walking alongside the characters, experiencing their world firsthand. The setting played an integral part in grounding the story, and as someone familiar with the area, I appreciated the authenticity it brought to the narrative.
Final Thoughts
Overall, The Girl Below Stairs is a beautifully written historical fiction novel that blends romance, mystery, and rich character development. I loved how the author kept me on my toes with unexpected twists and turns, while also offering deep insights into the complexities of relationships and societal norms of the time.
The characters felt real, and the plot was expertly paced, even across the span of a decade. I would highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, and it’s definitely earned a solid five-star rating from me. I’m already excited to dive into the next book in the series!
The Kelly Diane Report 