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Carnegie's Maid
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
From the author of The Other Einstein, the mesmerizing tale of what kind of woman could have inspired an American dynasty. Clara Kelley is not who they think she is. She's not the experienced Irish maid who was hired to work in one of Pittsburgh's grandest households. She's a poor farmer's daughter with nowhere to go and nothing in her pockets. But the other woman with the same name has vanished, and pretending to be her just might get Clara some money to send back home. If she can keep up the ruse, that is. Serving as a lady's maid in the household of Andrew Carnegie requires skills he doesn't have, answering to an icy mistress who rules her sons and her domain with an iron fist. What Clara does have is a resolve as strong as the steel Pittsburgh is becoming famous for, coupled with an uncanny understanding of business, and Andrew begins to rely on her. But Clara can't let her guard down, not even when Andrew becomes something more than an employer. Revealing her past might ruin her future -- and her family's. With captivating insight and heart, Carnegie's Maid tells the story of one brilliant woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie's transformation from ruthless industrialist into the world's first true philanthropist..
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megnews
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Suet624 Yeah, the things they don‘t tell us. 3w
26 likes1 comment
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Djspens
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I found this story very compelling. Andrew Carnegie was a ruthless industrialist turned philanthropist, giving away his fortune, promoting self-education by building libraries. Yet no one knows what caused the change in him. The author took from her own immigrant ancestors and added Clara Kelley to the story, an immigrant with a story of her own. She became Mrs. Carnegie‘s lady‘s maid, but did she also bring about this change to Andrew?

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Princess-Kingofkings
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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The Wild Wood bookstore opened today. I was excited to meet the owners and support their new adventure.

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julieclair
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

Why would Andrew Carnegie, the ruthless industrialist, use the bulk of his huge fortune to improve educational opportunities for poor immigrants? This speculative historical fiction novel provides one possible reason, immersing the reader in an engaging upstairs/downstairs type tale. The details of Andrew Carnegie‘s life, and also those of his Irish immigrant maid, Clara, are fascinating and feel well-researched. ⬇️

julieclair I really enjoyed this wonderfully entertaining and informative read. #24in24 #Pantone2024 (Spicy Mustard) #ReadTheUSA2024 (Pennsylvania) @Jas16 @aperfectmjk @BarbaraBB 9mo
BarbaraBB Great color combination 💛 9mo
Jas16 This sounds really good. 9mo
40 likes3 comments
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SilversReviews
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Thanks to these Litsy folks for today‘s prompt:

#INQUOTES
@Eggs
@AlwaysBeenALoverOfBooks
@LitsyEvents
#LitsyEvents

Today‘s Prompt: TAPESTRY

Love her books - this was a favorite.

https://tinyurl.com/5xd2t2fn

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks On my list!! 2y
Eggs This was a great read! 2y
SilversReviews @Eggs It was. 😊 2y
31 likes4 comments
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SilversReviews
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Thanks to these Litsy folks for today‘s prompt:

#INQUOTES
@Eggs
@AlwaysBeenALoverOfBooks
@LitsyEvents
#LitsyEvents

Today‘s Prompt: TAPESTRY

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Kristin_Reads
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

📖 12-19-22 || This is a soft pick because though I enjoy Benedict‘s writing this one dragged a little. I was disappointed to realize that the MC is completely fictional. It‘s apparent that Benedict did thoroughly research Carnegie and his transition from industrialist to philanthropist, as well as the immigrant experience of the Irish in the later 1800s. I enjoyed The Personal Librarian and still plan to read other books by Benedict.

Crazeedi I agree this one was not as good as her others, but I still like her as an author. Read most of them 2y
Kristin_Reads @Crazeedi which one is your favorite? 2y
Crazeedi This one is so good and about a woman I am in aww. Never knew this story 2y
52 likes3 comments
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MelKelsey
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

Book 86

Clara, immigrated to the US from Ireland in the 1860s, obtains a job as a lady's maid to Mrs. Carnegie, mother of the railroad tycoon. From the house library and Andrew

Carnegie himself, Clara learns business and becomes a confidant and adviser to Andrew. Though the novel is somewhat historically accurate, Clara is a fictional character. Of course, a self-made businessman would never seek counsel from a woman.

