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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

On My Nightstand - Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist

Tillie Reese's training started from her earliest memory. She worked hard and became the head parlormaid at Biltmore Estate, but Lady's Maid is her dream job. When the current Lady's Maid becomes homesick for France, she and another maid, Lucy, go head-to-head to win the coveted position.

Her plans move along like clockwork until Mack Danver gets a job at the estate. Tillie is given the assignment of instructing him in the finer points of being the perfect servant.

She faces a difficult choice. Will she pursue a career that demands she forego the joys of marriage and motherhood or choose love?

This is the first book I've read by Deeanne Gist. The incorporation of the fabled Biltmore Estate made me want to hop into my car and visit it. Instead of the Vanderbilt's perspective on life, we saw what it took to manage the huge house from the servants' viewpoint.

While the cover is charming, it's not the type of book I'd normally select. However, blog reviews piqued my curiosity. I'm so glad I gave this well-written, delightful love story a chance, and recommend you pick it up at your favorite bookstore.


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14 comments:

  1. UnknownMay 11, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    Sounds like a good book! Thanks for sharing it. :)

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  2. Hilary Melton-ButcherMay 11, 2011 at 2:57 AM

    Hi Susan .. interesting to read the perspective of choices .. love or job, and to read behind the scenes as a servant .. love these sort of novels where you get an inkling of life in those times - thanks - Hilary

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  3. Carla GadeMay 11, 2011 at 3:28 AM

    I have started this book, but got distracted and need to pick it up again. Good romantic tension between the charaters!

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  4. Jessica NelsonMay 11, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    Hey Susan, my sister wanted me to read this book too. I've read Gist's earlier works and enjoyed them. :-)

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  5. Susan J. ReinhardtMay 11, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    Hi Sonia -

    It was a good story.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  6. Karen LangeMay 11, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    I've enjoyed the books of Ms. Gist's that I've read so far. Thanks for the info on this one!
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  7. Susan J. ReinhardtMay 11, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Hi Hilary -

    The detailed look at servant life during that era made me grateful for the changes in employment. Without modern convenience, they worked long hours for little pay.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  8. Susan J. ReinhardtMay 11, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    Hi Carla -

    I hope you'll pick up the book again. The book satisfied me as a reader.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  9. Susan J. ReinhardtMay 11, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    Hi Karen -

    Now, I'm going to be on the look-out for her other books for sure. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  10. Susan J. ReinhardtMay 11, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    Hi Jess -

    Your sister has good taste. :)

    This was my first book by this author. I'll be looking for more of her workds.

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  11. DianeMay 12, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    I've never read any of her books but have heard oodles of good things about her. Have a super week!!! :O)

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  12. Chatty CroneMay 12, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    Sounds like a great book. I have been to the Biltmore Estate and it is gorgeous. You should visit some time.

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  13. Rhonda SchrockMay 12, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    The Biltmore estate intrigues me, too! It's been featured in my favorite magazine, Victorian Homes, and having a novel set there would be very interesting, for sure!

    You're good at reviews, Mizz Susan. :)

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  14. Susan J. ReinhardtMay 13, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    Hi Everyone -

    I see a lot of my comments and those of other people were wiped out when Blogger had problems. If you commented here and it got lost, I'm so sorry.

    Blessings,
    Susan

    ReplyDelete