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Romancing America
A Biltmore Christmas
Explore the luxuries of America’s largest home through the eyes of the fictional Bradford sisters. Having been orphaned, they each secures work and lodging at the Biltmore estate. Charity, a laundress; Peggy, an assistant cook, Selma, a chambermaid; and Melissa, a stable “boy” each experience adventures in employment and romance that culminate at Christmastime when the Vanderbilts’ hospitality is at its grandest level.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
99 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Diane T. Ashley
14 books26 followersDiane T. Ashley, a “town girl” born and raised in Mississippi, has worked more than twenty years for the House of Representatives. She rediscovered a thirst for writing, was led to a class taught by Aaron McCarver, and became a founding member of the Bards of Faith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
January 3, 2018
Most boring book of the year? I think sooooo!!
I think I read two of the four stories in this collection, which proved to be more than enough. Boring, super boring, REALLY boring plot and characters, nothing exciting AT ALL, everyone seemed overly serious and melancholy, and it was just not enjoyable. It's not romantic, it's not intriguing, it's not engrossing, it's nothing but a waste of time. Sorry!
This is the third negative review I write in a row, and they were all on Christmas novellas. Maybe I need to reevaluate my reading priorities.
I think I read two of the four stories in this collection, which proved to be more than enough. Boring, super boring, REALLY boring plot and characters, nothing exciting AT ALL, everyone seemed overly serious and melancholy, and it was just not enjoyable. It's not romantic, it's not intriguing, it's not engrossing, it's nothing but a waste of time. Sorry!
This is the third negative review I write in a row, and they were all on Christmas novellas. Maybe I need to reevaluate my reading priorities.
December 18, 2015
Each story was pretty good -- in a quick, fluffy, holiday read sort of way -- but the last story was my favorite. Honestly, the first two had me worried that all four stories would follow pretty much along the same line. I'm happy to say they didn't, though. :)
January 6, 2016
I was looking for a nice Christmas book to read during the holidays, and this collection of short stories seemed like a great choice. It consists of four cute Christmas stories, each featuring a different sister from the Bradford family. All of them get a job at the Biltmore estate and find love while working at the place.
I'm very happy to say that I enjoyed all four stories :) The Bradford girls are very loveable and their love interests are amazing men. A great book if you like rooting for nice guys!
Story #1
I could really relate to Charity. She's quiet, shy, adventurous and she loves Pride & Prejudice. Girl's got it all :P And her guy, Clay, is adorable. He's a wealthy man who meets her one day and she mistakes him for another employee at the Biltmore estate. There's a little bit of a misunderstanding, but it's handled pretty well.
Story #2
Selma's also shy and very cute, although she was a little bit different from the first story (she makes a little appearance). And Jacob seemed nice, but I don't know if I would've trusted him the way Selma did right away, to me it sounded like he was the kind of man who says nice things to all women to see if he can get lucky. He turned out to be a good guy in the end though.
Story #3
Peggy is a cook and an avid reader who meets a little boy one day, and soon finds out that he can't read very well, so she starts helping him practice. His father, Mark, also meets Peggy and takes an interest in her. These three are adorable, although Peggy tends to exaggerate things a little bit.
Story #4
This one's somewhat different from the other stories. There's a little more attitude and a bit of arguing, but it's still a very cute story :) and I loved how many things Melissa was able to do. She also wishes she were a man (oh girl, I feel you), so that people can let her do what she does best instead of giving her "women's jobs" and pointing out every little mistake she makes.
Definitely a great (Christmas) read, especially if you enjoy historical romance :)
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
I'm very happy to say that I enjoyed all four stories :) The Bradford girls are very loveable and their love interests are amazing men. A great book if you like rooting for nice guys!
Story #1
I could really relate to Charity. She's quiet, shy, adventurous and she loves Pride & Prejudice. Girl's got it all :P And her guy, Clay, is adorable. He's a wealthy man who meets her one day and she mistakes him for another employee at the Biltmore estate. There's a little bit of a misunderstanding, but it's handled pretty well.
