Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Deeanne Gist's Maid to Match ~ Reviewed


Maid to Match
Deeanne Gist
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (June 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764204084


Description:

From the day she arrives at the Biltmore, Tillie Reese is dazzled--by the riches of the Vanderbilts and by Mack Danvers, a mountain man turned footman. When Tillie is enlisted to help tame Mack's rugged behavior by tutoring him in the ways of refined society, the resulting sparks threaten Tillie's efforts to be chosen as Edith Vanderbilt's lady's maid. But the stakes rise even higher when Mack and Tillie become entangled in a cover-up at the town orphanage. They could both lose their jobs...and their hearts.

Review:

Deeanne Gist once again offers up a treat to lovers of historical romance, bringing to light the opulence of Biltmore, the famous Vanderbilt mansion and the people that worked hard to maintain the image of wealth and prestige. All the elements of an engaging romance are present, the beautiful parlourmaid with ambition, a rugged mountain man roped into service, and the resultant sparks of a forbidden attraction. Deeanne's prose brings the mansion, the staff and the family to life with fascinating insights into the inner workings of such an estate. Dee's A Bride Most Begrudging and The Measure of A Lady remain the benchmark of her books and Maid to Match did not quite reach that high standard for me, but it remains an enjoyable read.

Reviewed by: Rel Mollet

1 comment:

Portugal said...

I have yet to read a historical romance by Deeanne Gist that I haven't totally adored. She has a way with words, setting, and edgy romantic elements that is just hard for other authors to beat. Maid to Match was a real page-turner, in my opinion, but it was more than that. It was truly insightful and inspiring. I loved how the story delved into what true riches are and how status and a good job can only go so far when it comes to truly satisfying work in this life. For a person of faith, there is always something more that the heart yearns for. Gist did a fantastic job showing that side of things.