This is a book to get lost in, a great book to recommend for the book club as it will give a great conversation. Love the NY and Appalachian setting.

2.5 stars

I was excited to read this book and delve into the world of George Vanderbilt and the estate of Biltmore.
There were definitely some interesting aspects of the book when it came to the historical background. I think that the beginning hooked me but after a few chapters, my interest was gone. I unfortunately found that I was unable to truly get into the plot. I also found that with so many characters introduced, I was not particularly attached to any.

I enjoyed this one. It was a good, easy read. I would also read more by this author in the future. Overall, I'd give 3/5 stars.

Kerry has been called home from school to attend to family matters. She finds her beautiful Appalachian mountains changed a bit with the addition of the massive Biltmore Estate. She also finds her family’s lands and her new life surrounded by corruption and scandal.

This had a rough start for me. The author introduces a ton of characters at the first. There is very little backstory and very few connections to each other. I felt a little lost. But, the further I read the better and better the story became. The magical setting of the Biltmore and the unique mystery just came together and made for a very good read.

And isn’t this cover FANTASTIC!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
All opinions are my own.

I wanted very much to like this book, as I'm fascinated with the Vanderbilts and the Biltmore mansion. But this book just did not do it for me.
The first few chapters jumped around so much that I thought I was reading a sequel to something I hadn't read before. A lot of chapters abruptly switched who was speaking. It made my head hurt.
While I love a multiple-POV story, I think I learned when reading this book that there's such a thing as TOO many POVs. Not everyone needs to have their say.
I also had a lot of continuity questions, such as this - we were told that Lilli visited Sal in the barn once. Then all of a sudden she's talking about how this happened every night. Where is this coming from? It made no sense.
I considered a DNF, but I finish every book I start, no matter how terrible, so I pressed on. I regret this life decision.

I definitely would not recommend this book to others.

A nicely done historical mystery,. Kerry, who has returned to North Carolina from her studies in New York, finds things are very different now that Vanderbilt is building the Biltmore. And then there's a murder. She's a good character and I loved the setting. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This isn;'t a fast mover but it's twisty enough to keep you engaged and entertained.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic gallery of this book for an honest review!

I’m a sucker for a good historical fiction novel. Even more so when it’s centered around an era where opulence and wealth was the mainstay. When I read the synopsis and it mentioned Where the Crawdads Sing (a favorite of mine) and the Biltmore’s, it sounded right up my alley.

The early chapters sucked me right in. I felt for Kerry and could tell she was going to be not just a strong character, but a good representation of a strong, independent woman.

The book lost me a bit in the middle, but I did feel like all of the loose ends were tied up nicely at the end. While it didn’t suck me and hold my attention like I had hoped.

Either way, it was a good read. Beautifully written, a lot of great detail, and a strong female character.

A novel that kept my attention through the whole book.
I spent an entire afternoon lost in another world that was full of mystery intrigue. I didn't want to return.
One thing about it these characters will definitely leave you thinking about them long after the story is finished.
5 stars for a well written novel from this new to me author.
My thanks for a copy of this book
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Kerry is living in NY, going to Barnard on a scholarship when she is called home to Best, NC, to take care of her dying father and her twin siblings, Tully and Jursey. When she arrives she finds a different place than the one she left. The town's name has been changed to Biltmore and George Vanderbilt is building his castle. The mountain folk are resentful of all the new people coming in to build Biltmore and the rich people coming to stay that look down on the locals. When she arrives at the train station a reporter from the New York Times is murdered and an Italian on the train is suspect just for the fact that it is well known that Italians are violent.

I really enjoyed the mystery. The book takes place over a series of months so it wasn't a quick reveal but satisfying. The story is told from the point of view of Kerry, Marco/Sal who is the man accused of the murder and Lilli who is a friend of George Vanderbilt's niece. There is a connection to a murder in New Orleans and it all comes together nicely. I really liked all the characters I was supposed to like and the villainous ones were despicable. Dearg Tate is the man from Kerry's past who everyone assumed she would marry and I would have liked to know more about him. The description of the opulence of Biltmore has inspired me to learn more about it. When you read this make sure you read the author's notes at the end where she explains the background of some of the characters. I found that fascinating.

I read this because of my interest in the history of the Biltmore House.. Having visited there many times, I was intrigued. I am not sure how I feel about this book, I found the main character very interesting,, growing up in the backwoods' of North Carolina and finding her self in New York.. Then having to return to her home due to family situation.. In spite of her troubles, she was able to discover what family and place meant. I was uncomfortable with the character that had strong opinions on eugenics, its not easy to follow this type of thought. I will tell readers about this book, I am interested in their views..

