What do you think?
Rate this book
Situation Maid
Read all about the Famous Cook for President Ronald Reagan. Lillie Nelson started out in life as a orphan and ended up later in life as the cook for The President of the United States. Lillie started out in the cotton fields of Mississippi with nothing and nobody and despite encountering racial prejudice, poverty and years in inequity, Lillie found hope in God's promise that all men and women are created in his image. In the back of this book you will find some of Lillie's famous recipes.
171 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2013
34 people are currently reading
6218 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Nix
4 books122 followersAuthor of "Situation Maid"
I was born in Long Beach, California.
I have been a freelance writer for years and write from the heart. When I am not writing I raise money for the homeless. I have worked and model for "People Helping People". My husband and I and our two dogs reside in Palm Springs, Ca.
I was born in Long Beach, California.
I have been a freelance writer for years and write from the heart. When I am not writing I raise money for the homeless. I have worked and model for "People Helping People". My husband and I and our two dogs reside in Palm Springs, Ca.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 23, 2017
Both the author and Lillie claim to be Christians. I thought I was in for at least a clean read, and it promised to be very interesting. In one breath she’s praising the Lord, thanking Him for His care, provision, and strength. In the next, she’s describing with graphic detail the privates of other people. That was a shock. I've read cleaner secular books. So yes I quit.
March 1, 2015
Lillie Nelson is one wise lady, despite no education and being born an orphan -- her mother died in childbirth and her father had died 6 months before of a heart attack. This is the story of her inspiring and amazing life, a woman with true grace and love for fellow man, a lady with a heart bigger than most people you've ever known. And Lillie had plenty of reasons to be someone else, someone bitter and disillusioned. The book silently urges us all to be better people, to care for our fellow human beings in the pure way Lillie does, to be humble and live graciously. Graciousness doesn't come from your station in life; it comes from within and shines for all who know you.
This great lady had a fantastic sense of what was good for her and for others, served loyally, and rose to become a cook and friend to President and Nancy Reagan at their California home. Lillie was well loved by many for her glowing example of kindness and her sense of who she was and love for others. The book is written in Lillie's words.
This great lady had a fantastic sense of what was good for her and for others, served loyally, and rose to become a cook and friend to President and Nancy Reagan at their California home. Lillie was well loved by many for her glowing example of kindness and her sense of who she was and love for others. The book is written in Lillie's words.
August 5, 2016
Lillie's story was a touching narrative. Her life was hard with little to none of the things the world promotes for individual happiness and fulfillment. Yet Lillie lived a more satisfied life than many who are prosperous and in luxury. It is obvious through the telling of her story that Christ Jesus was the Source of that contentment and her strong faith carried her through many difficult situations. Stacy Nix has given a voice to Lillie's simplistic expression that will stick in your mind for a long time.
August 24, 2017
Lillie Nelson has an interesting story to tell but I don't know if this book really brought it out the best way. Hard to explain but I just think it needed something to grab the reader and keep their attention.
October 26, 2014
this is a pretty interesting read. Lillie Nelson was an African American woman. she was born in the early 1920s.Stacy Nix met Lillie about 20 years ago they became friends. Stacy wrote this book but it is taken from the stories Lillie told Stacy about her life. So this is mostly Lillie's Words we read here.
Lillie had quite a life. Her mother died when she was born her father also dead.She was raised by much older sisters. She was treated with cruelty by both of them. At five she was forced to pick cotton. At twelve she ran away from one sister to live with another one in Chicago. She was treated horrible there. She went through the trauma of Rape got pregnant because of it as a teenager and had her baby taken away from her.At fifteen she was on her own.
From fifteen on, she worked as a maid and cook for well to do people. She was treated badly by some and had good experiences by other. some called her the "N" word. and treated her like trash. Through all this she kept her heart filled with love and a strong faith in Jesus. she worked for many houses eventually ending up in California. toward the end of her career she ended up working as a cook for the Reagans. She spoke with great love for Nancy And president Reagan. considering them friends.
