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Book Review of A Countess Below Stairs

A Countess Below Stairs
ophelia99 avatar reviewed on + 2527 more book reviews


I have read a couple other Ibbotson books before this one. I really loved âA Company of Swansâ but didn't enjoy âThe Morning Giftâ. This was a quick historical fiction read that I enjoyed. There is quite a bit of romance in here but it felt a bit unfinished.

This is a feel good story that is set in Russia and Europe right after/during WWII. It was a well done story but the writing was a bit simplistic. The main heroine, Anna, is almost too good to be true. Her absolute goodness in the face of everything was inspiring but also unbelievable.

I enjoyed the historical setting but throught the story was a bit contrived. Additionally the ending was abrupt and felt unfinished.

Overall this was engaging and easy to read but not great. It was an overly sweet story that was so happy throughout it felt contrived. I liked it better than The Morning Gift but not as much as A Company of Swans. Would recommend to those who enjoy light historical romance reads.