A vey romantic ‘what if’ strategically placed in history.

You can’t rewrite the history but you can fill in the gaps. You can add details, stories, suppositions. For instance, you can write a whole novel about reasons why Andrew Carnegie got married so late in life or why he did so much philantropy…

It just may be becauase of one beautiful, smart and determined lady’s made

Carnegie’s Maid is a story of such a supposition. Moreover, it is a story of a strong woman born in a wrong place at a wrong time. And like many other strong women, her journey is a lonely one.

It’s a very ‘grounded’ love story. It is a story of two people who met, noticed each other and fell in love against many odds. It is a love story with a clear mind and cool heart. It is a love story that was meant not to happen.

The narration is very good. It is like a conversation or a monologue in places. There are some spots that sound hard to believe (where factory workers speak very posh English), but otherwise, the book is good, very good.

Carnegie’s Maid is a picture of industiral America in late nineteenth century with all it’s grandeur and all it’s smoke, soot and grime. It is a story of people coming to a new and foreign country and making it their own.

All in all, this is a very interesting read. This story just might have happened…

I am surprised I never took historical fiction seriously. This book was such a breeze to read. So fresh and simple writing ,befitting the era it is written for. A marvelous lady character and inspiring cast makes this a compelling read. Mixed with history of America during civil war and industrial revolution and the way it affected various people , this was well researched. Absolutely delighted at the chance to read this book.

Much in the same vein as Downton Abbey, this novel follows the plight of the young Clara Kelley, an immigrant from Ireland during the mid 1800’s. I was instantly sympathetic to the story of this downtrodden girl and quickly was drawn into the plot. The characters were richly written and realistic and I found myself sneaking off to read snippets of the book during work, at the gym and on my lunches. If you enjoy period dramas of any sort, go get this book the minute it comes out. It is intricately researched and brought me to the era it t

Every once in a while I come upon a new book or author that is absolutely captivating. That's what I found in Marie Benedict's upcoming novel Carnegie's Maid.



A few years ago on a rainy Saturday, Billy and I watched a series called "The Men Who Built America." It was a documentary about John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Henry Ford and J.P. Morgan, and the amazing things they did that literally built our country. It was absolutely fascinating! So, whenever I have an opportunity to read more about those men, and their contributions to society, I jump at it!

Andrew Carnegie was a ruthless business man as he built his steel and railroad businesses, never caring who he destroyed along the way. Then, it would seem he had a change of heart, and gave millions of dollars to philanthropic causes and even the arts. (Carnegie Hall, anyone?) So, what made him make such a huge turnaround in his values? Marie Benedict has written a beautifully imagined novel about just that!

Clara Kelly left her native Ireland when her family lost their farm and their income. She came to America to find work, to send her wages home to support her father, mother and two sisters. Through a strange mixup, she ended up working as ladies' maid to Mrs. Carnegie, mother of the up-and-coming steel magnate, Andrew Carnegie.

Clara was intelligent, and had a naturally curious mind. When Andrew realized that his mother's maid had a mind for business, they embarked on a clandestine relationship--meeting in parks, late at night, or when his mother was away. Clara cared for Andrew, but knew that a relationship with him was dangerous for her. She advised him in his business, and he repaid her by helping her to buy stock in his company.

As Clara learned more and more about Andrew and his business dealings, she became more and more unsettled. She had family in the city, and when she visited them, she would see the appalling conditions they lived in. When people began to lose their jobs because of Carnegie's dealings, Clara felt compelled to say something.

History, of course, tells us that Andrew Carnegie did not marry a maid named Clara Kelly. I knew that going in. But Carnegie's Maid is so well-written, that I found myself rooting for her all the way!

No one knows what caused Andrew Carnegie's change of heart from ruthless businessman to one of the world's most charitable givers. But Carnegie's Maid is a great story about what may have happened to change him. This novel is amazing and beautifully written.

If you're looking for a great way to start your reading list in the new year, Carnegie's Maid is a great book to read! I promise you'll be enthralled in this story of a woman who rose above her status, changed a man for the best and saved her family from ruin. It's incredibly inspiring, and a great first read for the new year!

Happy Reading!

You can preorder your copy of Carnegie's Maid here, and the series, "The Men Who Build America" here.



I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of my links, I will make a small commission, but you won't pay anything extra. Thanks for your support!

Carnegie's Maid is an engaging read about an Irish immigrant girl who assumed another's identity to work as a laud's maid in Pittsburgh during the Civil War. The novel details the social disparity between the rich and the servants. The romance with Andrew Carnegie was a tad cheesy, but overall a solid story.

First line: The gentle melody of a Christmas song lifted into the air of his study from the street below.

Summary: Clara Kelley is a poor Irish girl who has been sent by her family to America to acquire a job so she can send money home to her parents. When she is mistaken for another Irish immigrant, she gains the job of a lifetime. She is hired as the lady’s maid to Mrs. Carnegie, the mother of the rising industrialist, Andrew Carnegie. When she is discovered reading books in the family library by Andrew they strike up a friendship. They discuss poetry, their past lives and business. As their relationship grows, she continues to worry that she will lose her position and no longer be able to help her starving family in Ireland.

