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Maid to Match
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.
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.
363 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2010
About the author
Deeanne Gist
16 books1,831 followersWith over a million copies of her books sold, international bestselling, award-winning author Deeanne Gist has rocketed up bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her original, captivating historicals. Her latest release, Tiffany Girl, was touted as a “Must Year of the Year!” by USA Today, was one of the Top 10 Most Anticipated Books of 2015 by Huffington Post, and one of WikiEzvid's 10 Must-Read Novels That Take Place in the Past.
Not familiar with her work? Take a quiz to figure out which Deeanne Gist novel you'd like best.
Published by Simon & Schuster, Gist's awards include a RITA for Best Long Historical of the Year, National Readers’ Choice Award, Best Historical of the Year (RT Reviewers), Librarians’ Choice, Book Buyers’ Best, Golden Quill, Books*A*Million Pick of the Month, Seal of Excellent and Award of Excellence.
Her most recent series takes readers into the heart of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, where USA Today says …
“The historical details are absorbing, never intrusive and always eye-opening ... The characterization is rich and authentic ... The narrative is a treat, the tempo impeccable.”
Gist's credits including People Magazine, Parents, and Parenting. Her entertaining and informative presentations have been featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. Deeanne lives in South Carolina with her husband. When not writing, she enjoys boating and keeping up with her readers via www.IWantHerBook.com and her very active online community on her blog, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and on her YouTube channel.
Not familiar with her work? Take a quiz to figure out which Deeanne Gist novel you'd like best.
Published by Simon & Schuster, Gist's awards include a RITA for Best Long Historical of the Year, National Readers’ Choice Award, Best Historical of the Year (RT Reviewers), Librarians’ Choice, Book Buyers’ Best, Golden Quill, Books*A*Million Pick of the Month, Seal of Excellent and Award of Excellence.
Her most recent series takes readers into the heart of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, where USA Today says …
“The historical details are absorbing, never intrusive and always eye-opening ... The characterization is rich and authentic ... The narrative is a treat, the tempo impeccable.”
Gist's credits including People Magazine, Parents, and Parenting. Her entertaining and informative presentations have been featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. Deeanne lives in South Carolina with her husband. When not writing, she enjoys boating and keeping up with her readers via www.IWantHerBook.com and her very active online community on her blog, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and on her YouTube channel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 901 reviews
September 15, 2010
Tilly has been dreaming her entire life of becoming a lady’s maid. And now she has the chance. If she can keep herself from throwing up every time she gets in a moving carriage, defeat the sneaky girl she is competing against, and avoid falling in love with the new footman.
Mack has no interest in being a footman. Those hideous gloves and fancy shoes. Ugh! He just wants to earn the money to get his sister away from the creep running the local orphanage. And then head back for the space and freedom of the Appalachian Mountains. But, well, in the meantime, there is the challenge of winning over Tilly.
My conclusion: there is no such thing as a mediocre Deeanne Gist book. They are all a blast!
Mack has no interest in being a footman. Those hideous gloves and fancy shoes. Ugh! He just wants to earn the money to get his sister away from the creep running the local orphanage. And then head back for the space and freedom of the Appalachian Mountains. But, well, in the meantime, there is the challenge of winning over Tilly.
My conclusion: there is no such thing as a mediocre Deeanne Gist book. They are all a blast!
August 20, 2010
If I measured the heat level of a romance by how many times I dog eared the pages to come back to them, then Maid to Match would be like a summer in Arizona. This inspirational romance was steamy, just the way I like 'em. And just so we're clear, a steamy inspirational means lots of restrained passion, not graphic descriptions.
Deeanne Gist has a way with writing dialogue- romantic one liners that just rip at your heart and bottom out your stomach (there's a scene involving shirt measurements that made me swoon). If you've been reading my blog, you already know I'm a huge fan of Gist's work. But I'd place this latest book in her top three, along with my dog eared copies of A Bride Most Begrudging and The Measure of a Lady.
Mack and Tillie are both likable characters with hearts for God. I found the premise of a romance between house servants at the Biltmore Estate unique, and I got such a kick out of exploring the setting- turn of the century North Carolina. One of the thrills of reading a great book is discovering new places, and Maid to Match delivered on that account too. The author hinted at a mountain man culture in that area that I'd never heard of. And the details she included about the Biltmore Estate made me wish I could visit.
I definitely recommend you put Maid to Match on your must read list!
Deeanne Gist has a way with writing dialogue- romantic one liners that just rip at your heart and bottom out your stomach (there's a scene involving shirt measurements that made me swoon). If you've been reading my blog, you already know I'm a huge fan of Gist's work. But I'd place this latest book in her top three, along with my dog eared copies of A Bride Most Begrudging and The Measure of a Lady.
Mack and Tillie are both likable characters with hearts for God. I found the premise of a romance between house servants at the Biltmore Estate unique, and I got such a kick out of exploring the setting- turn of the century North Carolina. One of the thrills of reading a great book is discovering new places, and Maid to Match delivered on that account too. The author hinted at a mountain man culture in that area that I'd never heard of. And the details she included about the Biltmore Estate made me wish I could visit.
I definitely recommend you put Maid to Match on your must read list!
Read
October 18, 2019After finishing Lilac Girls and The Glass Castle (shudder), I wanted something lighter, so opted for Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist. I've been wanting to read/listen to this novel ever since my husband and I visited the Biltmore Estate in June. The descriptions in the novel of not just the estate but of the servants activities bring everything to life even more than our tour did. The story itself was well-conceived and executed, with actual, believable obstacles to a match, and a slow whittling away of them until the happy ending was achieved. I adored all the period details.
