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bargainsleuth's review against another edition
2.0
For this and other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com
Several months ago, Under a Gilded Moon was offered as part of Amazon’s First Reads program and I picked it up for free. The plot, surrounding the building of Biltmore in North Carolina, seemed interesting to me, but didn’t get around to reading it. Then, I noticed the Audible version was only $1.99 and decided I’d rather listen to it than read it. Maybe that was my mistake.
“Biltmore House, a palatial mansion being built by the Vanderbilts, American “royalty,” is in its final stages of construction in North Carolina. The country’s grandest example of privilege, it symbolizes the aspirations of its owner and the dreams of a girl, just as driven, who lives in its shadow.
Kerry MacGregor’s future is derailed when, after two years in college in New York City, family obligations call her home to the beautiful Appalachians. She is determined to distance herself from the opulence she sees rising in the Blue Ridge Mountains, however close its reach. Her family’s land is among the last pieces required to complete the Biltmore Estate. But something more powerful than an ambitious Vanderbilt heir could change Kerry’s fate as, one by one, more outsiders descend on the changing landscape—a fugitive from Sicily, a reporter chasing a groundbreaking story, a debutante tainted by scandal, and a conservationist prepared to put anyone at risk to stoke the resentment of the locals.”
Under a Gilded Moon could have been a great novel. Exploring the building of the palatial Biltmore estate in North Carolina during the Gilded Age and the displacement of many of the residents could have been a compelling story. Unfortunately for me, it was not. I actually listened to the audiobook back in late November and promptly forgot most of the details of the book. So I listened to it again last month and I still came away scratching my head.
While some characters and elements of the plot have some basis in reality like the Vanderbilts and their friends, as is the case in some historical fiction books, the main characters are a complete fiction. And I didn’t get a feel for them due to lack of development. I know a little bit about the Vanderbilts and very little about Biltmore beyond the basics, and after listening to Under a Gilded Moon, I still feel the same way.
The narrator’s attempts at a southern accent were just “meh”. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t connect with the novel and it’s attempts to draw me in. I never felt full invested in Kerry’s plight, nor to the murder of the reporter sent to North Carolina to cover the building of Biltmore, nor to the residents who were displaced by the building of the estate. It felt almost like this book were a sequel to something else, because the background development of the characters was sadly lacking.
Under a Gilded Moon could have been such an interesting exploration of of wealth and poverty, of naivete and ruthlessness, as well as interesting background for one of the largest occupied homes in the United States but for me, it missed the mark.
Several months ago, Under a Gilded Moon was offered as part of Amazon’s First Reads program and I picked it up for free. The plot, surrounding the building of Biltmore in North Carolina, seemed interesting to me, but didn’t get around to reading it. Then, I noticed the Audible version was only $1.99 and decided I’d rather listen to it than read it. Maybe that was my mistake.
“Biltmore House, a palatial mansion being built by the Vanderbilts, American “royalty,” is in its final stages of construction in North Carolina. The country’s grandest example of privilege, it symbolizes the aspirations of its owner and the dreams of a girl, just as driven, who lives in its shadow.
Kerry MacGregor’s future is derailed when, after two years in college in New York City, family obligations call her home to the beautiful Appalachians. She is determined to distance herself from the opulence she sees rising in the Blue Ridge Mountains, however close its reach. Her family’s land is among the last pieces required to complete the Biltmore Estate. But something more powerful than an ambitious Vanderbilt heir could change Kerry’s fate as, one by one, more outsiders descend on the changing landscape—a fugitive from Sicily, a reporter chasing a groundbreaking story, a debutante tainted by scandal, and a conservationist prepared to put anyone at risk to stoke the resentment of the locals.”
Under a Gilded Moon could have been a great novel. Exploring the building of the palatial Biltmore estate in North Carolina during the Gilded Age and the displacement of many of the residents could have been a compelling story. Unfortunately for me, it was not. I actually listened to the audiobook back in late November and promptly forgot most of the details of the book. So I listened to it again last month and I still came away scratching my head.
While some characters and elements of the plot have some basis in reality like the Vanderbilts and their friends, as is the case in some historical fiction books, the main characters are a complete fiction. And I didn’t get a feel for them due to lack of development. I know a little bit about the Vanderbilts and very little about Biltmore beyond the basics, and after listening to Under a Gilded Moon, I still feel the same way.
The narrator’s attempts at a southern accent were just “meh”. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t connect with the novel and it’s attempts to draw me in. I never felt full invested in Kerry’s plight, nor to the murder of the reporter sent to North Carolina to cover the building of Biltmore, nor to the residents who were displaced by the building of the estate. It felt almost like this book were a sequel to something else, because the background development of the characters was sadly lacking.