Highlights: I loved the lightheartedness of the story. The character of Clara was one I enjoyed following through the story. The time period is one filled with change. Seeing the friendship between Clara and Mr. Ford. They were two outcasts at the time. Each had their own struggles in the time of the Civil War. It was a nice look into the history and cultural outlook of the era. I liked the relationship between Andrew and Clara. The background of Andrew Carnegie was fascinating. It showcases the American dream. He came to America as a poor young man but he took advantage of every opportunity to become one of the richest men in U.S. history. I enjoyed his discussions about his love of reading that slowly evolve into the idea for the Carnegie libraries. Mrs. Carnegie was fascinating. She is a society woman who was not exactly sure how to be a society woman. She was new money and learning as she went. I liked that she deferred to Clara on how things were done. However, she always seemed to be in control.

Lowlights: I wanted more of the friendship between Mr. Ford and Clara. They have such an interesting dynamic. Clara claims that Mr. Ford was her only friend but we see very few interactions between the two. I liked that they found someone who is as much on the outside as the other.

FYI: The story is fiction but it is a nice story of Andrew Carnegie.

Carnegie’s Maid follows the story of a poor Irish farm girl as she immigrates alone to the United States to find a better life for herself and to help out her family back in Ireland.
Due to a mistaken identity, Clara is sent to be a lady’s maid to the wealthy Mrs. Carnegie. Through her wit and observation, Clara manages to fit into the job that was above her qualifications and win over Mrs Carnegie, who had a reputation for not liking any of the previous girls who were sent to work for her..

While working for Mrs. Carnegie, Clara develops a friendship/romance with Andrew Carnegie and through him, she is able to put herself in a better financial position in order to help her family. Even though the two became close, it seemed that spark never developed between them that would have been enough to keep them together in the face of adversity.

Readers who enjoyed Downton Abbey, The Address by Fiona Davis and similar novels will most likely enjoy Carnegie’s Maid. I didn’t really know much about the Carnegie’s and reading this novel prompted me to learn more about the family.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for allowing me an advance copy to read and give my honest review.

The story of Andrew Carnegie and the Irish maid Clara who helps him become the man that we know as a philanthropist. Andrew was a Scottish immigrant who never wanted to be poor again. He wasn't always the person who he ended up to be.
Very information history of the man and time period.
Learned a Lot enjoyed reading.

Considering the politics of today in America as wealth distribution and economic inequity is forefront in many people's minds, this is a very topical book. Andrew Carnegie was once the world's wealthiest man, accruing his millions from the Civil War era through the early part of the 20th century. Carnegie also became one of the world's foremost philanthropists, giving away 90% of his fortune and endowing universities and libraries worldwide. Marie Benedict (The Other Einstein) has created a fictitious story of the reasons behind how he journeyed from his role as a 'robber baron' to one of the great charitable givers of all time. This story involves a young Irish maid, an impossible love story, the hardship of an immigrant life, the corrupted ties of family, and the inevitable ending that brought the world Carnegie's philanthropy. I found the first half to be the most compelling, with the ending a bit thin; I would have liked further development of the epilogue and both main character's life changes. Yet, it was an interesting read and definitely makes me more curious about this generous man.

Carnegie's Maid

In 1863 Clara Kelley steps off the boat that took her from Ireland and brought her to Pennsylvania. Assuming the identity of a fellow passenger who had died onboard, Clara is transported to Pittsburgh to become the ladies maid of one, Mrs. Carnegie, the mother of Andrew Carnegie. Using this fictional character, we are allowed into the inner workings of the family, his mother and his younger brother Tom. It is an interesting account, as we follow the household, learning how the Carnegies came up from the poverty of their Scottish homeland to the beginnings of their wealth in America. Andra, as his mother calls him, is the dynamic behind the wealth, his perseverance and determination to become very rich, building the iron and steel industry from the ground up. Clara on the other hand has to keep her secret, keep her own identity to herself lest she loses her position. Clara, strong and determined, has come to America on the chance of finding a job that will allow her to send much needed funds back to her family in Ireland The story afforded the glimpse into what it was like in the late 19th century, the disparity between the classes, those who served and those who were served. Over time Clara and Andrew develop a quiet relationship, but one that would only lead to problems given the class difference and one that would never survive. Perhaps she (or someone like her in real life) was the catalyst for his philanthropies.

The book is well written, the research right on point! All too soon I had finished the book, enjoying it from the first page to the last. My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a tale focusing quite a bit on class distinction in the 1860's that involves a young woman immigrating to America. Clara Kelley arrives in Pittsburgh in hopes of securing employment that will help her impoverished family back home in Ireland. After assuming the identity of another young woman who died at sea on her way to America she finds work as a lady's maid in the prestigious Carnegie family, a family that has made their own mark in society rising up from abject poverty to becoming one of the richest families in their time. Working as the lady's maid to Andrew Carnegie's mother Clara begins to develop a subtle relationship with Andrew but fearing the loss of her job and income she desperately needs for her family she refuses to cross the line between master and servant. This was nicely written and atmospheric of the era when immigrants were trying to escape the poverty of their homelands seeking a better life for themselves and their families.