November 30, 2021
Loved this one!! Keeps you on edge and is well written!
January 6, 2011
Bethany House publishes "Christian" books (as far as I can tell, this means no sex and a lot of shoehorned religious dilemmas), so I should have known better than to pick this book up in the first place. On the plus side, there was no spousal abuse between the hero and heroine (not the case in the last Bethany House book I read!). Also on the plus side, the Biltmore is very pretty and the author describes it well. She can write a decent sentence.
But whoo boy, this story was all over the place. Going with Bethany House's shoehorned religious dilemma theme, there was no hint that the main character in this one was religious until the plot told her to be - I guess to appease the publisher? In the early chapters, our heroine wants to be Mrs. Vanderbilt's lady's maid because her mother has trained her for the position and she's worked hard for it. By the end, she wants to be a lady's maid to better serve God through good works...or something.
The novel's biggest problem, though, was the introduction of the orphanage to the plot. It was a huge tone shift from all that came before it and involved one-dimensional Dickensian bad guys. I did think it funny that we can't have sex between married, consenting adults in the novel (our view of their wedding night cuts away after he takes his clothes off), but subplots where orphan girls are sold to the local brothel and children are brutally beaten pass muster. I guess I just somehow find child abuse and sexual slavery seedier and less Christian than healthy sexual relationships - in this case, in marriage, no less! - and it seems hypocritical to include one and not the other in a "non-explicit" novel. If anyone's looking for an author who does not include sex scenes in her novels, I'd recommend Lynn Kurland's books over any published by Bethany House.
But whoo boy, this story was all over the place. Going with Bethany House's shoehorned religious dilemma theme, there was no hint that the main character in this one was religious until the plot told her to be - I guess to appease the publisher? In the early chapters, our heroine wants to be Mrs. Vanderbilt's lady's maid because her mother has trained her for the position and she's worked hard for it. By the end, she wants to be a lady's maid to better serve God through good works...or something.
The novel's biggest problem, though, was the introduction of the orphanage to the plot. It was a huge tone shift from all that came before it and involved one-dimensional Dickensian bad guys. I did think it funny that we can't have sex between married, consenting adults in the novel (our view of their wedding night cuts away after he takes his clothes off), but subplots where orphan girls are sold to the local brothel and children are brutally beaten pass muster. I guess I just somehow find child abuse and sexual slavery seedier and less Christian than healthy sexual relationships - in this case, in marriage, no less! - and it seems hypocritical to include one and not the other in a "non-explicit" novel. If anyone's looking for an author who does not include sex scenes in her novels, I'd recommend Lynn Kurland's books over any published by Bethany House.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2015
Deanne hits another home run with Maid to Match. I was glad to receive a review copy. I loved the first line, “Like a butterfly breaking free from its confining cocoon, Tillie Reese emerged from the barren, tan-colored servants’ hall into the opulence of Biltmore’s main level.”
This author quickly whisked me into the Biltmore, where I wanted to know more about the Vanderbilts, their amazing home and what was required to become a lady's maid. My favorite thing about Deanne’s books is the fact that they are educational and captivating. This author goes to great lengths to masterfully craft historical details in every book she writes. I was immediately drawn into the unfamiliar world of 1898 with its class struggles, and was mesmerized by how a Mansion is run. It only took a few minutes to feel compassion for the hopes and dreams of her believable characters.
Deanne writes about strong women with conviction. Tillie is no exception; she has a deep faith in God and has her focus on the purpose for her life. She’s been groomed to be a lady’s maid and she will stop at nothing to achieve it. Tillie falters a little when she meets Mack and the chemistry between them unnerves her. Tillie’s mother has prayed hard for this opportunity. Could Tillie be seeking money and status over achieving the call God has for her life? Everything has lined up perfectly, hasn’t it? People were depending on her; she had to get this job to provide. So, why did she have this nagging unrest in her heart?
God has worked everything out—hasn’t he? She wonders and prays a hard prayer, “I’m listening, Lord. Call to me. Just like the sheep. Just like these animals that you called to the ark. Call to me and I will follow.”
I felt like I was actually there when Mack, a big, strong manly man, dressed in proper attire, tries to serve his first formal dinner with its many courses. I felt myself praying he didn’t spill anything or break a dish. I couldn’t believe how much food they ate and the manner in which it was supposed to be served and eaten.
I was amazed how the Vanderbilts lived and how they cared for their servants. I couldn’t believe what a lady’s maid was required to do for Mrs. Vanderbilt and her guests. It seemed too intimate to let someone else do these things for you. It definitely went against the "personal space" rule we have today. This book is going on my list of favorite picks for book club.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
This author quickly whisked me into the Biltmore, where I wanted to know more about the Vanderbilts, their amazing home and what was required to become a lady's maid. My favorite thing about Deanne’s books is the fact that they are educational and captivating. This author goes to great lengths to masterfully craft historical details in every book she writes. I was immediately drawn into the unfamiliar world of 1898 with its class struggles, and was mesmerized by how a Mansion is run. It only took a few minutes to feel compassion for the hopes and dreams of her believable characters.
Deanne writes about strong women with conviction. Tillie is no exception; she has a deep faith in God and has her focus on the purpose for her life. She’s been groomed to be a lady’s maid and she will stop at nothing to achieve it. Tillie falters a little when she meets Mack and the chemistry between them unnerves her. Tillie’s mother has prayed hard for this opportunity. Could Tillie be seeking money and status over achieving the call God has for her life? Everything has lined up perfectly, hasn’t it? People were depending on her; she had to get this job to provide. So, why did she have this nagging unrest in her heart?