MelKelsey Carnegie's Maid, consisting of short chapters, is easy to read. The characters are predominantly dynamic, though not entirely likable. Benedict succinctly explicates a broad piece of American and Irish history. It's good but not great. 3.5 stars 2y
29 likes1 comment
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GraesynEngler
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
Mehso-so

I enjoyed this book but have enjoyed some of Marie Benedict‘s more. I‘m not upset having read it, it was entertaining. What I disliked most was that it seems more fictional than the rest of her work. While, pretty much all are historical fiction, there had been more to support the direction she took in her other stories. This one seemed almost completely fictional, and again while enjoyable, less interesting as a result.

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katy4peas
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this one! Of course the account is fictionalized so the ending leaves us wanting a bit more, but overall it was a satisfactory ending and really enjoyable. I will be reading more from this author for sure.
Audiobook was decent.

katy4peas I would have liked more from Andrew‘s point of view in a way and I would have liked Clara to have snuck him a note saying goodbye and that she needed to leave to help her family. But 🤷‍♀️ 3y
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Aims42
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

This book was beyond fascinating!! I resisted the urge of researching along the way and I‘m so glad I resisted, it would‘ve spoiled everything 😱 A five star historical fiction read, no question ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Crazeedi Her books are excellent have you read, I loved it 4y
Aims42 @Crazeedi I started that one 2 summers ago on vacation and couldn‘t get hooked ☹️ I think it was a timing thing because I‘ve enjoyed this book and (below). Will have to try that one again 👍🏻 4y
Crazeedi @Aims42 I enjoyed the Christie book too. It vg took me a bit to get into it. I've actually enjoyed all her books 4y
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Aims42 @Crazeedi Nice!!! Yes, I will have to give ‘The Only Woman in the Room‘ another shot 👍🏻 Her ‘Lady Clementine‘ sounds good too! 4y
Crazeedi @Aims42 yes it was 4y
Crazeedi @Aims42 yes it was! 4y
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rebbyj
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
Mehso-so

#covid audio meh.

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bluestocking.book.nerd
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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"From this experience, I learned that when you‘ve gone astray, a helping hand will always emerge from the darkness."

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j.rye
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

3.5. I really enjoyed this book! I loved the writing style and the narrator was fantastic. My only real complaint is that it felt unfinished. Almost as if she reached a certain page count and decided that was long enough. It was really interesting to learn a little more about the Carnegies. I frequent their libraries and have lived near CMU for a lot of my life, but I didn‘t know how much he did for Pittsburgh! 🌉

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j.rye
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Just as I was driving over the Fort Pitt bridge, Clara started talking about getting off the street car at Grant Street... my exit for work. 🥰 I‘m really enjoying all these Burgh references and getting a feel for the city during the Industrial Age.

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Bamendo
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
Pickpick

Interesting-entertaining

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BookNAround
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

A young Irish immigrant becomes the lady‘s maid for Andrew Carnegie‘s mother in this imagined novel about where Carnegie might have gotten inspiration to donate so much of his fortune. This required a pretty big suspension of disbelief but it was a quick and interesting take nevertheless. Full review at https://booknaround.blogspot.com/2020/01/review-carnegies-maid-by-marie-benedict...

#newyearwhodis @Laughterhp @monalyisha

Laurenabeth This has been on my list for a few months! 5y
Crazeedi I read , it want mind blowing but it was ccx readable!! 5y
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BookNAround
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Diving into my first #newyearwhodis book from @Laughterhp ‘s list.

@monalyisha

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Booknerd222
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Booknerd222
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Finally getting around to this!!

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Laughterhp
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

Finished my pick for #LMPBC Round 7! This book was really good. I enjoyed the story and got sucked into the book. Clara‘s situation was extremely frustrating. I don‘t want to say too much since the rest of the group needs to read the book!

I will say Marie Benedict has become an auto read author. I‘ve read 2 of her books and loved them!

I will probably send this out to you after the holiday Chrissy!

Chrissyreadit Perfect! 5y
phatsallylee I was just staring at this book at my library book sale. I saw your post and went back to grab it! 5y
Laughterhp @Chrissyreadit Sorry for the delay, but I just sent this out! Life and then snow got in the way! ETA is Monday! 5y
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Butterfinger @Laughterhp let me know when you get The Spy. @megnews I did receive As Bright as Heaven. My grandmother died and I am just now returning to my normal activities. Needing to be there for my mother. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving @Chrissyreadit 5y
Chrissyreadit @Butterfinger I‘m sorry about your Grandma. 5y
Laughterhp @Butterfinger I‘m sorry for your lost. I haven‘t received The Spy yet, but I‘ll let you know when I receive it. (edited) 5y
megnews @Butterfinger So sorry to hear of your loss. 5y
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SilversReviews
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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#7Days7covers #covercrush

DAY 2 - COVER CHALLENGE

GORGEOUS cover and a great read.

Thanks for the tag, @sudi

sudi 😍 5y
k.reads.5 Yes, loved this one! The Other Einstein was great too. 5y
SilversReviews @k.reads.5 😍 5y
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Nitpickyabouttrains
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

Interesting historical fiction. I liked the main character a lot and was into her story.

SilversReviews I enjoyed this book too. 5y
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PickingBooks
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

Cute, light hearted, and well-researched. I live in Pittsburgh, so this book got me interested in the local history and Andrew Carnegie. Read more: https://pickingbooks.com/blog/carnegiesmaid

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comics_librarian
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

The added fictional character highlights rather than detracts from the book's historical accuracy, and this earnest work of historical romance benefits greatly from its lack of romance.

SilversReviews I enjoyed this book....thanks for the reminder. 5y
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IamIamIam
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Bailedbailed

I'm out... the author is repetitive to the point that I feel she just thinks I'm either stupid or have short term memory loss. The same facts are repeated every 10 minutes, so much so that I don't feel like the story has progressed in the last 3 hours at all. NEXT!!!
@Tamra, you were right... BORING!!!!

rretzler I read her novel, The Other Einstein. Prior to reading, I had heard a theory that it was actually Einstein‘s first wife who proposed some of his theories. After reading the book, which propounded that viewpoint, I am firmly sure that it was solely Einstein who developed his theories, and NOT his first wife. I disliked everything about The Other Einstein and will not read anything more by the author! 😝 5y
IamIamIam @rretzler 😂😂😂 LOL, thanks for that because I think I had that book tagged on my Libby account!!! 5y
39 likes2 comments
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IamIamIam
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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I'm not thrilled by the repetitive style of this story. About 2 hours in and I'm kind of put off but I'll stick it out for a bit. I need to keep reminding myself of the time period, too! The name Carnegie makes me think of the late 1800s, not the Civil War!

Tamra I bailed because I got bored - if I remember correctly. 5y
IamIamIam @Tamra I can absolutely see why. I'm going to take a break today, get started on a Kinsey Millhone book & maybe I'll get back to this tomorrow. 😶 5y
37 likes2 comments
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IamIamIam
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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#Onward to the next journey. This seems a bit out of my wheelhouse but it may be a #blameitonLitsy. I'm not sure why I tagged it on #Libby, but it may have something to do with The Dollhouse.

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wen4blu
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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I always have an audiobook in the car for unexpected traffic jams. Like today, where the wait time is 40+ minutes just to drop off donations for the semi-annual rummage sale. On the plus side, their book tent is set up like a store, complete with wood shelves and everything sorted by genre and author. I'll be back on sale day!

Megabooks Wow! That‘s fancier than ours! 6y
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LittleMissSunshine11
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
Pickpick

Really enjoyed this one, especially the audible version.

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Book_devourer
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

I enjoyed learning about the plight of Irish immigrants to America in the late 1800s. And the duties of a lady‘s maid.

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Jules7
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
Pickpick

Interesting fictional take on the history of Andrew Carnegie‘s philanthropy. Good story of wealth, class, and early industrialization.

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cinann
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Here is my #februarytbr. I want to stick to these books so that I get more of my own books read. The Life of Pi is for book club and when I saw Something in the Water at the library, I thought I'd give it a listen.

#literarylove
@vkois88 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Jee_HookedOnBookz I loved Life of Pi! 6y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful pic and great looking stack!! 📚📚 6y
SilversReviews ENJOY...great stack. I have read CARNEGIE‘ MAID, THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ, and THE LIES WE TOLD. 6y
vkois88 You got this!! Good picks. 6y
29 likes4 comments
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cinann
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Today would be a good day to stay in and read, since the temperature right now is -24°, but the library is open so I have to go to work.

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Leigh0906
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Starting this one- it‘s been on my list for a while, but I‘ve been putting it off since I hated The Other Einstein. Here‘s hoping I enjoy this one! #libby #currentread

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Jaimelire
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
Pickpick

Historical fiction which gave me a bit of insight into Carnegie‘s life, which I knew nothing about. I feel it was quite clever of the author to make up a fictional character, his maid, as the explanation for his philanthropy. Well written, entertaining and informative. 👍

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cinann
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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In this stack are the books I'm thinking about reading in February. If I don't read them then, I plan on reading them sometime this year.

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guinsgirlreads
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Here are the top circulating fiction books from my library ❤️! I‘ve read some.. have you?!

R.L.Walker Loved Carnegie's Maid! 6y
guinsgirlreads @R.L.Walker I did too! Not my typical genre either. 6y
21 likes2 comments
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R.L.Walker
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

I wish this book were true! However, it was a great read and loved the audiobook voice.
Benedict did a good job of researching and showing issues Irish immigrants faced. Great comparisons of immigrant experiences plus I learned more about Carnegie.

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Kelleyisreading
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
Pickpick

Historical fiction is one if my top genre picks, so I enjoyed this book. I like how it tied fictional components with real historical figures. The author clearly researched well for the story. I loved it!

VioletBramble Welcome to Litsy! 6y
4 likes1 comment
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Tamra
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Bailedbailed

I tried this audio and bailing at 43%. The repetition of the MC‘s quandary is annoying, plus business and flirting romance generally doesn‘t interest me so.........

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Ncostell
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

This is historical fiction, told from the vantage of an Irish immigrant who serves as a lady‘s maid for Andrew Carnegie‘s mother. The juxtaposition of the struggling immigrant experience with that of the lavish lifestyle of the Carnegies was dramatic. Carnegie was an immigrant himself who built a great empire and ultimately contributed back to society with the foundation of libraries and other charitable foundations. I really enjoyed this read.

DebReads4fun Great review! 6y
SilversReviews I really liked this book. 6y
Ncostell @DebReads4fun Thanks! It was a great read. I‘m going to see the author speak next month on a historical fiction panel and am looking forward to it! 6y
66 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Jennb31
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
Pickpick

While this book may not be historically accurate, it presented an intriguing idea about how Andrew Carnegie may have come to be the philanthropist most people know him as.

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MaggieCarr
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Pickpick

Many have thought a personal relationship is what changed his heart and triggered his life of philanthropy. This historical fiction account is believable. I recommend the #audiobook to get the full effect of the Irish protagonist.
"#AndrewCarnegie, who is the man who built this free #library and thousands more libraries with his own money. A man who gave the gift of books and education to every person, regardless of how much money they had."

37 likes3 stack adds
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julesG
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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I had to get up to answer the door. Now I'll have to find a book. 😜

Meanwhile I can show off the scarf. I still need to trim the tassels, weave in the ends but I'm quite happy with the outcome.

#KAT #catsoflitsy #FibreFansOfLitsy

Sace It's beautiful! 6y
Lindy Gorgeous 🧣💖 6y
RadicalReader @julesG such an adorable cat will always be amazing the adorable comfy places they decide to make their beds 6y
81 likes3 comments
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julesG
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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Reading outside. I guess Ghost thought my legs were cool enough to sleep on.

Nearly finished with the tagged book. Another ancient #NetGalley #ARC from #MountTBR.

JoScho ❤️❤️❤️ 6y
83 likes1 comment
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julesG
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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My #24B4Monday stats. @TheReadingMermaid

Managed 16 hours, 3 books finished and started the tagged book.

robinb Wow...👏👏👏👏 6y
Kalalalatja Well done! 6y
See All 8 Comments
Anitareads Yay!! 👏👏 6y
Nessavamusic Good job! 👏👏 6y
SledgeReader Wow! You made a lot of progress from yesterday. Can‘t wait to see more!! 6y
BeansPage Amazing! You did great! 6y
OrangeMooseReads Awesome! 6y
94 likes8 comments
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Insightsintobooks
Carnegie's Maid: A Novel | Marie Benedict
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