Story #2
Selma's also shy and very cute, although she was a little bit different from the first story (she makes a little appearance). And Jacob seemed nice, but I don't know if I would've trusted him the way Selma did right away, to me it sounded like he was the kind of man who says nice things to all women to see if he can get lucky. He turned out to be a good guy in the end though.
Story #3
Peggy is a cook and an avid reader who meets a little boy one day, and soon finds out that he can't read very well, so she starts helping him practice. His father, Mark, also meets Peggy and takes an interest in her. These three are adorable, although Peggy tends to exaggerate things a little bit.
Story #4
This one's somewhat different from the other stories. There's a little more attitude and a bit of arguing, but it's still a very cute story :) and I loved how many things Melissa was able to do. She also wishes she were a man (oh girl, I feel you), so that people can let her do what she does best instead of giving her "women's jobs" and pointing out every little mistake she makes.
Definitely a great (Christmas) read, especially if you enjoy historical romance :)
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
did-not-finish
December 25, 2017Ummm... I like fuffy reads from time to time, but I couldn't finish this one. I read two stories and started a third and I rolled my eyes. All of these were insta-love rich-guy-loves-poor-girl stories. I just didn't like this collection.
November 9, 2017
A Biltmore Christmas is set at Christmas time at the famous Biltmore House. It is an anthology of 4 novellas each story focusing one one of 4 sisters who had lost their parents at an early age and been placed in the orphanage at Biltmore Village. The four stories were enjoyable but had so much similarity that I can't say that any one stood out more than the other or that they were more than likeable. This book is part of the Romancing America series.
December 28, 2019
4 Light Insta-Love Romances Taking Place on the Biltmore Estate
Rating: 2.5 stars
Disclaimer: I read this anthology purely because we were touring the Biltmore Estate for the first time this Christmas and because my mother read it and leant it to me. (We both used to read a lot of Christian romance anthologies from this publisher.
All 4 stories in this collection are about each of the 4 orphaned Bradford sisters finding love while working in various positions at the Biltmore Estate in the late 1890s. I loved hearing about various rooms, facts, and traditions of the Biltmore Estate that were shared throughout each of these stories. It felt as if the authors did their research and I enjoyed recognizing the various settings around the estate that each story took place.
What I wasn't too fond of was the romances...everyone fell in love instantly, always attracted to the other person's looks before anything else. In addition, a lot of the stories combined a very wealthy man falling in love with a maid with that not appearing to be the major obstacle it is. The sisters, while somewhat distinct from each other, all had a constant fear of being fired (mostly for inconsequential events) and often ran away from their suitors, rejecting them, without explaining why (which got old). In addition, while I don't mind stories that have inspirational values and themes, I got slightly irked by the judgment these characters passed on "nonbelievers."
Perhaps other readers, who don't mind shallow romances that are fairytale-like in nature, will find more to enjoy in this collection than I did. For my part, I enjoyed the slight historical content and settings of these stories more than anything else.
Rating: 2.5 stars
Disclaimer: I read this anthology purely because we were touring the Biltmore Estate for the first time this Christmas and because my mother read it and leant it to me. (We both used to read a lot of Christian romance anthologies from this publisher.
All 4 stories in this collection are about each of the 4 orphaned Bradford sisters finding love while working in various positions at the Biltmore Estate in the late 1890s. I loved hearing about various rooms, facts, and traditions of the Biltmore Estate that were shared throughout each of these stories. It felt as if the authors did their research and I enjoyed recognizing the various settings around the estate that each story took place.
What I wasn't too fond of was the romances...everyone fell in love instantly, always attracted to the other person's looks before anything else. In addition, a lot of the stories combined a very wealthy man falling in love with a maid with that not appearing to be the major obstacle it is. The sisters, while somewhat distinct from each other, all had a constant fear of being fired (mostly for inconsequential events) and often ran away from their suitors, rejecting them, without explaining why (which got old). In addition, while I don't mind stories that have inspirational values and themes, I got slightly irked by the judgment these characters passed on "nonbelievers."
Perhaps other readers, who don't mind shallow romances that are fairytale-like in nature, will find more to enjoy in this collection than I did. For my part, I enjoyed the slight historical content and settings of these stories more than anything else.
May 16, 2023
Each of the four stories is good, some are a bit short.
The book is about 4 sisters who work at the Biltmore Mansion around Christmastime and have a little romance in their lives. While each book mentions the other 3 sisters, it would have been better for me, if there had been a more steady flow of information about these 4 women. One story begins and there is no personal information about the others.
Highly recommend.
#ABiltmoreChristmas #RomancingAmericaSeries #HistoricalRomance
The book is about 4 sisters who work at the Biltmore Mansion around Christmastime and have a little romance in their lives. While each book mentions the other 3 sisters, it would have been better for me, if there had been a more steady flow of information about these 4 women. One story begins and there is no personal information about the others.
Highly recommend.
#ABiltmoreChristmas #RomancingAmericaSeries #HistoricalRomance
December 9, 2013
I enjoyed this collection of Christmas stories set at the Biltmore. The stories were not too long so the book read very fast and I finished it in two days. The only complaint I have is I wish each story could have been just a bit longer but that is not really a complaint is it. I enjoyed each sister's story about how they found love. Peggy was a favorite when reading about how much she was respected in her job and I enjoyed reading about Mark, Charity's story was my favorite one to read as I loved Clay, Selma was another favorite story of mine as I also liked Jacob, I even felt bad for him at one point, in Melissa I totally understood her as a tomboy and not thinking she has any talents, I wanted to be her friend. I have always wanted to go to the Biltmore and reading this book makes me want to go even more. I recommend this book for a nice quick holiday read.
January 4, 2012
Loved this book! Had just taken a trip to visit the Biltmore so made this book all the more enjoyable!
November 21, 2016
Four short stories centered around Biltmore Estates about love to help in getting you ready for the holidays.
I found it fascinating that several of the authors are from Mississippi!
I found it fascinating that several of the authors are from Mississippi!
December 9, 2017
Loved it.
A light Christmas read. I enjoyed each of the 4 sisters stories. Predicable outcomes as far as the relationships are concerned but it's the getting to the end that is interesting and fun. The ups and downs of relationships and life. Also, I loved the Christian background and morals for each story.
Here are some quotes from the book with thoughts we all need to heed...
"'Honestly, being a servant at Biltmore is as close as I'll ever get to wealth. Do you wonder why some are born with everything and some with nothing?'
I guess the good Lord puts us where He wants us. Perhaps if we had wealth, we'd not have time for Him.'" pg 15
"'Don't get so caught up in dreamin' that you miss what God has for you in the here and now.'" pg 17
I highly recommend this book for all those looking for a lighthearted Christian book with Christmas themes. I have a few more of these on my Kindle and I would love to have the time to read them this year.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt(s) –
A book with multiple authors
A book with a red spine
Counting books for more than one category is allowed. It is up to each individual.
A light Christmas read. I enjoyed each of the 4 sisters stories. Predicable outcomes as far as the relationships are concerned but it's the getting to the end that is interesting and fun. The ups and downs of relationships and life. Also, I loved the Christian background and morals for each story.
Here are some quotes from the book with thoughts we all need to heed...
"'Honestly, being a servant at Biltmore is as close as I'll ever get to wealth. Do you wonder why some are born with everything and some with nothing?'
I guess the good Lord puts us where He wants us. Perhaps if we had wealth, we'd not have time for Him.'" pg 15
"'Don't get so caught up in dreamin' that you miss what God has for you in the here and now.'" pg 17
I highly recommend this book for all those looking for a lighthearted Christian book with Christmas themes. I have a few more of these on my Kindle and I would love to have the time to read them this year.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt(s) –
A book with multiple authors
A book with a red spine
Counting books for more than one category is allowed. It is up to each individual.
December 21, 2018
I have not finished the whole series, but I might come back and finish the last 2 books next Christmas...maybe...I could only take so much of the sappy stories...
I wish there was more intertwining of the stories from book to book. They are all written by different authors, so I see why you don't get much mention of the previous sister. Just that there is a sister and she's not at home anymore. But since they aren't mentioned in other books, a little epilogue would've been nice at the end of each story.
I also found these books to be very preachy. I like a good, clean, Christian romance, but this was too preachy in my opinion.
There's also some editing mistakes.