God has worked everything out—hasn’t he? She wonders and prays a hard prayer, “I’m listening, Lord. Call to me. Just like the sheep. Just like these animals that you called to the ark. Call to me and I will follow.”
I felt like I was actually there when Mack, a big, strong manly man, dressed in proper attire, tries to serve his first formal dinner with its many courses. I felt myself praying he didn’t spill anything or break a dish. I couldn’t believe how much food they ate and the manner in which it was supposed to be served and eaten.
I was amazed how the Vanderbilts lived and how they cared for their servants. I couldn’t believe what a lady’s maid was required to do for Mrs. Vanderbilt and her guests. It seemed too intimate to let someone else do these things for you. It definitely went against the "personal space" rule we have today. This book is going on my list of favorite picks for book club.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
July 1, 2017
I absolutely fell in love with this novel! It was truly amazing and I couldn't have picked a better novel to practically read in one day if I tried. I hate to say it took me so long to pick it up to read, life seemed to have gotten away from me!
Deeanne Gist is now my favorite author, I have read three separate books over the time span of her career, and I haven't been disappointed even once! Not only does Ms. Gist pick real places and likes to incorporate history into each novel, but she is allow a Christian writer that offers clean romance stories that everyone can enjoy!
I promise, not matter what novel of hers that you choose, you will not be disappointed. I must say though, this one has been my favorite so far!!
Deeanne Gist is now my favorite author, I have read three separate books over the time span of her career, and I haven't been disappointed even once! Not only does Ms. Gist pick real places and likes to incorporate history into each novel, but she is allow a Christian writer that offers clean romance stories that everyone can enjoy!
I promise, not matter what novel of hers that you choose, you will not be disappointed. I must say though, this one has been my favorite so far!!
December 6, 2022
Made to Match by Deeanne Gist is filled with humor, culture, and faith. Featuring a rough and grumpy mountain man with a big heart and an ambitious Biltmore parlor maid, clashing personalities and sparking chemistry make this story an irresistible delight.
October 22, 2010
impressive. i LOVED the detail about the biltmore house, its domestic staff, and the surrounding appalachain culture. this is a very moderate romance, too, which was a nice change. there were only a few instances of the main characters' actions stretching believability. huzzah!
the subplots and minor characters were refreshingly dickensian, with much more actual social engagement happening than in your average christian romance.
plus, now i want to visit the actual biltmore estate and see it for myself. i never had much interest in it before.
the subplots and minor characters were refreshingly dickensian, with much more actual social engagement happening than in your average christian romance.
plus, now i want to visit the actual biltmore estate and see it for myself. i never had much interest in it before.
April 18, 2016
4.5 stars. Quick and light read
I didn't expect this book to be as this good I honestly suspect it to be so shallow but it definitely was the opposite.
I liked Mack character sooo much. He is is really a true man and so nobel and i liked most his respect for women and his care for the children.
This was my first read for this author and it won't be the last one for sure.
I didn't expect this book to be as this good I honestly suspect it to be so shallow but it definitely was the opposite.
I liked Mack character sooo much. He is is really a true man and so nobel and i liked most his respect for women and his care for the children.
This was my first read for this author and it won't be the last one for sure.
February 5, 2018
Great book! Very entertaining, sweet, and fun! Thumbs up!
February 10, 2011
I LOVED this book. I have been in a bit of rut the past month or so. I have about 5 books started, and I just can't seem to finish them. I keep losing interest. I don't know if it is because I burned myself out by reading SO much the past 9 months, or if I have just been picking the wrong books lately. Well I could not put this book down. I started reading it last night after the kids went to bed. I read all night. I just loved it.
Tillie's mother had trained Tillie to be a Lady's Maid, so she could travel the world and live a more exciting life than one as a plain old maid. Tillie is Head Palor Maid at the Biltmore Castle in Ashville, NC and her chance to become Lady's Maid has just come in to view. Nothing was going to keep Tillie from accomplishing her lifelong goal. Until a handsome mountain man comes to work for the Vanderbilts, and it is Tillie's responsibility to train him. Mack falls for Tillie the moment he sees her and is determined to get her to admit she feels the same way. But Tillie knows that falling in love would definitely squander her chance at being Lady's Maid.
I just loved how instantly Mack fell for Tillie. Sometimes it feels like books try to rush the attraction and the feeling of love too quickly, but this felt very natural. From their first conversation I could feel how instantly he was enthralled with her. I loved reading how their story unfolded. And I love how much closure I felt at the end of the book. It wasn't a quick ending where she wrote a paragraph or two tying up loose ends. She really took the time to write out all the things I normal WISH I could read at the end of novels.
There were no parts of the story where I felt frustrated with the characters, and their decisions. I could understand where they were all coming from and why they made the choices they made.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I don't have any favorite quotes, but I do have a couple of favorite "scenes". Deeanne Gist does such a great job painting the picture of what is happening, I feel like I am watching it rather than reading it.
Excerpt from chapter 12: The whole castle is in a hustle and bustle as lots of guests arrive. Tillie was serving as a Lady's Maid to one of the more persnickety house guests. She was a bit frazzled due to some poor circumstances at the guests arrival, and because this was her chance to show what a great Lady's Maid she could be to Mrs Vanderbilt. Mack and his twin brother Earl were helping her find a dress for the guest, even though they should be getting ready to help serve dinner.