Under a Gilded Moon could have been such an interesting exploration of of wealth and poverty, of naivete and ruthlessness, as well as interesting background for one of the largest occupied homes in the United States but for me, it missed the mark.
ldockham's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cerasparkles's review against another edition
I like the style of writing and the story intrigues me but I just can't get into it right now. I keep gravitating to other books. This will be a book I try to read again later
atgerstner's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
judithdcollins's review against another edition
5.0
Intricately woven and meticulously researched —Joy Jordan-Lake’s UNDER A GILDED MOON is a perfect blending of fact and fiction. Rich in place, history, detail, and character. Joy brings her characters to life on the pages with emotion, resilience, hope, forgiveness, and courage.
Check out my fascinating and in-depth Elevator Q&A Ride with the Author. Go behind the scenes of the book and the author. One of my favorites!
Crossing several genres, from historical fiction, literary, mystery, suspense, and thriller rolled into one captivating read. Good vs. evil, there is a sharp contrast between the Appalachians’ poverty and the wealthy and privileged surrounding Biltmore— paralleling to our present-day headlines.
Protagonist Kerry MacGregor, a smart and driven young woman, has worked hard to escape her poor background for education and has been living in New York and is leaving college to return home to take care of her family. Her aunt meets her on the train with her younger twin siblings.
They are headed toward Asheville, NC, to the Blue Ridge Mountains. On the journey, they meet some other characters, which become a big part of the storyline.
Her mom has passed away, and her dad is in poor health. He was not a nice man. They are estranged. However, now she must take care of him and her siblings, which forces her to take a job at Biltmore, the last place on earth she wants to work, along with her aunt.
Set in the late 1800s, George Vanderbilt has chosen Asheville to build his palatial estate. In doing so, his people are buying up all the land surrounding the estate. The poor, uneducated people have worked hard for their homes and trying to survive.
To the extreme, the wealthy guests and Vanderbilt’s family are on opposite sides of culture, class, education, social, and more. In addition, there is scandal, murder, and injustice with some literary twists book lovers will enjoy!
What an intriguing cast of characters! We have royalty. A fugitive from Sicily. An investigative reporter, chasing a groundbreaking story. A debutante tainted by scandal, a conservationist, and a young lady trying to achieve a life and education in New York when she is pulled back to the mountains of North Carolina and caught in the cross-fires.
If you love Asheville, NC, and the Biltmore Estate as much as I do, you will love this one! Joy is a master storyteller and brings her characters alive.
I first was introduced to Joy’s writing with [b:A Tangled Mercy|34321791|A Tangled Mercy|Joy Jordan-Lake|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1495496762l/34321791._SX50_.jpg|55382746], and when I saw Under A Gilded Moon, I knew it would be a must-read. After reading, I was blown away and realized I had not read her award-winning [b:Blue Hole Back Home|36337074|Blue Hole Back Home|Joy Jordan-Lake|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1507210386l/36337074._SY75_.jpg|2669714] and quickly purchased the audiobook, and once again, wowed. Joy is a master of dual timelines. All three are 5 stars and highly recommend, as well as her children’s book [b:A Crazy-Much Love|43298081|A Crazy-Much Love|Joy Jordan-Lake|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1565641167l/43298081._SX50_.jpg|67188591].
If you have had the opportunity to read Joy’s prior books, you will fall in love with UNDER A GILDED MOON. As a North Carolina native, I have spent much time in Asheville, NC, and at the Biltmore Estate. Who doesn’t love visiting during the Christmas holidays? Check out Joy’s website and read all about the 125th Biltmore anniversary on Christmas Eve.
Curl up with a cup of tea or coffee and find a comfy chair. Joy takes us on a journey, back in history to 1895 with the Vanderbilts and some scandalous suspense and mystery. UNDER A GILDED MOON is illuminating, lyrical, meticulously researched, and elegantly written. 5 STARS +. Top Books of 2020!
I hope you enjoy UNDER A GILDED MOON as much as I did. The book would make a stunning Christmas gift. The hardcover is stunning (with beautiful mountains under the cover jacket. Ideal for book clubs and further discussions. Highly recommend!
#JDCMustReadBooks
Check out my fascinating and in-depth Elevator Q&A Ride with the Author. Go behind the scenes of the book and the author. One of my favorites!