I love when historical fiction falls into a new sliver of history I was formerly very clueless about. This book covers a real life inspiration for Hitler you've never heard of, the building of the Biltmore, and a New Orleans Italian scandal. 

With a very upstairs/downstairs vibe, this book weaves together characters of the upper and lower classes into a story that will have you turning to the page to discover what happens next. I appreciate that the author didn't over simplify relationships or issue and didn't wrap everything up in a tidy bow, while still leaving you satisfied with the ending.

"From the bestselling author of A Tangled Mercy comes an enthralling novel of secrets, a tumultuous war of ideas, and murder as classes collide in the shadow of Biltmore House.

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.

As Kerry finds herself caught in a war between wealth and poverty, innocence and corruption, she must navigate not only her own pride and desperation to survive but also the temptations of fortune and the men who control it."

Murder! Biltmore! YAS!

Kerry MacGregor has been summoned home as her father is dying. She left 2 years ago to attend Barnard College and is hesitant to return to the drunken father she knew. Her mother passed away after birthing too many children that didn’t live except for Kerry and twins. However, her aunt has been caring for her 13-year-old twin siblings while she has been gone. On the train ride back to North Carolina, the Vanderbilt train car is attached to the train. They are all heading to Biltmore Junction. Shortly upon arrival, a man is murdered and another man is blamed.

Kerry is surprised at how large and beautiful Biltmore is and now it is nearly complete. George Vanderbilt has some guests staying with him and is still hiring people he will need to care for the mansion, stables, plus surrounding gardens and land.

Kerry knows that as much as she resents Vanderbilt coming in and buying up farms and land for Biltmore, she soon realizes she has no choice but to work in the kitchen.

The story slowly builds as we learn of the background of some people who are connected to the Mafia and bad business back in New Orleans. A hunted man has taken a job in the stables trying to protect himself and his young brother.

We see some of the opulence of Biltmore but most of all, we see the kindness of George Vanderbilt. We also see the incredibly poor circumstances in which the local, mountain people live compared to Vanderbilt’s wealth.

I had a difficult time staying with this book. Once again, it’s as if I walked into a movie theater in the middle of the movie. The author eked out little tidbits of information that helped the reader along to figure out what was going on. I do not like that. It’s frustrating and does not make the plot flow. I wanted to read this book because I love Biltmore and Asheville so much. However, I can honestly say I would not recommend this book at all, but I will give it a generous 3 stars.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I love the cover.its the late 1800s and Kerry is at a train station. I couldn't get wrapped around understanding why she had to leave.

Joy Jordan-Lake brings history alive in her newest novel, ‘Under a Gilded Moon.’ She ties together several subplots to reveal the extremes of wealth and poverty in the late 1800s around Asheville, North Carolina’s crown jewel, The Biltmore Estate.

Having been raised in a poor family inhabiting a small windowless, one-roomed decrepit cabin in North Carolina, Kerry MacGregor has managed to escape poverty and get an education at a prestigious university. A telegram from home informing her that her father is ill and the deep-seated feelings of loyalty to family bring Kerry from New York back to Ashville, North Carolina. Kerry and her father have always had a rocky relationship, but she manages to put it aside and focus on those who need her. In returning home during her second year at university, Kerry learns more about herself and her family as she reluctantly gains employment at the Biltmore Estate.

I really struggled to get into this book. I’d tried twice and it wasn’t until the third time around, starting from the beginning again, that it started to make sense. This is a meat and potatoes read. Not a beach read. Please persevere through the many characters (some with double identities) and make notes if you need to. At times you’ll wonder if this is book two of a series, as there are unclear connections and references. The author does not spoon-feed readers. Dig and re-read. It will be so worth it in the end as this is a spectacular historical novel. The first thing you’ll notice is the attention to detail. I don’t think I’ve ever been aware of an author describing textiles and garments and their movements as characters walked. It really helped to get involved in the era. Set against the Appalachian Mountains, the Biltmore Estate is nearing completion and Joy Jordan-Lake exceptionally describes the interior and exterior of this fantastical structure. This Guilded-Age chateau was quite a contrast against the impoverished Appalachian Mountains. Ever present is the reminder of George Vanderbilt II’s philanthropic vision and he dedication to improving the lives of the people who lived and worked at Biltmore. This isn’t just a novel about a girl returning home to help her twin siblings care for their dying father, it’s about wealth, secrets and murder in the shadow of Biltmore Estate. I loved the cast of colourful characters; fugitives in disguise, a reporter with a shocking article, a society lady with a secret, and a man hell-bent on creating havoc with the hill people. As soon as I read about Kerry reaching into her skirts to pull out a knife attached to her thigh, I knew she was my favourite character! When she arrived home after two years and was able to shoot a possum between the eyes, I knew she was a force to be reckoned with. Throughout the novel, you’ll see her grapple with the divisions between the gentry and the hillfolk, the haves and the have nots, and the preconceived ideas moneyed people have of women. The author explores the idea that in order to survive, sometimes we have to do the very thing that we promised we’d never do. She also uncovers the great divide between the have and the have nots in the late 1890s.