"Found it!" Earl raised a wood brown shirtwaist with a diagonal plaid.
Tillie exclaimed from deep inside the room, then scurried out holding dainty slippers of the same fabric. "Oh! You did it! That's it! Thank you so much."
Giving her a broad wink, he bowed. "At your service, miss."
The smile she bestowed on him sucked the breath right out of Mack.
"You better hurry, though," Earl said, straightening. "The hourglass is running short."
"I know. Thanks again."
Earl laid the garment back in the trunk and headed toward the stairwell. "You coming, Mack?"
"Right behind you." But instead, he waited until Earl had disappeared, then turned to Tillie. "What all do you have left?"
"Thats it. I have everything gathered and brushed, so it's just a matter of getting it down to her dressing room."
He nodded. "Well, fix your hair. You're a mess."
She touched her head, found locks of hair straggling down her back, then shoved the shoes she held toward him. "Here."
He caught them against his gut, then watched her pull the hat combs loose. Whipping off the snowy cap, she handed it to him, too, it's long streamers floating down to rest against his trouser legs.
She yanked out half a dozen hairpins, stuck them in her mouth, lifted her face to the ceiling, and shook her head like some forest sprite, sending waves of black curls to her hips.
His heart slammed against his chest. Never had he seen a woman do such things before. The grace with which she moved, the silkiness of her hair, the lashes lying along her cheeks, the white teeth clamped around celluloid pins. All of it mesmerized him.
With quick, efficient movements, she gathered her hair into her hands, then wrung it like a mop and twisted it to her head, jamming pin after pin against her scalp.
Snatching her cap from between his fingers, she propped it on top of her head and tucked in the combs. "Thanks."
He stood tongue-tied and off-balance as if he were a youth discovering life's mysteries for the first time.
She rushed back inside and returned with hat, gloves, stockings, and who knew what all draped underneath a large ruffled petticoat.
"I guess I'll have to come back for the dress. Thanks again, Mack." Grabbing the shoes he'd forgotten he had, she rushed to the stairs, white streamers flapping behind her like wings.
It took him less than ten seconds to snatch up the brown-checkered shirtwaist and skirt, then follow her to the passageway which led to Miss DePriest's room.
xcerpt taken from chapter 26: Conversation between Tillie and Mack
"Quitting? You mean, Biltmore? You're quitting Biltmore?"
"Yes." Lifting his chin, he buttoned his shirt and adjusted his collar
"But why?"
"I'm going to be useful man for the orphanage."
She shook her head. "I don't . . . what about . . . where will . . ." She looked around the workroom at the wire, twine, and five arrangements she'd been working on for the past hour.
"I'd like you to come with me," he said.
Her gaze flew back to his. "Go with you?"
Stepping inside, he closed the door.
"What are you doing? Open that back up. We can't be in here alone."
He skirted the table. She scuffled backward. But there was nowhere to run.
When she'd backed herself in the corner, he braced his hands on either side of her head. "Marry me."
The smell of man, starch and determination enveloped her.
"I've already told you I-"
He kissed her. Not a hard, demanding kiss, but one as soft and delicate as one of her tea roses.
"Marry me."
"I-"
He kissed her again, his knuckles grazing her jaw, her neck, her collarbone. He allowed a hairsbreadth of space between them, but only long enough to repeat his entreaty. "Marry me."
He again sought her lips with gentle, persuasive touches, which she found much more devastating than when he released his full passion upon her.
Groping for her hand, he found it and brought it to his cheek. "Marry me."
He angled his head, continuing to coax a response from her.
Breathless and confused, she rested her other hand on his shoulder, then crinkled his shirt with her fist. "You can't leave. Please don't leave."
He spoke against her lips. "Come with me."
"But I-"
He kissed her more urgently, his body tight against hers, then he pulled his head back. "Don't say no. You can't say no. Because I'm really leaving. Today. And I want to leave knowing you'll be mine, just as soon as we can arrange it."
An ache, deep and sharp, gripped her beneath the rib cage. "Why, why?"
"Because I love you." He drew her to him, running his hands along her back and shoulders and arms, every allowable inch. "Do you love me? Do you?"
She squeezed his shoulders. Yes. Yes.
But she didn't answer.
He tipped her chin with his thumbs. "Do you, Tillie? Do you love me even a little?"
Ugh SO GOOD!
Tillie's mother had trained Tillie to be a Lady's Maid, so she could travel the world and live a more exciting life than one as a plain old maid. Tillie is Head Palor Maid at the Biltmore Castle in Ashville, NC and her chance to become Lady's Maid has just come in to view. Nothing was going to keep Tillie from accomplishing her lifelong goal. Until a handsome mountain man comes to work for the Vanderbilts, and it is Tillie's responsibility to train him. Mack falls for Tillie the moment he sees her and is determined to get her to admit she feels the same way. But Tillie knows that falling in love would definitely squander her chance at being Lady's Maid.
I just loved how instantly Mack fell for Tillie. Sometimes it feels like books try to rush the attraction and the feeling of love too quickly, but this felt very natural. From their first conversation I could feel how instantly he was enthralled with her. I loved reading how their story unfolded. And I love how much closure I felt at the end of the book. It wasn't a quick ending where she wrote a paragraph or two tying up loose ends. She really took the time to write out all the things I normal WISH I could read at the end of novels.
There were no parts of the story where I felt frustrated with the characters, and their decisions. I could understand where they were all coming from and why they made the choices they made.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I don't have any favorite quotes, but I do have a couple of favorite "scenes". Deeanne Gist does such a great job painting the picture of what is happening, I feel like I am watching it rather than reading it.
