I adored this book. Before I started reading, I actually set out to find a romance between a maid and a footman, after reading a handful of historical romances I wasn't a fan of how most of the books felt like 'rich people problems' and so I thought that historical fiction w/romance might be more up my ally. And this book was exactly what I was looking for. 

Baker's historical research is immersive and meticulous, some might not like the details of discomforts of working class life, but to me that's what made the book and the character's struggles feel real. I found all of Bakers original characters complex and likeable, and I think her interpretations of Austen's characters remained true to the original. She exposes their privilege while still maintaining their goodness. 

The topics of work and labor that are explored and how one finds fulfillment are done with nuance and complexity. This book was beautiful.