The Companion of Lady Holmeshire by Debra Brown

A baby girl was found in a basket on Squire Carrington's doorstep. She was raised and sent to work as a servant girl for The Countess of Holmeshire. The widowed and unconventional Countess chose Miss Emma Carrington as a companion and sent her off for finishing with the goal of dragging her along into genteel Victorian society. What sort of reception would she have at tea and dinners? The young Earl of Holmeshire was engaged by arrangement to a lovely London lady, but their relationship was difficult. Could they work it out? Even the tribulations and banned romances of the servants downstairs play into the story as we follow Emma from a stone fortress to a Victorian village and then into fabulous London mansions. Great surprises unfold at a Midsummer Night's Dream Ball which help to solve mysteries that have gradually developed. You are invited to predict the great revelation of the last few pages! (Synopsis from Goodreads)

The Companion of Lady Holmeshire reminded me of a Jane Austen novel.  Set in the Victorian period, it tells the tale of Miss Emma Carrington, an orphaned child, raised in the home of the Squire Carrington.  She is later sent to work in the household of the Countess of Holmeshire.  Emma becomes the companion of the Countess and is sent off to finishing school.  Upon her return, she is introduced to the genteel members of society.  Emma’s introduction to society causes outrage within the London ton.

I adored the characters Brown created; from the eccentric Countess; to the hopeful lady’s maid Anne.  Brown weaves a delightful tale involving different ranks of society, from the poor to the Queen.  The story offers romance, intrigue, and a compelling mystery with a shocker ending. The Companion of Lady Holmeshire is Debra Brown’s first published work, but it reads like those of a seasoned author.  I am looking forward to Debra Brown’s next endeavor For the Skylark.

I want to thank Debra Brown for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this book 4 coffee cups out of 5. 

Buy here: B&N or here: Amazon

Author's website: Debra Brown