Excerpt from chapter 12: The whole castle is in a hustle and bustle as lots of guests arrive. Tillie was serving as a Lady's Maid to one of the more persnickety house guests. She was a bit frazzled due to some poor circumstances at the guests arrival, and because this was her chance to show what a great Lady's Maid she could be to Mrs Vanderbilt. Mack and his twin brother Earl were helping her find a dress for the guest, even though they should be getting ready to help serve dinner.
"Found it!" Earl raised a wood brown shirtwaist with a diagonal plaid.
Tillie exclaimed from deep inside the room, then scurried out holding dainty slippers of the same fabric. "Oh! You did it! That's it! Thank you so much."
Giving her a broad wink, he bowed. "At your service, miss."
The smile she bestowed on him sucked the breath right out of Mack.
"You better hurry, though," Earl said, straightening. "The hourglass is running short."
"I know. Thanks again."
Earl laid the garment back in the trunk and headed toward the stairwell. "You coming, Mack?"
"Right behind you." But instead, he waited until Earl had disappeared, then turned to Tillie. "What all do you have left?"
"Thats it. I have everything gathered and brushed, so it's just a matter of getting it down to her dressing room."
He nodded. "Well, fix your hair. You're a mess."
She touched her head, found locks of hair straggling down her back, then shoved the shoes she held toward him. "Here."
He caught them against his gut, then watched her pull the hat combs loose. Whipping off the snowy cap, she handed it to him, too, it's long streamers floating down to rest against his trouser legs.
She yanked out half a dozen hairpins, stuck them in her mouth, lifted her face to the ceiling, and shook her head like some forest sprite, sending waves of black curls to her hips.
His heart slammed against his chest. Never had he seen a woman do such things before. The grace with which she moved, the silkiness of her hair, the lashes lying along her cheeks, the white teeth clamped around celluloid pins. All of it mesmerized him.
With quick, efficient movements, she gathered her hair into her hands, then wrung it like a mop and twisted it to her head, jamming pin after pin against her scalp.
Snatching her cap from between his fingers, she propped it on top of her head and tucked in the combs. "Thanks."
He stood tongue-tied and off-balance as if he were a youth discovering life's mysteries for the first time.
She rushed back inside and returned with hat, gloves, stockings, and who knew what all draped underneath a large ruffled petticoat.
"I guess I'll have to come back for the dress. Thanks again, Mack." Grabbing the shoes he'd forgotten he had, she rushed to the stairs, white streamers flapping behind her like wings.
It took him less than ten seconds to snatch up the brown-checkered shirtwaist and skirt, then follow her to the passageway which led to Miss DePriest's room.
xcerpt taken from chapter 26: Conversation between Tillie and Mack
"Quitting? You mean, Biltmore? You're quitting Biltmore?"
"Yes." Lifting his chin, he buttoned his shirt and adjusted his collar
"But why?"
"I'm going to be useful man for the orphanage."
She shook her head. "I don't . . . what about . . . where will . . ." She looked around the workroom at the wire, twine, and five arrangements she'd been working on for the past hour.
"I'd like you to come with me," he said.
Her gaze flew back to his. "Go with you?"
Stepping inside, he closed the door.
"What are you doing? Open that back up. We can't be in here alone."
He skirted the table. She scuffled backward. But there was nowhere to run.
When she'd backed herself in the corner, he braced his hands on either side of her head. "Marry me."
The smell of man, starch and determination enveloped her.
"I've already told you I-"
He kissed her. Not a hard, demanding kiss, but one as soft and delicate as one of her tea roses.
"Marry me."
"I-"
He kissed her again, his knuckles grazing her jaw, her neck, her collarbone. He allowed a hairsbreadth of space between them, but only long enough to repeat his entreaty. "Marry me."
He again sought her lips with gentle, persuasive touches, which she found much more devastating than when he released his full passion upon her.
Groping for her hand, he found it and brought it to his cheek. "Marry me."
He angled his head, continuing to coax a response from her.
Breathless and confused, she rested her other hand on his shoulder, then crinkled his shirt with her fist. "You can't leave. Please don't leave."
He spoke against her lips. "Come with me."
"But I-"
He kissed her more urgently, his body tight against hers, then he pulled his head back. "Don't say no. You can't say no. Because I'm really leaving. Today. And I want to leave knowing you'll be mine, just as soon as we can arrange it."
An ache, deep and sharp, gripped her beneath the rib cage. "Why, why?"
"Because I love you." He drew her to him, running his hands along her back and shoulders and arms, every allowable inch. "Do you love me? Do you?"
She squeezed his shoulders. Yes. Yes.
But she didn't answer.
He tipped her chin with his thumbs. "Do you, Tillie? Do you love me even a little?"
Ugh SO GOOD!
June 22, 2010
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.
This awesome historical was also a sizzling romance. Gist clearly understands that many historical romance readers want not only to feel like they are living in a different era, but that we want yummy romantic tension in the story, and she delivers every time. This is not a quick-peck-on-the-lips-kiss-at-the-end CBA novel. But it's not just a relationship built on physical attraction either.
The many hours the characters spent working together and getting to know each other better at the mansion were precious and sweet. I loved how the mutual caring between the hero and heroine developed in a subtle, yet powerful fashion. Then when they finally kissed it was like, WOW! It was hot. The sparks flew off the pages. I SO loved that moment and the many other rendezvous they had that followed. And those barn gatherings/games were something else.