Crossing several genres, from historical fiction, literary, mystery, suspense, and thriller rolled into one captivating read. Good vs. evil, there is a sharp contrast between the Appalachians’ poverty and the wealthy and privileged surrounding Biltmore— paralleling to our present-day headlines.
Protagonist Kerry MacGregor, a smart and driven young woman, has worked hard to escape her poor background for education and has been living in New York and is leaving college to return home to take care of her family. Her aunt meets her on the train with her younger twin siblings.
They are headed toward Asheville, NC, to the Blue Ridge Mountains. On the journey, they meet some other characters, which become a big part of the storyline.
Her mom has passed away, and her dad is in poor health. He was not a nice man. They are estranged. However, now she must take care of him and her siblings, which forces her to take a job at Biltmore, the last place on earth she wants to work, along with her aunt.
Set in the late 1800s, George Vanderbilt has chosen Asheville to build his palatial estate. In doing so, his people are buying up all the land surrounding the estate. The poor, uneducated people have worked hard for their homes and trying to survive.
To the extreme, the wealthy guests and Vanderbilt’s family are on opposite sides of culture, class, education, social, and more. In addition, there is scandal, murder, and injustice with some literary twists book lovers will enjoy!
What an intriguing cast of characters! We have royalty. A fugitive from Sicily. An investigative reporter, chasing a groundbreaking story. A debutante tainted by scandal, a conservationist, and a young lady trying to achieve a life and education in New York when she is pulled back to the mountains of North Carolina and caught in the cross-fires.
If you love Asheville, NC, and the Biltmore Estate as much as I do, you will love this one! Joy is a master storyteller and brings her characters alive.
I first was introduced to Joy’s writing with [b:A Tangled Mercy|34321791|A Tangled Mercy|Joy Jordan-Lake|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1495496762l/34321791._SX50_.jpg|55382746], and when I saw Under A Gilded Moon, I knew it would be a must-read. After reading, I was blown away and realized I had not read her award-winning [b:Blue Hole Back Home|36337074|Blue Hole Back Home|Joy Jordan-Lake|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1507210386l/36337074._SY75_.jpg|2669714] and quickly purchased the audiobook, and once again, wowed. Joy is a master of dual timelines. All three are 5 stars and highly recommend, as well as her children’s book [b:A Crazy-Much Love|43298081|A Crazy-Much Love|Joy Jordan-Lake|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1565641167l/43298081._SX50_.jpg|67188591].
If you have had the opportunity to read Joy’s prior books, you will fall in love with UNDER A GILDED MOON. As a North Carolina native, I have spent much time in Asheville, NC, and at the Biltmore Estate. Who doesn’t love visiting during the Christmas holidays? Check out Joy’s website and read all about the 125th Biltmore anniversary on Christmas Eve.
Curl up with a cup of tea or coffee and find a comfy chair. Joy takes us on a journey, back in history to 1895 with the Vanderbilts and some scandalous suspense and mystery. UNDER A GILDED MOON is illuminating, lyrical, meticulously researched, and elegantly written. 5 STARS +. Top Books of 2020!
I hope you enjoy UNDER A GILDED MOON as much as I did. The book would make a stunning Christmas gift. The hardcover is stunning (with beautiful mountains under the cover jacket. Ideal for book clubs and further discussions. Highly recommend!
#JDCMustReadBooks
emilyplewallen's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a slow read for me. It took me a while to really get “hooked” and I think it was because it was tough for me to get a grasp on all of the characters. BUT if you love historical fiction, Biltmore, mystery, and a bit of romance, this is a great choice!!
macrosinthemitten's review against another edition
4.0
3.75/5
This was one of those books that I couldn’t really put down, but not necessarily because it was super well-written or had an interesting plot. I really kept trying to figure out exactly what was going on. It starts out with a murder at the train station and a variety of characters who are all, somehow, sort of connectives to one another. There’s also a mystery from the past. And a dying father. There is a lot going on and it’s not all super cohesive until close to the end of the book. I liked this but it wasn’t great.
This was one of those books that I couldn’t really put down, but not necessarily because it was super well-written or had an interesting plot. I really kept trying to figure out exactly what was going on. It starts out with a murder at the train station and a variety of characters who are all, somehow, sort of connectives to one another. There’s also a mystery from the past. And a dying father. There is a lot going on and it’s not all super cohesive until close to the end of the book. I liked this but it wasn’t great.
radbear76's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting at times but predictable in some respects. The author also lost track of things like character placement in the environment and what they were wearing so actions sometimes didn't make sense. Characters attitudes towards each other would change in the span of a paragraph with no explanation.