Ten Thousand Stitches

Effie is a housemaid in an English country house. Her employers are self-centered gadabouts, treating their servants badly, when they notice them at all. On one occasion, Benedict Ashbrooke, brother of the lord of the manor, notices Effie and treats her kindly. She immediately falls in love with him, but sadly, as a housemaid she can never marry a “gentleman.” Then she meets Lord Blackthorn, aka Juniper Jubilee, an elf who is trying to learn to be virtuous. Juniper agrees to help Effie to be a “lady” so she can pursue Benedict. She must embroider ten thousand stitches onto the elf’s coat in payment. Everyone knows making deals with elves always ends badly, and while he is sincere, the elf’s efforts to help Effie often make her situation worse. Despite her troubles, Effie may just have a chance to discover true love. Madeleine Leslay narrates, using different English accents as appropriate. Readers who enjoy lighthearted stories will enjoy this book.