The cool sub-plot regarding the orphanage was well developed, too. The scenarios with the children and the issues that arose were believable and well done. I loved that the Biltmore was a real place, even though Gist explains that the orphanage itself was completely fabricated. It felt real to me, and that's all that mattered. My heart ached for the children and for them as a couple. The end of this story was so satisfying and sweet that it's making my best fiction of 2010 list.
This awesome historical was also a sizzling romance. Gist clearly understands that many historical romance readers want not only to feel like they are living in a different era, but that we want yummy romantic tension in the story, and she delivers every time. This is not a quick-peck-on-the-lips-kiss-at-the-end CBA novel. But it's not just a relationship built on physical attraction either.
The many hours the characters spent working together and getting to know each other better at the mansion were precious and sweet. I loved how the mutual caring between the hero and heroine developed in a subtle, yet powerful fashion. Then when they finally kissed it was like, WOW! It was hot. The sparks flew off the pages. I SO loved that moment and the many other rendezvous they had that followed. And those barn gatherings/games were something else.
The cool sub-plot regarding the orphanage was well developed, too. The scenarios with the children and the issues that arose were believable and well done. I loved that the Biltmore was a real place, even though Gist explains that the orphanage itself was completely fabricated. It felt real to me, and that's all that mattered. My heart ached for the children and for them as a couple. The end of this story was so satisfying and sweet that it's making my best fiction of 2010 list.
December 27, 2010
I was so completely enchanted by this novel that I was sad when I finished. In fact, I didn't even know that I was close to the end until I turned the page and there wasn't any more text. When I requested this novel from Goodread's book swap, I didn't expect to love it so much. I'm not a fan of Christian novels, but I didn't even know that it was such until I looked up more about the author. There were numerous references to the Christian god, and the character's relying on him for strength and guidance. However, the story was more about the characters and their relationships rather than their god.
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.
Things don't exactly happen that way. Through determination and some sacrifice both end up getting what they wish, but by then, they aren't sure it is what they really want.
Gist delighted me in so many ways. The characters were simple in their aspirations yet had such much....well character. The world as we know it wasn't threaten by anything more than man's selfishness. The heroine wasn't some great hero who had amazing powers or was the only one who could save the world. I loved Gist's style. She really knew how to say something so perfectly to give it a certain feel or to come across a certain way.
I was surprised I loved this book as much as I did, but it was a treasure I couldn't believe I found. An instant favorite.
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.
Things don't exactly happen that way. Through determination and some sacrifice both end up getting what they wish, but by then, they aren't sure it is what they really want.
Gist delighted me in so many ways. The characters were simple in their aspirations yet had such much....well character. The world as we know it wasn't threaten by anything more than man's selfishness. The heroine wasn't some great hero who had amazing powers or was the only one who could save the world. I loved Gist's style. She really knew how to say something so perfectly to give it a certain feel or to come across a certain way.
I was surprised I loved this book as much as I did, but it was a treasure I couldn't believe I found. An instant favorite.
June 19, 2010
I have lived in North Carolina for almost three years now and I have yet to make it out to Asheville and the Biltmore mansion, but it is a place I want to see as soon as possible. I loved getting an inside look at life at the Biltmore during the Gilded Age and all the intricacies of running and maintaining the household. To me, the romance between Mack and Tillie took a backseat to the fascination of the Biltmore and the Vanderbilts. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the amount of research Dee conducted to make this book as realistic as possible. I also really appreciate the fact that the author portrayed the Vanderbilts as the kind and caring people that they were. That made life at Biltmore sound all the more appealing and personal.
Don’t get me wrong though, I really enjoyed watching the love blossom between Mack and Tillie and watching them follow God’s calling for their lives. Once again Dee has tenderly written a love story that will appeal to Christian romance fans, but fans of historical fiction are in for a rare treat when they are given a special look inside the Biltmore. It just doesn’t get much better than that. I highly recommend this book to romance fans and historical fans alike.
Don’t get me wrong though, I really enjoyed watching the love blossom between Mack and Tillie and watching them follow God’s calling for their lives. Once again Dee has tenderly written a love story that will appeal to Christian romance fans, but fans of historical fiction are in for a rare treat when they are given a special look inside the Biltmore. It just doesn’t get much better than that. I highly recommend this book to romance fans and historical fans alike.
June 29, 2015
This was another one I got forever ago as a Kindle freebie, not sure why I waited so long to read it. I thought this was a very good book. It was interesting to see behind the scenes at what all the serving class had to do to take care of a house and family. Kind of reminded of the one episode I saw of Downtown Abbey. To be honest, just reading about all the work Tillie did made me tired (and a bit guilty since I was curled up reading while she was working). Tillie was a pretty likable character, although at times she did seem a bit bossy and wound pretty tight. I really liked Mack, he quickly won me over. I thought they had good chemistry and it was fun to watch their story unfold. The side story with the orphanage was pretty heartbreaking; it’s just so hard to hear about children being mistreated. I liked how the story all wraps up though and really enjoyed the whole thing.
Content: Clean. Talk of child abuse. There is a wedding night, but it quickly “fades to black”.
Content: Clean. Talk of child abuse. There is a wedding night, but it quickly “fades to black”.
November 7, 2015
A fascinating look at the below stairs life of the famous Biltmore Estate owned by the Vanderbilts. The vivid details piqued my interest so much that I had to check it out online. My jaw dropped. No wonder it took 66 servants to keep the place running. Tillie is just as mesmerized by the estate and the lifestyle which causes some skewed priorities. Especially when Mack arrives on the scene. Rough around the edges, plain-spoken, he's the one risk that might just interfere with Tillie's ambitions to climb the 'downstairs ladder'. There's plenty of humour, tons of romantic tension culminating in a number of toe-curling scenes. Blissful sigh. And the sweet faith thread about making sure your priorities match God's is just icing on the cake. A sensational read for the discerning historical romance lover.
October 19, 2011
A very light, sweet, clean romance. The unique setting is what really makes the story stand out from the rest, though. Readers of any kind of historical romance are so used to the servants being only background comments that a book that actually allows those servants center stage is wonderful in and of itself. Gist offers a very realistic look at the realities, both good and bad, in the life of the servant class while weaving a very sweet romance into the fabric. For that alone this book is highly recommended reading.
January 10, 2016
This book was so much better than I thought it would be. Historically accurate and incredibly well written, "Maid to Match" is quite the page turner. Anyone who loves Downton Abbey will definitely adore this book. It's a wonderful story that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
May 28, 2018
plot - 4
writing style - 4.5
characters - 4
romance - 4.5
writing style - 4.5
characters - 4
romance - 4.5
October 13, 2014
Tillie Reese has been trained to be a lady's maid since she was a little girl, and now she's got her chance. Employed at Biltmore as the head parlor maid, she's given a contest with another maid for the position when Mrs. Vanderbilt's lady's maid turns in her notice. Then mountain man Mack Danver is hired on, and the sparks that fly between them threaten everything Tillie's worked so hard for.
Maid to Match is a sweet, charming story about a maid employed at the historical Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina, during the Gilded Age. I was completely delighted with the rich history and descriptions of Biltmore, the detail of the period clothing and hairstyles, and Gist's realistic portrayal of the servants' lives. "Downton Abbey" fans will be pleased.
Faith in God played a small role in the latter part of the story, and it was a little awkward and jolting since Tillie didn't start the book depending on God for guidance, and nothing happened to explain the change in her. The villain didn't come across as real as the other characters, but this could be because he was more a part of a sub-plot than the main, overall story.
Maid to Match was my first Deeanne Gist novel, and I liked it well enough to pick up another of her works. I wouldn't reccommend it to readers who get bored without mystery and suspense elements, or to those who are uncomfortable with a romance heavy on the physical aspect. But if you enjoy fun, light reads filled with historical detail, and featuring a clean but steamy romance, this may be a good match for you.
Favorite line of the book: "I picked my nose."
Maid to Match is a sweet, charming story about a maid employed at the historical Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina, during the Gilded Age. I was completely delighted with the rich history and descriptions of Biltmore, the detail of the period clothing and hairstyles, and Gist's realistic portrayal of the servants' lives. "Downton Abbey" fans will be pleased.
Faith in God played a small role in the latter part of the story, and it was a little awkward and jolting since Tillie didn't start the book depending on God for guidance, and nothing happened to explain the change in her. The villain didn't come across as real as the other characters, but this could be because he was more a part of a sub-plot than the main, overall story.
Maid to Match was my first Deeanne Gist novel, and I liked it well enough to pick up another of her works. I wouldn't reccommend it to readers who get bored without mystery and suspense elements, or to those who are uncomfortable with a romance heavy on the physical aspect. But if you enjoy fun, light reads filled with historical detail, and featuring a clean but steamy romance, this may be a good match for you.
Favorite line of the book: "I picked my nose."
June 16, 2010
I have officially decided I like this author. Maid to Match is my second book of her's (Beguiled was the first) and it was even better than Beguiled.
Maid to Match is set in North Carolina in the late 1890's in the Vanderbilt manor, Biltmore. Tillie is the head parlormaid and is called upon to train the new footman Mack. Mack is anything but polished and Tilly has her hands full making him acceptably refined.
And of course, romance develops.
What I like most about Deanne Gist's writing is that her fiction is historically accurate. At the end of both books I've read, she explains some of the history and where she took literary license. I learned a lot just in those few pages.
Another thing I liked about this book is, although it's Christian fiction, it not over-the-top pure. Her romance scenes are not so pure to the point of unreal. Though pure, she adequately captures the passion and desire. "Every nerve in her body quivered."
Thanks to Graf-Martin for another great book to review. Maid to Match is available from your favorite bookseller of Bethany House books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Maid to Match is set in North Carolina in the late 1890's in the Vanderbilt manor, Biltmore. Tillie is the head parlormaid and is called upon to train the new footman Mack. Mack is anything but polished and Tilly has her hands full making him acceptably refined.
And of course, romance develops.
What I like most about Deanne Gist's writing is that her fiction is historically accurate. At the end of both books I've read, she explains some of the history and where she took literary license. I learned a lot just in those few pages.
Another thing I liked about this book is, although it's Christian fiction, it not over-the-top pure. Her romance scenes are not so pure to the point of unreal. Though pure, she adequately captures the passion and desire. "Every nerve in her body quivered."
Thanks to Graf-Martin for another great book to review. Maid to Match is available from your favorite bookseller of Bethany House books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
October 20, 2012
First off, If you like just pure romance books, you will love this book. However, I found it rather a shallow story and wen I closed the book, I felt like I had wasted me time.
Deeanne Gist is a good story teller and the book was well written. The faith elements in the story didn't come to play until the end of the book and felt more like they were added on last minute. Some of the other this I did not like about this story was the fact the girl gets drunk because she doesn't realize a drink is spiked (Seriously? You can tell when alcohol is in a drink). And there is a lot of not only kissing but other displays of affection, especially at the end of the book when they are married. Some of the scenes are not for younger readers.
This book was good historically and the characters were well developed. However, I did not enjoy it.
Deeanne Gist is a good story teller and the book was well written. The faith elements in the story didn't come to play until the end of the book and felt more like they were added on last minute. Some of the other this I did not like about this story was the fact the girl gets drunk because she doesn't realize a drink is spiked (Seriously? You can tell when alcohol is in a drink). And there is a lot of not only kissing but other displays of affection, especially at the end of the book when they are married. Some of the scenes are not for younger readers.
This book was good historically and the characters were well developed. However, I did not enjoy it.
August 8, 2010
I read this book strictly because it is set at Biltmore, and I was going on a weekend trip to Biltmore. I thought it might give a little more context to the visit. And it did, sort of. The book itself was kind of stupid. And it had a major identity crisis. For most of the book the writing and plot verged on being a "romance" novel - but then suddenly the characters became very religious and it was almost a "christian" novel. As a reader I got a little Genre Whiplash. Don't tell, but I took this book back to the store the day after I finished it.
November 5, 2022
The below is from my September 2010 review on my husband's Amazon account. Looking at my original review, this must've been one of the earlier historical romances I read. Now, historical romances make up the lion's share of what I read. :-) I'm still not particularly interested in history itself, but I love it interwoven into a novel. Well, here goes, short little review that it is:
I have loved every single one of Deeanne Gist's books. This one was historically interesting, in that Gist obviously researched the Vanderbilts and their home thoroughly. History is NOT AT ALL one of my interests, but Gist did a great job of building the information into the story . . . so that I didn't feel like I was having a history lesson! I LOVED the characters, the setting, and the story. Just everything! I read it in two days, which is very unusual for me. What a fabulous book . . . fabulous, fabulous . . .
I have loved every single one of Deeanne Gist's books. This one was historically interesting, in that Gist obviously researched the Vanderbilts and their home thoroughly. History is NOT AT ALL one of my interests, but Gist did a great job of building the information into the story . . . so that I didn't feel like I was having a history lesson! I LOVED the characters, the setting, and the story. Just everything! I read it in two days, which is very unusual for me. What a fabulous book . . . fabulous, fabulous . . .
January 6, 2021
This book was not written poorly, and characters are interesting. However the reason I gave this book two stars is because of the sex content. I can't help but notice that in every Deeanne Gist book I have read she includes sex. In Deeanne's books she actually describes the wedding night.
I do not believe it is healthy to read content like this. Witnessing somebody kiss, and witnessing part of somebody's wedding night are two very different things. Please do not let your daughter read this, and don't read it yourself.
Warning: In my experience all of Deeanne Gist's books end something like this. The ones I have read have all of the content I mentioned above in it. I would not recommend ANY of her books except possibly Fair Play, but even then I would be hesitant.
I do not believe it is healthy to read content like this. Witnessing somebody kiss, and witnessing part of somebody's wedding night are two very different things. Please do not let your daughter read this, and don't read it yourself.
Warning: In my experience all of Deeanne Gist's books end something like this. The ones I have read have all of the content I mentioned above in it. I would not recommend ANY of her books except possibly Fair Play, but even then I would be hesitant.
September 8, 2010
Tillie is head parlor maid at the Biltmore, the estate of the wealthy Vanderbilts. Her dream from the time she was very young and all that her mother has trained her for is to be Mrs. Vanderbilts lady's maid. She finally has the opportunity to get the job when Mack, a mountain man and twin to one of the footman, comes on the scene. However, there is no romance allowed below stairs and too much association between Tillie and Mack threatens their jobs. Mack needs his to get his sister out of the orphanage where something bad is going on behind closed doors. Tillie needs hers in order to have her dream realized. But can dreams change?
September 13, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written American historical by Gist. Having toured the Biltmore House more than once, I enjoyed envisioning the rooms and the grounds in the story. Having the story set "below stairs" was unique and interesting. I was fascinated by the description of life as a servant at the turn of the 20th Century. Even though the Vanderbilt's were more progressive in their treatment of their staff than most people, being a servant was a very difficult and labor intensive job.
I suppose Maid to Match could be categorized as "inspirational," but the Christian content was very appropriate for the time and setting, and didn't intrude upon the story.
I suppose Maid to Match could be categorized as "inspirational," but the Christian content was very appropriate for the time and setting, and didn't intrude upon the story.
April 24, 2019
The storyline and history were great; I loved hearing about how the hierarchy of those in service works compared to their British counterparts, the ridiculous rules they must follow, and the fierce competition to be on the top.
It's on the steamy end of the sweet spectrum (think Julie Lessman), but it's an enthralling book (and less scandalous than I remembered). I liked it just as well upon rereading, if not a little better even. Looking at the dates, it would have come out right around the same time (or more probably, shortly before) Downton Abbey first aired. If you're feeling nostalgic for Downton Abbey, then pick up this one!
It's on the steamy end of the sweet spectrum (think Julie Lessman), but it's an enthralling book (and less scandalous than I remembered). I liked it just as well upon rereading, if not a little better even. Looking at the dates, it would have come out right around the same time (or more probably, shortly before) Downton Abbey first aired. If you're feeling nostalgic for Downton Abbey, then pick up this one!
September 1, 2013
This book was full of wonderful characters delightfully developed. The historical accuracy was extremely well done and the twists and turns of the plot kept me flipping pages throughout the book. I enjoyed the love connection between Tillie and Mack as well as the changes that came about in their lives as they both learned the meaning of true freedom.
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