I was very impressed with this woman. She found a way to stay positive, forgiving, and loving. A hard thing to do when sometimes being treated terrible. the end of this book has some recipes, that Lillie cooked. Some sound pretty good. Lillie died about ten years ago. A good woman with a good heart. Hard to come by these days.
Lillie had quite a life. Her mother died when she was born her father also dead.She was raised by much older sisters. She was treated with cruelty by both of them. At five she was forced to pick cotton. At twelve she ran away from one sister to live with another one in Chicago. She was treated horrible there. She went through the trauma of Rape got pregnant because of it as a teenager and had her baby taken away from her.At fifteen she was on her own.
From fifteen on, she worked as a maid and cook for well to do people. She was treated badly by some and had good experiences by other. some called her the "N" word. and treated her like trash. Through all this she kept her heart filled with love and a strong faith in Jesus. she worked for many houses eventually ending up in California. toward the end of her career she ended up working as a cook for the Reagans. She spoke with great love for Nancy And president Reagan. considering them friends.
I was very impressed with this woman. She found a way to stay positive, forgiving, and loving. A hard thing to do when sometimes being treated terrible. the end of this book has some recipes, that Lillie cooked. Some sound pretty good. Lillie died about ten years ago. A good woman with a good heart. Hard to come by these days.
May 7, 2014
Have you ever worked as a maid? Lillie Nelson, African American, did. This is her story.
Nelson shared her story with this author because she wanted to help people who feel alone and have no one to care about them. She wanted to make sure they knew God cared for and loved them.
A little black girl, who could neither read nor write, worked in the cotton fields at the age of five. She later decided she would become the best maid she could be. Nelson chose to keep a positive attitude, respect herself, and move on up to better positions.
This book is a glimpse of behind-the-scene bigotry and racism toward her and her fellow workers with no regard for them as human beings. She also worked for families who allowed her to sit at their table and eat what the family did.
Because she respected others as well as herself, she rose to a very high position in her profession.
Written in a comfy style, the author paints a realistic picture of people who expect the world to revolve around them and have no regard for those who work for them. She also paints in those beautiful rich hues of kindness and relationship between people from different backgrounds. With light humor and gentleness, Lillie Nelson shares her story of being a child of her God and one who owned a goblet that Princess Diana gave to her friend, Nancy Reagan.
Loved reading this biography
Nelson shared her story with this author because she wanted to help people who feel alone and have no one to care about them. She wanted to make sure they knew God cared for and loved them.
A little black girl, who could neither read nor write, worked in the cotton fields at the age of five. She later decided she would become the best maid she could be. Nelson chose to keep a positive attitude, respect herself, and move on up to better positions.
This book is a glimpse of behind-the-scene bigotry and racism toward her and her fellow workers with no regard for them as human beings. She also worked for families who allowed her to sit at their table and eat what the family did.
Because she respected others as well as herself, she rose to a very high position in her profession.
Written in a comfy style, the author paints a realistic picture of people who expect the world to revolve around them and have no regard for those who work for them. She also paints in those beautiful rich hues of kindness and relationship between people from different backgrounds. With light humor and gentleness, Lillie Nelson shares her story of being a child of her God and one who owned a goblet that Princess Diana gave to her friend, Nancy Reagan.
Loved reading this biography
February 18, 2014
This woman led a very interesting life. I cannot imagine the indignities that she suffered as a child and at the beginning of her career. I hope people can learn from this book to lead a kinder gentler life.
Her Christian faith is an integral part of her being and she appears to have learned to practice true Christianity.
She held many service positions from maid to cook to housekeeper and nanny to caterer. She worked for many prominent people but for people who love gossip books, they will not find it here as most of those she worked for are not named.
This is a very easy read with little depth. It skims a life that could probably have filled volumes.
Her Christian faith is an integral part of her being and she appears to have learned to practice true Christianity.
She held many service positions from maid to cook to housekeeper and nanny to caterer. She worked for many prominent people but for people who love gossip books, they will not find it here as most of those she worked for are not named.
This is a very easy read with little depth. It skims a life that could probably have filled volumes.