This is a superb novel about a strong woman who must navigate her pride and desperation to survive while dealing with the temptations of fortune and the men who control it.

Thank you to Joy Jordan-Lake, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for a chance to review this fantastic novel in exchange for an honest review.

Historical fiction is my go-to genre. The cover of this novel is beautiful. I have never visited Biltmore House, so I do not know much about it, nor do I have a connection with it at all. This novel had a Downton Abbey feel to it, which I normally enjoy. However, I just felt like this book was more of a book assignment for lack of a better word, or a history lesson whether than just pure entertainment. I was a little bored and almost did not finish it. I think if you have visited Biltmore, love it, and want to know more about it, this is the book for you. But, I just felt rather disconnected to the whole story.

*special thanks to NetGalley for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!

3 stars
This started out a bit rough. The author assumes that you know some of the historical background yourself before diving in. There is a historical note in the back, but I had an ebook copy, so I didn’t know until the end.
It’s an interesting commentary on classism and social structures.
I enjoyed that this book kind of had it all. Historical fiction, romance, mystery. Kept it intriguing.
I agree with others that mentioned they felt the character and plot lacked background lacked depth.
I definitely thought this book got better as it got going. It gained some momentum.
I thought it was suspenseful. But that being said, I did not find it as gripping as I wanted it to be.

I am finding that the more historical fiction I read the more I want to read. The Vanderbilt family is a family that I have not read much about so I was intrigued to see what I could learn about this well-off, well-known family. George Washington Vanderbilt is an interesting character.



The language used in Under a Gilded Moon is authentic to the time and at times I had to re-read to understand it all. This pushed me to slow down my reading and I found that I really enjoyed the language, the interactions between the characters, and the story itself. I am so used to reading quickly through a book that I found it relaxing and incredibly enjoyable to slow down and truly read every word of a book.

Kerry, one of the main characters is a wonderful character. She is my favorite. She had to chance to escape the small, mountain town and better herself but when family called, she came back to take care of them. She took a job that she did not initially want to provide better for her siblings and father. Her insight into the people she worked with and those around her gave the reader a better understanding at what was happening. She put together the clues she found in listening to the people around her, observing those she encounters, and remembering things she sees to help solve the mystery of who killed the reporter.

Under a Gilded Moon is a great historical fiction story set in the beautiful North Carolina Mountains. I could picture the views, see the monstrous house, and hear the voices of the people as I read this wonderful story.

Two Worlds Collide

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, and courage.


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, and has worked hard to escape her poor background for college and has been living in New York. She now is leaving college to return home to the rural mountains of North Carolina 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 diverse 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.


Check out my in-depth Q&A Elevator Ride Interview with Joy and learn all the behind the book moments and more about this talented author. It is one of the best.


I first was introduced to Joy’s writing with A Tangled Mercy, 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 Blue Hole Back Home 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 A Crazy-Much Love.


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 Vanderbilt's and some scandalous suspense and mystery. UNDER A GILDED MOON is illuminating, lyrical, meticulously researched, and elegantly written. Top Books of 2020!


George Vanderbilt is definitely a favorite character as well as Kerry. To think, George with all his education, travels, culture, and wealth would come to the North Carolina mountains to build this palatial estate and come to offer many opportunities for people in the area for years to come. I love the library, which is my favorite room, and at Christmas time, the estate is magical. Joy does an outstanding job with the historical notes making you want to rewind time to revisit this exciting era.


I hope you enjoy UNDER A GILDED MOON as much as I did. The book would make an elegant Christmas gift. The hardcover is stunning (with beautiful mountains under the cover jacket). Ideal for book clubs and further discussions. Highly recommend!

Fiona Davis described this book as "Crawdads meets the Crawleys", which couldn't be more spot on! As is true with Jordan-Lake's other books, this is a historical fiction treat, rich with descriptions of the life of mountain culture in North Carolina in the late 1800's and a peek into the famous Biltmore Estate. Oh, and a touch of murder and scandal! In addition to the rich descriptions of the Biltmore architecture, I was drawn in by the character of Kerry; her devout caring of her siblings and her steadfastness of her loyalty and appreciation of her roots and culture. Historical Fiction aficionados should definitely snap this one up today!
And don't forget to read the author's Historical Notes at the end of the book and check out Joy's website. In the website, Joy takes you behind the scenes with a plethora of information that will have you going down the rabbit hole for days!