Synopsis:
A housemaid needs some magical help when she falls for a high-society gentleman in this captivating historical fantasy full of wit, charm, and heart-fluttering romance.Effie has most inconveniently fallen in love with the dashing Mr. Benedict Ashbrooke. There’s only one problem: Effie is a housemaid, and a housemaid cannot marry a gentleman. It seems that Effie is out of luck until she stumbles into the faerie realm of Lord Blackthorn, who is only too eager to help her win Mr. Ashbrooke’s heart. All he asks in return is that Effie sew ten thousand stitches onto his favorite jacket.

Effie has heard rumors about what happens to those who accept magical bargains. But life as a maid at Hartfield is so awful that she is willing to risk even her immortal soul for a chance at something better. Now she has one hundred days—and ten thousand stitches—to make Mr. Ashbrooke fall in love and propose…if Lord Blackthorn doesn’t wreck things by accident, that is. For Effie’s greatest obstacle might well be Lord Blackthorn’s overwhelmingly good intentions. 

Review:
I put off buying this for so long, and I am honestly quite glad I did because it was the perfect first full book to read after having to face a tragedy. Falling into a magical Victorian time was just the ticket for escapism. I absolutely loved Effie- I found that she was quite relatable; trying to do what she’s told and work through her very clear irritations through song or work. Lord Blackthorn was stupendous and I quite enjoyed how he did nothing but try to help, even if he didn’t really understand how what he was doing would influence or effect Effie. It was absolutely wonderful that Effie knows that she shouldn’t try to make deals with faeries, and yet finds herself somewhat forced/coerced. I adored the journey that Effie went on, discovering herself, her own strength, and what she truly cared about and needed to see in others in order to love them (and herself).

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Victorian era books, steampunk, faerie tales, and romance.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

*This book was read in August, though reviewed now.