I wish there was more intertwining of the stories from book to book. They are all written by different authors, so I see why you don't get much mention of the previous sister. Just that there is a sister and she's not at home anymore. But since they aren't mentioned in other books, a little epilogue would've been nice at the end of each story.
I also found these books to be very preachy. I like a good, clean, Christian romance, but this was too preachy in my opinion.
There's also some editing mistakes.
February 7, 2017
Cute! This contained four stories, each about one sister from a family of sisters who had been orphaned as children. Their stories were all romances that occurred while they worked at Biltmore Mansion in North Carolina in the 1890s. The first two were pretty good, even if they were quite unbelievable. The third one was better, but the last one was the best. I felt like it was the most realistic, even if it's timetable was the shortest.
3 1/2 stars, maybe 4 because of the last story.
3 1/2 stars, maybe 4 because of the last story.
October 23, 2016
Four books in one
Each story in this book was written by four different authors. Each with their own style. Each told of a different sister. The sisters were orphaned and cared for by a dear lady. Each sister ends up working at the Biltmore Estates and fall in love. Cute short stories.
Each story in this book was written by four different authors. Each with their own style. Each told of a different sister. The sisters were orphaned and cared for by a dear lady. Each sister ends up working at the Biltmore Estates and fall in love. Cute short stories.
December 17, 2020
2.5 is probably more accurate. Fluffy. Not very realistic. Each of the four stories is written by a different author and they didn’t seem to coordinate their stories very well. The story about Peggy has a recipe at the end of every chapter. Some people might like that but I found it mildly annoying.
May 7, 2018
a 4-in-1-book. A good set of stories. The four orphaned Bradford sisters find work and romance at the Biltmore estate. Read about their lives and how they find their way in their new lives of work and their future.
January 12, 2019
I bought this while on vacation and short of reading material. It was a quick one time read. It is a collection of 4 stories by different authors. I liked the first two stories better than the last two.
January 18, 2021
Four short easy-to-read stories of four sisters who each get a job at the Biltmore Estate & all find love. Not really a true Christmas story as we expect t to be ..... just happens to be Christmas time when each sister falls into love.
November 9, 2021
Good old-fashioned Christmases!
Makes me wish I could go back in time! These beautiful stories are the nearest I'll ever get to Biltmore House! Lovely love stories! Beautiful scenery! Gracious traditions. Happy Christmas, Y'all!
Makes me wish I could go back in time! These beautiful stories are the nearest I'll ever get to Biltmore House! Lovely love stories! Beautiful scenery! Gracious traditions. Happy Christmas, Y'all!
March 21, 2023
A collection of cliche love stories for Christmas. I should have expected this book will mention a lot about God and such. I forgot that Christmas is a religious event. Anyway, I was bored with this book because the stories were all predictable and pretty corny and sentimental.
December 18, 2017
Fun seasonal read. It is interesting to think of all the goings on at the Biltmore Castle at Christmas. The stories are short. I wish there was more on their ma.
March 17, 2019
A Biltmore Christmas
What a wonderful series of stories about the power of faith for four sisters. It was even more interesting because I have visited Biltmore sever all times.
What a wonderful series of stories about the power of faith for four sisters. It was even more interesting because I have visited Biltmore sever all times.
November 24, 2019
I have been to Biltmore many times - I Loved this book - 4 stories in one book
November 30, 2020
A nice, fluffy Christmas book.
December 20, 2020
This was a nice book. Enjoyed reading about the sisters.
December 26, 2021
Sweet as Christmas candy
November 3, 2022
4 lovely Christmas stories. Delightful Christmas read get in the spirit early
January 16, 2023
Nice, clean romance
I enjoyed the stories, centered on faith in God. While the stories were good, they did Desoto repeat the same basic story line.
I enjoyed the stories, centered on faith in God. While the stories were good, they did Desoto repeat the same basic story line.
February 3, 2023
Cute historical romance that follows the lives of sisters and there different lives at Biltmore.
May 16, 2024
Short cutesy cheeeesy romances that are cheesy cheesy and did I mention cheesy but fast as though the characters could fall in love in a week. But it is a cute read. And Christian based.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews