If you liked Downton Abbey…
And what’s not to like… great characters, a great time period, beautiful costume and plenty of drama. Well if you like all of that then you should try A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson.
After the Russian revolution turns her world topsy-turvy, Anna, a young Russian Countess, has no choice but to flee to England. Penniless, Anna hides her aristocratic background and takes a job as servant in the household of the esteemed Westerholme family, armed only with an outdated housekeeping manual and sheer determination.
Desperate to keep her past a secret, Anna is nearly overwhelmed by her new duties—not to mention her instant attraction to Rupert, the handsome Earl of Westerholme. To make matters worse, Rupert appears to be falling for her as well. As their attraction grows stronger, Anna finds it more and more difficult to keep her most dearly held secrets from unraveling. And then there’s the small matter of Rupert’s beautiful and nasty fiancée…
This book has been a favourite of mine for years, and it has only been recently when I have re-read it that I realised how closely it resembled the time period and setting of Downton Abbey. Also known as A Secret Countess, this book is equally romantic and charming, heartwarming and loveable. I am particularly fond of the abridged audiobook of the same name read by Sian Thomas. If this book doesn’t satisfy your Downton Abbey cravings, I’m not sure anything but waiting for the next season will.
