Tillie Reese, the head parlor maid at Biltmore Estate, wanted to be Mrs. Vanderbilt’s lady’s maid in the worst way. After all, her mother had been training her to be one all her life. She knew she could never marry and have a family. She would have to be available whenever Mrs. Vanderbilt requested and her life would not be her own. But, when she was enlisted to train a rugged mountain man to be a proper servant, sparks began to fly. Mack, whose twin brother already worked for the Vanderbilts, began to romance Tillie. And Tillie began to avoid Mack.
Deanne Gist’s research describes George and Edith Vanderbilt as being very generous in their day. They provided central heat and electricity as well as indoor plumbing for their servants and staff. The history of Biltmore is very fascinating and would be an interesting place to visit. Deeanne Gist developed fascinating characters in this fun to read book. I have enjoyed reading all of her other books as well.
Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library
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I immediately fell in love with the characters. Tillie was so simple in her ambitions that I couldn't help but envy her. All she wanted in the entire world was to be a lady's maid and help those less fortunate than her. Then there is Mack, whose only concern is getting his sister out of a horrible orphanage and returning to his home in the mountains. Both Mack and Tillie have their own agendas and they don't plan on letting anything ruin those plans. In fact, in the beginning when Tillie discovers she is up to lady's maid, she tells her own brother that not even someone in love with her is going to stop her from attaining the position.
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