Thank you to author Marie Benedict and NetGalley for providing this in exchange for my review.

This historical fiction is compelling. Filled with famous names from USA history, and an interestingly woven story.
Characters are well developed, and likable. A good read...recommended

This historical fiction book about Andrew Carnegie and his mother's maid really gave me an insight into the US at the turn of the century when the first wave of immigrants who had made it were really coming into their own. The book was full of great historical facts built around this story of the Carnegie family. I enjoyed the pace of the book and learning the historical facts. I didn't always believe the story being told about Clara and Andrew but there was enough there that it kept me engaged until the end of the book!

Imagine that your family sends you (alone) to the U.S. because of financial hardship in Ireland and you will need to support your relatives back home. Imagine that you are able to take on someone else's identity to become the servant of Andrew Carnegie's mother. Will you be found out? Will your position be secure? These are among the premises of this richly detailed historical novel. Relationships between upstairs and downstairs, specifically between Clara and Andrew Carnegie are a major part of this novel. Read it too to learn more about the business world and women's roles in the post Civil War U.S. Overall, an enjoyable read.

I loved everything about this book. Clara Kelly is sent to the US to help support her family. She is mistaken for a different Clara Kelly and ends up a ladies maid to Mrs. Carnegie. She develops a relationship with Andrew Carnegie and is ultimately the impetus behind his philanthropy. A little drama, a little romance, and a well told story made a six hour flight fly by. Highly recommend.

Excellent historical book! Very intriguing storyline with excellent characters!

Carnegie's Maid is such a fascinating read! I must admit I didn't know much about the Carnegie family or this time in history, and I loved learning about it through the fictional story of Clara Kelly and Mr. Carnegie. Their love story was beautifully portrayed in this book and the insider details about what it was like to work for a wealthy household were captivating. Carnegie's Maid is a great read for anyone who is a fan of historical fiction.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

When Clara Kelly steps off the ship she is so thrilled to be on solid ground, it is not difficult to follow the sound of her name being called. She easily falls into a carriage headed for Pittsburgh in the shoes of another Clara Kelly who did not survive the ocean crossing. Suddenly swept up into a world she never imagined, Clara finds herself as a ladies maid for Mrs. Carnegie, the stern but brilliant mother of Andrew, industrialist and business magnate. Clara, daughter of an Irish farmer that insisted his girls be highly educated, begins an unexpected friendship with Andrew. As her teacher and mentor the two fall into a pattern of trust and honesty that is rarely found between a man and a woman at the time, certainly outrageous for a servant and master of the house. While Clara sends money home to help her struggling family, she is burdened by her own secrets and dreams of a future where she can be free to work and thrive. Once again, incredible author Marie Benedict brings history to life with this intriguing, emotional, deeply touching story of America and the dreams it holds for us all. Highly recommend this incredible new novel. A must read!!

An interesting view of life as an immigrant in the 1860''s.

Benedict has penned a thoroughly entrancing novel highlighting a forbidden romance between nouveau riche Andrew Carnegie and his mother’s lady’s maid, Clara Kelley. Clara arrived in America after being sent from her native Ireland to find work so that she could send some funds back to her family and help support them as they struggled to keep their land in 19th century Ireland.

After crossing the Atlantic to land in Philadelphia, Clara is stunned when someone is calling her name. Taking a chance at financial security and a job, Clara takes the place of another Clara Kelley who ostensibly died on the voyage across the Atlantic and was to take a position as a lady’s maid in Pittsburgh.

After her arrival in Pittsburgh, Clara is determined to learn everything she can to be the best lady’s maid possible to Mr. Carnegie, mother to the famously wealthy Andrew Carnegie. Though the Carnegie’s left their poverty in Scotland behind and have amassed enormous wealth in America, Mrs. Carnegie is still unsure how to best assimilate into polite society and privately relies on Clara, a well-educated but poor Irish woman, to assist her.

Despite Mrs. Carnegie’s apparent indifference to Clara in public, she develops a dependence on the maid who sees to her every need. But she knows little of Clara’s burgeoning friendship with Andrew, a man who seems to admire Clara’s candor and her desire to understand how he achieved his success in business.

As her family’s living conditions in Ireland deteriorate, Clara remains more determined to do nothing to jeopardize her job and distances herself from Andrew. Yet the constant allure between them is an ever-present force that neither can ignore.

Though romance between servants and their masters is a common enough theme in historical novels, Benedict has created a novel that achieves what few others in the same genre have achieved-her protagonists’ desire for one another is based upon a shared intellectual nature that is carefully combined with physical desire yet is even more alluring than physical desire alone.

As Benedict explores the pitfalls of such a relationship between Clara and Andrew, she develops a masterful cast of characters in this winning storyline which is both mesmerizing and intensely riveting.