May 30, 2014
Lillie Nelson's faith in God, positive attitude and determination helped her to rise above the terrible circumstances of her life. Time after time she was faced with difficulties as a child, but persisted in her determination to create something better for herself. Having internalized God's grace and mercy, she extended that to others when she worked for unreasonable bosses and with crazy co-workers. This short book is packed with moments that are inspiring.
Stacy Nix told the story in Lillie's voice as if Lillie were telling it to a listener, not a reader. It was heartbreaking, maddening and inspirational. It's a life story worth reading.
Stacy Nix told the story in Lillie's voice as if Lillie were telling it to a listener, not a reader. It was heartbreaking, maddening and inspirational. It's a life story worth reading.
September 14, 2014
I won this book on good reads. Thank you for choosing my name. A delightful story of a woman who worked her way from the Cotton fields to the White house. Lillie Nelson tells her story to Stacy Nix the Author. Lillie worked hard all her life to better herself and did it with grace and dignity. Her belief and love of the Lord helped her through thick and thin. I enjoyed reading this story and would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good clean down to earth book.
Thank you for including the autographed picture of Ron and Nancy Reagan.
Thank you for including the autographed picture of Ron and Nancy Reagan.
August 14, 2014
I won a copy of this book from goodreads first-read giveaway.
This is the true story of Lillie Nelson, told by Stacy Nix. Lillie Nelson sure did have a lot of hardships in her life, however her positive attitude and faith kept her going and facing whatever difficulties she had. We all can learn a lesson from Lillie, and become a more positive person, no matter what life throws at you. Through it all Lillie really did have a remarkable life and Stacy Nix was very fortunate to have met this lovely lady, and write about it. I will most certainly be recommending this book.
This is the true story of Lillie Nelson, told by Stacy Nix. Lillie Nelson sure did have a lot of hardships in her life, however her positive attitude and faith kept her going and facing whatever difficulties she had. We all can learn a lesson from Lillie, and become a more positive person, no matter what life throws at you. Through it all Lillie really did have a remarkable life and Stacy Nix was very fortunate to have met this lovely lady, and write about it. I will most certainly be recommending this book.
November 6, 2014
I loved this book and read most of it in one day. I laughed and I wept. This book has everything that makes me want to say its a favorite book. I felt so many things toward this woman. I think anyone who has ever felt they were without hope or from the wrong side of tracks will feel encouraged after reading some of the interesting ways she managed to survive. Her faith and humility was also key in this book.She was so very human. I loved this book and will be sure to read it again.
July 12, 2015
Not sure I believe all the stories in this book are 100% truth. Lillie may have gotten confused as she grew older. I understand this book was written at the end of her life, and wasn't completed until after she had already passed. I feel guilty giving it two stars, as she wants to convey love & blessings to every reader but...I have reservations about lots of accounts.
And the grammatical errors were unbelievable. They really took away from the tale for me.
And the grammatical errors were unbelievable. They really took away from the tale for me.
March 5, 2014
This was one of the best books I have read in a long time. It's the story of Lillie Nelson who started working in the cotton fields and ended up as the cook to President and Mrs. Reagan. She overcame hard times and racial prejudice with her love of God.
I recommend this book to everyone.
I recommend this book to everyone.
July 31, 2014
A very fun enjoyable read. It was somewhat disjointed at times without much background, but the story was consistant and easy to read. Obviously a lot of the bad things that happened were not very detailed, but the grace of God was always present.
November 15, 2014
A great short read
This was a book about Lillie who was a maid and a cook. In fact she was cook to President and Nancy Reagan! She was a woman with such a great heart who loved the Lord and He led her life! Great read!
This was a book about Lillie who was a maid and a cook. In fact she was cook to President and Nancy Reagan! She was a woman with such a great heart who loved the Lord and He led her life! Great read!
June 17, 2014
This inspiring real life story of Lillie Nelson touched me, inspired me and kicked me in the behind. I highly recommend this book.
February 3, 2014
I want to thank you the author so much for writing Lillie's story. It touched me very strongly and has given me a better out look on life. I highly recommend this to everyone!
October 1, 2017
A true story of Lillian Nelson told by Stacy Nix a close friend. A child was born in 1922 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Her mother died while giving birth and her father died a few months earlier. She was living with her sister picking cotton at age 5. It was hard, hot work with heavy cotton bags but she worked every day, helped in the house, and with the other children. Always said her prayers at night and asking Jesus to help her.
At age 15, Lillie became a maid. Later she worked for Ms Brown as a cook. Lillie could not read, write or cook but she got the job. She also took care of Ms Brown's children and directed a staff of six people. Lillie trusted Jesus to take help her through life and to help her handle her problems. Lillie worked for Ms Brown for 20 years.
Lillie worked in the south, also for a priest who taught her to be closer to Jesus, she worked for the Hollywood Group, she worked with Presidents and Royalty dinner parties and social gatherings. She also worked for Ms Milner and was introduced to Ms Ronald Reagan. Lillie was hired to be President Reagan's and Ms Nancy cook for many years.
This is not a religious book, it is about a strong, determined woman finding happiness through hard work and loving people. Through all the years she did not loose her faith and the Spirit of Jesus. She always said Jesus placed her path across other people's so she could learn to live her life more like Him, Jesus was her guide.
This is a fast paced read, well written, very interesting and entertaining; I enjoyed this book. Lillie also wrote poems, and her recipes that she cooked for President Ronald Reagan and Ms Nancy are in the back of the book. Lillie loved life and she workers hard her entire life and never quit. She retired to give private parties. Several years ago, Ms Lillian Nelson passed away. Thank You, Stacy for sharing this story with us.
At age 15, Lillie became a maid. Later she worked for Ms Brown as a cook. Lillie could not read, write or cook but she got the job. She also took care of Ms Brown's children and directed a staff of six people. Lillie trusted Jesus to take help her through life and to help her handle her problems. Lillie worked for Ms Brown for 20 years.
Lillie worked in the south, also for a priest who taught her to be closer to Jesus, she worked for the Hollywood Group, she worked with Presidents and Royalty dinner parties and social gatherings. She also worked for Ms Milner and was introduced to Ms Ronald Reagan. Lillie was hired to be President Reagan's and Ms Nancy cook for many years.
This is not a religious book, it is about a strong, determined woman finding happiness through hard work and loving people. Through all the years she did not loose her faith and the Spirit of Jesus. She always said Jesus placed her path across other people's so she could learn to live her life more like Him, Jesus was her guide.
This is a fast paced read, well written, very interesting and entertaining; I enjoyed this book. Lillie also wrote poems, and her recipes that she cooked for President Ronald Reagan and Ms Nancy are in the back of the book. Lillie loved life and she workers hard her entire life and never quit. She retired to give private parties. Several years ago, Ms Lillian Nelson passed away. Thank You, Stacy for sharing this story with us.
September 10, 2017
It was a good read.... enjoyed it, and am glad I read it and felt I had met the lady personally after I finished .....and I liked her comments....I don't know why , but I was under the impression that she was a maid in the White House for many years for different Presidents....and was disappointed that was not true and it was my own fault I believe for misreading the trailer about the book , but I still enjoyed the book and this this lady was tops in her class and I did enjoy all of the book.....very good.
September 20, 2017
Story of resilience and perserverance. This is a quick read and nice story.
January 31, 2018
A MUST read!
March 13, 2018
Best book I’ve read in a LONG time!!
You feel as if Lillie herself is right next to you tell g you her story. Such a lovely woman.
You feel as if Lillie herself is right next to you tell g you her story. Such a lovely woman.
March 1, 2020
Inspiring
It was one of those books you had to keep picking back up because you wanted to know what happened next.
It was one of those books you had to keep picking back up because you wanted to know what happened next.
May 29, 2020
Not very well written. Is it really necessary to talk about someone’s private parts?!
Want to Read
October 10, 2020I won this book through aGoodReads giveaway, I still have not received this book! Waiting....
June 26, 2023
Amazing. Just amazing, Lillie…good on you. Just wished the book was longer!
February 21, 2017
Just a good book. Remembering how hard people have to work for what they want. Keep pushing hard and you will be appreciated.
July 2, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads First Reads, thanks!
"Situation Maid" is the story of Lillie Nelson, who was born and raised as an orphan on her older sister Mary's farm. She started picking cotton at the age of 5, and worked very hard her whole life. She ran away from the farm and started her life working and cooking for other people at about 15 years old.
She worked for a variety of people, some nice and some not so nice at all. All the way through, she keeps her faith and also a sense of cheerfulness and such an amazing outlook on life. Her voice of wisdom rings especially true and her advice on life would definitely make this world a beautiful place to live if we all followed it.
Honestly, this book was a joy to read and I really learned a lot just reading Lillie's words, as they were told to Stacy Nix. This is one of those books that makes you feel like a better person just for reading it, and feel like you've taken a glimpse of someones life and seen them for who they truly are. Lillie Nelson, you were one of this earth's beautiful souls...rest in peace.
"Situation Maid" is the story of Lillie Nelson, who was born and raised as an orphan on her older sister Mary's farm. She started picking cotton at the age of 5, and worked very hard her whole life. She ran away from the farm and started her life working and cooking for other people at about 15 years old.
She worked for a variety of people, some nice and some not so nice at all. All the way through, she keeps her faith and also a sense of cheerfulness and such an amazing outlook on life. Her voice of wisdom rings especially true and her advice on life would definitely make this world a beautiful place to live if we all followed it.
Honestly, this book was a joy to read and I really learned a lot just reading Lillie's words, as they were told to Stacy Nix. This is one of those books that makes you feel like a better person just for reading it, and feel like you've taken a glimpse of someones life and seen them for who they truly are. Lillie Nelson, you were one of this earth's beautiful souls...rest in peace.
May 31, 2016
If I could give more than 5 stars, this book would receive them all!! I began and finished this book in one day...simply because I could NOT put it down!! This is a modern day story-teller of a precious sole who kept her faith, walked with God beginning at a young age, and never gave up! If you aren't inspired after reading this, perhaps you should seek help from up above because it doesn't get any more inspirational than this!! Stacy Nix did a phenomenal job with this book and I truly believe she was blessed with having the opportunity to call Lillie her friend! She did a fantastic job at telling the story of one of the most beautiful people in just under 200 pages.
I can't say enough wonderful things about this book, it was written from the heart from another heart made of steel and gold! It was such an honor to be able to receive, read, and review this book! It comes HIGHLY recommended!
I can't say enough wonderful things about this book, it was written from the heart from another heart made of steel and gold! It was such an honor to be able to receive, read, and review this book! It comes HIGHLY recommended!
September 29, 2015
I won this book in a goodreads contest.
You can feel the affection and admiration the author has for Miss Lillie. Its tangible. Its a very quick read, just a couple of hours to zip through it but it left me wanting more. More personal statements or anecdotes of the people she worked for and with, or the children she cared for.
The writing is passable. The story is deserving of telling. How an orphaned black girl not only retained her faith but was sustained by it regardless of the abuse and ignorance of others. How she worked, did her job, and loved others without reservation. She is truly an inspiration for our younger generation. She had nothing, and yet she was likely richer than most of us in character.
Godspeed Miss Lillie, and thank you Ms. Nix for sharing her with us.
You can feel the affection and admiration the author has for Miss Lillie. Its tangible. Its a very quick read, just a couple of hours to zip through it but it left me wanting more. More personal statements or anecdotes of the people she worked for and with, or the children she cared for.
The writing is passable. The story is deserving of telling. How an orphaned black girl not only retained her faith but was sustained by it regardless of the abuse and ignorance of others. How she worked, did her job, and loved others without reservation. She is truly an inspiration for our younger generation. She had nothing, and yet she was likely richer than most of us in character.
Godspeed Miss Lillie, and thank you Ms. Nix for sharing her with us.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews