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Minding the Manor: The Memoir of a 1930s English Kitchen Maid by Mollie Moran Ever since Downton Abbey appeared on the scene, there have been swarms of Upstairs/Downstairs books trying to capitalize on it’s popularity by borrowing the subject matter. Some are good, and some aren’t so good, but this one is outstanding.
Mollie Moran was born in 1916 in Norfolk, England, and left school at at fourteen to be a scullery maid in London. She became a cook before marrying a pilot and accompanying him to various stations in the Far East. She recalls her time in service as, ‘…some of the happiest times of my life and instilled in me confidence, a good work ethic, self-esteem and pride in my work.’
The author’s fiery and charming personality shine through on every page, and at the time of writing, she was 97 years old. Reading an account of a world so incredibly different from ours is pure enjoyment when it’s told in such an entertaining way.
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A Haunted Love Story:The Ghosts of the Allen House by Mark Spencer I have an interest in history and old houses and so I sometimes not-quite-intentionally wind up with books about ghosts. I’ve gone on a few ghost tours, not because I think I’ll see a ghost, but because I love touring old houses and hearing about the history that happened inside. I don’t like horror movies or books, and go out of my way to avoid them, but I’m not opposed to the occasional ‘real-life’ ghost story. I’ve never had any kind of ghostly encounters, although I don’t deny there are many who have had experiences that can’t be explained.
The author, Mark Spencer, is a university professor whose wife falls in love with the Allen House when they move to Monticello, Arkansas for his new teaching position. They are warned by townspeople that the house is haunted, which they dismiss as local legend and superstition, and eventually purchase and move into the house.
They begin renovating the house, and find many artifacts belonging to the original owners, the Allen family. It’s well known that the middle Allen daughter committed suicide in the house on Christmas 1948, but the reason why was unknown, until in 2009 Spencer discovers a packet of eighty two-letters underneath the attic floor boards.
Spencer does a wonderful job of interweaving the story of the Allen family with his own family’s experiences of living in the house. It appears that they now give tours of their home, so if I ever find myself in Monticello, I’ll definitely stop by to see this gorgeous house.
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The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley I’ve only read a few of Kearsley’s books, but I’ve enjoyed them all so far. I especially liked the ending of this book, where events come together in a timeline the reader doesn’t expect. I don’t seek out time travel books, but Kearsley’s often include old houses and historical events, so her books are a good fit for me.
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Fiercombe Manor by Kate Riordan Brace yourself, for there are definitely dark elements in this book. Reviewers compare the author’s style to Daphne de Maurier, Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley, and Charlotte Bronte. I liked the book, it’s well written with beautiful language, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, so have some tissues handy.
Let me know what you’ve been reading–I’m always looking for good recommendations!
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